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

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - I know what you mean, club level is great for a larger group, especially RPC as you have so many options for part of the group to lounge. Tell your son he doesn't need to go to the lobby for the pianist or orchestra, you have perfect seats all around the atrium! We love grabbing a drink and/or snack and hanging out listening to the music.

I agree, 25% is a decent discount - we could not find anything greater than 20% for May. I didn't check AP rates, though, as mine has expired.

sfmarine - having your room number texted to you is a great perk, I agree!

With a lagoon view, I think I'd request Boca Chica. Nice location and you won't be looking towards the construction. The building to stay away from will be Big Pine Key - when you check in, be sure to ask which building they have assigned you. Even if your room is not ready (they won't give out room numbers until the room has been released by mousekeeping), they will tell you the building; if placed in BPK, I would ask to be moved to another building.

May is a great month for WDW, and the GF!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

thank you SO much for posting these links... it puts the construction in good perspective ! (and makes me miss the GF alot!!)

You are welcome! I know what you mean, all the great photos make me long for the Grand.

Speaking of which...KCmike, did you make a decision regarding the band trip?

 

[pas130]

pas130 - I know what you mean, club level is great for a larger group, especially RPC as you have so many options for part of the group to lounge. Tell your son he doesn't need to go to the lobby for the pianist or orchestra, you have perfect seats all around the atrium! We love grabbing a drink and/or snack and hanging out listening to the music.

I agree, 25% is a decent discount - we could not find anything greater than 20% for May. I didn't check AP rates, though, as mine has expired.
May is a great month for WDW, and the GF!

We did the AP discount...if not for so many ch-ch-changes...I'd have 30% But all good, I wouldn't be at the Grand. Now amzingly RPC TPV is available....SO ready to call. For $400 I need to decide if it's worth it...I would've booked it already BUT it hasn't been available on the Passholder site....decisions....I told my son that...but to be able to tell him fr sur AWESOME! Thanks, he will be so happy....sipping his Coke (a luxury item for the kids=only water at home, flavored water for school) listening to the music

Speaking of which...KCmike, did you make a decision regarding the band trip?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Jeanette just HAS to book TPV, right?

In one week we'll be checking in to BWI and then WL. I'm going to try and check on the DVC construction and possibly ask to see an RPC Deluxe room (if they're not too busy).

Any news from Lulu'sMom? I hope everyone is well and planning trips

 

[lulu0506]

Just finalized our trip plans... split stay GV/BC the week of April 16th. Can't wait! I've never stayed at the GF so we are very excited. This thread has been a wealth of information. Thank you!!
We will be staying in Sugarloaf. Are there any suggestions about the type of room to request? Floor room or higher up room?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

pas130 - I know many people love the TPV rooms in RPC, but to be honest, I like being closer to the lounge. Of course, you would be guaranteed not to overlook the construction, so there's that...

WDWKOOK - You are such an enabler.

One week away, so exciting! Do you stay CL at the WL? We enjoyed the cast members there, but I'm not a fan of the enclosed balconies, so we haven't booked it again. Love the Lodge, though.

You will be interested to hear (you, too, pas!) my friends who have recently returned from AKL are swaying me to switch our May trip to WDW/AKL from US/HRH. Sooo tempted!

 

[summersalt]

My Sister and I (plus the kids) have a short 3 nite trip booked in just a few weeks staying at ASMu. We are hoping for a bounceback offer of at least 35% off on deluxe resorts so we can book our fantasy dream GF vacation of a lifetime. NO KIDS!! We have been to Disney many times and have stayed at several deluxe resorts but never at the GF. If given a choice....

Which option would you choose and why?

1. Stay in a standard garden view room with the DxDp. (we love to eat!)

Or

2. Stay Sugarloaf Club level with regular DDP.

Or

3. Stay RPC Club level with no dining plan. (it's absolute heaven and worth every $ and who needs food anyway!)

We need your help deciding... TIA!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Just finalized our trip plans... split stay GV/BC the week of April 16th. Can't wait! I've never stayed at the GF so we are very excited. This thread has been a wealth of information. Thank you!!
We will be staying in Sugarloaf. Are there any suggestions about the type of room to request? Floor room or higher up room?

Welcome! Love Sugar Loaf, I think you will, too.

SL has two room views - marina or pool. Both are lovely, I have a recent photo of a marina view on the 2nd floor if you'd like me to post.

Lower or upper floor is a matter of preference. I prefer the upper floors, as I like an overall view of the resort. Others like the convenience of walking down the hall to the lounge or out, without taking elevators.

HTH!

 

[Sfmarine]

k&a&c'smom- I will be sure to request Boca Chica as my building then. I forget do you submit your requests when you sign up for express check-in or can you just call up reservations and have them add it?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Summersalt - Welcome!

Sorry, I keep posting and finding I've missed another post!

Well, I'll try to give you an idea of what I would do; not sure how much that will help you. If it were me, I'd either book garden view and dining plan (regular or deluxe), OR either club level and no dining plan. Nada. At the GF, there is food out in the club lounge ALL DAY LONG! We are stuffed when we stay CL.

We never use a dining plan, as it doesn't work for the way we eat regardless of room category, but even so...staying club means we eat so much we have a hard time eating in restaurants. We do, however, spend a lot of time at the resort - no park commandos here - so that means we are near the lounge for various offerings.

Now, if I have to choose one of your options: RPC, no dining plan. Love RPC!

HTH!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Missed another one! This place is hoppin' today.

k&a&c'smom- I will be sure to request Boca Chica as my building then. I forget do you submit your requests when you sign up for express check-in or can you just call up reservations and have them add it?

Either way. I like to call DRC and add it to my reservation in advance, then add it again if I do online check in (which I usually do not) and ask yet again at check in if our request was met. Nothing like being proactive!

 

[Sfmarine]

I've been trying to get some info on the whole "club level" food options. I guess they serve a nice b-fast with fruit in the morning and have some snacks for lunch and beer & wine later on in the evening. Does the GF offer any complimentary snacks for just plain 'ol guests such as myself who are not club level status?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

sfmarine - nope. You get a room, and that's it! Club level is nice, convenience wise, and the GF has the best food offerings in my opinion, but it's quite a bit higher than a non-CL room, yet the rooms are exactly the same.

If you can get Sugar Loaf for $100 or less per night more than a garden view, then it might be worth it, especially with several in your party. Otherwise, you can easily put that money towards room service or nice snacks from a nearby grocery and pocket the rest.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Have folks had luck getting requests for specific buildings?

So far we noted our requests at:
High floor
Away from construction

Although now looking at the map, I'm not sure wondering if instead of that second one we should just note a specific building . I'm thinking if I leave it they might put us in Sago Cay and I wouldn't mind being closer to the pool than that.

We are booked Garden View and I like the looks of the location of Boca Chica.

I wanted to also ammend the high floor to say, "high floor, no dormer" but I'm not sure if that along with a building request would be too much. DH says we should just handle it at check-in instead of calling again.

Ah, what to do?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

LittleStinkerbelle - I have had good luck with my requests, but remember there is construction at the moment. I would guess the room assigners have their work cut out for them right now, trying to make guests happy.

I see nothing wrong with your requests - "upper floor, non dormer, whatever building" is similar to requests I've made over the years. I would definitely call now and add whatever you like to the reservation, then mark it again if you do online check in (and given the opportunity), and again at check in.

sfmarine - I forgot to mention the food offerings at the GF, they do consist of more than fruit and cereal at breakfast, etc. There is that, of course, but there is also ham, turkey and cheese, nice for a breakfast croissant. At mid-day, there is a nice asst. of vegetables and cheese with dips and crackers; hot hors d'ouevres in the evening with wine and beer; dessert with cordials at night. There is an extensive review on the first page of this thread, with photos, in post #3 by JoBird.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

LittleStinkerbelle - I have had good luck with my requests, but remember there is construction at the moment. I would guess the room assigners have their work cut out for them right now, trying to make guests happy.

I see nothing wrong with your requests - "upper floor, non dormer, whatever building" is similar to requests I've made over the years. I would definitely call now and add whatever you like to the reservation, then mark it again if you do online check in (and given the opportunity), and again at check in.

Thank you! Now to commit to a building to request (I'm so indecisive!)

 

[bethclayton]

sfmarine - I forgot to mention the food offerings at the GF, they do consist of more than fruit and cereal at breakfast, etc. There is that, of course, but there is also ham, turkey and cheese, nice for a breakfast croissant. At mid-day, there is a nice asst. of vegetables and cheese with dips and crackers; hot hors d'ouevres in the evening with wine and beer; dessert with cordials at night. There is an extensive review on the first page of this thread, with photos, in post #3 by JoBird.

gasp, you forgot to mention the afternoon tea! they have an amazing tea with the best scones i have ever had (i really dislike scones, except theirs). also, the evening assortment is so awesome, with an assortment of both hot and cold. and at breakfast, i think i remember them having oatmeal and toppings, too. check out the earlier part of this thread. CL food is awesome!

 

[Sfmarine]

You guys are really starting to rub this "CL elite status" in aren't you..?

 

[bethclayton]

You guys are really starting to rub this "CL elite status" in aren't you..?

totally... cross over to the dark side... you'll never go back!

 

[Sfmarine]

totally... cross over to the dark side... you'll never go back!

All for the unlimited tea and scones.