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

[Tabetha]

Thanks Tammi. We did the GVL tea a couple of weeks ago, it was really nice.
I was wondering though, simply because my DBF's family drove to the GF to have tea one afternoon in December, and were told they couldn't take any of the empty tables because they were held for concierge guests - whose reservation time had long since passed. They waited quietly, but other people really laid into the hostess.
After a short wait, the hostess came over and seated DBF's family and thanked them for their patience...

So I had wondered if those tables were held simply based on a PS, or something they did daily for any concierge guests who wanted to take tea.

I guess they were just waiting for a group that never showed.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm guessing it was a concierge guest who just happened to have a ps scheduled. I have no idea what the policy is for priority seating and how long they actually "hold" a table. If others arrived as walk in's, then there is probably an appropriate amount of time that they do need to give a previously booked guest before releasing their table.

 

[vettechick99]

Great thread...very informative!!

I just wanted to pop in and say that I stayed in the turret honeymoon suite on the 4th floor (main lodge, concierge level) and can answer any questions you might have about it. Truly a fabulous room!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Truly a fabulous room!!!

I agree with you completely Allison. DH and I celebrated an anniversary in one of these rooms last year. We had 5th floor, #4021. Absolutely beautiful!

Tammi

 

[Lives4Disney]

Tammi - did your turret room #4021 have a balcony?? Or are these turret rooms like the lodge tower rooms with the many windows but no balcony?? Can you tell I love that place?? I just returned and am interested again. Actually my DH and I are going to take a little quickie trip without the kids (YAY!!)in May. We are going to stay at the Swan for the first 3 nights (great rate) and are looking to change resorts for the next 2 or 3 nights. My DH doesn't want to be by the MK AGAIN, but I just love that GF so.....just curious about what is available. When you book it, do you just book RPC and request a turret room? What are the chances of getting it??

I really should have just booked with the Swan for all of my nights, but I know I will miss my new favorite resort and am having second thoughts about not staying at a Disney resort.

Thanks much,
Lives4Disney

 

[vettechick99]

Tammi - did your turret room #4021 have a balcony?? Or are these turret rooms like the lodge tower rooms with the many windows but no balcony?? When you book it, do you just book RPC and request a turret room? What are the chances of getting it??

The turret rooms do not have balconies, but have windows almost all the way around. Just outside our room was a balcony area...it's for everyone, so it's not private, but had a great view of the 7 Seas Lagoon and MK. In fact, our room had a great view too...I could see the castle!

We booked the room 6 months in advance, so I'm not sure if you are too late or not. Couldn't hurt to try! And I'm pretty sure when you call, you have a choice b/t their other HM suite (reg room, but has jacuzzi tub), and the turret if it's available. Also take into account that not every turret room will have a MK-facing view. I think only 3 do and I'm not sure you can specify which one you want.

Tammi, did I get my facts straight? Also, do you have any pictures to share?

 

[Janet2k]

How do you find out about these activities?

Do they offer food at the pool where slide is?

Mirlow, when you check into the resort, you will be given the resort newsletter. In there you will find the listing of the week's activities for the resort guests, children included. You can also call or stop by the Front Desk or Guest Services Desk at anytime during your stay and ask for the schedule of resort activities.

There is a pool bar at the themed-pool (the pool with the water slide). They primarily serve drinks and munchies (chips, PBJ sandwiches, etc.). However, there is a House Phone there. You simply pick it up and dial Private Dining. You may order just about anything that you want from Private Dining and they will deliver it to you right there at the pool. When I was there in October, the sun was setting and the night was too gorgeous to waste with an indoor dinner. I was alone and had spent a few hours at the pool by myself. I wasn't ready to call it a night just yet. I picked up the phone and asked Private Dining to suggest a few things since I wasn't really hungry, just in a bit of a munchie mood. The Private Dining Cast Member suggested a cheese and cracker platter with some fruit added to it. That sounded yummy so I ordered it. Before I hung up the phone, I added an order of french fries to my meal. Within 40 minutes, my meal was delivered to my table on the pool deck. I enjoyed my meal watching the stars come out over Seven Seas Lagoon. It was perfection.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Allison is correct that the turret honeymoon suites in the main building only have windows. On the 3rd floor though, you would have the concierge balcony right outside your door.

As for booking, this can be complicated. Technically, it's a honeymoon suite, so you really should book a honeymoon room. All are located in the main building and come with RPC concierge service. The standard honeymoon rooms are on the 2nd floor and come with beautiful castle views and balconies. Each has a king sized bed, small sitting area and jacuzzi tub. There are 6 honeymoon turret suites. Three have views from the monorail to the GF beach area and three have views from the Wedding Pavilion to the castle. They are available by request and they are much bigger than a standard room. Each includes a king bed, larger sitting area, full walk in closet, wet bar, soaking tub for 2. DH and I just got lucky and were upgraded to this room upon check-in. We had a standard concierge room in the main building booked, so this was an awesome surprise. Our stay was the week after New Years though and the resort was probably at half capacity.

Tammi

 

[Lives4Disney]

Vettechick99 - Thanks for the info. I am still undecided, but now I am thinking of a regular RPC room. In May, I think a balcony would be nice in the evenings. We just returned from a SL stay in a tower room. I loved it, but the weather was so gorgeous it would have been nice to have a balcony. If these rooms are so exclusive, I am probably too late, anyway!! Oh well....I still cannot make up my mind where to spend those last couple of nights. I don't want to book the GF without an AP discount so I will just wait a bit longer and see what is around the bend.

Thanks again for the reply!
Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks, Tammi! Wow what an awesome upgrade!

Lives4Disney

 

[vettechick99]

DH and I just got lucky and were upgraded to this room upon check-in.

How awesome...what a great surprise!

 

[Steph H]

I enjoyed my meal watching the stars come out over Seven Seas Lagoon. It was perfection.

Oh, my, it sounds like perfection! Thanks for the tip about ordering pool side. That's a great idea!

 

[jenjersnap]

Hi GF experts! We are mulling over the possibility of booking a lodge tower room (only thing available at GF with AAA rate in December!). In order to sway DH, I am looking for pics of a lodge tower room. Does anyone have one or two they would share with me? I've looked on allearsnet.com and did a search here but nothing has turned up. Thanks! Also, from purely a view standpoint, which would be the best lodge to request? Sounds like there are no MK views from any lodge tower room - boohoo - can anyone confirm? I think any kind of water view (except the pool, DH doesn't like that view) would be the preference. I appreciate the help!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm sorry I can't be much help, but I do have a site bookmarked that will show you the room layout of the lodge tower. http://www.the-grahams.net/gf/rooms.html

Tammi

 

[*Belle*]

Could someone please tell me whether or not children are allowed to wear a swim/life vest on the slide?

 

[MAC3]

I apologize for not reading the whoe thread first but ...

DOes anyone know what time the pool is open until? and is there a certain (garden view room I should request?)

It's our 1st time here and we will only be here for 1 night as a surprise for my girls... I'd really like it to be spectacular (like it wouldn't as they are at the GF).


Anything I should make a point of seeing, doing????

TIA

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Billerica, Saugus here. Isn't it nice to be planning a Disney vacation when it's so cold outside and more snow coming next week. Yuck!

The GF has 2 pools. The center courtyard pool is open 24 hours. No frills like water slides or anything, but it does have a hot tub. The hours for the theme pool vary, but you're likely to see it open at 10am and closing anywhere from 6-8pm depending on the season.

All the garden views at the GF are very nice. You may want to be closer to the pools, so Big Pine Key or Boca Chica would be good choices. Quieter buildings include Conch Key and Sago Cay. Sago Cay's garden view rooms look out over the monorail, which is pretty cool. I don't think you'll be disappointed with any building though.

**Edited to add "must see":

for evening views of the fireworks, the tables outside Gasparillas Grill have a perfect view or the boat dock

at approximately 9:15 the electric water parade goes by, it can be seen from the beach or boat dock

if you want to keep it casual, there are water boats to rent (fast or slow ones)

the spa/healthclub fee is now included, you don't need to schedule a treatment to go over and enjoy a light workout or a wonderfully relaxing sauna, steam or whirlpool in a private lounge

Afternoon tea inside the main building is very nice

Gasparillas Grill is open 24 hours, counter service, surprisingly good food at good prices

The GF Cafe is casual for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering everything from cheeseburgers to steaks and pasta (ask for Izzy if you go)

1900 Park Faire for a character breakfast (Mary Poppins and friends) or character dinner (Cinderella, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother and some mice friends). both meals are buffet

3 Cabanas are available, first come, first serve at the theme pool. nice to snag one if you are going to spend the day poolside. private dining will deliver to you.

Tammi

 

[TammiMcMan]

Could someone please tell me whether or not children are allowed to wear a swim/life vest on the slide?

Unless the policy has changed recently, children are allowed to wear a swim vest while using the slide. The GF has a supply of them, or you can bring your own.

Tammi

 

[MAC3]

Well Howdy Neighbor & Thanks for the great information. It is nice to be planning, now if I could just get the calendar to move a little faster.

 

[*Belle*]

I hope nothing has changed. My DS is not a good swimmer and does need a vest on the slides. He loves the slide at the BW, no baby slides for him. The YC&BC as well as the Poly will not allow vest on the Themed slides. You can well imagine his disappointment. Anyway, maybe there's hope the GF.
Can anyone tell me about the slide? Is it enclosed or open?

Thanks