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

[k&a&c'smom]

Here is a copy of the valet laundry service price list - it may not be complete, I thought I had a better one, but can't find it. Anyway, here is what I found today, lol.


WDW Valet Laundry Price List

Shirts - $5.50
Pants - $6.50
Socks - $2.00
Undershorts/Panties - $2.00
T-shirts - $4.50
Sweatsuit - $7.50
PJs - $6.00
Undershirts/bras - $2.00
Handkerchiefs - $2.00
Blouses - $5.50
Slips - $4.50
Nightgowns - $6.00
Tennis Shorts - $5.00
Knit Shirt - $5.00


There are some service charges, not too much, if you'd like me to find them. I have a sheet here somewhere...

 

[msmith1026]

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.

Thanks k&a&c's mom. I'm hoping we make it in an hour but have in my head planned for 1.5 hours. We don't have anything planned until 4:30 when we take our daughter to dinner at 1900 Park Fare. I'm total type A, so letting go and letting someone else get us there and deal with our luggage will be the ultimate test for me.

We are 64 days out and slowly starting to get organized. I have so much to do and just picked up another wedding 2 weeks before we leave. I am insane to have accepted it, but I liked the idea of extra spending money!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

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

I have lurked on the Resort Changers thread and will probably post something soon.

I
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.

I am sad too but hey we are headed to the YC. We love SAB as well and the access to Epcot can't be beat. Once we are at BLT we will head over to the GF for lunch. I can take pictures from BLT of the construction as well. We did this in 2007 & 2008 of BLT while we were staying at the GF.

 

[katieandrob]

We check in on the 24th!

 

[smithgrandchild]

We check in on the 24th!

I'll bet you can't wait! I think that makes three of us DISers who will be there at the same time.

We check in on the 25th. We arrive the prior evening and are doing a one night stay at AKL using our DVC points. After enjoying Boma and the AKL resort we will take a taxi to the GF on the 25th with our bags. DH and I decided it was a hassle having bell services send the bags for us so we'll just bring them along.

 

[Lisa S.]

We're checking in on the 24th too!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I tried to convince Dh this morning to stay at the GF and change our ressie back but it was a no go. Oh well.

 

[dsiind]

Thanks for the reply!

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.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

So many of you heading down next week - yay! Won't be long now, you all must be so excited.

I found my valet laundry sheet, and the service charges are as follows:

(Silks, linens and pleats - 50% surcharge.) (Lined - $1.00) (Minimum charge - $5.00) Shirts folded on request + 10% surcharge. Press/only - 75% of dry cleaning charge.

There is also a line under the subtotal line that says "environmental surcharge" - but they usually just write the total, without splitting out the fees, so I'm not sure of the amount.

HTH!

msmith1026 - Planning for longer is a good idea; you will be less likely to stress over the time, and hopefully get there in less.(Jungle Cruiser, you have given me hope! ) It is hard to give up control of your luggage, but so wonderful to simply walk out to the bus and have your bags magically arrive later.

Good luck with preparing for that wedding - extra vacation money is a strong incentive!

CoachBagFanatic - aw, too bad you weren't able to convince him. So far, the construction is minor, but I know it is a while before your trip. I certainly understand your concerns. I'll be looking forward to your photos!

dsiind - you are welcome! I hope someone can answer your questions soon.

 

[nblake05]

We check in on 9/27 !

We check in on 9/27 too! See you there!

 

[mommy2emily]

I saw something on another thread about turn down service. Is this something you pay extra for or do you get it just for staying at the GF?
I would love to be pampered and have the bed turned down each night along with chocolates for all the money they are getting for the week.

 

[johnsonet]

I saw something on another thread about turn down service. Is this something you pay extra for or do you get it just for staying at the GF?

Yes. Turndown service is standard at the GF.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I gather from the posts I have read we have been very lucky with ME. Like I said we are in the front of the plane and among the first off . Our luggage comes off first since we sit in FC because of my illness. The only thing that slows us down is if we just miss a bus. However that has only happened once. Hope some of my ME luck will pass off to faithful readers of this thread!

K&a&c'smom, glad to see you posting again. You have been missed. Hope you are continuing to feel better each day.

 

[disneydreamin247]

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

We check in the 24th!

 

[KCmike]

The Poly isn't so far away...

 

[midge3426]

Received my vacation packet today. I am super pumped for our first visit to the Grand Floridian in September with my husband, teenage daughter and one of her friends. Is there anything at the resort that you feel is a "must do" or "must see"?

 

[disadventurer]

Make sure the girls go into Basin White. My DD19 loves it. Brought some gifts back for cat watching while we were away, and boy was it appreciated! Really enjoyed sitting in the lobby with a glass of wine listening to the Grand Floridian Orchestra. On their break there are great piano players in the lobby as well.

My DS15 really enjoyed watching the fireworks from the balcony of Big Pine Key at night. We also played ping pong by the pool--what a blast!

DH & I enjoyed the walk to the Poly and snapped some pics along the way. All the beautiful flowers and plants together with the Cont. View, monorails, and boats on the lake make for some interesting shots.

It really is a lovely hotel, and we are glad we had the opportunity to try it. Stayed on a great convention rate, so it made it all the better.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[disadventurer]

The Poly isn't so far away...

Another great shot, KCmike

 

[k&a&c'smom]

KC Mike, what an interesting and lovely shot! Are you standing next to the Summerhouse?

disadventurer - thanks for the idea about gifts from Basin, we always try to find a gift for DD's roommate. Don't know why we never think to get bath products. DD loves the bombs, and has to get one for a relaxing soak each time we are there.

I gather from the posts I have read we have been very lucky with ME. Like I said we are in the front of the plane and among the first off . Our luggage comes off first since we sit in FC because of my illness. The only thing that slows us down is if we just miss a bus. However that has only happened once. Hope some of my ME luck will pass off to faithful readers of this thread!

K&a&c'smom, glad to see you posting again. You have been missed. Hope you are continuing to feel better each day.

Thank you so much, very sweet of you. How are you feeling these days?

DD and I always stop off at the ladies room before we continue to the ME area - maybe we are just barely missing the first bus. This past vacation, we were heading to the BC, and had 5 resorts on our bus - POR, POFQ, BC, YC and BWI. We were the 4th stop.~sigh~ Luckily, it was early morning and there were no lines at the resort, so no big deal in the end.

Received my vacation packet today. I am super pumped for our first visit to the Grand Floridian in September with my husband, teenage daughter and one of her friends. Is there anything at the resort that you feel is a "must do" or "must see"?

Welcome! Won't be long until you are at the Grand!

As disadventurer mentioned, make sure you sit in the lobby, listening to the pianist and orchestra. So relaxing after a long day. If you and the DH like an evening drink, spending some time in Mizner's is a great way to unwind and listen to the music.

Afternoon tea is a must do for DD and I, we usually try to make it twice! Men are welcome there, if you are wondering, and we have taken several along who enjoyed it almost as much as we do.

My teens loved renting the water mice for a spin on the lake. So much fun!

 

[disadventurer]

disadventurer - thanks for the idea about gifts from Basin, we always try to find a gift for DD's roommate. Don't know why we never think to get bath products. DD loves the bombs, and has to get one for a relaxing soak each time we are there.

As disadventurer mentioned, make sure you sit in the lobby, listening to the pianist and orchestra. So relaxing after a long day. If you and the DH like an evening drink, spending some time in Mizner's is a great way to unwind and listen to the music.

Afternoon tea is a must do for DD and I, we usually try to make it twice! Men are welcome there, if you are wondering, and we have taken several along who enjoyed it almost as much as we do.

My teens loved renting the water mice for a spin on the lake. So much fun!

Thanks again for all your great info!! DD19 loved the bombs and the butter!! Great girlfriend gifts for sure. Hope you had fun on your trip. Must have missed you while at the YC. Had to go to the Grand as she missed it in Feb. Just another tip -- DD19 like LUSH in the airport another great pick-up gift in case before getting on the plane!! Be well