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

[minniesota]

Hello everyone!
I'm sitting on my balcony in RPC looking at the beautiful marina and that gorgeous castle!!! We were upgraded last night to RPC (had GV our first night due to schedule change and RPC being unavailable). So nice to not change rooms. I was so excited when we were greeted outside the front doors and whisked right up to our rooms on the 4th floor. Beautiful castle view! The room is gorgeous and while I miss the more Disneyesque decor, this is very soothing and it's so fresh. Housekeeping has been awesome so far - we even came back to towel animals today (1st time ever in any resort and I could do with or without but it was a nice lttle surprise). I requested htat our rooms be cleaned by 1 pm and they were done by 11 I think. The lounge is great - I'm taking tons of pics. And every CM I've encountered has been as warm and friendly as can be. Of course I am greeting everyone of them with a big 'ol happy smile -cause I'm in the happiest place on earth!

I teared up quite a bit at Philharmagic, one of my dad's favorites. It was the strangest feeling - there was an empty seat next to me and I swear I felt his arm around me...

More later..

 

[Babyboo]

With all this talk of Lodge Tower Rooms - I know they are a bookable catergory for standard rooms but can you book them in SL or are they just a request?

Thanks

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hello everyone!
I'm sitting on my balcony in RPC looking at the beautiful marina and that gorgeous castle!!! We were upgraded last night to RPC (had GV our first night due to schedule change and RPC being unavailable). So nice to not change rooms. I was so excited when we were greeted outside the front doors and whisked right up to our rooms on the 4th floor. Beautiful castle view! The room is gorgeous and while I miss the more Disneyesque decor, this is very soothing and it's so fresh. Housekeeping has been awesome so far - we even came back to towel animals today (1st time ever in any resort and I could do with or without but it was a nice lttle surprise). I requested htat our rooms be cleaned by 1 pm and they were done by 11 I think. The lounge is great - I'm taking tons of pics. And every CM I've encountered has been as warm and friendly as can be. Of course I am greeting everyone of them with a big 'ol happy smile -cause I'm in the happiest place on earth!

I teared up quite a bit at Philharmagic, one of my dad's favorites. It was the strangest feeling - there was an empty seat next to me and I swear I felt his arm around me...

More later..

How wonderful!! THANKS for checking in! Enjoy your RPC stay!!! I can't wait to go back.....LOVE that place. That is so sweet about Philharmagic. I hope you keep having a great time. Thanks for the report.

Babyboo....the lodge tower rooms in SL are request only. I had one on the top floor and it was great, but no balcony up there.

Sillyguys....Kelly (AlicenWonderlnd) posted pics of her lodge tower room in SL some time around the middle of July. You can go backwards til you come to posts about that time. Babyboo - you might want to take a look, too!

Lives4Disney

 

[ClareH37]

Hi, can I ask about check-in for RPC?

I understand a CM will meet me at the main entrance but how do they know when I am arriving? Do I let the security guard know at the gatehouse or do I wait until we drive up and tell the valet?

Thank you.

 

[princessesrule4]

So glad you all are having a wonderful time! Thanks for checking in with us GF addicts and can't wait to hear more!

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi, can I ask about check-in for RPC?

I understand a CM will meet me at the main entrance but how do they know when I am arriving? Do I let the security guard know at the gatehouse or do I wait until we drive up and tell the valet?

Thank you.

They have a new process and in June we checked in with a podium at the main entrance. It has a sign that says "Club Level Check In". I'm assuming that they are still doing check in this way.

 

[trodrigue]

I am staying at the GF and want to watch the fireworks on the 14th of October which is the Halloween Party night. Will I be able to see them from the beach?

 

[lillypie123]

Just a few questions about our upcoming trip.
I read some of you have ordered from private dining before your arrival. to have something special in the room when you arrive. What are some options you can order? is there a menu? How many days before 4 maybe?

What can I do to try and get that MK view. I did request it on my reserv. who would I call and how many days ahead?

Have all the rooms in RPC been redone? Did they take out the minibar?

I am already looking at my luggage to pack for the trip what kind of weather can you expect last week of nov and dec.?

We are getting so excited about the trip. We are taking our 4 kids, grandma and grandpa, and the kids 3 cousins. They haven't been anywhere outside of our home state. We just told them they are going!

Thinking of doing christmas party at MK could anyone tell me what it is like?

Have a good weekend!
Lillypie123

 

[minniesota]

I am staying at the GF and want to watch the fireworks on the 14th of October which is the Halloween Party night. Will I be able to see them from the beach?

We are at the GF now and you can see Hallowishes from the marina in front of Gasparilla's or from the boat dock or the porch at Narcoossee's but would not have a very good view from the beach. You CANNOT, however, hear the soundtrack from in front of Gaspy's and I'm not sure they are playing the soundtrack anywhere outside. We watched them last night from the marina and there was no music piped in. My neices watched from the Poly beach and said there was no music there either. It's a fabulous display but just wanted you to be aware.

Still having a great time - Animal Kingdom was packed today! Off to the spa for facials, pedicures and massages. Our Wishes cruise is tonight!

Channing, I'm almost 100 percent sure Sago is complete. I walked over there yesterday afternoon and talked to some guests in the lobby who said their rooms were done and assumed the building was complete. I haven't seen any workers over there but lots of action at SL. They were carrying in the benches that go at the end of the beds.

more later...

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am staying at the GF and want to watch the fireworks on the 14th of October which is the Halloween Party night. Will I be able to see them from the beach?

If it were me, I'd walk over to the Poly (very nice 10 minute walk) and watch from their beach. I believe you'd have a much better, direct view. I think these party fireworks are launched from the periphery all around the lagoon and behind the castle etc.

Lillypie - What fun! I request the MK view room thru IPO. We've always been lucky and had it. All the rooms in RPC have been redone. There is no longer a minibar, but there is a fridge.

We will be at the GF the week before you. We leave on Nov 26. I have been there several times before for Thanksgiving and I pack just a little of everything.....some days are swimming weather and some are much cooler. Even the swimming weather days - after the sun sets, it gets COLD. You will need polar fleece or something for the evenings for sure. We were there last Xmas, and it was HOT and muggy til the day we flew out. Just check accuweather for the local forecast a couple days before you leave. Be prepared for anything.

We have also been to the Xmas party a few times. I am not a fan, but we keep going. Keep trying to get a party night where it's not super crowded. We have not had taht luck, but considering the week you are going, I bet you will. It's the hideous crowds that have turned me off to it. It's supposed to be a limited ticket event, but I think they raised the limit, lol. Just don't go on a Friday night. Try a Tues or Wed nt. The parade is great (and I am not a parade fan, necessarily) the shows are cute, the fireworks are amazing, and the park atmosphere is beautiful - other than the horrid crowds.

Have fun!! Sounds great to me. I wish I could take my kids out of school and go that week vs. Thanksgiving week. THe weather is usually just gorgeous, though during the day....clear blue sunny skies and in the low to mid 70s.

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

We are at the GF now and you can see Hallowishes from the marina in front of Gasparilla's or from the boat dock or the porch at Narcoossee's but would not have a very good view from the beach. You CANNOT, however, hear the soundtrack from in front of Gaspy's and I'm not sure they are playing the soundtrack anywhere outside. We watched them last night from the marina and there was no music piped in. My neices watched from the Poly beach and said there was no music there either. It's a fabulous display but just wanted you to be aware.

Still having a great time - Animal Kingdom was packed today! Off to the spa for facials, pedicures and massages. Our Wishes cruise is tonight!

Channing, I'm almost 100 percent sure Sago is complete. I walked over there yesterday afternoon and talked to some guests in the lobby who said their rooms were done and assumed the building was complete. I haven't seen any workers over there but lots of action at SL. They were carrying in the benches that go at the end of the beds.

more later...

Minniesota - Thanks for that Sago info. Keep having FUN!!!!!!!! Thanks for checking in!!!!

I thought I had read somewhere here on the DIS that Sago was being put off for awhile.....why that would be....no clue. Can't believe everythign ya read, huh?

They must be trying to keep some part of the Hallowishes "secret" for the paying party goers. Interesting. Have you heard the Wishes music infront of Gaspies??? I know we have, but I wonder if it's someting they do once in a while or stopped doing altogether.

Take care - enjoy the magic!

Channing

 

[minniesota]

Channing-
We arrived Thursday night and both that night and last night were party nights so I don't know. We watched the show from the 3rd floor RPC balcony on Thursday and couldn't hear anything either.

Our boat is equipped with sound so we better hear Wishes tonight!! I'll ask around about whether it's piped in at the marina. We'll be at Cali Grill for Sunday night's party (the kids will be at the party!) so we'll see if they play the music there.

 

[Babyboo]

Babyboo....the lodge tower rooms in SL are request only. I had one on the top floor and it was great, but no balcony up there.

Sillyguys....Kelly (AlicenWonderlnd) posted pics of her lodge tower room in SL some time around the middle of July. You can go backwards til you come to posts about that time. Babyboo - you might want to take a look, too!

Lives4Disney

Lives4Disney - Thanks for the info

I have done some research into the Lodge Tower rooms and think I will go ahead and request one. No biggie if we don't but the extra space for 10 nights would be great.

Can I request through IPO or do I have to go through CRO.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing-
We arrived Thursday night and both that night and last night were party nights so I don't know. We watched the show from the 3rd floor RPC balcony on Thursday and couldn't hear anything either.

Our boat is equipped with sound so we better hear Wishes tonight!! I'll ask around about whether it's piped in at the marina. We'll be at Cali Grill for Sunday night's party (the kids will be at the party!) so we'll see if they play the music there.

Wow!! Sounds like you are having too much fun. Hope the Wishes cruise is wonderful and you do hear the soundtrack. I LOVE it.

Thanks for doing all this "research" for me and the other GF Fans. I just logged on a few minutes before you posted & I was curious to see if you had reported back on your adventures. I almost feel like I'm there. You're making me excited for our upcoming stay.


ENJOY!

Channing

 

[TammiMcMan]

Minniesota, thanks for checking in. I have no doubt that your dad is with you in spirit and that he's found a way to make himself "known" to you. I have that happen alot too. It's wonderful being able to relive some old memories and make new ones at the same time. Hope the rest of your trip is just as magical.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney - Thanks for the info

I have done some research into the Lodge Tower rooms and think I will go ahead and request one. No biggie if we don't but the extra space for 10 nights would be great.

Can I request through IPO or do I have to go through CRO.

I always make requests thru IPO. They are closer to the people that will give you the outcome that you want and the concierge rooms are assigned by a diff room assigner than the other rooms are. Email or call IPO and introduce yourself and just let them know your preference.

As a side note....any time EVER that I have made room requests thru CRO of any kind, for any WDW hotel, that notation never seems to make it to the assigner or front desk. That's why I always go thru IPO!!!! That seems to work.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[ClareH37]

They have a new process and in June we checked in with a podium at the main entrance. It has a sign that says "Club Level Check In". I'm assuming that they are still doing check in this way.

Thank you, hopefully that will still be there.

lillypie123 - I think we're there when you're there

 

[puggymom]

I posted here a few months ago when the 2008 AAA rates were released, anywho, I am staying RPC next August with my goddaughter and when I was down there last week I did a little scouting of the GF. I got off the monorail and I walked around the grounds a bit and then took the boat to MK. I am even more excited to stay there next year and spending a little time there exploring What a beautiful resort!

 

[minniesota]

Hi again-
Really, I wouldn't be on the computer again but DH has it for business and he just had it out, so...

Spa treatments were wonderful, wonderful! I was a limp noodle after my massage! We even requested a golf cart to take us back to the main building. The offerings tonight were awesome. In three nights, I have yet to see the gray meet on the stick...

Channing[/B,
OK, tonight I saw a bellman loading luggage in front of Sago and I asked him about renovations there. He said they have NOT started it yet. They will finish up SL and then go to Sago. I will keep trying to find specific dates for you.

Tammji, You are so sweet! Yes, he is definitely here!

We looked at the Grand 1 tonight and took a couple of pics. It's booked tonight so I guess there won't be a surprise upgrade! Can't wait to see Wishes tonight!

By the way, did not see a Club Level check-in podium. We had a CM waiting for us but I think it's because I called IPO from the airport to let them know we'd be late for our ADR since we had a plane delay.

Things have really been awesome. Honestly, the CMs have been so wonderful and I do think you get what you give. A smile and a kind word - a little friendly conversation - can make your trip. I guess I've been taught over the years that the best way to enjoy life is to put yourself in the other person's place. Treat people as you want to be treated and don't sweat the small stuff.

OK, it sounds like I've been drinking the Disney koolaid!

 

[lillypie123]

If it were me, I'd walk over to the Poly (very nice 10 minute walk) and watch from their beach. I believe you'd have a much better, direct view. I think these party fireworks are launched from the periphery all around the lagoon and behind the castle etc.

Lillypie - What fun! I request the MK view room thru IPO. We've always been lucky and had it. All the rooms in RPC have been redone. There is no longer a minibar, but there is a fridge.

We will be at the GF the week before you. We leave on Nov 26. I have been there several times before for Thanksgiving and I pack just a little of everything.....some days are swimming weather and some are much cooler. Even the swimming weather days - after the sun sets, it gets COLD. You will need polar fleece or something for the evenings for sure. We were there last Xmas, and it was HOT and muggy til the day we flew out. Just check accuweather for the local forecast a couple days before you leave. Be prepared for anything.

We have also been to the Xmas party a few times. I am not a fan, but we keep going. Keep trying to get a party night where it's not super crowded. We have not had taht luck, but considering the week you are going, I bet you will. It's the hideous crowds that have turned me off to it. It's supposed to be a limited ticket event, but I think they raised the limit, lol. Just don't go on a Friday night. Try a Tues or Wed nt. The parade is great (and I am not a parade fan, necessarily) the shows are cute, the fireworks are amazing, and the park atmosphere is beautiful - other than the horrid crowds.

Have fun!! Sounds great to me. I wish I could take my kids out of school and go that week vs. Thanksgiving week. THe weather is usually just gorgeous, though during the day....clear blue sunny skies and in the low to mid 70s.

Lives4Disney

Thanks for the info... I will call IPO do you have the number? And how many days before should I call?

I too hate to fight crowds so that is still why I am hesitating about the christmas party.




Thanks for replying