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

[princessesrule4]

I was going to email the Concierge planning staff and wondered if there was anyone in particular who you really enjoyed working with or anyone that wasn't on the ball? I'm not going to ask for anyone but at least I'll have a heads up on if they are someone who keeps on top of things!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
What does IPO stand for?

 

[Davids-Coco]

I was going to email the Concierge planning staff and wondered if there was anyone in particular who you really enjoyed working with or anyone that wasn't on the ball? I'm not going to ask for anyone but at least I'll have a heads up on if they are someone who keeps on top of things!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
What does IPO stand for?

IPO is itinerary planning office.

Now, here is what they told me: They work as a team, and getting a specific planner was something you could do with the old Platinum package. You can always request someone, but they *MAY* not be the one doing your planning even though you give them your requests.

If you read back, there is a reference for Travis. He said to send it to the regular email "attn: travis" and not to his personal email.

When I sent them our "hello" message, they sent me back a form to fill out that I guess all the IPOs are using. They may do that with you too.

 

[Janet2k]

I have begun putting a few photos of the Royal Palm Club’s (the Main Building’s concierge lounge) food offerings into a few of my on-line photo albums. When I find the time, I will add more photos (and also add captions to the photos). Suffice it to say, the offerings were delicious and the Royal Palm Club staff did a lovely job of making everything look as good as it tasted.

GF - RPC Concierge Lounge (Morning): click here
GF - RPC Concierge Lounge (Afternoon): click here
GF - RPC Concierge Lounge (Evening): click here
GF - RPC Concierge Lounge (Late Evening): click here

 

[Janet2k]

When my family checked into the Grand Floridian Resort, we didn't have any luggage with us since we had spent the previous two nights at the All-Stars Movies Resort. Upon entry to our Grand Floridian room, I asked my daughter to place a phone call to the Bell Services folks in order to request delivery of our luggage. My daughter's conversation with Bell Services sounded a little odd, so I asked her to hand the telephone over to me (she is a grade schooler and sometimes I forget that she doesn't communicate too well).

I asked the Bell Services Cast Member to please bring our luggage up to our room. The Cast Member asked me for my claim ticket number. I informed him that I did not have a claim ticket since I had asked the All-Stars Music folks to transfer my luggage for me and they had told me to leave it in the room and to go about my magical day.

There was about 30 seconds of silence on the phone. Then the Bell Services Cast Member asked me, "You transferred over from the All-Stars Music Resort?" To which I replied, "Yes, I did. I had four pieces of luggage -- three red and one blue."

There was another couple of seconds of silence on the phone, and then the Bell Services Cast Member happily stated, "I'll find your luggage and bring it right up to you, Ms. Janet."

I thanked the Cast Member and then hung up the phone. Within 10 minutes, my luggage was in my room.

I had to laugh over all this because I guess it just isn't the average guest who transfers over to the Grand Floridian Resort from the All-Stars Music Resort. But I'm not your average guest (last year I transferred to the Grand Floridian from the Pop Century).

I just love the Grand Floridian. From the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra who plays "Just a Gigolo" in the evening, to the Bell Services folks who make me laugh at myself and my crazy resort-hopping quest. Ain't life grand?!

 

[MickeyMac]

Janet2K - a couple of weeks ago, we were at Pop, and I called Bell Services there for a luggage transfer. The kid came up and started making my tags, and asked "Ok, so what resort are you going to?" I said "Grand Floridian" and he said "huh? Do you have your hotel voucher?" So I dug it out and showed it to him and he started whistling away, making up the tags. I asked if he had a lot of Guests transfering between those to resorts and he said 'Oh sure - NOT!' It was wicked funny.

Thank you for the wonderful pictures! I love them!

 

[poohluvrs]

Janet

thanks for the RPC pix! Do you recall what the evening offerings were, the pix are great! Was that some type of gazpacho in the tall glasses?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Janet - loved the pictures. I am hungry, now!

OK, I need advice from my fellow GF fans - I currently have SL reserved for us next week with an AP rate. Just called and checked and RPC is available with the AP rate, too!! Now I am in trouble.....

I LOVE RPC, and enjoy SL, also. What should I do???? What would you do? I would love to do the RPC again, but the price difference is $145/night. Who thinks it is worth it to change from SL to RPC? With the food offerings being the same now, it would just be for the atmosphere, right? Any other differences that I am not aware of? I am so torn between the money difference and what I really want to do! (that's life, right?)

I am going with my 3 kids, without my husband for the first time on this trip, so I don't know how it will go - how much we will use the lounge/resort etc. I don't think we will be park maniacs as it will be soooo hot, though.

I need a push either way. The money isn't a huge issue. I just don't know if I will find it worth it. Don't want any regrets! I also requested a SL tower room. The hope of getting that room is kind of in the back of my mind keeping SL in the picture. Maybe I should just wait until check in and ask about an upgrade?? I have never done that before but it is a thought.

I am so wishy-washy about committing. I finally found the resort I love, and now can't decide on a room.

Thanks for any opinions.

Lives4Disney

 

[MickeyMac]

Lives - did you say for a week? Why not SL for the first part of the week and RPC for the second? Ask for an MK view room at RPC? Would you mind switching midway through?

 

[Lives4Disney]

MickeyMac - Thanks for the idea, but I am staying at the Dolphin for 3 nights (first ever stay there) and switching to SL for the last 4 nights. I just need a slap back into reality. T

It would be about $600 difference between SL and RPC. I am just sooo tempted as I don't think we will be back to WDW soon. My oldest will be starting HS, and he doesn't get the same vacation dates that my girls do. It would be spring break before we could all return as a family and we are thinking of AZ for spring break anyway.

Of course, the kids really don't care either way - it is just me. I enjoy that lounge and that lovely ambience of RPC! Any other differences between SL/RPC?? Thanks -

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

MickeyMac - Thanks for the idea, but I am staying at the Dolphin for 3 nights (first ever stay there) and switching to SL for the last 4 nights. I just need a slap back into reality. T

It would be about $600 difference between SL and RPC. I am just sooo tempted as I don't think we will be back to WDW soon. My oldest will be starting HS, and he doesn't get the same vacation dates that my girls do. It would be spring break before we could all return as a family and we are thinking of AZ for spring break anyway.

Of course, the kids really don't care either way - it is just me. I enjoy that lounge and that lovely ambience of RPC! Any other differences between SL/RPC?? Thanks -

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

I enjoy that lounge and that lovely ambience of RPC! Any other differences between SL/RPC?? Thanks -

Lives4Disney

Hi Lives, you pretty much summed it up. The ambience of RPC can't be beat. I like SL, but if I had to choose, I'd go with RPC. Nicer views in addition to the bigger, brighter lounge, much more seating and only an elevator ride away from the monorail. Definitely not knocking SL and would probably choose it if we weren't planning on spending a lot of time at the resort. I just love the RPC lounge in the evening and having a castle view from my balcony.

Good luck with your choice.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

Hi Lives, you pretty much summed it up. The ambience of RPC can't be beat. I like SL, but if I had to choose, I'd go with RPC. Nicer views in addition to the bigger, brighter lounge, much more seating and only an elevator ride away from the monorail. Definitely not knocking SL and would probably choose it if we weren't planning on spending a lot of time at the resort. I just love the RPC lounge in the evening and having a castle view from my balcony.

Good luck with your choice.

Tammi

Or if RPC wasn't available...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Tammi - THANKS! I am still thinking about it. Gonna sleep on it. We are just major park nuts and don't usually spend a whole lot of time at the resorts. I have PSs everyday for lunch & dinner. It may just be overkill. I am thinking, though, that we may spend more resort time on this trip as it will be too hot to spend the whole day out. Decisions....decisions.... That RPC lounge just cannot be beat. I have such nice memories of our Thanksgiving stay there.

TripleFIGS - Are you stalking me??? Just kidding! I am so torn. I am commitment phobic.

I went onto TGM's site and he says SL just doesn't compare. It is almost like it is second class....He says that's not "fair" but it seems that way. ugh. I enjoyed SL, didn't feel like second class. He makes it seem as though it is just for RPC overflow & feels guilty if he can't get his guests into the main building. Too much information!!

Thanks guys. I am going to just sleep on it. Sometimes these strange urges to change my reservations pass! Hope if RPC is my decision it isn't too late!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

I've never been to either, so can't speak from personal experience...

But $600 is a good chunk of $$! If you guys are big park people, and if you already have ADR's everyday for lunch and dinner, it doesn't sound like you'll be around that much to enjoy the lounge either way.

On TGM - does his review take into account the new and improved offerings at SL? I could be wrong, but don't know if he would have already updated his thoughts on it with the fairly recent change.

If it were me, I'd probably stick with SL. Good luck with whatever you decide - I'm sure you'll have a great trip regardless of your decision!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Tinkaroo - Thanks for that reply. I think $600 is a good chunk of change, too. My daughters are going to drain me for souveniers, I know!! I could use it for that. I am a MAJOR softy when it comes to them and all the cute things they like to buy at WDW. I just need to sleep on it and come back to reality. We'll see. I think the CRO is closed now, anyway. No rash decisions at this point!

Thanks!

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

Tinkaroo - Thanks for that reply. I think $600 is a good chunk of change, too. My daughters are going to drain me for souveniers, I know!! I could use it for that. I am a MAJOR softy when it comes to them and all the cute things they like to buy at WDW. I just need to sleep on it and come back to reality. We'll see. I think the CRO is closed now, anyway. No rash decisions at this point!

Thanks!

Lives4Disney

Completely understand! I find that when I start looking at Disney stuff, my normal, everyday concept of $$ sometimes just flies out the window (Tinkerbell takes it, I'm sure of it!). I find that I'll honestly consider spending 100's of dollars more on things that I would never consider doing at other vacation destinations!

Of course, it's always easier to be the "voice of reason" for someone else! I'd probably find myself going round and round if I were in your shoes, too. Have a magical time!

 

[triplefigs]

TripleFIGS - Are you stalking me??? Just kidding! I am so torn. I am commitment phobic.

I went onto TGM's site and he says SL just doesn't compare. It is almost like it is second class....He says that's not "fair" but it seems that way. ugh. I enjoyed SL, didn't feel like second class. He makes it seem as though it is just for RPC overflow & feels guilty if he can't get his guests into the main building. Too much information!!

Yes, I'm stalking you... BOO! I want you to stay in SL and get the lodge room so I know what to expect!

You sound like me last night... 2am trying to figure out how to add a day to our ressie... is SL available at the AAA rate... can I change the Family Magic Tour... can I change our flights... will DH kill me...

All I know is you are going to have a fabulous time and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

 

[triplefigs]

Do you think there's a chance that RPC will still open up for our trip? Will people cancel at the 45 day mark for packages? Or should I just accept the fact it's not?

BTW, our dates are Nov 29 - Dec 7, and only LV is showing up available for all dates. It seems the GF is pretty booked.

Thanks!

 

[Meezers]

Hope no one minds my stopping by. We are going to be staying at GF RPC in January of 2006. Mom surprised me by the upgrade and I am so excited!

This thread has been very helpful and I have really enjoyed the recent pictures posted by Janet2K of the lounges...thank you so much!

 

[Lives4Disney]

TRIPLEFIGS - I bet RPC will open up. I booked our Thanksgiving stay in the middle of October! I kept watching it and all of a sudden it showed availability. Keep checking online. I know you used the AAA discount, so I am not so sure about that still being a possiblity if something appears, but RPC is just so lovely at Christmas time with those fabulous decorations.

Don't give up hope yet. Keep checking.

Oh, I am still torn myself. My youngest says she thought we were staying where they have the volcano slide (Poly). My son says CR is his favorite - he doesn't care for the GF. My older daughter wanted SL as it was smaller and easier to navigate!!! I WANT RPC!!! I think I will call right now and see if I can get it!! I am nuts.....

Lives4Disney