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

[Figment1990]

K&a&c's mom- I knew it would be too much tO hope for that they would tell guests ahead of time (they should but I know they never do) but they didn't even tell us at check in. It was just not the "Disney" way I grew up knowing, and even studying for school and corporate training. Would it have been so hard for them to give us all a token free Mickey ice cream treat at gasparillas? Or a couple fast passes? Or anything at all to take the edge off the shock that if you have dinner reservations anywhere on the monorail or epcot, you are going to be inconvenienced or if you have little ones (or older ones) who want a break in the middle of the day?

It just amazed me at the way it has been handled. It's like no one really wanted to talk about it because they were afraid. Do they think no one was going to notice if they all just kept quiet? No, in general they want to avoid conflict with the guest. But in my experience (and I do have some customer service experience) it would have been much better had they been up front and said something like, "unfortunately our monorail system will not be runnin on it's usual schedule due to the construction of our new Disney vacation villa building next to the monorail beam. However, it's only going to be offline for a few hours each day and we have ramped up all other transportation, buses, watercraft and we are doing everything we can to keep your vacation running smoothly. If you have any questions, please stop by to see us at any time. Here is some information about the alternate transportation routes." and then they should have staffed the desk/concierge to handle the guest questions. They wouldn't have even had to go through this with everyone- they could have asked first if the guest had plans to use te monorail in the middle of the day or in the early evening.

I also can't believe they didn't have any warning. Well, I believe it, but they shouldn't be telling guests that. I bet Disney corporate didn't tell the gf desk until the day of or before so they couldn't leak info. I get that. But web a guest is talkin to a cast member, you don't deflect blame. You resolve the problem or try to pacify the guest.

And finally after it becomes public knowledge, you make sure everyone is on the same page so that the front desk, bus drivers, boat captains, and monorail and bus attendants are all experts and can answer questions consistently. our bus back from epcot at the ttc today we had to ask three people if te bus was going to the gf. They didn't even have a sign on the front and they didn't announce where we were going or when we got to the poly.

Oops, one more. You survey the guests during the first week to find out where the problems are so you fix them quickly. The monorail cannot operate with construction within 5 ft of it, so I highly doubt this stoppage will be over in just a few weeks like some hope.

 

[bdklein]

Hello,

We (DH, DW, DD 12, DD9) will be staying in the Sugarload Building in a standard room for 1 week in late August (18-25). Are there different stanard room types? I have read about the turret rooms-are they applicable here? Any recommneded room request to make based upon location, view, etc.? Or one what might be the best considering I have 2 girls and they are starting to get older and want their privacy-as do I.

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

 

[Figment1990]

Bdklein, in sugar loaf the tower rooms (deluxe) are a request but they are our favorite. There is a really nice sitting area and second tv and wrap around windows in the turret area.

I want to clarify that the monorail service interruption is supposed tO end on 3-13-12. According to a grand Floridian employee that I spoke with today.

And as aside note, we had the most delicious and winderful dinner at California grill tonight. Great way to end our trip!

 

[Missus Toad]

Hi all-- I've been lurking here for a little bit, and wanted to jump in with a question. We're normally a Poly family, but this year we're considering a GF stay because my daughter's been wanting to try it forever. We've stayed at the GF (before DD) years ago, so we know that it is a lovely resort. My concern is the DVC construction and how that will impact our stay later this summer, if at all (noise, service disruptions, views). We're looking at the end of August. Does anyone have any idea about a construction timeline? Sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere on the thread, but I just couldn't find it. Thanks!

 

[bdklein]

Bdklein, in sugar loaf the tower rooms (deluxe) are a request but they are our favorite. There is a really nice sitting area and second tv and wrap around windows in the turret area.

Thanks. But we have a standard room, not a deluxe. So are there any recommended standard rooms, perhaps with better views than others?

 

[pas130]

Thanks. But we have a standard room, not a deluxe. So are there any recommended standard rooms, perhaps with better views than others?

It would depend on what you prefer. We made no request and got a second floor pool view. We loved it! I could watch the movies at the pool at night, and while the little ones napped, I could watch DH and older kids in the pool, walking the grounds....I know others that I met who stay at SL a lot always request 1st floor to be on the same floor as the lounge. I don't know if it's noisier or not, but the elevators are super quick. The other view is Marina, I don't think either view can disappoint. JMHO

k&a&c'smom the resorts channels are how you KNOW YOU ARE HOME

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Thanks. But we have a standard room, not a deluxe. So are there any recommended standard rooms, perhaps with better views than others?

We love and stay in SL a couple times a year, in fact will be there again next month. SL has two views, marina and pool, both nice views. The standard rooms will be the same size, two queen beds and a daybed (correct me if I am wrong k&a&c'smom!). The rooms all have nice size balconies, or patios, if you are on the first floor. The nice thing about SL if you have girls who need a bit of space is that irrergardless of which side of the building they go out of there are benches (at the marina) and chaises and chairs at the pool. They can just outside and talk to their friends, text, whatever with some privacy! In the room, it is what it is, one large room, but like I said there is a balcony or plenty of areas just outside the building. As for the views, it is personal preference. Noise doesn't seems to be a factor, however there are some rooms you can see the movie by the pool from on the pool side. I love the marina view, but am happy with either!

Good luck with your choice, staying in SL there are really no rooms with bad views.

 

[baler31]

Thanks. But we have a standard room, not a deluxe. So are there any recommended standard rooms, perhaps with better views than others?

It would depend on what you prefer. We made no request and got a second floor pool view. We loved it! I could watch the movies at the pool at night, and while the little ones napped, I could watch DH and older kids in the pool, walking the grounds....I know others that I met who stay at SL a lot always request 1st floor to be on the same floor as the lounge. I don't know if it's noisier or not, but the elevators are super quick. The other view is Marina, I don't think either view can disappoint. JMHO

k&a&c'smom the resorts channels are how you KNOW YOU ARE HOME

I have not stayed in SL but I thought I had read that the deluxe tower rooms (only in SL) were by request and not a bookable category. I may be wrong (I often am but I wanted the OP to be able to request one if that was her choice of room.

I know we love the deluxe rooms in the main building and try to book them whenever they are available as we value the extra space above most things.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks. THis is so surprising to me that WDW wouldn't have any Disney transportation options for all those people who enjoy having dinner at the monorail resorts but need to get back to any WDW resort. I love using Disney transportation as part of being immersed in the fun.

Yes, it is a big inconvenience for late diners. I have not been in the World since the cessation of the monorail for EMH, it's possible they have made other arrangements. Maybe Figment1990, KerryCM or pmaurer74 can clarify the current transportation options after the monorail stops?

We are planning our first Christmas vacation to WDW We have stayed at a few of the other deluxe resorts, but never the GF and thought this might be a great year to try it out.

Sorry I missed this yesterday. Welcome! Christmas at the GF, very exciting, one of our favorite times in the World.

Hi all-- I've been lurking here for a little bit, and wanted to jump in with a question. We're normally a Poly family, but this year we're considering a GF stay because my daughter's been wanting to try it forever. We've stayed at the GF (before DD) years ago, so we know that it is a lovely resort. My concern is the DVC construction and how that will impact our stay later this summer, if at all (noise, service disruptions, views). We're looking at the end of August. Does anyone have any idea about a construction timeline? Sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere on the thread, but I just couldn't find it. Thanks!

Welcome! Glad you've joined us.

Disney has not, to my knowledge, released any sort of construction timeline for the GF villas. We're lucky they are even acknowledging they are building them, when BLT was being constructed the official word was, "construction? what construction?"

My best guess is the building will be in full force over the summer months, so August may have even more impact than now. On the other hand, perhaps the monorail shut downs will have ended by then, which would be a plus.

Not sure how to advise, except to say keep reading here and elsewhere on the DIS. Posters are reporting weekly on new construction issues.

Hello,

We (DH, DW, DD 12, DD9) will be staying in the Sugarload Building in a standard room for 1 week in late August (18-25). Are there different stanard room types? I have read about the turret rooms-are they applicable here? Any recommneded room request to make based upon location, view, etc.? Or one what might be the best considering I have 2 girls and they are starting to get older and want their privacy-as do I.

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

Welcome! See below.

Bdklein, in sugar loaf the tower rooms (deluxe) are a request but they are our favorite. There is a really nice sitting area and second tv and wrap around windows in the turret area.

Thanks. But we have a standard room, not a deluxe. So are there any recommended standard rooms, perhaps with better views than others?

As Figment posted, the deluxe (tower, turret, all the same) rooms in SL are a request - not a bookable category. Which means you book a standard room, and are able to request a deluxe (tower, turret) room. You may not get your request, but it is possible.

We love and stay in SL a couple times a year, in fact will be there again next month. SL has two views, marina and pool, both nice views. The standard rooms will be the same size, two queen beds and a daybed (correct me if I am wrong k&a&c'smom!). The rooms all have nice size balconies, or patios, if you are on the first floor. The nice thing about SL if you have girls who need a bit of space is that irrergardless of which side of the building they go out of there are benches (at the marina) and chaises and chairs at the pool. They can just outside and talk to their friends, text, whatever with some privacy! In the room, it is what it is, one large room, but like I said there is a balcony or plenty of areas just outside the building. As for the views, it is personal preference. Noise doesn't seems to be a factor, however there are some rooms you can see the movie by the pool from on the pool side. I love the marina view, but am happy with either!

Good luck with your choice, staying in SL there are really no rooms with bad views.

No corrections necessary, very well put!

I have not stayed in SL but I thought I had read that the deluxe tower rooms (only in SL) were by request and not a bookable category. I may be wrong (I often am but I wanted the OP to be able to request one if that was her choice of room.

I know we love the deluxe rooms in the main building and try to book them whenever they are available as we value the extra space above most things.

You are not wrong (lol about "I often am" - I can relate )!

We love the deluxe rooms in the main bldg. as well (king and queen).

 

[k&a&c'smom]

K&a&c's mom- I knew it would be too much tO hope for that they would tell guests ahead of time (they should but I know they never do) but they didn't even tell us at check in. It was just not the "Disney" way I grew up knowing, and even studying for school and corporate training. Would it have been so hard for them to give us all a token free Mickey ice cream treat at gasparillas? Or a couple fast passes? Or anything at all to take the edge off the shock that if you have dinner reservations anywhere on the monorail or epcot, you are going to be inconvenienced or if you have little ones (or older ones) who want a break in the middle of the day?

It just amazed me at the way it has been handled. It's like no one really wanted to talk about it because they were afraid. Do they think no one was going to notice if they all just kept quiet? No, in general they want to avoid conflict with the guest. But in my experience (and I do have some customer service experience) it would have been much better had they been up front and said something like, "unfortunately our monorail system will not be runnin on it's usual schedule due to the construction of our new Disney vacation villa building next to the monorail beam. However, it's only going to be offline for a few hours each day and we have ramped up all other transportation, buses, watercraft and we are doing everything we can to keep your vacation running smoothly. If you have any questions, please stop by to see us at any time. Here is some information about the alternate transportation routes." and then they should have staffed the desk/concierge to handle the guest questions. They wouldn't have even had to go through this with everyone- they could have asked first if the guest had plans to use te monorail in the middle of the day or in the early evening.

I also can't believe they didn't have any warning. Well, I believe it, but they shouldn't be telling guests that. I bet Disney corporate didn't tell the gf desk until the day of or before so they couldn't leak info. I get that. But web a guest is talkin to a cast member, you don't deflect blame. You resolve the problem or try to pacify the guest.

And finally after it becomes public knowledge, you make sure everyone is on the same page so that the front desk, bus drivers, boat captains, and monorail and bus attendants are all experts and can answer questions consistently. our bus back from epcot at the ttc today we had to ask three people if te bus was going to the gf. They didn't even have a sign on the front and they didn't announce where we were going or when we got to the poly.

Oops, one more. You survey the guests during the first week to find out where the problems are so you fix them quickly. The monorail cannot operate with construction within 5 ft of it, so I highly doubt this stoppage will be over in just a few weeks like some hope.

I want to clarify that the monorail service interruption is supposed tO end on 3-13-12. According to a grand Floridian employee that I spoke with today.

And as aside note, we had the most delicious and winderful dinner at California grill tonight. Great way to end our trip!

I am so with you on this, I had to quote your whole post! I, too, have worked in customer service, and I am always surprised when Disney drops the ball in this regard. Your observations are spot on.

Thanks for the update on the projected end of the monorail shut down. I hope it happens.

Glad you had a lovely dinner at CA Grill - DD was so sad to hear they will be closed for the better part of next year, as we do not have any current plans for a WDW trip. I don't think I can justify one solely on the basis of wanting a last dinner at CG.

 

[bdklein]

Thanks all for your advice. I guess if we can't go wrong no matter where we stay in the Sugarloaf building!!!

 

[Missus Toad]

Thanks for your response, k&a&c'smom! I appreciate your thoughts on the subject. I'd really like to grant DD's wish this time, but it may have to wait. I'll keep watching this thread.

 

[Ikesmom]

I wrote a few weeks ago that my 85 year old Mom and I were going to WDW for the first time the week of February 26th. I must admit after reading all the posts about Disney World, I thought that some people were a little over the top with love for all things Disney. Now I get it! I also understand the love affair with the GF. Oh my stars, what an awesome place. My Mom and I had an accessible room on the first floor of Boca Chica. We watched the fireworks and electric boat parade every night from our patio. The treatment from the staff was fabulous and everyone was so helpful, both at the hotel and the parks. As mom said, she didn't feel like she was a nuisance in the wheelchair, she felt like she was special! Who would have thought that going to Disney World with an 85 year old in a wheelchair would have been a fantastically relaxing vacation, but it was! We had an absolutely fabulous meal at Citrocos the first night we were there, and they made such a fuss about her birthday. It was sweet. So, if you are like me and reading this thread because you are either thinking about booking the GF, and wonder if it is worth it, or have booked it are are wondering if you will like it, rest assured it is so worth it. I now need to return with my husband! Thnaks again to all of you who put so much advice on this thread. It was so helpful.

 

[s&k'smom]

I'm so glad you all understand my addiction to resort tv.

 

[nonzerosum]

We're planning on using Garden Grocer for a grocery delivery on the day of our arrival at the GF. Do we have to be checked into the resort before they will drop the groceries with bell services, or is it enough to see that we are scheduled to arrive? Our flight arrives at 6pm and was hoping for an 8pm delivery, but I'm just concerned that if our flight is delayed and we don't check in by our scheduled delivery time that they will not drop the groceries. Any experiences?

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

We're planning on using Garden Grocer for a grocery delivery on the day of our arrival at the GF. Do we have to be checked into the resort before they will drop the groceries with bell services, or is it enough to see that we are scheduled to arrive? Our flight arrives at 6pm and was hoping for an 8pm delivery, but I'm just concerned that if our flight is delayed and we don't check in by our scheduled delivery time that they will not drop the groceries. Any experiences?

You do not need to be checked in for the resort to receive delivery from gardengrocer. You can have it delivered earlier and bell services keeps it for you. Gardengrocer packs all the cold items together and bell services stores in the fridge. All bags are marked with your name on them, not a room number. When you are in your room and ready for your groceries, you call down to bell services and they will bring it to your room. Easy peasy!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

bdklein - I do agree with Jungle Cruiser, you really can't go wrong in SL! We love both marina and pool views. We once got a room with a tree, and thought we had bad luck - but it proved to be perfect for us! It was on the pool side, and we could sit out on the balcony, see nearly everything but the people in the pool and passersby couldn't see us.

Missus Toad - I wish I could be more help, I know the feeling of wanting to book a particular resort but wondering about construction. If I find any info on what others expect to happen over the summer, I'll post it here. There might be some speculation on the DVC boards.

Ikesmom - Welcome back! Thanks for the review, so happy to hear you had a special trip with your mom. Isn't WDW, and the Grand wonderful?! They really do make your trip easy, especially if you have mobility issues, one of the few vacation destinations to do so, in my experience.

s&k'smom -

nonzerosum - I have only looked into Garden Grocer once, but I thought their policy was to deliver on the day of check in - not after check in. ?? We didn't end up placing an order, so I can't give personal experience. I hope someone else has input - maybe you could post the question in the general resorts forum, for more responses?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

nonzerosum - I found this info in the FAQ on the Garden Grocer website:


Are my groceries delivered directly to my hotel room?

If available, we can deliver your groceries directly to your room if you will be in the room during the two (2) hour delivery window. Call us with your room number and our driver will do their best to coordinate delivery directly to your room.

Please Note:
Any deliveries to a Disney Resort will be placed in bell services according to Disney policy. Once you arrive contact bell services and Disney staff will take your groceries to your room.

Please Note:
It is possible your order may be delivered to bell services earlier than your scheduled delivery time. For questions please call us at 866-855-4350.

Do I have to be present in my hotel room for the delivery?

For most hotel & resort guests, you DO NOT have to be in your room at the time of delivery, unless it is a COD order. Your groceries will be waiting for you at the "bell services/luggage room". Just call bell services and they will deliver them to your room when you arrive.

Resorts That Currently Offer Bell Service Drop Off:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney's Polynesian
- Grand Floridian
- Disney's Contemporary Resort (Bay Lake Tower)
- Coronado Springs
- Beach Club
- Disney's Yacht Club
- Disney's Bonnett Creek
- Disney's Boardwalk Resort

HTH!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

You do not need to be checked in for the resort to receive delivery from gardengrocer. You can have it delivered earlier and bell services keeps it for you. Gardengrocer packs all the cold items together and bell services stores in the fridge. All bags are marked with your name on them, not a room number. When you are in your room and ready for your groceries, you call down to bell services and they will bring it to your room. Easy peasy!

I missed your response, as it takes me so long to compose - then I headed to Garden Grocer's website! Thanks very much for your input, good to know, very concise details.:

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I have only looked into Garden Grocer once, but I thought their policy was to deliver on the day of check in - not after check in. ?? We didn't end up placing an order, so I can't give personal experience. I hope someone else has input - maybe you could post the question in the general resorts forum, for more responses?

Gardengrocer does not have access to room ressies and has no way of knowing one's check-in day. They just deliver the groceries to the resort you choose, the day you choose, and the time window you choose. They also make mid-stay deliveries if you run out of something or want fresh groceries(for produce, milk, etc.) during longer stays. They used to give a delivery fee discount for the second delivery--if I remember correctly. LOVE gardengrocer. Wonderful customer service. BTW--you can also order items grocery and non-grocery that are not on their website by adding them into the comments section. We have ordered different yogurt brands, cereals, wine, beer, and even nice sand bucket/shovels thru them this way and they are so accomodating(sp?).

We typically have the groceries delivered before we arrive so that we can have bell services bring it up to our room as soon as we are checked in. I usually have a voicemail on my cell phone from gardengrocer as soon as I turn my phone on after disembarking from the airplane at MCO telling me my groceries were delivered