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

[TammiMcMan]

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

You'll always be a VIP!

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....

Actually, the reservations do indicate that they were made by concierge, but specifically, for your Rose & Crown question, it won't increase your chances of getting an unobstructed patio table. What it might ensure is that you are given the best table that is available at that time, but as I said, the tables are not set aside and "reserved" for concierge guests.

If you're happy with the reservations that you made, you can send them along with the confirmation numbers to concierge and they will update their system. I don't think it would hurt to do that and who knows, you might get lucky.

 

[Angel16]

Good Morning Everyone. I have been following along on this thread for some time. One day my DH and myself will stay at the GF, but for right now it is just a dream. So my dropping in here to read all your wonderful posts and the super information that Tammi McMann has keeps me dreaming wonderful GF dreams.

Since you are on the topic, I did want to share our experience from last Sept/October. We stayed CL at AKL and a few days standard room at the Poly. (Hawaii the concierge building was being refurbished). AKL made all our ADR's and they did a wonderful job. That being said we were very limited on some of our reservations. It was during free dinning and concierge could not get anything for us at some of the more popular places. Such as V&A, and Le Cellier. But the one thing I found "strange or should I say different" from our last visit is the tables we were given. On past visits we always seemed to be given a wonderful table, view, section and server.

As I said before it was during free dining and everything was very full. But the tables we were seated at were really not good. Several times we were seated right by the kitchen or up against a wall with no view at all, or by the service windows. What I am trying to say is, when Disney is busy even a concierge ADR does not mean you will have wonderful tables.

The free dining put a hugh stress on the Disney’s restaurants, as everything was booked full. If you did not have an ADR you were NOT getting in. There were several times we saw guests who were not happy. As they could not find any TS restaurants that would let them put their name down for a table and wait. The other thing we found interesting was the wait for a table when you had an ADR. The longest one we had was 1 1/2 hour at Kona in the Poly. That just was amazing! Even while staying at AKL we tried to have dinner at Boma. We did not have ADR's for that day. We ask CL to make one for dinner on any of the three remaining nights of our stay. They could not get us in unless we wanted to have dinner at 4:30 PM. Boma was going to open early due to it being booked so heavy.

From this experience I learned that all of my ADR's need to be made on the first day possible. I also learned that I would in the future make ADR’s for every day we are in the world. Even if it means I cancel later. At least that way we will have one nice meal each day and not all counter service foods. I also feel that concierge will do everything within their power, but they are limited now with the new computer IP system. The days of going to WDW and walking into a TS restaurant and being seated are probably over for good. That being said, we can still go and do everything we want with planning and some flexibility.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Good Morning Everyone. I have been following along on this thread for some time. One day my DH and myself will stay at the GF, but for right now it is just a dream. So my dropping in here to read all your wonderful posts and the super information that Tammi McMann has keeps me dreaming wonderful GF dreams.

Since you are on the topic, I did want to share our experience from last Sept/October. We stayed CL at AKL and a few days standard room at the Poly. (Hawaii the concierge building was being refurbished). AKL made all our ADR's and they did a wonderful job. That being said we were very limited on some of our reservations. It was during free dinning and concierge could not get anything for us at some of the more popular places. Such as V&A, and Le Cellier. But the one thing I found "strange or should I say different" from our last visit is the tables we were given. On past visits we always seemed to be given a wonderful table, view, section and server.

As I said before it was during free dining and everything was very full. But the tables we were seated at were really not good. Several times we were seated right by the kitchen or up against a wall with no view at all, or by the service windows. What I am trying to say is, when Disney is busy even a concierge ADR does not mean you will have wonderful tables.

The free dining put a hugh stress on the Disney’s restaurants, as everything was booked full. If you did not have an ADR you were NOT getting in. There were several times we saw guests who were not happy. As they could not find any TS restaurants that would let them put their name down for a table and wait. The other thing we found interesting was the wait for a table when you had an ADR. The longest one we had was 1 1/2 hour at Kona in the Poly. That just was amazing! Even while staying at AKL we tried to have dinner at Boma. We did not have ADR's for that day. We ask CL to make one for dinner on any of the three remaining nights of our stay. They could not get us in unless we wanted to have dinner at 4:30 PM. Boma was going to open early due to it being booked so heavy.

From this experience I learned that all of my ADR's need to be made on the first day possible. I also learned that I would in the future make ADR’s for every day we are in the world. Even if it means I cancel later. At least that way we will have one nice meal each day and not all counter service foods. I also feel that concierge will do everything within their power, but they are limited now with the new computer IP system. The days of going to WDW and walking into a TS restaurant and being seated are probably over for good. That being said, we can still go and do everything we want with planning and some flexibility.

Angel - I totally agree and have experienced what you describe. I have found when Disney is busy their service slips big time from hotels to restaurants to the CMs at the parks, transportation, etc. I usually make a TS ressie for EVERY MEAL except bfast (concierge) because I really haven't found a Disney counter service meal that I like. (well, I do like Casey's....) I made a bunch yesterday and the nice CM on the phone kept telling me to make all I want and whatever I think I would need & that I can always cancel later. I made ADRs for every meal every day. I got really lucky, too!! I don't know if a lot of people still do not realize that there is a 180 day window now or what. ???? When we were at the GF over Thanksgiving, my girls and I decided to extend our trip for 3 more nights (Nov 28 - Dec 1) This is supposed to be a "slower" time, but when I tried to make TS ressies I was really struggling. We had moved to the Poly for these nights and I asked the Poly concierge for help. He did get me into a Lilo & Stitch bfast (GREAT) and I was told by the CM at the podium I was lucky to have that from concierge because w/out it I would have been SOL. The concierge also got us into O'Hana (WONDERFUL) The concierge did tell me that something new they started is saving some tables at the Poly for Poly guests. That makes sense to me! I also lucked out - on my cell- and we got 1900Park Faire for dinner w/ Cinderella as some wonderful guest cancelled it!! I LOVE that somebody was nice and thoughtful enough to actually phone and cancel! The concierge at the Poly - other than getting me into those Poly restaurants twice - couldn't get me into ANYTHING anywhere else and they didn't even help me or suggest or anything. I had more luck on my own with my cell. The sad thing is Disney makes it such a PAIN to make a quick call just to do a quick cancel of an ADR. You have to go thru their dumb phone system.

Well, now that I have all my ADRs and many for bfasts, too because we will be staying there for 7 nights and we get bored of their bfast offerings, I just may move us out of RPC. I talked to my husband about it last night - I thought HE was the one that really wanted to stay in the main building again. He doesn't care at all. GF is his favorite resort, but he is all for saving money!!! I can't bring myself to make the phone call, though. I booked it on BRP and I know I have to call between certain hours....My kids don't care, either. So, I guess it is just me. They would be happy in a tent with a MK view! I looked on the BRP site and they have SL available or garden view for 1/2 what we are paying in RPC. I am leaning toward that just because I have so many ressies and the kids say we won't be around much anyway other than to sleep.

HELP!! I am so wishy washy now. I guess I am the only one that wants to stay RPC again. If I switched to GV, I looked on my map and Boca Chica looks convenient, but that part that looks out onto the pool service building roof scares me. That's where we would wind up - I know it - staring at a dirty roof in our $400/nt GF room..... Sago Cay would probably be my choice, but it is far from the pools. Conch Key, too. Oh, decisions.....

Can you tell I am bored?? No kids home now and I have housework to do and errands to run......

Thanks for any advice!!! Help me get myself psyched out of staying RPC. I have done it several times so I know how nice it is. Never stayed in any other buildings other than Main or SL.

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

OK. I am done. I changed our RPC ressie to just regular GV. It is 1/2 the cost of RPC and I was feeling pretty comfortable about the decision until I got the snarkiest CM on the phone! Ugh.

I was lucky yesterday in all my calls regarding dining the CMs were all so nice!

She (the snarky CM) couldn't do anything about requests etc. - told me GV wasn't available AFTER she cancelled my RPC - when I specifically told her what I wanted to change it to!! Then I looked online quickly while speaking to her and sure enough it was available (just as I knew it was before I phoned). I should have ditched her right away and called another.

Anyway - I have decided Sago Cay, upper level, nonsmoking, GV,.....Any other ideas? She told me to call back later. Fine. I need to move away from the computer for a while! Oh, I thought I read that I could request turn down? Is that the truth? Should I do it at the front desk?

Thanks -

Lives4Disney

 

[Meezers]

Hello everyone,

Well getting close to leaving and I had some last minute questions (of course)!

I have made ADR's through IPO and have all the numbers.

A couple of questions...if you have a spa treatment what is the % for tipping? I know dining is now 20-25% but have no idea on spa treatments.

Is there a specific floor or view we would REALLy like. We are doing the RPC as a BIG special. We will be in 2 rooms...one king size and one with 2 queens...both non-smoking. I know someone here can point me in the right direction so I look super cool when checking in!

Also...has anyone seen Janet2K lately? Hope she is okay!

Thanks everyone!

 

[TammiMcMan]

A couple of questions...if you have a spa treatment what is the % for tipping? I know dining is now 20-25% but have no idea on spa treatments.

Is there a specific floor or view we would REALLy like. We are doing the RPC as a BIG special. We will be in 2 rooms...one king size and one with 2 queens...both non-smoking. I know someone here can point me in the right direction so I look super cool when checking in!

I usually tip 20% for the spa.

I guess you might need to decide if the view or the bedding is the most important. We've never had luck getting a king bed in RPC (unless you book honeymoon). Personally, I'd take whatever bedding they had to be 4th floor with an MK view. Really, really nice! Did you make any view requests with the IPO staff?

 

[princessesrule4]

We just got back from a wonderful trip to GF RPC! We were on the 4th floor with a MK/ castle view! It was so nice to watch the fireworks from our balcony with a glass of wineand some desserts! The concierge CM's were great and so were the food offerings! Have a great trip!
Also,I usually tip around 20% for spa treatments.

Hello everyone,

Well getting close to leaving and I had some last minute questions (of course)!

I have made ADR's through IPO and have all the numbers.

A couple of questions...if you have a spa treatment what is the % for tipping? I know dining is now 20-25% but have no idea on spa treatments.

Is there a specific floor or view we would REALLy like. We are doing the RPC as a BIG special. We will be in 2 rooms...one king size and one with 2 queens...both non-smoking. I know someone here can point me in the right direction so I look super cool when checking in!

Also...has anyone seen Janet2K lately? Hope she is okay!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Tinks]

What is your opinion......is RPC worth it over a regular lagoon view? (especially if you request a corner regular non-RPC lagoon room)?

For planning, we would probably want to make ADRs the day of or the day before we plan to eat. Is this even possible in August? There will be one or two ADRs we will make months ahead of time, plus a Segway tour obviously made ahead of time, but other than that I think we will want to wing it. We will also be on the dining plan.

I'm just trying to determine if the main building with the concierge services is really worth it for a party of 4 adults over a regular lagoon view room. I'm not considering Sugar Loaf because of its views.

I think I'm over-thinking this and need some input.

 

[ead79]

On the topic of restaurant reservations made by concierge, it is my understanding that the concierge does have pull with the resort’s own restaurants. In other words, a concierge CM at the Poly might be able to get you into ‘Ohana even if it’s full. However, this is not a guarantee by any means. Since we are pretty definitive about where we want to eat, we try to make all our ADRs as early as possible so we get our choice of times. We email the IPO right before the 180 day window so they can make our arrangements without having to worry as much about availability. Even though I always feel a little silly contacting them so early, they are always helpful and don’t seem to mind my advance-planning self.

What is your opinion......is RPC worth it over a regular lagoon view? (especially if you request a corner regular non-RPC lagoon room)?

For planning, we would probably want to make ADRs the day of or the day before we plan to eat. Is this even possible in August? There will be one or two ADRs we will make months ahead of time, plus a Segway tour obviously made ahead of time, but other than that I think we will want to wing it. We will also be on the dining plan.

I'm just trying to determine if the main building with the concierge services is really worth it for a party of 4 adults over a regular lagoon view room. I'm not considering Sugar Loaf because of its views.

I think I'm over-thinking this and need some input.

The price difference between a regular lagoon view room and the Royal Palm Club is substantial ($200 per night), so I guess it comes down to whether you think you will get the benefit from the price difference. If you think you would be able to use the concierge services a good bit during your stay, then it’s something to consider.

Also, it’s important to note that not all of the RPC rooms have lagoon views, so you might end up with a view not as good as a lagoon view regular room at the GF.

The RPC is very luxurious, as is it’s price tag. It’s really a matter of budget and personal preference as to which would be better.

Good luck deciding—don’t worry, you can’t go wrong either way.

 

[Tinks]

Yep! I'm aware of the price differences and the view differences. We're not on a too terribly tight budget, so it won't break the bank to do RPC. I guess my question should be if you were going to the GF, would you rather have a great lagoon view room (assuming you get one, of course. I think it's definately possible in August to get a requested corner room lagoon view. I could be wrong though.) or would you rather be in the main building with services.

and why?

 

[ead79]

Yep! I'm aware of the price differences and the view differences. We're not on a too terribly tight budget, so it won't break the bank to do RPC. I guess my question should be if you were going to the GF, would you rather have a great lagoon view room (assuming you get one, of course. I think it's definately possible in August to get a requested corner room lagoon view. I could be wrong though.) or would you rather be in the main building with services.

and why?

Well, if the budget can handle either, I personally would pick the RPC. But I should warn you that my perspective is that of a self-professed concierge junkie. I love the service and lounge offerings of concierge level, so I would enjoy that much more than a lagoon view. Of course, I know people who feel the exact opposite way, so it’s not like one way is right and the other wrong.

Why do I love RPC over a regular room at the GF (I have only had garden view regular GF rooms, BTW)? Well, let’s see if I can explain it.

1) Main Building convenience—it’s nice not to have to travel outside of the main building to get on the monorail. Of course that’s a small convenience, but a nice one nonetheless. I also like having access to the restaurants and shops in the main building if it’s a rainy day. That way you don’t have to get wet but can still get to food, LOL! In terms of the RPC itself, I love that the lounge looks out over the lobby. It’s especially nice in the evenings when you can relax in the lounge and listen to the orchestra play.
2) Concierge pre-planning—I enjoy not having to wake up at the crack of dawn to get those hard-to-get ADRs. It’s nice to make a list and email it to them of what I would like. They can also make suggestions and set up things in your room for special events like birthdays.
3) Lounge offerings—though the concierge lounge isn’t a meal replacement plan, I enjoy having some nibbles throughout the day. We don’t typically eat big breakfasts, so the lounge fills us up to start our day. They also offer an afternoon tea service that is really nice. Plus, the evening desserts are delicious! The lounge is great when you’re not starving, but would like a nice bite to eat.
4) Feeling of pampering—this feeling definitely exists at the whole GF, not just the RPC. However, it’s almost like a little extra feeling of pampering. Since the floors are access protected, it feels a little exclusive in a good way.

 

[tom401]

Well, if the budget can handle either, I personally would pick the RPC. But I should warn you that my perspective is that of a self-professed concierge junkie. I love the service and lounge offerings of concierge level, so I would enjoy that much more than a lagoon view. Of course, I know people who feel the exact opposite way, so it’s not like one way is right and the other wrong.

Why do I love RPC over a regular room at the GF (I have only had garden view regular GF rooms, BTW)? Well, let’s see if I can explain it.

1) Main Building convenience—it’s nice not to have to travel outside of the main building to get on the monorail. Of course that’s a small convenience, but a nice one nonetheless. I also like having access to the restaurants and shops in the main building if it’s a rainy day. That way you don’t have to get wet but can still get to food, LOL! In terms of the RPC itself, I love that the lounge looks out over the lobby. It’s especially nice in the evenings when you can relax in the lounge and listen to the orchestra play.
2) Concierge pre-planning—I enjoy not having to wake up at the crack of dawn to get those hard-to-get ADRs. It’s nice to make a list and email it to them of what I would like. They can also make suggestions and set up things in your room for special events like birthdays.
3) Lounge offerings—though the concierge lounge isn’t a meal replacement plan, I enjoy having some nibbles throughout the day. We don’t typically eat big breakfasts, so the lounge fills us up to start our day. They also offer an afternoon tea service that is really nice. Plus, the evening desserts are delicious! The lounge is great when you’re not starving, but would like a nice bite to eat.
4) Feeling of pampering—this feeling definitely exists at the whole GF, not just the RPC. However, it’s almost like a little extra feeling of pampering. Since the floors are access protected, it feels a little exclusive in a good way.

I agree 100 percent with ead79's comments - go main building and go concierge if you can handle it financially. If I were to say "why" I would say it exactly the same way Elizabeth did.

 

[Meezers]

Uh-Oh....we may have a king bed problem...DB is way over 6 feet tall and just doesn't fit in a queen bed. Something we weren't told and I don't think the Honeymoon thing is an option.

Any ideas? Bug IPO or contact my TA? Our reservations do say king!

Help!

 

[ead79]

Uh-Oh....we may have a king bed problem...DB is way over 6 feet tall and just doesn't fit in a queen bed. Something we weren't told and I don't think the Honeymoon thing is an option.

Any ideas? Bug IPO or contact my TA? Our reservations do say king!

Help!

I would let IPO know your reason for requesting a king so hopefully they can get the room assigner to pull it off for you.

How many people will be in the room your DB is in? If it’s just two adults, you could do a honeymoon room (I believe it’s only $10 more per night than the regular RPC rooms). Of course, these rooms don’t connect to anything if that’s important.

 

[Steph H]

If you're happy with the reservations that you made, you can send them along with the confirmation numbers to concierge and they will update their system. I don't think it would hurt to do that and who knows, you might get lucky.

As a recent guest at GF Sugar Loaf Concierge with a Rose and Crown ressie, may I offer my experience?

We asked for a patio table when I gave Conceirge our ADR request, but they mentioned there was no guarantee that they could get us a patio or unobstructed table. I arrived for my 7pm ADR about 15-20 minutes early and made sure to stress that I was more than willing to wait to be seated until a table with a good view came up (thanks to my DSIL for that advice!). They told me they'd see what they could do, but then sat us within about 5 minutes!

I mentioned to the hostess who took us to our seat that we would still be willing to wait to get a better table, and she told us to talk to our server about the "special viewing area" for VIP guests. I did, and she was very gracious and said that a few minutes before the fireworks were to start, she'd lead us to the special area. She did exactly that--we finished our meal around 8:45 and then she led us to a roped-off area of the patio at about 8:55pm. We then went in after the show for dessert. My only complaint was that I wish I had been more vocal about asking to be taken out there earlier. The VIP area WAS a nice benefit, and we had a pretty good view, but because we were one of the last ones out there, we got a table farther back, and thus our view was partially (and really, not a GREAT deal) obstructed by the folks in front of us. Next time I'll badger to be taken out at 8:45!

Hope this helps!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Tinks, I've had nothing but great experiences with RPC, so I am definitely biased. I would absolutely take any view in the main building over a perfect lagoon standard room. Elisabeth gave you some great personal reasons and I couldn't agree more. "Worth it" is very subjective though. It's really just a higher level of service that you can't breakdown and put a value on. The food is great and some people might try and eat $200 worth everyday to break even, but it's really not set up that way. You can absolutely use it as a meal replacement for breakfast, unless you like something hot. Other than that, it's just a great convenience if you happen to be at the resort. DH and I tend to find ourselves spending more and more time at the resort than in the parks. I'll add that to the reasons why I would pick this level. The lounge is like having your own living room. We use our room for sleeping in, but while we're relaxing at the resort, I'm usually found sitting on a couch in the lounge, reading a book and sipping on a cold lemonade (DH can be found in the healthclub sauna). In the evenings, I couldn't imagine anything better than having a glass of wine, overlooking that beautiful main lobby and listening to the GF Orchestra play.

Meezers, the king bed on your reservation is probably just a noted request. I know they are not guaranteed unless you book a honeymoon room. As Elisabeth mentioned, just let the IPO know why you need a king bed. You don't have to go through your TA for that. And if the honeymoon floor is an option, they are very nice and you'll be guaranteed a MK view.

Steph, we've eaten at the Rose & Crown many times and that's been our experience. If we sit inside, there's the option of the VIP section right before Illuminations starts. We've had perfect tables right down on the water and have sat back under the awning with zero view of any overhead fireworks. Even though concierge makes the reservation, you'll still only be offered what's available when you check in. It really depends on the host/hostess working there if you will be allowed to wait for a better table. We've seen some that have said yes and others who were borderline rude and told guests that if they refused the next available table, they would not seat them for dinner that night. Years ago, we never had a problem, but the secret is out now and getting a patio table is not easy.

 

[triplefigs]

Tinks, I've had nothing but great experiences with RPC, so I am definitely biased. I would absolutely take any view in the main building over a perfect lagoon standard room. Elisabeth gave you some great personal reasons and I couldn't agree more. "Worth it" is very subjective though. It's really just a higher level of service that you can't breakdown and put a value on. The food is great and some people might try and eat $200 worth everyday to break even, but it's really not set up that way. You can absolutely use it as a meal replacement for breakfast, unless you like something hot. Other than that, it's just a great convenience if you happen to be at the resort. DH and I tend to find ourselves spending more and more time at the resort than in the parks. I'll add that to the reasons why I would pick this level. The lounge is like having your own living room. We use our room for sleeping in, but while we're relaxing at the resort, I'm usually found sitting on a couch in the lounge, reading a book and sipping on a cold lemonade (DH can be found in the healthclub sauna). In the evenings, I couldn't imagine anything better than having a glass of wine, overlooking that beautiful main lobby and listening to the GF Orchestra play.

See, Tammi, now you have we wondering if I should change to RPC for our trip! It's the week before Christmas, and I know it would be beautiful!

 

[TammiMcMan]

See, Tammi, now you have we wondering if I should change to RPC for our trip! It's the week before Christmas, and I know it would be beautiful!

But you loved Sugar Loaf! Personally, I think they have very different feels to them and you should base your decision on what you're looking for on your vacation. Sugar Loaf is very warm and cozy, no TV, bed & breakfast feel. RPC is bigger, brighter, not as cozy, but you have an amazing view of the lobby and the music at night. The Christmas decorations were beautiful too. Oh and no lodge rooms in the main building. I say that you try it out ahead of time with a mom & dad only weekend away . That's how DH and I got hooked on the GF.

 

[triplefigs]

But you loved Sugar Loaf! Personally, I think they have very different feels to them and you should base your decision on what you're looking for on your vacation. Sugar Loaf is very warm and cozy, no TV, bed & breakfast feel. RPC is bigger, brighter, not as cozy, but you have an amazing view of the lobby and the music at night. The Christmas decorations were beautiful too. Oh and no lodge rooms in the main building. I say that you try it out ahead of time with a mom & dad only weekend away . That's how DH and I got hooked on the GF.

I'll have to think about it. being in the main building for shops, restaurants, and the monorail would be great for us. I'd love one of the rooms over Gaspy's looking at the castle and monorail. are those the only castle view rooms? what numbers would those be to request? my kids are obsesed with the monorail.

 

[ead79]

I'll have to think about it. being in the main building for shops, restaurants, and the monorail would be great for us. I'd love one of the rooms over Gaspy's looking at the castle and monorail. are those the only castle view rooms? what numbers would those be to request? my kids are obsesed with the monorail.

Those rooms are honeymoon rooms (the ones literally right above Gasparilla’s on the second floor). However, they are not honeymoon rooms on the floors above those. I do believe there are other castle view rooms as well in the main building.