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

[TammiMcMan]

You can actually send them in as soon as you're ready with them. The pre-planning staff will put your requests in as a pending item and when the 90 day window opens up, they'll transfer them to confirmed and update your itinerary.

In addition to dining, I've had the staff take care of tours, fireworks cruises, transfers to and from the airport, MVMCP tickets, Cirque du Soliel tickets and they've done some park shopping for me. This past December they bought a few items for my family. I also sent down a small Christmas tree and a few presents that I had purchased on my own. They had me send it directly to their department and they had everything all set up for us when we arrived in the room. You can ask them to stock your refrigerator with bottled water, milk, juices, whatever you might need. They had my credit card on file, so I just had to authorize the charges with them. Is there something in particular that you were looking for help with?

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

You can actually send them in as soon as you're ready with them. The pre-planning staff will put your requests in as a pending item and when the 90 day window opens up, they'll transfer them to confirmed and update your itinerary.

In addition to dining, I've had the staff take care of tours, fireworks cruises, transfers to and from the airport, MVMCP tickets, Cirque du Soliel tickets and they've done some park shopping for me. This past December they bought a few items for my family. I also sent down a small Christmas tree and a few presents that I had purchased on my own. They had me send it directly to their department and they had everything all set up for us when we arrived in the room. You can ask them to stock your refrigerator with bottled water, milk, juices, whatever you might need. They had my credit card on file, so I just had to authorize the charges with them. Is there something in particular that you were looking for help with?

Tammi

Just trying to get ideas on something special I might plan for our anniversary and DH's b'day. Want to order a cake to celebrate both and get the kids a slipper/dog bones one night. The last night we're having friends join us for dinner at 1900 Park Fare (12 of us). Anything I could do then?

I like the refrigerator idea. Do you need them to stock all that stuff with concierge? Do they have cokes, water, juice available there or will I need to buy that separately? And did they ship the tree home for you or did you just leave it? How much was it to ship? I know the kids would love a tree in the room. We decorate BIG for Christmas!

I have an itinerary all planned with meals, etc. I may just go ahead and email it to them.

Thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

The pre-planning staff will probably direct you to the bakery or private dining to arrange the birthday cake and special desserts. It makes it easier to have one less person to go through anyway. When you arrive at the resort though, I would have them confirm that everything is all set and these items will be delivered on time as you specified. As for having friends over, you could take a page out of Janet2K's book and maybe plan a small dessert party. This is done through the events department and can be as fancy or as casual as you like. I know Janet2K had a party that was timed to coincide with the fireworks. There are larger fireworks boats for grand gatherings, perhaps you could reserve one and have desserts on the lake while watching Wishes.

You can take items from the concierge lounge and put them in your refrigerator. They have juice boxes, milks and sodas. The water is in big glass bottles though. I liked having the smaller plastic water bottles to bring into the park with us. Concierge will pre-stock it for you if you want.

The Christmas tree wasn't very expensive to ship down via UPS. It was a small 3 foot, pre-lit tree. Because we left prior to Christmas, I had arranged to pass along the tree to another DIS'er and didn't need it shipped home. They did box it up for me though and sent it down to the front desk for holding.

Tammi

 

[poohluvrs]

Concierge will prestock the fridge in your room w/ juice boxes/milk/sodas?? Is this true??!!

 

[Mister Disney]

Concierge will prestock the fridge in your room w/ juice boxes/milk/sodas?? Is this true??!!

I've not heard of that.

Juice / Milk and sodas are available during the day in the lounge area.

 

[TammiMcMan]

After they switched out the mini bars and left the fridges empty, we've asked and had this done before.

 

[triplefigs]

Tammi,

Do you know if they could or would get beer? Not that I'll need it or anything...

 

[TammiMcMan]

I think because of having to verify age, they might not pre-stock it for you, but instead wait until you arrive. Some things can and will be delivered complimentary, but I've always given my credit card for items like wine and champagne.

Tammi

 

[Mister Disney]

After they switched out the mini bars and left the fridges empty, we've asked and had this done before.

Am I nutzo? or what. I was just there 2 weeks ago, and TOTALLY did not see a fridge or anything in our room.

man alive....I am getting old.....

 

[TammiMcMan]

We've stayed there a few times, but most recently, we had a refrigerator in our concierge room and also the GV room we stayed in. One time, prior to that, we did have to request a refrigerator as there wasn't one already. In December we were at the YC and they also had one in the room for us. I'm nearly positive that at the GF, it was inside the piece of furniture that previously housed the mini-bar.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

I think because of having to verify age, they might not pre-stock it for you, but instead wait until you arrive. Some things can and will be delivered complimentary, but I've always given my credit card for items like wine and champagne.

Tammi

So did you have to pay for the water, juice, and soda in your refrigerator? I'm a Diet Coke addict (it's my "coffee")

 

[TammiMcMan]

My family is big on water bottles, so that's what we had. I will have to look back over my paperwork to see if I was charged. I know that they did have my credit card number on file. It's funny, because I think that we were charged for the bottled water, but the champagne that I ordered was sent up complimentary. If they have diet coke and juices as part of the concierge lounge, then my guess is they would just give it to you. I just sort of assume, that if I'm asking them to do any type of personal shopping, either for merchandise or consumables, that I will be charged. Most of the time, having something already in the room isn't a big issue, but when we are arriving late or don't have a car, it's nice to have it there.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

Thanks, Tammi. It's fine either way. I would have expected to pay for it. It would just be easier than ordering from Wegoshop. And we're using ME, so no car or grocery stop.

 

[Mister Disney]

So did you have to pay for the water, juice, and soda in your refrigerator? I'm a Diet Coke addict (it's my "coffee")

Me too!

DIET COKE all the way!!!

 

[Scotsman]

What does AP mean and is calling Disney, to book, the best way to go? The reason I ask is we just did 2 Disney cruises and we booked thru Disney then transfered the ressies to a Disney agent who then saved us a bunch of money!


Thanks!

 

[triplefigs]

Me too!

DIET COKE all the way!!!

after V&A and with the chocolate cigars, right?

 

[cheerbop]

HI!! I am just so excited I can't stand it!

We are staying Dec 11-18 at the GF Party is me, DH, DS 8, DS almost 2

I am sure I will have tons of questions, but here are my first few

~I am allergic to cigarette smoke...will they guarantee me a non smoking room?
~If so, where are these located?
~What is the better building to request?
~What buildings have the best castle view? What type of room is this? Garden, lagoon????
~What are the chances of getting a corner room?
~Do all buildings' rooms have balconies?

Thanks so much!!!!!!

 

[triplefigs]

HI!! I am just so excited I can't stand it!

We are staying Dec 11-18 at the GF Party is me, DH, DS 8, DS almost 2

I am sure I will have tons of questions, but here are my first few

~I am allergic to cigarette smoke...will they guarantee me a non smoking room?

You can go through Special Needs Reservations for this. Call 407-939-7807 and explain that you are allergic and need a non-smoking room.

~If so, where are these located?

In all buildings

~What is the better building to request?

Depends on what you need. Look at California Dreamings 1st post in this thread and it tells where all the buildings are. And here's a map of the GF.

~What buildings have the best castle view? What type of room is this? Garden, lagoon????

Lagoon View is the only way to get a castle view. It is still not a guarantee. I think that Boca Chica has the best LV rooms with a Castle view, but I'm sure the other GF experts will chime in.

~What are the chances of getting a corner room?

You can request it, but it's not a guarantee.

~Do all buildings' rooms have balconies?

No, the 1st floor rooms have patios, but the rest have balconies.

Thanks so much!!

You are welcome!

 

[Mister Disney]

after V&A and with the chocolate cigars, right?

Shhhh...you caught me....

Diet Coke for the Taste and CAFFIENE!

Regular Coke is TOO Syrupy

 

[TammiMcMan]

~I am allergic to cigarette smoke...will they guarantee me a non smoking room?
~If so, where are these located?
~What is the better building to request?
~What buildings have the best castle view? What type of room is this? Garden, lagoon????
~What are the chances of getting a corner room?
~Do all buildings' rooms have balconies?

If you need a guaranteed non-smoking room, you need to notify them that it's due to a medical condition.

I want to say that the standard smoking rooms are confined to one floor in Big Pine Key, but I'm not positive.

The building request is really a matter of personal choice. You may want to be closer to the pools, so Boca Chica or Big Pine Key would be good for you. If you want something on the quiet side, Conch Key is nice. I think Sago Cay is one of the best buildings because of it's proximity to the main building and bus transportation. No matter which building you get, you're not more than a 5 minute walk from anything.

Some lagoon view rooms will have a castle view, but they are not guaranteed. There are just as many rooms that overlook the beach and Polynesian instead. A lagoon view room request in Sago Cay or Conch Key might increase your chances of a castle view.

Corner rooms can be requested and it all depends on what the occupancy level of the resort is. Sometimes in the slower seasons it's much easier to grant requests.

Nearly all the rooms at the GF have balconies. There are a few exceptions, such as the honeymoon turret suites in the main building and the lodge tower rooms on the top floor of the outer buildings. Dormer rooms, which are also located on the top floors have smaller, more private balconies. They are pretty closed in though and it's difficult to see anything while you're sitting down. The other balconies are larger and more open. There is a privacy panel that seperates your balcony from your neighbors.

Tammi