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

[heatherlynn444]

Janet,

it sounds like it was WONDERFUL! I am jealous, as usual!

 

[mlill]

Janet-
You are my hero! I just love reading about your Disney adventures! (I'm still in awe of your 6-week? summer in WDW!) Thank you very much for sharing all of the details and photos with us! Your inside info is priceless! If I only get to do a fraction of what you've already done in WDW, I'll be a very lucky woman! Someday I hope to have a Vow Renewal in WDW and you're the first person that I'd go to for advice!

-Michelle

 

[mlill]

I'm so jealous! but I will be there soon, I just wish I could see all the Christmas decorations! Have a GREAT time, you are going to have such a blast!

No, I'M the one who's jealous of you!!! I wish I could have had my honeymoon in WDW! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! You will have a wonderful time at the Grand Floridian!

-Michelle

 

[magical4us4]

I am soooo envious of everyones upcoming December trips!


Magical4us

 

[Misti]

Misti, hello! It was so nice to see a post by you (I think I actually saw two of your posts as I caught up on the thread tonight).

Do you have any upcoming WDW trips planned? Will the Grand Floridian be a part of any of those trips?

I have a friend who has been trying very hard to convince me to join her at the Grand Floridian for the holidays. She's staying in the Main Building and has offered to share her room with me. Boy, I am very tempted to take her up on her kind offer (and am still contemplating it). But if I don't take her up on her offer, the next best thing would be to read a trip report by you (or view some of your resort photos). Please let me know when you'll be there next. Thanks!

Hi Janet!!

I've been sitting here with coffee cup in hand enjoying your posts and pictures the last few days! Reading about your special events made me think of my wedding at the GF. It's hard to believe it's almost 10 years ago now!

RPC?? Oh, you should go!! I would go in a heartbeat if I had an offer like that. Yes, I'm off to the GF for a short trip arriving 12/11 (we actually get in late on 12/10 but we are staying at the CR that night). It's only a 5 night stay but I've been to WDW three times now this year so no complaints!! This year, we are trying a Lodge Tower room. I went back and forth about staying RPC again this year but the AP rate didn't compare to the discount I got last December there. So, I booked a regular room instead. I'll miss staying in the Main Building but I'm happy to have any room at the GF to be honest!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Misti, do you think you could post on every page so we can keep seeing your beautiful signature picture?? It perks me up when I see it! (22 long dark days to go - it is so gray and wintery dark here)

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[tenbelow]

Channing and Janet,

Thanks for the tips on where to catch the Wishes Fireworks from the GF.

I can't believe that at this time tomorrow night we'll be attending MVMCP.

I plan on stuffing myself full of cookies, hot chocolate and Christmas Cheer!

I'm tuckered out from all the planning and now I'm ready to reap the rewards.

A big thank you to all who contribute to the boards and make the DIS a true community where Disney Fans can feel at home while sharing their Disney knowledge, experiences, inspirations, and Dreams.

I won't have any way to post while on my trip, but upon my return I'll be sure to post a trip report.

tenbelow
aka Mike

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing and Janet,

Thanks for the tips on where to catch the Wishes Fireworks from the GF.

I can't believe that at this time tomorrow night we'll be attending MVMCP.

I plan on stuffing myself full of cookies, hot chocolate and Christmas Cheer!

I'm tuckered out from all the planning and now I'm ready to reap the rewards.

A big thank you to all who contribute to the boards and make the DIS a true community where Disney Fans can feel at home while sharing their Disney knowledge, experiences, inspirations, and Dreams.

I won't have any way to post while on my trip, but upon my return I'll be sure to post a trip report.

tenbelow
aka Mike

Mike, have an awesome trip!! Soak it all in and tell us all about it when you get back. I hope staying at the GF makes it even more special. I hope it's fantastic.

Enjoy!

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[mlill]

Good morning everyone! I have another question for you! Has anyone ever done a Family Portrait Session with a Disney Photographer in the Grand Floridian? I know they do bridal sessions, but what about a 1 hour family session? I finally got everyone's Victoria & Albert's outfits all figured out: the suits, the dresses, etc. and amazingly, we all match perfectly! I don't want to miss this opportunity to get a good family photo with my 14 year old son in a suit! LOL! It could be years before that happens again! So, if anyone has any Disney Photography info they can share, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

-Michelle

 

[lynr]

This time tomorrow I will be spending my last day at work until 12/12. Thursday at 7AM we will be on a plane to Disney.

Now I really have to get in gear and start packing. I have been putting it off waiting to see the weather forecast. Looks like it should be warmer than NJ with a few sprinkles but hey it Disney who cares.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Lyn

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I wanted to add my 2 cents about the GF Marina dessert party that Janet hosted last summer. It was incredible! The tables were fun and whimsical, exactly what you'd expect from a Disney venue. The food was beautiful AND delicious, and the music from Wishes being piped in was a wonderful touch. The GF team did an excellent job! I wouldn't hesitate to plan a party there in the future.

**Not technically GF-related, but the photography that Disney provided was excellent, as well, and so easy to use. Janet sent us a password to view the photos online, and you could choose your favorites and place your order, all in your jammies! I thought the photographs were excellent quality.

On a separate topic - to the poster asking about the roasted chestnuts: my daughter and I were at the GF last Dec., and they were passing out chestnuts to everyone near the front entrance. *outside the lobby* They were free, but I have to agree with the posters who stated they weren't very tasty. In fact, we stepped around to a secluded spot to spit ours out and dispose in the trash. I hated it that we didn't like them, as the gentleman who passed them out was so enthusiastic!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ps - Janet, you've still got time to change your mind and join us at the GF next month!

 

[Lives4Disney]

This time tomorrow I will be spending my last day at work until 12/12. Thursday at 7AM we will be on a plane to Disney.

Now I really have to get in gear and start packing. I have been putting it off waiting to see the weather forecast. Looks like it should be warmer than NJ with a few sprinkles but hey it Disney who cares.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Lyn

Lyn! Have a wonderful trip. I remember the last one had it's disappointments. I hope this time it is fabulous.

Channing

 

[macrosswife]

Good morning everyone! I have another question for you! Has anyone ever done a Family Portrait Session with a Disney Photographer in the Grand Floridian? I know they do bridal sessions, but what about a 1 hour family session? I finally got everyone's Victoria & Albert's outfits all figured out: the suits, the dresses, etc. and amazingly, we all match perfectly! I don't want to miss this opportunity to get a good family photo with my 14 year old son in a suit! LOL! It could be years before that happens again! So, if anyone has any Disney Photography info they can share, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

-Michelle

Hi, Michelle!
Yes, we have! It was just DH and I, but it was booked as a Family Session. Give me a minute and I'll track down the info for you!

~Kimber

Found it!!
I called Disney Photographic Services at (407)827-5099 and asked for info on doing a photo shoot on the grounds of the GF. (My understanding is that they can do it anywhere, including the parks, but that's where we were staying.) The cost was around $300 for the photo shoot and (I think) all the proofs, and then the photos were available online for re-orders. We had pictures taken in the lobby of the GF (upstairs with the Christmas Tree in the background), on the grand staircase in the lobby, out in the gardens, and out on the beach. They did a fabulous job...we were absolutely thrilled with the results!!

And...YIKES!!!..I totally forgot about posting my pictures from the photo shoot!! I am going RIGHT NOW to pull the album to have DH scan some pictures to post!!

 

[lynr]

Lyn! Have a wonderful trip. I remember the last one had it's disappointments. I hope this time it is fabulous.
Channing

Channing:

Thanks for the goodvibes. Every vacation in Disney is always great no matter what, right!

Lyn

 

[Misti]

Lyn, We'll just be missing you!! We arrive 12/10!! Have a great time! Can't wait to go back to the GF!

 

[triplefigs]

A year ago today we checked into the GF for the first time. We had a Lodge Tower Room in Sugar Loaf. It was a magical, awesome, wonderful trip. DH and I were reminiscing about it earlier. We loved, loved, loved it. My kids are CR fanatics because of the monorail, but we're toying with either a Christmas or NYE trip next year. I think a split stay is in order!

 

[Starrin]

Well ... I am off to GF first thing in the morning. I am busting at the seams ... I am excited. I hope the kids are good on the plane ... I hope we get a nice lagoon view room .... I hope ... I hope ... I hope ... ahhhhhh who cares I am going to be all tuckered out tomorrow at this time from being in the MK all day


So I will share a moment I had with DD in the car the other day and it made my heart sink:

"Are you ready to go to Disney World in a couple days!!!!"

"Yeah Dad! ... But you realize they are all just people in costumes..."

"Well they are all real to me..."


Uggghhhhhh!!!!!!! She is 5 .... although she is understanding reality I just hope she understands the magic.

My son is a year and a half ... his third trip ... I think it will hit him this time


I will keep an eye out for for Dis people ...

 

[Janet2k]

What party? We had a party? LOL

Were you at the party? Let me check my blackmail material, ~er~ I mean photos… By any chance, was this lovely woman you: click here?

Sorry, couldn’t resist. And thank you for the lovely Disney Princess goody bags and special gifts that you gave to everyone at the party : click here. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture on your part (which is exactly how you are).

Honestly... a beautiful and most memorable event! From the location and food, to the music and displays, it was all top notch. Friends together made it even better!

I agree. The Convention Services folks, especially my Event Manager, did a beautiful job with the party. Our job as guests was simply to relax and enjoy ourselves. And also to eat and drink ourselves into oblivion. Those desserts sure were decadent, weren’t they? The photos do not do them justice, except I think these two might: Mini-Cake and Swan Puff Pastry. Yum! But like you said, even better than the beautiful location and scrumptious desserts was the company of a bunch of fellow Disney lovers: “Spring break!”

Will you be squeezing in a stay at the Grand Floridian next year, or will it be back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for you?

I’m hoping you’ll be at the Grand Floridian when I am there. We need to get around to doing that group dining reservation at Victoria & Albert’s. I know we were going to do it this past summer, but when I pulled a fast one on everyone and turned it into a private event instead, I must admit that I did feel a little guilty. (*hanging my head in shame*) When I contacted Victoria & Albert’s in order to cancel the reservation, they inquired as to why. I admitted to them that the Convention Services folks had stolen their business (I have a funny feeling that doesn’t happen too often). But I was happy that towards the end of my vacation, I was able to dine at the restaurant with my daughter. She loved it. It was everything that her young mind had imaged it to be, and more. I was so grateful that we were able to get a last-minute reservation, thanks to the kindness of another one of my friends. Hopefully, the next time our group is together in Walt Disney World, we’ll finally get a chance to dine there together. I know it will be a memorable meal. So, please let me know if you'll be in WDW next year (and, hopefully, when you'll be staying at the Grand Floridian).

 

[johnsonet]

Wonderful photos, Janet...as always

The butterfly cake really takes my breath away! I need to go back through your description and see what flavor those cakes were Also, the swan pastry looks a bit more "ample" than what is served on the pastry trays at the Garden View Lounge... were they custom items as well??

I love how you share these special things with all of us In all my years of staying at the Grand (since 1994), I've never had a private event but you certainly make it seem like a liveable fantasy .

I'm still not over Mickey arriving on the beach at the GF for your BBQ