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

[Janet2k]

I am a last minute packer, so I think tomorrow night will be nuts for me! (we leave EARLY Monday)...

Lives4Disney, have a wonderful vacation. And happy (early) birthday! I can't wait to view your Grand 1 photos and photos of your cake (since I'll be doing both of those things during my upcoming vacation).

 

[Janet2k]

Everyone, I'm sorry that I monopolized the thread today. In my attempt to get caught-up, I noticed that a few questions had either gone unanswered or still had some blank spaces left in them that I could help fill in. I am an engineer by trade and because of that nasty little secret, I have this need to share as much information as I can. As the saying goes, information is power, and I want to help people become empowered so they can have ~magical~ vacations (yeah, I’m a sucker for a happy ending).

As you can see by the timestamps on my posts, I spent quite a bit of time in this thread. Some of the photos that I shared only existed on my laptop, for example, the waterslide photos. I had to find those photos (out of thousands of other photos that have engulfed my hard-drive), enhance them, crop them, resize them, and then upload them to my on-line photo album. Once they were in my album, I had to create captions for them (always a pain in the you-know-what). All those steps really add up. So whenever I share something, it usually means that I’ve put quite a bit of effort into it. Hey, I just thought of something... Maybe that’s why I’ve stayed away from the Dis for the past few weeks, eh? (Yeah, I can be quite lazy when I want to be.)

Again, I'm sorry that I monopolized the thread today. I’ll back off for awhile. But I must warn everyone – I am in the final planning stages of my vacation. I may not be able to stay away for too long.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Janet2K you are wonderful!! I would not worry about monopolizing a thread! You have spent hours and provided tons of great info! Thanks for the waterslide photos! Can't wait to try it out in January when we are there! Woohoo I am so excited! Thanks!

 

[Clare D]

Janet2k thank you for the response to my question. You really are a mine of useful information, please do not stay away too long. I think Disney should put you on commission when other DIS'ERS book one of the activities after you have posted pictures and a mini report

It was due to this thread that I booked the GF rather than the Poly and I am sooooooooooo excited even though we have 4 months to wait.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Which building is that when looking at the picture of GF on Disney's web site.

I'm guessing you mean when you pull up the GF under deluxe resorts on the Disney website. The building currently being shown, with the sailboat going by, is the main building of the resort. They've definitely done some photo shop magic to the picture though, as that's not how it's set up on the property. It does look like you'd walk out the back door and be standing on the beach, but in fact, through that exit, there's a pathway that leads to the theme pool and then to the beach.

Janet2K posted some picture links for you earlier in this thread, those will give you a more accurate idea of how the resort is really setup. Actually, if you look at this picture from Janet, GF aerial, the building on the left hand side of the picture is the same one from the Disney website. You're looking down on it, but you can clearly make out the spire sticking out the of roof and the two towers on either ends. You can now see the various pathways you need to walk in order to reach the beach. It's not directly out the door as shown by the Disney site. Hope that helps clear it up alittle bit.

 

[Allison]

Allison, welcome to the GF FAQ thread. I thought I'd check in to see if you've read ALL of the pages by now. By the way, don't try to pull the wool over our eyes. We'll be giving you a quiz to see if you really & truly have read this entire thread.

Not yet, but I'm trying. I have a gap in the middle from about page 50-120.

 

[triplefigs]

I have been up since 2 am worrying about forgetting things and the heat and crowds so my mind is kind of mushy. I am a last minute packer, so I think tomorrow night will be nuts for me! (we leave EARLY Monday) Here I am doing more procrastinating.

Take care & happy planning!!

Lives4Disney

Channing,

​

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

​

I hope you have a fabulous trip to WDW and can't wait to hear all about your trip, especially the Grand Yacht! Have a drink for me while you're gone!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Denise - aw....thanks!!! I am really getting excited now! I have packed and packed and packed and it always seems that my suitcase is the heaviest! Even though it's summer and I thought it would be lighter - I just keep filling it! I have too many cute clothes, I think.

We leave home tomorrow no later than 6 am (ick) to catch our flight so it's an early night for us tonight. My husband just made a last minute Target run so I decided to hit the DIS.

I know you said before that you were curious about what I look like (as I only have my girls pics up) I decided to let my family take pics of me this trip, LOL, since it's my 40th bday trip & one of them is bound to turn out OK .....I usually take the pics and do not let anybody take mine. I will post pics of the YC room, Grand 1 yacht, the cakes, the "everything" when I get back. (don't want to think about THAT yet!)

Hope everything is better with your little guy. Haven't seen any more posted.

Take care & enjoy your planning because I am telling you it goes sooooo fast!
Can't believe we leave tomorrow. And YES, I will have a drink for ya!

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[soxnation]

Wow Janet2K thanks for all the info!

 

[poohluvrs]

you lucky mommas getting to go to tea partys with your girls! i still have a couple of years with mine. how old is a good age to attend a tea party?

Mine will be 3 1/2 yrs! Guess I wont sweat the name issue - I dont recall giving them on our ressie though?!

 

[poohluvrs]

Poohluvrs, I had asked the IPO to book the event for me, but I discovered while I was on the phone with Event Services (I was checking another event that my family was attending), that my reservation hadn't been made. Event Services was kind enough to take care of things for me. So, my convoluted answer to you is, "No, the IPO didn't book it. I booked it."

I know you’ve viewed my photos, but I’m not sure if you’ve read my small write-up about the event: click here. We attended it during its “pilot” program. I have toyed with the idea of attending it again during our upcoming vacation. From what I saw of the event last summer, it hasn’t changed much (if at all). Still, it might be something fun to do with my daughter again and thus I am toying with the idea.

As to the reason why my daughter’s name wasn’t shown on the place card, well, it was due to a little bit of photo-editing magic on my part: click here. I do not share my children’s names on the Internet for safety reasons (and after going through my recent stalking scare, I’m glad I took that stance years ago). I can assure you that my daughter’s name was on that place card, just as your child’s name will be on her place card.

Have a wonderful time at the event. It really is quite lovely.

Oh, now it makes sense! Thanks for the info - we are really looking forward to it!

 

[poohluvrs]

Have Fun Channing!

 

[PammyPoppins]

I think I read that they do but can't seem to find it, does the Grand Floridian have refrigerators in every room? What size are they?
Thanks,
PammyPoppins

 

[Michelle2]

I think I read that they do but can't seem to find it, does the Grand Floridian have refrigerators in every room? What size are they?
Thanks,
PammyPoppins

I know I am not the best at answering this question, since I was there the end of 2003. We had a fridge but had to request it and it had to be brought to us. I sure need to know if this is still how you get one now though.

Also, I am thinking of changing our reservations to the GF for September. It is an all adult ladies trip, and is soooo their taste. But I was wondering about the sinks...and I cannot remember how the set up was. I thought I had seen a floor plan where the sinks were seperated from the toilet and tub. Is this true? I could have sworn they were all in the same bathroom like the Poly and Contemporary. It would be nice if the vanities were seperate for us. Thanks for any info!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I sure need to know if this is still how you get one now though.

Most are now already in the room. If one isn't already provided, you just need to call housekeeping and they'll deliver. I'm thinking it was maybe about 2 1/2 feet tall, sort of like a small dorm size fridge.

I thought I had seen a floor plan where the sinks were seperated from the toilet and tub. Is this true? I could have sworn they were all in the same bathroom like the Poly and Contemporary. It would be nice if the vanities were seperate for us.

Yes, the GF has a split bathroom. Very large vanity area, with 2 sinks located in a separate area from the toilet and tub/shower. Makes getting ready in the morning, much easier.

 

[Michelle2]

Thanks Tammi! Just what I needed to know!

 

[scanne]

My DU agent tried booking a cabana for my family for October 2, 2006. They told her that bookings are only going to September 30th as it's a trial and they don't know if they will be continuing this service. I was really hoping to have the cabana on the 2nd to spend a relaxing morning at the pool before going to MNSSHP that evening. Right now I have one booked for September 30th, but if I keep it then I'll have to modify our plans.

Anyone know if they intend on extending this?? Anyone have an idea on when that decision will be made so that if it IS extended I can check on 10/2??

Thanks.

 

[maciec]

Hi! Dh and I are going on a 5 day kidless vacation to the GF 8/7-11. Can someone please tell me if at the pool bar they serve any kind of food or do you have to go over to Gasparilla's to get lunch?

 

[TammiMcMan]

My DU agent tried booking a cabana for my family for October 2, 2006. They told her that bookings are only going to September 30th as it's a trial and they don't know if they will be continuing this service.

It's a 90 day window, so I believe that the earliest it can be booked is on July 5th. I would have them try again tomorrow and see what happens. The nice thing about using DU, is that if the release of dates is delayed, they'll keep checking on your behalf. Just let them know. Also, I think someone mentioned that it's the GF marina who ultimately gets the booking, I'm wondering if you call the GF and ask to be transferred over there, you might get a better explanation.

Can someone please tell me if at the pool bar they serve any kind of food or do you have to go over to Gasparilla's to get lunch?

The pool bar has a limited lunch menu. It was pretty nice and you can sit there.

 

[scanne]

Tammi,

Thanks. My agent thought today was the 90 day mark - maybe we're off a day? I'll email her and see if she'll check tomorrow as well.

I'll keep you all posted!