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

[coopersmom]

Thank you so much for your thorough review of the RPC. We were considering trying it and your review was very helpful. The details matter a lot to us, too so I appreciate you covering many.

It's really hard to compare off-property with on-property because of the difference in location, transportation and atmosphere. With WDW Resorts it's all about theming and location and off-property, such as with the WAO, it's all about service, luxury and the room. BTW, you mentioned the WAO, so here's a link to my WAO/HBC thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2262762

I'm just curious, because of your negative experiences at the RPC/GF, why would you not want to try any other on-property CL except the GF?

When you write it all out and read it en masse I see how it looks bad but I didn't really consider it a "negative" experience ... More just a few niggling annoyances than outright distress. When I was writing I saw that my gripes far outweighed by good points, but in some ways it's harder to quantify the positives than the negatives, which were more isolated incidents rather than an overall feeling or experience.

I guess we might look at an Epcot resort, especially after being less than thrilled, again, with the monorail. (What is that smell anyway? Do they stable animals on it at night?

But I guess we just figured if the Grand is the best Disney has to offer, we wouldn't want to do even less, especially after our Polynesian disappointment (we'd never go back there). The overall atmosphere of the Grand and the lounge was really pleasant and restful and, yes, that smell was very nice.

I would say a villa, especially at the Grand, would be quite tempting, for the space alone, if nothing else.

 

[coopersmom]

The view from balcony of deluxe queen room in the main building (RPC), room #4422.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Wow, I'm a page behind!

Hi everyone. My husband and I honeymooned at the Grand Floridian almost 10 years ago and had an artist draw a pastel portrait of us. He was located on the first floor just across from Sandy Cove Gift and Sundries shop at the bottom of the staircase. Does anyone know if he's still there, or if that service is still available? We're headed back for our anniversary and would love another portrait. Thanks!

Welcome! Congrats on your anniversary!

No, unfortunately the artists are no longer there. About 10 years ago we had portraits done of our daugters from the artist at the GF. I love those pastels done when they were young.

I did not realize the artist had left the GF, I guess I'm not very observant.

I'm like 90% sure there is someone similar right now at the Beach Club. I'm not sure if it's the same person, but I do remember a portrait artist in the lobby outside the gift shop when I was there in March.

We saw a woman doing pastels at the BC in August, right near the elevators outside the Marketplace. I guess it's an option for anyone who wants something like that done, though the GF guests will have to travel.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - thanks, I have more photos to post, I just haven't gotten them up yet.

CoachBagFanatic - LOL! Your son sounds like a teen, for sure. My DD likes to tease me by saying I've spoiled her for regular vacation accommodations.

Good luck to your son with his first job. I always told my kids their job was to keep up with their schoolwork and get good grades. We limited the number of hours they were allowed to work, as I wanted their focus more on school.

jagfanjosh3252 - As others have posted, the self-parking at the GF is faaaaar away. I periodically think I'm going to save myself the $12/day, but quickly realize it is well worth it to have a young kid jog out and bring my car to me.

Is there any benefit to checking in online ahead of your trip? I logged on to the disney site and it said i could do online check in soon, and I wasn't sure if there was any real reason to do so? We should get to the GF by 11 the day we go, so I don't mind checking in at the desk.

If you are staying club level, there's not much to be gained by online check in - you get personal check in at the resort. If you are not club level, many people like online check in, as you are supposed to be able to walk up, get your keys and packet and be on your way. It hasn't worked that way for us the two times we've tried it, but others have had good success.

Online check in may not be a good idea if you like to discuss your room assignment with the CMs at check in. Not only do you hold up the line, but your pre-printed keys may have to be remade, taking longer than necessary.

39 dayssssssssssssss! Just had to get that out. My brother just landed at Orlando and is on the way to the Contemporary. Yes I did convert him, 2nd trip in two years!

Made the last of my ADR's, changed a Sci Fi dining to (and I can't believe we got a good time on such short notice) to BOMA. DH is dreaming of the meal there.

High five on snagging a good time at Boma!

 

[lala3291]

Hello All!
So, we added one day on to the beginning of our vacation, but there were no RPC rooms available. The CM suggested a deluxe, garden view room, so that's what we took. Forgive me if this has been asked before, but what buildings are these rooms in? Does anyone have a building preference for one of these rooms? I'm just trying to figure out a request!
Thanks a lot!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

coopersmom - welcome back, and thanks for the thorough review! I'm glad your overall stay left you with a positive vibe, but sorry you had some issues. Most especially, the billing. How frustrating! Really, just unacceptable that they made such a mistake and it took that long to fix it. The tickets, too, though I realize they did finally get it right.

I agree, some of the rooms could use some TLC - it's 4 years now since the last renovation.

Very annoying about the monorail, I hope the early shut down is temporary, as some have suggested. It sounds like nighttime transportation for the MK-area resorts can be a challenge, which is the opposite of why you book!

Again, glad you came away with mostly good memories. Good luck with your future resort choices, I wonder when the Four Seasons will be completed? Talk about luxury.

Thanks for the photo!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I don't mind going all out for vacation, it's worth it. And I may be nutty, but there is no where else I want to go but WDW. CL has spoiled us, that's all I can say My kids are good kids, and DD6 has OCD/Anxiety, so if she approves I book it. We have a blast looking at pictures and all the planning. It's all good I see so much sadness and sickness at my job, and GF is my new happy place. Our kids will look back and smile when they remember these wonderful vacations.

You know we feel the same way. WDW is so much a part of our lives that when we vacation at US/IOA, we always have to make sure that we get a ride to Downtown Disney. I need a Disney fix while in Fla.

I have to say also that our DS is a great kid as well. Not too many 15 soon to be 16 year olds still sit with their parents and watch TV or have lengthy conversations like the 3 of us do. I know 98% of our DS's friends don't with their parents.

CoachBagFanatic - LOL! Your son sounds like a teen, for sure. My DD likes to tease me by saying I've spoiled her for regular vacation accommodations.

Good luck to your son with his first job. I always told my kids their job was to keep up with their schoolwork and get good grades. We limited the number of hours they were allowed to work, as I wanted their focus more on school.

OMG our DS is spoiled. His friend stayed at POP this summer and our DS told him that he would never stay there. I nearly and told him that he should've never said that. This is how our DS and his friends talk any way but I said it still wasn't very nice. It's not like they can't afford to stay Deluxe they just love POP.

Michael knows that his school work comes above all and we told him that once he does start to work and if we see it starting to affect any part of his schooling, than the job goes. I hope he can handle both because the store that he wants to work at is where I buy his clothes. That means discount for me. My son loves clothes.

 

[momatater]

I have never in my life (sheltered of course) heard of Magic Kingdom closing for a private party.................any other scoop??

Inquiring minds would love to know.

Thanks for the beautiful report.

Safe travels
Sue and crew

We were there too and I was told by several CMs it was a press event. Not sure what or why, but who knows if I was told right or not.

 

[momatater]

Hi Everyone!

We arrived home Sunday from our 9 nights at RPC and I'm happy to report we had a GRAND time!

Unlike Coopersmom, we did not experience many issues at all. We never noticed the monorail down except we hate the new hours. They really affect many, many people and we heard a lot of people complaining.

Our experience after MNSSHP was aweful. We did get on the boat fairly quickly, (they brought in a larger one) but it was a complete fail for Disney! Too many people with strollers and sleeping kids and then crying kids cause they had to wake up those kids to fold up said stroller. Other people argued and refused to fold up and crammed into the area where a wheelchair would go. We got a seat in the back and were shocked by all the spider webs (with spiders! yuck) and dead bugs all around us. Very VERY disappointed with that. Then when you get off at the GF, you have people tripping and falling over those guests and strollers that are staying on the boat to the POLY.

As for our room, Mousekeeping was outstanding! Not one complaint. Everything was stocked every day and night at turndown. The one gal even took my DS10s blanket and folded it into animals. So we had blanket animals instead of towel animals!

We did get a bit bored with the offerings at the lounge. As coopersmom said, it was repetative and it got old.

As for transportation, other than the monorail closing too early, we drove every where except MK and EP, except for one day...8am breakfast at Tusker House so my family took the bus. (I did not go, I was sick that day...one of 4-5 days of stomach issues while there ) Anyway, going to AK, not a problem. They went to the bus stop, told the attendant where they were going and a few minutes later, bus was there and they were on their way. Coming back, different story. They called me and said they were headed back and were at the bus stop waiting and would let me know when they were on their way. Well, 1 hour later, I called thinking they had to be either very close or in the GF pin hunting, but NO, they were still at the bus stop. They had at least 5 busses pull in the spot and tell them they were only dropping off people, not going to the GF. Well, finally a bus came to the CR/POLY stop and they decided to get on that one. Well, on the way back of course they had the normal BB stop, then the CR, then the POLY. Then they went upstairs for the monorail and waited 20 mins for one to get to the GF. In all, it took them 2 1/2 hours! Unexceptable!! If that wasn't enough, the bus they did get on, the air conditioning was broken, so it was hotter that Haities on the bus and the a/c unit was leaking water...rather, raining water on everyone on the bus! Every turn, the water would run across the ceiling in that direction, and when the turn was over, the water would pour everywhere.

The parks were empty!! We never waited more than 15 mins for anything, including the headliners! We went to HS on Friday, the 9th around 945am. Grabbed a fastpass for return at 1100 and went on the standby line. The wait said 25, but I timed it at 11. I was floored. But, it gets better. When we returned to use our fast passes...wait for it....TSMM was walk on! I was in total shock! 1140am and walk on?? Where was everyone?? No need for using our fastpasses and the CM let us keep them for later. (we gave them away when we left)

Another crowd story, went to Epcot on that same day at 630pm and got fast passes for Soarin' for 705 return time. The standby time was 35 mins, same as fastpass return. It was insane!

Another quick note of crowds. A lot of foreigners. Heard many languages and I'd say only about 30% spoke English, and half of those were Britts! One tour group, had about 15 people and caused one issue on Soarin'...screamed at everything! But, such is life. The only time I was bothered was the night of ELP at MK. We got there VERY early and got a spot. People packed us in like sardines and were very rude about it. One guy even moved my sons foot so he could lay down, ON TOP OF PRACTICALLY EVERYONE. HELLO??? Got any manners at all??

Oh, that reminds me...ELP...very very disappointed. I used to love it, but it's different and it was just aweful. And too short! Waited 2 hrs for that? Never again!

MNSSHP was awesome. We were #2 in line for the 7 dwarfs! They were great!! As usual, the parade was great and the fireworks fantastic!

Ok, I think I'm done. Covered everything...I hope!

Oh, I promises someone on this thread (sorry I can't remember who) that I would take pics from the POLY beach toward the GF for your wedding. Well, when we went out there, you couldn't see any construction at all! No need for pics of construction when it's not an issue. Hopefully it will stay that way for you!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

CoachBagFanatic - LOL about the job at the clothing store - I'd be cheering for a discount as well.

Stephanie - Welcome back! Glad you had a Grand time, and that you enjoyed your getaway. Sorry to hear about the tummy upset, what a bummer. I hate it when any of us are sick on vacation.

The transportation issues sound like a pain. I'm starting to feel less sad that we won't make it back until next year!

I had to laugh at your description of the guy laying on everyone during MSEP! Not at you, but at memories of our experience this past August. We were in the midst of a tour group of Brazilian teens, and they know nothing about personal space. There were times we were all touching, my DD said had she turned her head, she could have kissed the one to her left. Oh, and an argument broke out right behind us, two Americans believed they had staked out the same spot, and were ready to defend it, apparently. Is everyone going crazy during the light parade, or what?!

Sounds like you had wonderful luck with all the rides, yay!

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Thank you everyone for the prayers and well wishes!
I am doing OK, even though I am preparing for surgery this next month. But I remain in a positive state of mind that all will turn out all right.

Meanwhile, I see that my friends here are either getting ready to leave or returning from the GRAND!
JungleCruiser!~I am so getting excited for you! Not long now!

Stephanie and coopersmom!~Welcome back from your RPC stay! We've had some ups and downs with all of our WDW CL stays,too, but the RPC always seem to come through for us. From my experience, you catch more bees with honey than vinegar, and I'm sure you did, too, as your attitude seems to be that of a positive one! So, glad you enjoyed the ups!

It seems that all the CLs are now serving the same offerings in each CL, but there should have been at least one different hot and cold offering each night, especially at the Grand.

Ever since our first RPC stay, we've been treated like royalty. The CL CMs have always been ever so helpful and the lounge has always been impectcable in it's offerings, service and surroundings.
The fruit flies, I would have first questioned the lounge CMs, as I always get to know them. Then, you could have gone to the CL desk, then to the management. It would have been resolved, a shame it was an issue to begin with I understand that, but it would have been resolved.

The monorail and boat issue, yes, we've been discussing that for awhile. That was no news and we were all made aware of that being an expected issue. I tend to just go with the flow on those issues, flagship resort or not, things happen, and having a positive attitude and enjoying the moment and just being happy that you are at WDW works wonders. At least for me.
But I can understand how that even with the preparation how that would put a damper on your trip.

coopersmom, I wish you could have experienced one of the deluxe queen rooms overlooking the courtyard, they are the ones on the first page, and my favorite room layout at the RPC. I did have an issue with one of those rooms on the 3rd floor with the TV not working, but they did resolve it within a couple of days. Other than that, those rooms are lovely.

We also have stayed at the Waldorf, and while it IS a fabulous resort, it does not have a club level, go figure.
Now, when the Four Seasons opens, you can bet I'll be over there, too!

It's pretty sad as I'm one of those that doesn't really like to stay in a resort or hotel without a concierge/club level, however limited it is. I am spoiled rotten. Even the new Aulani resort doesn't have a club level, what's up with that? LOL

KCMike~as always, LOVE your pictures! For this ol' gal, they keep me going!

 

[padawans]

We will be staying at the Gf for the first time Dec 7-12. What would be a good location for a garden view room.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Lulu'smom SOOOOOO happy to see you back on Dis, you have been missed.

We are just a few days away from our trip. I have to echo what Lulu'smom said. Having a positive attitude, enjoying the moment and being happy I am at WDW works wonders. I am so looking forward to everything about the trip, a month ago we thought we might have to cancel because of my health and now I get the best medicine of all, a trip to the GF!

I appreciate the information Stephanie on the boat ride back from the MK. We are not going to MNSSHP, we have been the last few years, so I think we won't plan on staying late at the MK. I love watching WISHES from the GF, so that's probably a better plan than staying in the MK.

I apologize, I don't remember who posted the pictures of breakfast, snacks and tea, at SL recently, but they were great. I thought I would see if I can get pictures of twilight refreshers and desserts to post. I will also try to keep track of the hot and cold appetizers they serve each day. With my iPad and free wifi in SL, I will post while I am there!

I too love your pictures KCmike. The only thing better than them is being there!

 

[KCmike]

Thanks. I've been out of town for a few days on business and been missing the boards. Here is today's installment.

It's time to check in.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Lulu'sMom - Welcome back! Glad to hear you are doing OK, and best of luck for your surgery.

padawans - Congrats on booking your first visit to the GF, and in December - yay!

For a garden view, I usually suggest a request in the area of the resort you prefer. If you'd like to be near the themed pool and main building, ask for Big Pine Key; Boca Chica is near the courtyard pool and boat dock, and has a pretty view of the main bldg.; Conch Key, my personal favorite, is near the boat dock, courtyard pool, marina and a short walk to Gasparilla's; Sago Cay, the furthest from the pools, is closest to the bus stop and Gasparilla's.

One caveat: Big Pine Key has a number of garden view rooms that overlook the courtyard pool building, so floors 1-3 in that area have a fairly restricted view. If you receive one of these rooms, I would ask to be moved.

Good luck, I hope that helps! Oh, and take a look at the resort map on the first page of this thread; it will help you get a feel for the layout.

KC Mike - welcome back! Thanks for that photo, wish I was standing there right now.

Jungle Cruiser - you are getting so close! I would love to see photos of the evening offerings, I'll be waiting (im)patiently for your post.

 

[coopersmom]

It seems that all the CLs are now serving the same offerings in each CL, but there should have been at least one different hot and cold offering each night, especially at the Grand.

Sorry, I mis-stated, when I said identical I was referring to the daily breakfast, snack and tea service, not the evening. There WERE different hot and cold appetizers every night we were around at RPC. The cold appetizers were mostly good to very good and we really enjoyed them. There were usually three choices (sometimes just two) and I usually really liked at least one. The beef and blue cheese was really good, but they only had that one night. The sushi looked good, but that was on a night we were going out to a nice dinner, so I didn't have any, in order not to spoil my appetite.

The hot appetizers, for me, were more of a mixed bag. Anything in a little mini-pastry crust was pretty bad (very much freezer section quality), but they also had some little crab cake meatballs one night that were quite tasty. (Think I had four or five. Oops!) With the hot appetizers, they were kept under a heat lamp so unless you got them when they brought a fresh tray out, they could be a little 'eww.' All these were in addition to the cheeses, chips, pretzels, crackers, bread, etc. they offered every night. (Those offerings never changed).

I'm not a real heavy eater (despite appearances ... curse you slothful metabolism) so three appetizers and a little cheese or bread really was enough for me for the evening, especially with it being so hot, so that sufficed for dinner on several nights of our stay. I don't really think it would be hard for anyone to "get full" with the lounge offerings, assuming you were amenable to trying whatever was offered.

They also had two types of red wine (a Pinot and a low-end Penfolds Merlot), a white and a champagne, every single night. As an admitted wine snob, I didn't have any (we brought a few bottles of our own we didn't even get to drink), but lots of people did and if you're not too picky Penfolds is a generally reliable brand that usually produces drinkable wine, even amongst their low-end, mass-produced stuff.

There was also a separate "kids' food" area, which had one unique option each night and then fruit and cupcakes. Because the kids food was near the fruit fly epicenter (and, yes, I know they're harmless, but still not appetizing), I didn't get much of anything for my son after the first few nights (if they served something hot, it was covered, so that felt more "safe"), but they seemed to rotate peanut butter and jelly (in various formats), various rolled tortilla creations and chicken nuggets (or similar), which actually would have been more than enough to serve as a meal for my four-year-old, and did the first few days.

At "tea" they had scones and banana bread every day we saw the service. Now, it wasn't a time we were too likely to be in the hotel, but the days I was, both the hot scones and banana bread were quite tasty.

We were never around when they had dessert, so I can't comment on that.

All of this was a MUCH greater, and far tastier, selection than the Polynesian during our stay last December, and food never seemed to run out either, like it always did at the Polynesian. Fresh items seemed to be put out right up to the end of service, even the day we got there at 6:45 PM (ended at 7:00 PM). And, at least in my experience, that resulted in no mad rush to get to the food (no fear of it vanishing).

At the Poly we never had ANY of the food, save diet Coke, a couple beers for my husband and some breakfast items, at the Grand we partook of a lot of the snacks and the evening service probably half the days we were there. (And my son and hubby always had breakfast.) Having that right down the hall--literally steps from our room--was a huge benefit. And if it wasn't for the fruit flies I would have been full of praise for that part of the service. It definitely made traveling with a four-year-old who hates sit-down restaurants (or sitting down at all) a lot more pleasant.

 

[mariamouse]

My mom and I just booked the GF for our first ever mother-daughter trip to WDW during the holiday season!!!


I am SO excited, but feeling guilty that the also-very-well-decorated WL would have been about $400 less. GF fans- convince us that we are making the right choice staying at the GF rather than the WL this December!! Should we be at all worried about loud DVC construction that time of year?

 

[pas130]

My mom and I just booked the GF for our first ever mother-daughter trip to WDW during the holiday season!!!


I am SO excited, but feeling guilty that the also-very-well-decorated WL would have been about $400 less. GF fans- convince us that we are making the right choice staying at the GF rather than the WL this December!! Should we be at all worried about loud DVC construction that time of year?

How nice It will be lovely!

Lulu'smom Nice to see you. Sending prayers for your surgery...


2012 update Since I have given up our planning to my DD We switched to POR for the beginning part of the Bday trip. She now checks out the Dis daily, 7 years old, can you stand it?? And SHE wants to wait until another trip for GF because of the construction... Too funny, but we still will check out this thread daily...it's our happy place

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

My mom and I just booked the GF for our first ever mother-daughter trip to WDW during the holiday season!!!


I am SO excited, but feeling guilty that the also-very-well-decorated WL would have been about $400 less. GF fans- convince us that we are making the right choice staying at the GF rather than the WL this December!! Should we be at all worried about loud DVC construction that time of year?

I love the WL at the holidays. It is a theming I love and the working fireplaces just add to the ambience. HOWEVER, I would always choose a stay at the GF if it's an option. The decorations are amazing, and the outside is also beautifully decorated with poinsettias and deer made of wood covered with white lights.

We stayed at the GF for just over a week last year in December. The only thing to be aware of is the crowds in the lobby. The Gingerbread House is a huge attraction for guests at WDW and locals so don't expect leisurely evenings in the lobby listening to music. It is very festive, but crowded!

 

[focusondisney]

Coopersmom: We were @ GF Thurs. 15 - Sat. 17th. I'm wondering if we crossed paths. I think it was Thurs. during 5 - 7 PM service I noticed a Mom & little boy ( looked about 4). I remember them because I over heard the cutest conversation: Boy: "what am I going to eat?" Mom: "you can have...." Boy: "can't I have brocolli?" Mom: "Sure you can have brocolli" Boy: "But, I don't like broccoli" Mom: "that's why I didn't offer brocccoli" Was this you guys?


I'm not a stalker or nutcase, really. I just remembered it because it was such a cute interaction. Such a "funny things kids say" moment. If it was you, your little guy is a doll!