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

[Lives4Disney]

Mike, thanks! That does seem the way to go - will call the MYW tickets and then get them added to the room keys. I just keep procrastinating buying the tickets, still considering maybe getting APs again. I just don't know if we will get a second trip out of them. Maybe July. Still debating. My DH is not quite the Disney nut I am (I am training my 3 kids and he is coming along, too) so he is more with the attitude of lets get thru this trip before we plan another. Mr. Common Sense.

Since this trip is coming so near, I feel the NEED to get another ressie of my own in their system, lol! I was checking for the same dates as this trip, but in 2007 and I can't get a RPC room! It's booked up already. Looks wide open for July, though. Enjoy your planning for your next trip. That is so much a part of the fun.


Take care & happy planning,

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

Channing, have a great time! If you see my friend Marci in the lounge, tell her I said hi!

 

[tenbelow]

Mike, thanks! That does seem the way to go - will call the MYW tickets and then get them added to the room keys. I just keep procrastinating buying the tickets, still considering maybe getting APs again. I just don't know if we will get a second trip out of them. Maybe July. Still debating. My DH is not quite the Disney nut I am (I am training my 3 kids and he is coming along, too) so he is more with the attitude of lets get thru this trip before we plan another. Mr. Common Sense.

Since this trip is coming so near, I feel the NEED to get another ressie of my own in their system, lol! I was checking for the same dates as this trip, but in 2007 and I can't get a RPC room! It's booked up already. Looks wide open for July, though. Enjoy your planning for your next trip. That is so much a part of the fun.
Take care & happy planning,

Channing aka Lives4Disney

Channing,

You can always wait until you arrive to purchase your tix at the conceirge- the online advance purchase savings isn't all that great - although every little bit helps. I don't have much knowledge in AP's and discounts, but it may pay to get one annual pass which could be used for discounts at Disney restaurants, etc...??? I believe you only need one person in your group to receive the food discount for the entire group.

Go figure I'm like your husband in the "Mr. Common Sense" category (except when it comes to Disney and a few other areas) ; heck I even clip coupons to use at the grocery store - I figure every dollar I save there and elsewhere is a dollar I can use on our next Disney Vacation!

The trip is of course the best part, but the planning and anticipation leading up to the trip are all part of the fun and magic.

Going back to the earlier topic of which park tickets to purchase - I've decided to vote for APs. With APs it will help rationalize the next visit or two as admission to the parks is already "covered" (playing to your husband's common sense and logical approach to vacations?!?).

About RPC being booked up already for next year, I can believe it as I had thought about doing a split stay with a couple of nights at the WL and then transferring over to GF. I was looking for the AAA discounted rate and the only room type available at WL was a CY view with bunk beds - I was looking for a non bunk bedded room (and possibly any excuse to spend our entire stay at GF). My next question to the CRO was "is the entire stay available at the GF"? It was and the rest is history...

Soon I can start making a "discounted" car rental, airline tix, ADR's...

Mike

 

[magical4us4]

Lives4disney,

When we were there in June, I had purchased my discount AAA tickets ahead of time back home. RPC concierge added them to my room key with no problem when we got there.

Magic4us4

 

[phyllis1966]

Well, we returned last Sunday from a wonderful 5 days at WDW and the GF, our favorite place to be! This was our first time experiencing MVMCP and the CP, which were both awesome (DD7 was a little bored after sitting through 15 minutes of the CP, but she behaved well and DH and I loved it and were quite moved). There was so much Christmas spirit around us, and I'd love to do December again some time, it was that much fun.

There's something I have to get off my chest, though, and I hate to sound like a complainer when we had such a terrific time, but what the heck do you have to do to get a LV room in Conch Key? This is the second time ever that we splurged more than usual to book LV, and the second time we were put in Big Pine Key, which has arguably the least desirable lagoon views. Don't get me wrong, we had another lovely view of the Poly and the Wedding Chapel (after we were moved from Room 9411 where a huge pine tree completely dominated the entire view, LOL!). I know that Conch Key and Sago Cay are very desirable for LV rooms, and I know we spend much more time out and about than staring at the view, but c'mon! I guess if I want to be back in our sentimental favorite, Conch Key, I have to go back to booking GV (or an MK view next year $$$$)!

 

[MinnieSummer]

To anyone who is there right now, or maybe just returned: Could you please let me know what the scheduled entertainment is for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in the hotel lobby. I heard that the Bell Choir was to be there and I can't get confirmation. I love Bell Choirs and really hope to get to see it. I'm also looking for things to do with my DM who will be travelling with us and is limited in her activities. Thanks.

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Lives4Disney,

I agree with you - $9000 for a 10-night stay is a bit much. We've priced a 7-night stay in May with AAA and the garden view room is still over $400 a night; the RPC room is just over $700 a night -- and that's with a discount. For the extra $300 a night, we can buy a lot of food, park tickets, and souvenirs.

As for the price increases after the rehab, I remember back in 1998 (99?), the rates increased their usual $10-$15 night; they didn't go up any more than usual after the last rehab, so I hope that's a positive sign.

You wrote in an earlier post that you were thinking of going back to WDW for Spring Break '07. If you are, would it not be more economical for you to get annual passes now - for your RPC trip (in one day!!!!) -- which you can use for your March '07 trip?

Once again, have a great trip!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney,

I agree with you - $9000 for a 10-night stay is a bit much. We've priced a 7-night stay in May with AAA and the garden view room is still over $400 a night; the RPC room is just over $700 a night -- and that's with a discount. For the extra $300 a night, we can buy a lot of food, park tickets, and souvenirs.

As for the price increases after the rehab, I remember back in 1998 (99?), the rates increased their usual $10-$15 night; they didn't go up any more than usual after the last rehab, so I hope that's a positive sign.

You wrote in an earlier post that you were thinking of going back to WDW for Spring Break '07. If you are, would it not be more economical for you to get annual passes now - for your RPC trip (in one day!!!!) -- which you can use for your March '07 trip?

Once again, have a great trip!

DisneyDoogie - That's great that the previous price raise wasn't astronomical. Honestly, after finding out how much they want for the RPC room over spring break, I was getting nervous! We are going to go to San Diego and then up to our first Disney Land stay for spring break, so no WDW in March. I just noticed I had made notes regarding that possible March stay and the quotes on my Dec calender page. I am kind of thinking of WDW in July, but have to run that past DH. Gotta catch him at an especially good time, lol, and those are far and few between. I haven't committed myself to any tickets yet! If there is a July possiblity, APs would be the way to go. I have the DDE card and that is a great discount with the APs too.

Thanks!! Happy planning!

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi! It's me again......

Housekeeping question - OK, I have been reading a lot of threads regarding lack of housekeeping and bad housekeeping. I know firsthand that this stuff does happen. I haven't experienced this at the GF, but here's my question that comes from experiences I have had at other WDW resorts & I am just wondering how you all handle it. It's not a BIG deal, but I am just curious how other people handle the situation.....
We have 5 in our family, and book rooms that sleep 5 or 6 people. So, what if there are only 4 or less towels? When I call housekeeping and they bring more I tip the delivery person. It bugs me a bit that I feel obligated (because I don't know if I should or shouldn't) to tip because the towels should have been in the room already & I shouldn't have to call for them and wait around for them (and I have found I have to wait or they do not get delivered) - this has happened with toiletries (they don't leave shampoo/conditioner/bathsoap), only had one robe for two adults, only 3 hangers - no blanket & pillow for the daybed, no suitcase rack.......These situations actually happened daily during our BWI stay, but I am reading so many posts about slacky housekeeping and now that I am going during peak holiday time with a full hotel and not enough CMs I am feeling some concern. I tip daily & generously for the house keeper btw.

What if the safe needs repair or a faucet or something?? Do you all tip maintenance for fixing something in your room that should already be in working order??? I have, but just out of my sense of obligation. I don't mean to come across stingy because I really appreciate a good housekeeper while on vacation and I gladly tip for that, but these other hassles kind of bother me on vacation and then the obligation to tip for hassles. So, my question is, do you all tip for a delivery of something that should already be in the room and/or repair of something that should be in working order??

Just curious.....

Lives4Disney

 

[goofie4goofy]

Hi! It's me again......

Housekeeping question - OK, I have been reading a lot of threads regarding lack of housekeeping and bad housekeeping. I haven't experienced this at the GF, but here's my question that comes from experiences I have had at other WDW resorts & I am just wondering how you all deal with it.....We have 5 in our family, and book rooms that sleep 5 or 6 people. So, what if there are only 4 or less towels? When I call housekeeping and they bring more I tip the delivery person. It bugs me a bit, lol, because the towels should have been in the room already & I shouldn't have to call for them and wait around for them (and I have found I have to wait or they do not get delivered) - this has happened with toiletries (they don't leave shampoo/conditioner/bathsoap) and I have had to phone, only had one robe, only 3 hangers - no blanket & pillow for the daybed.......This actually happened daily during our BWI stay, but I am reading so many posts about slacky housekeeping. I tip daily for the house keeper btw. What if the safe needs repair or a faucet or something?? Do you all tip maintenance for fixing something in your room that should already be in working order??? I have, but just out of obligation. I am not mean or stingy, so I hope it doesn't come across that way (maybe it does), but these hassles kind of bother me on vacation and then the obligation to tip for hassles.

Just curious.....

Lives4Disney

Hi L4D! We just returned from the GF a few days ago. It was a wonderful stay. There was not a problem with mousekeeping at all. We had 6 bath towels (the large ones) and 6 of the smaller ones then hand towels and washcloths. There was also tons of shampoo & conditioner, soap and body lotion. There was a full supply in the bathtub with a back up on both the rack behind the toilet and more by the sinks. There are 2 robes in the closet and now they give slippers (again) at the first nights turn down service. In the closet there is a blanket and pillows for the daybed.

We tip if someone brings us anything, but for repairs...no way. I can understand the awarkwardness, but it is their job. They are not fixing your personal property.

The GF gets better all the time. We were unable to get a room in the main building this trip due to it being booked. We were given beautiful MK view rooms in Big Pine Key and access to both concierge floors (sugarloaf and RPC). We were also treated to curbside greeting and in room check in. I was floored. When we got to our room there was a beautiful chocolate box filled with chocolates with a picture of the hotel on it and a note from Kent Mitchell. A little while later a knock came at the door and my DH was given a big chocolate mickey surrounded with cookies and chocolate strawberries and a signed card from Mickey and Donald.....all pixie dust. What a wonderful resort, the parks are not necessary when you stay there.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi L4D! We just returned from the GF a few days ago. It was a wonderful stay. There was not a problem with mousekeeping at all. We had 6 bath towels (the large ones) and 6 of the smaller ones then hand towels and washcloths. There was also tons of shampoo & conditioner, soap and body lotion. There was a full supply in the bathtub with a back up on both the rack behind the toilet and more by the sinks. There are 2 robes in the closet and now they give slippers (again) at the first nights turn down service. In the closet there is a blanket and pillows for the daybed.

We tip if someone brings us anything, but for repairs...no way. I can understand the awarkwardness, but it is their job. They are not fixing your personal property.

The GF gets better all the time. We were unable to get a room in the main building this trip due to it being booked. We were given beautiful MK view rooms in Big Pine Key and access to both concierge floors (sugarloaf and RPC). We were also treated to curbside greeting and in room check in. I was floored. When we got to our room there was a beautiful chocolate box filled with chocolates with a picture of the hotel on it and a note from Kent Mitchell. A little while later a knock came at the door and my DH was given a big chocolate mickey surrounded with cookies and chocolate strawberries and a signed card from Mickey and Donald.....all pixie dust. What a wonderful resort, the parks are not necessary when you stay there.

Hi, G4G!! I am glad you posted!! Sounds like a FABULOUS welcome and wow! What pixie dust of that concierge "upgrade"!! I had received those welcome treats in the past, too. That just really makes the stay start off so special. I come into this stay (checking in tomorrow night) with such high expectations and I so hope I am not let down. It's our first Xmas away from home and our own traditions and - just hope GF lives up to our past stays. Thanks for the info on how you handle that awkward obligatory tipping. I am just preparing myself for lack of service due to our last really BAD stay at BWI during Thanksgiving with the resort full and there just seemed to be a real need for CMs and service issues big time.

I am also glad you posted because I read a while ago about the Lush products....I bought the BIG shampoo and more, but just ran out of the shampoo and I know they sell it at MCO. Do you know WHERE that Lush store is in MCO?? I will have a limo waiting, and 3 kids to use bathrooms, lol, so we are always hurrying to luggage claim - but I would love to be able to pick some up quickly!!!

Thanks for sharing your experiences!!! Sounds like another awesome stay at the GF.

Lives4Disney aka Channing

 

[goofie4goofy]

Hi, G4G!! I am glad you posted!! Sounds like a FABULOUS welcome and wow! What pixie dust of that concierge "upgrade"!! I had received those welcome treats in the past, too. That just really makes the stay start off so special. I come into this stay (checking in tomorrow night) with such high expectations and I so hope I am not let down. It's our first Xmas away from home and our own traditions and - just hope GF lives up to our past stays. Thanks for the info on how you handle that awkward obligatory tipping. I am just preparing myself for lack of service due to our last really BAD stay at BWI during Thanksgiving with the resort full and there just seemed to be a real need for CMs and service issues big time.

I am also glad you posted because I read a while ago about the Lush products....I bought the BIG shampoo and more, but just ran out of the shampoo and I know they sell it at MCO. Do you know WHERE that Lush store is in MCO?? I will have a limo waiting, and 3 kids to use bathrooms, lol, so we are always hurrying to luggage claim - but I would love to be able to pick some up quickly!!!

Thanks for sharing your experiences!!! Sounds like another awesome stay at the GF.

Lives4Disney aka Channing

Do I know where LUSH is.....why of course I do! It is in the mall area directly across from security. When you get off the airport monorail and pass the security area it will be down the mall corridor and the store will be on your right. It is not far at all, so you can do a quick grab and go! Also there is a new store in the GF called Basin where the Bally store used to be. They sell bath bombs and the like. I tried a few of therir products...definately not as good as LUSH, but good in a pinch

I know how you feel. We were so disappointed with our stay at the CR this past Sept and so spoiled at the GF that we will never stay anyplace else. I do have to say after a week at WDW during the holidays, I am completely Christmased out we still haven't gotten our tree yet. I'm sure by now there's nothing but Charlie Brown trees left.

Have a great time, and a Merry Christmas to you and your family!

PS. If you haven't already tried it, you have to try the LUSH "Sex Bomb" bath bomb. The smell is heavenly...you will have Santa Goofy following you around in a trance

 

[Lives4Disney]

Do I know where LUSH is.....why of course I do! It is in the mall area directly across from security. When you get off the airport monorail and pass the security area it will be down the mall corridor and the store will be on your right. It is not far at all, so you can do a quick grab and go! Also there is a new store in the GF called Basin where the Bally store used to be. They sell bath bombs and the like. I tried a few of therir products...definately not as good as LUSH, but good in a pinch

I know how you feel. We were so disappointed with our stay at the CR this past Sept and so spoiled at the GF that we will never stay anyplace else. I do have to say after a week at WDW during the holidays, I am completely Christmased out we still haven't gotten our tree yet. I'm sure by now there's nothing but Charlie Brown trees left.

Have a great time, and a Merry Christmas to you and your family!

THANKS! I will try and run over to Lush before we head to the GF. I am glad a new store opened finally! I have heard of Basin so I am happy to check it out. That'll be fun.

Are they now using the H2O products in the GF rooms?? They had them in the rooms in March, but not in July. I really liked those, too.

Pick yourself up a sweet Charlie Brown tree & have a GREAT Christmas!

Lives4Disney

 

[tenbelow]

Hi! It's me again......

Housekeeping question - OK, I have been reading a lot of threads regarding lack of housekeeping and bad housekeeping. I know firsthand that this stuff does happen. I haven't experienced this at the GF, but here's my question that comes from experiences I have had at other WDW resorts & I am just wondering how you all handle it. It's not a BIG deal, but I am just curious how other people handle the situation.....
We have 5 in our family, and book rooms that sleep 5 or 6 people. So, what if there are only 4 or less towels?

Hi Channing,

On our last stay I noticed in the Grand Floridian Information Book they left in the room it mentioned staff that may be expecting a tip. The bell services, valet, waitstaff are all no brainers, but there was no mention of housekeeping. That being said we tipped daily and I left little thank you notes and one day requested extra lotion - well we came back to the room and there were a dozen bottles - so all I can say is don't be shy about asking for things like extra towels to be left with your daily tip for housekeeping as they were all very friendly and more than happy to fulfill any needs.

We also had a fridge delivered and I was going to tip, but the housekeeper left as fast as he came so I figured that they might have been told not to look for tips???

A really grand touch that may be standard operating procedure, but I wasn't sure as it was our first stay, was that any towels used between morning housekeeping and evening turndown service were exchanged each evening, which left us feeling nothing short of being spoiled.

I don't believe that you will come off as stingy if you don't tip someone from maintenance doing a repair or anytime you require extra pillows, towels, robes, toothpaste, etc.. from housekeeping as you are already being generous by tipping daily which I'm sure is more than most guests.

Have a fantastic trip!

Mike

 

[Misti]

Are they now using the H2O products in the GF rooms?? They had them in the rooms in March, but not in July. I really liked those, too.


Lives4Disney

YES, they are there!! Although for me, the shampoo is too abrasive for my hair??!! I end up having flyaways when I use it. So, I didn't touch the bottles at all during our stay. LOVE the lotion though!!

HAVE A GREAT TRIP CHANNING!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

YES, they are there!! Although for me, the shampoo is too abrasive for my hair??!! I end up having flyaways when I use it. So, I didn't touch the bottles at all during our stay. LOVE the lotion though!!

HAVE A GREAT TRIP CHANNING!!!!

Thanks, Misti!!

I am sick as a dog with a horrible cold/cough/larangitis/clammy icky feeling. Ugh. At least everything is pretty much a go & we are just waiting for the kids to finish getting ready. And nobody is throwing up (knock on wood!)

I ordered my tickets online last night (an AP for me and hoppers for my family) to pick up at "Will Call". Well, I am kind of miffed because I planned an early first morning 12/20 at MK and the will call is over at transportation and ticket center. A few yrs ago when I did this preorder, I KNOW I picked them up at the guest services at MK. WDW Website didn't tell me WHERE exactly Will Call is until I BOUGHT the tickets and they gave me the info on the confirmation. It kind of messed up my idea of getting to the MK early and I am worried about fighting the crowds at TTC. I wish I would have just bought them upon arrival from concierge. Live and learn. I saved about $25 (whoopee) but for my maybe hassle I would have preferred to just buy at my convenience.

Anyway.....THANKS for the well wishes. Hope it's another wonderful trip. I bet it will be.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays everybody!

Channing

 

[BCV23]

Channing, I think you can pick up will call at any Guest Relations. It is in the system rather than a preprinted AP.

But there is a DISser named GoldenOldie who knows all there is to know about tickets. You could try a PM or ask on the attractions forum and she might see it.

Hope you feel better soon and have a great trip.

 

[tenbelow]

Thanks, Misti!!

I am sick as a dog with a horrible cold/cough/larangitis/clammy icky feeling.

I ordered my tickets online last night (an AP for me and hoppers for my family) to pick up at "Will Call". Well, I am kind of miffed because I planned an early first morning 12/20 at MK

L4D,

Don't dispair - we ordered our MVMCP tickets online and the email and order confirmation said p/up at "will call" window. We picked up at MK to the right of the security bag check - so no need to go to the TTC.

Have some chicken soup, get some rest, feel better and have a magical vacation!

Mike

 

[Remember The Magic]

YES, they are there!! Although for me, the shampoo is too abrasive for my hair??!! I end up having flyaways when I use it. So, I didn't touch the bottles at all during our stay. LOVE the lotion though!!

i love the lotion too! I nearly cried when we went down to the store to buy it and found there was only one bottle left so I'm making the most of it!

 

[cobbler]

Hay all you GF experts I need your help and advice. We have a 6 night stay booked at Sugar Loaf for November 2007.

We have since decided to sail away on the member cruise and by doing so it will require us to downgrade our accomodations. It comes down to 6 nights garden view or 5 nights lagoon view.

Can anyone tell me which you prefer and why? Pros and cons? And which bldg or location to possibly request for garden and lagoon?

Thanks everyone