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

[Janet2k]

Now that folks know how to pronounce the name of the lodge building, I thought I better post a link to a map of the resort: click here.

 

[Janet2k]

We just bought the Little Mermaid pool toy raft form the Disney Store, Can you bring rafts in the pool at the GF? It has a water gun on it and my daughter loves it.

PammyPoppins, I know you asked this question a while ago and you’ve probably already taken your vacation. I thought I would post a response, though, for others who might have similar questions.

I asked a generic flotation device type of question of the Life Guards when I was at the resort this summer. They said that if anyone is unsure of what types of flotation devices are allowed in the pool, to always ask them first. They’re always happy to answer questions, especially when they pertain to water safety.

When I asked about flotation devices for small children, they said that if the device is one of those inner tube types of flotation devices, it should be okay. They also reminded me that the resort has life vests for the use of those guests who need them (both child-size and adult-size).

The Life Guards’ major concern with flotation devices is that they don’t want anything in the pool that would obscure their view of the swimmers or of the pool’s bottom. They need to keep a close eye on things whenever they’re on duty. And after having personally watched them jump into the pool on several occasions in order to pull someone to safety, I can see why they’re so concerned with the pool being free and clear of large floating objects. They need to not only be able to pull someone to safety, but also to get to them as quickly as possible. Every second counts when someone's life is in danger.

I hope that helps. Again, when in doubt, ask the Life Guards.

 

[Janet2k]

We're looking into adding a few nights at the GF next summer… I was wondering about the suites...I think we'll need to sleep 6 so the one bedroom looked good. Possibly there could be 8 of us. We also want the concierge services. Is that possible or will we need to book two rooms?

Jmurphy625, I’ve stayed in suites twice at the Grand Floridian. For one of those vacations there were four adults, two children, and one infant. For another vacation there were three adults and four children. For both of those vacations, I was told that a two-bedroom suite was what I needed to book and so I did.

Since I’m not sure of your “six” person breakdown (that is, are your guests all adults or is there some sort of adult/children/infant combination?), Disney or your Travel Agent will need to answer the question as to what type of accommodations you need to book. A one-bedroom suite might be too small (that is, there might not be enough beds to comfortably accommodate everyone in your party).

If you need to book a two-bedroom suite, I do have a few photos posted of one of the two-bedroom suites that I stayed in:
Cypress Suite's Parlor Room
Cypress Suite's Master Bedroom
Cypress Suite's Second Bedroom

That suite was located in Conch Key. It had a Magic Kingdom View (with a Cinderella Castle View). The Parlor Room had a pull-out sofa and a full-sized bathroom. The Master Bedroom had a king-sized bed and a full-sized bathroom. The Second Bedroom had two queen-sized beds and a full-sized bathroom. (Note: Not all suites have full-sized bathrooms in each room. Sometimes the Parlor Room only has a half-bath, as it did in two different suites that I stayed in at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.)

For the past couple of years, the suites seem to all come with concierge privileges no matter what building they’re located in. That has not always been the case in the past (I’m speaking from personal experience). I always suggest that folks ask that question at the time of booking, just to be safe.

Have fun planning your vacation. And if you choose to book a suite at the Grand Floridian, please consider sharing photos of it here in the GF FAQ thread upon your return home.

 

[lynr]

I cant remember if I asked this already, but, we're staying RPC next month & have yet to buy our park tickets, can concierge do this upon arrival, or will we have to buy at the MK gate or front desk? thanks
Also, will it be warm enough to swim the 1st/2nd week in Oct?

The concierge can take care of the tickets for you. They upgraded ours when we arrived.

I am sure it will still be warm enough to swim in October. Last year it was over 85 everyday I was there in October.

Have a great trip.

Lyn

 

[Lives4Disney]

Poohluvrs - I agree with Lynr. Bring the swimsuits. It has been upper 80s into the 90s when we've been to WDW in Oct. Have fun!!

Lyn - I love your cute new siggy pic! What beautiful kids! Was that taken on your cruise?



I still would love to hear if anybody has been at the GF over Xmas. Anyone??

Anything special they do?? I love the Santa in the lobby - sounds cute. Anything else special for the holiday????

THANKS!

Lives4Disney

 

[lynr]

Lyn[/B] - I love your cute new siggy pic! What beautiful kids! Was that taken on your cruise? Lives4Disney

Channing:

Thank you!

Yes that was taken on the cruise. My son is Matt in the blue shirt and Jenna is his girlfriend and Drew is their friend. They had a great time, I think even better than the adults.

We will be taking Matt and Jenna back to Disney with us in Nov/Dec but only for 4 days as college must take priority.

I am still a little nervous about staying at the GF in GV but nothing else is available. I may see if I can upgrade at check-in. There might be some last minute cancellations. But with the Xmas parade being taped I am not holding out much hope.

Lyn

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing:

Thank you!

Yes that was taken on the cruise. My son is Matt in the blue shirt and Jenna is his girlfriend and Drew is their friend. They had a great time, I think even better than the adults.

We will be taking Matt and Jenna back to Disney with us in Nov/Dec but only for 4 days as college must take priority.

I am still a little nervous about staying at the GF in GV but nothing else is available. I may see if I can upgrade at check-in. There might be some last minute cancellations. But with the Xmas parade being taped I am not holding out much hope.

Lyn

Lyn, the kids sure look like they're having a blast.

You may get lucky at check in. If I didn't do the main building, I would definitely do GV. All the rooms have beautiful views. I saw the show on Travel Channel with Samantha Brown in the GF. She stayed in a LV room, but the room was adorable. I wouldn't have any qualms about GV, except I am S P O I L E D by concierge. Hope you have a great stay and things work out better and go smoother!

Channing

 

[roryc]

Okay, we're going to be staying in RPC in late January and I've just found out that my husband has to work the day we are supposed to leave. Bottom line is we won't even be flying into the WDW area until after 9PM; arriving at the hotel by 10-10:30PM. I've got a problem with paying for 2 RPC rooms for that first night. We're traveling with my in-laws and our children, ages 1 and 4 so it's not like we'll be staying up and enjoying the room and the concierge. We'll be putting everyone to bed and going to sleep. Any suggestions?

I thought maybe we could just do GV rooms the first night at GF. That would at least save me about $600-$700, and make me feel like I'm not throwing money out the window. At least we wouldn't have to change hotels and worry about transportation. I thought about doing a value even, but the thought of dealing with check-in, check-out, park transportation, luggage and everything seems exhausting. I know it would still be a bit of a hassle staying at the same hotel, but still seems much easier. If it were only $200-$300, I'd say just stay RPC the whole time as it's not worth the hassle; but $600 is a good amount of extra spending money we could use.

What would you do, or what have you done? Any other ideas?

 

[welovedis]

We're just back from our quick weekend trip and our 1st stay at the GF, I said I would report back and hope you all are not offended by my post here.

We arrived at the GF aroudn 12:30, DH & I said that we didn't care if the room was ready or not. We had been concerned that we wanted to just get into "a" room, but had been guaranteed a NS room due to health concerns, and also asked for a top-floor, quiet room due to our DS and his autism spectrum issues. We had gone thru special requests to have the room cleaned thoroughly because of his severe allergies and my asthma. As I said, we decided it would be better to wait and have the room that would suit us better than to get into something quickly and then suffer the consequences so to speak. Our plan was to have a swim and relax by the pool if the room was not available.

I waited about 10 mins on line, then checked in with Michael at the front desk. He was very nice and polite, had me sign my room charge/key, etc and said that the room was ready. When we told me the room number, I knew it was a ground floor room, so I said that we had requested an upper floor quiet room, he said that this is what was available for us based on our requests. I left my DH & DS in the lobby and went over to the room. Just based on location I knew it was going to be a bad fit. We were on the ground floor in 7101, the first room in that building, right next to the exit door, a couple of doors down from the laundry room, near the elevators and a service entrance.

Went back to the lobby to express my concerns, got Michael again and he said that it was all that was available at that time. If we wanted to wait until the next day, they could change us. We were only going to be there for 2 nights so that was of little value to us. DH & I discussed it while DS got more & more agitated, so we decided to just take that room and be done with it. We got to the room & got DS to take a nap before leaving for the Halloween Party at the MK. Called to be assured that we would get turn-down service and it never happened. We got back very late, but while I was using the bathroom I noticed that there was mold growing on the door frame. Ugh! Tried not to look around too much that night, but started noticing a lot of dust/dirt especially in the bathroom area--on the door frames, light fixtures, on the shaving mirror (covered in fingerprints) and along the bathroom baseboards.

We were awakened many times during the night by people coming in thru the regular doors and also the side entrance. A couple of times we had some noise from outside the sliding door as some guests were out near the Grand 1 snapping pics and screaming with laughter (at 3:40am!). Morning came and we were again awakened by a family who apparently thought they needed to get to the Pirate Cruise at 8:00am, then proceeded to run around screaming and playing capture the flag on the grounds outside our room---I kid you not! I went outside and asked them to please keep it down, but DS was already awakened by that time,

I called down to Housekeeping and spoke with someone at length about the "thorough cleaning" that was supposed to have taken place, they said it would be handled that day. I also, again, requested turn-down service. We started noticing more & more--you know how it is, once you see one thing, then you start noticing others. The ceiling fan was covered in dust, to the point where you could see it hanging over the blade edges--ugh! The table near the sliding door had been damaged, it looked like with acetone or something and also has a lollipop stuck to the side of it that faced the door-double ugh! DS' bed had a top sheet with 3 holes in it about the size of a dime each. On my way out of the hotel, I stopped back at the front desk and spoke with another CM to reiterate my concern about the room cleanliness, the lack of turndown service and the fact that the room location was really bad. She said that they really didn't have a better location for us at that time, but that she would see what she could do. Took down my cell phone number, but we never heard anything.

We went to Epcot/Mgm that day and returned at around 10 pm to find that the room was in the same shape as the morning, no turn-down service again, and no message regarding a move. DH said to forget it, that we were leaving in the morning and there was no point in moving then.

We packed up & headed out by 10:30 and I went to the front desk to speak with a manager regarding our disappointing stay. We sat & spoke for quite a long period of time and he asked if I would accompany him & a housekeeping manager to the room. He was very surprised at what I pointed out to him and the housekeeping manager was beside himself.

The desk manager, Jeff, also looked at my reservation & saw that there was another room specifically set aside for us very Special Requests, but the person who checked us in didn't give us that room for some reason. He also said that my complaints had been noted throughout the stay and it seemed that things fell thru the cracks. He was very apologetic but did say that I should have asked to speak with a manager the very first day. I assured him that the first day I didn't realize the room condition but did complain about the room location & was told that it was all that was available.

When I left I had his assurance that he would do all he could to be sure that my December trip would be extra magical, not that I wanted that--just a clean room this trip. He also said that the front desk members and housekeeping staff members would be spoken to in regard to our situation. He could not explain why we kept slipping thru the cracks, but it happened and he apologized for it profusely.

Anyway, I'm sorry to post such a negative review of the GF, we were so hoping to fall in love with it, but we didn't.

We were in an Alice room, and DH did take some pics of it if anyone is interested.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Karen, I am so bummed to hear your review. I appreciate your honesty and no offense taken here. Sorry your stay wasn't a good one. That is just awful that you kind of got the runaround by the front desk CMs. The manager should have comped you something - hope he/she did. I would have been doubly disappointed that there was a room - a special one that met your requests - saved for you and that CM didn't give it to you!!! Woulda shoulda coulda.....

I thought turndown service was STANDARD in all GF rooms. Didn't even know you have to ask for it. We stayed in a water view room at YC and requested it and the request wasn't honored there either (despite several tries!) but I thought in GF it was standard.

I would have been very bothered by the condition of your room. I am glad the manager and housekeeping manager took the time to walk thru it with you. We had AWFUL housekeeping at BWI - deluxe concierge! I loved the place but their daily housekeeping was crappy - it's enough to keep me away. I am surprised you're willing to give GF another try! I sure hope it's MUCH better.

I have read several posts from recent GF guests that were less than thrilled with service/housekeeping and overall condition of the place. So sad. Hope they get their acts together.

On a side note - It has been FOREVER since I emailed GF IPO with just two requests. I followed thru with a couple more emails. NEVER heard back from them. What is up with that place??! G4G gave me a number to phone, and I will probably wind up using it. But, what is up with the GF!?

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Okay, we're going to be staying in RPC in late January and I've just found out that my husband has to work the day we are supposed to leave. Bottom line is we won't even be flying into the WDW area until after 9PM; arriving at the hotel by 10-10:30PM. I've got a problem with paying for 2 RPC rooms for that first night. We're traveling with my in-laws and our children, ages 1 and 4 so it's not like we'll be staying up and enjoying the room and the concierge. We'll be putting everyone to bed and going to sleep. Any suggestions?

I thought maybe we could just do GV rooms the first night at GF. That would at least save me about $600-$700, and make me feel like I'm not throwing money out the window. At least we wouldn't have to change hotels and worry about transportation. I thought about doing a value even, but the thought of dealing with check-in, check-out, park transportation, luggage and everything seems exhausting. I know it would still be a bit of a hassle staying at the same hotel, but still seems much easier. If it were only $200-$300, I'd say just stay RPC the whole time as it's not worth the hassle; but $600 is a good amount of extra spending money we could use.

What would you do, or what have you done? Any other ideas?

One hotel room it's worth it to me for convenience, but two RPC rooms I would stay somewhere else.

I have done the first night at the Nick Hotel (we got up had Dora/SpongeBob bfast and moved on to WDW). My kids loved this!

We have also done the S/D for our first night. They have great room service for a late night dinner. Better than WDW resorts IMHO. We don't unpack at all, just a few toiletries and then we tfer over the next morn.

GF GV is definitely an option. I think it's better to check into your RPC rooms in the morn anyway because I have checked in late several times and got the last crummy room that nobody else wants. People will be leaving in the morning and you will have more to select from - hopefully. That has been our experience.

Good luck,

Lives4Disney

 

[welovedis]

Channing, thank you for the nice, understanding post. I honestly don't want to upset anyone here as I know that the GF has a special place in their hearts and feels like a second home. It just was not what we had anticipated and then after a soggy experience at MNSSHP we just felt like the weekend wasn't all that we had hoped it would be.

Looking back on it, I should have insisted on speaking with a manager when I saw the room location, but I just assumed that it was, indeed, the room that was specially cleaned for us. I know better for future stays at any resort.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Karen, I like to hear the good and the bad. At least that way I know it's not just me getting the bad, LOL. It gives me a little more backbone if I have to bring an issue up to a CM.

The weekend sounds like it was a bust. Look forward to your next trip - it has to be better! If it's not (God forbid!), at least you learned a lesson about going straight to a manager. I have found the managers seem to work magic. (usually)

Take care,

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[welovedis]

I have another question, DH took some photos of the unkempt stuff, he is just weird like that. He said that he wanted to have them in case the front desk person didn't believe what I had to say. Needless to say they weren't necessary.

He thinks I should send a letter via regular mail with a copy of the pics to someone else in WDW guest relations, to be certain that these type of situations will be avoided for future guests.

What do you all think? And if you think I should send something written, where do I send it? TIA!

And if you wanted to see what some of the pics look like, here are some links:
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfbathceiling.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfbathsprinkler.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfdoorframe1.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfdoorframe2.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gffan.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfmirror.jpg

 

[Lives4Disney]

I have another question, DH took some photos of the unkempt stuff, he is just weird like that. He said that he wanted to have them in case the front desk person didn't believe what I had to say. Needless to say they weren't necessary.

He thinks I should send a letter via regular mail with a copy of the pics to someone else in WDW guest relations, to be certain that these type of situations will be avoided for future guests.

What do you all think? And if you think I should send something written, where do I send it? TIA!

Karen, I have only sent nice notes (luckily!!) to the GF General Manager, Kent Mitchell. I don't know if sending him the pics would accomplish anything but it might. If you haven't already spoken with him, I would at least write a letter about your experiences and the mistake made at check in. Mention the names of the managers you spoke with. I hope he would care.

He passes the "nice" notes on to the corporate offices and they have phoned to thank me for taking the time to write. Hmmm....would they WANT to see these pics - I don't know. Sounds like they SHOULD. I have no clue about the "politics" of WDW. Maybe on the WDW website there is a customer service address??

I think it's pretty cool that you actually have proof of what your room was like. We had the most mangy, rundown suite on the 14th floor of the CR in Nov '04. It was our first suite experience and I really thought it would be so awesome and was such a wild splurge. What a disappointment. It was a shabby disgrace. Dirty, stained carpet, threadbare upholstery, water rings on the "wood" furniture, and the wallpaper had lipstick all over the bathroom (like a kid went a bit nuts, LOL), torn wallpaper, black scuffs on the walls, etc. It was just so cruddy - OH black mold in the bathrooms, gross leak at the back of the toilet, and the ceiling tiles were caving down so there was fuzzy dustballs just hanging from the edges! They took $300 off our total - whooppee. There were no other rooms available as it was Thanksgiving, so we were stuck. I loved the roominess, but the condition of that suite was really poor. That was our last CR stay.

Good luck!! Let us know if you send the pics and the outcome. I hope they take steps to improve maintenance (sp?) and the quality of housekeeping.

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Lives4Disney,

We have stayed at the GF many times over Christmas and New Year's. What would you like to know? We've never stayed RPC at Christmas.

The GF is decorated all over the place - inside and out. They have CM choirs in the evening as well as choirs from local high schools and churches. They perform in the lobby. Santa and his helpers are there on Christmas Eve for pictures. There is a special gift left in the rooms (or on the doors) on Christmas Eve. Lately it has been a stocking filled with chocolates and candies, but at one time it was a silverplated sleigh filled with candies, another time it was a gold ornament, etc.

We were there on NYE 1999 and we'll never forget the firework show that we watched from the beach in front of Boca Chica. The kids still talk about it. They had a barge just off the shore blasting fireworks into the sky. Incredible.

 

[PPFQP]

We've never stayed RPC at Christmas.

What's RPC?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyDoogie]

RPC is the Royal Palm Club, the concierge/club-level accommodations located in the main building at the GF.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Disney Doogie - Thanks! I just wondered if there is anything Christmassy and special about it. I know it's decorated - been over Thanksgiving a few times, but I like that Santa and Choirs are there.

Do you know if they have any special activities for kids around Xmas?? I know at BC/YC they do a gingerbread decorating thing - I believe kids can just sign up. I don't know what else I am thinking of - just special holiday things.

Thanks for the info. I am still so on the fence about going at Xmas time just because we have our own small family and the kids really love our own little traditions.

Lives4Disney

 

[steffali]

I have another question, DH took some photos of the unkempt stuff, he is just weird like that. He said that he wanted to have them in case the front desk person didn't believe what I had to say. Needless to say they weren't necessary.

He thinks I should send a letter via regular mail with a copy of the pics to someone else in WDW guest relations, to be certain that these type of situations will be avoided for future guests.

What do you all think? And if you think I should send something written, where do I send it? TIA!

And if you wanted to see what some of the pics look like, here are some links:
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfbathceiling.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfbathsprinkler.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfdoorframe1.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfdoorframe2.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gffan.jpg
http://www.ssb2.net/users/9947/gfmirror.jpg

OH NO! Those pictures were awful! I know my DH will be saying that this is the last time we stay on site ( He likes to stay in a vacation rental, which I must say they have always been very clean ) This will be his first time staying on site and if we get a room that looks like that it will be the end of me being able to talk him into staying there ever again