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

[hedwig]

Just returned from a 4 night stay at the RPC. Nice room, nice staff, had turn down service each night. It was nice.

Lives4Disney- I had the same problem with IPO before my stay. I got the best results from the staff who worked IPO on the weekends. Prompt emails and they even asked extra questions to verify requests. As soon as Monday hit- nothing. Good luck

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Lives4Disney,

When we've been there around Christmas, the GF hands out roasted chestnuts out front and cookies and cider in the lobby. There is a gingerbread decorating thing, and if I remember correctly families sign up and the "creations" are put on display near M.Mouse. There are special holiday menus at the restaurants and holiday items in the gift shops. These things, along with Santa in the lobby, Christmas music by the orchestra, and choirs (including bell choirs) are the Christmas things the GF does. At one time, the CR hosted special Christmas religious services but I'm not sure if that has been discontinued.

We spent many Christmases at the GF and have enjoyed every one of them. My advice is to try it once and see if you like it. But, the pricetag at the RPC over Christmas is unreal!!!

Not sure if you've seen the show in the Dolphin lobby at Christmas, but we like it. It was there in 2004, but I don't know if it's still there now that the Dolphin lobby has been redone. The show's loud with lots of flashing lights and spotlights, but it's a good time (and it's over in about 8 minutes).

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney,

When we've been there around Christmas, the GF hands out roasted chestnuts out front and cookies and cider in the lobby. There is a gingerbread decorating thing, and if I remember correctly families sign up and the "creations" are put on display near M.Mouse. There are special holiday menus at the restaurants and holiday items in the gift shops. These things, along with Santa in the lobby, Christmas music by the orchestra, and choirs (including bell choirs) are the Christmas things the GF does. At one time, the CR hosted special Christmas religious services but I'm not sure if that has been discontinued.

We spent many Christmases at the GF and have enjoyed every one of them. My advice is to try it once and see if you like it. But, the pricetag at the RPC over Christmas is unreal!!!

Not sure if you've seen the show in the Dolphin lobby at Christmas, but we like it. It was there in 2004, but I don't know if it's still there now that the Dolphin lobby has been redone. The show's loud with lots of flashing lights and spotlights, but it's a good time (and it's over in about 8 minutes).

Disney Doogie - Thanks so much for all that! I am excited now! You aren't kidding about RPC price tag at Xmas. I got the LAST room checking in during value season, though- CRO told me I was super lucky. It is still expensive because I am used to AP or AAA discount, but none to be had during this time frame. I also (as a back up incase the thought of 8 nts rack rate RPC depresses me) have the Swan booked for the first 4 nts, checking in at GF the day before Xmas eve and staying for the duration of my current ressie.

That show at the Dolphin sounds neat. I haven't heard of this. If we do the split stay, it is almost 1K/nt for RPC during that "Holiday" rate. UGh. That makes me ill. As I said, I am so on the fence about the trip as it is. I think mostly because of the money! I like RPC, but I want a deal! It sounds better to check in under "value" season rates, but I have some SPG points and great Swan rate, so we will have to weigh our options. A GV room is available with an AP rate so I am still considering that. I just think after doing concierge all trips I would be missing it. I see us hanging around the GF a bit more than usual after Xmas due to the crowds at the parks. Concierge would be a nice benefit.

Hedwig - GLAD things were good for you during your stay! GF RPC has not disappointed me yet. As far as IPO, I have almost given up hope for them getting back to me. I am not kidding, it has been WEEKS since I emailed three times - just follow ups. Maybe they thought I was a big pest, LOL. This week is the 90 day window for the Breathless Cruise. I sure hope they try and get it for me. And the carriage ride. Those were my only requests.

Thanks GF fans!!

Lives4Disney

 

[steffali]

Can you see the EWP or fireworks from any of the rooms in the SL Bldg?

 

[poohluvrs]

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

Thanks for the response! Totally adorable pic you have too!
Lives4Disney - thanks again for your help!
Cant wait for our trip!!!!!

 

[brandt79]

Can you see the EWP or fireworks from any of the rooms in the SL Bldg?

We stayed in Sugar Loaf, facing the quiet pool, but our view of the lagoon was blocked by Boca Chica. I think if you had a balcony facing the marina, and leaned out reallllllly far you might be able to see the fireworks. But you're going to have to be outside to see either very well.

Try looking at this map:

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/media/maps/map_GF.pdf

I believe the castle is at about 1 or 2:00, so the view is pretty much blocked from Sugar Loaf, which is the building at 1 or 2:00 from the main building.

 

[scanne]

welovedis,

Wow, those pics are worth a thousand (unpleasant) words! We've stayed at the GF two times. Our honeymoon was fabulous there - room 5441 overlooking the castle - truly a magical vacation. We were there again in 2001 and noticed mold in the bathroom - nothing like your pics, though. What your pics show is evidence of less-than-thorough cleaning. I am so sorry you were placed in a room like that! I would send the photos to the general manager of the GF. There are many people that have mold allergies and that stuff would have triggered mine something fierce. When we noticed the mold in 2001, DH called mousekeeping and requested a thorough cleaning. It was done and they got most (not all) of the mold. But, like I said, it was nothing like your photos. Please send them! Hopefully it will show the GM that the mousekeeping staff needs to step up their game!!!

 

[steffali]

We stayed in Sugar Loaf, facing the quiet pool, but our view of the lagoon was blocked by Boca Chica. I think if you had a balcony facing the marina, and leaned out reallllllly far you might be able to see the fireworks. But you're going to have to be outside to see either very well.

Try looking at this map:

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/media/maps/map_GF.pdf

I believe the castle is at about 1 or 2:00, so the view is pretty much blocked from Sugar Loaf, which is the building at 1 or 2:00 from the main building.

Thanks for the info! By the way your Bichon is adorable!

 

[brandt79]

Thanks for the info! By the way your Bichon is adorable!

You're very welcome - and thank you! We love him to death - so thanks for the compliment!

 

[welovedis]

Well, I sent two letters off today, one to the GF manager mentioned in an early post (thanks Channing) and another to WDW Guest Relations. I simply stated what happened and included a copy of the photos with each letter. At the end I mentioned that we will be back in December at 2 Disney resorts and would appreciate it if they could do whatever is in their power to be sure that our rooms were cleaned appropirately. I'll let you know if/when I hear back from them.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Well, I sent two letters off today, one to the GF manager mentioned in an early post (thanks Channing) and another to WDW Guest Relations. I simply stated what happened and included a copy of the photos with each letter. At the end I mentioned that we will be back in December at 2 Disney resorts and would appreciate it if they could do whatever is in their power to be sure that our rooms were cleaned appropirately. I'll let you know if/when I hear back from them.

Karen, I wonder if they will phone you. As I said, they always phoned me and thanked me for taking the time to write my nice notes. Hope they give you the same courtesy. Let us know & I hope you get top notch service when you go back!! (I still think you're brave to give GF another try, LOL, but I think your experience was out of the ordinary - hope so at least!!)

Lives4Disney aka Channing

 

[PatriciaH]

When does the Christmas entertainment happen at the GF? All day Christmas Eve/Christmas or only certain times (in the evening, etc..) Thanks!

 

[welovedis]

Karen, I wonder if they will phone you. As I said, they always phoned me and thanked me for taking the time to write my nice notes. Hope they give you the same courtesy. Let us know & I hope you get top notch service when you go back!! (I still think you're brave to give GF another try, LOL, but I think your experience was out of the ordinary - hope so at least!!)

Lives4Disney aka Channing

Channing, I hope they do phone me, but either way they will know clearly how disappointiing the room was!

We actually are going back to WDW, not the GF, in December. 1 night at Pop then over to the BCV on rented DVC points. We added the Pop night on after we got a good deal on Sat airfare instead of Sun. However, I figured that since we were so unhappy with the room that perhaps they might be able to help make sure our next rooms were clean, wherever they are on property.

I sent the letters Priority Mail with delivery confirmation so that I'll know when they are received and post back when I hear something.

 

[DisneyDoogie]

PatriciaH,

As best as I can remember, the Christmas Eve "entertainment" starts around 6:00 with the lobby orchestra and Santa's visit. The CMs hand out apple cider and Christmas cookies. There are roasted chestnuts outside. On Christmas, the entertainment starts around the same time, but it's just the lobby orchestra. The choirs that come to the lobby, including a CM choir, come before Christmas Eve around 7:00 - I don't recall them being there on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Another fun Christmas event is at the Dolphin. They have an 8-minute show in the lobby with loud Christmas music and their huge tree lit up and flashing to the music. It's actually not bad! It was there in 2004, but I'm not sure if it'll be on this year since they redid the lobby at the Dolphin.

 

[garada3]

Disney Doogie - This week is the 90 day window for the Breathless Cruise. I sure hope they try and get it for me.

Thanks GF fans!!

Lives4Disney

Hope I am not the bearer of bad news but I saw on Allears that the Breathless is scheduled for rehab with no completion date yet


From Allears Rehabs page

The Breathless, the 24-foot ChrisCraft reproduction of a 1930 runabout which gives IllumiNations and other cruises on Crescent Lake, will be undergoing rehab beginning October 1, 2006. No word on when it will return to service.


Just thought of you when I read it and figured maybe I should post.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hope I am not the bearer of bad news but I saw on Allears that the Breathless is scheduled for rehab with no completion date yet


From Allears Rehabs page

The Breathless, the 24-foot ChrisCraft reproduction of a 1930 runabout which gives IllumiNations and other cruises on Crescent Lake, will be undergoing rehab beginning October 1, 2006. No word on when it will return to service.


Just thought of you when I read it and figured maybe I should post.

Where's the CRYING icon when I need it!!!???? Garada! I appreciate the info, though, as I still have not heard anything from IPO!!! Oh well. Until I hear "NO" from them, I will have hope. I was hoping for Dec 20 or 21, so maybe by then??

At least my Dis friends keep me updated. Thanks for the info at least. I would have never known.

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

The Breathless was just rehabbed back in 2004. If I remember correctly, it was back in service by the end of November. I'd say that chances are very good you'll be able to secure a December date.

 

[Lives4Disney]

The Breathless was just rehabbed back in 2004. If I remember correctly, it was back in service by the end of November. I'd say that chances are very good you'll be able to secure a December date.

Tammi - Thanks for that info. I have not heard a peep from IPO either way....I was assuming they would let me know if they did book it or not, but service has been kind of scarce in that area so I will just keep my fingers crossed.

PS: Happy wedding anniversary. I remember all those Sept 24 anniversaries - several people I know share our date as it is a beautiful time of year! Have a nice weekend.

Lives4Disney

 

[TammiMcMan]

PS: Happy wedding anniversary. I remember all those Sept 24 anniversaries - several people I know share our date as it is a beautiful time of year! Have a nice weekend.

Thanks for remembering, it's #23 for us. I have been so busy lately, but DH and I are off to dinner on the Spirit of Boston and then staying overnight in the city. I am really looking forward to sleeping in past 6am. I hope yours is wonderful as well.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Happy Anniversary Tammi & Channing!

Our 20th is coming up in June.

Lori