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

[lynr]

Lynr,

Hi from New Jersey - Mount Laurel!!! I was hoping you could find something out for me only if you get a chance. Please don't go out of your way. I tried to book a pool cabana for Oct. 2, 2006 but was told they are not taking any bookings past Sept. 30th. Could you find out if/when they will open those bookings up for October? I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thank you so much!
Anne

Anne: We don't live from you. I work on Rt 73 in West Berlin and live right behind Kennedy Hospital in Stratford, small world.

I booked a Cabana so I will be sure to ask about October.

Channing: We will be there 11/30 - 12/10 unfortunately I will be gone before you get there. It would have been nice to meet.

I am working on getting my ADR's finished for that trip now. The last ones we need are for the Candlelite Processional and they go on sale 8/15, so that will be one of the last things I do before we go. It's really hard keeping two trips straight at once.

Lyn

 

[scanne]

Lynr,

It is a small world. I work in Berlin Borough, so I'm going down 73 every day!!!

Thanks for checking on the cabana for me - I sure do appreciate it!!!

Anne

 

[borgthe]

Hey Jersey girls,

I also live right off of Rt. 73 in Voorhees. I'm going to the GF in December. I can't WAIT!

 

[scanne]

borgthe,

We used to live in Voorhees!!!

It seems NJ loves the GF, huh??

 

[traci]

We are staying RPC in late October.

I am looking at my confirmation and it reads: Grand Floridian - Concierge.

After hearing mistakes on confirmations I want to make sure it's noted right. I have already used IPO to book reservations so is everything right?

I'm on hold right now with Disney...

 

[TammiMcMan]

I am looking at my confirmation and it reads: Grand Floridian - Concierge. so is everything right?

Chances are, you're fine. Usually Sugar Loaf confirmations read, Grand Floridian - Lodge Concierge. Considering it's usually CRO that messes up the terminology, I would verify it with the IPO staff.

 

[lynr]

borgthe,
We used to live in Voorhees!!!
It seems NJ loves the GF, huh??

Anne & borgthe:

It is a small world the girl I work with lives in Voorhees and we drive down Cooper Rd everyday through Voorhees.

Anne you must also be dealing with all the construction on 73, isn't that a mess. We used to work on 73 in Berlin but we moved our office right before the construction started. Thank goodness!!!

Lyn

 

[lynr]

Chances are, you're fine. Usually Sugar Loaf confirmations read, Grand Floridian - Lodge Concierge. Considering it's usually CRO that messes up the terminology, I would verify it with the IPO staff.

My final papers arrive from AAA and the Disney Itinerary reads Grand Floridian Club-BJ (V). Hopefully mine is Royal Palm I would just die if it wasn't.

Lyn

 

[traci]

Thank you Tammi

 

[chamonix]

wow, I just popped by this thread and saw that GF has pool cabanas now?! That is so great! As you can see by my siggie, we like to stay at the Poly--I wonder if/when they will get some of these!! If they had them I know we would reserve one for every day of our trip. They would sure get their money's worth out of us! (they usually do, lol)

Does anyone know if the other deluxe resorts are getting these? I might have to stay at the GF--those cabanas look really really great.

 

[TammiMcMan]

wow, I just popped by this thread and saw that GF has pool cabanas now?! Does anyone know if the other deluxe resorts are getting these? I might have to stay at the GF--those cabanas look really really great.

The cabanas have actually been at the GF for about 4 or 5 years now. I imagine they just go with the theming of the resort. It's only been recent that they've added some amenities and changed them from "first come, first served" to "available by reservation only".

They could probably design a Polynesian style cabana, maybe a thatched roof or something, but I haven't heard anything about it.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Okay, all you GF experts...

DH and I are planning to stay at the GF from 11/29-12/2/07, post a DCL cruise, but before we move to SSR to host the rest of our immediate families for another 5 nights. This is all a belated 30th b-day gift to me!

I've been waiting to book GF for this time period, mainly because I wanted to see what the AAA rates would be (we'll also be AP holders, so that discount would be nice down the road as well). Well, as of right now, the only category rooms they're showing available for our dates (and any variance thereof) are GV, MK View, Concierge Honeymoon, and the 1BR and 2BR suites. This is both with AAA, and the Disney site in general.

We wanted to do nicer than GV, and I was really hoping to maybe either justify SL or RPC, since it's a special trip for us. But, I don't know if I can go so far as a Concierge Honeymoon room- and the other suites are out of the question! (Although admittedly, DH didn't completely balk at the idea of the honeymoon room!)

So, if you were me, what would you do? (And I realize I'm probably asking a bunch of enablers, but I'd like your honest opinion!). I'm also only booking room only, since we'll have AP's, and likely won't do the dining plan for this period. TIA for your advice!

 

[chamonix]

thanks tammi, yes, I meant that it was recent that they had cabanas that had amenities and were reservable like the ones available at Universal resorts--not that I have seen those, just read about them here and wished Disney had them! LOL

Now they do, it seems, but only at the GF. You know, I don't think they would need to have tiki huts or anything if they had them at the Poly, they have those little cabanas there on the beach, for example, that don't exactly "match" the Poly theme or whatever. Oh well, thanks for the info, a girl can dream that one day they will have them at the Polynesian!

 

[triplefigs]

Okay, all you GF experts...

DH and I are planning to stay at the GF from 11/29-12/2/07, post a DCL cruise, but before we move to SSR to host the rest of our immediate families for another 5 nights. This is all a belated 30th b-day gift to me!

I've been waiting to book GF for this time period, mainly because I wanted to see what the AAA rates would be (we'll also be AP holders, so that discount would be nice down the road as well). Well, as of right now, the only category rooms they're showing available for our dates (and any variance thereof) are GV, MK View, Concierge Honeymoon, and the 1BR and 2BR suites. This is both with AAA, and the Disney site in general.

We wanted to do nicer than GV, and I was really hoping to maybe either justify SL or RPC, since it's a special trip for us. But, I don't know if I can go so far as a Concierge Honeymoon room- and the other suites are out of the question! (Although admittedly, DH didn't completely balk at the idea of the honeymoon room!)

So, if you were me, what would you do? (And I realize I'm probably asking a bunch of enablers, but I'd like your honest opinion!). I'm also only booking room only, since we'll have AP's, and likely won't do the dining plan for this period. TIA for your advice!

Lindsay,

Get the honeymoon suite in RPC! You will love it. And after the summer you've had, you deserve it.

 

[TammiMcMan]

DH and I are planning to stay at the GF from 11/29-12/2/07, post a DCL cruise, but before we move to SSR to host the rest of our immediate families for another 5 nights. This is all a belated 30th b-day gift to me!

We wanted to do nicer than GV, and I was really hoping to maybe either justify SL or RPC, since it's a special trip for us. But, I don't know if I can go so far as a Concierge Honeymoon room- and the other suites are out of the question!

First of all, I'd suggest that you make your decision very quickly. As many here can attest, that time of year fills up very quickly at the GF. Another suggestion, is to work with a TA at Dreams Unlimited. Not only are they 100% Disney experts, but if you really want SL, they can book whatever you decide on now and continue to look for both availability and further discounts.

I honestly would not hesitate to stay in any room style at the GF. They are all beautiful and very special. The plus with a honeymoon room, is the guaranteed king size bed. You can request the regular style, which overlooks the marina & castle, or ask for one of the 6 turret suites. Janet2K is in one for her vacation and I've stayed in one. They are incredible and huge. You can still consider GV and then perhaps with the money savings, get on the phone with Private Dining and plan a romantic dinner for two. You don't need to be staying concierge for that and they have a few secret spots around the resort that are just perfect for sharing a meal with your DH. The cost is very reasonable and you can even add butler service to bring it up a notch.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Lindsay,

Get the honeymoon suite in RPC! You will love it. And after the summer you've had, you deserve it.

Thanks, Denise! Although after I did the math and showed Jonathan what it would be per night for the honeymoon suite, his willingness waned. We'll see - I never just go it on my own, but I may hold something like this, and then try to get into just regular SL or RPC as time goes on. I really did secretly have my heart set on doing concierge for just those few days, before we're bunking it with 15 family members at SSR!

(BTW - so glad to hear the first day of kindergarten went well for all! Love the pic!! )

 

[Tinkaroo]

First of all, I'd suggest that you make your decision very quickly. As many here can attest, that time of year fills up very quickly at the GF. Another suggestion, is to work with a TA at Dreams Unlimited. Not only are they 100% Disney experts, but if you really want SL, they can book whatever you decide on now and continue to look for both availability and further discounts.

I honestly would not hesitate to stay in any room style at the GF. They are all beautiful and very special. The plus with a honeymoon room, is the guaranteed king size bed. You can request the regular style, which overlooks the marina & castle, or ask for one of the 6 turret suites. Janet2K is in one for her vacation and I've stayed in one. They are incredible and huge. You can still consider GV and then perhaps with the money savings, get on the phone with Private Dining and plan a romantic dinner for two. You don't need to be staying concierge for that and they have a few secret spots around the resort that are just perfect for sharing a meal with your DH. The cost is very reasonable and you can even add butler service to bring it up a notch.

Thanks for your comments, Tammi. I read your trip report on your stay in the honeymoon room. Did you have a view of the castle? From the pictures I've seen, it seems the honeymoon turret rooms don't have this view, but it seems like you mentioned getting to watch the castle change colors. I would love that view, and the concierge service that comes with it!

Also, you bring up a good point about the guaranteed king bed. I hadn't thought about that! It would be a bit of a bummer to have 2 queen beds for that stay!

Does anyone truly know yet which rooms will be considered MK view?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Did you have a view of the castle? From the pictures I've seen, it seems the honeymoon turret rooms don't have this view, but it seems like you mentioned getting to watch the castle change colors.

There are 6 turret honeymoon suites. Three of them do have a panoramic view from the wedding chapel all the way around to the castle. The other three offer a view from the monorail, around to the beach. The 9 or 10 suites on level two all have jacuzzi tubs and a dead on center view of the castle. Other subtle differences between the two styles, are that the turret suites have no balcony, but they are located on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor, very convenient to the lounge and onsite staff. The other suites are located on the 2nd floor, in a private area called the Claredon level. To access the lounge and staff, you need to go down the hall, ride the elevator up and then walk down another hall. Not sure if you noticed them a few pages back, but Cinderella's Fan posted some pics of her turret room, http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=13764750&postcount=2338.

Does anyone truly know yet which rooms will be considered MK view?

The assumptions are that they'll be rooms located in Sago Cay and Conch Key as they have direct views. Some Boca Chica rooms also have a castle view, but it's at more of an angle from standing on your balcony.

 

[Glorydaz]

first off, I need to say that you guys are a GREAT wealth of information and I love, love , love to read each and every post! yet again, I do need your guidance though....

my fiance and I have decided that the GF concierge is the place for us. we are DVC members and will be booking 2 nights for next December using our points. my question is this: I called DVC member services and was told the first day I can book my room is January 16th at 9am ...no problem. I was also told that a number of rooms are held back for DVC members so I would have no problem with availability....

so do I sit back and wait for DVC to book or do I jump the gun - book with a cash deposit now and then transfer or cancel once I rebook in January?? anyone ever book with points? as long as I know they will have rooms available, I can wait ( although not patiently)!! I don't really want to put the deposit on my card if I don't have to!

 

[Tinkaroo]

There are 6 turret honeymoon suites. Three of them do have a panoramic view from the wedding chapel all the way around to the castle. The other three offer a view from the monorail, around to the beach. The 9 or 10 suites on level two all have jacuzzi tubs and a dead on center view of the castle. Other subtle differences between the two styles, are that the turret suites have no balcony, but they are located on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor, very convenient to the lounge and onsite staff. The other suites are located on the 2nd floor, in a private area called the Claredon level. To access the lounge and staff, you need to go down the hall, ride the elevator up and then walk down another hall. Not sure if you noticed them a few pages back, but Cinderella's Fan posted some pics of her turret room, http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=13764750&postcount=2338.

The assumptions are that they'll be rooms located in Sago Cay and Conch Key as they have direct views. Some Boca Chica rooms also have a castle view, but it's at more of an angle from standing on your balcony.

Thanks, as always, for your help, Tammi. I want to clarify - I'm assuming given the 2 different styles that the turret room is a request only, and we could be put in the other style room, correct? I think I would definitely prefer the turret room for it's novelty, and easier access to the lounge. In late November/early December, I don't consider a balcony a must have!

Do you have any idea of the room numbers (or what side of the main building) the turret rooms are that provide the view with the castle?