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

[mlill]

lets move in and share rent.


Oh, I know....we could have like a DIS rotation thing going on......me, you, Tammi, Princesses, Jen, Magical, BCV, Heather, Cinderellafan, litlepixie, Jen.....did I leave anybody out? Jump in.

Channing

Hey! Don't forget about meeeeee! I wanna be a part of the GF/DIS timeshare, too!

I'm so excited! I just talked DH into RPC next Christmas! We're planning going back for another 2 weeks in 2008. I convinced him today, that while the kids are at BWV, he & I need to stay at GF RPC on one of the weekends so we can celebrate our 20th Anniversary. It'll be a trip within a trip! LOL! My oldest will be 18, so I'm not worried about them being in the villa without us for a couple of days.

I just love planning!

-Michelle

P.S. Channing - don't worry too much about the kids not wanting to go to WDW. It's a phase. Trust me. It'll pass... I speak from experience.

 

[lynr]

I can't wait til somebody reports back what the new honeymoon rooms are like.....maybe lynr will get one - she's staying there soon I think. Lives4Disney

Yes, this time next week I will be in Disney. I am wishing for a new room but I don't know if they will be done that fast. I will be coming back with pictures either way.

 

[HockeyMomR]

We have requested a renovated room for July (Magic Kingdom View). Pictures would be great!

 

[BunnieGene]

OK, this may be buried somewhere in this thread, so forgive me if already asked/answered

We will be at the GF in December in MK view rooms - 3 of them - do we have to request renovated rooms, or will they all be renovated by then?

(PS..I realize a request doesn't guarantee anything...just wondering how to maximize our shot at renovated rooms)

 

[Lives4Disney]

OK, this may be buried somewhere in this thread, so forgive me if already asked/answered

We will be at the GF in December in MK view rooms - 3 of them - do we have to request renovated rooms, or will they all be renovated by then?

(PS..I realize a request doesn't guarantee anything...just wondering how to maximize our shot at renovated rooms)

Hi, depends when in December you're going. I read that they are scheduled to be completed by Dec 21....but we all know about best laid plans and rehab schedules.... I would definitely go ahead and request the renovated rooms. It never hurts to ask.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

Well, pictures are worth a thousand words. Me thinks they have at least started the rehab in Conch Key. Look what I just found on eBay...

http://stores.ebay.com/surpluskingdom_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ0QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Scroll down to the bottom of the first page, and then on to the second page. They even have some Alice pillows (albeit obviously used) for sale!

I have a picture of the room placard from 7518 when I stayed in that room in Aug. '05, and it has the same divet in the corner.

 

[Jen66]

Tinkaroo~Good find! I guess we should keep checking ebay for info I would have never thought of that! Maybe rooms will be done by the time we get there (36 days )

 

[Lives4Disney]

Well, pictures are worth a thousand words. Me thinks they have at least started the rehab in Conch Key. Look what I just found on eBay...

http://stores.ebay.com/surpluskingdom_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ0QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Scroll down to the bottom of the first page, and then on to the second page. They even have some Alice pillows (albeit obviously used) for sale!

I have a picture of the room placard from 7518 when I stayed in that room in Aug. '05, and it has the same divet in the corner.

OK, that is so cool. I was kind of wondering if they would auction these old room furnishings off like they did the Poly's. I am going to watch that pillow. There is no way I'd pay $65 for a toss pillow that doesn't even match my house, lol, but I would pay $10. So cool. I am going to keep an eye on that seller and see what else pops up.

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

Tinkaroo~Good find! I guess we should keep checking ebay for info I would have never thought of that! Maybe rooms will be done by the time we get there (36 days )

I just randomly found this, as I was searching for those "A Dream is a Wish..." pillows - thought maybe somebody might be selling one. I haven't quite convinced myself that $80 is worth it for that pillow. In my search one of the armoires popped up, and I thought that can't be a coincidence.

OK, that is so cool. I was kind of wondering if they would auction these old room furnishings off like they did the Poly's. I am going to watch that pillow. There is no way I'd pay $65 for a toss pillow that doesn't even match my house, lol, but I would pay $10. So cool. I am going to keep an eye on that seller and see what else pops up.

Lives4Disney

 

[Lewanc]

OK!!! You and LewanC need to join.

DH is the same way.....he's mister frugal cheapy except WDW.(Oh, he's gonna love that I said that, haha ) He balked at the cost of RPC the first time around, then ever after that's all he likes. Nothing else measures up.

LewanC....Your experiences sound awesome. I LOVED the Walt suite with all the artwork and photos. Just beautiful for an art and Walt fan like me. We did a YC/GF split last yr and have only done BWI once - it wasn't a good stay, so I am not sure if DH will even want to give it a 2nd try.....that first stay was concierge, this time not. You're right, I prefer the pool at YC/BC, but there wasn't availablity. I did book that great AP rate, so limited rooms I am sure. I was checking to add on RPC for a split stay, but there is nothing. I am going in Nov to the GF, so if we don't make it this summer, Nov will have to be it.

Happy travels, everybody! Seems like so many of you will be going soon.

Lives4Disney

Hi Channing -- Lewanc here - Definitely include me in the group . So sorry to hear your last BWI experience wasn't up to par , and of course in no comparison to the GF . We become so accustomed to certain amenities, it's hard to accept anything less. Have only stayed at BWI twice, the last being about 2 years ago, didn't go concierge, went suite, had no problems. In my opinion, the BWI is a nice resort for a change, but is the less interesting of the EPCOT resorts.

How strange, not only do we have the same WDW addiction, your husband's reaction to costs, are the same as mine, if he likes it, the cost is no problem. You are right in regard to "limited availability" with AP rates, especially durng the summer months. Think I mentioned I was holding out for the Beach Club in August to no avail. Called this morning, and was offered a Florida Resident's rate for a standard view room, which I hadn't been able to get previously. Still going to hold out, really want a DVC villa, may have to change my mind and go non-discount, but time will help me decide.

You should really keep trying for the RPC for your November trip, or try to change from the BWI for your "maybe" August trip. Accommodation availability changes so quickly, you just have to devote a lot of time to getting what you want. Call every day, two or three times a day, that's my strategy, it has been a pain, but in most cases successful.

By the way, which resort is your preference for AP rate in August, if I get any information during my calling quests, will drop you a private note on any availability I become aware of.

 

[BCV23]

Wouldn't a rotation be fun! I'd have to do a week at the BCv and a week at (Channing, cover your eyes ) the Polynesian as well though.

Very good detective work, Tinakroo. At first I saw the cost for the Alice pillow and thought oh, no but then I remembered that mine is new...I'd rather pay a bit extra and have new. Well, more than bit I guess.

 

[Lives4Disney]

LewanC....I would prefer the BC or YC standard because I don't think their concierge is all that wonderful. I have had really nice standard gazebo views at YC, so it would work. I prefer YC over BC, just because of the full balconies, but I enjoy both resorts. I would be the unlucky one that got the standing balcony at BC. We once had a BC room w/double beds and NO balcony...just windows. I asked to switch rooms and they accommodated, but I was surprised that they have rooms like this at BC. Who knew?

BCV.....I actually do like the Poly. I just didn't have good concierge stays. I would definitely love to stay there again. We go around singing the huke lau (however it's spelled) and Bing Crosby's Male Kali ki Maka....I am sure I butchered that spelling is a favorite Xmas song....love that Polynesian style. I just had some really snarky concierge experiences there. Even my girls felt the attitude. Who needs to pay extra for that, is how I feel.

I am so bummed. I think my camera got stolen from our luggage. Since we have been home we have not seen our camera. I thought DH had it, he thought I knew where it was. I KNOW I packed it - I usually keep in in my carry on, but I packed it this time to lighten my load.....it's gone. I have heard of people getting things taken from their luggage, but as usual, I am too trusting & didn't think it could happen. Be careful, because it sure happens. DH also had his dress watch turn up missing after our Xmas flight home. I still am not sure about that one because I didn't pack it myself, but he insists. I remember packing that camera and WHERE I packed it to keep it cushioned. My girls had their dance recitals today and we could not find it. I had the last two days of vacation pics on it. DH had already downloaded the other days, but UGH!!!

Happy planning & travels.....

Lives4Disney

 

[BunnieGene]

ohhh-kaayyyy...I called this morning to add the request for "newly renovated room, please " to our December reservations and was told that the hotel is NOT being renovated because "WE don't even have that information, so it is incorrect"...and she wouldn't let me add it

Guess I'll try back in a few weeks.

 

[pinktink23]

does anyone know anything about the "alleged" gf renovations? I'm going in late August and i was wondering if there is any chance that any of the buildings will be finished by then. I remember reading on this thread that renovations were rumored to be starting in sago cay in may. did that ever happen?

 

[Tinkaroo]

ohhh-kaayyyy...I called this morning to add the request for "newly renovated room, please " to our December reservations and was told that the hotel is NOT being renovated because "WE don't even have that information, so it is incorrect"...and she wouldn't let me add it

Guess I'll try back in a few weeks.

As you can guess, the CM's in CRO don't always know what they're talking about - some of Disney's call centers aren't even in the Orlando area, and I don't think they do the best job of disseminating information. I would definitely call back. And if the CM still insists there is nothing going on, I would just ask them to humor you, and add it to your ressie. Good luck!

does anyone know anything about the "alleged" gf renovations? I'm going in late August and i was wondering if there is any chance that any of the buildings will be finished by then. I remember reading on this thread that renovations were rumored to be starting in sago cay in may. did that ever happen?

Here is what we know currently:

BCV23 saw some things being removed from Sago Cay on her recent stay in May.

Princess just returned from the GF, and was told the Honeymoon Rooms in RPC were already being worked on.

I found on eBay yesterday furnishings and room door plates from Conch Key for sale.

(Somebody chime in if I'm forgetting something.)

Renovations have definitely begun, but it's anyone's guess as to what (if any) buildings/rooms will be done and open to the public in August. You should probably just keep watching this thread, and it couldn't hurt to add the request to your reservation, like the above poster.

 

[jockey]

I am trying to remember my room number from my last trip. We stayed at Conch Key and we where on the second floor. Our room was the first room on the left when you came out of the elevator. Any ideas where I could find out the room number?

 

[princessesrule4]

As you can guess, the CM's in CRO don't always know what they're talking about - some of Disney's call centers aren't even in the Orlando area, and I don't think they do the best job of disseminating information. I would definitely call back. And if the CM still insists there is nothing going on, I would just ask them to humor you, and add it to your ressie. Good luck!



Here is what we know currently:

BCV23 saw some things being removed from Sago Cay on her recent stay in May.

Princess just returned from the GF, and was told the Honeymoon Rooms in RPC were already being worked on.

I found on eBay yesterday furnishings and room door plates from Conch Key for sale.

(Somebody chime in if I'm forgetting something.)

Renovations have definitely begun, but it's anyone's guess as to what (if any) buildings/rooms will be done and open to the public in August. You should probably just keep watching this thread, and it couldn't hurt to add the request to your reservation, like the above poster.

I agree. There are call centers in Tampa and other cities and I'm sure they don't always have the most up to date info. It might be hard to keep updating with info on which rooms/buildings were done or if there is a delay,etc. Hopefully, Deb Wills will have a building by building update like she did for the Poly buildings rehab.I think I'll check right now!!

On another note, I wanted to mention the new Basin store in the GF. It is really nice! We went a little crazy with bath bombs and soaps! They had some different soaps than what the DTD store had. It's not as big a store as the Basin in DTD but still had plenty of things to get us in trouble! We felt it was a great addition to the GF instead of the Bally store.

Also, we loved the new H2O Spa line! It was still the GF brand shampoo when we were there in October. You all can probably tell me when it switched. They do the H2O Aquatics line at Vero Beach which we really like too. We'll be at HHI next month and I'm anxious to see if they still have the Mickey line there or if they have switched to H2O as well.

I can't remember who was asking about Mickey Crocs,( it might not have been this thread so forgive me if I'm wrong!) but they carry them in Sandy Cove. They have Mickey Crocs for sale EVERYWHERE in the parks! DD loves hers but I already have giant feet and I can't get past the fact that they make my feet look even bigger!!

Have fun planning everyone! We are in the process of booking RPC for November so I'm excited to have a trip to look forward to.

 

[Disney Spaz]

We just got back from 2 nights at GF and I am in love.
It was our DD 1st trip and David at the front desk was wonderful. He made the whole trip worth every penny we saved to stay there. I told DH that he was screwed now because DD will never want to stay anywhere else.

 

[princessesrule4]

Nope, nothing on Deb Wills site about the rehab!
I wish someone had a website with all GF info like Tikiman has for the Poly! Mabye we should all start one! Then we would have to go to the GF all the time to do "research" for it!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Nope, nothing on Deb Wills site about the rehab!
I wish someone had a website with all GF info like Tikiman has for the Poly! Mabye we should all start one! Then we would have to go to the GF all the time to do "research" for it!!

Yay! Let's go! Oh.....bummer, I need a new camera.

I also loved the new Basin store. DD and I went and had some shopping fun there, too. When I use my Basin soaps I feel I am there.

Disney Spaz....yep, that's what happened to us. We love the GF over anything else. Glad you had an awesome time. What building were you in? How was your view?? Details!!!

Lives4Disney