The *New* Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Frequently Asked Questions (FEB2004) Part 2

[AllAboutDisney]

Yes... SugarLoaf... I tried to request it but she said it couldn't be requested... had to change my room type and pay the extra money??? Is that right?

 

[BCV23]

AllAboutDisney,

Are you perhaps staying in SugarLoaf? You cannot guarantee a lodge tower room in SL, it is by request only.

And the tower rooms in Sugar Loaf do face the pool not the marina. But I think most CMs at the Disney Reservation Center probably don't know much about the tower rooms in SL...after all there are only 3 or 4 of them.

Channing, I didn't go back to DL for the fireworks. After dinner I was ready to get my jammies on. And last year we were at the Marriott so long gone by fireworks time. But my husband and son did see them on two weekend nights this trip. My husband said they were spectacular...like Wishes on steroids.

When you get to the Swan you'll be having such a good time that you'll forget all about the GF. The Epcot resort area has lots of good restaurants that we save for our nights in that area. And I know when I'm in the various resorts, I just love each for its own advantages. It's reading about my favorites here on the DIS that cause withdrawal pangs. So maybe you should start hanging out on the S/D threads too. Just don't abandon us here.

Michelle, what a darling puppy! We'll be at the GF weekend after this but just for three nights after a BCV stay.

Tammi, I've seen you post that before but actually think I disagree. Now we've been in the same rooms as I said so I have limited experience but do remember seeing others out watching. Where have you had rooms on that side? Anyway, our rooms were in the middle third section....the portion that juts out over the entrance. The rooms that I think would have the least chance of seeing anything would be the next one or two toward the main building from the section we've been in...on all floors of course. The rest of the rooms should have the same view as the marina side of Conch Key and I vividly remember seeing people out on the balconies there last May as we were going to our room in that building.

Our other stays in SL were nice long ones but this one will be so short I'm not even sure if we'll catch Wishes from our room. But if we do, I'll try to check it out.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Yes... SL... oh well maybe with a little pixie dust we will get a free upgrade...

All lodge tower rooms are garden view, with the exception of Sago Cay, where they sort of face the marina.

I would definitely advise e-mailing the pre-planning staff at the GF with any room requests. I was told that concierge room assignments are done a bit differently, so I always give them my request directly. You'll just have to decide which is more important, the view or having more space. One other tidbit of information regarding the lodge tower rooms, there are 3 in Sugar Loaf and the top floor doesn't have a balcony, only windows.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Tammi, I've seen you post that before but actually think I disagree. Where have you had rooms on that side? Anyway, our rooms were in the middle third section....the portion that juts out over the entrance. The rooms that I think would have the least chance of seeing anything would be the next one or two toward the main building from the section we've been in...on all floors of course. The rest of the rooms should have the same view as the marina side of Conch Key and I vividly remember seeing people out on the balconies there last May as we were going to our room in that building.

Our other stays in SL were nice long ones but this one will be so short I'm not even sure if we'll catch Wishes from our room. But if we do, I'll try to check it out.

Okay, if you're in the room, looking out towards the marina, we've had two rooms, 3rd floor, just to the left of the rear entrance. We could see the fireworks perfectly and didn't have to lean out at all. One time, we got 2nd or 3rd floor, to the right of the rear entrance and couldn't see anything because of Conch Key. I'll reference one of Janet2K's great pictures:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/janettwokay/album/576460762326630166/photo/294928803349276670/38
Because there's no pathway to the marina, Conch Key is actually built a bit closer to the waters edge. We couldn't see anything but building. You're probably right though, in that saying 1/2 the rooms wouldn't have a view is too much. I'd definitely try to stay right in that middle section though... they have the best views.

 

[BCV23]

Okay, if you're in the room, looking out towards the marina, we've had two rooms, 3rd floor, just to the left of the rear entrance. We could see the fireworks perfectly and didn't have to lean out at all. One time, we got 2nd or 3rd floor, to the right of the rear entrance and couldn't see anything because of Conch Key. I'll reference one of Janet2K's great pictures:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/janettwokay/album/576460762326630166/photo/294928803349276670/38
Because there's no pathway to the marina, Conch Key is actually built a bit closer to the waters edge. We couldn't see anything but building. You're probably right though, in that saying 1/2 the rooms wouldn't have a view is too much. I'd definitely try to stay right in that middle section though... they have the best views.

Ah, a picture is worth a million words isn't it? Now I understand what you mean. I had never noticed before how that section of SL is set back a bit further than the other two sections. I wonder if all rooms in that area are shut out or just the closest one or two to Conch Key?

We actually have no choice but to be in that middle section...but I'm not complaining. No leaning out although as I said before I don't expect to be able to see the low fireworks around the castle. But we have dinner at Narcoossee's and California Grill scheduled for our first two nights and will probably have dinner in Celebration on the third. We prefer to be finished with dinner before Wishes but who knows?

Thanks, Tammi. I should know better than to doubt you.

 

[kt_mom]

I actually asked this once before, but I can't remember. I'm sorry for asking twice. This is our first stay at the GF. Last time DH and I went we were at Poly (which is my favorite, but it was booked with the code we used this time.) Anyway we had a great room, I reserved the standard room there. We were in the building just to the right of the main building right across from the main floor. We had a perfect view of the pool from our balcony and could actually see the lake a little bit from there as well.

I don't know anything much about the GF or where to be there. We have a garden view. I think that we would probably like to be close to the main building for transportation purposes and access to the snack bar and stuff right? Also, do they close down the whole building that they are doing renovations in? I'm going into this knowing that its not Poly and that from what everyone says this is a beautiful resort. Any suggestions on where to request a room or should I just wait and see what we get? I'd like to be semi-close to the main pool as well, but I think most importantly I'd like to be convenient for transportation. Thanks in advance. I'm starting to get nervous a little nervous about my choice.

 

[heatherlynn444]

I actually asked this once before, but I can't remember. I'm sorry for asking twice. This is our first stay at the GF. Last time DH and I went we were at Poly (which is my favorite, but it was booked with the code we used this time.) Anyway we had a great room, I reserved the standard room there. We were in the building just to the right of the main building right across from the main floor. We had a perfect view of the pool from our balcony and could actually see the lake a little bit from there as well.

I don't know anything much about the GF or where to be there. We have a garden view. I think that we would probably like to be close to the main building for transportation purposes and access to the snack bar and stuff right? Also, do they close down the whole building that they are doing renovations in? I'm going into this knowing that its not Poly and that from what everyone says this is a beautiful resort. Any suggestions on where to request a room or should I just wait and see what we get? I'd like to be semi-close to the main pool as well, but I think most importantly I'd like to be convenient for transportation. Thanks in advance. I'm starting to get nervous a little nervous about my choice.

dont be nervous! you will love it at the GF! I have stayed in sago cay and it is very close to the main building and gasparillas and the bus stop. that is all i can really comment on though. its not a hge place so you wouldn really be TOO far from anywehre (well, IMO nothings too far) so calm yor nerves and get excited!

 

[Tinkaroo]

I actually asked this once before, but I can't remember. I'm sorry for asking twice. This is our first stay at the GF. Last time DH and I went we were at Poly (which is my favorite, but it was booked with the code we used this time.) Anyway we had a great room, I reserved the standard room there. We were in the building just to the right of the main building right across from the main floor. We had a perfect view of the pool from our balcony and could actually see the lake a little bit from there as well.

I don't know anything much about the GF or where to be there. We have a garden view. I think that we would probably like to be close to the main building for transportation purposes and access to the snack bar and stuff right? Also, do they close down the whole building that they are doing renovations in? I'm going into this knowing that its not Poly and that from what everyone says this is a beautiful resort. Any suggestions on where to request a room or should I just wait and see what we get? I'd like to be semi-close to the main pool as well, but I think most importantly I'd like to be convenient for transportation. Thanks in advance. I'm starting to get nervous a little nervous about my choice.

All signs point to that they will be shutting each building down as it's rehabbed, with the exception of the Main Building, which will be done a floor at a time. They were to have begun work on Sago Cay on Sunday, but no one has officially been able to confirm that it did indeed begin. I would highly doubt that Sago would be done in less than a month's time, so it looks like you'll be getting an "old" room (which are still mighty nice, IMO)!

I know a lot of people recommend Sago Cay here for a garden view, because of its proximity to Gapsarilla's and the main building, but again, I wouldn't count on it being reopened in early June. I've had a GV before in Conch Key, which I also found lovely. We actually had a view of the lagoon beyond Narcoossee's, and we thought we were very close to the courtyard pool, resort launch dock, and main building. All in all, GF is not as spread out as the Poly IMO, and I don't think you can really get a bad location.

There are 2 pools at the GF like at the Poly - the courtyard pool, and the beach pool. I believe Big Pine Key would be the closest lodge building to the beach pool, if that is the most important pool to you. The courtyard pool is surrounded by Big Pine Key, Boca Chica, and Sugar Loaf (which is lodge concierge).

Hope this helps, to a degree! Although the GF and the Poly are obviously very different as far as theme, I bet you'll come to like the GF, too. I've stayed in both, and I'd return gladly to either - they're both very special.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

What can anyone tell me about the Garden Views at GF? I had a MK view at CR for Dec. and the construction going on was not what I had anticipated when I booked our trip, so I asked DH where he would like to stay, and he selected GF, only our AAA discount is available on the Garden View. Will we like it? I know I was giving up my view at CR but I feel much better about the stay now. I was really not wanting to deal with the changing of all the services at the CR. Please help me feel like I made the right choice!
Thanks!!!

 

[JennyMominRI]

What can anyone tell me about the Garden Views at GF? I had a MK view at CR for Dec. and the construction going on was not what I had anticipated when I booked our trip, so I asked DH where he would like to stay, and he selected GF, only our AAA discount is available on the Garden View. Will we like it? I know I was giving up my view at CR but I feel much better about the stay now. I was really not wanting to deal with the changing of all the services at the CR. Please help me feel like I made the right choice!
Thanks!!!

We had a wonderful GV in late november. We were in Conch key and had a great view of the Marina and could see he monorail acoss from it...It was a wonderful view..It was a better view than I have had at any otherdeluxes when I booked the *cheaper* view..

 

[latinqt]

What can anyone tell me about the Garden Views at GF? I had a MK view at CR for Dec. and the construction going on was not what I had anticipated when I booked our trip, so I asked DH where he would like to stay, and he selected GF, only our AAA discount is available on the Garden View. Will we like it? I know I was giving up my view at CR but I feel much better about the stay now. I was really not wanting to deal with the changing of all the services at the CR. Please help me feel like I made the right choice!
Thanks!!!

Jennie, I too am originally from Warwick RI. However I left in 1963. Still have some family and friends there though. Are you also on the Dec. 8, 2007 cruise?

 

[JennyMominRI]

Jennie, I too am originally from Warwick RI. However I left in 1963. Still have some family and friends there though. Are you also on the Dec. 8, 2007 cruise?

Is there a Dec 8th cruise? I was born in Warwick in 1970,but lived in ca for 16 years..We moved back here in 2004

 

[SparkleDust24]

Hello, Just found this thread as I was doing research about the WDW hotels. Am so so so happy to see the GF rehab info posted by Tinkaroo! We stayed at the GF on our last trip, and I was completely surprised by the rooms. For a 5 star resort, I think the room decor was way below par. It looks like they haven't updated that room since the 80's. The architecture was beautiful, and I loved being on the lake... I'm also a sucker for those little notecards they leave for you at turndown - but the inside and outside of the hotel just didn't seem to match up. Am I the only one thinking this? I was just curious if anyone else had the same thought. I couldn't help but giggle when I walked in to my room and saw those monstorous pillows sticking straight up off the bed like they were standing at attention! Anyway, now with the news of the rehab, I might actually consider returning to the GF!!!!

 

[BCV23]

Hey, I love those "monstrous pillows."

Some of the decor is a bit much for me but I sure would hate to see it become sleek and modern...W style. It is a Victorian theme after all.

Oh, and welcome to the DIS!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

hey everyone
i have a ? about the tower rooms in sugar loaf. I wasnted to book one but it was told it was only be request but the IPO staff. When I called into Disney for something the woman on the phone said I could book those rooms. NOw I am confused. I always thought those 3 rooms and there are only 3 in that building were request only. Anyone know.
THanks

 

[Lives4Disney]

hey everyone
i have a ? about the tower rooms in sugar loaf. I wasnted to book one but it was told it was only be request but the IPO staff. When I called into Disney for something the woman on the phone said I could book those rooms. NOw I am confused. I always thought those 3 rooms and there are only 3 in that building were request only. Anyone know.
THanks

Hi, Kelly. They are request only in SL. You can book the tower category in any other lodge building except SL. There are only 3. The top doesn't have the balcony, though. That's the one we had. It was cute, though, with the raised, slanted ceiling. I don't think CRO really knows a whole lot of specifics. IPO does, though.

Happy planning....PS. I agree with BCV. I enjoy that fluffy Victorian decor and those big pillows, lol. It's cute. I don't really like what they've done to the CR. TOO sleek and Mondrian. Not Disneyish & fun. I really hope the rehabs and the GF don't turn the rooms into mod bachelor pad style.

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

thanks channing I sent you a PM

 

[litlpixie]

ok, so it's been over 24 hours since I sent my email to the IPO......no word yet I'll keep waiting patiently

 

[Alicnwondrln]

who have you been dealing with?
I am dealing Calvin and have heard from him twice today hes really been great!

 

[CastleLight]

ok, so it's been over 24 hours since I sent my email to the IPO......no word yet I'll keep waiting patiently

Maybe you should go ahead an make those adrs on your own - instead of waiting. Then IPO can help you with other things, special requests, etc.