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

[Tinkaroo]

OOOHHH!! Flameworthy, LOL!!! OF course I would! I just don't think CRO would let me. I wish I knew how to go about that!! (Sneaky )

Lives4Disney

I know - I should have donned my flame-retardant suit!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I can certainly understand. That is why I am almost (but only almost!) scared to try concierge at the GF, because I'm afraid that I just won't ever want to go back!!! I admit it - I am a resort snob!!!

Oh, yeah....You will be sucked in to concierge for life. It is WONDERFUL. The GF concierge staff is the BEST!!! I hope you get what you want for your trip. The honeymoon rooms look gorgeous and I don't think they are much more than a standard RPC room and you get so much extra space with the honeymoon room. I would like one for my family of 5, LOL.

THANKS!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

I can certainly understand. That is why I am almost (but only almost!) scared to try concierge at the GF, because I'm afraid that I just won't ever want to go back!!! I admit it - I am a resort snob!!!

Lindsay,

You are going to fit in here so well!

 

[triplefigs]

Channing,

Thanks. The kids are loving Kindergarten! I can't believe they are so big.

 

[Lives4Disney]

BrianD - THANKS for your reply. That is kind of what I am thinking. I actually would prefer GV at GF vs. concierge at any other resort. I have almost all my plans made and when I made ADRs I made bfast ones, too, just in case we didn't do concierge. I am with you - I love having a minibar, LOL!

We had a lodge tower room in SL. It is really nice and feels like a suite with that extra little sitting area and extra TV. Very cute room - I have been over Thanksgiving for the past two years it is wonderful!! The Gingerbread house is up and the tree in the lobby. You will get in the Xmas spirit, no doubt.

THANKS!!

Lives4Disney aka Channing

 

[Tinkaroo]

Lindsay,

You are going to fit in here so well!

My father has always said about me that my idea of "roughing it" is a Holiday Inn!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Yay! We are booked! Jan for 10 nights! I can't believe I am finally staying at the GF! Got the AAA package rate. I asked for Big Pine Key non-dormer room. We just wanted to book a garden view and can always hope for the pixie dust to fall and upgrade us. We are not really concerned about the view. I am happy to look at gardens or the pool. We also wanted an Alice in Wonderland room, and to be close to the pools/beach, as we plan on doing lots of relaxing and not doing the parks 100% of the time. We want some downtime. This location seems perfect to me, and now all I have to do is pray we get it!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

ah i love the alice rooms

 

[jmurphy625]

so do I sit back and wait for DVC to book or do I jump the gun - book with a cash deposit now and then transfer or cancel once I rebook in January?? anyone ever book with points? as long as I know they will have rooms available, I can wait ( although not patiently)!! I don't really want to put the deposit on my card if I don't have to!

I really think you won't have a problem waiting....In June we stayed at Poly/conc and AKL/conc both on points (AKL was a comp. upgrade)...but there was plenty avail and we only booked it about 8-10 weeks prior. The great thing is the points, for concierge rooms, were the same regardless of the view (we had a perfect MK view)...we were told at the time of booking we had a lagoon view but I knew nothing about the resort so I was like "ok, whatever". It was amazing.

 

[marcij]

Lindsay,

Get the honeymoon suite in RPC! You will love it. And after the summer you've had, you deserve it.

I second that! We aren't enablers, are we?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Channing, I'll be honest and say that I did feel a slight pang of regret. Especially when I was standing in line at the check-in desk, staring wistfully up at the 3rd floor. It passed pretty quickly though and we always enjoy the GF, even GV if that's what the budget allows.

 

[scanne]

That is why I am almost (but only almost!) scared to try concierge at the GF, because I'm afraid that I just won't ever want to go back!!! I admit it - I am a resort snob!!!

I can totally relate! We are booked at the Polynesian concierge next year and I know once we go concierge, we won't go back! I, too, am a resort snob. And I'm not ashamed, either! LOL!

 

[lynr]

Hi, my fellow enablers .....I have a question. Be HONEST!!!!

I have done SL and RPC (which you know I just love ) many times. I have never stayed in a GV room at GF. If I switch my current Xmas reservation from RPC to GV will I be super disappointed?? I know I will check in at the front desk, not have the great lounge, the great concierge CMs and sweet lounge ladies, etc., but it is just not fitting into our budget to do a third RPC trip this year - and at Xmas no less. I just don't know...... Is service at the GF still great?? Housekeeping leave 6 towels? Front desk helpful? Rooms nice? Turndown service?

At this point I am feeling very blue about having to cancel altogether or just step it down to GV and just enjoy the parks more than the resort this trip. We could do the Candlelite processional, carriage ride, etc.. I could have done Poly GVC for a great AAA rate, but I think that's gone. Not even sure if I can get a AAA discount on GV at GF.

What would you do??

Lives4Disney

Channing:

I had this exact debate with myself. The price for 10 nights at RPC was outrageous and I just couldn't justify it for a 3rd trip this year. The only thing is, my mind was made up for me as RPC and Lodge Concierge are not available for my dates. I was going to do it for the part of our trip that was only going to be DH and I, as this trip has also now turned into a 9 person trip for 4 days of our stay.

GV is still great because you are at the GF I would switch if it meant not going at all, atleast you'll still be in Disney.

Lyn

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing, I'll be honest and say that I did feel a slight pang of regret. Especially when I was standing in line at the check-in desk, staring wistfully up at the 3rd floor. It passed pretty quickly though and we always enjoy the GF, even GV if that's what the budget allows.

Tammi - That is EXACTLY what I am thinking I will feel like. Thanks for your response. I knew I'd get over it quickly, too.

Lyn - Thanks! I totally agree and told my husband I think any room at the GF is better than concierge at any other resort. BTW, has your December trip turned into more than your husband and you??? Is that the trip you meant??!! Uh oh!! I know you are leaving soon for your cruise & stay and that one turned out to be a large group.

As of now, I still have my RPC for 12/19-12/27. I called last night and made a Swan ressie for 12/19 - 12/24 which is most likely what we will wind up with - maybe just til 12/23 and then move to GF from then or Xmas eve on. It kills me to pay the "Holiday" rate for the GF vs "Value" season rate if we check in the 19th, but it would be extremely expensive, still, to stay RPC for the 8 nts. This is just kind of a mega splurge as we have no family here in IL and I just felt Christmas burnout big time last year and am not looking forward to it again. When I phoned CRO yesterday, they had ONE GV, AAA rate room left for my dates.....surprisingly my DH nixed it. HE is the one that said he feels the money sliding from his pockets every GF RPC stay!!! But he still really enjoys it, lol. I would feel more comfortable just staying put in a GV room for the 8 nts, but he doesn't mind the split stay and as our YC trip went, it just made us appreciate the GF all the more!

The whole trip is just up in the air - I hate that I have to make a decision about it NOW....I remember the days when rooms were available two weeks before my desired checkin. I am letting fate kind of take it's course at this point. Watching my pennies and crossing my fingers! I can get cheap SWA flights so no worry there. (I hope!)

THANKS!!!

PS - I got a call (message on my machine) yesterday from the WDW corporate offices regarding the letter I mailed to K. Mitchell praising the concierge staff and lounge staff. Glad somebody read it!

Lives4Disney

 

[lynr]

Lyn - Thanks! I totally agree and told my husband I think any room at the GF is better than concierge at any other resort. BTW, has your December trip turned into more than your husband and you??? Is that the trip you meant??!! Uh oh!! I know you are leaving soon for your cruise & stay and that one turned out to be a large group.

As of now, I still have my RPC for 12/19-12/27. I called last night and made a Swan ressie for 12/19 - 12/24 which is most likely what we will wind up with - maybe just til 12/23 and then move to GF from then or Xmas eve on. It kills me to pay the "Holiday" rate for the GF vs "Value" season rate if we check in the 19th, but it would be extremely expensive, still, to stay RPC for the 8 nts. This is just kind of a mega splurge as we have no family here in IL and I just felt Christmas burnout big time last year and am not looking forward to it again. When I phoned CRO yesterday, they had ONE GV, AAA rate room left for my dates.....surprisingly my DH nixed it. HE is the one that said he feels the money sliding from his pockets every GF RPC stay!!! But he still really enjoys it, lol. I would feel more comfortable just staying put in a GV room for the 8 nts, but he doesn't mind the split stay and as our YC trip went, it just made us appreciate the GF all the more!

The whole trip is just up in the air - I hate that I have to make a decision about it NOW....I remember the days when rooms were available two weeks before my desired checkin. I am letting fate kind of take it's course at this point. Watching my pennies and crossing my fingers! I can get cheap SWA flights so no worry there. (I hope!)

THANKS!!!

PS - I got a call (message on my machine) yesterday from the WDW corporate offices regarding the letter I mailed to K. Mitchell praising the concierge staff and lounge staff. Glad somebody read it!

Lives4Disney

Channing:

Yes my romantic holiday trip has turned into a family/friends affair also, so now the circus of the summer trip continues on. Really though I don't care, we are traveling with my best friends and their children and my son Matt and his girlfriend so we will have a great time and they are only there for 3 nights of the 10 night stay.

I had to laugh when you said about your husband saying "he can feel the money sliding from his pocket"; my husband does the exact same thing and then when we get there he is so happy that I slurged. "Men" go figure!

Don't worry your not alone. If I happen to see that RPC opens up for our trip I will probably find a way to pay for that.

With Concierge, especially RPC once you go RPC you never go back!!!

Have you ever stayed in the Swan/Dolphin? I have never really been interested in staying there and I'm not sure why.

Only 7 more days and I will offically be on vacation

I can't wait!!!


P.S. If anyone is interested, I went to Strawbridges now Macy's in our area and bought Pathfinder luggage for $180.00 for 3 pieces which originally sold for $1550. Fabulous discount for really nice luggage!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing:

Yes my romantic holiday trip has turned into a family/friends affair also, so now the circus of the summer trip continues on. Really though I don't care, we are traveling with my best friends and their children and my son Matt and his girlfriend so we will have a great time and they are only there for 3 nights of the 10 night stay.

I had to laugh when you said about your husband saying "he can feel the money sliding from his pocket"; my husband does the exact same thing and then when we get there he is so happy that I slurged. "Men" go figure!

Don't worry your not alone. If I happen to see that RPC opens up for our trip I will probably find a way to pay for that.

With Concierge, especially RPC once you go RPC you never go back!!!

Have you ever stayed in the Swan/Dolphin? I have never really been interested in staying there and I not sure why.

Only 7 more days and I will offically be on vacation

I can't wait!!!


P.S. If anyone is interested, I went to Strawbridges now Macy's in our area and bought Pathfinder luggage for $180.00 for 3 pieces which originally sold for $1550. Fabulous discount for really nice luggage!!!!

Lyn - OK, you just must be a really fun person, LOL!! I can't believe your romantic getaway has turned into a group effort!! It is long enough that it will just seem like two different vacations.

WOW! Great deal on the luggage.

I actually have stayed at the S/D before. They are not my favorite so I kind of know why you have never cared to stay there, but I like the Epcot area and have not had super service at any of the WDW Epcot resorts at any time so they aren't worth the extra cost to me. I like their decor and style better than S/D, but I can't beat the S/D price....I am getting AAA of $175/nt for the first three, then a free night with SPG points and then $194for the last night which is the 23rd and I may move to the GF that night anyway - so for $600 for 4 nts - can't beat it!! It makes the GF RPC a bit more manageable as it kind of balances out....BUT....I still have that original 8 nt. RPC ressie, and there is still time!!

Happy packing!!! I can't wait to hear all about your wonderful trip... You will have a great time with your friends. We did that last August and had the time of our lives together.

Channing

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hi, it's me again...

Well, I called CRO last night, and was able to find a SL reservation that includes my dates with the AAA discount. So, I need to decide - go SL, or do the RPC Honeymoon Room. Cost difference is pretty substantial between the two - about $153/night!! (A regular room in RPC continues to be unavailable, but by my math leads me to believe that it would only be a difference of about $10/night between the regular room and the honeymoon room.)

I spent a good part of my morning (in between working) skimming the last 30 or so pages of this thread for comments on RPC vs. SL. I'm sure it's been asked ad nauseam, and I did see some comments here and there, but would appreciate it if you would give me your honest assessment - a WWYD. I know the lounge offerings are no longer a factor, and you still get the IPO service in both. Am I right in that the main differences are more ambiance, and a bit more room up at the RPC lounge? Obviously our room type would also be different (standard room vs. the honeymoon room), but I'm more interested in differences between the two concierge "types." Is RPC truly worth the extra $153/night?

 

[triplefigs]

Lindsay,

We loved SL at Christmas last year. It was very quiet and subdued compared to the main building. That was a big plus after a busy day in the parks and with Rees. It is very cozy, there is no TV in the lounge, and the CM's are right there with you to help out.

But, if you can afford it, I'd probably go RPC. If you can't, then you will love SL!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Lindsay,

We loved SL at Christmas last year. It was very quiet and subdued compared to the main building. That was a big plus after a busy day in the parks and with Rees. It is very cozy, there is no TV in the lounge, and the CM's are right there with you to help out.

But, if you can afford it, I'd probably go RPC. If you can't, then you will love SL!

Thanks, Denise! I felt like I won the lottery when they found a room in SL last night (I can't believe the difficulty for a trip well over a year away!), but of course I'm now torn of which direction to go. I'm sure we'll love either, as we don't have anything to compare it to. Just want to know if I will really be "missing" something.

I just need to step back and really think about the cost difference, and if it's worth it for us. With everything else in my life I'm pretty logical and practical - but when it comes to Disney, sometimes my "good sense" just flies out the window!!

 

[triplefigs]

Lindsay,

I say go for RPC before you have kids if you can afford it. RPC may not be in your budget once little ones come along. The 2 week trip to Europe we took in 1999 (9 months before their due date )wouldn't be happening now!