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

[Lyons Family]

Yes small safes in the closet , you put in your code.

Safe travels.

Sue and crew

 

[latinqt]

Are all the rooms in SL top floors dormer rooms. We have 3 adults and 2 children in our group. Perhaps I should change my request for a top floor.
Please advise.

 

[thehighprincess44]

We are T-12 days from our 10 days at SL! So excited! I think I read this somewhere, but cannot find it now, that SL has free Wifi right now? Anyone who stayed there recently, is this still the case?

TIA!

Stacey

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

I think I have figured out how to get the pictures from my phone to my iPad and onto photbucket!

 

[bowbat]

latinqt - All the standard rooms at the GF are decorated the same. As Tink rules posted, many of the upper floor rooms (some on the third and fourth, as well as the fifth) are dormer rooms. This means they have vaulted ceilings, which can make them seem roomier, and dormer balconies. I'm not fond of the dormer balconies, as they are enclosed and you have to stand to see out, but many people like the extra privacy.

We just stayed at the WL in a room with the solid-wall balconies, and we didn't like it at all. We're booked at the GF, Sugar Loaf CL, in February. Can I request "no dormer room" to try and avoid getting the solid balcony?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Are all the rooms in SL top floors dormer rooms. We have 3 adults and 2 children in our group. Perhaps I should change my request for a top floor.
Please advise.

Here is a photo of the back side of Sugar Loaf, taken from across the marina in Sago Cay. As you can see, everything on the top floor (excluding the suite balcony) has the little pointed dormer roofs.

With that many people in the room, I'm not sure I would request a dormer, as some are a bit less sq. footage than a non-dormer room.

We are T-12 days from our 10 days at SL! So excited! I think I read this somewhere, but cannot find it now, that SL has free Wifi right now? Anyone who stayed there recently, is this still the case?

TIA!

Stacey

So close! I think Jungle Cruiser reported a page or so back that she was using wifi in SL.

We just stayed at the WL in a room with the solid-wall balconies, and we didn't like it at all. We're booked at the GF, Sugar Loaf CL, in February. Can I request "no dormer room" to try and avoid getting the solid balcony?

You certainly can, that is the request I always make at the GF. I'm not a fan, either.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

18 days and we will be at the Grand!!! I can't wait--so much to do before we leave, it's time to start getting organized.

Can anyone tell me if they have safes in the room?

Eighteen days to go, woohoo!

Here is a photo of the room safes at the GF:

 

[bowbat]

You certainly can, that is the request I always make at the GF. I'm not a fan, either.

Thank you!

 

[Coloradomickey]

Highprincess44,
We just returned from 8 days in SL and yes they were still having free wifi as of Friday when we checked out. Have a great trip!!!

 

[coopersmom]

Highprincess44,
We just returned from 8 days in SL and yes they were still having free wifi as of Friday when we checked out. Have a great trip!!!

Yes, and I think rather oddly, there is no wifi, free or paid, to service the main building club level.

 

[midge3426]

We have been back from our visit to the "Grand" for about a week and I have been "marinating" about our visit. We stayed in Sugar Loaf 6314. Our view was the swimming pool and in the evening we could see the nightly movie from our room. I am really disappointed in CL at the Grand Floridian. There was never really anything "bad" about our visit----there was absolutely nothing that was special or just a little bit special about our room, mousekeeping, the staff, or service. Everything was adequate. I have had much better service at a moderate. I never had a feeling that I was staying at the "flagship" resort.
I have never, ever not received a towel animal at a Disney stay. We had one of my daughter's friends go with us and it was her very first visit to DW and I was looking forward to her being delighted with a towel creature. Never, received a one. I told the staff that it was her first visit. Never a welcome to Disney World. It was like that all week.
We really do not like the Cordials and sweets that are served from seven to ten. We are just returning from the parks and would like something else. I really wanted wine and several other people mentioned that they would have preferred wine. No one, except maybe a few men, enjoyed the liquors.
The wine and nice hors d'oeuvres are timed when most people are at the parks or dinner. On Wednesday, we went to Blizzard Beach and I was really looking forward to wine and hot hors d'oeuvres when we returned. We got back around 5:15 and the lobby to SL was packed and really, really loud. They had booked SL rooms to a convention group and they had packed the lobby. I had trouble getting to the food counter to get a glass of wine. We could not even find a place to sit or stand to enjoy our food. We had to take everything upstairs. It was not easy to navigate through all the people to get to the food and elevators. We could even hear them over our TV in the room. There is nothing like being on vacation and having to listen and be among business people talking business and trying to impress everyone with their intelligence. It was really loud for close to three hours.
I did not like the counter service. I ordered a roast beef sandwich with carmalized onions. You would think that the sandwich would be hot. No, I received a cold sandwich with cold caramalized onions. To make matters worse there was a piece of clear plastic in the middle of the beef. I later discovered that it looked like the clear picks they place in their sandwiches. At least it did not chip my teeth.
We did have a very enjoyable dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe. The food was very, very good.
I am not saying that the Grand Floridian is horrible. The resort was lovely and people were nice. It just had no special feel to it. For the amount of money you pay, it was adequate.

 

[thehighprincess44]

Highprincess44,
We just returned from 8 days in SL and yes they were still having free wifi as of Friday when we checked out. Have a great trip!!!

Thanks!

 

[msmith1026]

Eighteen days to go, woohoo!

Here is a photo of the room safes at the GF:

Thanks k&a&c'smom!! You're always SO helpful, I appreciate it.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mssmith1026 and bowbat - you are welcome!

coopersmom - How odd! I would think, if offering free wifi to SL, the main bldg. would have it as well. I believe it is a test program, but still....

midge3426 - thank you for your thoughts and review. I'm very sorry to hear that your stay at the GF wasn't special. Nothing worse than paying for an expensive vacation, and feeling that something was lacking.

We have had the same thing happen a few trips - at the GF, and other resorts. No big issues, just a ho-hum feeling. Very disappointing, especially when planning and saving for so very long.

Regarding the friend that you brought along - my DD had her friend with us last year, and we were so excited for her to get a 1st Visit button. Unfortunately, no one noticed, and we were so bummed, we wanted her to feel special. I had hoped the cast members would greet her, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.

Big hugs to you, I hope your next vacation is as magical as anyone could hope.

 

[latinqt]

Yikes, I certainly hope that our trip is a lot better than the previous poster. I stayed CL in the main bldg and probably was spoiled. If the SL CL is busy now you can image how it will be Dec. 26th thru 29th. I may have to rethink our stay. Our cruise leaves on the 29th. Hopefully, that will go without a hitch.
It is too expensive these days to spend so much money and fell just ho hum about the experience. Yikes is all I can say.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Midge3426. Sorry to hear you didn't love your stay at SL. We have been staying at SL for a week and are staying another. We haven't had to same experience as you did, however the fact we have stayed here a number of times probably makes a difference. The lobby of SL can get crowded, and the evening appetizers are at a time, as you said many people are at dinner or at a park. We plan around them since we enjoy them so much. Breakfast can also be quite crowded, especially around 8 AM since everyone is trying to eat before the head out to the parks.

K&a&c'smom I have pictures of twilight refreshers! (as well as desserts and cordials), however I can't reduce the size of my photos in photobucket on my iPad ( apple products do not support the adobe flash needed). So, there are three options for the pictures (1) I can email them to someone to post (2) post them large sized or (3) post them in about a month resized. I am getting a new computer when we get home, my old one blew up during Irene and we ate going to replace it when we get home. Any thoughts?

it is a beautiful night at the GF. About 70 degrees, no humidity. Everyone is smiling and enjoying the gorgeous evening!

 

[coopersmom]

We have been back from our visit to the "Grand" for about a week and I have been "marinating" about our visit. We stayed in Sugar Loaf 6314. Our view was the swimming pool and in the evening we could see the nightly movie from our room. I am really disappointed in CL at the Grand Floridian. There was never really anything "bad" about our visit----there was absolutely nothing that was special or just a little bit special about our room, mousekeeping, the staff, or service. Everything was adequate. I have had much better service at a moderate. I never had a feeling that I was staying at the "flagship" resort.
I have never, ever not received a towel animal at a Disney stay. We had one of my daughter's friends go with us and it was her very first visit to DW and I was looking forward to her being delighted with a towel creature. Never, received a one. I told the staff that it was her first visit. Never a welcome to Disney World. It was like that all week.
We really do not like the Cordials and sweets that are served from seven to ten. We are just returning from the parks and would like something else. I really wanted wine and several other people mentioned that they would have preferred wine. No one, except maybe a few men, enjoyed the liquors.
The wine and nice hors d'oeuvres are timed when most people are at the parks or dinner. On Wednesday, we went to Blizzard Beach and I was really looking forward to wine and hot hors d'oeuvres when we returned. We got back around 5:15 and the lobby to SL was packed and really, really loud. They had booked SL rooms to a convention group and they had packed the lobby. I had trouble getting to the food counter to get a glass of wine. We could not even find a place to sit or stand to enjoy our food. We had to take everything upstairs. It was not easy to navigate through all the people to get to the food and elevators. We could even hear them over our TV in the room. There is nothing like being on vacation and having to listen and be among business people talking business and trying to impress everyone with their intelligence. It was really loud for close to three hours.
I did not like the counter service. I ordered a roast beef sandwich with carmalized onions. You would think that the sandwich would be hot. No, I received a cold sandwich with cold caramalized onions. To make matters worse there was a piece of clear plastic in the middle of the beef. I later discovered that it looked like the clear picks they place in their sandwiches. At least it did not chip my teeth.
We did have a very enjoyable dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe. The food was very, very good.
I am not saying that the Grand Floridian is horrible. The resort was lovely and people were nice. It just had no special feel to it. For the amount of money you pay, it was adequate.

I have had similar feelings about both our Disney deluxe, club-level stays (our only Disney property stays) while not truly terrible, neither the level of service or accommodation is even roughly commiserate with the cost Disney is charging, even when factoring in a what I think most here consider a good-sized discount. (We still paid well over $500/night after tax.)

The rack rates are a joke. According to All Ears, the rack rate of the room we stayed in most recently is $800/night, for value season, and can be upwards of $1,200 A NIGHT during the holidays. Absolutely ridiculous.

And with transportation issues abounding, at least during our last stay, the idea that "what you're paying for is location," just doesn't wash either. Standing on a boat dock, within clear sight of your hotel (heck, there's a lighted path that takes you within 20 feet of the Grand from the Magic Kingdom), and waiting FOR OVER AN HOUR for a five minute boat ride is no one I know's definition of "luxury" or "convenience," but we experienced that 2-3 times during our nine day stay, as well as upwards of five days that the monorail was shut down for undisclosed reasons.

The people working at club level were all very nice, but not terribly helpful in dealing with any kind of an actual problem. For instance, we lost a pair of shoes that disappeared out of our room. I suspect they were accidentally picked up with the towels, because I left them in the bathroom after they got sandy. These weren't super expensive, or special shoes, or anything of the sort, but I asked every day, and have called since I came home, and while everyone was super polite, other than "calling lost and found" nothing was ever done, and no apology proffered. Items, no matter how minor (and I am sure it was an accident, don't think anyone "stole" my pool sandals) in a "luxury" hotel shouldn't be able to disappear from a guests room without concern by the hotel staff. In fact, I was told multiple times, by multiple Cast Members, that I should never have, "left anything on the bathroom floor." And, hey, I needed slip on shoes to wear around the room and to the pool ... And those were the only pair I brought. After a few days I purchased a pair of flip-flops from Disney, for $40. (Actually, I refused to do that, on principle, so my friend bought them for me.) I actually informed Disney management of that fact, just to see what they would do. And they did ... Nothing. Other than "leaving another message" for lost and found.

When asking about ordering items THEY ADVERTISED with flyers on the concierge's desks ... I was told to call Disney florist to make the arrangements, while sitting right there with the concierge doing nothing. (I admit I never bothered to follow through, so that's money lost for Disney.) Reservations cancelled reappeared. Damaged in-room items or housekeeping issues--reported both this trip and last--took MULTIPLE calls to get repaired/replaced/attended to. Those are the basic tasks of any concierge (reservations, gift procurement and easing guests communication with the hotel staff), and I've found them to be handled rather poorly by Disney on both my visits.

During my frequent trips to the desk, I also overheard several other people--guests at the other desk, or that I was waiting behind for service--with similar issues (billing mistakes, housekeeping or room maintenance issues, complaints about the fruit flies, etc.) receiving the same sort of semi-dismissive service I experienced, so I don't think it's just me being "unreasonable," or the way I handled myself, or other excuses often proffered on these boards. (But, again, that's a judgement call each person must make for themselves. I know Disney, and the Grand specifically, have many fans with zero complaints.)

I am STILL trying to get credits that were supposed to be processed before I left (for un-cancelled reservations that I actually did cancel and duplicate valet fees) to show up on my credit card ... And we've been home two weeks now. I think it will eventually happen, but I'm having to do a lot of legwork to make that a reality and if I didn't do all this follow-up, I don't think anything would be done.

To me, that is adequate service, but not the outstanding service Disney claims to offer and, honestly, not on par with other hotels in even half that price range.

Again, don't get be wrong, this isn't all out bash. I don't hate Disney, by a long shot, nor did I despise our trip to the Grand, or anything of the sort. Overall, it was a really great experience, and the view sublime and peaceful, as was sitting in the lounge listening to the music away from the crowded lobby, or being able to just pop down two floors to the monorail or Victoria and Albert's ... But I just don't think the hotel lives up to Disney's own billing, or the price tag they attach to their resorts, on any level.

Just one (arguably overly picky and/or grumpy) customer's opinion.

 

[mariamouse]

I have had similar feelings about both our Disney deluxe, club-level stays (our only Disney property stays) while not truly terrible, neither the level of service or accommodation is even roughly commiserate with the cost Disney is charging, even when factoring in a what I think most here consider a good-sized discount. (We still paid well over $500/night after tax.)

The rack rates are a joke. According to All Ears, the rack rate of the room we stayed in most recently is $800/night, for value season, and can be upwards of $1,200 A NIGHT during the holidays. Absolutely ridiculous.

And with transportation issues abounding, at least during our last stay, the idea that "what you're paying for is location," just doesn't wash either. Standing on a boat dock, within clear sight of your hotel (heck, there's a lighted path that takes you within 20 feet of the Grand from the Magic Kingdom), and waiting FOR OVER AN HOUR for a five minute boat ride is no one I know's definition of "luxury" or "convenience," but we experienced that 2-3 times during our nine day stay, as well as upwards of five days that the monorail was shut down for undisclosed reasons.

The people working at club level were all very nice, but not terribly helpful in dealing with any kind of an actual problem. For instance, we lost a pair of shoes that disappeared out of our room. I suspect they were accidentally picked up with the towels, because I left them in the bathroom after they got sandy. These weren't super expensive, or special shoes, or anything of the sort, but I asked every day, and have called since I came home, and while everyone was super polite, other than "calling lost and found" nothing was ever done, and no apology proffered. Items, no matter how minor (and I am sure it was an accident, don't think anyone "stole" my pool sandals) in a "luxury" hotel shouldn't be able to disappear from a guests room without concern by the hotel staff. In fact, I was told multiple times, by multiple Cast Members, that I should never have, "left anything on the bathroom floor." And, hey, I needed slip on shoes to wear around the room and to the pool ... And those were the only pair I brought. After a few days I purchased a pair of flip-flops from Disney, for $40. (Actually, I refused to do that, on principle, so my friend bought them for me.) I actually informed Disney management of that fact, just to see what they would do. And they did ... Nothing. Other than "leaving another message" for lost and found.

When asking about ordering items THEY ADVERTISED with flyers on the concierge's desks ... I was told to call Disney florist to make the arrangements, while sitting right there with the concierge doing nothing. (I admit I never bothered to follow through, so that's money lost for Disney.) Reservations cancelled reappeared. Damaged in-room items or housekeeping issues--reported both this trip and last--took MULTIPLE calls to get repaired/replaced/attended to. Those are the basic tasks of any concierge (reservations, gift procurement and easing guests communication with the hotel staff), and I've found them to be handled rather poorly by Disney on both my visits.

During my frequent trips to the desk, I also overheard several other people--guests at the other desk, or that I was waiting behind for service--with similar issues (billing mistakes, housekeeping or room maintenance issues, complaints about the fruit flies, etc.) receiving the same sort of semi-dismissive service I experienced, so I don't think it's just me being "unreasonable," or the way I handled myself, or other excuses often proffered on these boards. (But, again, that's a judgement call each person must make for themselves. I know Disney, and the Grand specifically, have many fans with zero complaints.)

I am STILL trying to get credits that were supposed to be processed before I left (for un-cancelled reservations that I actually did cancel and duplicate valet fees) to show up on my credit card ... And we've been home two weeks now. I think it will eventually happen, but I'm having to do a lot of legwork to make that a reality and if I didn't do all this follow-up, I don't think anything would be done.

To me, that is adequate service, but not the outstanding service Disney claims to offer and, honestly, not on par with other hotels in even half that price range.

Again, don't get be wrong, this isn't all out bash. I don't hate Disney, by a long shot, nor did I despise our trip to the Grand, or anything of the sort. Overall, it was a really great experience, and the view sublime and peaceful, as was sitting in the lounge listening to the music away from the crowded lobby, or being able to just pop down two floors to the monorail or Victoria and Albert's ... But I just don't think the hotel lives up to Disney's own billing, or the price tag they attach to their resorts, on any level.

Just one (arguably overly picky and/or grumpy) customer's opinion.

Very well-written and all statements completely valid! The only time we ever stayed club-level was when we were upgraded at the BWI from a regular water view room. While we appreciated the upgrade and enjoyed the overall experience, we agreed that we would never pay the extra $ to stay club level. I hope Disney ramps up its customer service-- especially at the flagship resort! I am sorry the GF did not live up to your (reasonable) expectations.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

K&a&c'smom I have pictures of twilight refreshers! (as well as desserts and cordials), however I can't reduce the size of my photos in photobucket on my iPad ( apple products do not support the adobe flash needed). So, there are three options for the pictures (1) I can email them to someone to post (2) post them large sized or (3) post them in about a month resized. I am getting a new computer when we get home, my old one blew up during Irene and we ate going to replace it when we get home. Any thoughts?

it is a beautiful night at the GF. About 70 degrees, no humidity. Everyone is smiling and enjoying the gorgeous evening!

I'll bet you are enjoying the evening, sounds like perfect Disney weather.

Can you send me the images in PM, or do you need to do it through email? I'm sometimes confused as to exactly what is needed for re-sizing, until I see the image. Not completely computer-illiterate, just a bit befuddled. I usually have to attempt it several ways, until I get it right.

If you need to send it email, I'll be glad to send a PM with my email address for you. Or, you can wait until you get home and acquire the new computer - but, of course, we are all anxious to see your photos!

coopersmom - I can certainly understand your thoughts, we have had similar feelings at various times. We will only return with a good discount, the new rack rates are simply outrageous! I have a feeling they were raised to offset the deep discounts, but if the discounts dwindle, we are left with these inflated room rates. Yikes.

 

[coopersmom]

coopersmom - I can certainly understand your thoughts, we have had similar feelings at various times. We will only return with a good discount, the new rack rates are simply outrageous! I have a feeling they were raised to offset the deep discounts, but if the discounts dwindle, we are left with these inflated room rates. Yikes.

Umm, yeah, the prices are definitely inflated to make the "discount" look better than it actually is. Not unusual at any hotel. But what is unusual is that Disney expects ANYONE to actually pay their rack rate. (For the most part, pretty much no one ever does at 95% of the world's hotels.)

I think I keep coming back to the cost (and I'm talking price I paid, not the rack rate now) because, while the Grand is the second or third most expensive hotel I've ever stayed in (behind hotels in Paris and London; with the one in Paris directly ON the Champs Elysses with a clear, close-up view of the Arc de Triumphe from my balcony), I'd venture to say it ranks about 50th in terms of the quality of rooms and service, even factoring in the location and view, I've been lucky enough to experience. And while those few that were more pricey than the Grand might not be my #1 and #2 in terms of luxury, they both do rank in the top 10, and if you factor in locale and comparable prices (to other hotels in their vicinity), still feel pretty close to an even quality-price ratio, whereas the Grand does not even come close on any of those factors (quality, price OR comparable accommodation value). That, to me as a consumer, is what leaves me feeling a little--sometimes more than a little--ripped off by Disney.

If it was just one of those things--e.g. high price but great service and amazing accommodations; or more equal price to other nearby hotels, but smaller room or lesser service in exchange for superior proximity--I don't think I'd feel quite so put out.

Something much talked about in the wine world is "quality price ratio" or QPR. The goal is to get the highest quality for the lowest price and to try and balance those two things (e.g. a wine that's wonderful for $20 might feel like a rip off if priced at $80). To me, at least in my limited (two stay) experience, Disney hotels do NOT provide good QPR.