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

[safetymom]

Just a reminder that the DIS is all about helping others with their trip planning to WDW and the Grand Floridian. There doesn't need to be controversy, flames, debates while doing so. If you would like to chat about other things please do so on the Community board.

As my mother used to say, if you can't say anything nice don't say anything.

 

[DLo]

Have any of your kids done the Pirate Adventure? It is booked already for the time we are going - I was a little late on my reasearch for that activity. But, I thought if it was worth it, I would call back and try to get it booked for my son. He is 9 and loves POC. His brother is to old to go along but he said he would like to go anyways. (he probably would be glad to get rid if his brother for a little while)

Also, anyone had a pedicure at the Spa? I did get to book that for my mother and myself. I am doing it on our last day to revive our feet.

Any info, is appreciated. I have not read all of this thread but a lot of it. This info. maybe on an earlier page - if you know where I would appreciate your letting me know.

 

[kkproulx]

Also, anyone had a pedicure at the Spa? I did get to book that for my mother and myself. I am doing it on our last day to revive our feet.
QUOTE]

I was thining of having this done also. I was going to 'wing' it though instead of making a reservation in advance. Will I be out of luck waiting until I get there?

 

[DLo]

Good question. I went on to the spa web site and it made it sound like it was encouraged. The site is www.relaxedyet.com . I just wanted to make sure I could get the time of day I wanted. - oops I went back and looked at the web site and they encourage calling early if you are going to the hair salon not the spa.

This is my first time so I don't know. The cancelation policy I was quoted was 24 hours before your appt. to avoid any charge and 4 hours before with a service charge (but not full treatment charge)
I would think it would depend on what time of year you are going. Hopefully, some one knows more than me can answer your question.

 

[queenofhartz]

Just returned from a marvelous RPC stay. It was heavenly. Everything is beautiful at the Grand Floridian! We had our two 11-year-old boys with us and they loved breakfast in the lounge each morning. One was particularly fond of the cheese danish!

I think the RPC food service was:

6:30 a.m. coffee available
7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. continental breakfast
snacks -- I don't remember the exact time, perhaps 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.?
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. afternoon tea
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. canapes, wine, beer
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. desserts and cordials

Believe me -- you must get there during the posted times. They start cleaning up about 10 minutes before the time period ends.

We loved our stay . . . thought the redecorated rooms were very pretty, and the beds the most wonderful we've ever slept in. I've never taken a bed apart to find out the mattress manufacturer and model, but I did this time!

This was our first time staying RPC. CM's were terrific -- extremely nice and helpful -- all of them. Housekeeping was excellent -- lots of yummy H20 stuff, etc. No towel animals, but I think towel animals are a cruise ship thing. I don't expect them in a hotel so don't mind not getting them.

We loved the concierge guest AKL excursion we took. We loved sitting in the lounge listening to the band and pianist. We were so busy at the parks the boys didn't mind the lack of activities for kids.

A couple of thoughts:

Our room would not cool down. The maintenance person replaced the thermostat, overrode the room sensor and we never had another problem.

Although the RPC food was tasty, especially for breakfast and tea, I was surprised at what I consider some rather glaring omissions, given the price. No berries at breakfast -- ever -- unless you count the two strawberries and one blueberry on each cheese plate (becoming desperate, I actually did!). No shrimp in the evenings to speak of -- there was a shrimp in the spring roll on Asian night, though I apparently missed it. Another night there was something called a "Gazpacho Shooter with Shrimp". It tasted good, but the shrimp wasn't a shrimp but small "pieces parts" chopped up in the gazpacho. We stayed AKL concierge a few years ago and had several "luxury" items in the evenings including a shrimp dish most evenings. But, perhaps they've cut back at AKL, too.

Gasparilla's was not very good at all. Caesar salad had no taste, the cookies were stale, etc. We only ate there once and gave up.

Notwithstanding the couple of small observations, we had a glorious time and can't wait to return! We're now spoiled for life!

The AKL Concierge excursion?? Is this is the Sunrise Safari? I went on this when it was only open to AKL Concierge guests, but I would like to go again, and I'm thinking about the GF for my next stay. Am I able to do this as a GF Concierge guest? Thanks!

 

[Blue Skies]

I hope that people other than Lives4 Disney found some usefulness in my review. It was not exaggerated or misrepresented. It was the GF as I experienced it. I do not think it is worth the $ that they charge for it. I am glad I got to try it without having to pay extra but I won't be returning.

I appreciate your review. I am trying to decide where to stay for our next trip and I enjoy hearing the good the bad and the ugly for all the different resorts.

We stopped by GF last week and I was amazed how quiet it was. It had a different vibe than the other resorts I have stayed at or visited.

 

[jenins121681]

Well it has been awhile since I've done laundry at the GF (1998 when my kids were little!), but I know Big Pine had a nice laundry room right on the first floor off the lobby. I assume the other buildings do as well (with the exception of the main building). At the time, washers and dryers were $1 per load.

I think there is a charge for WiFi - maybe $9.95 per day. Someone jump in and correct me if I'm off base on this!

Wishing every one a good week (school starts for us today!!!)

Thanks for the info

 

[tenbelow]

thread 6767 explains how to override the thermostat

Although, I didn't ask the question - just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the answer as it may come in useful on our upcoming trip.

Mike

 

[tenbelow]

THanks, Brian.

With everybody counting down I am getting excited, too!!! It seemed so far off, but my kids started school a couple days ago and this is my first real day with them gone....not to sound happy, lol ....the thing is, I know the time will fly now that we are so busy.

Happy planning,

Channing

Hi Channing,

Long time no banter - I don't have much time for the boards, although I try to make my way over to my favorite thread from time to time.

I've prematurely started doing the happy dance over here as well - I like Brian am also reserving my "opinion" as I wouldn't want to offend anyone.

Here's an off topic not so frequently asked question in keeping in the spirit of the "F.A.Q." portion of the thread...

Does anyone know what dates the are planning to tape this year's Disney Christmas parade? I know the parade tape dates from last year were Dec. 1st - 3rd, but have not been able to confirm whether the taping will occur in the first or second week of December this year. Thanks to all who may shed some light on this subject.

Peace and love...

Mike

 

[Dis Ohana]

I appreciate your review. I am trying to decide where to stay for our next trip and I enjoy hearing the good the bad and the ugly for all the different resorts.

We stopped by GF last week and I was amazed how quiet it was. It had a different vibe than the other resorts I have stayed at or visited.

I also like to hear different opinions and reviews. Although I am certainly not "snooty", I do prefer a quiet resort to one that is bursting with activity and noise. After a day in the parks I go into sensory overload and need a place to unwind. From what I gather, the GF is perfect for this. It's all about what you want in a resort, and Disney certainly offers something for just about everyone.

:
thread 6767 explains how to override the thermostat.

Thanks for that info! I knew I saw it somewhere, but the thread moves so quickly that it's sometimes hard to keep up. I'll add this to my ever growing list of tips.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Ok... I am starting to Panic.. We leave for the GF and our first ever trip to Disney on the 14th and it seems like I have yet so much to do and remember... not to mention the fact that the kids have been sick and now I am with what who knows opther then a damn fever... ok enough rambles a couple of questions:

1. Regarding housekeeping, do I need to put in requests for our morning clean-up so to speak as well as nightly turn-down? We will be returning daily for a nap and I would like the room together and then leaving late afternoon for a bit but back early. Who do I make the request with and when?

2. Re the stores in the GF... Does anyone know if they have a childs Capt Jack Sparrow hat and perhaps a sword? I ahave been getting everything in advance of our trip as surpirses for our twins 4th B'day but with being sick this weekend and work until we go I am not sure I can get to the store again so wondering if I can get this in the resort? DTD is not an option as we arrive late ont he 14th and I will need it on the 15th for their B'day.

3. Laundry... which I think soemone just inquired about.. Is their perhaps one in Sago Cay also... (hoping for this building).

4. Do you think I need to confirm all our ADR's, Cabana reservation, and treats from private dining?

I think that is it for now.

thanks to everyone...

Best,

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

Hello all! I just wanted to check in with the GF board following my fabulous GF disneymoon!

DH and I were bumped from AKL to GF lagoon view, which I was semi-happy about -- I was upset about missing out on the animal views but the bargain hunter in me was thrilled by the upgrade. Also, I knew GF would be very romantic.

Our stay was truly magical. When the magical express dropped us off at the GF and a CM stopped us on our way in and asked our names, then asked us to wait for her for a moment, I was holding my breath in anticipation - she then said she would personally take us to our room in the main building and get us checked in. Having read this board often, I knew this meant we must have gotten a fantastic upgrade to concierge level room!! Sure enough, she told us that we had received a magical upgrade to a honeymoon concierge room! She then proceeded to show us the lounge and other amenities.

We received room 4030, an octogon-shaped room on the fifth floor. The room had windows all around with an amazing view, a wonderful high ceiling, huge walk in closet, big bathtub, big four poster king-sized bed, a couch and table in addition to a desk, and was totally remodeled so had a flat screen TV as well! My DH and I were totally amazed! We both called our families to tell them what had happened

Later that evening we received a rose, a bottle of chilled champagne, and an autographed card from Prince Charming and Cinderella congratulating us on our honeymoon.

We had a wonderful stay and only saw one other guest on the 5th floor the entire time we were there -- this was a wonderful retreat from the screaming kids at the parks.

We enjoyed sitting by the windows of the concierge lounge eating snacks and listening to the orchestra. Romantic and relaxing. I only wish the concierge food included plastic bottles of water -- we took the glass Evian bottles to our room fridge a couple of times, as we didn't like the taste of the tap water.

We also loved the turn down service and chocolates. It was perfectly timed -- we would leave the room for half an hour and return and the room would be magically prepared for the evening, complete with closed curtains and dimmed lights.

Our mousekeepers were great and kept us well-stocked in H2O Plus products and clean towels. The remodeled room was pristine!

Our only service issue was with the TV - apparently they are having problems with the new sets. Three times we were unable to turn off the television, or even change the channel or volume -- the buttons just all stopped working. Each time we then unplugged the TV and told housekeeping, and it was working again when we returned to the room. No big deal! We checked out two movies from the concierge to watch during the big thunderstorms after we tired of watching them from the GF windows, which was very fun by the way.

We had a really special moment in the swimming pool one night -- we were able to watch the Pirate and Princess Party fireworks from the Magic Kingdom from the GF's pool! We had no idea they were coming, and suddenly we are seeing all these pink and blue fireworks that were totally different than Wishes. We watched the whole show together while floating and bobbing in the pool. It couldn't happen anywhere but Disney World!

To sum up, we had a truly magical honeymoon we will never forget! I'm very thankful to the DIS boards for encouraging me to plan the trip well (e.g. ADRs 180 days out) and go ahead and push for the move from AKL to make my vacation stress free and perfect.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Wow! Sounds like you had a fabulous time. I am so glad to hear that you got the upgrade. I was following the threads about people being bumped from the AKL, the ones I felt most for was the honeymooners. The stress of getting married and planning a wedding is enough -- I can't imagine having to stress about the honeymoon details too, and it's the one trip you really want to be absolutely perfect. It sounds like you got major pixie dust sprinkled your way. Blessings and best wishes to you both!

 

[Tinkaroo]

The AKL Concierge excursion?? Is this is the Sunrise Safari? I went on this when it was only open to AKL Concierge guests, but I would like to go again, and I'm thinking about the GF for my next stay. Am I able to do this as a GF Concierge guest? Thanks!

There is an excursion at the AK called the Wildlife Discovery Excursion (or something to that affect) that is available to guests staying Club Level at any of the Disney resorts - it's about an hour-long tour on the Kilimanjaro Safari with stops for pictures, etc. The Sunrise and Sunset Safari Excursions are still only available to those guests staying Club Level at the AKL.

From AllEars: http://allearsnet.com/tp/ak/wildexcursion.htm

Here's an off topic not so frequently asked question in keeping in the spirit of the "F.A.Q." portion of the thread...

Does anyone know what dates the are planning to tape this year's Disney Christmas parade? I know the parade tape dates from last year were Dec. 1st - 3rd, but have not been able to confirm whether the taping will occur in the first or second week of December this year. Thanks to all who may shed some light on this subject.

Peace and love...

Mike

I believe the dates for this year are Nov. 30 - Dec. 2.

ETA: Deb's site is saying the rumored dates are Dec. 1-3. That surprises me (the use of a Monday), so I guess we'll just have to see what is correct whenever Disney officially announces! But it definitely looks like somewhere in that vicinity.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Ok... I am starting to Panic.. We leave for the GF and our first ever trip to Disney on the 14th and it seems like I have yet so much to do and remember... not to mention the fact that the kids have been sick and now I am with what who knows opther then a damn fever... ok enough rambles a couple of questions:

1. Regarding housekeeping, do I need to put in requests for our morning clean-up so to speak as well as nightly turn-down? We will be returning daily for a nap and I would like the room together and then leaving late afternoon for a bit but back early. Who do I make the request with and when?

2. Re the stores in the GF... Does anyone know if they have a childs Capt Jack Sparrow hat and perhaps a sword? I ahave been getting everything in advance of our trip as surpirses for our twins 4th B'day but with being sick this weekend and work until we go I am not sure I can get to the store again so wondering if I can get this in the resort? DTD is not an option as we arrive late ont he 14th and I will need it on the 15th for their B'day.

3. Laundry... which I think soemone just inquired about.. Is their perhaps one in Sago Cay also... (hoping for this building).

4. Do you think I need to confirm all our ADR's, Cabana reservation, and treats from private dining?

I think that is it for now.

thanks to everyone...

Best,

Sorry to hear that you and yours have been sick - here's some that you're all better soon!

1. I would make this request with the Housekeeping Manager upon getting to your room that first day. If they don't heed your requests, reiterate it with the Housekeeping Mgr. again, and from there, keep moving up the food chain. Hopefully, you won't have any issues!

2. I'm not sure, but I know they sell these items in the MK. Maybe someone that just got back could let you know for sure. You could also see if someone that does gift baskets could put something together for you with these items included, or if they would consider doing some personal shopping for you, and dropping it off at your hotel on your check-in day. Try www.memoriesbybetsy.com or www.peggyssweetsandmore.com. I know you can also find theme park items for sale at http://www.laughingplacestore.com/.

3. I believe there are laundry facilities in each lodge building (except possibly Sugar Loaf - seems I heard that somewhere...).

4. I would go ahead and confirm everything, just for peace of mind! I know I do every trip (I have yet to have anything be "off", but I'm sure the one time I don't confirm....)

Have a great trip, and happy birthday to your kiddos!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hello all! I just wanted to check in with the GF board following my fabulous GF disneymoon!

DH and I were bumped from AKL to GF lagoon view, which I was semi-happy about -- I was upset about missing out on the animal views but the bargain hunter in me was thrilled by the upgrade. Also, I knew GF would be very romantic.

Our stay was truly magical.

Wow - what a great trip! I'm glad it was so magical for you and your DH, and it sounds like Disney more than made up for the loss of the AKL (although I love that resort, too!). Thanks for sharing it with us!

 

[twinmum]

Hello! I'll try and give some info in response to 2 different posts.

Re: Pirate Cruise: Our twin sons did this last year when they had just turned 8. They had a fun time, got into the roles, and seemed to have expended quite a lot of energy singing ("yo ho ho, the pirate's life for me!", giggling and the like. There are some great descriptions in the threads, so keep on searching, but siffice to say they sail the 7 sea lagoon looking for treasure, (spoiler!) leave behind a mutinous crew member who managers to reappear safely etc (I actually think this involved the CM getting wet, but not sure!). The "lunch" didn't work for our guys as I'm afraid the traditional PB&J is "gross" in their book. They enjoyed dressing up (pirate ears) and receiving their share of the pirate treasure (mostly little plastic trinkets, "gems", and dubloons.

My guys are neither immature/mature for their age and they had fun. A more mature 8-9 year old might find it a little young - the age range does start younger and they have to ensure they younger set does not get scared etc.

Pirate "Stuff"

Our boys were very much into a pirate theme at WDW, after the cruise, new movie had come out in the summer (not that they'd seen the new one yet, we deemed it a bit intense for viewing in the theatre and waited for the DVD), Pirate tutorial, POTC attraction etc. They used some of their vacation/birthday money at both the store beside POTC and the main gift shop (2nd floor) at the GF beside the monorail. There were all kinds of pirate gear "sets" - swords or pistols (egads!), eye patch etc. I'll admit I don't know about the Jack hat per se, but there sure was a lot of pirate "stuff" at these 2 locations.

Happy trip!

 

[SLDL]

Re: the sword...I can answer this! When we went to DW in March, we stopped by the GF for a short tour & found a Jack Sparrow sword in one of the gift shops. It lights up & was a must-have for my 4 yr. old. I know they had other pirate items w/ that but can't remember about what they were. And, I can't tell you which gift shop this was b/c I know nothing about them but I do know it was the one with the dolls that you get at the Tea Party b/c we bought one of those for my DD. I hope that helps a little.

And in just a few short minutes I can officially say that I will be leaving in just THREE MONTHS for the GF!!

 

[DLo]

Twinmum - thanks for the info. Mine can act both mature and immature. . He is good with smaller kids so he may like bsing someones "helper".

I will probably keep trying and if he can go great- if not- not big deal.

We are usually all about the parks. This will be his 6th trip in a row - he got to go with just the grandparents one year before we started our annual treks. I thought he might like a little something different this trip - plus this may be our only time staying at the GF.

 

[irisbud]

Sounds like you had a great trip, Kristen. I'm glad that you liked the GF afterall!

I'm so excited because my dad just added one more day onto our trip! Unfortunatly, though, the GF was full (except for a 1700/night suite ) so we are going to be spending our last night at Beach Club, Last year, BF and I split our stay between GF RPC and AKL CL and we did not care for AKL at all, so hopefully BC will be more my taste! If not, we still have four nights at the GF first. Only 25 days to go!