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

[Cinderumbrella]

Thank you all for the transportation tips. Sounds like the GF is not one of the first stops either way. I have check out some sites and think I may try Tiffany, especially if you all have positive experiences with them. Since we need to be picked up early to be at the airport (3 hours before departure), some companies charge an additional fee if you need to be picked up before 6am. I emailed Tiffany and they said "no extra charge" . That's great to hear and thanks for the coupon tip. You folks are the best!

All the hotels share buses depending on how many people come in at any one given time. We have taken ME to POR and AKL in the past and it isn't a big deal. We were the first stop on the way to POR and the second stop on the way to AKL, but the bus wasn't even close to full either time so we only stopped for 5 minutes or less.

ETA: Regarding the return trip, both times we went straight to the airport.

 

[BrianD]

Hey everyone- I haven't seen this question posted anywhere, though it might be somehwere on the board. But here goes.

Can I send my wife to GF for a spa treatment if we are staying at the Contemporary? Or do you have to be a guest at the GF to use their spa?

Thanks-

-Eric

Absolutely! Anyone can book at the GF Spa. The number for reservations is 407.824.2332. Here is a link to the spa services and prices from the company that runs the spa: http://relaxedyet.com/gf_treatments.asp

It will be easy for her to get there too. Just hop on the monorail!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks for posting the cake pictures Lives4disney. The Minnie cake is so cute. What a disappointment for you all! We were planning on having my dd's 6th birthday dinner at 1900 PF and I was considering ordering a cake, now not so sure that is a good idea!

I really don't want to scare anybody off, but it honestly was an awful cake....darling, but awful inside and it was a real let down for picky birthday girl because everywhere else we went it was vanilla cupcakes - and she hates vanilla anything....she was looking forward to her chocolate bday cake. We've ordered 3 cakes in the past yr and 2 of the 3 have been really good. 1900 PF will give you a large vanilla sprinkled cupcake with a candle in it, along with the tiara and cute placemat - if you get the right server it will be offered and no begging needed, LOL.

Garada, yes, you can customize. The CM I spoke with wasn't offering suggestions, but I wanted more than the usual thing. The standard is the white choc character adn 5 strawberries, lol. I added more and also the truffles for DH because I knew the kids would eat the strawberries right up!

Lives4Disney

 

[Ihave3daughters]

Thanks, BrianD. I'll make sure to get a reservation for our trip next year.

 

[jenins121681]

My husband and I are staying at the GF this upcoming Sept for the first time. Any tips/advice that we may need to know?? Also what is the best building to stay in?? We would like to be close to a pool.

 

[garada3]

I know that there is a pool bar near the courtyard pool because I enjoyed a few adult beverages there during our last visit. Are there bathrooms too? Any changing facilities?

What is in the buldings over near the theme pool? I was looking at Lives4Disney's cabana photos and there is a peak of a building in one and I just don't remember what buildings/services are around that pool?!

I was also wondering what the Summerhouse is? It was never open during our last visit.

Thinking about reserving the cabana one day during our next visit

Thanks!

 

[garada3]

My husband and I are staying at the GF this upcoming Sept for the first time. Any tips/advice that we may need to know?? Also what is the best building to stay in?? We would like to be close to a pool.

Congratulations on choosing the GF!

There are many wonderful and very well informed GF experts on this thread who can answer your questions - I just wanted to to say have a magical trip!

 

[Lives4Disney]

My husband and I are staying at the GF this upcoming Sept for the first time. Any tips/advice that we may need to know?? Also what is the best building to stay in?? We would like to be close to a pool.

You will love the Grand Floridian!! Great choice!!

What view did you book?

Big Pine is nearest the lobby and waterfall theme pool and also near the courtyard pool. Boca Chica is right near the courtyard "quiet" pool.

Lives4Disney

 

[garada3]

I added more and also the truffles for DH because I knew the kids would eat the strawberries right up!

Lives4Disney

this is exactly why I am considering an entire plate of those yummy looking strawberries! With 3 boys, I want to make sure that I get at least one

Thanks for your response!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I know that there is a pool bar near the courtyard pool because I enjoyed a few adult beverages there during our last visit. Are there bathrooms too? Any changing facilities?

What is in the buldings over near the theme pool? I was looking at Lives4Disney's cabana photos and there is a peak of a building in one and I just don't remember what buildings/services are around that pool?!

I was also wondering what the Summerhouse is? It was never open during our last visit.

Thinking about reserving the cabana one day during our next visit

Thanks!

Hi, Garada....the building over there is proably Big Pine. It is past the summer house, but maybe the building is the pool bar in my pics. I need to look at them again and then I can tell you. I am looking at my map and haha, I have no idea what the heck the "summer house" is, either. We never mosied over there. The theme pool area has a really nice bathroom/locker area with showers, too. Very clean, too.

Edited!!! Not Big Pine in my pics...Didn't think it would show.....the building is the little building with the bathrooms and the little store where you can buy magazines, pool toys, lotion etc. They also do hair wraps right there and towels are lying there to help yourselves to.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[princessesrule4]

I know that there is a pool bar near the courtyard pool because I enjoyed a few adult beverages there during our last visit. Are there bathrooms too? Any changing facilities?

What is in the buldings over near the theme pool? I was looking at Lives4Disney's cabana photos and there is a peak of a building in one and I just don't remember what buildings/services are around that pool?!

I was also wondering what the Summerhouse is? It was never open during our last visit.

Thinking about reserving the cabana one day during our next visit

Thanks!

Okay, I thought Summerhouse was the pool bar next to the theme pool but I'm looking on my map and that's not it! I have no idea what Summerhouse is - is that what is used for special events!?

 

[garada3]

So does the GF have 2 pool bars? How did I miss that !?

I don't remember the store at the pool either- maybe I did find both pool bars

I have a feeling we might be utilizng the changing facilities on check in day while we wait for our room to be available.

Thanks Lives4Disney and Princessrule4

 

[princessesrule4]

So does the GF have 2 pool bars? How did I miss that !?

I don't remember the store at the pool either- maybe I did find both pool bars

I have a feeling we might be utilizng the changing facilities on check in day while we wait for our room to be available.

Thanks Lives4Disney and Princessrule4

We always go to the theme pool which definitely has a pool bar, but I'm looking on my GF map and it says that the Courtyard pool has a pool bar,too! Ya learn something new....
Still don't know what Summerhouse is - can only think that mabye it is used for private parties or something! In all my visits to the GF, I really can't even picture it! I need to work on being more observant!

 

[garada3]

One more set of questions and then I have to get off these boards - I am addicted!

For those of you who have enjoyed renting the cabanas:

Is there a sign or something that says 'reserved' and do other people try to use your space, nice chairs etc or ask you questions about the cabana?

Did you feel as if people looked at you funny while you were enjoying the 'extras' that you were paying for? DH thinks it might feel like being on display.

Do you think that they can bring in another chair for a family of 5?

That's all for now but I am sure that I will think of more later!

 

[jenins121681]

Congratulations on choosing the GF!

There are many wonderful and very well informed GF experts on this thread who can answer your questions - I just wanted to to say have a magical trip!

Thankyou, I can't wait!

 

[jenins121681]

My husband and I are staying at the GF this upcoming Sept for the first time. Any tips/advice that we may need to know?? Also what is the best building to stay in?? We would like to be close to a pool.

Thank you for your reply Lives4Disney. We just booked a garden view....I didn't want to spring the extra $$ on a lagoon view.

 

[BamaTigger]

Could you order a cake with merry christmas on it? I would love to do something for my DH when we are there this year. Our first christmas eve at disney!

 

[johnsonet]

I think Summerhouse used to be an ice cream parlour... is that right? Janet2K would know

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, girls, all this talk off adult beverages has made very thirsty!!!!!!
Channing did you say we can get a cocktail at the cabanas? We have one rented for 2 days during our stay and I just know I will need a daquiri (or 2 or 3...)

 

[johnsonet]

I have a cabana one day as well and I plan on ordering a bottle of wine or two ... and a greasy burger