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

[livinthedisneydream]

About the RPC deluxe rooms. My sister just had the one on the fourth floor right by the lounge. It was 4420. It had a nice view of the quiet pool area. It was one of the ones with the bigger tub but smaller balcony. I should've taken pix.

We have stayed several times in 4422 and it is one of our favorites! Huge balcony and great views but no castle. I don't think any of the deluxes have castle views. The room below that one is 4322 (we had both 4422 and 4322 booked for our family). It was great as well but not quite as convenient to the lounge.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowseP...=&sort_order=&albumsperpage=&navfolderid=2004
these are some old pix I have of room 4422. Not the best quality but you can get the idea.

Tammy Mcmann a while ago posted the floorplans of the two types of rooms that may help you out as well.

Lisa

 

[Dis Ohana]

About the RPC deluxe rooms. My sister just had the one on the fourth floor right by the lounge. It was 4420. It had a nice view of the quiet pool area. It was one of the ones with the bigger tub but smaller balcony. I should've taken pix.

We have stayed several times in 4422 and it is one of our favorites! Huge balcony and great views but no castle. I don't think any of the deluxes have castle views. The room below that one is 4322 (we had both 4422 and 4322 booked for our family). It was great as well but not quite as convenient to the lounge.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowseP...=&sort_order=&albumsperpage=&navfolderid=2004
these are some old pix I have of room 4422. Not the best quality but you can get the idea.

Tammy Mcmann a while ago posted the floorplans of the two types of rooms that may help you out as well.

Lisa

Thanks, Lisa. Those are the same rooms that the UG said were the very best to request, so I guess it must be true! I'll leave it alone.
btw...I love the pic in your siggie!

 

[Lives4Disney]

We have the 2 queen beds booked. Do you remember if that room would have a castle view? Or for that matter, do any of the RPC deluxe rooms have a castle view?
Thanks for the info! And thanks also for posting your pictures of the Roy Suite. I've never seen those anywhere, what a fabulous room! Did you have a standard room booked before the upgrade? I would have a very hard time staying in any other room after that one!

The deluxe rooms don't have a castle view. It's a trade off. I have always had the magical castle view. That 4420 that Lisa mentioned was the room I got to see. Very nice!! I figure I have seen the castle enough now, lol, and would love the extra space the deluxe affords, but now I cannot get lucky enough to find availablity. Oh, ya after staying in that suite, the standard rooms seem extremely cramped, haha. Too bad I can't afford a $2500/nt room every trip. Back to reality here.

That suite was the Walt Suite....room 4411. It was just beautiful. I booked RPC room and got upgraded to that suite....they knew it was my 40th and also DH's and DD's bdays!!

Lisa_ OMG....I know who you had the problem with. I guess on the one hand I am surprised as it is a regular fulltime RPC CM and not one of the newbies to RPC. That is sad. I have never talked to him before, DH has. I stick to Vonnie Joe and Mejay. They are awesome.

Thanks for the details! I absolutely LOVE your mad hatter/alice party pics. One more question.....how far in advance did you have to go about planning this big shindig??

Channing

 

[krbq]

I will work on posting pics of the Walt suite. That upgrade was just a thrill of a lifetime. I told DH we need to book it for our 20th anniv next fall. We'll see......I didn't realize it was that difficult to book. I'd settle for a turret honeymoon room, though.

Pictures ahead.....

Lives4Disney

Great photos, thanks for posting them! Now we're really excited. I don't know if DH is going to be able to wait 15 months.

BTW, your girls are so cute, especially the one posing at the front door.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Great photos, thanks for posting them! Now we're really excited. I don't know if DH is going to be able to wait 15 months.

BTW, your girls are so cute, especially the one posing at the front door.

You will have the time of your lives. I know you said this is for your DH's bday.....another fun thing we did was book the Grand 1 Yacht for a Wishes cruise. Had cake & champagne on the yacht, too. Just an idea to lead you further into decadence, LOL.... You only live once!

Ya, my younger DD is a princess alright. DD11 is becoming a young lady and looking at those pics is kind of sad....what a difference one yr makes in them.

I remembered you were considering 14th floor suite at the CR. Well, I have done that suite, too....this Walt suite was much much better. The Walt suite had charm and character - it almost looked like you were in somebody's home because of all the personal items and photos, vs the one bdrm at CR was just kind of blah. I know they have redecorated at the CR, but the 14th floor didn't receive the attention the other floors did and the suite we were in was what I would call shabby. It was a big disappointment in the CR - which used to be a family favorite - and I have had no desire to return By staying in the Walt suite, you are a VIP of the hotel - whatever that means, but they will treat you like gold over there. Hopefully by the time you stay, RPC will have a different manager and things will be back to wonderful again. (wishful thinking! )

Enjoy!

 

[Lives4Disney]

On another note.....I called CRO to inquire about deluxe rooms at the GF for a March 08 spring break trip....NONE available even this far out.

The real bummer is the rate for standard RPC during our spring break is $933/nt. I am thinking that is getting a bit out of hand. I could have a 10 nt stay.....for almost 10K. No thanks. Then I priced out a split betwn GF and YC and it comes to a more reasonable $7K.hahaha. No thanks. In the past couple years I wouldn't have balked because I love WDW and the GF so much and the service was so wonderful.... but with the changes and the poor service noted I am questioning that kind of money for a WDW stay. Also, those rooms!!! They don't even tempt me.

PS....oh, how could I forget ....the CRO CM did make sure I understood that these were 2007 prices. (what a deal) When the NEW rates come out, I would be notified of the rate increase!!

I think if by Dec I am dying for a WDW trip I will go with S/D....sad but true.

Lives4Disney

 

[mlill]

On another note.....I called CRO to inquire about deluxe rooms at the GF for a March 08 spring break trip....NONE available even this far out.

The real bummer is the rate for standard RPC during our spring break is $933/nt. I am thinking that is getting a bit out of hand. I could have a 10 nt stay.....for almost 10K. No thanks. Then I priced out a split betwn GF and YC and it comes to a more reasonable $7K.hahaha. No thanks. In the past couple years I wouldn't have balked because I love WDW and the GF so much and the service was so wonderful.... but with the changes and the poor service noted I am questioning that kind of money for a WDW stay. Also, those rooms!!! They don't even tempt me.

PS....oh, how could I forget ....the CRO CM did make sure I understood that these were 2007 prices. (what a deal) When the NEW rates come out, I would be notified of the rate increase!!

I think if by Dec I am dying for a WDW trip I will go with S/D....sad but true.

Lives4Disney

I still think that there is a DVC contract in your future. Rack rates are just insane. You could still visit Vonnie at the GF and then go back to your 2-bedroom villa... something to consider... You could do split-stays and just do GF on the weekend... it'd be much cheaper!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I still think that there is a DVC contract in your future. Rack rates are just insane. You could still visit Vonnie at the GF and then go back to your 2-bedroom villa... something to consider... You could do split-stays and just do GF on the weekend... it'd be much cheaper!

Hi, Michelle! Are you guys having the crummy gray humid weather we've had for a couple days.....this summer has kind of stunk.

Is it just me, or are those rates hideous?? I have AP and AAA, but can't count on either during that time period and AAA is what 10%?

We really liked the YC location this time and DH and I were sitting on our balcony watching Illum. and he brought up the idea of DVC at BC or BW. I just am commitment phobic and once he thinks about it he is, too. I don't like to be tied down and I honestly feel like Disney isn't giving me any benefit/advantage by having me buy DVC. I am a total skeptic because they are a money machine.

We were at the CR year after year in the early 90s when they had the new DVC info cards in the rooms about OKW etc, but we just never had interest because we like concierge and MK. Now, though, MK seems sooo crowded all the time and the kids are getting older and we enjoy Epcot and MGM as much. I know a bit about the new CR DVC, but not sure. It just seems like a concrete jungle over there now. Maybe when the building is built I'd be tempted but the thought of the comittment is not appealing.

I don't know. Maybe just SPG Amex is in our future, haha so we earn free S/D nights.

Happy day,

Lives4Disney

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi, Michelle! Are you guys having the crummy gray humid weather we've had for a couple days.....this summer has kind of stunk.

Is it just me, or are those rates hideous?? I have AP and AAA, but can't count on either during that time period and AAA is what 10%?

We really liked the YC location this time and DH and I were sitting on our balcony watching Illum. and he brought up the idea of DVC at BC or BW. I just am commitment phobic and once he thinks about it he is, too. I don't like to be tied down and I honestly feel like Disney isn't giving me any benefit/advantage by having me buy DVC. I am a total skeptic because they are a money machine.

We were at the CR year after year in the early 90s when they had the new DVC info cards in the rooms about OKW etc, but we just never had interest because we like concierge and MK. Now, though, MK seems sooo crowded all the time and the kids are getting older and we enjoy Epcot and MGM as much. I know a bit about the new CR DVC, but not sure. It just seems like a concrete jungle over there now. Maybe when the building is built I'd be tempted but the thought of the comittment is not appealing.

I don't know. Maybe just SPG Amex is in our future, haha so we earn free S/D nights.

Happy day,

Lives4Disney

The Peak/Holiday season rates are ridiculous!! We go to Vero over Easter now! We own there and we love it!

We owned DVC at BCV and decided it wasn't for us - we just liked the Deluxes and the daily housekeeping and 2 queen beds so much better. We had a bad experience where we felt like we weren't treated as valued guests - "we have your $, so take your filthy room and like it" at BCV. We came home and sold our DVC contract and bought a small one at Vero. We love HHI as well! But DVC at WDW was just not for us. I have no use for a kitchen or washer and dryer - I'm on vacation!
Since we mostly stay concierge ,the lounge is great for relaxing and we didn't really need or want a living room on a WDW trip.

That's just our opinion but we feel like we have the best of both worlds - we get a DVC discount if we stay on cash at Vero and HHI( after our points are used )plus the DVC discount on AP's, but we can also stay in our favorite deluxes at WDW and get an AP/ AAA discount on those rooms!

 

[dingoballs]

Hi, Michelle! Are you guys having the crummy gray humid weather we've had for a couple days.....this summer has kind of stunk.

Is it just me, or are those rates hideous?? I have AP and AAA, but can't count on either during that time period and AAA is what 10%?

We really liked the YC location this time and DH and I were sitting on our balcony watching Illum. and he brought up the idea of DVC at BC or BW. I just am commitment phobic and once he thinks about it he is, too. I don't like to be tied down and I honestly feel like Disney isn't giving me any benefit/advantage by having me buy DVC. I am a total skeptic because they are a money machine.

We were at the CR year after year in the early 90s when they had the new DVC info cards in the rooms about OKW etc, but we just never had interest because we like concierge and MK. Now, though, MK seems sooo crowded all the time and the kids are getting older and we enjoy Epcot and MGM as much. I know a bit about the new CR DVC, but not sure. It just seems like a concrete jungle over there now. Maybe when the building is built I'd be tempted but the thought of the comittment is not appealing.

I don't know. Maybe just SPG Amex is in our future, haha so we earn free S/D nights.

Happy day,

Lives4Disney

I totally agree with your thoughts about the GF & their room rates. Funny thing is, there are still LOTS of (rich?) people who want to stay there so there doesn't seem to be any impetus for the GF to improve their service or try to show any appreciation to their loyal guests...

We feel the same way about the DVC. They have too many restrictions and, most importantly, the GF is not among the choices!

We're SPG members too, so I'm pretty sure we'll like the Dolphin. We enjoy their Heavenly Beds...

 

[dingoballs]

Wow! I go away to pick the kids up from zoo camp and it looks like you've all been busy. Meanwhile, I emailed the pix link to my actual family and only 3 of them have viewed them

OK, I'll try to answer everything I can.

First off, the cm's name. He's been there for a while, I remember him being kind of "attitudy" (my new word). Of course, in my post vow renewal almost 40 brain, I cannot remember the name but he's from Independence MO. Those of you regulars will no doubt know who he is.

Yes, I will definitely let the higher ups know. I'm sorry no one else was able to be "enticed" back. I'm sure the manager, Beth saw what a wreck I was about the whole thing and wanted to make it better. Good for her!

I just called the number on my sheet and spoke with a very nice and friendly cm who has us booked for our 2 nights on Dec 30/31st. Figured if I'm going to give them another chance, why not for New Years?! He said the Grand is amazing with bars in the lobby, a balloon drop and the band in the lobby. Sounds fun. Hopefully it will all work out. We used to go earlier in Dec but with 2 out of 3 in school full time....

Lives4disney---since we received the ap's for doing the vow renewal we will probably go for a couple of days at Easter too. We actually stayed at the Poly the night before Easter in 2006 and hit all four theme parks on Easter day with the three kids!! Crazy!

OK, The band was excellent! Her website is www.davondasimmons.com. She plays around the Orlando area and was awesome. Much more than the original quote for a "jazz trio" but worth it!

Our reception was in the Whitehall Room and patio. It is the patio at the Grand's convention center that you can see from the monorail. There are nice pix and 360's on the www.disneymeetings.com website. I liked that the room was more unique than a regular ballroom and didn't need much decorating. Lots of people use it for Mad Hatters or cocktail parties. It worked out well b/c the kids could run around outside too.

The carriage was AMAZING!!! Yes, it costs about a mortgage payment for a few short moments, but time stands still. I'm sure I am in so many people's vacation pix b/c they pick you up at the side of the Grand and then pass by the front so everyone sees you. Little girls were going nuts! It was, however, like being under a magnifying glass under the July Florida sun but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

No, our family is not like us when it comes to Disney. I have to avoid telling them when Im planning another trip b/c they never understood. On this trip we had 16 adults and 11 kids---none of my nieces and nephews had been and most of the parents had never been either. That's why I really wanted to show them a great time. No one could understand why we need to go for more than 2 days and why so often. I think they now get it. Of course, they'll never love it like I do and that's ok, but at least I won't be quite as embarrased to tell them when we're planning another trip.

The fireworks were a private Illuminations party at the Lower UK pavilion at Epcot. Anyone can actually book this. The view was amazing and I love the pictures we were able to get.

Oh, for anyone looking for pix of the new rooms. Over on the weddings board JJClemson has some on her wedding trip report...Jen and Jeff's wedding. They had problems too and Joe helped them out. I do like the new flatscreens but the rooms don't have near the charm they used to. The cm I spoke with about our next stay said they had too many conventioneers not liking all the floral. Man, I was upset enough when they got rid of the adorable Alice toilitries. good thing I just won an Alice comforter on ebay. Maybe I'll try for the Mr Toad one too so my 2 yo can change out her "big girl" bed!

any other questions, just ask. I'll try to answer quickly as I can. Lisa

Hi Lisa, where can I find your trip report for your VR trip?

 

[princess-rn]

We have book a Magic Kingdom view room at GF. So..since we paid for it we will get that view for sure right? What buildings are those rooms usually in? Just curious. Sometimes I think we should save the $$ and not have a MK view....but it would be awesome to wake up in the AM go out on the balcony and see Cindy's Castle!!!

 

[princess-rn]

QUOTE=Disney Planner Mama;19975358]I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted about their cabana experiences. My TA was finally able to book one for us after 6 phone calls and 24 hours, she finally got a hold of someone who knew that yes you can still book a cabana even if you are not a concierge guest.

I would have given up long ago if I hadn't learned from these boards that it could be done.

Thanks!

Jennifer[/QUOTE]

Tell me about this Cabana? I've never heard about it.

 

[princess-rn]

Should I fax requests to the resort? Has anyone had these faxes work when trying to make special requests?

Just wondering?

Also..How can I have something delivered (I'm thinking a chocolate mickey or something) to the room so when we get there my DH and DS have a little treat?

 

[mlill]

Hi, Michelle! Are you guys having the crummy gray humid weather we've had for a couple days.....this summer has kind of stunk.

Is it just me, or are those rates hideous?? I have AP and AAA, but can't count on either during that time period and AAA is what 10%?

We really liked the YC location this time and DH and I were sitting on our balcony watching Illum. and he brought up the idea of DVC at BC or BW. I just am commitment phobic and once he thinks about it he is, too. I don't like to be tied down and I honestly feel like Disney isn't giving me any benefit/advantage by having me buy DVC. I am a total skeptic because they are a money machine.

We were at the CR year after year in the early 90s when they had the new DVC info cards in the rooms about OKW etc, but we just never had interest because we like concierge and MK. Now, though, MK seems sooo crowded all the time and the kids are getting older and we enjoy Epcot and MGM as much. I know a bit about the new CR DVC, but not sure. It just seems like a concrete jungle over there now. Maybe when the building is built I'd be tempted but the thought of the comittment is not appealing.

I don't know. Maybe just SPG Amex is in our future, haha so we earn free S/D nights.

Happy day,

Lives4Disney

Yes, the weather is the same here. Yuk. I'm staying inside today and working on our October plans. The Food & Wine Festival schedule just came out, so we're having a 'family meeting' today to decide what we want to do. (that is, I'm sitting them down and telling them what 'I' want to do! ) I also finally bought our MNSSHP tickets today.

I understand your points (and what princessesrule4 said), but DVC has worked for us over the years. It's never stopped us from staying at other hotels on Disney property in concierge rooms. We are planning on doing an exchange for Hawaii in a few years...

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas

I can't wait. I don't feel that DVC limits our vacations in any way, it only let's us stay longer and we can spread out. It's really hard staying in one room when you're used to 3. I do like concierge service & daily housekeeping, but I like my own room and two bathrooms more. It's a trade-off, but it works for us. I think the Swan & Dolphin have the plus of being in a great area, but they have never really appealed to me. Then again, if they were free, I'd have no problem staying there whatsoever!!!

Take care,
Michelle

---------

I'm curious now... How many people here would consider buying DVC if they converted one of the buildings at the Grand Floridian? They are offering conceirge rooms at Animal Kingdom Villas (with daily housekeeping), so I would guess that if/when there is a DVC at GF, there would be the option to stay in a concierge villa. So, would you buy???

I probably would do an add-on... if I don't go crazy and buy too many points at CRV...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Yes, the weather is the same here. Yuk. I'm staying inside today and working on our October plans. The Food & Wine Festival schedule just came out, so we're having a 'family meeting' today to decide what we want to do. (that is, I'm sitting them down and telling them what 'I' want to do! ) I also finally bought our MNSSHP tickets today.

I understand your points (and what princessesrule4 said), but DVC has worked for us over the years. It's never stopped us from staying at other hotels on Disney property in concierge rooms. We are planning on doing an exchange for Hawaii in a few years...

Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas

I can't wait. I don't feel that DVC limits our vacations in any way, it only let's us stay longer and we can spread out. It's really hard staying in one room when you're used to 3. I do like concierge service & daily housekeeping, but I like my own room and two bathrooms more. It's a trade-off, but it works for us. I think the Swan & Dolphin have the plus of being in a great area, but they have never really appealed to me. Then again, if they were free, I'd have no problem staying there whatsoever!!!

Take care,
Michelle

---------

I'm curious now... How many people here would consider buying DVC if they converted one of the buildings at the Grand Floridian? They are offering conceirge rooms at Animal Kingdom Villas (with daily housekeeping), so I would guess that if/when there is a DVC at GF, there would be the option to stay in a concierge villa. So, would you buy???

I probably would do an add-on... if I don't go crazy and buy too many points at CRV...

Hi, Michelle....I would def consider GF DVC but not sure that I could be influenced to go that way. The CR is tempting, but still......there is just something I don't feel good about with DVC.

Princesses...I did read your experience a while back. Too bad. We used to stay at Disney in Vero every yr because my grandparents lived in a retirement community in Vero. Now that they've passed away we don't go there anymore.

Princess rn.... The view is called "Theme Park View" now. So I supposed that can include a view of Space Mtn. At check in, ask what your view is...or look on the GF map (ask to see it) and if you're not happy request your preference. I did this at YC and wound up really happy....the room they were going to give me had NOTHING to do w/what I requested on the ressie. The room I wound up with was even better than I requested. I have read the best chance for a castle view is in Sago or Conch.

Several pages back there are pics of goodies you can order thru GF's private dining. They will do all kinds of things....Here's the number & you can call them and inquire....407-824-2474.

I never bother to FAX requests. I honestly do not think the room assigner takes requests into consideration. My experience with CRO ressie requests, anyway. I have always switched my room at check in if I wasn't satisfied with the location/view. Nothing is set in stone unless you are the last person checking in and the resort is full to max cap. If you're not happy let them know so they can fix it.

Edited to add about cabanas....they are a 4 hr rental for $60. Again, a few pages back I listed what is included in the rental. There are now 2 that they rent. The number is 407 WDW PLAY.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[dingoballs]

Lives4Disney


I never bother to FAX requests. I honestly do not think the room assigner takes requests into consideration. My experience with CRO ressie requests, anyway. I have always switched my room at check in if I wasn't satisfied with the location/view. Nothing is set in stone unless you are the last person checking in and the resort is full to max cap. If you're not happy let them know so they can fix it.

I'm pretty sure you are right. That's our experience also...

 

[Alicnwondrln]

On another note.....I called CRO to inquire about deluxe rooms at the GF for a March 08 spring break trip....NONE available even this far out.

The real bummer is the rate for standard RPC during our spring break is $933/nt. I am thinking that is getting a bit out of hand. I could have a 10 nt stay.....for almost 10K. No thanks. Then I priced out a split betwn GF and YC and it comes to a more reasonable $7K.hahaha. No thanks. In the past couple years I wouldn't have balked because I love WDW and the GF so much and the service was so wonderful.... but with the changes and the poor service noted I am questioning that kind of money for a WDW stay. Also, those rooms!!! They don't even tempt me.

PS....oh, how could I forget ....the CRO CM did make sure I understood that these were 2007 prices. (what a deal) When the NEW rates come out, I would be notified of the rate increase!!

I think if by Dec I am dying for a WDW trip I will go with S/D....sad but true.

Lives4Disney

we are also thinking about the S/D
its looks great
I just hate that theres no DME but I could get over that

 

[Alicnwondrln]

faxing is a waste of time at most of the deluxes especially the WL

 

[dingoballs]

Lives4Disney

I would def consider GF DVC but not sure that I could be influenced to go that way. The CR is tempting, but still......there is just something I don't feel good about with DVC.

Our exact feelings! Our DVC friends don't understand why we won't buy into DVC because it works for them....