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

[TigrLvsPooh]

I would recommend a room overlooking the marina ... it's considered garden view but you can see part of the lagoon off to the side. When we stayed in Sago Cay overlooking the boat dock we could see Space Mountain very well.

 

[leighe]

Thanks. I have one more question. Can you have things delivered to your room if you're not staying concierge? I would love to have a Pal Mickey waiting for my sister when we check in.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I'm sure they could do that. We have made special requests at deluxe resorts when not staying concierge and guest services usually handles it. Or if you booked with Dreams Unlimited they will definitely handle it for you.

 

[QJ411]

Hi everyone,

We had a heck of a weekend. This trip to GF is looking better and better. On Thrs. at midnight, we had to rush our dog to the emergency vet hospital, and thank goodness the surgeons were able to save him!

All weekend we have been so worried, but $4,000. later he was released from the hospital and at one point, I wanted to cancel the upcoming trip. (We also have another dog that was SCHEDULED to go into surgery on Sat. morning-which set us back another $500.) We just didn't have the money put away for emergencies like this.

But after everything settled down and we got our doggies back, we figured out everything...we're still gonna go and we're still gonna make it to GF/SL.

Thanks for listening, I just needed to vent, I'm all cried out already and we're just thankful the 2 boys are back home!

Now, let's hear about some great news about GF instead!

 

[disneyw/kids]

you defintely need a vacation, i know how you feel we have spent $5000 on our dog in the last year so i understand the money crunch. But i feel everyone needs a vacation and a vacation at the GF during the holiday season i feel will be awesome. I am stressed trying to get stuff together for 2 kids (ages 5 and 2). We are going to be there for 9 days so I need a lot of stuff for them. But the excitement as each day gets closer is worth the added stress and I am sure you feel the same. I am glad you did not cancel your trip. Hope your doggie feels better.

 

[QJ411]

Originally posted by disneyw/kids
you defintely need a vacation, i know how you feel we have spent $5000 on our dog in the last year so i understand the money crunch. But i feel everyone needs a vacation and a vacation at the GF during the holiday season i feel will be awesome. I am stressed trying to get stuff together for 2 kids (ages 5 and 2). We are going to be there for 9 days so I need a lot of stuff for them. But the excitement as each day gets closer is worth the added stress and I am sure you feel the same. I am glad you did not cancel your trip. Hope your doggie feels better.

Thanks so much...they are better now and at home resting. I'm much more comfortable knowing that they're home. We do all need a vacation!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Queenie, sorry to hear about your babies, but I'm glad that they are both doing well. I have a collie and she's definitely one of the family.

I can't believe your vacation is right around the corner. Is DSis still joining you? I know that you're going to love the GF. I've seen some of the negative comments and unfortunately, a problem or two is going to happen eventually. Especially with an operation that goes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just go with a positive attitude and you'll be just fine. Sugar Loaf reminds me of a bed and breakfast, very homey. Have a great time and a wonderful anniversary.

Tammi

 

[QJ411]

Thanks Tammi! Lol...yea, DSis is still joining us at GF.... but we did take the wise advise of making a PS just for DH and I ALONE... hee hee.

Thanks again.

 

[disneyw/kids]

I asked earlier and never got a response, for those of you who have been to the GF recently did you notice if the tv has av output/input so you could plug a device to the tv. We want to bring our small dvd player for the kids but not sure if we could hook it up or not. thanks.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Disneyw/kids, that's a great question. I'm sure we should all know this, but I think it's one of those things, that unless you're looking for it, you might not even notice a/v jacks on the TV. I am almost positive that they do have them. A fellow DIS'er was just at the GF about a month ago, her screen name is BaciBecky. She posted on this thread back on page 17. You might want to drop her a PM and see if she remembers. She's a great lady and would love to help you out if she can.

Tammi

 

[Janet2k]

Originally posted by disneyw/kids
I asked earlier and never got a response, for those of you who have been to the GF recently did you notice if the tv has av output/input so you could plug a device to the tv.

Disneyw/kids, we returned from our vacation two weeks ago. My husband assures me that the television in our room at the GF (main building, but my guess is that all TV's at the GF are alike) had A/V jacks in the front of it. I wish the following photo were of more help: click here.

By the way, we had another wonderful stay at the Grand. The resort truly is glorious.

 

[disneyw/kids]

Thanks for the reply Janet2K, one more question. Does anyone know if you can request a coffemaker and if so does the coffee come with it or just the machine? We are staying in a garden view room and my mom can't function without coffee

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

Where can I find as much information as possible about the Dormer rooms? I know about the vaulted cielings and how its smaller than the other rooms but I'd like to know more about them, location, views, how to request them maybe?, anything really!

thanks a lot!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Dormer rooms can be found in all of the GF buildings and you would have the same choice of views, garden or lagoon. Because of the smaller, more private balcony and the fact that they only sleep 4, I don't think you would have a problem getting this type of room. Just call CRO and have the request noted on your reservation. When you check in, you can also ask at the front desk. This type of room is not an upgrade, it is considered a standard room. The website www.ourlaughingplace.com has some interior photos of a dormer room. Just follow the resort link at the top of their home page to the GF. The photo selections are shown on the right hand side.

Tammi

 

[Janet2k]

Disneyw/kids, I don't drink coffee so I can't answer that question for you. I'm sorry. I do know that when we stayed in suites at the GF, there were no coffeemakers in any of the rooms, either. The funny thing with the suites, though, is that they had their own ice machines. Now that, I used. As to your coffeemaker question, a simple call to the resort should be able to answer it for you.


Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!, I stayed in a dormer room during my May trip this year. I posted links to photos of my dormer room in my trip report -- click here to read it (I think I began describing my GF stay on page 8 of that thread; if not, then look a few pages further into it). The dormer room was lovely. I should note that I did not request it, it was just the room that was given to me. I don't believe I've ever requested a specific room during any of my stays. If I am paying extra for a Lagoon View Room, then I request a Magic Kingdom View when I book the reservation (I never FAX the resort). That's about the extent of any requests that I might make. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll get a dormer room. It certainly wouldn't hurt to ask the person who made your reservation to put that in the notes section of it.

 

[KerriL]

Hello all,
Hopefully one of you GF experts can tell me where this is exactly. My husband and I are renewing our marriage vows (off-Disney)and instead of dining at Citricos, I am thinking of surprising him and our two kids with a private dinner @ GF. The choices that GF Private Dining gave me were the Sago Cay(building 5)alcove, the 3rd floor concierge balcony and possibly the water taxi dock.
I just can't afford the Grand I, although it really looks incredible. I was told that the fireworks (Wishes) would be best viewed from the Sago Cay alcove. I'm just not sure of the privacy factor there and where it is exactly.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Kerri

 

[Snurk71]

I don't know about the alcove specifically. But Sago Cay is the building across the marina from SL and Conch (in between the marina and the monorail line). There isn't anything else over towards Sago Cay, so my guess would be that you would have a decent privacy there.

If you're going to be able to see Wishes, I assume the alcove must be down towards the end of the building where hardly anyone would wander.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm not exactly sure where the Sago Cay alcove is either, but I agree that the only foot traffic that you'd have in that area is from people staying in that building. Otherwise, it's probably the most quiet area of the resort.

I think Janet2k had a private function on the boat dock. To ensure privacy, they put up the lattice work screens and foliage. If you want to do that, it would probably add to the cost.

The 3rd floor concierge balcony is very large and overlooks the resort courtyard. You might get a lot of noise from people walking in the paths below you.

Tammi

 

[Janet2k]

Originally posted by KerriL
I am thinking of surprising him and our two kids with a private dinner @ GF. The choices that GF Private Dining gave me were the Sago Cay alcove, the 3rd floor concierge balcony...

KerriL, congratulations. My husband and I just renewed our vows a few weeks ago (we had a Fairy Tale Weddings vow renewal at WDW). It was a very moving ceremony for the two of us (he cried, and that made me cry). We loved every minute of saying "I do" all over again.

I see from your signature that you'll be a concierge guest at the Grand, so I would go with the 3rd floor balcony. It is very private.

 

[KerriL]

TammiMcMan & Snurk71:
Hey guys..thanks for the replies.
I do have the map and I know where Sago Cay is and you are right..there probably won't be a whole lot of people around there.
And it must be close to the lagoon to be able to view the fireworks. I just don't know about the Concierge 3rd floor balcony...I don't think they block it off to other guests, do they? Plus not sure of the view for Wishes...that is important since we are having the dinner around 7:30-8:00. The person I spoke to at Private Dining really recommended the alcove to have a great view of Wishes so I think we will go with that as long as it is sheltered from any rain.
Janet2k:
Congratulations on renewing your wedding vows!! I have read your prior trips reports and am anxiously awaiting the renewal one!
My husband and I never had a wedding, just married by a justice of the peace. We always said we would have a "real" wedding one day, but other priorities came first...kids, buying a house etc. We never got around to it. So, we are going to have a very, very small ceremony with just our 2 kids DS(15) and DD(14). We have Randy Chapman for photography and I am also having Disney Cosmetology doing hair and makeup. Just got my dress last week. My daughter and I had a great day trying on dresses. Quite a different experience than the traditional shopping for a dress with Mom, but still fun.
How far in advance did you book your private dining events? It was very difficult to try and get any info out of the private dining office. I think they don't like to book anything this far out.

Have a great weekend!
Kerri