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

[Snurk71]

Triplefigs, I want to compliment you on that shirt design. Did you really work that up yourself? I wouldn't be surprised to see Disney try to take that idea/artwork and sell it themselves.

Regarding the split, I wouldn't want to unpack and pack twice on a vacation - and there's only 3 of us in the family. So I wouldn't split at the same resort - too much hassle for a vacation.

If you're not going to go to WDW at xmas time often, or maybe even back to WDW or the GF often, then I'd go for RPC even with the price difference (as long as it's not creating a financial hardship). It's only money - right?

We go to WDW/GF every xmas so I haven't been able to get myself to spend the difference between a regular room and RPC. I wouldn't bother with SL. The concierge services aren't a big sell to me, so SL would be the same as any of the other outer lodge buildings. RPC's sell to me is the draw of staying in main building.

Maybe some day I'll break down and do the main building. Even though we can afford it, DW and I are just too fiscally conservative to spend that much additional money. Maybe if we ever take a short trip of 2 or 3 nights the difference ($500 - $700) wouldn't seem as large as for 7 night ($1,500 - $2,000).

 

[triplefigs]

Triplefigs, I want to compliment you on that shirt design. Did you really work that up yourself? I wouldn't be surprised to see Disney try to take that idea/artwork and sell it themselves.

Regarding the split, I wouldn't want to unpack and pack twice on a vacation - and there's only 3 of us in the family. So I wouldn't split at the same resort - too much hassle for a vacation.

If you're not going to go to WDW at xmas time often, or maybe even back to WDW or the GF often, then I'd go for RPC even with the price difference (as long as it's not creating a financial hardship). It's only money - right?

We go to WDW/GF every xmas so I haven't been able to get myself to spend the difference between a regular room and RPC. I wouldn't bother with SL. The concierge services aren't a big sell to me, so SL would be the same as any of the other outer lodge buildings. RPC's sell to me is the draw of staying in main building.

Maybe some day I'll break down and do the main building. Even though we can afford it, DW and I are just too fiscally conservative to spend that much additional money. Maybe if we ever take a short trip of 2 or 3 nights the difference ($500 - $700) wouldn't seem as large as for 7 night ($1,500 - $2,000).

Unfortunately, it isn't available for all days (Rack Rate or discount). I'm hoping RPC opens up for the entire time. Right now it is for the 1st 2 days, then NOT for the middle 3, and then is for the last 3. I don't want to move rooms, but then I keep imagining RPC for those last days...

I did not make the shirt. MidNite on the t-shirt thread designed it for me. All the credit goes to her. She's done one for each of the resorts with the 3D Mickey head. Anyone can use them!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Triplefigs, I foresee you needing some sort of 12 step program when this vacation is over . Personally, I'd do the split stay and end the vacation in RPC, but that's just me. Plus, you can reserve it now and decide while you're there. If you end up loving Sugarloaf and get the perfect tower room, you can stay right where you are. You can always ask what room you've been assigned to in RPC and if it's one of the beautiful castle view rooms, that may make your decision easier. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either of these choices, but to be thinking "what if" during your vacation, well that's not a good thing.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

Triplefigs, I foresee you needing some sort of 12 step program when this vacation is over . Personally, I'd do the split stay and end the vacation in RPC, but that's just me. Plus, you can reserve it now and decide while you're there. If you end up loving Sugarloaf and get the perfect tower room, you can stay right where you are. You can always ask what room you've been assigned to in RPC and if it's one of the beautiful castle view rooms, that may make your decision easier. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either of these choices, but to be thinking "what if" during your vacation, well that's not a good thing.

Tammi

I need a 12 step program NOW!!! At least I finally settled on the GF...

I do have one question. If we check out of SL and into RPC, do we have access to the RPC lounge even if our room isn't available?

 

[TammiMcMan]

I do have one question. If we check out of SL and into RPC, do we have access to the RPC lounge even if our room isn't available?

I was going to suggest that you slowly back away from your computer, but then we wouldn't be able to chat with you. We'll be your support group .

Yes, you'd have the distinct pleasure of using both the RPC lounge and the SL lounge on the day of your transfer.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

I was going to suggest that you slowly back away from your computer, but then we wouldn't be able to chat with you. We'll be your support group .

Yes, you'd have the distinct pleasure of using both the RPC lounge and the SL lounge on the day of your transfer.

Tammi

Thanks, Tammi. Yes, I NEED YOU ALL!!!!!

I'm going to ponder it for a few days. they said there are plenty of rooms. I just don't want to create a big hassle moving all of our stuff (which will be a TON!). And, I know that SL will be wonderful. I can always sit in the Main lobby and people watch and listen to the music... DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

 

[alacazander]

I think you should go for it! The GF has got to be so pretty at Christmas time and just sitting in the lounge (MAIN BUILDING) will be so festive!

It can't be that hard to move. The bell service people will come get your bags and move them over. It will be a nice treat to end your trip that way and you never know you might be able to pick up the extra days between now and when you leave. I did that last year for my trip. Wanted LVC over at the poly and wasn't avaliable for the last two days. I kept checking and by the time we left I had all the days I needed!

 

[Janet2k]

I'm so sorry I haven't had the time to post more photos, add more captions, and describe the yummy treats that were served in both the RPC and SL concierge lounges. I'm still here in WDW and my kids just won't let me touch my laptop more than once or twice a week (since it is after 1 AM right now, my daughter is fast asleep and doesn't know that I am sneaking in some Internet time -- shhhhhhh!).

Someone asked what the item was that was in the following photograph: click here. I apologize for not knowing exactly what it was. You see, I am allergic to seafood. When I saw the food items that were set out that evening, I asked a Concierge Cast Member which ones contained seafood. The Cast Member pointed out three items to me, one of which was contained in those glasses. I pretty much tuned out the description of the food at that point since I couldn't eat it. I ~believe~ the item was some sort of soup (gazpacho) that contained shrimp. It looked delicious, and if my husband would have been with me, I'm sure he would have tasted it (he loves seafood).

I must admit that the one food item that made me insanely jealous of the Sugar Loaf folks was the following: click here. I love fudge and the sight of it sitting on that table drove me crazy. Oh, sure, the RPC lounge had chocolate-covered strawberries that evening and I didn't see any in the Sugar Loaf lounge (I need to note that they probably had them; chocolate-covered strawberries are a treat that gets gobbled up quickly). However, the Sugar Loaf lounge had that delicious caramel fudge while the RPC lounge did not. Be still my heart.

For those of you who are torn between which building to book for your vacation, I only suggest that you decide which venue appeals to you the most. If it is the Main Building, then by all means book it. If it is the Sugar Loaf Building, then by all means book it. If you don't really care which of the buildings you stay in, let fate decide. I have found that it doesn't matter which building I stay in at the Grand Floridian and which room category I book (Garden, Lagoon, Concierge). In my humble opinion, all of the rooms at the Grand are, well, grand. I haven't stayed in a bad room yet there.

 

[Janet2k]

When I checked into my room in the main building, I found a small gift box sitting on my table. I need to state right now that I don’t know what the standard gift item is for a main building concierge guest at the Grand Floridian. Over the years I have stayed in concierge rooms / suites at the Grand quite a few times and the gift items have always varied.

I am sharing what was found in my room because my ~uneducated guess~ is that it can be ordered by any guest of the Grand Floridian. For those of you who are thinking of ordering a little something special for your room, it might be possible to contact Private Dining to see what unique chocolate items are available for purchase.

Here are a few photos of what I found in my room:
Photo # 1
Photo # 2
Photo # 3
Photo # 4
Photo # 5
Photo # 6
Photo # 7

I have safely packed that gift box in my luggage. I am taking it back to the West Coast with me as a token of appreciation for my husband. He graciously allowed me to take our two children to Walt Disney World for a few weeks of fun in the sun without him. I figure a box of chocolates from his favorite resort is the least that I can do to thank him.

 

[Janet2k]

Thank you for all the wonderful pictures of RPC and SL. You and your daughter are gems to take the time to investigate and photograph the lounges for us all.

You're welcome. It was fun putting on my Jane Bond hat again. I need to note, however, that it cost me a bit of money to get those photos taken. You see, I had to bribe my daughter to take both the RPC and SL photos. Normally, she loves taking photos, but there were times during our stay when she refused to do so. I had to promise her a few extra Disney Dollar$ to get her back in the photo-taking mood. As they say, money makes the world go around. That is especially true when vacationing in Walt Disney World with my daughter.

 

[alacazander]

Thank you again Janet2K! Those pictures are awesome! Yummy!
Tell your daughter thank you for the pictures! haha!
Have a great stay!

 

[MickeyMac]

I need to note, however, that it cost me a bit of money to get those photos taken. You see, I had to bribe my daughter to take both the RPC and SL photos.

And bribing kids at Disney is quite an expensive proposition!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Janet - Thanks again for the great pics! The chocolates look fabulous!

Hey GF fans!!! I am so excited I can barely type!!

I am leaving in an hour and a half for the airport and 3 nights at the dolphin followed by 4 nights in the RPC!!! (I am only nervous as it will be my first trip without DH & first Dolphin stay )

THANKS to everyone for answering my nutty questions & giving me advice!!! I am very happy with my decision to splurge on the main building room. Can't wait!

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

Janet - Thanks again for the great pics! The chocolates look fabulous!

Hey GF fans!!! I am so excited I can barely type!!

I am leaving in an hour and a half for the airport and 3 nights at the dolphin followed by 4 nights in the RPC!!! (I am only nervous as it will be my first trip without DH & first Dolphin stay )

THANKS to everyone for answering my nutty questions & giving me advice!!! I am very happy with my decision to splurge on the main building room. Can't wait!

Lives4Disney

Hope you have a fabulous trip!

 

[Meezers]

Wow...that whole presentation just blows to roof off doesn't it?

Is this something that was set up special for you or do all RPC rooms get some type of gift? I hope that isn't a stupid question but if not I would LOVE to set up something like this for my brother's room and the room Mom and I will share!

Thank you so much for all your "imbedded" reporting. It is making me look even more forward to this once in a lifetime experience!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Janet, what a beautiful box. I haven't seen any other reports with this type of gift, so I'm guessing it was something special for a special guest (and her photographer) . On occassion, we've received some nice things in our concierge rooms too.

Meezers, I would check with IPO on how to go about ordering something like this for your rooms. In addition to the chocolate box, they have a pure chocolate Mickey Mouse too. I don't know what the costs are, but I'm sure IPO can get you that information.

Tammi

 

[Meezers]

Tammi,

Thank you so much....I haven't been "introduced" to the IPO yet....so will check with my super awesome TA...MickeyMac!

Have I told anyone lately that the upgrade to RPC is a surprise from my Mom? I have known for a couple of weeks and even though we aren't going till January...my feet are so far off the ground!

 

[triplefigs]

Janet, what a beautiful box. I haven't seen any other reports with this type of gift, so I'm guessing it was something special for a special guest (and her photographer) . On occassion, we've received some nice things in our concierge rooms too.

Meezers, I would check with IPO on how to go about ordering something like this for your rooms. In addition to the chocolate box, they have a pure chocolate Mickey Mouse too. I don't know what the costs are, but I'm sure IPO can get you that information.

Tammi

Congrats to your DS and partner on winning GOLD!!! That is awesome! Tell him WTG!

 

[triplefigs]

Ok, GF Fans! Would you or would you NOT do a 5/3 split between SL and RPC? Is it worth moving rooms to RPC for the last 3 nights during Christmas? Packing and moving will entail some effort with 3 kids, so I need to know HONESTLY if I should do it or not. or should I only move to RPC if it's available for all the nights?

Thank you for your help!

 

[cheerbop]

Ok, GF Fans! Would you or would you NOT do a 5/3 split between SL and RPC? Is it worth moving rooms to RPC for the last 3 nights during Christmas? Packing and moving will entail some effort with 3 kids, so I need to know HONESTLY if I should do it or not. or should I only move to RPC if it's available for all the nights?

Thank you for your help!

WELL, if money is not a huge consideration, I would go ahead and do the RPC, but if you are hesitant about the difference in $$, then I say at least split.

I know that RPC is awesome, but only YOU can decide if the cost is justified for your family.
I am sure you will want to go back and could stay RPC next time.

I am sure this is hard for you to decide

Bottom line...what does your gut and woman's intuition tell you?!

I know your trip will be awesome and unforgettable no matter what!