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

[LGH1946]

I have a garden view room reservation for Dec. 2-7, 2007. I have never stayed there but I have eaten at Park Fare several times. When I made my reservation, I asked to be close to the monorail and the bus. I think the garden view rooms are in the Sago Cay or Big Pine sections. Does anyone know anything about these rooms? Is one better than the other? Any other info about the G.F. will be appreciated, I am so excited, I really can't afford to stay there but I said I am going to anyway. I wanted the Contemporary and when I tried to make a reservation there I was told they were booked up for the tower rooms, and this was way back in Jan. of this year. I have already tried for next Dec. for the Cont. and they are already booked. How can this be? I have stayed there before and haven't had any problem getting a res.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We really like the gv Sago Cay marina side rooms. It's almost like having a lagoon view at a garden view price. Have a wonderful stay - you will love the GF!

 

[johnsonet]

Of course now I am kicking myself for not taking pics of the new lounge. To be honest, it didn't look any different to me from how it did when we were there Christmas of 2005. But I just looked back at Lives4Disney's photos from last month... the couches have been recovered (green) but the pink upholstered chairs are the same (I THINK - they are definitely still pink); the rattan/wicker chairs are gone - nice wooden chairs w/ upholstered seats. I guess the carpet is new but the wallpaper is the same... All the floors we went on seemed to have fresh pain/carpet but the overall effect is definitely the same.

 

[Twingle]

Twingle OMG!!! I'd say you received some major magic! That room Johnsonet just posted pics of could be yours!!!! The deluxe king rooms are these turret rooms or 2nd floor honeymoon rooms with castle (Wishes from your balcony) views!!!! You will LOVE RPC. The concierge CMs are awesome and super helpful and friendly. The lounge ladies - the same. Enjoy! I can't wait to hear about it when you get back. (I need to go back and check and see if your trip is coming up soon - I forgot when you go!)

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

Thank you so much for being so nice! You were very helpful to me when I was trying to decide if I should splurge and get a delivery to the room for a surprise to my DH. I did end up ordering the tuxedo strawberries and the chocolate mickey statue - and you were right, the Private Dining person did not have alot of helpful information for me, so I just told her exactly what I wanted - based on your photos!

We leave home Friday morning at 9:15 a.m., and will return home early early Monday morning, about 3:00 a.m. So, just three more days 'till we're there! I will definately share when we return home, you're so sweet to ask.

 

[Twingle]

Here you go:



You have every right to be excited!! You will have an amazing trip!

Definitely contact the IPO office, being as it's a free upgrade, they might not get your info. in time. Just get yourself on their radar screen, and let them know it's your anniverary trip - just casually mention it. They can help you with any last-minute preparations, etc.

I'm excited to hear about your trip - I stayed at the GF with my mom for a girl's b-day trip in '05, and was hooked! DH and I are booked into one of those honeymoom rooms in Nov./Dec. - it will be his 1st time at the resort, and a belated 30th b-day trip for me, so we are splurging. You will love the GF, I'm sure. We're DVC, too, but still enjoy staying the regular Disney resorts, too. (And we have to, since we keep running out of points! )

Thanks for finding that fainting smilie for me - totally what I'm doing here at home right now!

We've never stayed on property other than DVC, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what it's like. I know it won't be something we'll be doing again, so I'll have to take a ton of photos and make lots of notes, LOL.

I'll be sure to share everything we see when I return, thank you again for your help and well wishes!

 

[Dis Ohana]

This morning I received an email confirmation that I was staying at a Deluxe Room-King-Club Level (BP), which is NOT what I requested when I made the original reservation (which was for a Lagoon View-BG). The reservation number is the same, but the room rate is QUITE different.

Twingle: Wow! Congrats on your upgrade, you must be so happy. Have a wonderful trip and don't forget to check in when you return!

Do they always send you notification when you receive an upgrade like this? I was under the impression that it was something that was determined once you were onsite.

Johnsonet: Thanks for sharing your pictures with us! That room you had looks huge, and what a gorgeous view.

 

[Twingle]

Do they always send you notification when you receive an upgrade like this? I was under the impression that it was something that was determined once you were onsite.

I have no idea about the notification, this is the first time we've stayed onsite other than DVC properties. I don't know why they upgraded us, if that is indeed what happened. Kinda afraid to even dream that, since that seems like such a very major upgrade. Personally, we'd be happy to have a sleeping bag in the garden, LOL, we'd still be at the Grand Floridian! I got the impression when I called the reservation line that they were surprised I had gotten the email, the woman I spoke with kept telling me I would have a magical time and that I was confirmed at the original price I booked for.

I'm sure one of the GF regulars will be of more help, but just wanted to share.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I have no idea about the notification, this is the first time we've stayed onsite other than DVC properties. I don't know why they upgraded us, if that is indeed what happened. Kinda afraid to even dream that, since that seems like such a very major upgrade. Personally, we'd be happy to have a sleeping bag in the garden, LOL, we'd still be at the Grand Floridian! I got the impression when I called the reservation line that they were surprised I had gotten the email, the woman I spoke with kept telling me I would have a magical time and that I was confirmed at the original price I booked for.

I'm sure one of the GF regulars will be of more help, but just wanted to share.

I am not sure about the room assignment situation, either. I know they do concierge rooms a bit differently, though. Maybe with the rehabs, they needed to put you in a room for two to make room for families.

OK, we all need to cross our fingers and hope that that upgrade is what it sure appears to be! That is just so wonderful for an anniversary. You are very welcome on the special PD order info. Funny you had kind of the same dud order CM phone experience, it sounds like. Remember the tip will already be included, too, lol. I almost mega tipped on the delivery of a little platter of stuff that was pretty expensive already. Have a wonderful time. My favorite concierge CM won't be there during your stay, though. I would have advised you to go to her if you have any issues. Hope your stay is fabulous. I saw you leave Friday!!!! YAY!!!

Johnsonet - Was the kids' area still there in the lounge with the little furniture?? Was that the same??? DD7 loves that little area. The lounge CMs did tell me they heard the sofas would be reupholstered. Kind of weird to just do that & nobody knew for sure that, but I guess that was the one bit of correct info the CMs were given, haha. LOVE your pics. The new room decor is growing on me a tiny bit. Your room and views were spectacular. Was it the coveted 4421? Or the 4321?? Too funny....now you are addicted. That's the only shame of staying in the main building. I am dying/itching to upgrade for Thanksgiving. DH would pulverize me. Maybe I will leave it GV & there's some magic in my future haha! I can dream.

Happy planning!!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[lynr]

Okay - I'm back! My reservation (according to the Disney website) is now listed as: Deluxe Room King-Club Level (BP) at my original rate. I'm assuming that means we've been upgraded?

Now, can anyone tell me what Deluxe Room King-Club Level (BP) means? I get that it's probably a King sized bed, but don't know what the rest means.

Thank you so much for helping this GF newbie!

Twingle:

4021 is a great Deluxe King-Club room check out my pics on pages 335-336. You can email IPO and ask them to put in a request for this room if you want. It's not guaranteed but they will try to get it for you.
You can see everything from the MK to the Polynesian in this room. Congrats on the upgrade.

Lyn

 

[johnsonet]

Lives4Disney - my daughter says the furniture is the same as in your photos - I think the carpet is different. I'm sorry I can't tell you for sure. Again, IMO everything looks the same, but brighter and fresh.

Yes, I'm addicted! DD and I both are. In all our years of staying at the GF we had never been able to exit the monorail, enter the lobby and take the elevator right to our room! Wow! We'd never been able to valet park and then be in our room within 30-60 seconds. Or be at the bus stop in 2 minutes. It was a dream! Of course, any room at the GF is close to the lobby, pools, etc but this was extra special... And, as I mentioned earlier, in the evenings I would shower and put on my robe and enjoy a glass of wine and get ready for dinner - all the while, the music from the lobby played and created the most elegant backdrop. It added so much to our stay

 

[Tinkaroo]

I have a garden view room reservation for Dec. 2-7, 2007. I have never stayed there but I have eaten at Park Fare several times. When I made my reservation, I asked to be close to the monorail and the bus. I think the garden view rooms are in the Sago Cay or Big Pine sections. Does anyone know anything about these rooms? Is one better than the other? Any other info about the G.F. will be appreciated, I am so excited, I really can't afford to stay there but I said I am going to anyway. I wanted the Contemporary and when I tried to make a reservation there I was told they were booked up for the tower rooms, and this was way back in Jan. of this year. I have already tried for next Dec. for the Cont. and they are already booked. How can this be? I have stayed there before and haven't had any problem getting a res.

I believe all outer lodge buildings (except for Sugar Loaf, which is concierge) have garden view rooms. We stayed in a GV in Conch Key, and thought it was great - convenient to just about everything in our estimation, although I've also heard good things about Sago. Being that you're going in Dec., I would think proximity to the pool/beach might not be as important, since it's likely to be cooler. Sago will give you convenient access to the main building, buses, and Gasparilla's Grill (and the marina). Conch Key is across the marina (and a little north) of Sago - it's fairly convenient to the courtyard pool and the resort boat launch.

Good luck with your decisions! We'll be checking out on 12/2 to go to our rooms at SSR, so we'll warm it up for you!

I have no idea about the notification, this is the first time we've stayed onsite other than DVC properties. I don't know why they upgraded us, if that is indeed what happened. Kinda afraid to even dream that, since that seems like such a very major upgrade. Personally, we'd be happy to have a sleeping bag in the garden, LOL, we'd still be at the Grand Floridian! I got the impression when I called the reservation line that they were surprised I had gotten the email, the woman I spoke with kept telling me I would have a magical time and that I was confirmed at the original price I booked for.

I'm sure one of the GF regulars will be of more help, but just wanted to share.

I think this is something new - it seems like a lot of people are getting e-mail cofirmations resent to them, at least when upgrades are happening. (Maybe there is some sort of automatic trigger in the system - when the room assigner gives you a room, and in effect changes your room category, something gets sent out.) I've seen threads on this with other resorts (it seems to happen a fair amount at the BC), so I think it's something new, now that they've gone to e-mail confirmations.

I'll still keep my fingers crossed for you! You should definitely call the IPO office, just to see if you're showing in their system!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney - my daughter says the furniture is the same as in your photos - I think the carpet is different. I'm sorry I can't tell you for sure. Again, IMO everything looks the same, but brighter and fresh.

Yes, I'm addicted! DD and I both are. In all our years of staying at the GF we had never been able to exit the monorail, enter the lobby and take the elevator right to our room! Wow! We'd never been able to valet park and then be in our room within 30-60 seconds. Or be at the bus stop in 2 minutes. It was a dream! Of course, any room at the GF is close to the lobby, pools, etc but this was extra special... And, as I mentioned earlier, in the evenings I would shower and put on my robe and enjoy a glass of wine and get ready for dinner - all the while, the music from the lobby played and created the most elegant backdrop. It added so much to our stay

THANKS for the info!! I was hoping they wouldn't do away with the little kids corner. I just love the main building. It's so heavenly. Again, I am glad you had a great time! THANKS for sharing the pictures and the review.

Twingle, I agree with Tinkaroo give IPO an email or call. THIS is about the time they will assign you a specific concierge room - so email and request the room type you want. Let IPO know it's your 10th anniversary and maybe they will come up with something to surprise you.

Happy planning,

LIves4Disney

 

[Twingle]

Lives4Disney and Tinkaroo - thank you for your opinions about calling IPO. When I call the telephone number that was posted before (407-824-1000) the person that answers says it is the Contemporary. I said I had the wrong number, should I have asked to be connected with IPO?

Sorry to sound so confused but . . . I am!

 

[johnsonet]

Twingle - Yes, CR and GF share IPO.
I would maybe email them.
I too received an email just before I left for my vacation. This is obvioulsy something new they are doing. My stay did not involve an upgrade.
Just go with the Magic and don't worry about it - whether you get the room you reserved or a fabulous upgrade, be prepared to be very, very happy at the GF.

 

[lynr]

Lives4Disney and Tinkaroo - thank you for your opinions about calling IPO. When I call the telephone number that was posted before (407-824-1000) the person that answers says it is the Contemporary. I said I had the wrong number, should I have asked to be connected with IPO?

Sorry to sound so confused but . . . I am!

Twingle: This is the number I use 407-824-1775.

Lyn

 

[Twingle]

Twingle - Yes, CR and GF share IPO.
I would maybe email them.
I too received an email just before I left for my vacation. This is obvioulsy something new they are doing. My stay did not involve an upgrade.
Just go with the Magic and don't worry about it - whether you get the room you reserved or a fabulous upgrade, be prepared to be very, very happy at the GF.

I'm not going to try to call IPO or email them. We didn't request a specific room when we made the original reservation, because honestly we never thought we'd be staying at the GF, so I didn't know what section was "better" than any other. I have no idea what to expect from a conceige level room, if we were indeed to receive one, so anything at all, being our original room or an upgrade, will be so special to my DH and I, anything else will just be Pixie Dust.

No worries here - just glad we are so close to our trip!

Thanks again everyone for all the information you shared, I'll just have to see what Friday brings!

 

[BlueFairy]

Hi all. We're new to this thread. Considering making a side trip to visit the gingerbread house at GF this Christmas. Can someone tell me what hours the house is open for business? If I make a special trip from the WL on our resort day, I want to be sure to get some goodies to take home.
Thanks!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I'm not going to try to call IPO or email them. We didn't request a specific room when we made the original reservation, because honestly we never thought we'd be staying at the GF, so I didn't know what section was "better" than any other. I have no idea what to expect from a conceige level room, if we were indeed to receive one, so anything at all, being our original room or an upgrade, will be so special to my DH and I, anything else will just be Pixie Dust.

No worries here - just glad we are so close to our trip!

Thanks again everyone for all the information you shared, I'll just have to see what Friday brings!

Ya, but I can't wait to find out!!

Just kidding. Let the magic do it's thing. You'll love the GF.

Have a great time!

Lives4Disney

 

[DisneyNotes]

Considering making a side trip to visit the gingerbread house at GF this Christmas. Can someone tell me what hours the house is open for business?
Thanks!

You should call to make sure before making a special trip, but I remember it being open in the evening. We were having our children's portraits drawn nearby and that was about 8:30 at night. Seems like it didn't open very early in the morning either. I know that's sketchy information, but I thought it might help a little while you are waiting for someone with a concrete answer to come along.

 

[wdhinn89]

subscribing

Looking forward to our Nov stay at GF and looking for a little info