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

[WoodysRoundup]

Thanks Woody....I still have the white chocolate Xmas tree and snowman in our freezer....along with other white chocolate goodies from that trip that wre on DD's bday cake. I need to dump them!

Lives4Disney

Apparently they WERE too pretty to eat!

 

[Dis Ohana]

I had never seen great pix of deluxe RPC rooms (nor did I see one when we were there). Now I know how much we truly missed when we were "downgraded" from deluxe to standard by IPO CM's and room assignors who had misinformation from CRO. This was very unfortunate as we needed the deluxe for more floor space for our disabled son'. He could have been indendent in deluxe, but was utterly dependent in standard. It made a big difference to him.

I apologize for this whining, especially for those who have heard me before. But...OMG...I never really appreciated just how much better the deluxe would have been...it would have been perfect! No wonder the CM's worked hard to try to compensate us. I'll have to show my hubby - but not my son!

Believe it or not these pix actually made me cry.

OK, I promise not to whine about this on this thread again. But thank you - I have always wondered what it would have been like and now I know. And I know I'll never go back to the GF unless we can reserve one.

Twinmum

How did you get "downgraded" from deluxe to standard? I have a deluxe reservation and would be VERY disappointed if I got anything less. Did you have your printed itinerary as proof of your room reservation?

 

[twinmum]

Whoops! I really didn't mean to open up that can of worms...here's what happened.

I had talked in great detail with central reservations (CRO), special needs and ultimately with the IPO about our son's needs. When we changed (shortened) our trip dates, I was asked by CRO about room location preferences. I indicated our priorities being 1.space (and described mobility in "deluxe" room) 2. same floor as lounge 3. not too far from lounge so our son could use his walker rather than wheelchair and 4. "if all that is possibole, we'd love a great view for our first trip". At that time, I did not know that there are no RPC Deluxe rooms with MK view.

When these preferences were entered into the system, somehow the view request was granted at the expense of the deluxe room, i.e. we were "downgraded.". This was caused by confusion by CRO about what a "deluxe RPC" room was. This CM took ALL RPC rooms to be "deluxe" as they are concierge. By the time the IPO CM's took over helping with room assignment on our behalf, they never realized that we had booked and paid for a deluxe room because of what they received from CRO. The IPO CM didn't pick up on the problem although in my email's with him I did describe how much our son was looking froward to being independent in the extra space in the deluxe room. This all happened becauseCM's were trying to help.

There was a fair amount of finger pointing when we saw our room, all of which stopped when I presented a print out of all my emails, with highlighting. The IPO CM's realized that although this was truly their fault, they should have picked up on the issue. Of course, no deluxe rooms were available, so the concierge manager gave us considerable $$$ compensation. Couldn't give us back the "dream" vacation, though!

And that's my cautionary tale. If you have any room location preferences, don't ask for MK view, because none of the RPC deluxe's have it. Also, I do think there was some fall-out after our stay based on some subsequent correspondence, and I hope that CRO and IPO CM's are all clearer about the names and codes for the various room types.

All that being said, I think our situation really threw them for a loop because it just doesn't happen - and there was a particularly emotional element given that it involved the needs of a young, physically disabled boy. They felt really, really badly about it...and I just kind of let feel that way them because we were so disappointed.

We're going to Disneyland this year (because we couldn't get a deluxe room at the GF for the dates we needed!). I've been SOOOO specific about our needs and I've quadruple-checked everything and will continue to do so right up to the day we arrive!

Enjoy that Deluxe room!!!

 

[Dis Ohana]

How awful. I'm sorry if I picked at that scab, I can see why it's an experience you wouldn't want to remember. It's nice that they did compensate you and try to help, I've found that's not always the case with some hotels. I hope the rest of your trip was wonderful.
Have a great time at Disneyland. We LOVE it there, it is our annual vacation spot. This will be our first trip to WDW, I can't wait!

 

[wdhinn89]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but keep your eyes open for the Hidden Mickeys all over the Gingerbread House. We found something like a dozen last year.

And, for the record, the pieces we tried were not that bad. I'm hoping some of the xmas stuff gets up before we leave this year.

Maz

We will be at GF on the same days as you 11/8-11/13. Can't wait. The kids still don't know . It is a surprise for my DD 10th Birthday. She will be the girl wearing the birthday cake hat

 

[Tinks]

Okay, now I am . I just got an email from the BC. Here's the story: we are checking into the BC on Thursday the 25th for one night and then checking into the GF for the next 2 nights on an AP rate. We got an email from GF bumping us up to a deluxe room (after we booked a standard concierge room) Then, the BC emails us and bumps us to the NEWPORT SUITE! We had booked a standard BC room. Needless to say I AM FREAKING OUT! How does this happen?? I want to cry! I really wish this were a long trip with DH along, but what the hey, we'll take it! I am really stunned.

I showed DH and told him he needs to come along now.

NOTHING like this has ever happened to us on all our trips (DH says it's because we go to often)

I can't keep still.....

 

[PrincessPaczki]

What a great surprise! Take lots of pictures to share with us.

 

[DLo]

Tinks - WOW- congrats on your awesome upgrade. Have a great trip!!

 

[MickeyMaz]

We will be at GF on the same days as you 11/8-11/13. Can't wait. The kids still don't know . It is a surprise for my DD 10th Birthday. She will be the girl wearing the birthday cake hat

Great to hear you'll be down at the same time. Pass on the Happy B'day. We have a DS10 and a DD7. I'm sure it'll be a blast.

I just started my planning without guilt since we're so close. Are you guys doing anything special? MGM Osborne Lights are suppose to open up on the 12th. We have a lot of back and forth time planned with MK and Epcot and the GF. The first MVMCP is also on the 12th, but I think we're passing on it.

Have a fun trip!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Okay, now I am . I just got an email from the BC. Here's the story: we are checking into the BC on Thursday the 25th for one night and then checking into the GF for the next 2 nights on an AP rate. We got an email from GF bumping us up to a deluxe room (after we booked a standard concierge room) Then, the BC emails us and bumps us to the NEWPORT SUITE! We had booked a standard BC room. Needless to say I AM FREAKING OUT! How does this happen?? I want to cry! I really wish this were a long trip with DH along, but what the hey, we'll take it! I am really stunned.

I showed DH and told him he needs to come along now.

NOTHING like this has ever happened to us on all our trips (DH says it's because we go to often)

I can't keep still.....

TINKS!!! That is just great! Have a wonderful time!!!

Please take lots of pictures and share with us!!!!!! I'd love to see the Newport Suite, too!! WOW! That is wild they emailed you and let you know ahead of time. I'd be crazy excited, too. It would motivate me to pack!!!!

Enjoy!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Lives4Disney

PS.....Where'd my bouncing pumpkin go???? Just checked....where did DLo's go?? Is this due to the new sig guidelines??? BUmmer. OMG!!! My countdown is gone, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

great news Tinks!

Take tons of pics for us and I hope you have a great trip!

 

[wdhinn89]

Great to hear you'll be down at the same time. Pass on the Happy B'day. We have a DS10 and a DD7. I'm sure it'll be a blast.

I just started my planning without guilt since we're so close. Are you guys doing anything special? MGM Osborne Lights are suppose to open up on the 12th. We have a lot of back and forth time planned with MK and Epcot and the GF. The first MVMCP is also on the 12th, but I think we're passing on it.

Have a fun trip!

We have tickets for the MVMCP. It will be our first time so it should be fun. We actually have MGM planned for the 12th but I think the lights go on too late so we will have to miss them AK for the 10th, it is my daughters favorite park. We got the 6 day park hopper so we will be back and forth alot also. Maybe we will see you in the lobby one day if we stay put in one place long enough Can't wait, less than three weeks

 

[irisbud]

Wow Tinks, congrats on the upgrade!

I finally got around to downloading the photos from my camera and uploading them to photobucket .

Here are some pictures of the view from the main balcony of our MK view room. As I said before, this was room 9147 in Big Pine Key. The view from the secondary balcony was of the wedding pavilion and that area, but those pictures appear to have been eaten by my memory card . It was a pretty view, though!

To the far left, a ferry and the monorail line

Castle with monorail passing in front

Again

One last time

MK Train Station

MK Train Station and part of Future World

Top of Space Mountain

Contemporary

Polynesian

Theme Pool

And here are some of the resort...

From MK Boat Dock

From MK Ferry

Big Pine Key. Our room was on the first floor, in the corner that looks as though it would be closest to the Wedding Pavillion in this picture.

Narcoosee's

Hope you enjoyed. The camera was new. It was a gift from my Dad (as though the trip wasn't enough of a gift!). I apologize that the pictures aren't the greatest. It was a little gloomy a lot of the time we were there (Good: not too hot; Bad: rained a lot) and I hadn't gotten the hang of all of the settings yet (Still haven't!)

 

[Frankiesmom]

Can someone tell me the differences in RPC? We have stayed in the Sugar loaf bldg once. But I was interested in the club level in the main bldg;checking online availability comes up with standard club level? Can anyone tell me what the different levels are? What club level did Minnesota stay in? I would love a room like that with an incredible view! Thanks in advance! We really only have experience with LVC at the POLY!

 

[minniesota]

Frankiesmom-
We stayed in a standard concierge room in RPC. I think SL's room category is referred to as lodge concierge. As far as the differences go, I think Tammi has descibed it well when she says SL is more a B&B type lounge. The RPC lounge takes up a prettty good portion of the 4th floor area overlooking the main lobby courtyard. There are two couches and comfy chairs surrounding a coffee table; four larger tables that can accommodate 6-8 people; about 4 kids tables; and 4 or 5 small tables along the windows that can accommodate 2-3 people.

I think the offerings are pretty much the same though I've heard maybe more quantity in RPC. The concierge CMs are located directly below the lounge and there are also several places to enjoy food and drink including the wonderful 3rd floor balcony which was always empty! The CMs are wonderful and bend over backwards to help make your stay great.

I think what we like about the main building is the atmosphere (lobby, orchestra, pianist, etc); convenience (monorail, shops, restaurants) and the feeling of being pampered! To me the main building feels more special - but don't get me wrong- I'll stay anywhere as long as it's the Grand.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Then, the BC emails us and bumps us to the NEWPORT SUITE! We had booked a standard BC room. Needless to say I AM FREAKING OUT! How does this happen?? I want to cry! I really wish this were a long trip with DH along, but what the hey, we'll take it! I am really stunned.

That's a wonderful upgrade. I know what you mean about wishing it had been a longer stay, but part of the reason for the upgrade may be because it was only the 1 night. The worst part for me, would be tearing myself away from the room to go to the parks .

PS.....Where'd my bouncing pumpkin go???? Just checked....where did DLo's go?? Is this due to the new sig guidelines??? BUmmer. OMG!!! My countdown is gone, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's the new signature guidelines. The maximum height of a signature is 250 pixels and anything beyond that is automatically cropped. If you check your signature, I think all the information will still be there for your countdown and pumpkin, it's just outside the box now, so it won't show up.

 

[Frankiesmom]

Thanks Minniesota! Exactly the info I was looking for!

 

[magical4us4]

I am enjoying all the pictures recently taken of the GF. We only have a couple of months left till our trip! I am so excited!

Thanks everyone for posting the pictures!

 

[DLo]

Thanks Irisbud for the awesome pics. We are staying GV not RPC but still can't wait. Everything looks beautiful.


Thanks Tammi - I am going to edit my signature now. I can't see my countdown now!!! I need to know how many days I have left!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Irisbud, I love your pictures.

OK, I was doing a quick fix it job on my siggy and lost my pumpkin!! SO, without reading the new guidelines - which probably will go over my head anyway....it seems the pics etc have to be squished thinner???

THANKS for posting the pics of the Grand, Amy. Do you have any of your great corner room??

Happy day,
Channing