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

[Lives4Disney]

Are people from Pop (or other resorts for that matter) allowed to use the GF pool??? That really shouldn't be allowed- shouldn't they go swim at their own pool? I'm not trying to be mean, but we'll be paying a lot for our August suite and I would hate for the pool to be overcrowded everyday with outside guests.

no!! They really aren't allowed to do that. The good thing is that the GF pool is NEVER crowded. This was even in July and it wasn't crowded. My girls were just in line on the slide with this girl and they just kept going around w/her and getting back in line and wound up chitchatting. I think that family was a chronic pool hopping family, lol, because that was their GF pool day and the day before was the Poly pool day.

Praline, your story is just crazy. People have such nerve it's unreal. I just can't even put myself in her place and figure WHAT was she thinking??? What was the manager going to do if she was a GF guest anyway? If your DH was in the "smoking" area what's the deal?? I really think the guests visiting WDW have gone down hill.....

Samples - you will LOVE the GF!!! To answer your question about concierge and discounts - YES they have AAA rates and once in a blue moon they come out with some annual pass rates, too. Not a big discount but it's maybe 10 or 15% off.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[WishesQueen]

We are going back in June and Savannah wants to try the Poly for her Birthday trip. I tried to con her into staying at the GF again but she has never stayed at the poly and thinks it will be FUN
I love the Poly... but I REALLY REALLY love the GF

That sounds like alot of fun!! Do you go just the two of you or do you go with other women and or girls???

 

[grannyminnie]

Arbonette, your daughter is so cute! The photos on here almost make me want to get a digital camera...
I'm enjoying reading everybody's trip reports. Congrats on your upgrade, dvc Mary! (why didn't I get one? )
My next trip is to the WL, but I'm still reading this thread to remember our stay at the Grand at Thanksgiving.
Channing, I forgot, is your GF stay concierge?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Arbonette, your daughter is so cute! The photos on here almost make me want to get a digital camera...
I'm enjoying reading everybody's trip reports. Congrats on your upgrade, dvc Mary! (why didn't I get one? )
My next trip is to the WL, but I'm still reading this thread to remember our stay at the Grand at Thanksgiving.
Channing, I forgot, is your GF stay concierge?

YES!!!! I couldn't do without it. Too many great memories not to stay there. I'd miss it. We're doing a Swan/GF split. I asked my girls their opinion, lol...I think just to back up what I really wanted ....and they definitely wanted to be at teh GF. So we're there.

When do you go back to WL?? Is there one main thing that you love about that resort?? Just curious. Never stayed there.

OH!! YOu would love a digital camera! I used to such a noncamera person becuase it was a hassle etc.....love my camera now. (and I am a nontechie big time ) It's convenient and easy & so nice you can just delete crummy pics - take as many as you want!

Channing

 

[heatherlynn444]

neversaynever-I am excited about those short lines! i am from louissina so i can take the heat!


the lodge rooms at sugar loaf, do they have a balcony?

 

[grannyminnie]

YES!!!! I couldn't do without it. Too many great memories not to stay there. I'd miss it. We're doing a Swan/GF split. I asked my girls their opinion, lol...I think just to back up what I really wanted ....and they definitely wanted to be at teh GF. So we're there.

When do you go back to WL?? Is there one main thing that you love about that resort?? Just curious. Never stayed there.

OH!! YOu would love a digital camera! I used to such a noncamera person becuase it was a hassle etc.....love my camera now. (and I am a nontechie big time ) It's convenient and easy & so nice you can just delete crummy pics - take as many as you want!

Channing

Ya know, it seems to be a "lobby thing" for me...
When we stayed at the GF at Thanksgiving, we so enjoyed the lobby in the evening. That was a treat, to hear the orchestra and pianist, and to have the beautiful decorations to view. When we were down there, the crowds were not so bad that I felt like I couldn't stand it.
You were there around that time so I'm sure you noticed the crowds. (still wish we had run into each other...I think it'd be so neat to meet some of my GF "friends".)
The lobby at the WL is so welcoming, even tho it is massive and you wouldn't think it would be all warm and cozy. Of course, everybody might not have that feeling about it.
I'm so glad you'll get to stay at your beloved GF, and in concierge too! Your stay probably would have been less than perfect without it. You know what my Disney dream is (other than a stay in the castle suite?)...it's to stay in the Walt Disney suite. I know you were upgraded...I'd cry like a baby..
Re: digital cameras. I may one day come to the decision to get one. Seems like such a neat idea to be able to delete the pix ya don't want. My reason for holding out has always been that I want a real picture in my hand, not just an online one; but since you can order them, why not take the plunge, huh?? (any ideas as to a good first-time camera?)

 

[princessesrule4]

When in June are you planning on going?
We will be at the poly june 14-21... that way if I hate the poly I can stalk you and sneak into your room for your shampoo and soaps

We are going for 7 days but I have a 2 week period booked, June 7 - 22, for now! I'm waiting for the dates of my kids b-ball and soccer camps to come out so I can plan our WDW dates around them! Sometimes I feel like sports rule our lives, but it is fun!

Momneedsvacay,

We've had people who were non guests crash the pool at GF and Poly! People are bold! DD was playing with a little girl at the Poly pool and I noticed her dad was in street clothes and would come over and talk to het every now and again. DD asked her how long she was staying at the Poly and mabye they could meet at the pool again tommorow. The little girl said "We're not staying here, we're staying at the __________ !" ( I can't remember the hotel - Hilton or Hyatt I think - something off property!) The dad must have realized what she said because they got out of there quick! But not before the girl told DD that mabye she'd see her at the MK that day! I guess they just popped over for an afternoon swim!!

 

[phyllis1966]

Hey, fellow GF lovers!

Well, my DH thought we'd skip a year and vacation somewhere else, but he had to give in...both my Mom and MIL got 40% discount offers - my Mom's was an email sent to DH's email address (don't know how that happened since I personally book all trips using my email address), and MIL got a 40% mailing - everyone except me, of course! But then, I go every year, sometimes twice, so they don't need to convince me to come back, I guess!

The person whose name is on the offer has to book, and can book up to 2 rooms, so between Mom and MIL we have 3 rooms at our favorite place...we were just at the GF in November, but I miss it so much already...

Quick question...when you guys order those special chocolate-covered strawberries and other beautiful goodies to be sent to your rooms, are you calling Private Dining (room svc)? I'm tired of the same old offerings from WDW Florist and want to order something different for DD this time.

I've really been enjoying all the trip photos being posted...

 

[Alicnwondrln]

phyllis
call private dining for the strawberries

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ya know, it seems to be a "lobby thing" for me...
When we stayed at the GF at Thanksgiving, we so enjoyed the lobby in the evening. That was a treat, to hear the orchestra and pianist, and to have the beautiful decorations to view. When we were down there, the crowds were not so bad that I felt like I couldn't stand it.
You were there around that time so I'm sure you noticed the crowds. (still wish we had run into each other...I think it'd be so neat to meet some of my GF "friends".)
The lobby at the WL is so welcoming, even tho it is massive and you wouldn't think it would be all warm and cozy. Of course, everybody might not have that feeling about it.
I'm so glad you'll get to stay at your beloved GF, and in concierge too! Your stay probably would have been less than perfect without it. You know what my Disney dream is (other than a stay in the castle suite?)...it's to stay in the Walt Disney suite. I know you were upgraded...I'd cry like a baby..
Re: digital cameras. I may one day come to the decision to get one. Seems like such a neat idea to be able to delete the pix ya don't want. My reason for holding out has always been that I want a real picture in my hand, not just an online one; but since you can order them, why not take the plunge, huh?? (any ideas as to a good first-time camera?)

The Walt Suite is amazing. Of course I cried. It was so unexpected and I couldn't believe it. We all cried.....well not DH. DS wasn't there, so he missed out.

I am so not good w/cameras.....I had a super great easy little TINY Fuji one that I LOVED but it got lifted. SO, got a pentax my mom recommended and I don't like it. DH wants some $1700 Canon. Not sure which but I don't because it's larger & I am the one that always takes the pics. I like pocket size & I don't think it's worth it to have such an expensive camera....my most expensive one was about $350 and I am probably going to spend 1/2 that on a new little pocket sized one. I am thinking of getting a new one for our March trip and for what I use it for I sure don't need a $1700 camera. The prices are all over the place so lots of choices. Costco is great because if you buy one there, use it and don't LOVE it, they will take anything back any time. I am going to check there this weekend. HOnstly, I think you would have so much fun w/a digital just because it's so easy and you CAN print them at home and have your pics right away!! Also you could email them to Costco, Target, Walgreens etc from WDW & they'd be waiting for ya when you got home.

I know what you mean about the GF lobby. It gets crazy. When we were tehre, during the middle of the day it was EMPTY. Not even lines or the gingerbread house. Toward dinner time it was NUTS. WL has a cosiness about it. Even though it's vast, it has a warm cosy feel.

Yay! Phyllis you're going back! Yes strawberries and those other treats are ordered thru PD. You don't need to order way in advance, either. I usually call a couple days before we leave for our trip.

 

[grannyminnie]

Channing, that's what I mean about the (WL) lobby...warm and cozy and inviting. And what's so ironic is that it is soooo massive when you see it for the first time. It's just jaw-dropping! I like going down in the early (before 7) morning to have my coffee and enjoy the quiet of it. They're playing that wonderful sound track and it's just so peaceful; nobody around except a few CMs and the occasional guest headed for the Roarin' Forks for their morning cup. Ya know, it's funny, but I didn't take my morning coffee over to the GF lobby and sip while I enjoyed it's quiet....

 

[DeborahB]

I just wanted to report that I'm in the midst of planning our upcoming trip and the GF and Poly IPOs have been terrific! I mean, responses within a few hours. It's great and they've been so helpful.
I recall reading this thread when people were bummed from the long waits or lack of responses altogether. Looks like they've stepped it up!

Now a question- my Husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary during this trip and I would love to have something special waiting in our room for him. Champagne and chocolates maybe? or something sweet. I've always wanted to try the Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee champagne that I believe is exclusive to WDW.
Any suggestions?
Have you done anything special for anniversaries?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I just wanted to report that I'm in the midst of planning our upcoming trip and the GF and Poly IPOs have been terrific! I mean, responses within a few hours. It's great and they've been so helpful.
I recall reading this thread when people were bummed from the long waits or lack of responses altogether. Looks like they've stepped it up!

Now a question- my Husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary during this trip and I would love to have something special waiting in our room for him. Champagne and chocolates maybe? or something sweet. I've always wanted to try the Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee champagne that I believe is exclusive to WDW.
Any suggestions?
Have you done anything special for anniversaries?

I would call Pricate dining and set some thing up with them.
Or you can contact peggy at peggys sweets she will come in and decorate your room and make it all nice.

A fireworks cruise would also be nice.

 

[phyllis1966]

Kelly and Channing, thanks! That sounds easy enough...are they on the PD menu so I know what my choices of goodies are?

 

[Lives4Disney]

I just wanted to report that I'm in the midst of planning our upcoming trip and the GF and Poly IPOs have been terrific! I mean, responses within a few hours. It's great and they've been so helpful.
I recall reading this thread when people were bummed from the long waits or lack of responses altogether. Looks like they've stepped it up!

Now a question- my Husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary during this trip and I would love to have something special waiting in our room for him. Champagne and chocolates maybe? or something sweet. I've always wanted to try the Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee champagne that I believe is exclusive to WDW.
Any suggestions?
Have you done anything special for anniversaries?

We had that champagne for my 40th bday. Yummy....well everybody seems to like the strawberry tuxedos. They'd be good with champagne. They also have the strawberries that come with warm chocolate dipping sauce - WE LOVED THOSE. The GF sells wedding items in Sandy Cove - I believe I've seen GF or WDW champagne flutes there.....maybe something like that, too.

I know the RPC staff have done the rose petal scattering thing all thru the guest's room - made a rose petal heart on the bed..etc. You could order flowers etc from Disney florist. Do the IPO staff know it's your anniversary?? They can work magic.

Happy planning & Happy anniversary. We're going for our 20th in Sept.

Enjoy,

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

yes I believe they are on the menu

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi everyone!!
Welcome back to all that have returned and congrats to all the first timers- you will love it there!! Thanks for all the news pics (I certainily wouldn't have noticed that the lobby marble is temporarily carpet if someone wouldn't have pointed it out)

Praline- That smolking story cracked me up!! Normally, I am not one to jump the defense of a smoker, but since he was smoking in his designated area, I don't see what the issue for those people was. And being at the GF from All Stars at midnight??? I think the manager handled it superbly!!!

Grannyminnie- I am not overly technologically challenged rotfl: OK, who am I trying to kid) but the Canon Sure Shot cameras are REALLY easy to use. (We have an A540 and we just got my IL's an A570 for Christmas) They are$200 or less and have at least 7 megapixels (i.e. REALLY clear pictures). I don't know how we ever lived without digital cameras!!! Remember getting home from vacation thinking you have all these great shots of your kids with the characters and find out that they are all horrible! It has gotten so inexpensive to print digital pics now (Costco is only about $.17 each) that it is cheaper than developing a whole roll PLUS you get to pick and choose the ones you want. Go for it!!

Have a great day!
Kristin

 

[praline3001]

Hi everyone!!


Praline- That smolking story cracked me up!! Normally, I am not one to jump the defense of a smoker, but since he was smoking in his designated area, I don't see what the issue for those people was. And being at the GF from All Stars at midnight??? I think the manager handled it superbly!!!


Have a great day!
Kristin

Yeah I have never been thrilled he is a smoker but when your in love your in love I am sure I have a few bad habits he hates
I have to admit I have trained him very well about his smoking habits. He NEVER smokes in the house, he has his own little spot on the back porch. He has always been polite about smoking in smoking areas only.
He thought the whole thing was rather funny ... it takes a WHOLE lot to upset my very laid back DH. The manager stayed to talk with DH after the lady left. They had a good conversation about "some people"
I didn't stick around to hear the conversation as it was MAN talk
The smoking areas for him were few and far between. As this was the closest place for him to have his evening smoke, he was not about to give it up

I did notice several people smoking on their balconies. This is a huge NO NO but I guess managers looked the other way. DH knew better than to try that stunt with me

 

[WishesQueen]

Channing, that's what I mean about the (WL) lobby...warm and cozy and inviting. And what's so ironic is that it is soooo massive when you see it for the first time. It's just jaw-dropping! I like going down in the early (before 7) morning to have my coffee and enjoy the quiet of it. They're playing that wonderful sound track and it's just so peaceful; nobody around except a few CMs and the occasional guest headed for the Roarin' Forks for their morning cup. Ya know, it's funny, but I didn't take my morning coffee over to the GF lobby and sip while I enjoyed it's quiet....

Before staying at the GF the WL was our absolutely favorite hotel. I love the lobby, I can sit there for hours or the Territory lounge. My kids love the pin trading cart and people remember them from year to year.

But, the boat in the summer is buggy and hot and once we tried the GF we were sold with the monorail. Not to mention the pool. My daughter need to watch how much sun she's in and the GF has cabanas and although the WL pool has shade, it has ducks and my DD is terrified of them.

But I do love that hotel and always feel soooo comfy there!!! We will make sure that we eat dinner there every year to visit.

 

[minnie my my]

krbq, You're right. It is the Everglades Suite. Thanks for your help.

Channing, Thanks for the PM. Those girls only trips are so much fun. I know y'all will have a blast.



I have enjoyed reading everone's reports on your recent stays. I'm so glad everyone has loved it.