The **NEW** Grand Floridian FAQ!(MAY 2011)

[coopersmom]

Does the Grand Floridian asses a charge for receiving packages? I was going to have a few items shipped--like I did last year at the Polynesian without issue--but don't want to pay $10 a box to receive them, negating any convenience?

And, if they do charge, do they also do so for club-level guests? (I ask only because I thought that might fall under "concierge" service which we are already paying for.)

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I am a frantic last minute packer but we are so excited. The GF is the screensaver on my laptop

Oh I could never be a last minute packer. Our suitcases are out at the 2 month mark. I also start our shipping package at 6 months.

Well, I said that we weren't going to change the GF due to the construction but after Dh thought about it he wanted to change to the YC. I am on one hand but on the other. The YC is one of our favorite resorts. Now I have to change my countdown tickers. and I have to re-due all of our dining.

I will live vicariously through KCmikes photos.

 

[RH22]

We leave in six days for the big drive down to the GF. Two questions...

1) There are laundry facilities in all buildings, right?

2) We got a 40% off PIN earlier this year, and we splurged for a MK view so the kids can watch Wishes every night. I guess Conch Key seems like the best view, but are there good enough MK views from Boca Chica to try and request it? I've been told by the kids that they want to be close to the "big" pool.

Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Does the Grand Floridian asses a charge for receiving packages? I was going to have a few items shipped--like I did last year at the Polynesian without issue--but don't want to pay $10 a box to receive them, negating any convenience?

And, if they do charge, do they also do so for club-level guests? (I ask only because I thought that might fall under "concierge" service which we are already paying for.)

If the items are sent via the USPS then someone will deliver them to your room once they arrive. However when they are sent by other shipping methods then there is a small fee to pick them up at the Convention Center and it doesn't matter if you are staying Club Level.

 

[KCmike]

Amazing photo KCmike! The fact that you took it from the GF is even more amazing. As always, thank you for sharing your pictures.

Thank you. This one was shot with my 55-250 IS lens. We were blessed with a Lagoon view this time around. I could have sat on the balcony for a long long time.

 

[KCmike]

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

We leave in six days for the big drive down to the GF. Two questions...

1) There are laundry facilities in all buildings, right?

2) We got a 40% off PIN earlier this year, and we splurged for a MK view so the kids can watch Wishes every night. I guess Conch Key seems like the best view, but are there good enough MK views from Boca Chica to try and request it? I've been told by the kids that they want to be close to the "big" pool.

Thanks!

All the outer buildings have laundry facilities except Sugar Loaf. You have to go to another building if you are staying there. I don't know about the main building.

Sorry, can't help you with the views, except to say you can request a view of the castle for the fireworks and see what happens.

 

[pas130]

Oh I could never be a last minute packer. Our suitcases are out at the 2 month mark. I also start our shipping package at 6 months.

Well, I said that we weren't going to change the GF due to the construction but after Dh thought about it he wanted to change to the YC. I am on one hand but on the other. The YC is one of our favorite resorts. Now I have to change my countdown tickers. and I have to re-due all of our dining.

I will live vicariously through KCmikes photos.

Sorry to hear it! You'll have a great trip no matter where you stay I am sure.

BTW...I am still not packed

 

[Lisa S.]

Must breathe. . .7 days! Only 7 days until we check in for our first stay at the Grand!

 

[pas130]

Must breathe. . .7 days! Only 7 days until we check in for our first stay at the Grand!

My last few days are DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGING

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Sorry to hear it! You'll have a great trip no matter where you stay I am sure.

BTW...I am still not packed

I am a bit disappointed that we won't be at the GF but like you said, we will have a great trip no matter where we stay.

Man, I give you a lot of credit for not being packed yet. There is no way I could do that.

If you remember when you get back let me know what you think of the Portofino Bay Hotel.

Must breathe. . .7 days! Only 7 days until we check in for our first stay at the Grand!

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[pas130]

I am a bit disappointed that we won't be at the GF but like you said, we will have a great trip no matter where we stay.

Man, I give you a lot of credit for not being packed yet. There is no way I could do that.

If you remember when you get back let me know what you think of the Portofino Bay Hotel.

I'm lucky its summer, so I can get away with packing for "one season" I will definitely let you know about PBH. Have you checked out the Resort Changers thread BTW???

And I will give a GF review too of course

 

[Lisa S.]

My last few days are DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGING

I know that feeling. Have a wonderful trip!

Have a wonderful trip.

Thanks so much!

 

[coopersmom]

Can anyone tell me about wifi access at the GF? It says on page one that you can get a "wifi access card at the business center" but what does that entail? Is it a daily charge like in-room ethernet? Does it work throughout the hotel (including in your room)? Is it reasonably fast?

Thanks for any info those in-the-know can provide!

 

[Figaro972]

WOW it only took me a week but i finally got through this entire thread.

We leave in 41 days for a split stay GF SL and Dolphin (food and wine).

after reading everything on here I am so excited that every time I passed a new picture i got a stomach ache.

When we booked this trip we said "the cheapest room you have" which was fine for us this is our 10 year anniv trip, then DH found a code for a discount and the CM said ok we only have sugar loaf avail. I said OK then after reading this thread i see that is an extra bonus. YAY!

so we are excited and can not wait to stay here after reading all of your experiences and looking at all the beautiful pictures everyone has taken. we usually stay at BC, BW (we are DVC owners) or SWAN mostly because we just LOVE epcot.

So please keep the wonderful pictures coming because they are adding to my excitement (i can live with the stomach ache, really). my husband always says "cant sleep too excited".

 

[dsiind]

Always like seeing if there will be other DIS boarders there!

 

[Figaro972]

Always like seeing if there will be other DIS boarders there!

We check in on 9/27 !

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Sorry you aren't feeling your best. Rest and stay hydrated (best that you can). Hope it passes soon! I've missed you too!

k&a&c'smom - sorry to hear that you were not feeling well. I missed you. Glad you are feeling better.

k&a&c'smom, so sorry to hear you have been sick. Glad you are feeling better, take care of yourself. We missed you!

k&a&c'smom - Glad to hear that you're feeling better - hope you're completely well soon.

Awww, gosh- I hope you feel better very soon. That is so awful-- right after vacation. I was wondering why I hadn't seen you on here in awhile.

And I keep hearing about the scent of the GF-- what does it smell like??

Thanks, everyone, for the well wishes. I think I'm finally over most of this bug - I still have a bit of cough, but I often do during allergy season.

JoBird, the scent of the GF lobby is floral. Several DISers have said it is very similar to the Green Clover & Aloe scent from Bath & Body Works, but it smells more like a white jasmine-based scent, to me. To be fair, I've never smelled the B&BW products. For years, DD and I thought it was simply the many floral arrangements in the lobby.

pas130, only 5 days to go!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I'm trying to catch up on the thread, and noticed several questions - I'll try to help where I can.

Just logged on to get me some GF....we leave tomorrow !

I know you are already gone, but I wanted to say have a Grand vacation.

Our check out day, we are hitting the pool since we have a late evening flight. I know there are showers and a changing room by the pool. Are there lockers? We will keep our luggage with bell services, but I don't know that I want to keep my carry-on poolside. TIA for any info.

There are lockers, but I'm not sure how large a bag will fit. I took some photos, but I need help in uploading them to my new notebook, and then I will get them on Photobucket. Hopefully, in the next day or so.

Does anyone know how much it costs for the valet laundry service, specifically undies?
Thanks

I have a list - let me see if I can find it and post. I know that socks are $2/pair, and I think bras are $6/each. I'll be back shortly! (new computer, I haven't gotten used to where everything is located, lol)

Hi everyone,

For anyone who has used the DME to get to the Grand, can you tell me how long I should plan it to take (I know that it can vary in time)? We fly in on a Friday morning, just before 10 a.m. This will be the first time we use it, and i'm not sure what to expect. Thanks for your help!

We haven't been as lucky as Jungle Cruiser, ME has taken at least 1-1/2 hours for us each time we've used it. We have only taken it to the GF twice, always the last resort to be dropped off in a series of at least 3 resorts. Once was very late at night - we landed at 11:00 p.m. and got to the resort after 1:00 a.m.

Oh I could never be a last minute packer. Our suitcases are out at the 2 month mark. I also start our shipping package at 6 months.

Well, I said that we weren't going to change the GF due to the construction but after Dh thought about it he wanted to change to the YC. I am on one hand but on the other. The YC is one of our favorite resorts. Now I have to change my countdown tickers. and I have to re-due all of our dining.

I will live vicariously through KCmikes photos.

Sorry to hear you won't be heading to the Grand, but congrats on scoring your favorite - YC! We just returned from a week at BC, and enjoyed our stay very much. Love SAB, and the access to Epcot.

I laughed about the "last minute packing" comment. I'm a notorious last minute packer, I'm usually still doing laundry the day before our flight.

We leave in six days for the big drive down to the GF. Two questions...

1) There are laundry facilities in all buildings, right?

2) We got a 40% off PIN earlier this year, and we splurged for a MK view so the kids can watch Wishes every night. I guess Conch Key seems like the best view, but are there good enough MK views from Boca Chica to try and request it? I've been told by the kids that they want to be close to the "big" pool.

Thanks!

As someone (sorry, I've lost track of who!) has already posted, there are laundry facilities in each outer building EXCEPT Sugar Loaf. Usually 2 washers and 2 dryers per building. The main building has a washer and dryer on the second floor. The current price is $2 per load to wash, $2 per dryer load (I sometimes have to run the dryer a second cycle). If you do not bring your own soap/softener, it is $1 per packet in the machines. There are change machines taking $1 and $5 bills, but in my experience, they are quite often out of service - if you can, bring quarters! ETA: I forgot to say, if you can't bring quarters, or forget them, you can go to the front desk for change. I usually go to the lobby concierge CMs.

Sago Cay and Conch Key are usually suggested as the best buildings for MK view rooms. Boca Chica has MK view rooms, but there are some that have trees blocking the view. Both Boca Chica and Conch Key are very close to the largest pool, the quiet pool in the courtyard. Neither of these buildings is very close to the themed pool, with the games and slide. It may help to look at the map on page 1 of this thread.

Must breathe. . .7 days! Only 7 days until we check in for our first stay at the Grand!

Woohoo!

Can anyone tell me about wifi access at the GF? It says on page one that you can get a "wifi access card at the business center" but what does that entail? Is it a daily charge like in-room ethernet? Does it work throughout the hotel (including in your room)? Is it reasonably fast?

Thanks for any info those in-the-know can provide!

My daughter tried to use the wifi at BC this past trip, but was told that she would have to pay $9.95/day for access, even though we already had paid for wired access in the room. It is my understanding that wifi is only available in the lobbies and certain other communal areas (RPC lounge, Convention Center). There is a thread here on the DIS with better info, I'll try to find it. (I found it - didn't read, but here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2427181 )

HTH!

WOW it only took me a week but i finally got through this entire thread.

Congrats on your anniversary, and wow! the whole thread! What an accomplishment! Welcome to the thread, and I hope you enjoy it for the rest of your wait for your anniversary trip.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Heading to GF in just 38 days! Hope that the construction wall doesn't block walkway to Poly. If anyone hears that it does, I hope you will post it here, so we can all plan accordingly!

Question for you all. Have booked a Cabana for a 1/2 day to really take in the resort time. Do you get to pick what they stock the fridge with, or is it a mix of stuff?

Any other tips from past cabana renters at GF? Have done elsewhere, but never know how policies may change....

Thanks!

Welcome to the thread! I didn't notice an answer to this question, so I thought I'd bump it up for you. We have never booked the cabanas, and therefore I am not a good source for info - I hope someone who has booked can answer.

Regarding the construction: we were at the GF twice this past trip, and did see some construction walls in the vicinity of the tennis courts, etc. I could not tell from the boat whether the path was affected, sorry to say. I planned to walk out to take some photos, but the first visit, it started pouring rain, and the second it was so darned hot, we had to skip it. Phooey.