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

[Lives4Disney]

Channing -

I thought you would get a kick out of this. I called last week when the AP rates came out for our RPC stay in Dec. For 10 nights, the AP rate was almost $300 more than the AAA rate I already had. I couldn't belive it!! I suggest you stay with the AAA rate, unless something AMAZING comes out... Also, the Visa package isn't available on the concierge rooms....

Have you decided to stay RPC the whole stay, or are you still considering a split stay? Regardless, WDW can't be any better than at Christmas-time....

Angela

Angela - isn't it odd how goofy their system is??!! And I just read Traci's report that the Visa code was able to be applied to her RPC ressie. I don't have any code for my stay... Nothing is able to be applied. I still have the whole 8 nts reserved at RPC, but also have the Swan for the first 4 so I have that option which wouldn't be so bad, anyway as the first 4 days we are pretty much doing Epcot and MGM. I booked my DH and son the Segway tour on Dec 21 - the early one, so tportation would be easier if we were just over at that side anyway. We will see. I booked my flight yesterday - so I am thinking we are going whether we stay in a tent or the GF.

Happy wedding planning!

Channing

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ok, I'm going to sound like a COMPLETE novice, but can someone clue me in on what the general public Visa code / AP rate is? Planning a trip for next year and would love to save where I can! Thanks.
]

The Visa code & AP codes are available on Mousesavers.com & you can find info on them on the Codes & Rates Board. They are only good for the next few months, however - I believe for check in until 12/23. Codes come out periodically so it's a good idea to keep checking the Codes & Rate Board and Mousesavers a few months prior to your trip. AP stands for annual pass. You have to be on top of it to be able to snag a code and get it applied to your room ressie. They only offer so many discounted rooms.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[hearingaidmom]

Lives4Disney,
When I mentioned Heather, I was working from memory. I think that is the name she gave me. I will check my notes when I get home. I'm at work right now. At any rate, I called the private dining phone number and this lady (Heather ) answered the phone. At the end of the call, she indicated that she was the private dining manager and that if I had any other questions, etc., I could call her or Courtney. She was very helpful. I will check my notes to confirm the name when I get home.

Just got home and checked my notes. The lady's name was indeed Heather.

 

[scanne]

I just got off the phone with private dining. I was able to order tuxedo strawberries (no white chocolate Mickey because I can never bring myself to eat him ) for $25.00 and the also have milk and cookies that they'll set up in the room for $10.00. You get 3 cookies and milk. I ordered the cookies for each kid - 2 orders - figuring DH and I will snack on the cookies and the kids will definitely drink that milk!!!

I thought this would be great our first night. We arrive at MCO around 1pm. We'll take DME to the GF, check in and head to Epcot. We'll spend the afternoon and evening in Epcot then head back to the GF at 9pm, even though it's EMH evening hours at Epcot. I just want to get a glimpse at the F&WF booths. I think Epcot will be packed. We're planning on staying in FW, but might get some snacking in in WS if the crowds aren't unbearable.

Anyway, I thought it would be nice to be back at the GF in time to watch HalloWishes from our room (hoping for that Castle view with my LV ressie)! Then we can enjoy our treats and go to bed in my FAVORITE Disney resort! OMG! I am really getting excited about this!!!

Anyway, just wanted to share my enthusiasm!!!
Hope y'all understand!

 

[Tinks]

Scanne---You're gonna have a great trip! I'd love to do MNSSHP someday. And Christmas-time. And the F&W Festival. Good thing I plan to live a long time.


A question for the Grand Floridian Girlies :

Disney had a GF room category called "deluxe concierge". I think they have lumped that category in with "honeymoon" now. I went to check rates for May 5 - 8, 2007 (Minnie's Mini-Marathon) and the deluxe isn't listed online. When you call, they can give it to you, and viola! the price is the same as the honeymoon category online. Do you think that if you book a concierge deluxe that you have the possibility of getting one of the honeymoon rooms? (particularly the 2nd floor MK ones? I would not like those, personally. Turret, I wouldn't mind too much.) These new rooms catgories are so simple, they're confusing!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Scanne---You're gonna have a great trip! I'd love to do MNSSHP someday. And Christmas-time. And the F&W Festival. Good thing I plan to live a long time.


A question for the Grand Floridian Girlies :

Disney had a GF room category called "deluxe concierge". I think they have lumped that category in with "honeymoon" now. I went to check rates for May 5 - 8, 2007 (Minnie's Mini-Marathon) and the deluxe isn't listed online. When you call, they can give it to you, and viola! the price is the same as the honeymoon category online. Do you think that if you book a concierge deluxe that you have the possibility of getting one of the honeymoon rooms? (particularly the 2nd floor MK ones? I would not like those, personally. Turret, I wouldn't mind too much.) These new rooms catgories are so simple, they're confusing!

I am glad you posted this, but HOW do you know, or why do you think they have lumped the two types of rooms together?? When I put just 2 adults in the online ressie site, I get honeymoon concierge as an option....if I add two kids that disappears. I know the deluxe concierge rooms sleep 4, so why would they lump the two types of rooms together??

I know the turret rooms and 2nd floor honeymoon rooms only sleep two. The regular deluxe concierge rooms sleep 4 - so if it's just two of you, you may wind up with one of the turret or 2nd floor rooms. The 2nd floor rooms have a great MK view, though. That's something to consider. I believe the deluxe rooms that sleep 4 only have a courtyard view option.

Please let me know who gave you the info regarding them lumping the rooms together . I need all the info/ammo I can get when I call CRO!! They don't read the DIS and know all this stuff.


THANKS!

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

I think it's only because all the deluxe rooms cost the same and that's why they're lumped together. You just need to specify with CRO which type you'd like to request. Codes are:

BO = regular deluxe, accomodates 4 with 2 queen beds and a small sitting area with sofa & chairs, eating area, wet bar, choices include standard design or corner unit

BP = honeymoon deluxe, accomodates 2 with a guaranteed king bed, choices include 2nd floor Clarendon level with jacuzzi tub, balcony & MK view or the larger turret suites, palladium windows, soaking tub, no balcony

It can be less confusing if you know the codes. At least CRO will have something to reference other than what they think the room is supposed to be.

 

[Tinks]

Aaaah! Knowing the code would certainly help when booking! Thanks
I called just to check prices and the nice guy checking for me wasn't GF knowledgeable. He originally told me he had garden or lagoon view available. I asked about checking the main building and he came back with yes, I have a lodge tower room for you. I laughed to myself and told him hmmmm, I didn't think lodge tower was in the main building. Lo and behold, it isn't. He was very friendly and helpful, but CRO can't always answer your questions. That's why I didn't ask how/why deluxe concierge wasn't showing online. (but was available to book and at the same price as honeymoon).

I'm grateful to have learned so much from this thread! Thanks! I just need to decide where to stay. It will most likely be my last trip to Disney for long while. Do I go GF or my old favorite, the Poly? I love them both.




Channing, when you opted for four persons, did the deluxe concierge option show up? See, it should have, but if they put it together online price-wise with the honeymoon category, it might not show???

 

[Lives4Disney]

Aaaah! Knowing the code would certainly help when booking! Thanks
I called just to check prices and the nice guy checking for me wasn't GF knowledgeable. He originally told me he had garden or lagoon view available. I asked about checking the main building and he came back with yes, I have a lodge tower room for you. I laughed to myself and told him hmmmm, I didn't think lodge tower was in the main building. Lo and behold, it isn't. He was very friendly and helpful, but CRO can't always answer your questions. That's why I didn't ask how/why deluxe concierge wasn't showing online. (but was available to book and at the same price as honeymoon).

I'm grateful to have learned so much from this thread! Thanks! I just need to decide where to stay. It will most likely be my last trip to Disney for long while. Do I go GF or my old favorite, the Poly? I love them both.




Channing, when you opted for four persons, did the deluxe concierge option show up? See, it should have, but if they put it together online price-wise with the honeymoon category, it might not show???

Tammi & Tinks - Thanks for the info. I will try and phone CRO later and ask about that BO room. I just thought it was strange re that deluxe room because I have tried and tried a bunch of different 2007 dates, breaking it down to one nt, even, and that room category just does not come up online. The code will definitely help with phone booking.

THANKS!

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

Their online system has never been 100% and I think with all these new categories in all the resorts, it's just making a mess. I noticed that many of their pop up windows are completely blank. One place they are using the code is in WL concierge and that's confusing even more people. The letter code is JD, everyone thinks they're getting a junior deluxe suite. Someone else mentioned that their MK view code for the GF was showing as a 2 bedroom suite online.

I can't tell you how many times DH and I have discussed moving down there and getting a job in their computer department. They need some serious help.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Their online system has never been 100% and I think with all these new categories in all the resorts, it's just making a mess. I noticed that many of their pop up windows are completely blank. One place they are using the code is in WL concierge and that's confusing even more people. The letter code is JD, everyone thinks they're getting a junior deluxe suite. Someone else mentioned that their MK view code for the GF was showing as a 2 bedroom suite online.

I can't tell you how many times DH and I have discussed moving down there and getting a job in their computer department. They need some serious help.

Go, Tammi!! My DH is a computer guru guy for a huge company and he knows their system needs serious help. Maybe I could talk him into going too, LOL! I could live at the GF.....hmmm.....sounding good.

Anyway - I did call CRO, BO is not available, it is in fact a king honeymoon room available for 8 nts with an AP rate. Great for somebody! The CM told me there are now 19 different room categories at the GF.

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[scanne]

Hi! I know a few of you (Channing, Janet2K) have been on board the Grand One Yacht. Can anyone either tell me, or post a link, the cost of renting the Yacht and whether or not they pipe the music in for Wishes? Thank you. Also, do you have to be staying at the GF to rent this? Next summer we will be staying at Polynesian Concierge and will be celebrating 5 MAJOR birthdays. My DS's 5th birthday, my DD's 3rd birthday, my mom's birthday, my grandmother's 85th birthday and my birthday. So I am looking into doing something EXTRA special and I think the Grand One is just the thing. I'd like to find out the cost now so I can put some extra $$$ away in addition to saving for the trip itself.

Thanks so much for any info you are willing to share!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi! I know a few of you (Channing, Janet2K) have been on board the Grand One Yacht. Can anyone either tell me, or post a link, the cost of renting the Yacht and whether or not they pipe the music in for Wishes? Thank you. Also, do you have to be staying at the GF to rent this? Next summer we will be staying at Polynesian Concierge and will be celebrating 5 MAJOR birthdays. My DS's 5th birthday, my DD's 3rd birthday, my mom's birthday, my grandmother's 85th birthday and my birthday. So I am looking into doing something EXTRA special and I think the Grand One is just the thing. I'd like to find out the cost now so I can put some extra $$$ away in addition to saving for the trip itself.

Thanks so much for any info you are willing to share!!!

Scanne - It was wonderful....a really neat experience & perfect for a special bday trip! The price was about $400/hr including tax. We tipped the captain and first mate each 15% (maybe we should have tipped more, but the concierge CMs didn't even know if we should tip or if this was a tipped position etc. so we figured $60 each was good anyway for an hour's work.) The music was piped in. My DH talked to the captain about it and was told the G 1 is the only boat that has this capability. So, for the hour it was over $500. I loved it, but I wouldn't do it again. Too much money. Once was great.

I don't think you have to be staying at the GF to rent this. I have also read a recent report that there is a minimum 2 hr rental. That is not the case. One hour was enough for us and perfect for Wishes.

Happy planning!

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[scanne]

Channing,

Thank you! I will be looking into this for next year! Will the Yacht accommodate 8 people? - 2 will be kids. Thanks!

Anne

 

[Michelle2]

Hi everyone, I had a question about the GF that I cannot remember the answer too. I told my DH that I would ask the PROS---since alot have just come back, and they would know!!

I could have sworn that we had free internet at the Poly this last December, but then I read on other threads from awhile ago that you have to pay for it still. Is internet from the room free? Or is the old pay 10 bucks a night thing?

I know we had internet, but can't remember if we just paid for it for a 24 hour period, or if we had it the whole time and it was included with the room. I truly cannot remember.....
Thanks for any help!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi everyone, I had a question about the GF that I cannot remember the answer too. I told my DH that I would ask the PROS---since alot have just come back, and they would know!!

I could have sworn that we had free internet at the Poly this last December, but then I read on other threads from awhile ago that you have to pay for it still. Is internet from the room free? Or is the old pay 10 bucks a night thing?

I know we had internet, but can't remember if we just paid for it for a 24 hour period, or if we had it the whole time and it was included with the room. I truly cannot remember.....
Thanks for any help!

Internet was still $10/day. Have a great trip, though!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Scanne - I believe the max is 13/14 guests. You will be fine. Happy planning!

Channing

 

[hmp2z]

Channing,

Thank you! I will be looking into this for next year! Will the Yacht accommodate 8 people? - 2 will be kids. Thanks!

Anne

We were 10 adults on board the Grand 1, and we were all perfectly comfortable.
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Michelle2]

Internet was still $10/day. Have a great trip, though!!

Lives4Disney

Thanks Lives4Disney, I can't wait!

 

[AliciaS]

We're finally doing it. I hope. Fifteen months is a long way out to plan, but I am already SO excited! Each time we go to WDW (about once every 3 years), we go up a rung. We started offsite (ick), moved to POR, Boardwalk (LOVED it), Poly, and now GF.

Could you knowledgable gals help me out?

1) Would you go Tuesday, November 27 - Tuesday, December 4th or Wednesday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 5th? Both are for 7 nights. My concerns are: travel on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, MK closing early and not having parades/fireworks during the holiday party evenings, Pop Warner kids, and having all of the holiday entertainment up and running (musicians and gingerbread house, especially).

2) I have reserved a standard, non-smoking, 2 queen, GV room. Are there any favorite GV rooms? While we all love the monorail, I would like to be immersed in the GF/Victorian/Hotel Del atmosphere as much as possible.

3) There are different decor themes, right? Is there a link to pics of the different types? Which one(s) are for GV? I am REALLY picky regarding decor , hence my love for the Boardwalk and GF. If not for the 2 year old (3.25 years old for the trip), we would surely stay there again, overlooking the Boardwalk, 30s music playing...ahhhh....

Thank you so much!
Alicia