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

[DisneyMomx7]

Denise - I think the one side of Sago Cay gv rooms have a view of the monorail. Not the marina view.

Lagoon view is just of the lagoon - mostly looking over at the Poly. Theme Park rooms have a view of MK, but not necessarily the castle.

Boy you are getting like me - constant changes!!!!

 

[hmp2z]

Just a quick update. I called and spoke with a manager, trying to get an answer about the weird availability for 2008. They said that they have the rack rates, but haven't determined yet what the discounted rates (AAA, etc.) will be for 2008, so they will show no availability until that's been calculated. Hmmm... Anyway, it's good to know that it's not that things are booked up; it's just that Disney doesn't have the numbers yet and so isn't releasing all the rooms for reservations yet.

We will hold off on booking, until we can get the discounted information. Those rack rates are crazy!!!

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Tinkaroo]

There's not too much I really don't like about the S/D.....D because of double beds. Cannot do that. No way. I would not sleep. Queens are bad enough. Other than that & bus transportation to MK, I think I can be happy just being in WDW in a deluxe (S/D) for a rate I think is a great deal. I also really do like the location. Can you share what you really don't like about S/D?? Just curious. Since it's March it will be beautiful, but not warm for swimming & we won't miss SAB, so S/D is fine and for that rate which is about 1/2 of what a standard WDW deluxe is costing. I know what you mean about the resort being a large part of the stay. That's exactly how we always felt and why we really want a deluxe. I just don't think I could enjoy myself out in the parks knowing I have a $1K/nt room waiting for me, haha. I think 1K for a standard room is sick - especially one I have been in many times for lots less $$$. I would pay that for some WOW factor gladly, but to me it is like "Been there, done that" and glad I did, I love it & it's comfortable and nice, but not for the money they are charging and getting.

I might change my mind and stay home with my holiday homebody kids. They may just decide Easter at home is the better option anyway. I am having trouble getting thrilled about S/D option but then again it's a long way out! I just felt pressure to commit to book due to the WDW rates and the nice Swan rate available now. Maybe a split stay is in my future for spring. Time will tell.

Lives4Disney

I don't like that they charge for parking - that just irks me for some reason, and we always have a rental car. I like the beds fine, but the decor also doesn't thrill me. I also found the room we stayed in a bit "mildewy", and felt like we had to do a lot of walking to get around the resort. And, I just don't get that "Disney" feeling. I know some people do, but it just doesn't do it for me.

What really left me with a bad taste in my mouth was the difficulty we had with the A/C - this was the worst motion-sensored room we'd ever been in, and we could not get any relief in that room. It was May, it was hot, and all we wanted was a cool room when we got back from the parks, and not to wake up in the middle of the night sweating. Then, they cut the power off in the middle of the night to work on a generator issue. When I called the front desk about it, they told me to just turn the A/C down all the way, and we wouldn't even notice it when it went off. When I pointed out to them that I couldn't get the A/C to stay on while we were sleeping because of their %*$# motion sensor, they just sat in silence - had nothing to say. They offered to comp us SPG points for our trouble, which we never saw. I just wasn't impressed.

I'll never say never, because I agree their rates are much better, but I wasn't too impressed.

Just a quick update. I called and spoke with a manager, trying to get an answer about the weird availability for 2008. They said that they have the rack rates, but haven't determined yet what the discounted rates (AAA, etc.) will be for 2008, so they will show no availability until that's been calculated. Hmmm... Anyway, it's good to know that it's not that things are booked up; it's just that Disney doesn't have the numbers yet and so isn't releasing all the rooms for reservations yet.

We will hold off on booking, until we can get the discounted information. Those rack rates are crazy!!!

Cheers!
Heather W

That is weird, because I was able to book a GV room in Dec. with a AAA rate (which by the way, is $327.25 per night, $368.16 with tax). Maybe it's just the standard RPC rooms that they haven't decided on yet?

I was also quoted $569.50 per night (before tax) for Deluxe RPC Honeymoon, and Sugar Loaf for $429.25 per night (before tax), for the same time frame with AAA. (And this is through CRO for room only - not through an AAA agent.)

Those are all value season rates with the AAA rates, which seem to be an across-the-board 15% off rack rates - if we keep our reservation as it stands now, we'll be out of there before the rates change on the 19th. I originally had the 19th in our dates, and about fell out of my chair when it switched to that holiday rate. HOLY COW!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I don't like that they charge for parking - that just irks me for some reason, and we always have a rental car. I like the beds fine, but the decor also doesn't thrill me. I also found the room we stayed in a bit "mildewy", and felt like we had to do a lot of walking to get around the resort. And, I just don't get that "Disney" feeling. I know some people do, but it just doesn't do it for me.

What really left me with a bad taste in my mouth was the difficulty we had with the A/C - this was the worst motion-sensored room we'd ever been in, and we could not get any relief in that room. It was May, it was hot, and all we wanted was a cool room when we got back from the parks, and not to wake up in the middle of the night sweating. Then, they cut the power off in the middle of the night to work on a generator issue. When I called the front desk about it, they told me to just turn the A/C down all the way, and we wouldn't even notice it when it went off. When I pointed out to them that I couldn't get the A/C to stay on while we were sleeping because of their %*$# motion sensor, they just sat in silence - had nothing to say. They offered to comp us SPG points for our trouble, which we never saw. I just wasn't impressed.

I'll never say never, because I agree their rates are much better, but I wasn't too impressed.



That is weird, because I was able to book a GV room in Dec. with a AAA rate (which by the way, is $327.25 per night, $368.16 with tax). Maybe it's just the standard RPC rooms that they haven't decided on yet?

I was also quoted $569.50 per night (before tax) for Deluxe RPC Honeymoon, and Sugar Loaf for $429.25 per night (before tax), for the same time frame with AAA. (And this is through CRO for room only - not through an AAA agent.)

Those are all value season rates with the AAA rates, which seem to be an across-the-board 15% off rack rates - if we keep our reservation as it stands now, we'll be out of there before the rates change on the 19th. I originally had the 19th in our dates, and about fell out of my chair when it switched to that holiday rate. HOLY COW!!!

Lindsay, ya I totally understand. I was just kind of curious what your thoughts on S/D were....as i said I am not overthrilled about it, but I think it's a great deal just the same. On our May stay our room was really nice and cool. NO AC issues, but we had other ones, lol. They did send me a cert for a free nt, though and apologized up and down. We are SPG, too, and that is a nice incentive. We almost always use Southern Elegance - no rental car - so parking doesn't bug me. I know they are redoing the room decor at this time, so a new fresh room would be great. I love that area. We would walk over to BW Bakery every morning and eat at the outdoor tables there and people watch. So nice to start the day.

Also, WOW, I would have JUMPED on that $569/nt deluxe honeymoon room. That is cheaper than the value season previously of standard RPC $691/nt. I wonder why? I haven't seen RPC rooms of any kind in the $500 range for a long time. I would love that. I saw RPC standard for August (value season 08) wre priced about $745. I don't get it - maybe I am rememberiing that wrong. I;ve done too many searches, lol, with diff dates. I thought deluxe honeymoon would be the same or a bit more than standard RPC. Just checked....value season RPC $665 w/out tax....must have been July is $745....that's my next check.

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

Lindsay, ya I totally understand. I was just kind of curious what your thoughts on S/D were....as i said I am not overthrilled about it, but I think it's a great deal just the same. On our May stay our room was really nice and cool. NO AC issues, but we had other ones, lol. They did send me a cert for a free nt, though and apologized up and down. We are SPG, too, and that is a nice incentive. We almost always use Southern Elegance - no rental car - so parking doesn't bug me. I know they are redoing the room decor at this time, so a new fresh room would be great. I love that area. We would walk over to BW Bakery every morning and eat at the outdoor tables there and people watch. So nice to start the day.

Also, WOW, I would have JUMPED on that $569/nt deluxe honeymoon room. That is cheaper than the value season previously of standard RPC $691/nt. I wonder why? I haven't seen RPC rooms of any kind in the $500 range for a long time. I would love that. I saw RPC standard for August (value season 08) wre priced about $745. I don't get it - maybe I am rememberiing that wrong. I;ve done too many searches, lol, with diff dates. I thought deluxe honeymoon would be the same or a bit more than standard RPC. Just checked....value season RPC $665 w/out tax....must have been July is $745....that's my next check.

Lives4Disney

The one good thing about AAA is it's a percentage off each different room category - not a flat fee across all room prices like AP rates are. I'm fully expecting that if/when AP rates for Dec. come out, that I will have gotten a better price with AAA, since we're booked into one of the highest categories of rooms.

Yep, that rate's right for 2008. Of course, it comes out to $640.69 with taxes per night. Rack is $670 night, before tax. Our rate for this Dec. is also 15% off the RPC Honeymoom, which is the same price as the Deluxe RPC rooms, so I think it's only $10 more in value season per night over standard RPC. With taxes, our rate this Dec. with AAA is $621.56/night. (Still a lot of moolah IMO, and probably not a splurge we'll do again anytime soon!)

 

[Sammie]

maybe but theres better ways to say it
Give me a break... please I thought it was rude but said nothing til others did
so I wasnt the only one who thought it was rude

I can afford it but it doesnt mean I dont think its to much$$ and I do think Disney is pricing alot of families outta even value stays, but this is just my opinion.

I am sure Disney is pricing many families out of stays, but there should be nothing wrong with that.

I don't think anyone should expect Disney to make it affordable for everyone. Because basically even when those that are complaining now about the price increase were satisfied with the prices, many still could not afford to go.

 

[puggymom]

I got a deluxe RPC room for next August @ 569.50 with AAA, though still hoping for an AP rate that will lower that. No matter what I know my goddaughter is going to love GF.

BTW I love this thread, some great information here.

 

[DisneyNotes]

I'm excited for you about your August RPC Deluxe room. I can't wait to stay in one in a few weeks. I was making a couple of additional ADRs today and dreaming of our fun stay there.

 

[triplefigs]

1) Which Building has Theme Park View rooms?

2) Do ALL RPC rooms have views where you could see the monorail? Are there any rooms in the main bldg that wouldn't see the monorail?

We're booking in a few minutes!

 

[karebear1]

Denise,
Conch Key and Sago Cay are 2 buildings that have themepark views

 

[PrincessPaczki]

karebear1, between Conch Key and Sago Cay is there one that you prefer over the other? Why? Thanks!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I am sure Disney is pricing many families out of stays, but there should be nothing wrong with that.

I don't think anyone should expect Disney to make it affordable for everyone. Because basically even when those that are complaining now about the price increase were satisfied with the prices, many still could not afford to go.

I feel bad about the prices for those that wont be able to go because they keep rising but you right. Thats my emotional side talking

 

[karebear1]

karebear1, between Conch Key and Sago Cay is there one that you prefer over the other? Why? Thanks!

I wish I could answer that for you Princess, but I am approaching my first stay at the GF in about 4 weeks.

All I can offer you is that both of these buildings have just recently (and I mean like less then a month ago) been refurbished with new furniture etc. I requested Conch Key for my building (upper floor) because I liked the location of it better then Sago. It looked to me like it might have a little bit better view then the other, but who knows???

In any case- I'm sure either building is just great- it's the GF for cryin' out loud!!!
How could anything not be great there???

Maybe someone else can answer that question for you though??

 

[kcminnie]

Can someone tell me where I check in for SL. We are taking ME so won't be stopping at the gatehouse. Do I just walk over to SL? Or the main lobby?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Can someone tell me where I check in for SL. We are taking ME so won't be stopping at the gatehouse. Do I just walk over to SL? Or the main lobby?

The GF has a curbside concierge podium w/concierge CMs holding clipboards waiting for RPC & SL guests right where cars/buses drop off guests. If the CMs don't find you, just head to a CM w/a clipboard or tell bell services CM that you are checking in to the SL building. The concierge CM will greet you & walk you over to SL.

Have fun!

Lives4Disney

 

[kcminnie]

Thank you for your reply. I have one more question. I reserved a 1 bedroom suite that said Outer Lodge. I assume outer lodge is SL. The other day I rec'd an email letter welcoming me to the Royal Palm Club. It was a little confusing because nowhere on this letter did it mention Sugar Loaf. I replied back to ask them where my suite was located but they never responded. Is that normal for the Royal Palm Club to contact me in advance and not Sugar Loaf. Does anyone here have any info on this suite? I called CRO and she kept telling me I was in a building called Sugar Loaf but couldn't find it on the map.

 

[kgc07]

The GF has a curbside concierge podium w/concierge CMs holding clipboards waiting for RPC & SL guests right where cars/buses drop off guests. If the CMs don't find you, just head to a CM w/a clipboard or tell bell services CM that you are checking in to the SL building. The concierge CM will greet you & walk you over to SL.

Have fun!

Lives4Disney

This is the way it should be. When we arrived on the ME there wasn't anyone waiting for us. I had to ask the bell hop where we should go. He called someone over and we had to wait about 10 mins. before they showed up. I would have rather walked into the regular check in instead of waiting outside in the heat with a hungry/tired 3 year old. It wasn't a real biggie in the end.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I wish I could answer that for you Princess, but I am approaching my first stay at the GF in about 4 weeks.

All I can offer you is that both of these buildings have just recently (and I mean like less then a month ago) been refurbished with new furniture etc. I requested Conch Key for my building (upper floor) because I liked the location of it better then Sago. It looked to me like it might have a little bit better view then the other, but who knows???

In any case- I'm sure either building is just great- it's the GF for cryin' out loud!!!
How could anything not be great there???

Maybe someone else can answer that question for you though??

Actually, I think it was confirmed that Sago has NOT been done yet. I switched my room request from Sago to Conch since I want to see one of the new rooms for myself!

 

[hmp2z]

The GF has a curbside concierge podium w/concierge CMs holding clipboards waiting for RPC & SL guests right where cars/buses drop off guests.

This happened to us at the BWI, but not at the GF. We had to check in downstairs at the regular desk, so we didn't get those gold room cards. Hmmm.... My husband saw the podium we were supposed to be able to check in at, but no one was staffing it. We weren't super early or anything like that, so I was surprised.

Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thank you for your reply. I have one more question. I reserved a 1 bedroom suite that said Outer Lodge. I assume outer lodge is SL. The other day I rec'd an email letter welcoming me to the Royal Palm Club. It was a little confusing because nowhere on this letter did it mention Sugar Loaf. I replied back to ask them where my suite was located but they never responded. Is that normal for the Royal Palm Club to contact me in advance and not Sugar Loaf. Does anyone here have any info on this suite? I called CRO and she kept telling me I was in a building called Sugar Loaf but couldn't find it on the map.

Your suite may not be in SL if the RPC team contacted you. There are suites in several - maybe all - outer lodge buildings.

A while back I inquired about booking a suite in SL and the lounge privileges....I was told that if the suite is in SL than I would only have access to the SL lounge. I always (for some reason based on something I must have read here) believed all suites allowed both RPC and SL access. But that's not the info I was given at that time by CRO and IPO.

I was told by CRO and then confirmed with IPO that different suites in the outer buildings - other than SL - will come with RPC access. I would email the IPO team back for clarification of which building your suite is in and which lounge(s) you would have access to. IMO it's better to have RPC access. So, I would hope your suite is not in SL - unless of course you prefer SL.

Does any of this make sense?? I kept rewriting it because it was such a mess.

If you find something out from IPO, could you let us know what the current story is w/suites & diff lounges & buildings.

Thanks,

Lives4Disney