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

[tete01830]

24 hours and I will be on my way! I am surprisingly calm......I will be sure to take pictures if I end up in SL!

 

[minnie my my]

Brier Rose - your family's experience was very similar to mine. It was as if it had not been cleaned since the last people left, just the beds made up and some fresh linens brought in. There was dust on the bed side table that was so thick my finger was black and grey when I wiped over it and mold everywhere. Anyway - back on topic. S&K's Mom, you said it - it is definitely worth the extra money to stay at the Grand or any other place that gives you that extra attention. Our room was clean and fresh. It smelled wonderful and plenty of extra room to spread out compared to the moderate rooms. That is worth a lot in itself to me.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Myra, wow. So sorry about the FQ. That is awful. Well, you can say you've been there, done it and mark it off. That is wonderful that when you went over in person to the GF they found you a room. Thanks so much for the GV RPC comparison. I am kind of thinking along the same lines. Ya, we love RPC and the CMs are so nice & the lounge is beautiful and convenient, but we have a terrific deal on the GV and I do appreciate a good deal.

Now, the bummer is I requested Sago. It will either be closed for work (please!) or I'll get the older Sago room - which I do enjoy, but now I'd kind of rather see teh new style and have the newer electronic stuff. Watch CRO honor my room request this ONE time and give me Sago.

Was housekeeping good?? Did you have turndown service?? Robes in the room??

THANKS for the info. Sorry your stay started out bad.

Channing

 

[PrincessPaczki]

minnie my my, would you request a room in Boca Chica again or want another building instead. I am just trying to figure out the best location for my family. Thanks!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hi everyone,

I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago that we were wanting to take a quick trip to see all of the halloween decorations but couldn't get a reservation in RPC (which is where we would have loved to of been). Actually, all of the GF was booked. We ended up booking PO French Quarter mostly because it is the only Disney resort I had not stayed at. I had this crazy thing where I wanted to have stayed at all of the Disney resorts so we went with French Quarter. Well, we got there and had a bad experience. We tried to move but couldn't get anything at any of the three monorail resorts so spent Friday night at French Quarter to mark it off of our list. Saturday I went to the Grand in person to try and move. They had a GV room available and I jumped on it very quickly. I couldn't wait to get out of that dirty room at FQ. I have stayed in the RPC many times and love it there so I wondered if I would miss it. Channing, you will be happy to know that we had a wonderful time in our gv room. I think you will be happy over Thanksgiving. No, it wasn't RPC but I didn't miss it that much. The thought of how much money I was saving more than made up for the fact that I wasn't staying there. We were in Boca Chica and had an end room (I can't remember the number but it was on the first floor). I still got that wonderful smell time I walked into the lodge that I get in my room in RPC. I still felt very pampered even though I didn't have that extra level of personal service. I also liked the new decor. I was one of those people that was a little uncertain from the pictures. It really is a lot prettier in person. It felt very elegant and relaxing at the same time. I know that is just a matter of personal taste though. We stayed around the hotel Saturday evening and just relaxed. It was great.

Sorry to hear about your time at POFQ. Of all the Disney resorts we've stayed in, the only place we had marked problems with Mousekeeping was at FQ - even after complaining. That room just grossed me out. I stayed at Pop this weekend for a budget trip with some friends, and the cleanliness and Mousekeeping I received there far outweighed what we got at FQ! If we ever stay moderate again, it will be CBR.

Glad to hear that you got moved into the GF! I'm enjoying hearing about everyone's take on staying GV vs. RPC. We're doing the opposite next month, and am worried that I will love RPC too much to go back. But, then I think about the huge difference in cost, and I'm sure I'll go back to loving the GV location! This is a special trip for us, though.

 

[NeverSayNever]

WOW... Don't check in for a couple of days and look what goes on around here!

Channing... Holy COW... HOW Awesome that purchase was! I can not wait to see it! So where exactly on e-bay can you buy authentic Disney stuff... a little token would be nice! Oh, and thanks for posting all those XMAS pixs, defiantely will have to do some treats. It will be a short trip only 3 nights but so looking forward to and GF. BTW, I don;t think you will be too disappointed in a GV room... I must get my pictures posted for you to see. We did have turn down and robes.. (no towel animals.. wink wink) but housekeeping was pretty poor (that's another story though).

Minnie, so sorry to hear about your bad experience, hopefully the rest of your trip was Great.

Tete enjoy... and stay calm!



Brier Rose Nice to hear your trip was special too. Aren't those B'day plates great! They sent them for our twins B'day too...

Ok, I gotta do some work and willt ry again on the pixs (well if I don;t slow the board up!)

Enjoy!

 

[Lives4Disney]

24 hours and I will be on my way! I am surprisingly calm......I will be sure to take pictures if I end up in SL!

Have a wonderful time!! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!!! And see pictures, too.

Happy & Safe travels!

Lives4Disney

Never say Never - I happened to be looking for some GF pillows and I know Surplus kingdom and Mousesurplus have the rights to sell authentic Disney items. The guys used to be CMs and somehow acquired the rights to all kinds of neat, one of a kind things. They have so many unique and original and odd Disney items it's fun to browse thru once in a while.....I just got really lucky! DH and I painted our room over the weekend and a gold GF pillow would be nice in it & I stumbled upon this plaque instead, haha. I am so happy to have won it.

happy day,
Channing

 

[NeverSayNever]

This was our room... the intersting thing about this room is that there was no wallpaper on the walls!

We first had a room in Sago that was not rehab but had a view of trees even though it faced the lagoon. Honestly I liked the decor in that room bettter, the little table and chairs, the BIG decorative pillows on the beds, the wallpaper etc.... but I traded it for the view we had in Conch.

This was the view from inside the room, the yacht, monorail etc... it was a ground floor room which was very convenient and on the end of the building.

The View from the patio:

This was literally right outside of our room:

The bathroom... which was not re-done from waht I could tell... especially where the tub was it was done..

This is I think Sago (soemone can correct me if I am wrong) our view from inside the GF Cafe

Not our view... But the view from the Balcony on the second floor of the Main Building

One of the treats from from private dining:

I might have more.. but that's a start.

If anyone has questions let me know, as well as how to post the picture so it just appears.

Best

 

[Alicnwondrln]

This was our room... the intersting thing about this room is that there was no wallpaper on the walls!

We first had a room in Sago that was not rehab but had a view of trees even though it faced the lagoon. Honestly I liked the decor in that room bettter, the little table and chairs, the BIG decorative pillows on the beds, the wallpaper etc.... but I traded it for the view we had in Conch.

This was the view from inside the room, the yacht, monorail etc... it was a ground floor room which was very convenient and on the end of the building.

The View from the patio:

This was literally right outside of our room:

The bathroom... which was not re-done from waht I could tell... especially where the tub was it was done..

This is I think Sago (soemone can correct me if I am wrong) our view from inside the GF Cafe

Not our view... But the view from the Balcony on the second floor of the Main Building

One of the treats from from private dining:

I might have more.. but that's a start.

If anyone has questions let me know, as well as how to post the picture so it just appears.

Best

i dont think I like that room with no wallpaper
looks weird

 

[3for Me]

Never Say Never

I love the pic's from your room! Makes me think a first floor room might be GREAT - and until now, I had never considered it. Thanks for sharing!

 

[princessesrule4]

Neversaynever, thanks for the photos - the room does look weird without wallpaper! I guess you had a half done room ?
Great view!

 

[minnie my my]

Channing - housekeeping was very good. We had no complaints. We didn't have turn down service though. I was a little disapointed in that. I know I have always heard that you were supposed to get turndown in all category rooms at the GF without asking. We did have two robes. I really wish they sold those robes in more than one size. They swallow me but I would love to have one.

PrincessPaczki - I would request it again. I liked our location a lot. I really don't feel like there are any buildings at the GF that are too far away from anything.

Our trip was still wonderful. I have learned that there are much worst things in life than a dirty room.

 

[tenbelow]

This may be a silly question, but does anyone who knows a CM that works for the GF know if they exchange out the robes between guest stays?

It would be nice to lounge around in the robes, but I'd like to be sure that that they are freshly laundered.

Doing the one month dance today.

 

[Lives4Disney]

This may be a silly question, but does anyone who knows a CM that works for the GF know if they exchange out the robes between guest stays?

It would be nice to lounge around in the robes, but I'd like to be sure that that they are freshly laundered.

Doing the one month dance today.

Geez...that's a gross thought...... I always ASSUMED they were clean.

Each time we've stayed there, the robes SEEM to be clean...they are hanging in the closet very stiffy and starchy and the belts are kind of tied in a fancy way.....Geez...maybe they just rehang them and ditch. No... they have to be clean.

Hmm....thanks a lot, Mike! Food for thought.

I NEVER use the glasses because I saw that travel guy - Peter Greenberg - he said often they just rinse them out, put the paper covers on, and do not WASH them. Not specifically WDW hotels, but any hotel. We bring Disney Dixie cups.

NEVER SAY NEVER - I LOVE your pictures! Thanks for posting them!! I'd love to see more when you get a chance.
Lives4Disney

 

[tenbelow]

Geez...that's a gross thought...... I always ASSUMED they were clean.

Lives4 - I want to believe they are cleaned between guests, but then what's left of my mind started thinking about the bedspreads, dateline NBC and black lights.


Each time we've stayed there, the robes SEEM to be clean...they are hanging in the closet very stiffy and starchy and the belts are kind of tied in a fancy way.....Geez...maybe they just rehang them and ditch. No... they have to be clean.

Hmm....thanks a lot, Mike! Food for thought.

Glad I could be of service...

I NEVER use the glasses because I saw that travel guy - Peter Greenberg - he said often they just rinse them out, put the paper covers on, and do not WASH them. Not specifically WDW hotels, but any hotel. We bring Disney Dixie cups.

Not only the drinking glasses, I'm not to keen on the little coffee pot that comes in the room - one can only wonder what that has been through and I'm thinking it wasn't a recent washing and deliming with white vinegar. Thank goodness for Gaspies!!! 24 hour coffee to the rescue!
QUOTE]


BTW, congratulations on your eBay win - that is quite a piece of Disney History and it's nice to see it going to someone who will truly appreciate it.

 

[tenbelow]

We're still iffy on keeping the Citricos reservation as the service and food reports have been fair to middlin' on the boards.

Have any of our fellow Diser's dined at Citricos within the last month or so and did you have a good experience?

Trying to decide between dining at Narcoossee's once or twice (if I replace the Citricos resie) during our upcoming trip.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Geez...that's a gross thought...... I always ASSUMED they were clean.

Lives4 - I want to believe they are cleaned between guests, but then what's left of my mind started thinking about the bedspreads, dateline NBC and black lights.


Each time we've stayed there, the robes SEEM to be clean...they are hanging in the closet very stiffy and starchy and the belts are kind of tied in a fancy way.....Geez...maybe they just rehang them and ditch. No... they have to be clean.

Hmm....thanks a lot, Mike! Food for thought.

Glad I could be of service...

I NEVER use the glasses because I saw that travel guy - Peter Greenberg - he said often they just rinse them out, put the paper covers on, and do not WASH them. Not specifically WDW hotels, but any hotel. We bring Disney Dixie cups.

Not only the drinking glasses, I'm not to keen on the little coffee pot that comes in the room - one can only wonder what that has been through and I'm thinking it wasn't a recent washing and deliming with white vinegar. Thank goodness for Gaspies!!! 24 hour coffee to the rescue!
QUOTE]


BTW, congratulations on your eBay win - that is quite a piece of Disney History and it's nice to see it going to someone who will truly appreciate it.

THANKS!! I can't wait to get that plaque and see it.

I am going to go and buy a small bottle of antibacterial dish detergent to bring with and wash out the coffee pot & coffee cups - I usually just do a clorox wipe on the mugs and then rinse them really well. I never even thought about the pot!! Duh. Ick. They are probably never cleaned out. I guess if you really think about it all you could freak out. I try and ignore the comforter issue and more , but the glasses got me - totally grossed me out, the coffee pot now too, and the robe thing could be disgusting. Luckily we have never had anything less than great housekeeping at the GF but some recent posts have me kind of concerned. The fact that Myra didn't have turndown, too.....makes me think they are even more short of staff than before and if so, then little things could definitely be overlooked.

Lives4Disney

 

[tenbelow]

THANKS!! I can't wait to get that plaque and see it.

I am going to go and buy a small bottle of antibacterial dish detergent to bring with and wash out the coffee pot & coffee cups - I usually just do a clorox wipe on the mugs and then rinse them really well. I never even thought about the pot!! Duh. Ick. They are probably never cleaned out. I guess if you really think about it all you could freak out. I try and ignore the comforter issue and more , but the glasses got me - totally grossed me out, the coffee pot now too, and the robe thing could be disgusting. Luckily we have never had anything less than great housekeeping at the GF but some recent posts have me kind of concerned. The fact that Myra didn't have turndown, too.....makes me think they are even more short of staff than before and if so, then little things could definitely be overlooked.

Lives4Disney

The clorox wipes are a really good idea , I'll have to bring some to wipe down the remote, phone, etc... When it comes to a "clean" hotel room, I like to think that we go arrive having realistic expectations - there's only so much that housekeeping can do with the limited time and equipment they have to complete a never ending and mostly thankless job. I'll be happy as long as we don't get the proverbial room with dirty carpets, a moldy shower, etc...

I usually brew a few "water only" pots to rinse out any "left overs" and wash out the holding tank as best I can - aside from that I overlook the spider web or two that may be in the corner, as long as "Charlotte" isn't still occupying it!

On a more upbeat note, last year we had turn down service each night without asking at the STD GV level and am hoping that mousekeeping is as great this stay as they were the last. I'll keep my fingers crossed and my attitude positive.

 

[K&C]

We ate in Citricos 2 weeks ago and the food was excellent, talked to a chef the restaurant manager and the bar man and all were very friendly. Our server was pleasant, just didn't have much of a personallity.

We also had tried to get a reservation at Narcoosees before we arrived at the GF but with no luck (unless we wanted 5.15 or after 9pm) We stayed at the GF for 14 nights and had no luck securing a reservation while we were there, so we'll just have to go back for another stay.

We had turndown service every night of our stay in all 3 rooms our family had and never had to ask.
(and towel animals)

 

[grannyminnie]

Glad you guys are mentioning cleanliness to the extent of even the coffee pot and cups, glasses, etc...I NEVER thought of that, and will bring an antibacterial dish detergent (thanks, Channing).
As for turndown, I will definitely call mousekeeping the first afternoon and make sure it's on their schedule...I will be very disappointed if we don't get turndown!

BTW, I'm doing the 30-day dance!! Whoop de do!!