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

[johnsonet]

Here is a photo of the CR from our amazing patio:

 

[johnsonet]

Lives4Disney

I loved our suite but ideally I'd like to be in the main building to take more advantage of the Concierge Lounge and its offerings.
I booked it b/c my DH wanted a 2-bedroom suite and when I called I was told it was in one of the Lodge Buildings. It was terrific and I would stay there again. If you are a family of 5 I think you'd find the Main Bldg. more convenient. You really cannot go wrong! The suite is something like 1800 square feet!! We loved it! And there are only 2 suites at the GF that have that fantastic patio

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney

I loved our suite but ideally I'd like to be in the main building to take more advantage of the Concierge Lounge and its offerings.
I booked it b/c my DH wanted a 2-bedroom suite and when I called I was told it was in one of the Lodge Buildings. It was terrific and I would stay there again. If you are a family of 5 I think you'd find the Main Bldg. more convenient. You really cannot go wrong! The suite is something like 1800 square feet!! We loved it! And there are only 2 suites at the GF that have that fantastic patio

What a pretty view. Did CRO tell you where the suite was located when you booked it?? I know I would 100% prefer a suite in the main building. Just wondering what the chances are of a one bedroom that sleeps 6 opening up for next Xmas. Seems awfully early to have the suites booked already!! I just wouldn't want to book a suite, spend a lot of money and wind up in a lodge building wishing I was in the main building. Part of the fun is the convenience of the lounge!!

Thanks! Keep the pics coming!!

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

I know I would 100% prefer a suite in the main building. Just wondering what the chances are of a one bedroom that sleeps 6 opening up for next Xmas. Seems awfully early to have the suites booked already!! I just wouldn't want to book a suite, spend a lot of money and wind up in a lodge building wishing I was in the main building. Part of the fun is the convenience of the lounge!!

Based on the pricing structures that I've seen, you can specifically book a main building suite, it's just going to cost more than one of the outer buildings. The code I have for the main building 1 bedroom suite is B1 and the setup is 2 queen beds in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room.

 

[johnsonet]

The Suite we were in was coded BC - "sleeps 8. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath suite with a king bed and 2 queen beds. The parlor area has a queen sleeper sofa. There is a hospitality area with a wet bar, refrigerator and dining table and chairs. It is located in the outer lodge. 1792 sq. ft."

 

[traci]

so you can book the main building...just not the outer ones with suites?

what are the views from main building? seems convenient, but it also seems so peaceful at the outer buildings.

 

[TammiMcMan]

so you can book the main building...just not the outer ones with suites?

what are the views from main building? seems convenient, but it also seems so peaceful at the outer buildings.

That's correct. You can book the main building, because it's a different price range (more expensive). For the other suites, you can request which building you'd like to be in, but it's only a request. The main building suites I believe are on the 5th floor and would give you a view of the courtyard gardens and probably the castle to your left. It is convenient to the monorail, but also to the concierge staff and lounge. All suites come with concierge service to both SugarLoaf and the main building. If you have children and you're comfortable leaving them in the room napping while you take a baby monitor down one floor to the lounge, you can have a glass of wine and listen to the orchestra play in the evenings. That's probably something you wouldn't do if you were in one of the suites in the outer lodges. Definite pros and cons to either choice.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Tammi - Thanks for the suite info! I called CRO today and there is NOTHING available at the GF over Xmas 2006!!! Ugh....I was on the phone for about 1/2 hour while the super nice CM checked and checked and played with my dates, and then called guest services etc. Well, I shouldn't say there was "nothing" available. There was a 2 bedroom suite in an outer lodge building. I didn't want to pay that much $$$$$ and be outside of the main building. Especially at Christmas time. I had looked online yesterday and it does show suites (not for my dates) but it just doesn't let me know where they are located - well I haven't found one that would tell me main building or sugar loaf building - just lodge building.

I just can't believe people are booking soooooo far in advance! I thought I had the jump on them. Oh well. I don't think my littlest one would go for Xmas away from home anyway. I thought I could entice her somehow. Maybe in 2007.....

I am just looking at my half dead Xmas tree wishing I didn't have to deal with it and trying to make a plan!!

Happy New Year, everyone -

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinks]

Dose anyone happen to know where the corner rooms in the main building are located? Are they a long walk from the lounge? What about the elevators? Any deluxe RPC room you would request? Any regular RPC rooms you would request?


Another question: I've read that the tower lodge rooms (the ones in the outer buildings with the additional seating area) are located near a service elevator and can be noisy at night. Has anyone else experienced this?

(My family actually did! I thought it was a fluke until I read that the rooms may not be as quiet due to the location in the building.)

Thanks for your replies!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Dose anyone happen to know where the corner rooms in the main building are located? Are they a long walk from the lounge? What about the elevators? Any deluxe RPC room you would request? Any regular RPC rooms you would request?

A few of the corner rooms are actually the turret honeymoon suites. I believe the others are all concierge deluxe rooms. They are located very close to the lounge and the elevators. Personally, I request 4th floor, MK view room. They are the furthest walk to the lounge, but fairly close to a service elevator and incredible castle views.

 

[Tinks]

Thank you again, Tammi. I knew the corner rooms were considered duluxe ( at least the non-honeymoon ones. I haven't looked into the Honeymoon rooms as it's not that kind of trip! ) I'm happy to hear they are near the lounge and elevators. I think we'll give up a castle view for the extra space. I'm still so unsure about rooms and what would be best for our party!

Thanks for your help.

 

[triplefigs]

Another question: I've read that the tower lodge rooms (the ones in the outer buildings with the additional seating area) are located near a service elevator and can be noisy at night. Has anyone else experienced this?

(My family actually did! I thought it was a fluke until I read that the rooms may not be as quiet due to the location in the building.)

Thanks for your replies!

We were in 6220 in Sugar Loaf which is a Lodge Tower Room. The extra space was wonderful! There was a service elevator there. The kids and I never heard ANY noise. DH slept on the sofa in the sitting room. He said it was a little noisy, but he was so tired each day it didn't make a difference. I think if you were on the 3rd or 4th floor, it would be even better. We are requesting a lodge tower room again for our next trip.

Have fun!

 

[triplefigs]

Booked our trip for next year, have our room request in, and we have our first ADR (HDDR) booked! Going Dec 15-22 at Sugar Loaf again. Very excited.

And I send my letter via email today to the Concierge Manager and GM to thank them for a great stay and make sure that they recognize a great staff (thanks for the help, Tyler! )

Can't wait to go back!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, everyone!! I have a question for all you concierge lovers......

I always stay concierge and really just because of the quick bfasts for my pokey in the morning family of 5. It is convenient! Sometimes the preplanning, but I love to do it myself.

I am making ADRs for our March trip - have been for a while, but making modifications - anyway ....I do all of the calling and reserving & modifiyng myself. I enjoy it, but I was wondering if the concierge staff makes the reservations do they get better tables or views etc for their guests??? I have a 7:40 Rose and Crown and I was hoping for a water view table of course. If I had the concierge staff make it, would I have a better chance of that bit of luck?? What do you think about making my own/vs IPO doing the reserving? Any difference? I have been really lucky and got EVERYTHING I want!! Just wondering.....

Thanks for the input.

Lives4Disney

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Does anyone know specific room numbers of RPC deluxe rooms and what sorts of views they have? I know they are smoking optional and in an earlier thread I was reassured (by Janet2K, I think) that the rooms are thoroughly cleaned and that when she was there she didn't smell any smoke. That's the only concern I have with booking a deluxe RPC room - the possible smell of smoke! Can anyone else comment on whether or not they have smelled smoke in a smoking-optional room or if the room was cleaned SOOOO well the smell had gone?

Thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I have a 7:40 Rose and Crown and I was hoping for a water view table of course. If I had the concierge staff make it, would I have a better chance of that bit of luck?? What do you think about making my own/vs IPO doing the reserving? Any difference? I have been really lucky and got EVERYTHING I want!! Just wondering.....

There are a few advantages to having concierge book your ADR's. No need for you to keep track of the dates, set your alarm for 6:57am, or pay long distance fees (if applicable). I think the dining issue is part of the reason why the name concierge is being replaced with club level. When you think of a concierge in a high end, non-Disney hotel, you are pretty much guaranteed a last minute dinner reservation, great table or even tickets to a sold out show. That's not the case with Disney. If the restaurant is full, the only reason you might have a better chance with booking through the concierge staff is that they are in front of a computer all day and can keep an eye out for cancellations. If the restaurant is sold out though, they will not have any advantage to getting you in and the same goes for a patio table at the Rose & Crown. They are able to make it note of it ahead of time, but the R&C will not set aside a table for you (unless you're a VIP).

 

[triplefigs]

Hi, everyone!! I have a question for all you concierge lovers......

I always stay concierge and really just because of the quick bfasts for my pokey in the morning family of 5. It is convenient! Sometimes the preplanning, but I love to do it myself.

I am making ADRs for our March trip - have been for a while, but making modifications - anyway ....I do all of the calling and reserving & modifiyng myself. I enjoy it, but I was wondering if the concierge staff makes the reservations do they get better tables or views etc for their guests??? I have a 7:40 Rose and Crown and I was hoping for a water view table of course. If I had the concierge staff make it, would I have a better chance of that bit of luck?? What do you think about making my own/vs IPO doing the reserving? Any difference? I have been really lucky and got EVERYTHING I want!! Just wondering.....

Thanks for the input.

Lives4Disney

We had prime seats at all restaurants the the GF made ADRs. I think it was because it said concierge on our ressies.

 

[Meezers]

Great question! I have been lucky that IPO has made all our reservations even though we are doing a split stay. Will let you know when we get back!

 

[Lives4Disney]

There are a few advantages to having concierge book your ADR's. No need for you to keep track of the dates, set your alarm for 6:57am, or pay long distance fees (if applicable). I think the dining issue is part of the reason why the name concierge is being replaced with club level. When you think of a concierge in a high end, non-Disney hotel, you are pretty much guaranteed a last minute dinner reservation, great table or even tickets to a sold out show. That's not the case with Disney. If the restaurant is full, the only reason you might have a better chance with booking through the concierge staff is that they are in front of a computer all day and can keep an eye out for cancellations. If the restaurant is sold out though, they will not have any advantage to getting you in and the same goes for a patio table at the Rose & Crown. They are able to make it note of it ahead of time, but the R&C will not set aside a table for you (unless you're a VIP).

Tammi - OH!! I thought I was a VIP!! You mean I might not be! LOL......

Yes, my sister is a concierge at a Ritz Carleton and an IMPORTANT part of her job is developing the connections to insure her the ability to get VIPS that great table and last minute tickets etc. I know the Disney concierge is much different. They used to (years ago) be able to snag us last minute Cinderella dining or something as desirable - but I think those days are gone. Just didn't know if the restaurants would be alerted in some way that the ADR etc is for a concierge guest. I didn't realize that WDW was changing the name to "Club level". Interesting....


Triplefigs - so you think the ADRs had some mention of you staying concierge?? I just always wondered as I do always make my own ressies for everything and I sure don't think we have received any particularly magical treatment!!! Maybe I should FAX the concierge my ressies and have them put in a good word for me that I am a VIP!!!

Thanks for the info & laughs, guys! Meezers, have a WONDERFUL trip of a lifetime!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

Tammi - OH!! I thought I was a VIP!! You mean I might not be! LOL......

Yes, my sister is a concierge at a Ritz Carleton and an IMPORTANT part of her job is developing the connections to insure her the ability to get VIPS that great table and last minute tickets etc. I know the Disney concierge is much different. They used to (years ago) be able to snag us last minute Cinderella dining or something as desirable - but I think those days are gone. Just didn't know if the restaurants would be alerted in some way that the ADR etc is for a concierge guest. I didn't realize that WDW was changing the name to "Club level". Interesting....


Triplefigs - so you think the ADRs had some mention of you staying concierge?? I just always wondered as I do always make my own ressies for everything and I sure don't think we have received any particularly magical treatment!!! Maybe I should FAX the concierge my ressies and have them put in a good word for me that I am a VIP!!!

Thanks for the info & laughs, guys! Meezers, have a WONDERFUL trip of a lifetime!!!

Lives4Disney

I got your PM. Had the same names (minus Kathy) as you. I sent it to the mailing address of the GF. Emailed one copy to Tyler in the conciege office. He was going to pass it on.

As far as seating, we always had window seats, main room, prime location. Never in the outer rooms or bad seats. Exact ones I would hope for. One of the CM's said that the ADRs showed up as being made by concierge vs me. They got the exact times and dates we wanted. Much easier.