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

[TammiMcMan]

My first suggestion is to not narrow yourself down to asking for specific room numbers, especially if view is not a concern for you. In all honesty, there is not a bad view at the GF. There is no chance that you'll end up looking at a parking lot or roof top, so don't worry about that.

For convenience, you might want to request a low floor, corner room in Boca Chica or Big Pine Key. This will put you as close to the main building (bus & monorail transportation) and the pools as you can be. Garden view here is going to overlook the pool and a low floor would lessen the hassle of loading strollers into the elevator. For a different kind of view, you could ask for Sago Cay. The marina is considered garden here and you might end up with a water view after all. The rooms on the back of this building face the monorail, which can be pretty fun to watch for the little ones. This building is right alongside the main building and probably a 2-3 minute walk to the pools and beach. Because of how it's situated on the property, this is a very quiet building. Conch Key is closest to the boat dock for transportation, but probably closer to a 5 minute walk to the pools and main building. Like Sago Cay, this is also a very quiet building.

I also suggested that you ask for a corner room. These are slightly bigger than a standard room and offer 2 balconies. As for the upgrade request, just make sure that you have booked a room that you'll be happy with. The GF is a very popular resort in December and that will have a definite effect on what is available at check-in and whether it will be complimentary or an added charge.

Have fun though, it's a beautiful resort and one of my favorites.

Tammi

 

[busytxmom]

Thank you, Tammi--

All of your advice has been great.

Yes, with my small children, convenience is definitely high priority.

Can't wait to see how magical the GF will be especially during the holidays. We are fortunately going Dec. 14-20 just before the big crowds will be there (at least that is what I was told).

Thanks again!!!!

 

[Maryr1]

Hi! We are going to the GF in July and staying RPC deluxe concierge room. (Isn't all of RPC concirge?) Anyway, my question is -are there any rooms in this category that have a view of the castle? We have stayed here (The GF RPC)before and had an awesome view of the castle, but I don't think it was a deluxe room. Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Mary, yes all of the main building is considered RPC (Royal Palm Club) concierge. As for the deluxe rooms, I believe they all have either a lagoon or courtyard garden view. You might be able to see the castle from some of these rooms by looking off to your left. Your previous room was probably overlooking the marina, room numbers from xx01 to xx09. These have the most incredible castle views, but they are all standard concierge rooms.

Tammi

 

[Maryr1]

Thank you Tammi! I am really excited to be going back to WDW-we were last there in Nov (at AKL) and had such a great time....

 

[palmtreegirl]

Do they still have the water parade at the GF?

 

[Mister Disney]

Do they still have the water parade at the GF?

Yes, the water parade still goes by the GF. Check with the front desk for the appropriate time. A great place to watch it is the beach by the "new" pool....or up on the outside deck on the second floor between Mezners and the grand staircase.

 

[Tonyspad]

Can someone please post the email address for the GF concierge desk.
Thank you in advance.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Tonyspad, here you go, GF: wdwgfplanning@disney.com

Tammi

 

[traci]

We just booked at the GF Tuesday Sept 27-Sunday, Oct 2. We are staying in Boca Chica. The travel planner said this was a good local to view the castle. Experienced GF stayers what is your opinion?

Also, when it comes to packing (2 adults 2 babies under age 2) I am trying to be minimal so I don't over pack...does the GF offer shampoo and conditioner or should I bring my own. This is our first major trip with young ones and want it go as smoothly as possible.

Did we pick a good time to go? Low crowds perhaps??

 

[poohluvrs]

Hi Traci,
We too have booked the GF w/ 2 toddlers! I know we did the right thing, w/ the monorail convenience, etc....I have seen photos of the toiletries, they were a cute Alice in Wonderland/bunny theme, yes they do provide shamp/conditioner/soap...I am not bringing any of my own to save on packing....hope your family enjoys the stay!

 

[poohluvrs]

oops, forgot to mention, we're going around same time - early fall, heard it's one of the least busiest times - hoping so, for a relaxing vacay!

 

[Michelle2]

We went around that time September 30th-October 7th (but it was 2003). Crowds were ok, but in the afternoon it could still get busy at times, especially later at the parks like MGM that only had a few major rides to break up the crowd. But of course we left a day or 2 before the official openings of Philharmagic and Mission Space. There were press tents and people arriving to the MK everywhere setting up for it. I am glad we left when we did, so I think your time will be fine since this press event won't be going on when you go! We loved it that time of year, except DH didn't because it was so HOT. We stayed GF Sugar Loaf bldg and loved it! Have a great time!!

 

[tlbwriter]

We just booked at the GF Tuesday Sept 27-Sunday, Oct 2. We are staying in Boca Chica. The travel planner said this was a good local to view the castle. Experienced GF stayers what is your opinion?

We had a nice view of the castle from Boca Chica. You had to go out onto the balcony and turn slightly to the left, but still a great view. And the little electric water parade was right in front of us.

Here's the castle as seen from our balcony, and a blurry shot of the fireworks:

 

[TammiMcMan]

We just booked at the GF Tuesday Sept 27-Sunday, Oct 2. We are staying in Boca Chica.

Just an FYI that the building is only a request. The only guaranteed buildings are either the main building for concierge or SugarLoaf for concierge, otherwise you are simply guaranteed a view (garden or lagoon). Out of all the buildings, I prefer SagoCay. The resort itself is not that spread out, but this building is in a quiet area and still close to everything. Lagoon rooms with an MK view here will have the castle sitting dead center of your balcony, with no obstructions.

All your toiletries will be provided and if you need any extras, mousekeeping will be more than happy to supply them. That's a wonderful time of year to be at Disney.

Tammi

 

[triplefigs]

The main bldg (RPC) is sold out and no suites are available for our dates. There are 2 rooms available in Sugar Loaf Key Concierge. Is it worth the extra money? If we were to get the dining plan (free if they extend it or pay for it) and the "Light" Concierge, do you think that would cover all our food expenses? That is one of my many ways of justifying the expense-LOL~!

Also, I keep thinking how great for Concierge to plan all our AR's, extra help with arrangements, etc.

We currently have requested 2 GV (Marina View hopefully) rooms in Sago Cay. Would you switch?
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[triplefigs]

We are currently booked in 2 GV rooms. We have Sago Cay requested through Medical Reservations (2 of my children have difficulty walking). My parents are giving us some extra money for the trip (our Christmas present). Now we're thinking of upgrading to 2 LV rooms (still request Sago Cay) or 2 rooms in Sugarloaf.

Which one would you choose and why? (BTW, there are no suites or Main bldg Concierge available).

 

[Lives4Disney]

TRIPLEFIGS- I am a GF convert. We have always stayed at a Disney Deluxe (30+ times) and tried the GF last Thanksgiving (RPC)for the first time. It was just WONDERFUL. We went back in February for a quickie trip and stayed SL. I enjoyed them both VERY much!! I would definitely do either again vs. standard room. We enjoy the convenience of bfast and the snacks and drinks. The planning PS convenience is great, too. Sometimes they can work wonders and get you PSs that you couldn't get on your own.

When we were there in Feb at SL, the only real difference I noticed was the evening offerings. They did have drinks and cookies and cupcakes in SL until 10pm. Not the fancier pastries and alcohol as RPC does, but we don't really drink too much and not really before bed so that didn't matter one bit to us. Also, we really don't usually make it back in time for the evening treats, either. When we stayed RPC, I think we made it back in time for those treats 2 times out of 5. (And we made it a point to do that!)

The food is plentiful and drinks are always available. The lounge in SL is more like a living room - no tv's when we were there. There was always plenty of seating room. I think by calling it "light" concierge it makes it seem as though SL has much lacking compared to RPC. I think everything is pretty much the same (rooms, food, CMs) except you are in a lodge building and the evening desserts aren't as fancy& no cordials. Not too much difference for such a large price difference between RPC and SL.

You will LOVE the GF. I would definitely do the SL over the standard rooms. It will make it an extra special trip.

Happy planning!

Lives4Disney

 

[triplefigs]

You all are wonderful with all the help, etc. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Well, DH and I really want RPC and not SL. So we have decided to go with a split stay and do the CR Tower for our 1st 3 nights and then do GF LV for the last 4. However, we will be calling and checking and have Merrie (DU) check for openings in RPC for us. We really want to stay in the main building! If it opens up, we will switch to RPC (one room) for the last 4 nights. So keep your fingers crossed for some PD that someone cancels!!! If not, we'll be happy with LV. We're keeping our requests through Medical Reservations as is for the GF (Sago Cay because of closeness to Main Bldg and Bus/transportation). If we luck out and get Sago Cay with a LV room, we should have a good view.

Oh, and concerning the connecting rooms, we discussed and realize there is a possibility that it could be messed up. If it does happen, we'll probably just cancel one room and stay in one. At least we have that option with the CR and GF (hold 5 very comfortably).

Again, thank you all for your help.

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[TammiMcMan]

You seem to be really comfortable with your choice and that's what matters. I hope something opens up in RPC for you. I know that you would really love it. If you don't mind passing along your dates, I'd be happy to keep checking on them too. Sometimes it's strange how something will just open up.

If you're anything like me, once you're happy and over the resort anxiety complex, you can start obsessing about dining arrangements and park hours .

Happy planning,
Tammi