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

[TammiMcMan]

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).

If you're flying, Monday after Thanksgiving is still considered peak travel time in terms of airline crowds and rates. I don't think you'll see a huge difference between Tuesday and Wednesday. We just planned our trips to the parks according to the hours posted. On the MVMCP nights, they run a special parade for those guests attending and they have fireworks. By staying at the GF, you get to see the fireworks for free. Trust me, that you most likely won't even realize Pop Warner is in town. They have very, very little impact on the crowds within the parks. Your biggest thing, will be to avoid the MK during the filming of the Christmas parade. This usually occurs the first full weekend of December and many of those involved, stay at the GF.

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.

For that beautiful atmosphere, I'd suggest Conch Key garden view. If you want to maybe try to see some of the castle, request Boca Chica, high floor, overlooking Narcoossee's. You'll have a partial view of the castle from there.

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....

The decor is all victorian, but just be in a slightly different color scheme. I've hardly noticed a difference to be honest. If you look on page 1 of this thread, it tells you which building has which theme. I'm not sure if anyone has put together pictures of each one, but you can check out some on Allears and if you have some free time, I highly recommend going through Janet2K's personal online album. She has about 6 or 7 folders all about the GF.

 

[thumpersfriend]

How late is the main pool open at the GF and why does it close at all? We will be there in April and I was surprised that it closes. Thanks, want to be prepared.

 

[TammiMcMan]

How late is the main pool open at the GF and why does it close at all? We will be there in April and I was surprised that it closes. Thanks, want to be prepared.

Not sure which pool you mean. The larger, courtyard pool, which was the main and only pool for many years is open all the time. I don't know specifically why they shut down the theme pool, but those hours seem to coincide with the lifeguards being on duty.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thanks, the theme pool is what I was talking about. Both pools at the Poly are open 24 hours, except the slide I think. That is why I was surprised to hear the theme pool at the GF was closed. Still would like to know what time it usually closes. Thanks.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Still would like to know what time it usually closes. Thanks.

That typically depends on the season. I think you can plan on it being open at 10am and closing anytime between 6 and 8pm. Even when we there in the middle of summer, I don't recall it being open after dusk.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Thanks!

 

[thumpersfriend]

Another question! Since I reserved a MKview, am I guaranteed a view of the castle? Just need to set my mind at ease of this. Thanks

 

[Starrin]

Hi Tammi,

As always you are a legend in my household as my wife and I reference your posts all the time. They have made a positive impact on all our trips. We are staying at GF twice in November ... one family and another I am tagging along with DW on a conference being held at GF (soooooo had to come along for this one).

Anyway - you mentioned that the taping of the Christmas show will be something to avoid perhaps. Wondering if I can find which evening this will be ... as we bought tix for November 30th.

Also this is our first trip to WDW with the holiday decorations ... any suggestions for activities at GF are much appreciated

 

[PammyPoppins]

I know this is the place to ask this because you guys have helped me with all my questions. Does the Main building of the GF(RPC) have any rooms with Magic Kingdom views? I know the outer buildings do have alot of them but I really would like to knw if the main building does?
Thank-You,
PammyPoppins

 

[Lives4Disney]

I know this is the place to ask this because you guys have helped me with all my questions. Does the Main building of the GF(RPC) have any rooms with Magic Kingdom views? I know the outer buildings do have alot of them but I really would like to knw if the main building does?
Thank-You,
PammyPoppins

Yes, you can request a castle view if you stay RPC. The view is terrific. The rooms that have that great view are above Gasparillas and look out over the marina straight thru to the castle. It is wonderful to watch Wishes from the balcony.

Enjoy!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

if you book a gf garden view room which building do you request ?
thanks everyone

 

[PammyPoppins]

Thank-You, Lives for Disney, I knew I would get the answer here.
PammyPoppins

 

[TammiMcMan]

Anyway - you mentioned that the taping of the Christmas show will be something to avoid perhaps. Wondering if I can find which evening this will be ... as we bought tix for November 30th.

Also this is our first trip to WDW with the holiday decorations ... any suggestions for activities at GF are much appreciated

The parade is taped during the day on Dec 1, 2 & 3, so it doesn't have any affect on the party nights. Typically, they will do guest shots on the 1st in front of the castle. On the 2nd, it will be all the parade and floats, so Main Street will be crazy. They pretty much tape them, back them up and tape them again if necessary. The 3rd will be the day for any shots that were missed.

You'll get an activities calendar when you check in. Definitely look it over for any special holiday plans they may have going on. The life size gingerbread house will be there of course and I'm pretty sure they have carollers each evening in the main building.

 

[MissKris721]

Does the main building have only conceirge level rooms?

 

[scanne]

Yes, the Main Building houses rooms on the Royal Palm Club level. I believe the rates for these rooms begin in the $600's for value season.

 

[scanne]

if you book a gf garden view room which building do you request ?

Garden view rooms can be found in Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key. I've stayed in Sago and Conch. In Conch we had a GV room and our room overlooked the marina and we could see the monorail track. In Sago we had a LV room, but GV rooms overlook the marina and other GF buildings or the monorail side of the lagoon - no castle. Boca Chica and Big Pine overlook the grounds and pool areas. Conch also has rooms overlooking the grounds and quiet pool. No views will be bad (no parking lot views).

Hope this helps!

 

[scanne]

Last week I called private dining to arrange a treat in our room for my DH for his b-day. I orderd tuxedo strawberries and I also ordered milk and cookies for my kids. Then I remembered seeing these Mickey domes in Janet2K's vow renewal trip report. SO, I called private dining and was able to get a Mickey dome for my DH instead of the strawberries. I was told that the dome is a choc. hazelnut cake (YUM) covered in chocolate and has two round choc. pieces to make "ears." It's about the size of the mini wedding cakes and it's $14.00. I'll be sure to take some pictures and post them!!! This sounds awesome to me. Oh, and for the milk and cookies I was able to get one order with white milk and one with chocolate milk. DS is a choc. milk junkie!!!

Just wanted to share!!!!!!!

 

[AliciaS]

Thanks so much for the insight Tammi. It's going to be a looooong 15 months!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Last week I called private dining to arrange a treat in our room for my DH for his b-day. I orderd tuxedo strawberries and I also ordered milk and cookies for my kids. Then I remembered seeing these Mickey domes in Janet2K's vow renewal trip report. SO, I called private dining and was able to get a Mickey dome for my DH instead of the strawberries. I was told that the dome is a choc. hazelnut cake (YUM) covered in chocolate and has two round choc. pieces to make "ears." It's about the size of the mini wedding cakes and it's $14.00. I'll be sure to take some pictures and post them!!! This sounds awesome to me. Oh, and for the milk and cookies I was able to get one order with white milk and one with chocolate milk. DS is a choc. milk junkie!!!

Just wanted to share!!!!!!!

Hey, that sounds delicious!!

Anyway - what is the private dining number to call??? I always ask IPO to order things and they don't really like to, so I would do it myself. Please post the phone number!!

I must have missed seeing that cute Mickey dome.....

Thanks@!

Lives4Disney

 

[scanne]

Channing,

Private dining is 407-824-2578. If you can, ask for Courtney. She has been MORE than helpful!!!

Anne