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

[praline3001]

MomNeedsVacay

We just returned from the Grand, and we had a wonderful, fun dinner at 1900 Park Fare our first night there. We walked around, looked in the shops, and watched Wishes from the dock. We were tempted to go to MK for a bit, but we were so glad we didn't, just relaxed and got our bearings at the resort. I think it really pays to relax the first night and I would recommended eating at the hotel the first night. The character interaction at Park Fare was excellent for us. The stepsisters and Lady Tremaine are a riot, and my DD5 really enjoyed seeing Cinderella and Prince Charming interact with one another.
HTH!

I loved watching Cindy and the prince dance! The look in their eyes spelled love and romance

The step sisters were a riot! My DD kept fussing at them for being mean to Cindy and they teased my DD for liking such an ugly princess
The food was really good too!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Okay, I have a question that has been covered many times but I don't know if anyone has ever found out the exact answer to. We may book a suite for an upcoming trip. I have seen all of the suite categories and even talked to RPC and SL concierge cm's and have the list of room categories directly from the GF but all of those sources all seem to give me different answers. Is there anyone on here that has actually stayed in a 2 bedroom suite that know if each of them has access to the RPC. I believe I remember correctly that there are not any 2 bdr. suites in the main building (if I'm wrong please correct me because our preference is to be in the main building). We will need the suite due to the number of people with us. I can't remember the building but I know one of them has a huge patio enclosed by shrubbery that would be awsome for us all to hang out on. It is the building to the left of Narcooses if your coming from the main building. I want to go ahead and book but I usually know more about room categories than CRO does so I wanted to try and find someone that has had personal experience with this. Thanks for any help you can give.

Minnie...I am drawing a blank on the suite's name out there, but it's in Conch and it has a MK view and a large patio & patio furniture out there. It is the largest - or one of the largest suites. I will try and remember what it's named!!!! Ugh. I THINK that if the suite is not in SL it has RPC access. Think that's what I was told. When I get that suite's name I will PM you.

I thought there were 2 bedroom suites on the 5th floor in the main building. I am almost certain of it. I believe they only sleep 6 though. Not sure what your party size is.

OK I am thinking maybe it's the "Cypress Suite" in Conch, but I am not sure. Still trying to remember what it's called!

Cper's mom.... All you seem to add to this thread are little jabs or snarky comments that seem to be directed toward me. Not sure what you're about but from now on consider it noticed & from this point on ignored.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[minnie my my]

Channing

Thank you for the reply. We will likely have 7 with us. If my sister does not come then it would be 6. Having that large patio would be wonderful with 3 children but you and I think the same way when it comes to that main building. I think we both love it just as much as the other. If I could do the suite in the main building it would so much more convenient to the food and cm's. Most of all, it would be right there by the orchestra and the wonderful atmosphere. Do you know or anyone else have any more details on the 2 bdr. suite in the main building. Where is it located? Maybe some pictures? My sister just took a new job so it is likely that she may not be able to come. If so I would go for that. I know it would be cheaper to do two rooms but I have always wanted to try a suite at Disney - especially at the Grand. Thank you so much for the help.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing

Thank you for the reply. We will likely have 7 with us. If my sister does not come then it would be 6. Having that large patio would be wonderful with 3 children but you and I think the same way when it comes to that main building. I think we both love it just as much as the other. If I could do the suite in the main building it would so much more convenient to the food and cm's. Most of all, it would be right there by the orchestra and the wonderful atmosphere. Do you know or anyone else have any more details on the 2 bdr. suite in the main building. Where is it located? Maybe some pictures? My sister just took a new job so it is likely that she may not be able to come. If so I would go for that. I know it would be cheaper to do two rooms but I have always wanted to try a suite at Disney - especially at the Grand. Thank you so much for the help.

Myra, The 5th floor of the main building is all suites, so the 2 bedroom suites are up there with the exception of teh Walt and Roy suites which are on the 4th and 3rd floors - those Walt and Roy - only sleep 4. There are 2 bedroom outer lodge suites that sleep 8 and I bet that Conch suite is one of those - I just don't think it is the Cypress Suite....that isn't ringing the bell for me. It will come to me or somebody else will know it's name!!!

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[minnie my my]

Channing,

Is it the Cape Coral Suite?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing,

Is it the Cape Coral Suite?

It could be!!! When I think of the name, I think something beachy - so maybe!!!! OK, I just Googled it and I think from where the pics show it to be, that is it. It has that nice large patio & I was told it is one of the largest if not the largest GF suites. NICE!

 

[minnie my my]

Thanks for the help. By the way - I have been so busy with the boys lately I haven't been on near as much as I would like. Are you still going for Spring Break? Isn't it crazy how we get tired of going and then are ready to go back about two weeks later. There is something about the Grand (esp. the RPC) that just keeps calling my name.

Now I have to decide if the space and the big patio are worth the walk to the main building. We use the lounge a lot so we will have to think about that seriously. If anyone has ever stayed in the Cape Coral Suite I would love to hear your opinions.

Myra

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks for the help. By the way - I have been so busy with the boys lately I haven't been on near as much as I would like. Are you still going for Spring Break? Isn't it crazy how we get tired of going and then are ready to go back about two weeks later. There is something about the Grand (esp. the RPC) that just keeps calling my name.

Now I have to decide if the space and the big patio are worth the walk to the main building. We use the lounge a lot so we will have to think about that seriously. If anyone has ever stayed in the Cape Coral Suite I would love to hear your opinions.

Myra

Myra, ya we're going for spring break. It's a girls only trip so it'll be extra fun! I am excited about it. Hopefully things will be better all around than our Thanksgiving trip.

Happy planning. Keep us posted on where you end up!

Lives4Disney

 

[krbq]

Minnie...I am drawing a blank on the suite's name out there, but it's in Conch and it has a MK view and a large patio & patio furniture out there. It is the largest - or one of the largest suites. I will try and remember what it's named!!!!

Is it the Everglades Suite? Never stayed in it, but I have a note that I'd like to try it someday!

 

[DVC Mary]

OMG!

Just got back. Thanks to all who helped me plan & listened to my fears.

We took my Mom for her 80th b-day. While we missed our 1st night at the GF thanks to being snowed in at Midway. They got us in via Tampa & I rented a car.

We just made it in time for our GF tea ressie--a surprise for her.

We were completely surprised w/ our room. We got upgraded from the lowest level Garden View to ............





SUGAR LOAF KEY!


I'll right your more about it later.....I've got to get to sleep.

I never thought I'd fall in love w/ the GF.....but I totally get it now!

 

[stagemomto3]

DVC Mary - How exciting that you got such a great upgrade! I hope it helped to make up for missing a night. Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[HockeyMomR]

DVC Mary - Welcome Home, Contgratulations on the upgrade. I am so happy the trip went well for your mom even with the delay in flight to start the trip.

 

[marcij]

OMG!

Just got back. Thanks to all who helped me plan & listened to my fears.

We took my Mom for her 80th b-day. While we missed our 1st night at the GF thanks to being snowed in at Midway. They got us in via Tampa & I rented a car.

We just made it in time for our GF tea ressie--a surprise for her.

We were completely surprised w/ our room. We got upgraded from the lowest level Garden View to ............


SUGAR LOAF KEY!


I'll right your more about it later.....I've got to get to sleep.

I never thought I'd fall in love w/ the GF.....but I totally get it now!

Glad you had a great trip!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

DVC Mary, great upgrade! I can't wait to hear more.

I question for all, we are calling tonight to book for a couple of days in August (just the 2 of us!). What would be your choice of GV view/marine view building? We are still tossing around concierge, but if it is not available, we want to be prepared with another choice. I am so excited! Thanks!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hi guys!

I'm stuck at an airport motel. All the flights got canceled & we tried to get on all of then including ones to Tampa. There seems to be some discrimination against letting a family of 5 on standby--they'll take 10-20 people who are individuals or couples.....but we couldn't get on. I tried pointing this out to the gate agent but to no avail.

We have an 8:50 am that gets us in at 2pm (yuck). We will try to get on the 8:25 that arrives at noon. We have to go to Tampa & then rent a car.

I'm getting really bummed & starting to feel like I made a mistake in trying to do this short trip. We have trip insurance--but we can't stay longer.

I hope when we get there that we can still make it extra special for Nana--my Mom. I hope this whole ordeal today hasn't worn her out for the start of our trip.

Thanks for reading me whine......

Remember this??????

Aren't you glad you hung in there!!! I am so glad everything turned out soooooo well for you!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

Momneeds -- Wow! At 35 weeks, with 2 little ones, arriving on an August afternoon . . . you'll probably be hot, tired and, if you're flying, hungry and dehydrated as well. You'll be surprised how fast time will fly once you get to the GF. If I were you, I'd plan on a leisurely afternoon getting settled into the resort and familiar with the surroundings. Check out the shops. Check out Gasparilla's and while you're there, purchase the mugs and have something to drink to start re-hydrating (the lemonade is really good). Let DH take the little ones to the theme pool while you nap. Sit and enjoy the lobby. Look over the folder of pamphlets you'll be given at check-in (they will have all the resort information & schedules, park brochures, etc.). As Praline suggested, a nice meal at Park Faire is a great idea -- the Stepmother and Stepsisters are hilarious, as is the Mad Hatter, and the kids will get to see characters without leaving the resort. After dark, the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant can be viewed from the grounds. It may not sound like much, but you'll be surprised how much fun you can have doing "nothing" at the GF. Before you know it, you'll be ready for bed, get a good night's sleep, and refreshed for a full day the next morning.

Trying to do too much the first day is often a downfall for many people. By nighttime they're feeling dizzy or nauseous, especially those who have flown. I can't emphasize enough the power of hydration. Air travel, the Florida sun and heat, the excitement -- it all dehydrates even the healthiest of people. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure the kids do, too! Have fun!

Great ideas!!! WE'll also be there with my in-laws and sister-in-law... so we'll have a lot of "adult help".
I'm also doing something else a bit insane... I feel bad about getting preggers again during the August trip... so I'm making a late April trip with just me and my girls. We'll be staying at the POFQ and only going for three days of parks.... I just feel like if I go while I'm still somewhat comfortable, I'll really be able to enjoy myself. THEN in August when we stay at the GF, I'll relax...get spa treatments, rent a cabana and chill.
For dinner at Park Fare...we def, need ADR's right?

 

[arbonnette]

You definitely need ADRs for Park Fare. To be on the safe side, I would make them as soon as your "window" opens"

I thought everyone would enjoy a few GF-related trip pics!

Here is DD when we first entered the room. A CM had given her those Minnie ears!

DD getting her autograph book ready for PF dinner.

Drizella gave DD a hard time about chewing her food before she stood up for this picture. The character interaction is great here! And the food too. Prime Rib and Caesar salad were delicious!

Surprise in the room after dinner our first night. DD devoured that Mickey!!! Even the fondant sign was yummy!

More room view pics to come ...

 

[Lives4Disney]

I think that Conch suite IS THE EVERGLADES SUITE!!!! Thanks, Krbq. Not sure why the Cape Coral Suite looks like it's the same!!??? I am going to call and find out for sure.

here's a link to pics..... and then there's more on teh next page of this thread, too.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1114611&page=2

Arbonnette, ADORABLE pics!! Your daughter looks so cute in her Minnie dress. So, are you totally hooked on the GF and RPC or what? I see there are green floral toss pillows on teh daybed. I think those are new since we've been there in November. I am glad! I loved to prop myself up on the old Cinderella or teacup pillows to read or watch tv in bed. I missed those huge pillows when we were in the "new" room in Nov.

DVC Mary!! That is great news! I am so glad it turned out magical for you.

Happy day,

Lives4Disney

 

[arbonnette]

Channing, We enjoyed the pillows. I like the new decor in person more than in pictures (I think lots of us feel this way.) I noticed they sell the large teacup pillows in the Sandy Cove store. DD LOVED the twin daybed. She usually shares the bed with me, but thought it was great to have her own size bed at the GF. And yes, I am totally hooked on RPC and we are going back with my older sister in early December or Feb. We will get two connecting rooms next time. My mom and Dad have travelled all over the world (lots of luxury hotels for dad's business trips) and even they were impressed and thrilled with the Grand!

We considered a suite, but no one really wants to sleep on a queen sofa bed, so it seems two standard rooms be better for us.

I really like the idea about the monorail shopping experience. I added that to my list of itinerary planning ideas for next time. Also on my list is to make my suitcase lighter. Southwest let it go on the way to Orlando, but on the way back, I was forced to pay $25 which really bothered me. I needed all that stuff I had in the suitcase. Light wands, costumes, crowns for DD are necessary items. Plus, I packed cold weather stuff (down vests, fleece jackets just in case and it was HOT all week!)

I am going to post some more pics in a bit after I start the laundry ...

 

[heatherlynn444]

ok any sugar loaf experts. is there a certain room etc. i should request for booking?