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

[grannyminnie]

Grannyminnie,

There was a flyer in our room about the Bounceback program. The dates didn't include this time of year. I don't remember the exact dates but I know they were earlier in the year because I thought - Oh well, I can't do that for my trip.

Hopefully, someone that is there now can look at the flyer for you and give you the dates.

Thanks, dlo...I was looking for somewhere around the end of Sept., to be there for the F & W festival. Maybe those dates will be included.

 

[Cmbar]

Just thought to ask...has anyone who just returned seen anything in the room or on resort TV regarding the Bounceback program? I'm crossing my fingers it is still being offered when we get there Sunday!

We had a brochure in our room. 40% off Villas and 30% off other resorts, but they had specific dates. It was for dates in Feb, Apr and September. It did not include the time frame we were actually there, which kinda dissappointed us because we might have booked it. Sorry I can't remember the exact dates.

Have a great trip!

 

[JoeSam]

A few pics of our SL lodge tower room from 11/5 to 11/10:-

Our view:-

And the lounge:- (me enjoying scones & afternoon tea)

 

[princessesrule4]

I do agree that the boards can also be hard taht you see people getting stuff and then posting about it and when it doesnt happen for your family your bummed. I have been to WDW 28 times and have never been upgraded at all. We have always paid for concierge. I will say we have gotten some amazing CMs and service and treats though.

We've been there 18 times and we've been upgraded once. We almost always book concierge now because that is what we like and is best for our family. I always recommend booking the room category that you want and will be happy with - upgrades usually do not happen and you just set yourself up for disappointment to think that it might.
We also have had fabulous CM's especially at the GF and CR, great service and some totally unexpected little treats! The operative word being "unexpected".
There are tons of people at any given day celebrating birthdays, anniversaries,weddings,retirements,etc. It would be impossible for WDW to provide balloons, treats, cards, upgrades to everyone! We always order a cake or something from PD to celebrate and if the CM's decide to do something extra for us, then it is much appreciated and we are thrilled and thankful. But if they don't ,that's fine too - I've made sure it will be special because of things I've ordered and paid for to make it special!

 

[Cmbar]

We're driving from Singer Island to the GF on Sunday, 11/25. We could check in at anytime--but what is the best time to arrive if I'm trying to get the best room location for a GV room? Do a lot of guests check out on Sunday? Seems like there might be a lot of inventory?

I'd prefer not to arrive at 7am, if I'd have the same odds at 11am...

Any words of advice? TIA!

OK I might have a bad attitude right now about room assignments, but both days we had to deal with room assignements they were pretty adamant about your room not being ready until after three, which means you can't get in to see if your room location is not what you want. They did tell us what building the room was in, but not the room number. Really any building might have a great room or a crappy room, so I don't think getting in at 7am has anything to do with your room assignment. They already have it assigned to you and then it is just a matter of liking it and asking for a different room if you don't, or asking for something specifically at checkin. Since we asked at checkin for a refurbished building and she wouldn't switch our room, I guess it just depends on who you get at checkin. I hope you get what you want! I would not however start you day very early for a room assignment, you could be really dissappointed and very tired!!

 

[princessesrule4]

We're driving from Singer Island to the GF on Sunday, 11/25. We could check in at anytime--but what is the best time to arrive if I'm trying to get the best room location for a GV room? Do a lot of guests check out on Sunday? Seems like there might be a lot of inventory?

I'd prefer not to arrive at 7am, if I'd have the same odds at 11am...

Any words of advice? TIA!

There really is no rhyme or reason - I've checked in at 11pm and gotten an Epcot view at BC and I've checked in at 10am and gotten a pool view at GF RPC. I would just get there when it was the best time for your family and what fits in your schedule.

 

[magical4us4]

We're HOME~!!!
​

Woo hoo......that's great Denise!!!! Now on to a speedy recovery!!!

 

[tidblgrrer]

Okay --- since I didn't know about our wonderful resident TA in advance of making my reservations....

What building should I request for GV? We're arriving at GF on the 9th of Dec and I do not want a horrible view.

We're booked as a Grand Gathering will that impact our room assignment??? Honestly don't care about being that close to some of the relatives (if you know what I mean ) I'm thinking all day in the parks will be enough.

So... any help will be appreciated.

Thanks for all of the help!!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, all. So my famiy is sleeping STILL,. I need to get ready, but was just catching up on the previous pages.

I will try and see if they know if Sago is going down 11/25 for sure. They don't know a whole lot about everything because they are stuck up here.

Cmbar, there is a new manager and I don't know his name....forgot it. I will see if I can get it for you. He used to be at Coronado.

I think I would be like Kelly and be at the front desk saying if this is some kind of joke.....or dh would have insisted on money back.. I know him. He gets ugly. I am usually nicer but would have had no difficulty expressing how disappointed I felt having that room view. Not sure what couldhave been done because you have to get to the right person with authority to do something. Glad you were able to move on and enjoy parts of your trip. I am not always so good at that when I get disappointed.

Denise - I am so happy Rees is home. That is fabulous news.

Magical, the lounge is never crowded....the ladies are sweet and helpful. I do just ask for fruit. I didn't make it up there yesterday for the tea and scones so not sure about that cream yet. Everything is the same foodwise. haven't seen teh gray meat on a stick but haven't been there at that time.

the resort is sold out but doesn't seem it. we ate lunch at gaspies and no trouble finding a table there or the lounge. The lobby is not packed either. no huge gingerbread house lines. its' all fine and good.

The castle lights went on yesterday about 7:15 pm. So pretty.

talk to ya later, need to get in the shower.....

Channing

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi, all. So my famiy is sleeping STILL,. I need to get ready, but was just catching up on the previous pages.

I will try and see if they know if Sago is going down 11/25 for sure. They don't know a whole lot about everything because they are stuck up here.

Cmbar, there is a new manager and I don't know his name....forgot it. I will see if I can get it for you. He used to be at Coronado.

I think I would be like Kelly and be at the front desk saying if this is some kind of joke.....or dh would have insisted on money back.. I know him. He gets ugly. I am usually nicer but would have had no difficulty expressing how disappointed I felt having that room view. Not sure what couldhave been done because you have to get to the right person with authority to do something. Glad you were able to move on and enjoy parts of your trip. I am not always so good at that when I get disappointed.

Denise - I am so happy Rees is home. That is fabulous news.

Magical, the lounge is never crowded....the ladies are sweet and helpful. I do just ask for fruit. I didn't make it up there yesterday for the tea and scones so not sure about that cream yet. Everything is the same foodwise. haven't seen teh gray meat on a stick but haven't been there at that time.

the resort is sold out but doesn't seem it. we ate lunch at gaspies and no trouble finding a table there or the lounge. The lobby is not packed either. no huge gingerbread house lines. its' all fine and good.

The castle lights went on yesterday about 7:15 pm. So pretty.

talk to ya later, need to get in the shower.....

Channing

Thanks for the update. I hope those Gingerbread House lines are short when we get there and that the lobby isn't a zoo either!
I forgot - where are you all eating for Thanksgiving?
Have fun!

 

[tarrgem]

Good Morning Everyone!

The two week countdown starts today for our first stay at the GF!
But all this talk of room assignments has got me scared

Let me explain my dilemma...our original res. was for a lagoon view for 12/4-12/11 for the 5 of us (me,dh,dd13,ds9 and ds5) but we had to change our flights so we are now staying 12/3-12/10. For the longest time I couldn't get anything at the GF for the first night and had to book at the BC. I was really freaking out about having to switch resorts and how much time that would take away from the parks and how I could check in early etc. etc....to make a long story short I was finally able to book a GV at the GF for the one night! Yah!

At least I don't have to switch hotels...I'm wondering now if I should mention it when I am checking in and maybe I can avoid switching rooms as well. I know the ongoing discussion is that no upgrade is guaranteed and the majority of the time it just doesn't happen...and I'm really o.k. with that...of course it would be nice

Anyway, I'm debating whether or not to call and put in a request. I would really like a higher room (the kids love elevators!) with a balcony. Are all the third floor rooms the dormer rooms? And aren't they smaller? We have the five of us so I definately need the day bed. Should I ask for a second floor?

I would love a glimpse of the castle so the kids could see the fireworks but I understand that is a bookable category so I am not setting my sights on that! Also I'm praying I might be set as far as a refurbished room goes because Sago will be closed...crossing fingers. and all the rest are done...right?

I think I'm mostly worried that my first room may be better than the second room they switch us to even though we are upgrading? Is that crazy

I know I worry too much, and I know we'll have a wonderful time...I was just hoping to get some advice on what request to put in! It's all so confusing!

Love this thread...you guys are the best!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks for the update. I hope those Gingerbread House lines are short when we get there and that the lobby isn't a zoo either!
I forgot - where are you all eating for Thanksgiving?
Have fun!

We booked a late lunch at Brown Derby. LOVE that place it's one of my favorites here. We have done it at Tgiving before and it's so pretty to sit outside and eat and people watch while the old classic Christmas music plays.

We also have a late late dinner at WCC just to get us over at WL to check it out....not sure if we'll keep the WCC or pick up a fast food dinner at MK late.

We are still in the room!!!!!!!!! My son stayed at MK til 1:30 am last nt. I need to find out if the lines went down and what time because it was jammed when we were thre and not a whole lotta fun.

Channing

 

[praline3001]

Good Morning Everyone!

The two week countdown starts today for our first stay at the GF!
But all this talk of room assignments has got me scared

Let me explain my dilemma...our original res. was for a lagoon view for 12/4-12/11 for the 5 of us (me,dh,dd13,ds9 and ds5) but we had to change our flights so we are now staying 12/3-12/10. For the longest time I couldn't get anything at the GF for the first night and had to book at the BC. I was really freaking out about having to switch resorts and how much time that would take away from the parks and how I could check in early etc. etc....to make a long story short I was finally able to book a GV at the GF for the one night! Yah!

At least I don't have to switch hotels...I'm wondering now if I should mention it when I am checking in and maybe I can avoid switching rooms as well. I know the ongoing discussion is that no upgrade is guaranteed and the majority of the time it just doesn't happen...and I'm really o.k. with that...of course it would be nice

Anyway, I'm debating whether or not to call and put in a request. I would really like a higher room (the kids love elevators!) with a balcony. Are all the third floor rooms the dormer rooms? And aren't they smaller? We have the five of us so I definately need the day bed. Should I ask for a second floor?

I would love a glimpse of the castle so the kids could see the fireworks but I understand that is a bookable category so I am not setting my sights on that! Also I'm praying I might be set as far as a refurbished room goes because Sago will be closed...crossing fingers. and all the rest are done...right?

I think I'm mostly worried that my first room may be better than the second room they switch us to even though we are upgrading? Is that crazy

I know I worry too much, and I know we'll have a wonderful time...I was just hoping to get some advice on what request to put in! It's all so confusing!

Love this thread...you guys are the best!

I totally understand where you are coming from! This is our first stay at the GF too... though we have stayed at several different resorts in the area before. The buildings have me stumped haha is 1 building better than another? I didn't add to my ressies any certain building request so I am nervous that I will get stuck in the boiler room
We have to move our last night to the Poly as there was no room in the inn... my TA is working on keeping us in the GF that last night but as there are many conventions we are not holding our breath haha
Sorry I can't help you, just wanted to let you know your not alone

 

[tarrgem]

Thanks praline!

We stayed at the Poly last time (5 years ago) and we loved it! At least that would be a pretty easy jump for you on the monorail!

I think I'm just freaking out about it so much because I've planned this trip for so long and it is so much $$$ you just hate the thought that you might be disappointed. I don't want to let room assignments ruin my trip but I tend to dwell waaaay too much on things! I know I need to just chill! And I'm pretty cheap too...so I want to get the most out of every dime I spend on a view

I put a lot of pressure on myself that this has to be the BEST vacation because it is Disney and our last trip was so magical with 2 of our kids I want to repeat it this time with all 3! I don't know when we'll get to do it again so the stakes are high.

I just need to keep thinking happy thoughts and not worry so much!
My hubby thinks I'm crazy fretting over all these details...I need to take a cue from him!

We'll be in DISNEY WORLD....how bad could anything be?????

 

[minniesota]

Good Morning Everyone!

The two week countdown starts today for our first stay at the GF!
But all this talk of room assignments has got me scared

Let me explain my dilemma...our original res. was for a lagoon view for 12/4-12/11 for the 5 of us (me,dh,dd13,ds9 and ds5) but we had to change our flights so we are now staying 12/3-12/10. For the longest time I couldn't get anything at the GF for the first night and had to book at the BC. I was really freaking out about having to switch resorts and how much time that would take away from the parks and how I could check in early etc. etc....to make a long story short I was finally able to book a GV at the GF for the one night! Yah!

At least I don't have to switch hotels...I'm wondering now if I should mention it when I am checking in and maybe I can avoid switching rooms as well. I know the ongoing discussion is that no upgrade is guaranteed and the majority of the time it just doesn't happen...and I'm really o.k. with that...of course it would be nice

Anyway, I'm debating whether or not to call and put in a request. I would really like a higher room (the kids love elevators!) with a balcony. Are all the third floor rooms the dormer rooms? And aren't they smaller? We have the five of us so I definately need the day bed. Should I ask for a second floor?

I would love a glimpse of the castle so the kids could see the fireworks but I understand that is a bookable category so I am not setting my sights on that! Also I'm praying I might be set as far as a refurbished room goes because Sago will be closed...crossing fingers. and all the rest are done...right?

I think I'm mostly worried that my first room may be better than the second room they switch us to even though we are upgrading? Is that crazy

I know I worry too much, and I know we'll have a wonderful time...I was just hoping to get some advice on what request to put in! It's all so confusing!

Love this thread...you guys are the best!

First of all, I would call and get your reservations linked - I believe it's called "continuing reservation" so hopefully, you won't have to move at all. As far as buildings go, I'd prefer Boca Chica or Conch for garden view so you could put in a request for a higher floor in one of those buildings. The buildings have five floors with the dormer rooms on the top floor (some dormers are on 4th floor too). ANd with your group of five, I assume they will have to book you into a room with a daybed. I'd just make sure of that upon check-in. I hope you have a fabulous stay!

 

[heatherlynn444]

hey channing! thanks for all the updates, glad its not too crowded for you!

 

[tarrgem]

Thanks for the clarification minniesota! I thought all the buildings were 3 floors...don't know where I got that info

I'm going to call and link my reservations like you said...I would think it would be easier for them to leave us in the same room the whole stay, but who knows...it definitely would be less hassle for us!

We also booked the GF photo shoot for Sunday morning before our 1900 Park Fair reservation. Any one have experience with that or have any pictures or tips to share? I'm thinking we will stick with everyone in tan shorts and white polos, but since the Xmas decorations will be out, I'm wondering if I should dress us all more festively?

 

[praline3001]

Thanks for the clarification minniesota! I thought all the buildings were 3 floors...don't know where I got that info

I'm going to call and link my reservations like you said...I would think it would be easier for them to leave us in the same room the whole stay, but who knows...it definitely would be less hassle for us!

We also booked the GF photo shoot for Sunday morning before our 1900 Park Fair reservation. Any one have experience with that or have any pictures or tips to share? I'm thinking we will stick with everyone in tan shorts and white polos, but since the Xmas decorations will be out, I'm wondering if I should dress us all more festively?

Just a personal observation... white shirts don't usually look that good in photos. It tends to wash out the subject. I would stick with a solid color polo but not white. Maybe you could bring some santa hats with you for the kids? They would make cute props in front of the decorations =)
IMO I would stay away from any outfit TOO Christmassy... just in case you want to mount and frame one of the pictures in your home. You want a large family photo that will go well during all seasons. The santa hats could be used in a few of the shots to bring out the festive time but for the big family shot, you want a more year round friendly shot... but then again thats just my opinion hahaha

 

[heatherlynn444]

CMbar-i just read your post about your GF stay. I am so sorry! i had a similar situation. a few summers ago my family spend a TON of $$ on a two bedroom suite...and we got sago..same view as you. we were so mad we wasted so much money for a crappy view, ut they were full adn couldnt move us. so we just dealt with it. we were not in our room toom much anyway, but still a disapointment. the thing you have to remeber is to book a room view you will be happy with. in all my visits we have never gotten upgraded, and never went in expecting to get one. we honeymooned a tthe GF in jaunary and had a beautiful turret room facing teh castle. we were very happy with it, but got nothing else. we heard of ppl getting free choc. covered strawberries, flowers, balloons and a card signed by minnie/mickey, nothing. we were a little sad, but what can you do? some people are just lucky i guess!
glad to hear you had a good trip anyway. the GF is a magical place, please dont count it out to not visit again! just looka lagoon vie wnext time if it means that much to you. good luck!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We booked a late lunch at Brown Derby. LOVE that place it's one of my favorites here. We have done it at Tgiving before and it's so pretty to sit outside and eat and people watch while the old classic Christmas music plays.

We also have a late late dinner at WCC just to get us over at WL to check it out....not sure if we'll keep the WCC or pick up a fast food dinner at MK late.

We are still in the room!!!!!!!!! My son stayed at MK til 1:30 am last nt. I need to find out if the lines went down and what time because it was jammed when we were thre and not a whole lotta fun.

Channing

Channing,

So great how everything worked out for you!

Brown Derby is one of our absolute favorites too.

Here's hoping that your pixie dust follows us down for our January trip - have a great time during the rest of your vacation and keep us posted.