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

[Ojo]

Hi- My first time posting. I am anxiously awaiting our first stay at GF, next Nov. 26-Dec. 3. I was hoping for a few answers from the BTDT crowd!

Is it possible to get ajoining rooms? We're thinking LV and we would love to be next to my parents so they can help us with the kids in the morning, etc.

And.....we've concidered doing the concierge thing, but wondering how little kids are accepted in the concierge in either building. We have 4 younger children, and although we believe they are pretty good kids, they are still young and we don't want to be bothersome to people.

Thanks so much for your help. I've been inside the GF when we made a trip to DW a few years ago. We stayed at the Poly last time, but we are excited about our first trip to the GF.

 

[Cass]

Welcome to the DIS

You can request connecting rooms but I am not certain they can guarantee it.

I would not worry about kids in concierge, many many many families bring young kids & babies, it's a family resort everyone is welcome. You sure wouldn't bother me, and you know your own kids and how they behave.

Concierge services would make breakfast very convenient and a nice place to relax and have a drink while the kids have a nap (if they still nap?) definately worth while to check it out.

have fun planning!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Gidge, dancing water is the little holes in the ground that shoot up a spray of water. They have them at Downtown Disney (large version) and at Epcot. The theme pool at the GF has a smaller scale version that's quite fun for the kids.

Jacksmom, SL is going to be quite a different experience from the AKL and Poly concierge. As you've stayed at the GF before, you know how the buildings are setup. Well, take the ground floor lobby of the building and imagine it with the concierge setup. They've added desks for the staff, the food service and extra seating. It doesn't have the openess of the other lounges and there are no tv's. I typically describe it as feeling like a bed & breakfast. It's very warm and cozy. Unfortunately, there are no MK views from SL. If you get a room on the marina side, that is near the Gasparilla's end, then there is a chance you may see the fireworks.

Meezers, I'll preface this by saying that what the IPO staff said was true. You must be a concierge guest on that day, in order to participate. The AKL has the same policy with their safari's. That being said, they do have the option of bending the rules. For example, guests who do a split stay between standard rooms and concierge, can request pre-planning assistance for their entire stay. These requests are handled on an individual basis. I'm glad that your TA Marion was able to work with them, but it wasn't that IPO gave you the wrong answer initially.

Ojo, the GF does have connecting rooms (with an interior doorway). In the hotel industry, adjoining simply means side-by-side. You can put this in as a request, it's just not guaranteed in this situation. We've been bringing our children to the GF concierge level since they were small. It is a place where you don't want kids running around crazy, but it's expected that they're going to be excited about being in Disney World. In the lounge itself, you'll find kid-sized furniture, a tv playing cartoons and some kid friendly food. It might seem a little stuff, but that's just the theme. It's definitely not an atmosphere of expecting kids to be seen and not heard. They are very welcome.

 

[triplefigs]

Hi- My first time posting. I am anxiously awaiting our first stay at GF, next Nov. 26-Dec. 3. I was hoping for a few answers from the BTDT crowd!

Is it possible to get ajoining rooms? We're thinking LV and we would love to be next to my parents so they can help us with the kids in the morning, etc.

And.....we've concidered doing the concierge thing, but wondering how little kids are accepted in the concierge in either building. We have 4 younger children, and although we believe they are pretty good kids, they are still young and we don't want to be bothersome to people.

Thanks so much for your help. I've been inside the GF when we made a trip to DW a few years ago. We stayed at the Poly last time, but we are excited about our first trip to the GF.

We went to the GF for the first time this past Nov 29- Dec 7. We stayed in Sugar Loaf Concierge and LOVED it. I have 5 year old triplets (2 boys/1 girl). There were TONS of kids in Sugar Loaf (there were tons of kids at the GF period). They were very well received, and I never felt like they were looked down on, etc. I did expect my children to use their quiet voices at night, didn't let them run all over. We just explained other people were staying there too and we had to use our best manners. It was a fabulous trip, and we're going back this December and trying RPC. I really loved everything about the GF and our stay at SL. I think you and your kids will have a blast!

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[triplefigs]

I was so glad to hear pool problem would not ruin our stay I used new AP code to upgrade to SL (RPC not available for our time frame )! Now, I would love some imput on SL! We have stayed CL at Poly (numerous times) and AKL (once last Oct)! We would love some SL reviews! Also, we haved stayed at GF several times, once in a Lodge Tower room and have requested one for up-coming trip. But we know there are only a few! So, any other suggestions for room requests? Are there any good MK views in SL? Would love any imput!

Jacksmom,

We LOVED SL. There are no castle views, but very nice Marina ones or of the quiet pool. We had the Lodge Tower room with a quiet pool view. It was great. If you don't get the Lodge Tower Room, I would request Marina side to see the boats and/or monorail. We also saw lots of brides by the marina which was fun.

And the location of SL is very good. Right next to Gaspys, short walk to the dock for the boat, short walk to the bus stop or main bldg. We found the staff there to be exceedingly friendly and helpful. I would stay SL again in a heartbeat. We are trying RPC this trip since it will be Christmas.

 

[Cass]

I have 5 year old triplets (2 boys/1 girl).

You should be pretty easy to spot!

 

[triplefigs]

You should be pretty easy to spot!

Yes, we do stick out just a little. Here's a picture of us from our last trip in December.

 

[Cass]

Great pic! beautiful familiy

and you can watch out for Noel!

 

[triplefigs]

Great pic! beautiful familiy

and you can watch out for Noel!

What a great name and beautiful DD! You and I must both be Christmas fanatics. Can't wait to meet you.

 

[Cass]

Yep, Christmas fanatics

Noel's BD is December 14th and mine is the 18th. This is a surprise for her, she has no idea we are going for her BD. Well I hope I can keep it a surprise, me and my big mouth.

 

[triplefigs]

Yep, Christmas fanatics

Noel's BD is December 14th and mine is the 18th. This is a surprise for her, she has no idea we are going for her BD. Well I hope I can keep it a surprise, me and my big mouth.

Sounds wonderful! BTW, we still have our decorations up inside as I just can't give in to the fact that Christmas is over. Good thing I have this trip to plan and look forward to until then!

 

[Cass]

I get really down after Christmas is over for me the fun/excitement is all in the anticipation.

I have been know to take everything down on the 26th. and rarely does my tree see New Years. but I put all my stuff up early and enjoy it for the whole month of December. Can't wait to see the GF decorations & enjoy the live music... Christmas Carols I hope!

 

[traci]

I emailed IPO yesterday regarding room request...I haven't received an email back. Is this typical, or does it usually take a few days to confirm that they received your email? Just curious. I don't want to be a bug, but now I am unsure if my email went through.
Thanks :'

 

[Meezers]

quote from TammiMcMahon....

"Meezers, I'll preface this by saying that what the IPO staff said was true. You must be a concierge guest on that day, in order to participate. The AKL has the same policy with their safari's. That being said, they do have the option of bending the rules. For example, guests who do a split stay between standard rooms and concierge, can request pre-planning assistance for their entire stay. These requests are handled on an individual basis. I'm glad that your TA Marion was able to work with them, but it wasn't that IPO gave you the wrong answer initially."

Thank you so much for the REALLY correct information! I now feel VERY pixie dusted...which is a nice feeling. Thank you so much....

 

[Lives4Disney]

I emailed IPO yesterday regarding room request...I haven't received an email back. Is this typical, or does it usually take a few days to confirm that they received your email? Just curious. I don't want to be a bug, but now I am unsure if my email went through.
Thanks :'

Traci, I emailed them this morning regarding our own room requests for our March trip & haven't heard back, either - it has only been about 5 hours, though for me. I would give it a day or two. Hopefully you will hear from them sooner, though.

I have never received really quick replies from them so I wouldn't worry. I think this new 180 day booking window has them overloaded.

Lives4Disney

 

[Cass]

I emailed IPO yesterday regarding room request...I haven't received an email back. Is this typical, or does it usually take a few days to confirm that they received your email? Just curious. I don't want to be a bug, but now I am unsure if my email went through.
Thanks :'

They might take a few days to get back to you, but they will get back to you.

 

[triplefigs]

I emailed IPO yesterday regarding room request...I haven't received an email back. Is this typical, or does it usually take a few days to confirm that they received your email? Just curious. I don't want to be a bug, but now I am unsure if my email went through.
Thanks :'

I always do a "read receipt". Then I know for certain that someone in IPO has gotten my email. Sometimes it does take a day or so (esp if they're busy) for them to read it. If it's urgent, I mark it as so. I've never had a delay on an URGERNT email to IPO. Our experience with their service has been very good.

 

[Tinks]

Just to update y'all: I booked GF lagoon view and requested a corner room in Boca Chica. I have plenty of time to change over to concierge if I think we need to. My family and I are going to Disney in June, and I plan to head over to the GF and really look things over and decide from there if I made the right decision. I'm pretty comfortable with it right now.

I wish SL had a better location with some really good views! I would have booked it if it did! Still teetering on the main building.....


Thanks for all your help.

 

[Cinderella Fan]

Questions: We are staying at the GF in July. Is it too early to contact them regarding my room requests?

Do I contact IPO for those, even though we are not staying concierge this trip?? And, how do I email them?

Thanks!!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Questions: We are staying at the GF in July. Is it too early to contact them regarding my room requests?

Do I contact IPO for those, even though we are not staying concierge this trip?? And, how do I email them?

Thanks!!

Unfortunetly, if you are not staying Concierge, the Itinerary Planning Office is not able to assist you. However, you can still have your room requests notated on the reservation. 407-WDISNEY can do that for you.