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

[BCV23]

Wow, I was going to resend my email with the current address and I had heard from Calvin. Actually very fast service because I just emailed today. So I guess the old address still works or at least is checked from time to time.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks, it's good to see you, too!

I think the change in email address is fairly recent. I'm pretty sure I used the one you referenced for our trip in December 2006.

ETA: - oh, that's great, I'm glad your email got through.

 

[ohdisco]

you know, when I was in concierge (I have recently changed to Magic Kingdom View instead), Calvin was answering all of my questions too...he just seems like someone who is very well informed on Disney, The Grand Floridian, and what his job actually entails (like, accurately responding to guests who are spending a fortune to spend time at the place that signs his checks).

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Thanks all for your help a few pages back. We changed from 2 nights RPC to 4 nights MKView. BTW, the CM assured me that MKView meant a view of the castle, no trees blocking. Is she correct? My DH wants a room on the highest floor, does that help the view at all? The CM also said we would be in either Sago Cay or Boca Chica. If I can choose, which one would you pick. Thanks again. You are all so helpful! PS - has anyone ever done the P&PP?

 

[tinkerbell60]

I would request Sago Cay - we were in Boca Chica, and were told we had a MK view - it was of Space Mountain, if we leaned over our balcony and looked left we could see the castle, but it was a strain. Now, this was last year, we did not pay for MK view, we paid for a lagoon view - which was awesome, but I just wanted to clarify. I don't know which Boca Chica rooms would have a direct castle view.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks all for your help a few pages back. We changed from 2 nights RPC to 4 nights MKView. BTW, the CM assured me that MKView meant a view of the castle, no trees blocking. Is she correct? My DH wants a room on the highest floor, does that help the view at all? The CM also said we would be in either Sago Cay or Boca Chica. If I can choose, which one would you pick. Thanks again. You are all so helpful! PS - has anyone ever done the P&PP?

Good decision, I think. More time at the GF.

Anyway, Conch Key has Magic Kingdom views too. In fact the MK view rooms there are closest of any and with a straight on view.

 

[HockeyMomR]

I had posted earlier about our July stay in Lodge Tower Room. We have switched to Sugar Loaf due to our concern regarding no day bed in Lodge Tower rooms (as our sons do not like to share a bed, a day bed is a must). We have requested a day bed in Sugar Loaf, I understand this is just a request, but from those of you that have stayed Sugar Loaf, do most of those rooms have a daybed?

We are excited about trying GF Sugar Loaf!

 

[Dis Ohana]

After reading about Janet's private dining experiences, I decided to look into booking something for the last night of our stay there. I sent an email asking if we would be able to view the fireworks from where the private dining is set up. An email was sent back saying that we could have our choice of the 3rd floor terrace or fifth floor balcony in the main building and both offer views of the fireworks.
Is anyone familiar with this? Is it a good view and is one better than the other? Are there other diners set up on the balcony with us, or will it just be our family?

Thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

After reading about Janet's private dining experiences, I decided to look into booking something for the last night of our stay there. I sent an email asking if we would be able to view the fireworks from where the private dining is set up. An email was sent back saying that we could have our choice of the 3rd floor terrace or fifth floor balcony in the main building and both offer views of the fireworks.
Is anyone familiar with this? Is it a good view and is one better than the other? Are there other diners set up on the balcony with us, or will it just be our family?

If you go to Janet2K's photo site, she has pictures taken with her and her daughter dining out on the 3rd floor terrace. I'm pretty sure the way the building is setup, you wouldn't have a clear view of the fireworks.

I'm guessing that when they say the 5th floor balcony, they mean the hallway area along the balcony. I've sat up here during the day, but, I'm sorry, I can't really recall the view. You would be up much higher and maybe have better clearance over the roof to see the fireworks. The lounge is on the 4th floor, so other than foot traffic from guests having a room on the 5th floor, you would have privacy. Janet can probably answer the question about the 3rd floor terrace and whether other guests came out there. I can say from past experience, that rarely did we see anyone using the terrace.

HockeyMom, the priority for the daybed rooms will go to those families that have 5. Provided Sugar Loaf isn't sold out, you should be okay. Worst case, you can ask about a rollaway when you get there. If you ask up front, they'll tell you they don't have any, but they do keep a couple just in case. You can also request a lodge tower room at Sugar Loaf, so I would touch base with the pre-planning staff and let them know that it's your first request, followed by the daybed room as your 2nd request.

 

[HockeyMomR]

HockeyMom, the priority for the daybed rooms will go to those families that have 5. Provided Sugar Loaf isn't sold out, you should be okay. Worst case, you can ask about a rollaway when you get there. If you ask up front, they'll tell you they don't have any, but they do keep a couple just in case. You can also request a lodge tower room at Sugar Loaf, so I would touch base with the pre-planning staff and let them know that it's your first request, followed by the daybed room as your 2nd request.[/QUOTE]

Tammi - Thanks again, when I get in touch with IPO I will request Lodge Tower first and Day Bed as next choice. We are looking forward to staying at the GF. We had a chance to walk through when we stayed at Poly last year and I thought it would be a great way to end our vacation after 5 nights at the BC this year.

 

[minniesota]

Has anyone sent an email to IPO today? I had been corresponding with them and now today I keep getting the "failure to deliver" notice back.
Any ideas?

 

[Dis Ohana]

If you go to Janet2K's photo site, she has pictures taken with her and her daughter dining out on the 3rd floor terrace. I'm pretty sure the way the building is setup, you wouldn't have a clear view of the fireworks.

I'm guessing that when they say the 5th floor balcony, they mean the hallway area along the balcony. I've sat up here during the day, but, I'm sorry, I can't really recall the view. You would be up much higher and maybe have better clearance over the roof to see the fireworks. The lounge is on the 4th floor, so other than foot traffic from guests having a room on the 5th floor, you would have privacy. Janet can probably answer the question about the 3rd floor terrace and whether other guests came out there. I can say from past experience, that rarely did we see anyone using the terrace.
.

Thanks, Tammi. DH pointed out that it might be too cold to be eating outdoors in December. He seemed less than thrilled with the idea.
I want to add that the person from private dining emailed me back immediately the 3 times I emailed her. She was very informative and helpful. Pretty much said they could do whatever we asked.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thanks, Tammi. DH pointed out that it might be too cold to be eating outdoors in December. He seemed less than thrilled with the idea.
I want to add that the person from private dining emailed me back immediately the 3 times I emailed her. She was very informative and helpful. Pretty much said they could do whatever we asked.

It might be a little chilly, but they can probably setup some of those portable heaters. I know they use them at the Rose & Crown for their patio seating. It does sound like the 5th floor may be more comfortable for you, but I really question whether or not you can see the fireworks. We had a room on that floor, right in the corner past where you'd be setup. We could see the castle, but it was at the very end of our windows. If the fireworks are set off more to the right of the castle though, you may be able to see them. I'd ask to double check on that.

Private dining is the best, they are so helpful. Janet even posted some pictures of guests eating right in the main lobby, so it does seem like they can literally setup anywhere.

 

[latinqt]

Does anyone know when the refurbishing of the GF is scheduled for?

 

[kkle]

Has anyone walked to the Poly from the GF? We have luau tickets and I was wondering if my DD (5 & 8) could do the walk. Would we go along the beach?

Latinqt-- I read through some early pages of posts and the consensus seems to be the refurbishment is late summer/fall

 

[twinmum]

Hello! Wewalked from the GF to the Poly with our twins sons, age 8 - we were going to breakfast at Ohana. You take the walkway that goes past the spa and the wedding chapel. I'm sorry, I'm not sure how long it took us, but it wasn't too bad at all. We only did the trip 1 way, because we were heading off to the parks right after. You may prefer to return by monorail if the kids are tired later, or concerned about the dark.

Here's some info will give you extra confidence - one of our sons has cerebral palsy and did this walk using his walker! This is the other reason why our walking time is not applicable for you. He did a great job and it was a good opportunity for him to get out of his wheelchair and get some exercise!

Enjoy the luau!

 

[latinqt]

Thank you so much for replying.

 

[irisbud]

We did the walk also in December, and my crabby BF didn't get too crabby about it, (meaning it must not have been that bad ) We actually found it sort of peachful, and very pretty. Guests were arriving for a wedding at the wedding pavilions as we walked over to Kona, and it was neat to see all of them so dressed up! We took the monorail back after dinner, as we were too stuffed to walk! Enjoy!

 

[Lives4Disney]

We had a golf cart ride on that path from GF to Poly (by the time our room was ready at check in, we were running late to a dinner ressie, so the concierge asked a really nice bell services guy if he'd drive us over - he was so funny....he would hollar at people to "Please excuse us!! VIPs coming through!" My kids cracked up at that because the people would move and STARE at us like they were trying to figure out WHO we were, lol) and we saw a wedding, too with the Cinderella carriage and the tiny white horses. SO cool! That was a neat start to a great GF stay.

Lives4Disney

 

[lynr]

I just switched my resorts for my upcoming stay. I now have a RPC Deluxe Octagon King Room. We have never stayed in this category room can anyone tell me anything about these rooms?

Thanks,
Lyn