The *NEW* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread (Nov 2007)

[keenercam]

Does anyone have any pix of sago cay pointe? We may be doing a private party there and I haven't been able to find pix of the beach there or the view to the MK.

 

[werfamily]

It's interesting to read about everyone's room requests. This will be the first time we've been to a theme park related hotel where we actually plan to hang out at the resort a bit. My girls (13, 9 and turning 5 while we're there) love theme parks, and usually want to spend all of their time on the rides and seeing shows. However, we've never done an 8 day theme park vacation before, so I'm thinking they might actually get burnt out, or at least need a break. (Our usual DL vacations are 4 days long with 3 days at the parks.)

So for that reason, and because I need to work on my article, I’m looking forward to spending some time enjoying the GF. I don’t remember if I told you all, but I ended up not making a specific room location request. (Instead we’re ordering some extra services during the visit to evaluate the hotel response to special requests.) I’m interested to see how well a ‘new-to-WDW’ guest coming in with no previous knowledge is treated. (They don't need to know that I've been reading Disboards for months!) This was apparently one of the main reasons I was hired. My editor thinks that frequent travelers tend to get better service, for obvious reasons, but that the real measure of a good resort is how they treat the first-timers.

All of this to say that I’m very anxious to see how the “room roulette” turns out!

 

[Lives4Disney]

It's interesting to read about everyone's room requests. This will be the first time we've been to a theme park related hotel where we actually plan to hang out at the resort a bit. My girls (13, 9 and turning 5 while we're there) love theme parks, and usually want to spend all of their time on the rides and seeing shows. However, we've never done an 8 day theme park vacation before, so I'm thinking they might actually get burnt out, or at least need a break. (Our usual DL vacations are 4 days long with 3 days at the parks.)

So for that reason, and because I need to work on my article, I’m looking forward to spending some time enjoying the GF. I don’t remember if I told you all, but I ended up not making a specific room location request. (Instead we’re ordering some extra services during the visit to evaluate the hotel response to special requests.) I’m interested to see how well a ‘new-to-WDW’ guest coming in with no previous knowledge is treated. (They don't need to know that I've been reading Disboards for months!) This was apparently one of the main reasons I was hired. My editor thinks that frequent travelers tend to get better service, for obvious reasons, but that the real measure of a good resort is how they treat the first-timers.

All of this to say that I’m very anxious to see how the “room roulette” turns out!

Yes, you'd think so, but when we (and we've been booking the GF several times a year for years & have given Disney a lot of money consistently over the past 17 yrs) booked the garden view room they were going to give us a dumpster view. THAT isn't any way to treat your frequent guests. The room assigners don't know who comes often or anything about anybody. They just put ya where there's room. I know at other nonDisney hotels, frequent guests receive some perks. Not at Disney. It is really a lot about luck and timing as to who gets upgraded or good views/locations etc. It's usually for the hotel's benefit in some way.

Lives4Disney

 

[grizelda]

They take your requests but make sure to say that they cant guarantee it, too. I hope we can get our request.

 

[CPer'sMom]

The room assigners don't know who comes often or anything about anybody.

Lives4Disney

Yes, they do ~ If you book through CRO and always use the same phone # all your information is saved and the CMs assigning the rooms do indeed have access to all that info. They may choose not to look at it, but it's there for them.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

When you check in, simply ask them which building you are in. If it doesn't appear that any of your requests were honored, politely request them again. If they can accomodate them, I am sure they will. I always find the front desk staff at the GF to be outstanding!!

For example, last August, we really wanted a dormer room. But to stay in Conch and keep my marina view, that wasn't possible (although they did offer to move me midweek to a dormer room in the same building with the same view- to which I declined).

Werfamily- when we went to AKL we booked standard view and made no requests. DH slipped in that it was my birthday and the next thing I knew, savannah view here we came!

(all this being said, watch, I will get Channing's dumpster view this December!! )

 

[NEWireless]

I thought with a GG you were assigned your own "personal planner" type person???

After making reservations for my GG, CRO gave me a "special" PH# to call for making further arrangements (407-939-7526), but they didn't assign a planner or provide any recommndations for reservations or special GG events.

I've called several times to make ADRs, but I haven't gotten what I would consider special services related to the GG.

If not for this forum and all your great advice, I think I'd really be struggling.

Thanks again!

 

[cobbler]

Hello everyone.

We are looking to stay at the GF in January of 09 for the Marathon. Does anyone know if this resort is fast to book up? I probably won't be able to book until the first week of May when we get back from AKV.

Also I am thinking I will do a Garden View room, but is the Lagoon View worth the extra approx $60/night? And what locations are decent request? Or better yet, any areas to avoid?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Yes, they do ~ If you book through CRO and always use the same phone # all your information is saved and the CMs assigning the rooms do indeed have access to all that info. They may choose not to look at it, but it's there for them.

I have been there done that too many times to believe the room assigners bother to look at a guest's history. I am not even sure that the ROOM ASSIGNERS have access to that information because it doesn't seem like they do in about 50+ stays...unless we stay concierge our simplest requests have not been met. I think they hardly ever even look at requests let alone look at a guest's history . You're talking about CRO here, too, which is different than the hotel's individual room assigners... and CRO are not the most reliable source or provider of info....most often CRO even has all MY info wrong. Including my DD's name that they (despite me correcting them EVERY single time I've called for YEARS) they had DD's name as a Spanish boy's name. duh.

Concierge room assigners are a different story. THEY look.

Cobbler, it's so hard to say really. That used to be a really slow season, not sure if it is anymore. People are booking and cancelling all the time, though. We have been lucky with so many last minute ressies I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. I don't think a lagoon view is worth it.....I just don't like the brown water so much. The garden courtyard pool view is prettier IMO. Lagoon view won't guarantee a castle view or anything....you might see the CR or the Poly. There is a great map at the front of this thread so you can see what's where. The marina views in Sago and Conch are also considered garden views.

Lives4Disney

 

[werfamily]

I have been there done that too many times to believe the room assigners look at a guest's history. I don't believe it. I am not even sure that the ROOM ASSIGNERS have access to that information. THey hardly ever even look at requests let alone look at a guest's history .

I did find it interesting that the first thing they asked when I made these reservations is if I had ever been to WDW before. I thought it was just a random survey, and didn’t realize that information was kept on file.

What I was trying to say, though, was that most first-timers don’t have room requests. I would imagine having a specific room request on your reservation would be a good hint that you’d been there before.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Welcome to all our new friends that have just come the thread... there is a wealth of information here.... certainly I have learned a lot!

DVC Mary... Hope everything went well and you are now enjoying Disney!

Bama... Have a great time!!!

WerFamily... Can't believe your down to 10 days COOL! I have to say, our first experience to Disney and GF was 9/07... Check-in for us was smooth and I asked where our room was and they showed me the map and I kinda made a face... I wasn't sure (for some reason in my mind I thought it would be best to be in Sago)... they then offered us a room in Sago with a Marina view, although it had not been refurbished yet... We went with that... until we got to the room and I discovered our view was blocked by 2 trees... (the room itself was gorgeous... I liked it better then the rehab rooms) I called and they were wonderful and moved us back to a room in Conch which still had a marina view and was very nice. (we had only reserved GV... but I think these were the marina views that are considered GV). So not a repeat guest... CM's that were trying please us.

I guess my point is, if you ask at check in were you are and it doesn't seem to be what you have your heart set on... politely ask again...what do you have to risk... they say sorry, we can do that.

Also, I agree, although the information may or may not be available to the assigners I don't think they look back in detail on a guests history. How could they have the time? Yes, some maybe flagged for different reasons but to do that for every repeat guest... doesn't seem possible or realistic based on what I have seen/know.

Ok, so for the inquiring minds... Hmmm.. Let's just say when we were waiting to check in a family came up behind us who had the most beautiful Princess Jasmine. We had a sentence or two of brief "Is this the line" kinda of chat. While waiting I then realized who it was... and although I wanted to say something... I didn't... I thought it might be rude... not appropriate... not sure what the right term is but at the same time I really wanted to say Hi... I am Never and are you and I know you from... So there's my little story. What would you have done or how would you feel if? I did find the odds of that happening rather remarkable though...

Thanks for the kind words on the pix... am uploading more tonight, not sure that I have any other GF ones, but will see.

Best,

PS... Wer Family... Just saw your post above... For what it is worth I did have some specific requests on room location etc. for our first visit. Maybe I am in the minority but I think if you follow these boards or similiar a lot of 1st timers do put in requests.

 

[princessesrule4]

Hello everyone.

We are looking to stay at the GF in January of 09 for the Marathon. Does anyone know if this resort is fast to book up? I probably won't be able to book until the first week of May when we get back from AKV.

Also I am thinking I will do a Garden View room, but is the Lagoon View worth the extra approx $60/night? And what locations are decent request? Or better yet, any areas to avoid?

I agree with Lives4Disney, I don't think a lagoon view is worth the extra cash. It used to be before they came up with the Theme Park View category. ( when you could get a castle or MK view for your Lagoon View!)

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Cobbler- I think you will be fine waiting until May to book your room for next January. Since 2009 packages aren't even available until August most people will wait until then to book anything.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Welcome to all our new friends that have just come the thread... there is a wealth of information here.... certainly I have learned a lot!

DVC Mary... Hope everything went well and you are now enjoying Disney!

Bama... Have a great time!!!

WerFamily... Can't believe your down to 10 days COOL! I have to say, our first experience to Disney and GF was 9/07... Check-in for us was smooth and I asked where our room was and they showed me the map and I kinda made a face... I wasn't sure (for some reason in my mind I thought it would be best to be in Sago)... they then offered us a room in Sago with a Marina view, although it had not been refurbished yet... We went with that... until we got to the room and I discovered our view was blocked by 2 trees... (the room itself was gorgeous... I liked it better then the rehab rooms) I called and they were wonderful and moved us back to a room in Conch which still had a marina view and was very nice. (we had only reserved GV... but I think these were the marina views that are considered GV). So not a repeat guest... CM's that were trying please us.

I guess my point is, if you ask at check in were you are and it doesn't seem to be what you have your heart set on... politely ask again...what do you have to risk... they say sorry, we can do that.

Also, I agree, although the information may or may not be available to the assigners I don't think they look back in detail on a guests history. How could they have the time? Yes, some maybe flagged for different reasons but to do that for every repeat guest... doesn't seem possible or realistic based on what I have seen/know.

Ok, so for the inquiring minds... Hmmm.. Let's just say when we were waiting to check in a family came up behind us who had the most beautiful Princess Jasmine. We had a sentence or two of brief "Is this the line" kinda of chat. While waiting I then realized who it was... and although I wanted to say something... I didn't... I thought it might be rude... not appropriate... not sure what the right term is but at the same time I really wanted to say Hi... I am Never and are you and I know you from... So there's my little story. What would you have done or how would you feel if? I did find the odds of that happening rather remarkable though...

Thanks for the kind words on the pix... am uploading more tonight, not sure that I have any other GF ones, but will see.

Best,

PS... Wer Family... Just saw your post above... For what it is worth I did have some specific requests on room location etc. for our first visit. Maybe I am in the minority but I think if you follow these boards or similiar a lot of 1st timers do put in requests.

That's exactly what I do every time because they really don't seem to pay any attention whatsoever to a request made with CRO. My last nonconcierge stay was at the YC...booked a standard view room. ONLY request was "gazebo view"....check in, room ready, they show me on a map and tell me it's a view of the Admiral pool. hahahaha....that is total opposite side of the building than I requested. I told him what I preferred and wound up with a gorgeous boardwalk/gazebo/Epcot view.

It pays to ask. I think check in is the best and easiest time to get the room you want.

Never - I know who you saw!! You should have said HI!!! She'll be mad you didn't. How cool is that?!?! I am looking forward to any more pics you can post. So, did you meet the nice concierge CMs?

Werfamily - I have no idea why they ask what they ask. They inevitably get it wrong anyway.

NewWireless - Email IPO. They will definitely help you. That's too bad about the GG "help"....I thought that was supposed to be one of the perks of booking that way. Good luck & happy planning.

Lives4Disney

 

[tinklvr64]

Concierge room assigners are a different story. THEY look.

Lives4Disney

Hi Lives4Disney! Hope you are finally dug out from all of the snow!!! WE did not have much down here in the western 'burbs..My mom works in Glenview and hasn't been to work in 3 days!!
Anywho, since we are going to stay SL over Thanksgiving and would like to request a pool view who do we request it from?? (We booked our room from our TA ) Also since I have usually made all of our reservations what could the concierge staff do for us and who do we contact and how far out??
Sorry lots of ?????

Still sick of winter, fellow IL friends!

 

[CPer'sMom]

I have been there done that too many times to believe the room assigners bother to look at a guest's history. I think they hardly ever even look at requests let alone look at a guest's history .

Lives4Disney

I didn't say they looked, I said they do have the ability to do so

 

[Lives4Disney]

I didn't say they looked, I said they do have the ability to do so

....I am so sorry.. ....I guess I misinterpreted your point. I thought your whole original point was to correct me....(but I lost track a while ago with all this chit chat, lol, so honestly I don't care too much anymore ).. .. . It has just been my experience as a Disney FREQUENT TRAVELER many many times over that they do not place a whole lot of value on making repeat guests requests happen or "taking care" of repeaters. THAT happens on the CM level. I don't think the room assigners take the time. I was just adding to what Werfamily stated re frequent travelers..... And the possiblity that a frequent guest would have a different experience than a first timer. OK? Hope we're square now...because with all the other things I am thinking about this is just kind of stupid.

Lives4Disney

 

[BamaTigger]

Hey Channing!!

yea, my DH broke down and made ressies for a quick trip for my birthday...it isnt til the 15th, but nothing was available at all next weekend, so he got a room at the BWI but, luckily switched to GF! So, we are leaving at 1pm Bama time tomorrow (Friday) and will be home Sunday! We are doing the PP&P Party saturday nite, and we got a 1 day PH, so we will have a super busy Saturday!

After it being so busy and crowded for Christmas, I am hoping it will be slack and I can enjoy the lobby a bit more!

We have a GV room, so I am anxious to see the view! You know how I am about my views! LOL

thanks to you and CINDER for the birthday wishes!
If I dont post before I leave tomorrow, I will be back Monday for a full report and pics for ALICE....

Ya'll have a great weekend!!!!

 

[BamaTigger]

Welcome to all our new friends that have just come the thread... there is a wealth of information here.... certainly I have learned a lot!

DVC Mary... Hope everything went well and you are now enjoying Disney!

Bama... Have a great time!!!

WerFamily... Can't believe your down to 10 days COOL! I have to say, our first experience to Disney and GF was 9/07... Check-in for us was smooth and I asked where our room was and they showed me the map and I kinda made a face... I wasn't sure (for some reason in my mind I thought it would be best to be in Sago)... they then offered us a room in Sago with a Marina view, although it had not been refurbished yet... We went with that... until we got to the room and I discovered our view was blocked by 2 trees... (the room itself was gorgeous... I liked it better then the rehab rooms) I called and they were wonderful and moved us back to a room in Conch which still had a marina view and was very nice. (we had only reserved GV... but I think these were the marina views that are considered GV). So not a repeat guest... CM's that were trying please us.

I guess my point is, if you ask at check in were you are and it doesn't seem to be what you have your heart set on... politely ask again...what do you have to risk... they say sorry, we can do that.

Also, I agree, although the information may or may not be available to the assigners I don't think they look back in detail on a guests history. How could they have the time? Yes, some maybe flagged for different reasons but to do that for every repeat guest... doesn't seem possible or realistic based on what I have seen/know.

Ok, so for the inquiring minds... Hmmm.. Let's just say when we were waiting to check in a family came up behind us who had the most beautiful Princess Jasmine. We had a sentence or two of brief "Is this the line" kinda of chat. While waiting I then realized who it was... and although I wanted to say something... I didn't... I thought it might be rude... not appropriate... not sure what the right term is but at the same time I really wanted to say Hi... I am Never and are you and I know you from... So there's my little story. What would you have done or how would you feel if? I did find the odds of that happening rather remarkable though...

Thanks for the kind words on the pix... am uploading more tonight, not sure that I have any other GF ones, but will see.

Best,

PS... Wer Family... Just saw your post above... For what it is worth I did have some specific requests on room location etc. for our first visit. Maybe I am in the minority but I think if you follow these boards or similiar a lot of 1st timers do put in requests.

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi Lives4Disney! Hope you are finally dug out from all of the snow!!! WE did not have much down here in the western 'burbs..My mom works in Glenview and hasn't been to work in 3 days!!
Anywho, since we are going to stay SL over Thanksgiving and would like to request a pool view who do we request it from?? (We booked our room from our TA ) Also since I have usually made all of our reservations what could the concierge staff do for us and who do we contact and how far out??
Sorry lots of ?????

Still sick of winter, fellow IL friends!

Definitely request the view you want thru IPO. Concierge has a different team of room assigners. I know they try their best to honor guests requests. Concierge can help you book anything you need or want basically. They have also done some Disney park shopping for us and had gifts from the Disney parks or princess dresses etc in the room as a suprise for my kids when we checked in. They can (well they used to - not sure anymore) help you with any special private dining goodies or events you might want to plan......just mostly that type of stuff. I use them for the tough stuff like Cinderella Castle dining, Segway, etc. Anything special you might want to request. They're the ones. Contact them any time.

We had 1 1/2 ft of snow. VERY pretty winter wonderland out here in the woods, but the roads are still pretty bad and this morning was tough.

Bama you have a great time! Enjoy the party. I can't wait to see more pics!!!! Enjoy your fun prebirthday trip!!

Channing