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

[Tinkaroo]

Thanks tinkeroo for all the information. It seems that according to AAA they have no discounts for the RPC for my time in December. In December we are arriving on Dec. 6th and leaving on Dec. 18th. It will be our 35th wedding
anniversary so I wanted something special for it hence the longer than usual stay.

You're more than welcome! that discounts come out for you. (You could always try splitting your stay up a bit, to see if you can get the AAA discount on at least a portion of it. Any savings helps!) Looks like our stays will overlap some.

Lindsay, thanks for that updated DDE card info......I had always had to purchase it way out due to the time it would take them to process it and mail it to me. (I think I've had it for 2 or 3 yrs) I always received the plastic credit card type thru the mail. That's great to know, though, that you can purchase it onsite now. They've improved the process it seems.

Channing

You're welcome. I agree - it's great that you can now do it on property. I, however, still like the plastic card, so I'll be calling!

Is this a Grand Floridian thread? Everytime I am on here I never see any talk about the resort or any of it's amentities. It just seems like a lot of women talking about princess dresses, family matters, personal issues etc.

I would think by the name of the thread that there would be some actual talk about the resort. Silly me I guess.

Jay

I'm thinking we shouldn't feed the troll. Unfounded complaints, if one were to read.

 

[Goofy_4_WDW]

Well, I guess it's my time to chime in.
Yes this is one of the Best threads around.
I started reading it a few weeks ago when we decided to change our reservation from the WL to the GF. (love the WL but we always wanted to stay at GF and we decided it would be great to celebrate our anniversary there)
I have to say this is a wonderful informational thread with very nice helpful patient people. Lots of beautiful pictures too.
Yes, you are all very patient and kind to us who seem to ask the same question over and over. We share in the excitement and love for this beautiful resort. I always feel very welcome here.
Thank You

 

[RachelTori]

I want to chime in too! I've been following this thread for weeks. I find it extremely informative and helpful. And I don't even have a GF reservation (yet!), but I'm accumulating information for future use!


(it's a shame there are trolls with too much time on their hands. )

 

[Tinkaroo]

Well, I guess it's my time to chime in.
Yes this is one of the Best threads around.
I started reading it a few weeks ago when we decided to change our reservation from the WL to the GF. (love the WL but we always wanted to stay at GF and we decided it would be great to celebrate our anniversary there)
I have to say this is a wonderful informational thread with very nice helpful patient people. Lots of beautiful pictures too.
Yes, you are all very patient and kind to us who seem to ask the same question over and over. We share in the excitement and love for this beautiful resort. I always feel very welcome here.
Thank You

I think anyone here is always happy to answer questions about the GF! We wouldn't hang out on this thread if we weren't so interested and appreciative of the resort and all it has to offer.

I remember when I started reading this thread's predecessor almost 3 years ago. I knew NOTHING, and everyone at that time patiently answered my questions on garden views, dormer rooms, room decor options, RPC, etc., etc. As you come to know the resort, similar questions are going to come up, and that's okay. I think it's great to see so many begin to give the GF a serious look. I know it sometimes gets the bad rap of "too stuffy, not family-friendly, etc.", which has always puzzled me. It is such a great place!

Keep asking away!!!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Huh?? I & others have spent the last several pages answering GF SPECIFIC questions....
Lives4Disney

You have answered all of my newbie questions, and I thank you greatly! The first pages of this thread have a lot of info and the questions I have asked were graciously answered...and quickly...don't let the grouchy ones ruin a perfectly great thing! Thanks for everything!
Sheli

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

My very grand, Grand Floridian plan...can I share?

Check in Aug 19. We land before noon and will go strait to the hotel (maybe pick up bottled water on the way?) We'll have a carry on with swimsuits in case the room is not ready. Then Rides at MK for a few hours before LTT dinner. Early to bed to make up for the early plane that day.

20th is MK day too...gotta start at the beginning after all. Room service breakfast then Baby princess to get 1st haircut, the day before her 3rd b-day (no, she has never had a haircut!) Swimming in the afternoon and Kona for dinner. Then big kids back to MK and little ones to bed early.

21st - Princess b-day and what did I do? I booked the Epcot Segway tour for myself. The boys are under 16 so they can't go and this is my prize to me, from me...for losing 100 lbs. The hubby and kids will meet up with me after the tour and we'll do at least the front of epcot. Dinner that night is booked for the GF cafe, but we may do tea instead and let the kids snack for dinner. Maybe returning to the park and maybe not.

22nd- Animal kindgom...strait from gates to Everest...do you think it's ok to make the boys get FP's so I can use them? (I have chicken livered teens!) Epcot for dinner after an afternoon swim. AK is too hot to stay all day!

23rd- Hollywood studios and pizza planet for lunch (bleck!) I think I'll ride R-N-R while they eat! Swim break and maybe boat rental then 1900 Park Faire for dinner...a baby princess must go to princess meals! (celebrating her birthday this night.)

24th- Back to Epcot. It always takes up 2 days to get through everything here. Dinner in Japan. We;ll stay for iluminations this night.

25th Youngest DS to pirate cruise, baby princess to castle breakfast with me and the older boys are renting a faster boat with dad for an hour. Then more MK time and back to get a swim before we ditch the older boys and head to Cali Grill for a last night dinner. Seriously thinking of getting a sitter for the littlest ones, not sure yet!

26th Chef mickey for breakfast, then pack and leave BOOHOO! No worries, we'll get back eventually (sooner than later if I'm in charge! and I usually am!)

Ok- Did I miss any cool must-do things? Tell me your thoughts and correct anything I am not planning right...I love to change the plan at least 100 times before I get it just right.

Sheli

 

[tinklvr64]

My very grand, Grand Floridian plan...can I share?
21st - Princess b-day and what did I do? I booked the Epcot Segway tour for myself. The boys are under 16 so they can't go and this is my prize to me, from me...for losing 100 lbs.
Sheli

WOW...congrats on your weight loss!!! That is an accomplishment. So enjoy your Segway tour..i'd like to hear what your thoughts are when you come back.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Sheli, that is so great you lost all that weight....I did WW and dropped 50 for my 40th bday. I gained a bit back over this awful winter - after our Thanksgiving WDW vacation and then not being able to walk and sometimes not even to leave the house due to the COLD!!! ugh....i need to lose it and told myself I would before our Easter trip, but I didn't. Congratulations on your loss.

Make sure they know at 1900 PF that you're celebrating your little princesses bday. She will get a tiara, cupcake and a cute souvenier placemat.

Happy planning!! Sounds like a fun plan to me. You boys might like to visit the CR arcade a bit. That was always a favorite for my son. It's so much better than the GF's & Polys.

Oh ya....AK is sooo hot on a summer day. When we do summer trips we skip it altogether.

PS! Thanks, everyone, for the nice comments about the GF thread. We love it here. I think it's a fun thread and really nice people hang out here - usually.

Channing

 

[magical4us4]

Just want to add.. this is the most informative thread that I have ever come across on the Grand Floridian. Everyone here is so welcoming and give the best information ever!!! I have been to the GF over 10 times, all concierge, and I must say that all the information on here is always right!!! These ladies here know what they are talking about!!!

I come back here often just to read and see all the new info going on at the GF. My hat off to all of you who help all of us and each other!!!!

Now....onto a question....Has anyone heard as of yet when the lobby will be under construction with the new marble????

Kelly...maybe you can sneak that question in since you are there???


Magical

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hi

I was at the GF today and the lobby was carpet. There was no tile anywhere. Let me see what I have for pic.

 

[magical4us4]

Hi

I was at the GF today and the lobby was carpet. There was no tile anywhere. Let me see what I have for pic.

I have heard that the carpet is there now until they start the marble. Any idea as to when this will be? I have read on that it might be in June? Any solid info if this is true?

Thanks.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here are the pics its all carpet and we are hearing June maybe even July which would be crappy.

 

[magical4us4]

Thank you, Kelly!! I hope it won't happen when we are there!!

 

[princessesrule4]

Thank you, Kelly!! I hope it won't happen when we are there!!

When our RPC ressie was made we were told that there might be lobby floor construction going on while we are there! We will be there the second week in June and are really hoping it starts later! It seems crazy for them to do it right in the middle of the crazy busy summer season.
Let's hope they decide to wait till after Labor Day when things slow up a bit!

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for the pic and lobby info Kelly by the way!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here is a link to hear about something cool I won at WDW on the 8th
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1736003&page=33

 

[magical4us4]

When our RPC ressie was made we were told that there might be lobby floor construction going on while we are there! We will be there the second week in June and are really hoping it starts later! It seems crazy for them to do it right in the middle of the crazy busy summer season.
Let's hope they decide to wait till after Labor Day when things slow up a bit!

Princess, we have been there both the 1st and 2nd week of June, and it really isn't that busy. Maybe that's why they will start then? If they do begin it, I hope it will be done fast! They seem to work in magical ways there!

 

[mr.mike]

My very grand, Grand Floridian plan...can I share?


20th is MK day too...gotta start at the beginning after all. Room service breakfast then Baby princess to get 1st haircut, the day before her 3rd b-day (no, she has never had a haircut!) Swimming in the afternoon and Kona for dinner. Then big kids back to MK and little ones to bed early.

We'll be staying the same amount of time as you just getting there and leaving a day earlier.

We have the MK set for Wednesday also.

21st - Princess b-day and what did I do? I booked the Epcot Segway tour for myself. The boys are under 16 so they can't go and this is my prize to me, from me...for losing 100 lbs. The hubby and kids will meet up with me after the tour and we'll do at least the front of epcot. Dinner that night is booked for the GF cafe, but we may do tea instead and let the kids snack for dinner. Maybe returning to the park and maybe not.

I love the segway tour ... I know you will enjoy it!
Our dinner this night is at 1900 Park Fare, maybe we'll pass each other in the lobby.

22nd- Animal kindgom...strait from gates to Everest...do you think it's ok to make the boys get FP's so I can use them?

Absolutely!! My youngest daughter is 3. She needs a ticket to get in so we always use her pass to get FPs. Last time were a group of 9 and only 3 of us wanted to ride everest. So the 3 of us rode 3 times in a row!

26th Chef mickey for breakfast, then pack and leave BOOHOO! No worries, we'll get back eventually (sooner than later if I'm in charge! and I usually am!)

Sheli

I hate planning that last day. We usually give our bags to resort check in and then do MK for the morning before getting on magical express in the afternoon.

 

[princessesrule4]

Hey Magical!

We usually go the first week in June as soon as the kids get out of school but are going a week later this year. RPC never is that busy that first week usually so I'm hoping you're experience for the second week holds true this year for us!
The floor sounded like it was going to take a few weeks and it sounds like it gets crazy by the end of June - but mabye its not going to take that long!?
Hopefully someone will have another update as June approaches!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Yeah by end of the June they are gonna busy going into the Holiday so I hope they can get this done and quickly