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

[Jen66]

I know, that is why I was just thinking she may not be quite as happy with SL! Of course, I have been wrong many times before

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kelly & Jen, yeah I am excited and it's going to be tough keeping it secret. I just QUIETLY made the CRO call and just went ahead and booked YC for the 8 nts. I checked and no RPC. I am still thinking of a GF/YC split and she said I could modify up to day of arrival so I will talk it over with DH. He is open to anything, but the move day where we will have no room for a few hours the day of the switch just doesn't sit well with me. It seems like a lost day kind of. We are going July 1 - 9, but going to DRIVE so leaving this Friday afternoon!! Haven't done that in 6 years. Now that we talked about it we are kind of looking forward to it. The trip back is less than wonderful, though.

I will miss the GF if we don't stay there this time, but I really had fun on the BW side, too. It is really pretty and since the MK will probably be the most crowded park it's nice to be near the others, lol. It is nice to walk b/f to Epcot and even MGM.

Now I need to make arrangements for my Newfie and bunny.

Lives4Disney

 

[Jen66]

Channing, I am terrible at keeping secrets that are surprises! My kids would know something was up due to my perma grin ! At least you don't have much time to keep it to yourself! You guys will have so much fun!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing, I am terrible at keeping secrets that are surprises! My kids would know something was up due to my perma grin ! At least you don't have much time to keep it to yourself! You guys will have so much fun!

We almost had DD in tears last night because DH said for his bday (and hers, lol) he wanted to go downtown the the art museum and then the sci museum and it's only fair because she had her friend party already. Haha. Oh man, I almost slipped when she got teary about spending her bday in a museum!!! (We went to one for Father's Day already anyway)....then I suggested bowling. She was actually psyched about that, haha.

I am so still thinking GF/YC split. Maybe GV and I could request a NEW room. Then I'd for sure see you around, Kelly!

Lives4Disney

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you minniesota and Lives4Disney!
I am very excited and thank you both for your help

We are doing a split stay with the YC b/c my DD is just addicted to SAB and also the YC is the only Deluxe we have never tried.

I am still torn... We have had access to the RPC lounge once before when we had the Everglades Suite out in Conch Key at Christmastime and it (the lounge) was very nice and I loved the views from there... but it was not all that convenient to walk over to the main bldg. to go to the lounge. It would be awesome to be in a room close by... Also, I was disappointed in their Nescafe "coffee" machine. I have been spoiled by the machine at AKL CL that makes real cappuccino. Anyway, I do want to stay in the Main Bldg. at the GF so I should probably just go for it. Of course, once I make up my mind it probably won't be available and then I'll REALLY want it

Can anyone tell me how to possibly reserve a cabana? The only time I've used one was when it was first-come, first-served. And also, how does rental of the Grand 1 work?? Is it usually booked far in advance or is it pretty available b/c of the price? Is it $500/hour?

Thanks! I never realized how many questions I could still have about a resort I've stayed at so many times! It's nice to have you guys to ask!

 

[heatherlynn444]

oh channing I am so excited for you! I would BUST with a secret! i just get way to excited!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thank you minniesota and Lives4Disney!
I am very excited and thank you both for your help

We are doing a split stay with the YC b/c my DD is just addicted to SAB and the YC is the only Deluxe we have never tried.

I am still torn... We have had access to the RPC lounge once before when we had the Everglades Suite out in Conch Key at Christmastime and it (the lounge) was very nice and I loved the views from there... but it was not all that convenient to walk over to the main bldg. to go to the lounge. It would be awesome to be in a room close by... Also, I was disappointed in their Nescafe "coffee" machine. I have been spoiled by the machine at AKL CL that makes real cappuccino. Anyway, I do want to stay in the Main Bldg. at the GF so I should probably just go for it. Of course, once I make up my mind it probably won't be available and then I'll REALLY want it

Can anyone tell me how to possibly reserve a cabana? The only time I've used one was when it was first-come, first-served. And also, how does rental of the Grand 1 work?? Is it usually booked far in advance or is it pretty available b/c of the price? Is it $500/hour?

Thanks! I never realized how many questions I could still have about a resort I've stayed at so many times! It's nice to have you guys to ask!

Oh, I gagged at the $500 cabana!!! Read that wrong. Yes, I saw the Grand 1 sitting in the marina most of the time. It is about $400/hr but with tips it gets close to $600 hr. It is a wonderful once in a long time (maybe lifetime ) splurge that we did.

Now...cabanas... It is $60/4 hrs from 10 - 2 or 3 - 7 pm. You call 1 407 WDW PLAY.

Yes, it's nice to have a room near the lounge, but the BEST rooms are down the hall a bit because they have castle views! My son makes himself diff coffees w/ the machine. I don't drink it, so not sure, but I hear there is a new one up there.

Heather, thanks! Still trying to figure out how I could split the stay. At least with SL there's the loungey area to hang out in til the YC room is ready. It just gets soooo hot in the middle of the day & to be roomless would not be fun.

Happy planning!

Lives4Disney

 

[mirlow]

He is open to anything, but the move day where we will have no room for a few hours the day of the switch just doesn't sit well with me.

I'm one of those who loves to switch resorts One thing I really enjoy about concierge is that I feel like we always have some space to go to even it we don't have a room yet. Our last two visits we stayed at three different resorts! This time it's just two, the Polynesian and GF.

Have fun on your trip. I was just finalizing our early Sept. trip.

 

[johnsonet]

Ha Ha! I'm willing to pay to play but $500 for the cabana would NOT cut it
I want a room in the Main Bldg. .... but I'd love to have a chance at a newly remodeled room (and save $1000)

I'm dying to know what they'll look like and whether they will still have minibars

Now...cabanas... It is $60/4 hrs from 10 - 2 or 3 - 7 pm. You call 1 407 WDW PLAY.

Thank you so much!!

 

[johnsonet]

mirlow I LOVE switching resorts as well And you make a good point about how staying CL helps with that transition... having the Lounge means you have somewhere to go even if your room isn't ready!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I'm one of those who loves to switch resorts One thing I really enjoy about concierge is that I feel like we always have some space to go to even it we don't have a room yet. Our last two visits we stayed at three different resorts! This time it's just two, the Polynesian and GF.

Have fun on your trip. I was just finalizing our early Sept. trip.

You're right about that with concierge. It does make it easier. I will just keep my eyes out for my RPC to open up because YC concierge is available, but I have not heard good about it so didn't care to book it. The only concierge I really really really like is RPC, so I will hold out for that and see what happens.

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

are you staying YC concierge or regualr room Channing? If you are staying concierge I bet they would have the room ready. When I checked into Beach club from pop last xmas my room was ready and we were thre at 744am

 

[princessesrule4]

Kelly, I AM GOING!

DH and I decided last night - we are committed. I need to make final ressies this morning. I am torn. I have SL/BC split, but I am on the fence about SL (I did all my planning anyway and wouldn't use IPO for a thing just the food and we aren't ever around a whole lot for that either except bfast) so I am thinking GV or lagoon view GF and then YC. Ugh. If it were RPC avail, I'd snatch it just because I love it. .... ALso, maybe just YC for the whole 8nts. OR......? the thought of moving resorts and being "homeless" for part of the day in the heat of July leaves me nervousy. I don't know which option to choose and I am feeling panicky. I am so excited, though, because I have had this booked then cancelled then booked etc....since March! And we are going.

I am keeping it secret from my girls. DS knows because I had to ask him if he would want to come with. YES, he does and I am so happy about that, too. I booked the backwoods Segway tour for DH and DS. Have all my ADRs from prior arrangements. We will check in on DD10 and DH's bday!

Johnsonet.....I love RPC. It wasn't available at all for us, but it has been wonderful for our GF stays. I honestly don't know what to tell you. It's hard because nobody knows for sure what the real deal is with these rehabs and what IS done, will be done when ....etc. New is good, but RPC is awesome and really special.

Lives4Disney

Lives4Disney!

That's great!! Hope you have a great time!

We are kind of doing the same thing - we have tickets to Pirate and Princess on Aug.11 but STILL haven't booked a place to stay - probably a DVC - mabye SSR on cash since we'll only be there for 2 nights - then to Universal for 3( I know - Universal -I feel like a traitor but the kids liked Portofino and Universal last time!) Anyway, I know I'll miss the GF in August but it's only for 2 nights and we will be there in December! Too bad it's almost 6 months away!

How is July? We always go for the first week in June but so much goes on with that last week of school that I was thinking of mabye going in July so we can relax at home in June and not be in such a hurry to pack,clean,etc. Are the crowds and heat unbearable?
We will definetely stay RPC because I think we will use the lounge,etc. and hang out at the pool and GF to avoid the midday heat! Is the lounge and the GF really crowded in July?

Anyway, I know you will have a great July trip no matter where you stay!

 

[princessesrule4]

Thank you minniesota and Lives4Disney!
I am very excited and thank you both for your help

We are doing a split stay with the YC b/c my DD is just addicted to SAB and also the YC is the only Deluxe we have never tried.

I am still torn... We have had access to the RPC lounge once before when we had the Everglades Suite out in Conch Key at Christmastime and it (the lounge) was very nice and I loved the views from there... but it was not all that convenient to walk over to the main bldg. to go to the lounge. It would be awesome to be in a room close by... Also, I was disappointed in their Nescafe "coffee" machine. I have been spoiled by the machine at AKL CL that makes real cappuccino. Anyway, I do want to stay in the Main Bldg. at the GF so I should probably just go for it. Of course, once I make up my mind it probably won't be available and then I'll REALLY want it

Can anyone tell me how to possibly reserve a cabana? The only time I've used one was when it was first-come, first-served. And also, how does rental of the Grand 1 work?? Is it usually booked far in advance or is it pretty available b/c of the price? Is it $500/hour?

Thanks! I never realized how many questions I could still have about a resort I've stayed at so many times! It's nice to have you guys to ask!

RPC has a real latte/espresso/cappucino machine now!! DD was disappointed because it doesn't make hot chocolate anymore,though. You have to get hot water from it and use a Nestle hot cocoa packet!

Have a great trip!! Hope you get a new room in Sago if you stay there. I would probably go with RPC because I am addicted to that place and love the convenience of the lounge and the whole Main Building!! But it would be awesome to have a new room,too! Have fun!

 

[johnsonet]

RPC has a real latte/espresso/cappucino machine now!! DD was disappointed because it doesn't make hot chocolate anymore,though. You have to get hot water from it and use a Nestle hot cocoa packet!

Have a great trip!! Hope you get a new room in Sago if you stay there. I would probably go with RPC because I am addicted to that place and love the convenience of the lounge and the whole Main Building!! But it would be awesome to have a new room,too! Have fun!

OMG!! Thank you princessesrule4

 

[triplefigs]

RPC has a real latte/espresso/cappucino machine now!! DD was disappointed because it doesn't make hot chocolate anymore,though. You have to get hot water from it and use a Nestle hot cocoa packet!

Have a great trip!! Hope you get a new room in Sago if you stay there. I would probably go with RPC because I am addicted to that place and love the convenience of the lounge and the whole Main Building!! But it would be awesome to have a new room,too! Have fun!

Does it make the flavored drinks or just regular coffee/latte/cappuccino?

 

[PavelB]

Well, my kids talked me into it and we are going back to the GF this July. (After last July I said I would not go back again for a very long time.)
Does any one know when they will be working on the rehab of SL?
By the way, I have received 3 emails from the IPO - this is the first time I have ever been contacted before. I hope this is a good sign. The last email directed us to go straight to SL for check in. Is this a new routine? I hope they got their act together since last summer. We had problems with every single thing we asked them to do, every single bill - they could not even take care of a 1 day park ticket.
Thanks for any info.

 

[princessesrule4]

Does it make the flavored drinks or just regular coffee/latte/cappuccino?

No flavors but I think they still have the bottled syrup flavorings! They have options on the machine such as "fat free " milk,etc. ,which I opted for. It did taste ALOT better than the old machine! They also had Espresso, double shot,etc.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Well, my kids talked me into it and we are going back to the GF this July. (After last July I said I would not go back again for a very long time.)
Does any one know when they will be working on the rehab of SL?
By the way, I have received 3 emails from the IPO - this is the first time I have ever been contacted before. I hope this is a good sign. The last email directed us to go straight to SL for check in. Is this a new routine? I hope they got their act together since last summer. We had problems with every single thing we asked them to do, every single bill - they could not even take care of a 1 day park ticket.
Thanks for any info.

uh oh.....yes there is a new check in. I know the good old concierge CMs are not too happy with it. Let us know how it goes for you.

Sorry about all the mistakes last summer. I hate hassles on vacation. Hope things go much better for you this trip.

Lives4Disney

 

[litlpixie]

Channing, I am so glad to hear your going.......I have been away from the boards for about a week or so, I 'm still trying to get through these most recent pages!!! Remember what I said about SL when I was there a couple weeks ago, it was a MUCH better stay than last year....I miss it everyday!! If you don't remember, I was the one who went to the Yacht Club last April and had a not-so-special stay.....but I am willing to give them another try as my kids love SAB.......I, not unlike yourself, HATE hassles on vacation, but, hey, things happen I realize. My DH and I really prefer the Epcot resort area to the MK area, so we will probably give YC another chance.......but JUST one more!!
As soon as I get my pictures back I will upload the honeymoon pix of our cabana, and the lounge......DSH took alot of pix of the food what a weirdo!