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

[francie]

thanks for the info, janet2K! two more questions, please. of the pics you posted of the deluxe room, was the room the triangle shaped option or the option with the soaking tub? also, could you hear the activity/noise/a lot of traffic going by from the lounge in your room? thanks for your time, francie

 

[jen_mangini]

Thank you Janet. Does the floor # make a difference to the view? Should I ask for a room on the 4th floor or is the ground floor just as good? I'm going to request Sago Cay to be alittle further from the boat horn (3 young kids who will hopefully sleep!).

Thank you!!!!!!!!




We leave on Wednesday. YAHOOOOO

 

[Janet2k]

Thanks for taking the time to share all the wonderful information and pictures!

(*Drumming my fingers LOUDLY on the tabletop*)

Misti, I am not letting you off the hook regarding your Fairy Tale Wedding photos. And since this is the GF FAQ thread and I ~think~ you mentioned that your event happened at the resort, well, posting a link to a few photos would definitely fit right in here. Or at least consider sharing a photo or two of the band since you used the Grand Floridian's Society Orchestra. (By the way, I am very jealous of that fact -- I love that band!)

Your fans await...

 

[Janet2k]

I enjoyed your laundry room info and pics! I am a chronic overpacker, so I kind of decided (kind of) that maybe (MAYBE) next time I will bring fewer items & do laundry. Now that I know where the place is and it is actually pretty cute in there, lol. I usually send a few items out to be cleaned, but that isn't always on my mind on vacation so it doesn't always work out.

Lives4Disney, I'm glad you enjoyed the photos that my daughter took of the laundry room. I wish there would have been more than one washer and dryer in there because I wound up doing at least two loads of laundry that evening. With only one washer and dryer, as you can imagine, it took twice as long.

I'm glad you brought up sending clothing out to be laundered. I didn't do that during my vacation, however, one of my friends who was vacationing with me at the Grand Floridian did. You folks are going to think I'm bonkers, but I took a photo of the box that her laundry was returned in. (Hey, I gotta keep my "Queen of the Obscure Photos" title intact!) I'll try to track the photo down (it's somewhere on my laptop), and if I do, I'll post it and share a link to it here in the GF FAQ thread. It should give the lurkers something to smile about.

 

[Janet2k]

two more questions, please. of the pics you posted of the deluxe room, was the room the triangle shaped option or the option with the soaking tub? also, could you hear the activity/noise/a lot of traffic going by from the lounge in your room?

Francie, I booked a Deluxe Room in the Main Building, and when Disney found out that I was confined to a wheelchair, I spoke with someone who told me that a handicap-accessible room had been blocked for me. That particular room had a roll-in shower, which I so desperately needed since I could not walk at the time. That is basically all I know. My ~uneducated~ guess is that it can be booked by folks who don't have special needs. But remember, it has a roll-in shower. Not a lot of folks want a room with a roll-in shower.

As to your other question, noise was only an issue twice during that vacation. Turning off the unwatched television cured one of the problems, and shutting the fire doors when the *tipsy* adults were being too boisterous solved the other problem.

I need to note that in all my years of staying in the Main Building, I have only encountered late-night boisterous folks once. For the most part, the lounge is quiet as a tomb late at night.

 

[Janet2k]

Does the floor # make a difference to the view? Should I ask for a room on the 4th floor or is the ground floor just as good? I'm going to request Sago Cay to be alittle further from the boat horn (3 young kids who will hopefully sleep!).

Jen_mangini, on the 4th floor are the dormer rooms. They are quite lovely since they have high ceilings. However, their balconies are smaller. Just thought I’d point that out. That bothers some folks, while other folks don’t mind the smaller balconies (it didn't bother me).

Here are photos of the dormer room that I stayed in inside Conch Key: click here. My on-line album has photos of the room’s balcony so you can see what it looked like. I need to point out that my particular dormer room was a corner dormer room. There is only one of those rooms per building (the other corner dormer room does not have a secondary balcony like my dormer room did). I hope I’m not confusing you too much.

I have always wanted to stay in a 1st floor Magic Kingdom View room. I think it would be lovely to be at ground level. Of course, the 2nd , 3rd, and 4th floors are nice, too, and some folks prefer being higher up. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with any room that faces the Magic Kingdom.

With three small children, no matter what floor you wind up on, please make sure that both locks on the sliding glass door are latched properly. There is a lock near the door’s handle, as well as one placed higher up, out of the reach of most small children: click here. Make sure both locks are latched properly so you don’t have to worry about the little ones escaping when your back is turned (I know how quick the little ones can be).

I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Take lots of photos of the Grand Floridian to share with us upon your return.

 

[jen_mangini]

Thanks again Janet for the info. Your pictures are GREAT!!!! I'll be sure to post back once we get home. That will be a sad day.


My 3 kids

 

[MickeyFan2003]

Hi there. I'm very excited to say that my husband and I have booked a trip to stay at the Grand Floridian this April 21-25. We have been to Disney several times before, including our honeymoon, and have stayed at both CSR and POR (which has become our favorite by the way). This trip is all about relaxation, however, so we decided to splurge and do deluxe. Staying at the GF is something we've always wanted to do! We plan to spend a lot of time at the pool, a day at the spa, and probably very little time at the parks.

We ate at Citricos on our honeymoon so we've been to the Grand before, but I have no idea where to request a room. We booked Garden View, but where would you experts suggest for a quiet location, best for relaxation and quality couple time? It would probably help to be close to the pools and beach, but not being familiar with the layout I'm not sure how important that is. I was happy to read that all rooms have balconies, which is great! I'll put our ADRs/tentative schedule below, and any help/suggestions that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

4/21/2007
Flight comes in at noon
Check-in
Explore resort
ADR at California Grill at 6:10
Evening at either Boardwalk or Downtown Disney

4/22/2007
Breakfast at resort
Pool
ADR at Citricos at 5:55 (might move to earlier time)
Evening at Magic Kingdom (fireworks at 10, open until 1:00)

4/23/2007
SPA DAY & pool
ADR at Ohana at 7:00

4/24/2007
Breakfast at resort
Pool during the day, or maybe boating or miniature golf
Cirque du Solei show at 6:00
ADR at Narcoossees at 8:45

4/25/2007
Flight doesn't leave until 7:30
Maybe Epcot or MGM on this day
No ADRs scheduled as of right now
Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[mr.mike]

We have always had the MK view from the main building. I had considered booking a deluxe room, but the fact that those rooms don't have that beautiful fireworks view deterred me. Lives4Disney

I've been trying to find out where the deluxe rooms are..do you know where they face?

 

[Lives4Disney]

I've been trying to find out where the deluxe rooms are..do you know where they face?

I only know where one of the deluxe rooms is because I walked by and a CM was taking a rollaway out after the guests had checked out and said I could peek in. It was a beautiful, large room with two queens and a sofa seating area and I would book it in an instant, but the view was courtyard which is very pretty, but I think there is just something special about being able to watch Wishes from our balcony at the GF. The deluxe room I saw was right past the double doors of the lounge, first room down the 4th floor wing. (if not 1st room, second - this was a few months ago so my memory has faded) I have learned thru asking that the deluxe rooms do not have a MK view, so I just stick with my standard RPC rooms and request that special view.

Happy planning!

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi there. I'm very excited to say that my husband and I have booked a trip to stay at the Grand Floridian this April 21-25. We have been to Disney several times before, including our honeymoon, and have stayed at both CSR and POR (which has become our favorite by the way). This trip is all about relaxation, however, so we decided to splurge and do deluxe. Staying at the GF is something we've always wanted to do! We plan to spend a lot of time at the pool, a day at the spa, and probably very little time at the parks.

We ate at Citricos on our honeymoon so we've been to the Grand before, but I have no idea where to request a room. We booked Garden View, but where would you experts suggest for a quiet location, best for relaxation and quality couple time? It would probably help to be close to the pools and beach, but not being familiar with the layout I'm not sure how important that is. I was happy to read that all rooms have balconies, which is great! I'll put our ADRs/tentative schedule below, and any help/suggestions that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

4/21/2007
Flight comes in at noon
Check-in
Explore resort
ADR at California Grill at 6:10
Evening at either Boardwalk or Downtown Disney

4/22/2007
Breakfast at resort
Pool
ADR at Citricos at 5:55 (might move to earlier time)
Evening at Magic Kingdom (fireworks at 10, open until 1:00)

4/23/2007
SPA DAY & pool
ADR at Ohana at 7:00

4/24/2007
Breakfast at resort
Pool during the day, or maybe boating or miniature golf
Cirque du Solei show at 6:00
ADR at Narcoossees at 8:45

4/25/2007
Flight doesn't leave until 7:30
Maybe Epcot or MGM on this day
No ADRs scheduled as of right now
Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

Sounds like a fun trip!! I have not stayed in a GV room before (I am for Thanksgiving) and I requested Sago just for convenience to Gaspies and the marina to view Wishes. I know Big Pine is near the waterfall pool, Boca Chica would face the courtyard pool and the main building (I actually think THIS should have been my request and I will probably ask to be in Boca Chica because I think the view would be one of the nicest GVs) There are really only a few bad GV rooms and they are in Big Pine with a view of the pool building roof. Other than that, almost all have garden/pool/courtyard views.

I love Brown Derby at MGM for lunch - my whole family does, actually. Just my suggestion for your last day. Also, you may consider renting a pool cabana for one of your pool days. They are (or were) $60 for a 4 hr time slot and come with some nice amenities - TV, satelite radio, comfy lounge chairs, table & chairs, upgraded towels, refridge with water and sodas. You'd have some shade and a nice little retreat.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[joshua4]

Which lagoon view room would you request? We wanted a gv room - but they were all sold out for the time we are going in May. I was going to ask for Boca Chica, but now after seeing some negative posts on the obstructed views, I am concerned about picking Boca Chica. (not that we are going to get the building we request anyway -- we are checking in at 8 pm!) I am fine with whatever building they put us in - but I want to at least get a building request in there if I can. If it matters at all, we are travelling with DS10 and DD7.

Thanks GF experts!

Lauren

 

[Remember The Magic]

Which lagoon view room would you request? We wanted a gv room - but they were all sold out for the time we are going in May. I was going to ask for Boca Chica, but now after seeing some negative posts on the obstructed views, I am concerned about picking Boca Chica. (not that we are going to get the building we request anyway -- we are checking in at 8 pm!) I am fine with whatever building they put us in - but I want to at least get a building request in there if I can. If it matters at all, we are travelling with DS10 and DD7.

Thanks GF experts!

Lauren

We had a pool view in Boca Chica and it was beautiful, if there are no lagoon views left when you check in I'd recommend the pool views.

 

[joshua4]

Does a pool view room count at Garden view? I think that checking in late we may not have our choice of LV rooms/buildings, but I am assuming that they will not downgrade our room category. I have never had them do that at any other Disney resort - I think they try very hard to give you the room category you paid for and if they can't, they typically upgrade you.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Does a pool view room count at Garden view? I think that checking in late we may not have our choice of LV rooms/buildings, but I am assuming that they will not downgrade our room category. I have never had them do that at any other Disney resort - I think they try very hard to give you the room category you paid for and if they can't, they typically upgrade you.

Pool view is garden view. They will not downgrade you. If there is an odd situation where you have booked a certain room category and it is not available at check in, you should be upgraded or comped.

My advice would be...when you get to your room, do not call for your luggage until you are satisfied with your room and view. If you're not, call the front desk and ask to switch. Let them know why and usually they can get you a more satisfactory view.

The Grand is the best. Enjoy your stay!

Lives4Disney

 

[mr.mike]

Does anyone know how many rooms are in the main building? I thought i saw this info a long time ago that listed how many suites and how many regular rooms but can't remember where.

What I am most interested in is knowing how many standard rooms there are in the RPC and where they are located. I know there are some that face the marina but where else?

Thanks

 

[JPN4265]

Just got back from a wonderful trip to WDW and a unforgettable stay at the GF. We had booked a last minute reservation at the GF, and only Gardenview rooms were available. When we arrived at check-in, the CM gave us a very large smile and informed us that we had been up-graded to the Honeymoon suite with an incredable view of the Magic Kingdom and the Castle. You can't explain the view, its just something you have to see. Needless to say, I don't think we can every top this visit to the GF, so I guess our next visit will be to the WL. Maybe another upgrade? You never know.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Just got back from a wonderful trip to WDW and a unforgettable stay at the GF. We had booked a last minute reservation at the GF, and only Gardenview rooms were available. When we arrived at check-in, the CM gave us a very large smile and informed us that we had been up-graded to the Honeymoon suite with an incredable view of the Magic Kingdom and the Castle. You can't explain the view, its just something you have to see. Needless to say, I don't think we can every top this visit to the GF, so I guess our next visit will be to the WL. Maybe another upgrade? You never know.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Just got back from a wonderful trip to WDW and a unforgettable stay at the GF. We had booked a last minute reservation at the GF, and only Gardenview rooms were available. When we arrived at check-in, the CM gave us a very large smile and informed us that we had been up-graded to the Honeymoon suite with an incredable view of the Magic Kingdom and the Castle. You can't explain the view, its just something you have to see. Needless to say, I don't think we can every top this visit to the GF, so I guess our next visit will be to the WL. Maybe another upgrade? You never know.

thats awesome! their honeymoon rooms are the best!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Hi there. I'm very excited to say that my husband and I have booked a trip to stay at the Grand Floridian this April 21-25. We have been to Disney several times before, including our honeymoon, and have stayed at both CSR and POR (which has become our favorite by the way). This trip is all about relaxation, however, so we decided to splurge and do deluxe. Staying at the GF is something we've always wanted to do! We plan to spend a lot of time at the pool, a day at the spa, and probably very little time at the parks.

We ate at Citricos on our honeymoon so we've been to the Grand before, but I have no idea where to request a room. We booked Garden View, but where would you experts suggest for a quiet location, best for relaxation and quality couple time? It would probably help to be close to the pools and beach, but not being familiar with the layout I'm not sure how important that is. I was happy to read that all rooms have balconies, which is great! I'll put our ADRs/tentative schedule below, and any help/suggestions that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

4/21/2007
Flight comes in at noon
Check-in
Explore resort
ADR at California Grill at 6:10
Evening at either Boardwalk or Downtown Disney

4/22/2007
Breakfast at resort
Pool
ADR at Citricos at 5:55 (might move to earlier time)
Evening at Magic Kingdom (fireworks at 10, open until 1:00)

4/23/2007
SPA DAY & pool
ADR at Ohana at 7:00

4/24/2007
Breakfast at resort
Pool during the day, or maybe boating or miniature golf
Cirque du Solei show at 6:00
ADR at Narcoossees at 8:45

4/25/2007
Flight doesn't leave until 7:30
Maybe Epcot or MGM on this day
No ADRs scheduled as of right now
Any suggestions?

Thanks again!

congrats on your trip, the GF is so fun and relaxing! you will love it! may i suggest coral reef as a possible place to eat at Epcot. we really enjoyed it! good luck! beware of the ducks when you lay out at the pool! if you have food...they will find you!