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

[ktlm]

We only received one towel animal on check in and were missing turn down service on at least two nights. No big deal for us! We can pull down our own blankets but my daughter did miss the chocolates on her pillow on the nights they missed us


One major disappointment for me was the rock hard beds. I woke up with a new pain in my back each morning. This alone would be a reason for me not to stay here again.

We were there last week too. It was our first GF stay. You got one more towel animal than we got! One day housekeeping did arrange DD's stuffed Cinderella, Duffy and Elf and had them reading DD's book that was sitting on the nightstand which was really cute though.

We could have given you some chocolates! We didn't get towel animals, but we got more chocolates and H20 products than we could handle. I think they realized our first night they only gave us 2 chocolates for 3 people, so they definitely spent the rest of the week making it up. We weren't even using the H20 products because I'm allergic to them (if I use the shampoo my nose gets all stuffy), and they kept adding more and more to the counter. It became a joke with DH and I that the chocolates and product were taking over the room!

Oh my gosh those awful beds! I completely agree with you on that one. That was a huge surprise to me. I hardly slept at all the first 2 nights it was so uncomfortable. DD can sleep anywhere, so we switched beds with her after a few nights, and her bed was much better than the one that we had been sleeping in (which was hard and we were both rolling toward the middle because it was sunk in- not sure how old that mattress was), but it still wasn't great. We've stayed at WL, Poly, AKL, and POR and GF was the first time I can recall having a problem with the beds. The pillows were hard as a rock too! I also don't know what laundry detergent WDW is using now, but DD and I have really sensitive skin and every morning we were waking up completely itchy. (Don't worry- definitely not bed bugs if that is what you are thinking. I'm 98% sure it was laundry detergent because I know that "Bold" laundry detergent will do that to me, although it was the first time DD has ever had that issue). DD actually asked to sleep on the couch the last night, because she was tired of waking up itchy in the mornings and having to wait hours for it to go away. That has never happened to us at Disney before either, but I would assume that all of the WDW resorts use the same laundry detergent, so maybe they have just changed brands since last time we were there. If GF does use a different brand of detergent than the other resorts, I think that would be the dealbreaker that would keep from staying there again. (So if anyone knows that they do, let me know).

I'm with you that with the hardness of the beds and at least for us how bad the transportation was to anywhere but the MK (worst bus transportation of any Disney resort we have ever stayed at), I will think twice about staying there again although DD really really loves it there. If the beds and pillows were better, and we were taking a trip where we planned on hanging out at the hotel a lot and just going to the MK, GF would definitely be the place to be. It is such a beautiful place. I loved walking into the lobby and smelling the gingerbread every day. I love the music in the lobby in the evenings. I love the grounds and the fact they are so open and well lit that I didn't think twice about running around by myself after dark. We were in Conch Key and had a great view for a garden view room. I was surprised when we went in and looked out the window and we could see the lagoon from the room. We also loved the fact that Conch Key was close to the MK boat dock. The walk to the main building didn't bother us at all. It was shorter than the walk we have had the last 2 years from our room at the Poly to the Grand Ceremonial house. We definitely missed the convenience of the Poly being next to the TTC though. I think it took us about 3 times longer to get to Epcot from GF than it did the last 2 years from the Poly.

 

[Kenztraveling]

Grand Floridians,

Greetings and Salutations,

Question on RPC: do any of the king deluxe rooms in the main building have an MK view? Thanks so very much.

 

[TweetyB]

We are here now, our first stay at GF. We have stayed at other deluxe resorts. We have had a nice time, the grounds are beautiful. We have been unhappy with bus service though,slow and very crowded. I don't like it when they share busses with other resorts. Today it took us forever to get to AK, while waiting we saw 3 HS busses but no other busses??? Weird. Also we were surprised by the lack of selection in Gasparilla's what we did get was good, but not a lot of variety. The Christmas decorations are beautiful but it is crowded in the lobby due to all the people resort hopping.

The views of the castle are amazing .

We would stay here again but for the price I prefer the contemporary or poly.

 

[coopersmom]

Oh my gosh those awful beds! I completely agree with you on that one. That was a huge surprise to me. I hardly slept at all the first 2 nights it was so uncomfortable. DD can sleep anywhere, so we switched beds with her after a few nights, and her bed was much better than the one that we had been sleeping in (which was hard and we were both rolling toward the middle because it was sunk in- not sure how old that mattress was), but it still wasn't great. We've stayed at WL, Poly, AKL, and POR and GF was the first time I can recall having a problem with the beds. The pillows were hard as a rock too! I also don't know what laundry detergent WDW is using now, but DD and I have really sensitive skin and every morning we were waking up completely itchy. (Don't worry- definitely not bed bugs if that is what you are thinking. I'm 98% sure it was laundry detergent because I know that "Bold" laundry detergent will do that to me, although it was the first time DD has ever had that issue). DD actually asked to sleep on the couch the last night, because she was tired of waking up itchy in the mornings and having to wait hours for it to go away. That has never happened to us at Disney before either, but I would assume that all of the WDW resorts use the same laundry detergent, so maybe they have just changed brands since last time we were there. If GF does use a different brand of detergent than the other resorts, I think that would be the dealbreaker that would keep from staying there again. (So if anyone knows that they do, let me know).

I will third the terrible beds and pillows. Just not at all comfortable and I didn't sleep at all well. After being there a week with my son, my husband arrived and the first thing he said when he lay down was, "Wow, these beds suck." Kind of depressing for the cost, for sure ...

 

[mommy22pumpkins]

I will third the terrible beds and pillows. Just not at all comfortable and I didn't sleep at all well. After being there a week with my son, my husband arrived and the first thing he said when he lay down was, "Wow, these beds suck." Kind of depressing for the cost, for sure ...

Yes they are that hard I noticed it too after laying on them the first night for a few minutes. I also noticed the pillows *sucked* LOL. But just and FYI you can request down pillows- and we did!

They were much better and thank God or I don't think I would have slept at all. I also have a herniated disc in my neck so I am picky about pillows to begin with or the others probably would have been fine. But the down pillows they provided were MUCH better

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

pas130, so excited for you! You and your family must be on !!! I would imagine now that you have a suite at the RPC at a discount there will be no more resort changing for you (at least as far as that trip goes). After your disappointment not getting the RPC room you booked last trip, you deserve it my friend

Everyone is posting such great pictures! Thank you! And KCmike we will keep your secret that you posted a picture of your daughter.

Sorry to hear so many people have had problems with the GF beds. I can't say I have ever had a bad experience with the beds, but I guess it's preference. I am usually so tired from all the walking I do at WDW I sleep wonderfully!

 

[psac]

Grand Floridians,

Greetings and Salutations,

Question on RPC: do any of the king deluxe rooms in the main building have an MK view? Thanks so very much.

There are two room types in that category. One (generally called the jacuzzi rooms) have a hot tub (duh), are just slightly larger than a normal GF room, and have a balcony with a MK view. The other room type (called the turret rooms) are octagonal, HUGE rooms with a walk-in closet, NO balcony, and some have a MK view while others do not (those are in the front of the building).

Like any other room request, they are not guaranteed, but we requested a turret room and got one (and loved it.)

 

[pas130]

pas130 - Try not to worry, it's unusual to get walked. I've never been walked from the GF, and only had it happen once - at WL - and we were allowed to return after the first two nights. I'd say the likelihood of it happening to you again is small.

bowbat - Hear, hear! DD and I were at AKL May 2010, and she wanted to get in the pool at 10:00 p.m. I grumbled it was too cold out (I think it was in the 70s) but she insisted. After only 15 minutes in the water, we were ready to head to the room!

We've always felt the courtyard pool at the GF to be warmer than the beach pool, for what it's worth.

I can vividly remember DH and my oldest DS who was 8 maybe in the All Stars pool at 11pm. They were blue by the time they came back to the room. They swam cause they can Yep I stayed in the room with the baby! I have already been in touch with the IPO (again) confirming the suite details and expressing my concern about being walked again... They said the same thing..I am SOOOOOO excited

pas130, so excited for you! You and your family must be on !!! I would imagine now that you have a suite at the RPC at a discount there will be no more resort changing for you (at least as far as that trip goes). After your disappointment not getting the RPC room you booked last trip, you deserve it my friend

The IPO has been awesome (as always) in trying to reassure me all will be well I am so very pleased, I can't even say...your Poly trip is soon right???? I hope all is well I can't wait to hit those gold elevators...... And there is NO way I am losing this suite!

 

[red712371]

Does anyone know if they still have the lobster mac and cheese at Gasparillas? My hubby had it last year, but the menu I'm looking at doesn't have it.

Thanks!

 

[HarryPex]

Good Afternoon!

Have they started building the DVC yet at the GF?

Anyone know how much of the view will be blocked by RPC rooms on that side?
or even fromthe pool and beach for that matter....

thanks!

 

[pixarmom]

pas130, how exciting!

k&a&c'smom, thanks for the additional RPC info a few pages back!

KC Mike, love the photo of your daughter - so happy! I'm not a photographer by any means, but I do take lots of pictures and my favorites are the ones that remind me of how much fun our kids are having! P.S. Our February flight home from L.A. was scheduled to leave at 11:30am, but Air Tran cancelled it and scheduled us for an 11:45 pm red eye - an extra day in CA! (But still no DL plans.)

 

[eah7]

Hi Everyone,
I have been reading the thread to get better acquainted with the resort, etc. because I have tentatively booked 2 nights CL SL for our 32nd anniversary. I have enjoyed all of the comments, suggestions, helpful hints, etc.

Now some questions. I have noticed several comments about the beds. Are they all bad? I have significant back problems and mattresses are a major issue for me. Is SL as good as main building CL?

In the past we have stayed at the Contemporary, Beach Club and last year at the Yacht Club. My fantasy anniversary is to stay at the GF but I don't want to find that it has old furnishings and awful beds. You know how you want you fantasy to be all you have made it to be.

Thanks!

 

[Kenztraveling]

PSAC: thanks for the guidance!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

There are two room types in that category. One (generally called the jacuzzi rooms) have a hot tub (duh), are just slightly larger than a normal GF room, and have a balcony with a MK view. The other room type (called the turret rooms) are octagonal, HUGE rooms with a walk-in closet, NO balcony, and some have a MK view while others do not (those are in the front of the building).

Like any other room request, they are not guaranteed, but we requested a turret room and got one (and loved it.)

Kenztraveling - Greetings to you!

pas130 - I'm glad IPO is aware of your previous issue, hopefully it means they will take extra care it will NOT happen again. I'm so excited for you!

red712371 - Welcome! The newest menu I have is from this past March, I think. If I recall, the lobster mac 'n' cheese was still there, but my desk is in disarray after a renovation! I'll keep looking for the most recent menu I have to be sure. ETA: I checked allears menus, and it is listed there, but it is from March 2011.

If anyone reading has been in the last few months, please jump in.

Jungle Cruiser - I'm with you, I have not had any issues with the beds at the GF, they are every bit as comfortable as any other WDW resort, IMO. They aren't as heavenly as the beds at the Swolphin resorts, but few are in my experience.

I'm so sorry to hear so many recent guests are having issues with the beds.

eah7 - Welcome! Glad you've been reading, and congrats on booking your first GF stay. I think you will love the resort.

We haven't noticed any difference in the beds in any room category we've booked - garden view, SL and main bldg. all seem to have the same mattresses and bedding. As I stated earlier, we have not found them to be any better or worse than any other Disney resort. We did a split stay with BC and GF last summer, and none of us noticed a significant difference in the beds upon moving.

HTH!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Good Afternoon!

Have they started building the DVC yet at the GF?

Anyone know how much of the view will be blocked by RPC rooms on that side?
or even fromthe pool and beach for that matter....

thanks!

Good evening, and welcome! Disney has not admitted as of yet that the project is DVC, though we are all sure this is the case. So far, there is only some screening along the path between the GF and Poly, near the Wedding Chapel, and by all accounts, it is causing little to no problems for guests.

Until more of the project is underway, it is very difficult to determine how much of the view will be obscured.

 

[eah7]

my other question is the difference between the Main Bldg and SL CL. What exactly is it that is different and is it really the $300. or so difference?

I've been trying to read between the lines...I know the proximity to the monorail and just the general ambiance. Are the food offerings the same?

Is the hotel in need of a facelift? I have seen reports of dressers falling apart, looking a bit bedraggled, among other things.

tia

 

[pas130]

pas130, how exciting!

My friend was NOT happy with Airtran due to a flight change

I am SOOOOO excited!!!!

Hi Everyone,
I have been reading the thread to get better acquainted with the resort, etc. because I have tentatively booked 2 nights CL SL for our 32nd anniversary. I have enjoyed all of the comments, suggestions, helpful hints, etc.

Now some questions. I have noticed several comments about the beds. Are they all bad? I have significant back problems and mattresses are a major issue for me. Is SL as good as main building CL?

In the past we have stayed at the Contemporary, Beach Club and last year at the Yacht Club. My fantasy anniversary is to stay at the GF but I don't want to find that it has old furnishings and awful beds. You know how you want you fantasy to be all you have made it to be.

Thanks!

My DH has a bad back and he had NO issue at SL. As a matter of fact, he thought SL was the nicest place we have stayed yet (including our recent YC suite). I just think GF is AMAZING

pas130 - I'm glad IPO is aware of your previous issue, hopefully it means they will take extra care it will NOT happen again. I'm so excited for you!

I sure hope so, but I won't stop worrying until I am all checked in

 

[mariamouse]

I just thought I would check in to say that we check in to the GF...

TOMORROW!

I am super excited, but also trying not to worry too much about the current Orlando forecast that shows rain for each and every day of our 5-day trip. Please cross the fingers for us that the forecast will change!

Any final tips as we make our first ever holiday visit to the Grand?!

Thank you all so much for the advice/info you have provided over the past few weeks. I am so appreciative and will certainly report back about our trip once we return!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - I certainly understand, we worry that a bad experience will be repeated, even if there is little chance. You always think if it happened once...

my other question is the difference between the Main Bldg and SL CL. What exactly is it that is different and is it really the $300. or so difference?

I've been trying to read between the lines...I know the proximity to the monorail and just the general ambiance. Are the food offerings the same?

Is the hotel in need of a facelift? I have seen reports of dressers falling apart, looking a bit bedraggled, among other things.

tia

The last major renovation to the GF rooms was in 2007, so they will likely plan another in the next couple years. In the meantime, we have not found any of the rooms to be bedraggled or in need of extensive repairs. Once in a while, we see a nick on the armoire, or desk, or a small stain on the carpet, but nothing we haven't seen at resorts which have been renovated in the past year!

I, too, have seen reports and photos of rooms which were in obvious need of a lot of TLC. Those rooms should be taken out of service until repairs can be made, but I haven't found this to be a rampant problem.

In regards to your question about the differences between the main bldg. club level (RPC) and Sugar Loaf club level (SL), the food service, advance and onsite itinerary planning, etc. are exactly the same. The big difference is location - in the main bldg., you are close to all the shops and most of the restaurants, as well as an elevator ride away from the monorail. This is a huge bonus for many visitors, and is why there is a big jump in price from SL.

HTH!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mariamouse - woohoo! Nearly there!

Try not to worry too much about rain. I checked Orlando on TWC and Weather Underground for the next week, and though there is some chance of rain for 3 out of the next 5 days, it is only a 20-30% chance. In our experience, this is negligible, unlikely to affect you. With such a slight chance, we have often been inside an attraction or restaurant at the moment of rain (if it does rain at all), or it is on the other side of WDW.

Good luck, safe travels and have a magical, Grand vacation.