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

[2excited4words]

Great! Thanks guys. That's what I needed to know about the dryers. One less thing I'll have to pack

 

[Tinkaroo]

I'm staying at the GF for the first time in Nov. Actually, it's my first trip to Disney as well. Anyway, could someone give me your opinions of the hairdryers in the rooms. Are they the small, high pitched ones attached to the walls you find in many hotels or are they fairly decent. Mine is pretty bulky and I would rather not take it, but, I also want a decent dryer. Also, is it in a seperate area than the shower, because lots of times I dry my DD's hair while my husband is taking a shower and if it's attached and in the same room........see what I'm saying? Thanks!

The vanity area of the bathroom is separated by a door from the room with the shower/tub and toilet. So, you can easily get ready while your husband showers, and no worries about humidity!

 

[K&C]

Does the GF have a problem receiving packages for guests? I've ordered a basket from Peggy which I expect will be fine, but I also wanted to order hair straightners(our voltage is different) and a ski suit: and get them delivered to the GF.

Thanks

 

[princess-rn]

We are staying at GF for the first time this year! **YIPPEE** I am so excited. We have a MK view (or "theme park view" now) room. I would LOVE to have a little something special waiting in our room for my DS (and DH) when we get there. They both love Chocolate...and cookies..I also thought a note from Mickey and a ballon for DS. Any idea how I can make this happen?

Thanks Disers are the best!

 

[princess-rn]

One more question....I am bringing a few Christmas decorations for the room. (nothing major..just something to feel festive) Will Mousekeeping be ok with that?

 

[krbq]

Hi all,

Just popping in as we, too, just did the Photopass photo shoot at the GF last week. I was VERY pleased with the shoot, and quite happy with the pictures too. Our photographer (I don't think I'm allowed to post her name, but can give it by PM if anyone would like it) did a nice job keeping the kiddos interested and getting their attention (my 2 and almost 4 year old - NOT an easy task!!), and, more importantly, was very efficient! She kept things moving at a nice pace, which also really helped to keep the little ones in good shape. We checked in for our shoot at 8:45 as they requested and we were done by 9:30. She took approx. 70 pictures, and quite a few really nice ones (especially of the kids). Unlike NeverSayNever, we started inside then moved out - thank God. It was quite hot & humid during our shoot (even though it was early) and I would have been pretty gross if we started outside first. I guess it all depends on your photographer. Anyway, for the price (free with pre-purchase), we thought it was a GREAT use of our time!!

On a side note, I'm looking forward to reading through this thread and learning more about the GF as we booked a stay there with the bounceback offer for next Sept.! Woo hoo!!

What's the bounceback offer? Is it something available to all guests?

 

[SLDL]

ekball, could you please PM w/ the name of your photographer? I have called every month for the last 3 months to make an appt & they keep telling me to call later, that they are not taking appts this early. I want my family pictures taken in front of the tree! Where/when do you pre-purchase that photopass cd?


Also, what is the BEST plan of action to take if we are not satisfied w/ mousekeeping? It seems that no one ever gets a positive response when something is wrong & I want to know who to contact/what to do in case I find myself in that situation. Thanks!

 

[Lives4Disney]

One more question....I am bringing a few Christmas decorations for the room. (nothing major..just something to feel festive) Will Mousekeeping be ok with that?

Hi, we spent last Xmas at the Grand and I had a Xmas tree delivered from the florist, brought a Mickey wreath for our door, lights, and we bought and filled Disney stockings and hung them from the knobs on the armoire. No issues from housekeeping or anybody else. We had a gingerbread house ordered from private dining. Private dining will have a bunch of goodies to choose from.


SLDL.....housekeeping.....I have not ever had anything but GREAT housekeeping at the Grand (Lucky, I guess)....I have on the other hand had issues at Swan, YC, and BWI. I always call the housekeeping number and speak with the manager there. They have been very apologetic and always made sure we had no more issues. (well excpet BWI - they were just apologetic nothing was improved...we do not stay at BWI anymore at all.)

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[princess-rn]

Thanks for the info Lives4Disney. How do I contact private dining?

 

[Babyboo]

Private dining will have a bunch of goodies to choose from.

QUOTE]

Hi Lives4Disney - where will I find details of what goodies private dinning offer or do I have to call. When we were there in June we just had he details of room service offerings nothing from private dinning.

I would love to order some Christmas goodies for our upcoming Dec stay.

 

[tenbelow]

ekball, could you please PM w/ the name of your photographer? I have called every month for the last 3 months to make an appt & they keep telling me to call later, that they are not taking appts this early. I want my family pictures taken in front of the tree! Where/when do you pre-purchase that photopass cd?


QUOTE]

Hi,

I have read that PP is only taking reservations 30 days in advance for this shoot. Below is a link to a helpful website on saving money on the photopass.

http://www.stitchkingdom.com/photopass/

As I understand it, if you purchase PP in advance, Disney sends you a certificate with a number on it that is entered when purchasing the CD that brings the cost to $0.00 as you have already paid for it and saved $25 by doing so!

On the other hand I have also read that GF photo sessions are no longer free for those with pre purchased PP CDs. The latest I have heard from other DISers' is that it costs $24.95 if you have the prepaid PP or the same $49.95 if you don't.

Perhaps the GF PP was free during the "soft" roll out of the photo program or it could also be that too many guests were not keeping their appointments Either way it sounds like Disney will get their $124.95 for the PP CD, whether we prepay or buy at GF after PP shoot for $124.95 (if done that way there is no charge for sitting).

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks for the info Lives4Disney. How do I contact private dining?

Hi, the number is 407-824-2474

Babyboo, I don't know where you can find a list of treats and goodies they offer for the room. I usually have just gone and ordered items I saw or read about here on the Dis. I did ask them for ideas once and they had a few. Here's some that I remember or have ordered......strawberries on a platter with a warm chocolate dipping sauce (DELICIOUS), tux and bride strawberries, truffles, cookie platters, pastry plate, chocolate box of truffles, chocolate cigars, Cindy slippers, dog bones, champagne....any of those can be mixed for a variety plate, too. We have had white chocolate Mickeys, Goofies, and Tinks. I know they have Donald and a few others, too. THey also have the gingerbread items seasonally.

Hope this helps or they have some other suggestions.

Princessrn...I forgot about your balloon question from above. I have an idea that they have a hotel "balloon list" and you somehow get put on that for success with your request. I have only done it thru concierge, but that doesn't matter - except that they usually kind of oversee taht it happens. If you talk to private dining - I almost think this balloon request should go thru them, so mention it.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[princess-rn]

lives4disney- Thanks so much for the info. I will call them soon.

 

[Lewanc]

One more question....I am bringing a few Christmas decorations for the room. (nothing major..just something to feel festive) Will Mousekeeping be ok with that?

Hi Princess-RN - I don't think you will have any problems with Mousekeeping regarding Christmas decorations. I have never done Christmas at the GF, but have at the Yacht Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Villas, and the Wilderness Lodge Villas, with no problems.

I am local Disney, and when family comes down to visit for the holidays and include Disney on Christmas Day as a part of the vacation, I have always talked with the concierge folk at the resort of choice, regarding Christmas decorations, etc. and have had no problems. We even have an artificial tree about 5' that we bring down and decorate for the kids so they can have their normal Christmas morning. I don't know if we haven't had problems with this because we usually have a suite or villa, but I just ask for anyting out of the ordinary I want to do, and thus far, have had no problems.

I'm not sure, but have heard that Disney has a source that would provide Christmas trees, etc. You might call and ask the concierge.

Hope you have a wonderful, magical, Christmas vacation.

 

[grannyminnie]

Lewanc, Lives4Disney could tell you what the Disney source is for Christmas trees...I think it was the Disney Florist.

 

[Babyboo]

Hi, the number is 407-824-2474

Babyboo, I don't know where you can find a list of treats and goodies they offer for the room. I usually have just gone and ordered items I saw or read about here on the Dis. I did ask them for ideas once and they had a few. Here's some that I remember or have ordered......strawberries on a platter with a warm chocolate dipping sauce (DELICIOUS), tux and bride strawberries, truffles, cookie platters, pastry plate, chocolate box of truffles, chocolate cigars, Cindy slippers, dog bones, champagne....any of those can be mixed for a variety plate, too. We have had white chocolate Mickeys, Goofies, and Tinks. I know they have Donald and a few others, too. THey also have the gingerbread items seasonally.

QUOTE]


Thanks for the info I will def get the tux strawberrys but would like to get something different for christmas morning as well and will get my DD the Cinderella Slipper at some point. Maybe after our meal
in Citricos.

My guess is I will be able to get the staff at SL to organise these treats. We just managed to get a 10 night booking for 12/17 - 12/27

 

[Babyboo]

Lewanc, Lives4Disney could tell you what the Disney source is for Christmas trees...I think it was the Disney Florist.

Hi, not Lives4Disney here but we ordered our tree from the Disney Florist - www.disneyflorist.com.

Quite pricey at $457 (we did add a plush YOMD Minnie & Mickey). I believe they will arange to ship it home aswell, but as we are in the UK I will have to find my own way to get it home. We may have to scarifice the tree but will definately be taking the decorations.

 

[Babyboo]

Hi, we have just booked a room in SL should I put in any room requests or are there any rooms that I should avoid??

Another frequently asked question I know but I don't recall seeing the answer. Is the SL refurb likely to be finished by Dec - we arrive 12/17.

Thanks

 

[grannyminnie]

Hi, we have just booked a room in SL should I put in any room requests or are there any rooms that I should avoid??

Another frequently asked question I know but I don't recall seeing the answer. Is the SL refurb likely to be finished by Dec - we arrive 12/17.

Thanks

Hi, I'm headed down for my first GF stay after Thanksgiving and will be in SL as well. I usually put in room requests when I book, but for some reason did not request in SL, maybe because after reading some posts here I felt I should just take a chance!
Your other question...I think the answer to that is yes, the room refurbs should be finished by then. Anyone who has been recently might have heard different, so they might come along and update my response...

 

[TammiMcMan]

Babyboo, regarding treats delivered to your room, you probably want to deal directly with private dining instead of going through IPO. My experience has been that IPO is not overly helpful in that regard and you'll get many more options speaking with private dining on your own. They can fax you a copy of everything they offer or describe it over the phone.

I haven't found any area's of SL to avoid, but we usually try to get one of the very few rooms that offer a fireworks view. Specifically 6313 and 6315 are good locations overlooking the marina. You can't see the castle, but as I mentioned, there is a good chance you can catch some of Wishes from your balcony. Another little known secret about SL are the 3 lodge tower rooms they have available by request. All overlook the garden and the top floor doesn't have a balcony. It's nice if you need the extra space though.