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

[magical4us4]

This is not an important question in the scheme of things but do they have complimentary kids sized robes at the GF.. For our adults only vacation we had 3 adult robes..I'm just wondering if they have them for a 12 YO too

They don't have childrens bath robes anymore. They did back in the late 90's. I have pictures of my 2 and 4 year old in them. I wish they still had them they were adorable!!

 

[matsterrocks]

What time do the DCL transfers pick up at the GF?

 

[JoeSam]

Can someone help me with the room types on offer? I get what Lagoon/MK views are obviously, but what are the lodge tower rooms? Also how does the Sugar Loaf Club differ from normal concierge?

Many thanks

 

[BCV23]

Lodge tower rooms are in the little turret parts of the outer lodges. They don't have a daybed but have an extra sitting area with a couch and additional TV. I've read that in some cases that couch is a sleeper but don't know how many are like that.

At the GF, concierge is located in two buildings. The main building club level is called Royal Palm Club. Sugar Loaf lodge is also club level. Service and amenities are the same in both. The cost is higher in RPC presumably because of the convenience to the monorail, shops, most restaurants, etc..

matsterrocks, if you don't get an answer here, I'd try the cruise forum. Someone used to post on here who was doing a cruise but I haven't seen her post for a long time.

 

[TammiMcMan]

what are the lodge tower rooms?

Here's the room layout. They are slightly bigger, with a nice living room and 2nd tv. Unfortunately, even though they are bigger, the maximum occupancy is 4 guests (over the age of 3, the sofa is not a sleep sofa). All lodge tower rooms offer a garden view. Due to the slope of the roof, the lodge rooms on the top floor don't have a balcony.

Also how does the Sugar Loaf Club differ from normal concierge?

It has the same basic amenities as the Royal Palm Club offered in the main building. Food service is the same, pre-planning, on site staff, etc. The ambiance is where you'll find a difference. I always describe the Sugar Loaf lodge concierge as bed & breakfast. The food, seating and staff are all located on the ground floor, main entrance area. There are no tv's and probably more sofas than tables and chairs. It's cool, quiet and very relaxing. Some people much prefer the larger, more open lounge in the main building. It's really just personal taste though. For views, Sugar Loaf is limited to only offering garden and marina, due to the positioning of the building on the property. A marina view might offer you a glimpse of the fireworks, but you won't be able to see the castle. On a plus side, there are 3 lodge tower rooms here that accomodate 5 guests. There's no additional fee, you just request it with someone in the pre-planning department and it will be based on availability during your stay.

 

[marcij]

What time do the DCL transfers pick up at the GF?

When I checked a couple of years ago, it was around 11 or so. I'm not sure if that time has changed. That was later than we wanted to leave so I've scheduled car services for the last two cruises and the one this summer.

 

[CastleLight]

I've reserved a pool cabana for our July honeymoon and when I made the reservation, the woman told me we could also have a massage poolside. Has anyone done this? It sounds wonderful. I'm wondering if the massage would be given by someone from the GF Spa?

 

[JennyMominRI]

I got it! I got it! I got it! Happy Dance..I got the GF Garden View Aug 26th-Sept 2nd with Free Dining .
I spoke to Ed's physical Therapist and told her our plans.. I said I would push Ed in a wheelchair for a couple days if I had to and she said ,No way..She will have him up and running.
We were in Conch Key in Nov..Does anyone have another preference for a GV room area?

 

[Lives4Disney]

I got it! I got it! I got it! Happy Dance..I got the GF Garden View Aug 26th-Sept 2nd with Free Dining .
I spoke to Ed's physical Therapist and told her our plans.. I said I would push Ed in a wheelchair for a couple days if I had to and she said ,No way..She will have him up and running.
We were in Conch Key in Nov..Does anyone have another preference for a GV room area?

That's awesome! I love that physical therapist's attitude, too!!!

Sago is closest to Gaspies, marina for Wishes viewing and the main building for monorail convenience. Don't know if that proximity matters to you. Conch is farthest from all that stuff. Have a wonderful time. That Grand is the best.

Lives4Disney

 

[BCV23]

Conch actually has great views of Wishes. You can walk out to the dock or out on the marina side. It's closer than the the area by Gasparilla's. And although the three times we've stayed in Conch Key our room looked directly at the MK (MK view now), I noticed families gathered on their balconies on the marina side watching Wishes too...have to look sideways of course. I would think the same would be true if you had a room on the pool side. Conch is the closest to the dock for the launch. We love taking that boat back after a morning at the Mk. It is also the closest to Narcoossee's. That is our daughter's favorite dinner spot in all of WDW I think.

Sago Cay is the longest walk from the dock. It is the closest to the buses but only if you don't mind a bit of backstage walk. I think Big Pine Key is probably fastest to the monorail. Sago Cay would be if you didn't have to go to the elevators and again, there's that backstage walk.

I think every lodge has advantages. Maybe just let the magic happen!

Good for your husband's therapist and good luck to him!

 

[JennyMominRI]

Sago is closest to Gaspies, marina for Wishes viewing and the main building for monorail convenience. Don't know if that proximity matters to you. Lives4Disney

We spend the most time at Epcot,so I'm thinking closest to the monorail may be best for him..He may be pretty tired when we are coming back so that might be better...I also like that it's a short walk to gasparilla..I may have to ask for Sago

 

[BCV23]

Jenny, if you spend the most time at Epcot, have you considered the Polynesian? Rapa Nui and Tahiti are very short walks to the TTC where you can catch the ferry to MK or monorail to TTC as well as buses to MGM and AKL (the bus stop at the Polynesian is even closer than the bus stop at the TTC though since it is on the far side of the TTC). The Polynesian involves less walking than even the Ecpot resorts to Future World and is about equal to the Lands on the East side of Epcot.

From the GF as you know, he'll have to walk down the ramp at the TTC and then back up to get to the Epcot monorail.

 

[JennyMominRI]

Jenny, if you spend the most time at Epcot, have you considered the Polynesian? Rapa Nui and Tahiti are very short walks to the TTC where you can catch the ferry to MK or monorail to TTC as well as buses to MGM and AKL (the bus stop at the Polynesian is even closer than the bus stop at the TTC though since it is on the far side of the TTC). The Polynesian involves less walking than even the Ecpot resorts to Future World and is about equal to the Lands on the East side of Epcot.

From the GF as you know, he'll have to walk down the ramp at the TTC and then back up to get to the Epcot monorail.

Yes, we like the Poly a lot...We stayed there in 2006.. He just likes the GF a little more.. I'm not too thrilled about the up and down of the ramps though. I may consider a rental car...That would decrease walking and waiting time

 

[Lives4Disney]

Jennymom, I agree with BCV all the buildings have their little advantages. Just keep in mind that if you are brought to your room and are concerned about it's location you can always request to have a different one in a different building. Nothing is set in stone. Just don't call for your luggage until you're sure you're happy where you are. People are always so concerned, but I have changed rooms a couple times at BC thru the years - once we had no balcony & double beds there,....cannot do double beds., another time the tiny balcony....I have asked to move in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, lol. I have no problem being really nice & asking to switch for the room I want.

I was looking at my map and I would still choose Sago, but Big Pine would be a bit closer to those monorail elevators. Sago is just a very convenient overall location.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[BCV23]

Yes, we like the Poly a lot...We stayed there in 2006.. He just likes the GF a little more.. I'm not too thrilled about the up and down of the ramps though. I may consider a rental car...That would decrease walking and waiting time

It will be so nice for him to be at his favorite, then.

I agree that a rental car might help in your situation.

Happy planning!

 

[BCV23]

Another thing to consider with Sago Cay is that it is the farthest away from the pools, beach, tennis courts and spa. It is closet to Gasparilla's but further away from all other restaurants than other lodges (except 1900 again if you go the back way). But I really think the marina views there must be lovely.

We sayed at the GF in Jan of 02 when tourism was still really in a post 9/11 slump. Sago Cay was obviously closed. It was sad to see but I could understand why that one was chosen.

 

[mint julep]

Just thought I would jump in and say hello since we were able to book Sugarloaf for 9/9-9/15 with free dining! We are a family five. Am I reading it correctly that we can request a lodge tower room with a party of five in the Sugarloaf building? Of course, I know it's subject to what is available.

We have never stayed that the GF before...so this will be a first timers look at the GF! We have stayed concierge before at other WDW resorts. How do you think it it compares? I was worried since we were unable to get RPC but I was told the SL wa a full concierge level as well just with a different lounge. Is that correct?

Last question (for now )...how long does it usually take for the IPO at GF to return your planning phone calls?

Thanks for putting up with my 101 questions! I am looking forward to hearing lots more about the GF!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Just thought I would jump in and say hello since we were able to book Sugarloaf for 9/9-9/15 with free dining! We are a family five. Am I reading it correctly that we can request a lodge tower room with a party of five in the Sugarloaf building? Of course, I know it's subject to what is available.

We have never stayed that the GF before...so this will be a first timers look at the GF! We have stayed concierge before at other WDW resorts. How do you think it it compares? I was worried since we were unable to get RPC but I was told the SL wa a full concierge level as well just with a different lounge. Is that correct?

Last question (for now )...how long does it usually take for the IPO at GF to return your planning phone calls?

Thanks for putting up with my 101 questions! I am looking forward to hearing lots more about the GF!

congrats! that is great! you will love the GF, the concierge staff is great! the GF IPO is hit or miss. some ppl have lots of problems with them returning calls. I had a girl named beth and I e mailed her a couple times a week and she always got back with me so quickly, maybe you can request to talk to her?

you are correct, the SL concierge is in the lobby of the SL building. I have only stayed in RPC so I cant comment a lot on SL. most people prefer RPC, but SL is also said to be very nice and cozy!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Am I reading it correctly that we can request a lodge tower room with a party of five in the Sugarloaf building? Of course, I know it's subject to what is available.

You're correct.

We have stayed concierge before at other WDW resorts. How do you think it it compares?

Depends on which ones you've stayed at. The GF and AKL are the only ones that offer an additional afternoon tea service. The GF's food choices are a bit more gourmet than others.

I was told the SL wa a full concierge level as well just with a different lounge. Is that correct?

They both have the same basic amenities, but the layout and ambiance is very different. I describe SL as feeling like a bed & breakfast. Everything is located in the lobby and I think they may have more couch seating than tables & chairs. There's no tv and the staff are all seated here as well. For many, they like the homey, comforting feeling. RPC is spread out over 3 floors, with a more open lounge which overlooks the main lobby below. In the evening, you can hear the orchestra playing on balcony 2. The staff is on the 3rd floor, the lounge is on the 4th. It's really just personal preference.

 

[BCV23]

I thought all the clubs offered midafternoon snacks. We've only stayed at the Polynesian, GF, and AKL clubs but all had midafternoon service. The GF served scones befittting the English theme but the other two offered the same coffee, tea, lemonade, and soft drinks. Cookies and other goodies were out instead of scones. The Polynesian had their famous Guava jiuce...can't remember if AKL had anything specific to its theme?

Tammi, where have you stayed that did not offer anything midafternoon?