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

[DREAMS161]

Hi there. What a fun thread! So much great information!! We are staying at the GF for our first time at the end of NOV. We have a garden view room. I have tried to keep up with the news on the renovations etc but I have to admit I am confused. I would really appreciate advice on the buildings' pros/cons and which buildings have completed renovations. We have two boys 4 & 6, we use both the monorail & the boat to Magic Kingdom. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Tinks]

Hi there. What a fun thread! So much great information!! We are staying at the GF for our first time at the end of NOV. We have a garden view room. I have tried to keep up with the news on the renovations etc but I have to admit I am confused. I would really appreciate advice on the buildings' pros/cons and which buildings have completed renovations. We have two boys 4 & 6, we use both the monorail & the boat to Magic Kingdom. Thank you so much for your help!

I will try and help until someone more knowledgeable comes along!

The buildings:

Main Building : This is concierge level only. It is also known as RPC. The regular rooms have been rehabbed and they are/will be doing the suites next.

Outer buildings
Big Pine Key
Boca Chica
Conch Key
Sugar Loaf
Sago Cay

Of the outer buildnings Sugar Loaf is also concierge only! It is next in line for rehab and will close shortly. Our opinions are that the outer building concierge level will then relocate to another outer lodge building for the duration and move back into Sugar Loaf when it is completed.

As for the rest, Conch Cay is rehabbed and done. It has nice garden views (and also some theme park views). It is a further walk to the Main Building (but it really isn't far at all!) and is closer to the quiet pool. A walk to the Main Pool. This would be closest to the boat launch.

They are working on Big Pine Key. It should be done soon, actually. This is close to the Main Building and both pools. The garden views are good, but there is a chance of a garden view overlooking the quiet pool building roof. Not as nice if you get that one.

Sago Cay is close to the main building and the quickie meal location, Gasparilla Grill. The garden views here could be of the marina! I've heard a GF regular continue to say that this is her favorite building. The other side faces the monorail side I think. It is a short walk to both pools, but it is closer to the quiet pool.

Boca Chica is also under rehab now? Or soon. One side is considered Lagoon/Theme park and the other has nice garden views facing the quiet pool. I think it is still a quick walk to the Main building and it is close to the quiet pool. A walk to the Main Pool. I like this building.

So closest to the main building and monorail: Big Pine Key, Sugar Loaf, and Sago. Closest to quiet pool: Boca Chica, Big Pine Key, Sugar Loaf, and Conch Cay. Closest to the Main Pool: Big Pine Key and perhaps Boca Chica.
Closest to Gasparilla's: Sago and Sugar Loaf.


Hope that starts you out and I didn't forget or mess anything up! Have a great trip!

 

[tenbelow]

I will try and help until someone more knowledgeable comes along!

The buildings:

Main Building : This is concierge level only. It is also known as RPC. The regular rooms have been rehabbed and they are/will be doing the suites next.

Outer buildings
Big Pine Key
Boca Chica
Conch Key
Sugar Loaf
Sago Cay

Of the outer buildnings Sugar Loaf is also concierge only! It is next in line for rehab and will close shortly. Our opinions are that the outer building concierge level will then relocate to another outer lodge building for the duration and move back into Sugar Loaf when it is completed.

As for the rest, Conch Cay is rehabbed and done. It has nice garden views (and also some theme park views). It is a further walk to the Main Building (but it really isn't far at all!) and is closer to the quiet pool. A walk to the Main Pool. This would be closest to the boat launch.

They are working on Big Pine Key. It should be done soon, actually. This is close to the Main Building and both pools. The garden views are good, but there is a chance of a garden view overlooking the quiet pool building roof. Not as nice if you get that one.

Sago Cay is close to the main building and the quickie meal location, Gasparilla Grill. The garden views here could be of the marina! I've heard a GF regular continue to say that this is her favorite building. The other side faces the monorail side I think. It is a short walk to both pools, but it is closer to the quiet pool.

Boca Chica is also under rehab now? Or soon. One side is considered Lagoon/Theme park and the other has nice garden views facing the quiet pool. I think it is still a quick walk to the Main building and it is close to the quiet pool. A walk to the Main Pool. I like this building.

So closest to the main building and monorail: Big Pine Key, Sugar Loaf, and Sago. Closest to quiet pool: Boca Chica, Big Pine Key, Sugar Loaf, and Conch Cay. Closest to the Main Pool: Big Pine Key and perhaps Boca Chica.
Closest to Gasparilla's: Sago and Sugar Loaf.


Hope that starts you out and I didn't forget or mess anything up! Have a great trip!

Tinks - thanks for posting the detailed descriptions of the main and out buildings with locations and views.

Would you happen to know if they have started or finished refurbishing Sago Cay? If this has been answered elsewhere in the thread I appologize in advance.

Thanks.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Tinks - thanks for posting the detailed descriptions of the main and out buildings with locations and views.

Would you happen to know if they have started or finished refurbishing Sago Cay? If this has been answered elsewhere in the thread I appologize in advance.

Thanks.

Mike, I don't think they have started Sago just yet. I have been kind of keeping an eye on the room number plaques for sale on Ebay. The guys that have the rights to sell the discarded GF room items have not listed rooms from building 5 (Sago) yet. They have Big Pine numbers listed currently. Had Conch and RPC numbers previously.

TerryfromHawaii, I thought each lodge building had their own laundry facilities. I have not done laundry at the Grand ever, though - but this is what I read somewhere here.

Dreams - we will also be in a GV the middle to end of Nov. I requested Sago just because I like the location near Gaspies, main building & marina view. I wouldn't mind Boca or Conch, either. For some reason the location of Big Pine does nothing for me. BrianD posted a great map link above your post on this page.


Tinks, way to go with all the great info.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[clownfish1452]

Hello, everyone. I've been away from the Dis since the end of June / beginning of July. Only recently have I logged back in (but that was to post on the Weddings / Honeymoons Board). I hope everyone has enjoyed their recent Grand Floridian vacations.

Amongst the many PMs in my box, were requests for links to my Grand Floridian photos. I've answered those PMs, but thought I should pop in here to post a link to my main photo album. A few of you know that my photos were moved to the Flickr website over the summer. The vast majority of them are still marked "private," but I have begun marking a few of them "public" as the requests come in.

To see my Grand Floridian photos, please go to my main photo album (link given below) and click on the "Walt Disney Resorts" collection. Once there, click on the "Deluxe Resorts" collection. In there, click on the "Grand Floridian" collection.

Click here for my main photo album.

I’m sorry that I only have a handful of my Grand Floridian photos shared, but I do hope to begin rectifying that situation around the middle of October. However, if anyone has a particular request for anything “Grand Floridian” or otherwise (since I’ve stayed in all of Disney’s resorts and my family has experienced many unique things), simply send me a Private Message and I'll do my best to mark more of my photos “public.” For example, I haven’t shared my photos of the Main Building’s Royal Palm Club lounge. If anyone wants to see them, send me a PM.

Sincerely,
Janet

Thank You for posting the wonderful pictures.

Sarah

 

[BCV23]

Hi everyone,

I'm terryfromhawaii, don't know if I've introduced myself yet but we'll be staying at the GF Sugarloaf in November. We've stayed RPC before as well. I wanted to know if someone could tell me where to locate the laundry facilities. Thanks a bunch!

Terry

Sugar Loaf doesn't have laundry facilities. You will probably be directed to Conch Key which is very close especially of you exit out of the end of SL.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[Mcbruns]

Hello !
Just back from 6 wonderful days for our anniversary. We booked RPC and were in room 4207. We were very happy with the MK view (wish we could have moved those palm trees a few feet). Thanks for all the great advice on this thread.

Highlights --
We arrived Magical Express and were greeted as soon as we were off the bus. This was a nice start. We were hoping for a super duper suite upgrade, but no go. We tried to get another room along our hallway, but were told by a manager they were 99% full.

Rehab's - we were offered this info (didn't ask for it) that Sugarloaf would be rehabbed within the next week and half (the entire building).

The Concierge food offerings were all great. I won't be getting on the scale anytime soon. We were usually able to get a seat and found a few quiet tables past the room where they bring the food out. Theses tables were almost always open for us.

We had made all of our ADR's before arriving, but ended up wanting to get into Ohana last night. We stopped by the Concierge desk for them to check for us. They said no availability, but would call over there for us. They could not get us in. Since it was 2 of us we took our chances and walked over. The place was MOBBED. I have never seen it so crowded. We had to wait about an hour, but were able to get a table. My husband was hoping they would have been able to get us in. No biggy.

Victorica and Albert's was fabulous ! Everything was great. My husband did the wine pairings and was quite pleased.

We would defintely stay RPC again. Loved being in the main building. This trip was without our kids and while we missed them lots, we had a great time. I don't know if I would do Cocierge with kids. Just my opinion.
Any questions?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Mcbruns - Thanks for the nice review. I miss that RPC!!! whine. I love that place. It has become our absolute favorite. Can't live without an RPC fix here and there. I am not sure why you think not with kids??? It is my kids favorite!!

Glad it was a nice time. Happy anniversary. We have our 20th anniversary this time next year and hope to spend it there (well, I do anyway....haven't even checked with DH, lol)

Lives4Disney

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Mcbruns, Happy Anniversary! and thanks for the review.

 

[terryfromhawaii]

Hi everyone,

I'm terryfromhawaii, don't know if I've introduced myself yet but we'll be staying at the GF Sugarloaf in November. We've stayed RPC before as well. I wanted to know if someone could tell me where to locate the laundry facilities. Thanks a bunch!

Terry

Thanks BCV23 and Lives 4 Disney for your replies. Looks like we'll be at the GF and WDW at the same time Lives 4 Disney. We usually go during Thanksgiving week every year for the past 4 years (except for 2004). We've stayed at WL, BC, BWI, CR and GF and dh and I like GF the best but the kids like the CR the best. I wonder if the SL will be rehabbed by the time we get there!

Terry

 

[disneyandme]

Any news on the outer building rehabs?

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for the review and glad you had a great time! My kids also love RPC, but they are tweens and love all the food! Not sure how old yours are!
I love RPC reviews - We'll be back at RPC in 2 months and can't wait!

 

[tete01830]

Any news on the outer building rehabs?

I asked IPO about the rehab and they told me....

The Grand Floridian Resort is going thur a rehab. The Sugar Loaf building will be going down on 9/30/07 and will be back up on 10/26/07. So you should have all brand new rooms (and a new lobby - lounge area). IF the schedule has some unforeseen delays, you will be notified by our back office staff.

I then inquired where people from SL were being placed while the rehab was going on and this was my responce

Actually, since the Sugar Loaf building was scheduled way in advance, guests were not booked there during the rehab process.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Any news on the outer building rehabs?

Conch is finished. They are working on Big Pine. No word on Sago or Boca Chica. Sugar Loaf is supposed to begin work any day now.

Terry from Hawaii - I love going over Thanksgiving! We have also gone for the past few years except last year we tried a Christmas trip instead. We found we prefer Xmas at home and Thanksgiving away. I have been trying and trying to upgrade to SL or RPC and no luck. Part of the problem is me trying to use that dumb WDW website to check....UGH! It's awful. It seems GF is going to be a full house. Well, sorry about the laundry facilities in SL. I wonder why there are none in SL. Maybe due to space taken up w/lounge, service areas, etc. Oh, isn't it funny.....my kids also LOVE the CR - especially my teen son. I like CR , too, but over Tgiving & Xmas nothing (IMO) beats the GF.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[DREAMS161]

Hello. Thank you for all of the info. Special thanks to you Tinks! I put in for Conch Key since the renovations are already complete. This is our 10th anniversary so I hope everything is special! I let you know what happens when my TA gets back to me. By the way, do most of you prefer to make your reservations yourself or a TA? I worked with AAA because of the discount rate+being able to get the dining plan. I would just like to hear other's experiences.

 

[DLo]

Yeah - after 3 weeks of trying (not everday) - I booked the Pirate Adventure for my 9 year old DS. He is going to be Jack Sparrow for Halloween (after spending too much money on a costume from the Disney Store) and is very excited about going.

Has anyone's child done this recently?

 

[minniesota]

Hi everyone! We leave for RPC in 10 days Has anyone been to the spa lately? What treatments have you done? It's my sister's 50th and my niece's graduation from nursing school and I want to treat them! Any suggestions?

Also, we have a Wishes and Illuminations cruise reserved. Any ideas of what special things I should order from Private Dining?

Thanks!

 

[tenbelow]

Mike, I don't think they have started Sago just yet. I have been kind of keeping an eye on the room number plaques for sale on Ebay. The guys that have the rights to sell the discarded GF room items have not listed rooms from building 5 (Sago) yet. They have Big Pine numbers listed currently. Had Conch and RPC numbers previously.

Lives4 - thanks for the rehab info on Sago Watching the room number plaques going up for sale on eBay is an excellent idea for keeping tabs on which buildings have been rehabed or will soon be...

My two cents on what could be contributing to the lack of availability of GF rooms is a combination of three things (I'm sure there are more) - the obvious is the current rehabs limit rooms available, also I believe Disney World is set to break a new attendance record this year, beating the one set last year (good and bad news - good that Disney is doing well - bad that demand will lower supply of rooms and likely drive prices up further ) and the last reason I can think of is other guests being displaced from other deluxe resorts under room rehab seem to have the option of GF as alternate place to spend their vacation.

I'm not sure what the normal GF occupancy rate is, but 99% full is surely a hotel owner's dream come true $$

One question that comes to mind is to what occupancy level is GF staffed for housekeeping , dining , bell services , etc...?

 

[clownfish1452]

So I just booked a garden view room for next August. Does anyone for sure if Pine Key refurb will be done?

Thanks
Sarah

 

[Lives4Disney]

So I just booked a garden view room for next August. Does anyone for sure if Pine Key refurb will be done?

Thanks
Sarah

Sarah, the rehabs are supposed to all be completed in late December this year. You are looking good! I think they are currently working on Big Pine.

Mike - ya,....I think that has me kind of worried about our Thanksgiving stay - that occupancy vs. housekeeping, valet, room service employees etc. When we stayed BWI concierge over Tgiving a couple years ago, service was kind of bad & I think largely because it was a busy time and the staff was low. I have not ever had that problem at the GF even during busy times, but there is always a first.

Lives4Disney