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

[Lives4Disney]

No, a friend (DISer) is checking in Friday and her mom died last night. We're trying to set up a big surprise. I hope she's not reading this! GF IPO is helping me plan. Any suggestions? We have around $150.

Oh, Denise, how awful. I (knock on wood) haven't had that experience with a friend yet so I don't know what to suggest. Are you thinking of ordering flowers from Disney Florist or something more fun? Good luck. I hope she has a great - getaway from her troubles & sadness - trip.

Channing

 

[lynr]

We are back from our fabulous 11 day trip to Disney.

The GF was great, we were in Big Pine Key and the room was spotless eventhough we didn't have the best view we were very happy with it. My experience with the staff was excellent. I asked upon check-in if any upgrades were available but only suites were open. I had hoped to upgrade to RPC but not with a suite. The room we had was fine.

We left our cell phone number at check-in and this time they did call us with the room number.

Our stay at the Polynesian was also great and the concierge staff was excellent. Everything was A-OK.

The weather was amazing not one day of rain and only one cold day.

I found the second part of our trip 12/3 - 12/10 that the parks were much more crowded but managable.

Now I will admit that I cried when my son and his girlfriend went home after their 4 day stay with us, but I got over that quickly and had a great time alone with my DH.

We topped off our vacation by being able to see the space shuttle take off on our last night.


For anyone going down in the future don't miss the Osborne Spectacle of Lights. They have changed it and it is great!!!!

Lyn

 

[Misti]

We are back from our fabulous 11 day trip to Disney.

The GF was great, we were in Big Pine Key and the room was spotless eventhough we didn't have the best view we were very happy with it. Lyn

Welcome home! I'm at the GF in Big Pine Key and we are in room 9214. I think we checked in the day you checked out?

Anyway, anyone who books a Lodge Tower room should avoid my room at all costs. I'm overlooking the housekeeping area and the roof of the building by the quiet pool. I'd call it the worst of the Lodge Tower rooms, seriously. I looked all around the property and this is the worst building to have a Lodge Tower room (at least on the bottom 3 floors).

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lynn - welcome back!! I am glad it was a better GF stay this time around and I am really surprised that Poly concierge was great, lol!! Glad, but surprised.

Misti - How are the crowds & weather & everything?? How is the food?? I have been reading really awful reports on the Restaurant Board about the changes in the food quality!!?? Many are blaming the dining plan. How was the Xmas party???

Lyn, did you find the food at any restaurants changed for the worst?? Did you go to the Xmas party??

I really need to get packing, but instead I am avoiding it at all costs and Dising & thinking about planning my next trip!! That's more fun.

Lives4Disney

 

[s&k'smom]

Hi just rebooked for GF! Have a garden view, could you tell me which buildings are of that view? Thanks!

 

[BCV23]

Hi just rebooked for GF! Have a garden view, could you tell me which buildings are of that view? Thanks!

All the buildings have gardenview rooms.

Misti, sorry to hear of your view.

Lynn, glad to hear both your stays were good. Doesn't surprise me one bit that your stay in Hawaii was great!

 

[Misti]

Lynn

Misti - How are the crowds & weather & everything?? How is the food?? I have been reading really awful reports on the Restaurant Board about the changes in the food quality!!?? Many are blaming the dining plan. How was the Xmas party???

Lives4Disney

Xmas party is tonight! The crowds have been pretty manageable actually. MK yesterday afternoon.. 5-10 minute waits for everything. Epcot was busier the other day.. Soarin had a 50 minute wait but just about everything else was walk-on.

The food quality seems fine to me. California Grill last night.. one of the best meals I've had there actually. Also had a wonderful window seat which made it even more memorable.

 

[lynr]

Lyn, did you find the food at any restaurants changed for the worst?? Did you go to the Xmas party??
Lives4Disney

Channing:

I think the portions are smaller, especially at Le Cellier but everything we ate was good.

We went to the Christmas party on the 1st and 5th. We didn't stay long on the 5th because we had stayed for the whole party on the first with the kids. For the Dec. 1st Xmas party we ate at Liberty Tavern and we ate at Cinderella Royal Table on the 5th right before the party and I don't think I'll do that again not worth two table credits. (Live and Learn)

It was so nice to go the party on Dec 1st and not have to wear any jacket. I love Florida in the winter!!!

I have to admit that the Concierge Staff at the Polynesian was excellent especially Wes. Since I was not pleased during our last stay I was apprehensive but everything was great! I will go back there again.

Our only regret was the Lagoonview room was not a good view at all. Stay away from room 1508 the bushes are very overgrown and need to be trimed back.

Lyn

 

[triplefigs]

Hi, all. Just wanted to let you know how awesome the IPO dept is being with helping with my surprise. Calvin, especially! I can't wait for them to arrive tomorrow and see everything.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, all. Just wanted to let you know how awesome the IPO dept is being with helping with my surprise. Calvin, especially! I can't wait for them to arrive tomorrow and see everything.

That's great, Denise! Calvin returned a couple of my emails to IPO. So, what did you decide to do for your friend??

Lyn - Sounds like a fun time. I am really glad to hear the Poly concierge staff was good. We really like the Poly resort, but had 3 disappointing concierge stays and figure enough is enough. We thought about just doing a regular Poly room, but we are spoiled and really like concierge, though. Maybe sometime soon we will try again. My girls love that special juice (Pineapple, orange, guava )

I started packing today. Now I am in a panic as I just figured the girls would fit into their capris from spring/fall. WRONG. I just called GAP to see where I could buy them locally and Georgia is as local to IL as it gets, lol. Hoping 2 day express gets them to me in time!! Lesson learned about last minute packing. Then I see my DH, who wears suits to work and only jeans on weekends, only really has 2 good pairs of jeans. Now I have to brave the Xmas shopping crowds and go tomorrow to find him a couple more pairs. I looks like we will have 2 or 3 days in the 70s and then 60s from then on. That is fine with me!

Glad your trip was a good one. I am getting so excited and happy to be leaving this cold gray blah weather behind.

Take care,

Channing

 

[triplefigs]

Channing, they got her a card signed by all their fave characters, balloons, a gingerbread house from the lobby, and we're having a basket delivered from WDW florist with Christmas cookies/bottle of wine.

 

[LisaTex]

Hi guys Just found this thread and thought I'd say hello. We will also be at GF RPC 12/19-24. It will just be me and my niece (it's her b-day present). Being the GF veterans that you are - was just wondering if you knew of anything "special" that can be done for b-days. She will be 8. Calvin with IPO is helping with a few things for the room, but any other suggestions? Can't believe it's almost time to go. I've never had to do my Christmas shopping this early!

As Calvin always closes his e-mail - "Hope you all have a GRAND time"

Lisa

 

[BCV23]

Welcome to the GF thread, Lisa.

What a great aunt you are. Would she enjoy some girls' time at the spa. They have manicures/pedicures for little girls.

Or how about going to tea together? There is also a special tea for little girls. Someone will know the name but it includes a doll. Pretty pricey but most people have raved about it.

Have a great trip!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, Lisa.....we are checking in the evening of the 19th.

The tea party BCV referred to is the "Perfectly Princess Tea Party". It is wonderful. It is very expensive, but my daughters and I loved it. I expected to just go for them, but I really enjoyed it. At this late date, though, I don't know that there would be openings. Sometimes concierge can work you in, though.

We are doing 1900 PFaire for my DD6's bday and I ordered her a Minnie Mouse cake. They are GREAT at that restaurant for bdays. Birthday girl is given a tiara when seated, a souvenier placemat and we received pics of the characters that they autograph when they stop by. I am hoping this is still all the case on 12/20 when we celebrate Jojo's bday.

I also have "spoken" to Calvin thru emails and he suggested balloons and an autographed photo in the room when we arrive. I am crossing my fingers they go thru with that suggestion.

The GF also has an Alice in Wonderland tea party, kids only, which my girls have done and really like. There is also Adventures in Cooking - another kids only - that has been fun for them. I just think you'd have to get really lucky at this point to find an opening. You will have a wonderful time whether or not you get into any of these little events. The Grand is just spectacular and so special.

I am sure will see you in the lounge. I have 2 girls 6, and 10 and a teenage son - and DH, too.

Have a great time!

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[minnie my my]

Channing,

I have not even started packing yet. I have got to do that today, but first I have to wash all of those dirty clothes to have something to pack. I am getting so excited. I hope all my children's clothes still fit. I started thinking about that yesterday. I can't wait to meet you in the lounge. I am still in amazement that I found a cancellation for the RPC. I keep thinking that it is not really true. I have even called back to make sure that I heard the lady right and I really did have the RPC. Yesterday I received my new confirmation in the mail so now I really believe it. It has Royal Palm Club written right on it.

Lisa, maybe we will run into you also. I hope you and your niece have a wonderful time. Denny has arranged for a Goofy cake, signed card and balloons, and one Mickey, Goofy, and Donald to be in the room when we arrive for my 2 yr. old sons birthday. I have also added it to all of our dinning reservations so he can get extra attention for that. Don't forget to get her a birthday pin from guest relations in one of the parks to wear. The cast members really do look for them and give the birthday girl or boy extra attention in lines to rides and walking through the parks.

Myra

 

[Lives4Disney]

Myra, I hope we get the chance to meet you.


Ticket question!! I have had annual passes for the past several years. I didn't renew them this year though. I am planning on buying 8 day MYW Hoppers. I am just thinking of ordering them thru WDW website and picking them up at Guest Services at MK on our first park day, but maybe there is another good choice? I do save a little by preordering. OR, should I just wait til we check in and can they be added on to our room keys? (don't even know if they still do this) What's worked out best for you all? I am thinking of just preordering & doing the "will call" pick up. Don't know if that is any type of hassle.

Thanks for any info,

Lives4Disney

 

[irisbud]

Channing, I don't know which option (preordering or not) is better, but I DO know that our room keys worked as our park tickets. I ordered the tickets when I ordered the origional package.

HTH

Amy

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Lives4Disney,

If you plan on using all 8 days on this vacation, you can take your room keys to the "will call" and they will put the tickets on them for you. BUT... if you do not plan to use all 8 days, I suggest you have them print out a special ticket for you. You might lose track of those room keys with the unused days on them.

Have a great time at RPC! If you have some time, try to find out some more details on the planned GF refurbishment.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Amy & DisneyDoogie - Thanks for the responses. DD, that is a great idea - I didn't know I could do that at "Will Call". I think I will have the days put on the room keys because I am not getting the nonexpiring option anyway & it will be easier to just deal with 5 of something vs 10.

I will try and remember to ask about the refurb. That would be interesting info to know. I just hope they don't price RPC out of my price range once the rehab is complete. I just looked at my calendar notes and what I wrote down as a quote for RPC, March "07 spring break - I think it was quoted as 10 days - it was over $9K......we are going somewhere else, lol. No thanks to almost $10K on a standard CL room for 10 days. That is ridiculous IMO. Wonder what rates will jump to when the GF is all shiny and new again.

I am so excited about our Xmas trip!! We had our traditional pretrip "Disney Dinner Party" and I could just bust. Everybody is all psyched and ready and packed!

Lives4Disney

 

[tenbelow]

Amy & DisneyDoogie - Thanks for the responses. DD, that is a great idea - I didn't know I could do that at "Will Call". I think I will have the days put on the room keys because I am not getting the nonexpiring option anyway & it will be easier to just deal with 5 of something vs 10.

I will try and remember to ask about the refurb. That would be interesting info to know. I just hope they don't price RPC out of my price range once the rehab is complete. I just looked at my calendar notes and what I wrote down as a quote for RPC, March "07 spring break - I think it was quoted as 10 days - it was over $9K......we are going somewhere else, lol. No thanks to almost $10K on a standard CL room for 10 days. That is ridiculous IMO. Wonder what rates will jump to when the GF is all shiny and new again.

I am so excited about our Xmas trip!! We had our traditional pretrip "Disney Dinner Party" and I could just bust. Everybody is all psyched and ready and packed!

Lives4Disney

Channing,

Will call is easy - we advance purchased our MVMCP tickets, took the monorail to MK, went up to the ticket window and presto tickets for entry to MVMCP. Which reminds me that before we reached the window a kind gentleman had 2 extra tickets he offered us (free of charge) to that nights party - we thanked him for his generous offer and explained that we had already purchased our tickets in advance.

In November I noticed a lot of visitors using their room keys as admission to the parks which is super convenient. We had/have 10 day non expiring park hopper tickets - that is great price wise ($38.50 per day), but not convenience wise as you have to take them out to use fast pass, etc...

If you lose a room key they can easily be deactivated and a new one reissued at your home resort (which I'm sure you already knew).

I'm also curious about the upcoming renovation so while you're having a magical time any info you can find out would be greatly appreicated.

I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed that they don't price all of us out of the Grand Floridian as my DW "only wants to stay at the Grand Floridian". Of course I love the Grand Floridian too and seeing as we had such a wonderful time on our recent trip, I booked a 7 day trip for Nov/Dec 2007 today! (now I know how all the rooms disappear - Disney fanatics like us who plan waaayyy out in advance!)

Have a fantastic trip and be sure to share your magical moments upon your return.

Mike