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

[poohluvrs]

So, you can't request to have it emptied? I thought I read that some have been successful with this request. ?
We will not use anything in that at all. But, will need one for milk in a sippy cup.
I will have to find this Wego you are all talking about.

Do you think it will be a problem to fill the sippy cup at RPC, Im in the same boat....

 

[Janet2k]

...I remember reading in one of Janet2K's posts while she was at GF that she just removed the stocked items from the frig. placing them in a drawer. Then they left a note to housekeeping so they didn't charge for the items...

Hi, Angel16. No, it wasn't me who did that (but I do remember reading about that). I would play it safe and do as the others suggested -- request an empty 'fridge.

I don't know if the Grand Floridian has or will upgrade their mini-bars, but I just returned from the Grand Californian hotel in Disneyland. The mini-bar in my room contained electronic sensors that automatically billed the room for any item that was removed, regardless of whether or not that item had been immediately replaced. I warned my kids not to touch a thing in our mini-bar. Luckily, they listened to me because no mini-bar items showed up on my bill at check-out time, ~phew.~

 

[Janet2k]

I just returned from a stay at what I am now calling the Grand Floridian West (a.k.a., the Hotel del Coronado: click here). In just a few short days, I will be staying at the Grand Floridian East. I am very excited about my stay. The Hotel del Coronado was a beautiful resort, but it made me long for my favorite resort, ~sigh.~

 

[Davids-Coco]

I just returned from a stay at what I am now calling the Grand Floridian West (a.k.a., the Hotel del Coronado: click here). In just a few short days, I will be staying at the Grand Floridian East. I am very excited about my stay. The Hotel del Coronado was a beautiful resort, but it made me long for my favorite resort, ~sigh.~

So what did you think? I love the hotel, but have never actually had the opportunity to stay there... maybe for my cousin's wedding in April. Amazing how much they look alike.

 

[BrianD]

Well, I can't believe it. We've been back from WDW for about 24 hours and I just went and reserved 6 nights at RPC for December. We have never stayed concierge anywhere at WDW and the GF is our favorite resort so we decided to take the plunge! I'm sure I'll be thoroughly reading this thread for any concierge information and I'll probably have some questions along the way. I booked it through the AP Best Rate online system, so I'm not sure if IPO will get my info or not. Once I get close to the 90 day mark, if I haven't heard from them yet, I may shoot them an email, to get the process started. We'll see.

I just had to share my excitement!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Poohluvrs & Cheerbop, I would agree that you just go ahead and request an empty fridge for the room. If all you need is milk, check out the Sandy Cove gift shop. They may have cartons for sale there. If not, the one over at the Poly has a much larger selection of on the go items.

Janet, have a great trip.

Brian, contact by the IPO staff is spotty. I'd go ahead and send the e-mail, introduce yourself and get the ball rolling. But then again, I'm a major overplanner .

Tammi

 

[Davids-Coco]

Well, I can't believe it. We've been back from WDW for about 24 hours and I just went and reserved 6 nights at RPC for December. We have never stayed concierge anywhere at WDW and the GF is our favorite resort so we decided to take the plunge! I'm sure I'll be thoroughly reading this thread for any concierge information and I'll probably have some questions along the way. I booked it through the AP Best Rate online system, so I'm not sure if IPO will get my info or not. Once I get close to the 90 day mark, if I haven't heard from them yet, I may shoot them an email, to get the process started. We'll see.

I just had to share my excitement!!!

I would just take the plunge and give them an email or call. They seem to take forever and don't usually contact you with appropriate time to plan - at least in my experience.

 

[Angel16]

Hi, Angel16. No, it wasn't me who did that (but I do remember reading about that). I would play it safe and do as the others suggested -- request an empty 'fridge.

I don't know if the Grand Floridian has or will upgrade their mini-bars, but I just returned from the Grand Californian hotel in Disneyland. The mini-bar in my room contained electronic sensors that automatically billed the room for any item that was removed, regardless of whether or not that item had been immediately replaced. I warned my kids not to touch a thing in our mini-bar. Luckily, they listened to me because no mini-bar items showed up on my bill at check-out time, ~phew.~

Janet2k I am so very sorry. I should know not to mention a name. It just seems you always have such wonderful ideas, great thoughts and trips that are beyond my wildest dream. So I connected what I thought was a good idea to you. Please forgive my blunder.

 

[garada3]

Great pictures MickeyMac - thank you for sharing!

Please tell me about the cabanas I saw in one of the photos! Which pool are they near? Can anyone use them or are they reserved for a certain amount of time by people or are they for special purposes?

Thanks!

 

[GF Girl]

Has anyone ever visited in late April? Was wondering what the weather is usually like that time of year. I really want to plan a trip for our 4th anniversary. A ny thoughts?

 

[traci]

pool question here:

Is it zero entry? And do have have an area where the water shoots up and kids can run through it? Did that make any sense

 

[Tinkaroo]

Has anyone ever visited in late April? Was wondering what the weather is usually like that time of year. I really want to plan a trip for our 4th anniversary. A ny thoughts?

Hi, GF Girl! I was in the world this year from 4/15-4/23. The first few days were a bit "iffy" in the temperature department (first time I've ever worn a sweatshirt and jeans at WDW!). It was nice during the height of the day, but chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.

However, by the end of the week, high temps were in the low 80's, and we were able to swim, etc.

It's not as rainy that time of year, so that's nice, too. We didn't have ONE DROP OF RAIN in 8 days!!! (except on the ride back to the airport).

 

[TammiMcMan]

pool question here:

Is it zero entry? And do have have an area where the water shoots up and kids can run through it? Did that make any sense

The theme pool has zero entry from the beach, a water slide, water fall and there are the dancing water jets on the deck for the kids to run through. Over by the courtyard yard pool, there is a small separate wading pool for little ones. I think it might have been 10-12" deep. Cabanas are available on a first come, first serve basis at the theme pool. There are only 3, but it's great to have if you plan on spending a few hours poolside.

Tammi

 

[MickeyMac]

Please tell me about the cabanas I saw in one of the photos! Which pool are they near? Can anyone use them or are they reserved for a certain amount of time by people or are they for special purposes?

They are near the Beach Pool, which is off to the side, on the path to the tennis courts and the spa and wedding pavillion. I do not know if you need special permission to use them, I saw people just coming and going from them.

That pool is also a zero entry pool, and the pop jets are at the entrance to the Beach Pool area. I thought I had a photo for that section, but I'll have to keep looking.

 

[traci]

ahhh thank you

 

[busytxmom]

Can anyone tell me the email address for GF? I am wanting to send in my requests and from all of your posts, they seem to respond quickly to emails. But I don't know it!!! I am only staying in a standard room not concierge.

Thanks!

 

[Tinkaroo]

What about the private lounges on the beach? Is there a reservation system (and payment?) for those, or is it first come, first serve?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Can anyone tell me the email address for GF? I am wanting to send in my requests and from all of your posts, they seem to respond quickly to emails. But I don't know it!!! I am only staying in a standard room not concierge.

Thanks!

The e-mail is for concierge guests only. If you have any specific room requests, you should add them to your reservation. You can always call the resort 3 or 4 days prior to arrival to confirm them.

Tikaroo, there is no reservation policy for the cabana style lounge chairs on the beach. In all my years at the GF, I've never once had a problem getting one for a few hours.

Tammi

 

[GF Girl]

That is one thing that never seemed to popular. The beach cabana style chairs. I think it may be just to HOT
You will have no problem getting one for yourself

The cabanas at the smaller pool...that is a different story. Gotta grab one of those quick. Unless you get there very early to claim one...they go fast! Make a mental note...that pool opens at 10:00 AM. If you are one of the 1st people there, you pretty much have the pick of anything. Good idea to be one of the first if you are spending a day away from the parks. That way you have your spot for an entire day/

 

[Pollyanna3]

Posted on the Reosrt page, but Triplefig recommended I post it here as well. Thanks!

GF recommendations

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Just got off the phone with CM- booked CR 11/22-29 and GF 11/29-12/3. We would like to make the most of our GF stay as we have never stayed there before. Any suggestions on garden view rooms you have enjoyed at the GF? Can you see the fireworks from the GF? Where is the best place to view the water parade? I hope to ask for an upgrade, but with the holiday weekend, I am sure they will not exist. I was very limited on resort choices for the last four days as is.

Also, has anyone used evening childcare at the GF? I am not even sure it exists- just a brainstorming thought as I type. HOnestly, I am not even sure I can let someone I don't know watch my children, but the thought crossed my mind. DH and I spent our first anniversary at Disney and dined at V&A. Now that we have three children, it would be nice to have a sitter and return to V&A.

Thank you!