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

[Dis Ohana]

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.

Lives4Disney

I logged on today to see what I could do about getting those Christmas party tickets. I've been going back and forth about it because I think it would go on a little too late for us, we are so wiped out by night time! I'm so glad I read this post, the ONLY reason it appealed to me is because I assumed there would be no crowds at all, since it's a pay event.
Thanks!

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..

Lucky you! Glad to hear you're having a wonderful time. That's so sweet about Philharmagic, what a lovely way to remember your father. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

 

[sillyguys]

I booked a lodge tower for April. However, you guys have convinced me to try concierge. I just called and tried to change the reservation but was told that there is no GF concierge availability for May 10-17??? Can this be correct or is it possible that those rooms have yet to be released. Has anyone had this kind of experience? Thanks.

 

[tete01830]

I just received a response from IPO and on the bottom of the email was this

Please Note: In our ongoing efforts to provide exemplary Guest services,
we have upgraded to a new mail server. Please direct all future messages
to Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

 

[Lives4Disney]

Dis Ohana....I do really think the parade & fireworks are fantastic. I'd hate for you to miss out because we had some bad experiences with the crowds. Depending on your vacation dates the party may not be as crowded as it's been for us. We have only gone over Thanksgiving week - the weekend after. We have tried it 3 times now , right about that same time, and been pretty bummed over the crowds each time. Never had the cookies and cocoa or our pictures taken because of long long lines. We waited around for the LATE parade the first party we went to (took guide book and DIS and TGM advice) and it was still horrible crowds and we were soooo worn out and COLD!! After that, we saw whichever parade worked out for us. People are sooooo pushy, too, because they are in such a HURRY to get the whole experience in iduring the party's 5 hrs. Not a whole lot of Christmas spirit going on with that crowd. I don't think we will go this year, but I am not sure because I heard that the parade may be different, and some other different things that may be neat to see. We'll see how our trip plays out. Last year we were at WDW over Xmas and the same parade/shows that are only shown during the Xmas party were going on during open park hours. That was the best.

Sillyguys, just keep trying. I don't know why they'd be booked so far in advance unless there's a conference. We were there about that same time this year and it was dead quiet. Weather was beautiful and the parks were fun! It's a great time to go.

Tete, thanks for that updated info!

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[lillypie123]

I just received a response from IPO and on the bottom of the email was this

Please Note: In our ongoing efforts to provide exemplary Guest services,
we have upgraded to a new mail server. Please direct all future messages
to Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

Thanks for the update!!!
I just called them today.

 

[marcij]

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!

I'm so glad you are having a great time! We buried my mom one day before we were to leave last December on a trip to the GF. My Dad made me promise we would still go on the trip, and we had a great time, just in a different way than normal. After I stayed with Mom for months in the hospital, we needed some family time. Due to some wonderful friends, and in particular a special woman who frequents this thread, along with a great IPO friend, we had a very special trip with lots of PD. You see, WDW and the GF were Mom's favorite. I, too, felt like several things happened during that trip to make me feel like Mom was with us. We started a tradition on that trip where we buy two balloons on Main Street, and both my boys let them go, as we tell Mumsey how much we love and miss her.

I hope your trip continues to be Magical!

 

[Dis Ohana]

Dis Ohana....I do really think the parade & fireworks are fantastic. I'd hate for you to miss out because we had some bad experiences with the crowds. Depending on your vacation dates the party may not be as crowded as it's been for us. We have only gone over Thanksgiving week - the weekend after. We have tried it 3 times now , right about that same time, and been pretty bummed over the crowds each time. Never had the cookies and cocoa or our pictures taken because of long long lines. We waited around for the LATE parade the first party we went to (took guide book and DIS and TGM advice) and it was still horrible crowds and we were soooo worn out and COLD!! After that, we saw whichever parade worked out for us. People are sooooo pushy, too, because they are in such a HURRY to get the whole experience in iduring the party's 5 hrs. Not a whole lot of Christmas spirit going on with that crowd. I don't think we will go this year, but I am not sure because I heard that the parade may be different, and some other different things that may be neat to see. We'll see how our trip plays out. Last year we were at WDW over Xmas and the same parade/shows that are only shown during the Xmas party were going on during open park hours. That was the best.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

I think we'll just pass on it. I was very concerned about being too tired and cold to really have a good time, the crowd factor just clinched it. I was picturing a very relaxed evening, stolling down Main Street without anyone else around. After I stopped to think about it, I doubt Disney would put on an event and not try to pack the park. I can't help but think that at that hour all the little kids will be good and tired, not to mention the adults. I can see where people would be grumpier than normal, I know I would! It would be at the beginning of our trip, and since we're flying in from Hawaii I'm sure jetlag will still be a factor. I know you tour like me, more of a relaxed approach, so I value your advice on this.
And since I've got your attention , I posted this question a while back and got no response, but I know you'd have experience with this. I am thinking of booking the GV tea for me and DD (12). It seems like a nice way to spend an afternoon. We are booked in RPC and I seem to remember reading that the lounge does offer an afternoon tea, is it the same thing?
Thanks again!

 

[triplefigs]

I'm so glad you are having a great time! We buried my mom one day before we were to leave last December on a trip to the GF. My Dad made me promise we would still go on the trip, and we had a great time, just in a different way than normal. After I stayed with Mom for months in the hospital, we needed some family time. Due to some wonderful friends, and in particular a special woman who frequents this thread, along with a great IPO friend, we had a very special trip with lots of PD. You see, WDW and the GF were Mom's favorite. I, too, felt like several things happened during that trip to make me feel like Mom was with us. We started a tradition on that trip where we buy two balloons on Main Street, and both my boys let them go, as we tell Mumsey how much we love and miss her.

I hope your trip continues to be Magical!

Quit making me cry. Love you, Marci!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I think we'll just pass on it. I was very concerned about being too tired and cold to really have a good time, the crowd factor just clinched it. I was picturing a very relaxed evening, stolling down Main Street without anyone else around. After I stopped to think about it, I doubt Disney would put on an event and not try to pack the park. I can't help but think that at that hour all the little kids will be good and tired, not to mention the adults. I can see where people would be grumpier than normal, I know I would! It would be at the beginning of our trip, and since we're flying in from Hawaii I'm sure jetlag will still be a factor. I know you tour like me, more of a relaxed approach, so I value your advice on this.
And since I've got your attention , I posted this question a while back and got no response, but I know you'd have experience with this. I am thinking of booking the GV tea for me and DD (12). It seems like a nice way to spend an afternoon. We are booked in RPC and I seem to remember reading that the lounge does offer an afternoon tea, is it the same thing?
Thanks again!

That is so wonderful that you live in HI. Who knows...you guys may be rarin' to go at 7 pm. It was so funny for us because when we went to HI we got such head starts on the day because we were up and ready at about 5 am! That doesn't happen often for this family!!!!

I remember you posting this question.....I have not ever done the afternoon tea downstairs in the GF so I didn't reply. We've done the princess tea party, and with my bouncy 7 yr old, the real tea isn't something that I've actually given much thought about doing. I can't really compare the two (RPC offerings vs. downstairs tea) but I think they DO have similar treats just from what I have read. In RPC, they serve wonderful scones w/Devonshire cream, different marmalades and jams, sometimes a trifle, cute little tea cakes and cookies and then of course tea - just the little tea bags....same that they have out at bfast. At the princess tea party, they made individual pots of tea with loose leaf tea. I bet that's what they'd have at the garden tea room. I have walked by while it was happening, and it seems kind of pleasantly quiet and relaxed. A nice break from the gogogogo of the parks.

PS....your picture in your head of the quiet Main Street is not happening during the Xmas parties, unfortunately. Try a nice cold night the last week in January!!! That is wonderful! Wish we could take the kids out of school and go in January again. Those were the days.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[Dis Ohana]

Lives4Disney: I think I remember reading about you taking your daughters to tea, that's probably where I got the idea from. My daughter is a little too old to appreciate the princess one though. The offerings in RPC tea sound very similar to the one in the GV tea, I think we'll just pop in there for a relaxing hour after our manicures.

Thanks so much for answering my questions. You and a few other regular posters are a such a wonderful wealth of information, most of what I want to know I have been able to figure out by just reading through this thread. Mahalo!

 

[BCV23]

Hi Everyone! Minniesota, I'm glad you're having a great trip and feeling your father's presence every step of the way.

We're not staying at the GF this trip but as always made it over for a meal. I met my DIL for lunch at the Cafe. The menu has several changes. I had a salmon salad which was very good. Big change. Izzy is gone. They said he has moved to a restaurant in the BW area.

There is a concierge podium on the left hand side quite close to the entrance. I'm not sure if it was there in May as we were directed to "the lady with the clipboard" but if it was there I missed it.

I took the bus from the Studios to the GF as my DH and DS2 were staying on for a bit. It went to the CR, Polynesian and then GF. I waited probably less than 5 minutes and the trip was rather quick.

 

[sillyguys]

Lives4Disney...thanks for the advice about calling. I found it odd that there would be no concierge rooms in May. I know that Mother's Day can be a bit busy but we've been there at that time before and for the most part the crowds are reasonable. Reading all of your posts has convinced me to give concierge a try. It also sounds like RPC is the way to go. Since this is our 10th anniversary trip I have to come up with something good. Looks like RPC could do the trick. Now I just have to get a room. Thanks again.

 

[minniesota]

Hi everyone!
We are having such a good time, well except for my poor DS who must have picked up some bad food at MNSSHP last night. He was up at 4, 6 and 7 communing with the commode in more ways than one if you get my drift. He is sipping on ginger ale this a.m. and we may hang around the GF for a bit while the others head to Epcot.

The gray meat on a stick appeared last night - it was beef with a Thai chili sauce. DH tried it and said it was pretty good. We didn't try anything else because the adults had ressies at Cali Grill - it was very good. We had a window seat and our table was sprinkled with Mickey confetti (sister's birthday). A CM came by and took our picture and presented my sister with a very nice commemorative card including the picture. Nice touch! We watched Hallowishes from the outside observation area and the sound was fantastic! It's the best Hallowishes I've experienced.

I'm going to scout around the grounds today and try to get a feel for the GV rooms views so hopefully I can answer some questions about that.

Still confused about Sago!

Channing, saw one of your favorite CMs last night and she told me Sago is done! Go figure. I'll try to clear up the mystery.

Again, the CMs have all been so warm and friendly and housekeeping has been excellent.

That's it for now!

 

[ClareH37]

We currently have a standard RPC room booked - we wanted a deluxe room but none are available we then started thinking about a suite but none are available in the main building, however, there is a 2 bedroom suite available in the 'outer lodge'.

Can I have your honest opinions please?

Would you rather stay in a standard RPC room in the main building or have a suite in the outer lodge?

This is my first time staying at the GF (first week of December) and I'd welcome your suggestions.

Thanks

Clare

 

[Lives4Disney]

BCV....are you at WDW now?? It sounds like it from your post! Hope you're having tons of fun! We've really never had bus issues while staying at the Grand. I always thought bus service was good from there.

Minniesota- Glad you're still having a wonderful time. Sorry about your son. I don't think it gets much worse than being sick away from home. Hope he feels better soon & nobody else gets it. Somebody ALWAYS used to get sick on our trips - without fail and then the rest of us would get it once we got home. We've been lucky (knock on wood) in our last few trips, though!

Hm.....that is interesting. A Sago mystery. That's neat you saw my favorite CM...she's awesome. THanks for the updates and info. Stay healthy, get your son healthy & keep having fun! Enjoy, Channing



Clare, Suites are nice. I do really like the main buiding though. It is so nice and convenient and it just feels special staying in it, too. But suites are NICE! You'd have RPC or SL access (and depending on the suite both) so you could be in the lounge and enjoy that, but it would definitely be much more convenient to be staying down the hallway from the concierge CMs and the lounge, a the shops, monorail, etc. Such a bummer about the deluxe rooms being booked. I remember just a year ago - and many years prior, they were always open! We couldn't book it because we are a family of 5, but they were an open option. I guess that secret is out. Good luck deciding.

Lives4Disney

 

[princessesrule4]

I think we'll just pass on it. I was very concerned about being too tired and cold to really have a good time, the crowd factor just clinched it. I was picturing a very relaxed evening, stolling down Main Street without anyone else around. After I stopped to think about it, I doubt Disney would put on an event and not try to pack the park. I can't help but think that at that hour all the little kids will be good and tired, not to mention the adults. I can see where people would be grumpier than normal, I know I would! It would be at the beginning of our trip, and since we're flying in from Hawaii I'm sure jetlag will still be a factor. I know you tour like me, more of a relaxed approach, so I value your advice on this.
And since I've got your attention , I posted this question a while back and got no response, but I know you'd have experience with this. I am thinking of booking the GV tea for me and DD (12). It seems like a nice way to spend an afternoon. We are booked in RPC and I seem to remember reading that the lounge does offer an afternoon tea, is it the same thing?
Thanks again!

We always do the Chrismas parties on Tuesday or Thursday since Fridays are usually packed and even Sundays can be more crowded. Lives4Disney is right -There is a big difference in crowds from weeknights to Weekends and we simply just don't do weekend parties anymore!
Both the Christmas party and Halloween party are must dos for us and really get us in the holiday spirit! We are going on the 13th this year!

As far as the Afternoon tea, we love the scones and cream in the RPC lounge! I'm literally counting the days til I can get some of those in December! But the GV lounge does have a lot more to offer- just depends if the scones and tea cookies are what you're looking for! Then you can save $ and just have them in the RPC lounge! You might check out the GV menu and see if there are any must haves down there. We did do tea at the GV and they had a wonderful lemon pound cake and some other things I can't remember. This was our first GF trip about 4 years ago and we were in a Lagoon view room so no RPC scones!

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi Everyone! Minniesota, I'm glad you're having a great trip and feeling your father's presence every step of the way.

We're not staying at the GF this trip but as always made it over for a meal. I met my DIL for lunch at the Cafe. The menu has several changes. I had a salmon salad which was very good. Big change. Izzy is gone. They said he has moved to a restaurant in the BW area.

There is a concierge podium on the left hand side quite close to the entrance. I'm not sure if it was there in May as we were directed to "the lady with the clipboard" but if it was there I missed it.

I took the bus from the Studios to the GF as my DH and DS2 were staying on for a bit. It went to the CR, Polynesian and then GF. I waited probably less than 5 minutes and the trip was rather quick.

No Izzy! Tammi recommended him and we had him a few years ago and he is great! Mabye he wanted a change of pace?! Wonder where on the Boardwalk. We've actually never tried any of the Boardwalk restaurants but we may have to now!

 

[princessesrule4]

We currently have a standard RPC room booked - we wanted a deluxe room but none are available we then started thinking about a suite but none are available in the main building, however, there is a 2 bedroom suite available in the 'outer lodge'.

Can I have your honest opinions please?

Would you rather stay in a standard RPC room in the main building or have a suite in the outer lodge?

This is my first time staying at the GF (first week of December) and I'd welcome your suggestions.

Thanks

Clare

We've only stayed RPC and not in any suites.

Just my thoughts- If it was the summer, a suite might be great( would love the extra room!) and we might not mind the walk to the concierge lounges. But in December with it being more chilly and not really walking by RPC and SL to use the pools, it might be a hassle to walk over there. (Remember, we are LAZY when we're on vacation!) RPC would just be so convenient and it is so festive in the Main Building in December! We'll be back there in 2 months and can't wait!! We'd probably opt for RPC just for the convenience and the unbeatable atmosphere!

Have a great trip ,whatever you decide!

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi everyone!
We are having such a good time, well except for my poor DS who must have picked up some bad food at MNSSHP last night. He was up at 4, 6 and 7 communing with the commode in more ways than one if you get my drift. He is sipping on ginger ale this a.m. and we may hang around the GF for a bit while the others head to Epcot.

The gray meat on a stick appeared last night - it was beef with a Thai chili sauce. DH tried it and said it was pretty good. We didn't try anything else because the adults had ressies at Cali Grill - it was very good. We had a window seat and our table was sprinkled with Mickey confetti (sister's birthday). A CM came by and took our picture and presented my sister with a very nice commemorative card including the picture. Nice touch! We watched Hallowishes from the outside observation area and the sound was fantastic! It's the best Hallowishes I've experienced.

I'm going to scout around the grounds today and try to get a feel for the GV rooms views so hopefully I can answer some questions about that.

Still confused about Sago!

Channing, saw one of your favorite CMs last night and she told me Sago is done! Go figure. I'll try to clear up the mystery.

Again, the CMs have all been so warm and friendly and housekeeping has been excellent.

That's it for now!

So sorry your son is not feeling well! Hopefully, he's doing better this morning!

That sounds like a new version of grey meat on a stick so glad they're changing it up a bit and it's tasting better!

Sounds like a great time at Cali Grille! I celebrated my b-day there the last 2 years - love that place! Glad you got a bonus Hallowishes viewing - bet it looked awesome from up there, especially the finale!

 

[Suzanne74]

Hello again,

I can't believe I am closing in on a month away!! We are so excited.

I signed my daughter up for the alice in wonderland tea party the day we go to MVMCP. It says the event is from 1:30 to 2:30 but to arrive at 1pm to drop your child off? What we do in that half hour will make the difference of what we do. Do you think DH and I will be able to sit at the cafe for a nice quiet but quick lunch? I was even thinking of maybe doing the couple massage but I am thinking that is pushing it. Normally we would lounge by the pool but I don't think that we will be happening the last week of November!

Also, I have been hearing really bad things about 1900 PF. We have never been there before and I have to admit, my daughter isn't really into the princesses. She likes them but likes the characters much more. We normally do Chef Mickey's but they were booked until late so I did 1900 before I heard about the changes. Now I am having second thoughts, especially since Suzy and Perla are gone!