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

[lynr]

I have to chime in here also about the YC Concierge. When we stayed there not only did we not get escorted up to the Concierge Desk we had to Check-In in the Lobby and this was in the afternoon. We were never contacted by the concierge staff before we arrived and I made all of our ADR's. It wasn't a big deal but it is something we pay extra for.

I was less than thrilled by the food offerings but it might have changed by then since this was 2003.

We were thinking briefly of staying at BCC in Nov. for a few nights because I love the area and the pool, but just couldn't do it. I guess it has been long enough for me.

 

[Janet2k]

I am unfamiliar with the H2O product line so I surfed the 'net to see what I could find. Is this similar to what was found in the resort room: click here? Just curious.

 

[Cinderella Fan]

Well, I had originally booked a LV room at the GF for our 8 day stay in July. I called last week to downgrade to a GV room to save a little bit of $$, and ended up UPGRADING to the Sugar Loaf!! I can't wait, it is a surprise for my DFi!!

I have also booked a cabana for a morning , so we can have a little R & R while on our wedding planning trip!! We stayed RPC with my soon to be in-laws in Dec 05, but I didn't think I wanted to spend the extra $ before we went back for the wedding in December (we have a honeymoon room at that time ).

I knew you ladies would understand my excitement!! I can't wait!!!

 

[Janet2k]

I wish the Grand Floridian would carry bath & spa necessities similar to the Hotel del Coronado's (in California): click here. As you folks were describing the Grand Floridian's experimental bathroom product line, I kept flashing back to what the Hotel del Coronado puts in their hotel rooms. Their products smell divine (and I love their glycerin soap).

 

[Janet2k]

Congrats on the upcoming wedding and congrats on the upcoming planning trip, Cinderella Fan. I had a FTW vow renewal and Disney did a wonderful job with it. I hope yours is as magical as mine was. Have fun planning it.

 

[Cass]

I'm in love with AKL Concierge.. even more so after trying WL CL & BC CL, but I am very excited about trying GF RPC in December maybe it will be a new favourite?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just an FYI, in addition to the H20, there's another brand that they're experimenting with. Not sure if the test is still going on. Can't remember what the other brand name was though, sorry.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Janet, I absolutely loved the pre-planning staff at the YC. This was a very special trip and they couldn't have been more wonderful. That's the very reason why I called them when the on-site staff was being so difficult. Funny, because the GF seems to be the opposite. While they're pre-planning department is efficient, some do lack a certain warmth. But the on-site staff we've dealt with, has always been extremely helpful.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am unfamiliar with the H2O product line so I surfed the 'net to see what I could find. Is this similar to what was found in the resort room: click here? Just curious.

OK, Janet you are funny! I have the set of H2O Spa products from the GF. I will take a pic & post it in the next few days. It is the sea marine group - pretty similar to what is shown on your link. From the GF, I have a Sea Marine revitalizing shampoo - really green and creamy, Marine collagen conditioner, Sea Salt body wash - nice and fresh, hydrating body butter, softening mint foot rub - my favorite!!, a green bath soap - very nice and lathery, and a round white facial soap. I really liked this product line a lot. It does have a very clean, fresh scent. Kind of sounds like the Hotel del Coronado's product line. Much nicer than the usual hotel quality ammenities.

I don't think Alana is with the Epcot resorts IPO anymore. I have read posts lately where their preplanning dept sounds like it has gone down hill a bit. I enjoyed that planning dept too. They were great. Our reception at BWI was like Lyn's at YC. We waited in a long line at the front desk as there was nobody around from concierge to take us up, the desk CM had to call up twice to get somebody to come down and nobody ever did. We waited about 15 minutes at the desk and she finally found a free valet to take us up. It wasn't good. Just not a very nice first impression. The concierge CM came to our room, was REALLY rushed and didn't give us any info, just keys etc. It was very strange how it was done. If we were Disney World newbies it would have been a major bummer. As it was we were clueless about the BWI. Didn't know WHERE the lounge was, how to get there....what time bfast or anything else was served....we weren't told anything about the place. The guy just dashed in and out like he was late to an appointment or something. I thought we would work it out, find some info in our room etc. Nothing.

Alright, back to the GF....

Cass, GF is the best. You'll love it.

Cinderella Fan, have a great time!

Lives4Disney

 

[matsterrocks]

125 pages is just so much to sort through any chance one of you GF experts would start a new thread with all the up to date info??????

 

[stauncie]

Janet,
we *JUST* returned from the GF, and on our last day, we received some of the H2O products, but the first 5 days, we received the 'standard' GF toiletries.

We had a GREAT trip... with ****LOTS**** of pixie dust!!!



Joe was absolutely the BEST! and made me fall in love with concierge all over again.

 

[Janet2k]

I'm in love with AKL Concierge.. but I am very excited about trying GF RPC in December... maybe it will be a new favourite?

It’s tough to beat the AKL concierge staff. My all-time favorite Cast Member works there. I can never say enough nice things about that man; my family adores him. And we love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s such a wonderful resort.

Now, with that being said, I truly hope you enjoy the Grand Floridian. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll have a new favorite.

 

[Janet2k]

Just an FYI, in addition to the H20, there's another brand that they're experimenting with. Not sure if the test is still going on. Can't remember what the other brand name was though, sorry.

You're such a tease.

 

[Janet2k]

TammiMcMan, I haven’t dealt with the pre-planning folks yet at the Poly or the BC. It looks like I’m going to have to make the first move. Thanks for letting me know that the YC/BC pre-planning staff is good.

Lives4Disney, thanks for the description of the experimental toiletries. They do sound lovely. I hope they are similar to the Hotel del’s (my favorite).

Stauncie, welcome home! I’m glad to hear that you had a great vacation. How nice! If you have any resort photos to share, please post the links to them here.

 

[Janet2k]

125 pages is just so much to sort through any chance one of you GF experts would start a new thread with all the up to date info??????

Matsterrocks, send a PM to CaliforniaDreaming, the owner of this thread, to see if he thinks it's time for a new GF FAQ thread to be started. He's one of the Moderators here on the Resorts Board.

I agree, the thread is quite long and it would take days for someone to read it. However, if you have specific questions, feel free to post them here and everyone will do their best to answer them.

 

[lynr]

Does anyone know if I can request from IPO to reserve a Caban now for a certain day and time?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Yes, Lyn you can. I am almost positive they will need your credit card number, though so you may want to phone them. The number is 404-824-1775.

I posted cabana pics a few pages back.

Lives4Disney

 

[lynr]

Yes, Lyn you can. I am almost positive they will need your credit card number, though so you may want to phone them. The number is 404-824-1775.

I posted cabana pics a few pages back.

Lives4Disney

Lives4Disney:

I saw your pictures, that is what made me want to rent one.

Thanks for taking the time to put up the pictures. I will be sure take a whole lot of pictures and post them even though we are only there 4 days before our cruise.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

are the cabanas on the beach
or at the pool

 

[Lives4Disney]

are the cabanas on the beach
or at the pool

Kelly, they are at the pool in the area farthest from the beach. The only cabana bummer for me was that I really had to be out in the water with my daughters and couldn't relax and hang out in the cabana so much. Only when they were. They did really enjoy it, though. My husband did, too. (of course)

The cabanas are all to the left of the pool store at the end of the pool opposite the beach and zero depth entry.

Lyn, you will enjoy having it. It didn't sound like you are traveling with little kids so you will get to enjoy it that much more. You are staying 4 nights, but .....You will be back!

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney