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

[Janet2k]

I finally uploaded photos from the last Grand Adventures In Cooking Class that my daughter had attended. The bulk of those photos were taken by her, so if you view them, you’ll get a unique perspective on this children’s activity.

I don't want to completely ruin the surprise of the Grand Adventures In Cooking Class in my post, so if you want to see more photos of what goes on, you're going to have to wash your hands and then click here.

Note: I'll try to work on adding captions to those photos soon. I'll have my daughter dictate them to me so that you understand what was happening during each portion of the cooking class.

 

[DLo]

Janet2K - your post reminded me that my DS9 went on the Pirate Adventure. I only have before pictures - no "action" shots. I will post them later.

He enjoyed it. He had a buddy who was younger. They sailed to the resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon to find pieces of the treasure map.

I know Janet2K has pictures and more info. if your child is interested. Book early - I had to wait for a cancellation. I didn't learn about it until after 180 days.

 

[Janet2k]

I actually edited a post of mine on Page 9 and put the Grand Adventures In Cooking Class information into it -- that way pages 8 & 9 would have photos from all three of the children's activities located somewhat together.

In summary, here are links to photos from all three of the Grand Floridian's children's activities:

Pirates Cruise
Wonderland Tea Party
Grand Adventures In Cooking Class

My daughter has been attending those activities for years and has always had a wonderful time at them. They're usually the highlight of her vacation, especially since she gets to hang out with her peers for a few hours as she ditches the parental units.

 

[Janet2k]

I'll try to gather together my photos from the My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party and post about them here in the GF FAQ thread. I'm not sure when that will happen since I'm trying to create this year's holiday greeting card for my family and the clock is ticking. *tick* *tock*

 

[Tinkaroo]

I called yesterday to book our GF photo shoot, the CM that took my reservation actually suggested everyone wear white shirts. I've seen pictures from the photo shoot and the white to me does seem to blend in with everything else. The picture quality itself doesn't seem very sharp, and the backgrounds are all a little subdued. Do you think blue jeans and black shirts would be too dark? I'm leaning towards this only because we all already have something we could wear .

This is exactly what my family and I are planning on doing in a couple of weeks. I have suggested black, denim, and just a touch of white if absolutely necessary. I figured we were less likely to get varying shades in black (as you're likekly to see with other colors), and I've seen enough photos of people in white/khakis that just seem to blend in with the GF decor. I figured the black and denim would be a nice contrast to the white of the beaches, and hopefully the reds of the poinsettias and the varying tones of the Christmas tree. I can't wait!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Janet! I am so glad to see you here. Heather and I were just chatting about your awesome trip reports. Thanks so much for the pics. I will go back to page one and post what pages the pics are on for new comers.
Thanks

 

[Katesdad]

Cmbar: Channing gave me the address for the GF and the former manager's name. It's back on page 4 or 5 of this thread. Channing indicated the manager has been changed, but I'm counting on my letter getting there. If you look at my post, you'll see I had a little disappointment too in the room given. In all the time we've been there, and all the different resorts we've stayed in, we've never been fortunate either to get the benevolent upgrade. I'm really happy to hear that Channing got hers as there isn't someone more deserving who is a constant champion of the GF on these boards. Also, we were a lot like you and just politely asked to be moved to a better room. Forget it we were told, the GF was filled to the brim and there was no more room at the Iinn. Okay, we made the best of what we had and moved on from there. Probably won't go back to the GF any time soon, but that's because there are so many choices out there that we haven't stayed at yet.

Sorry to hear that you didn't get the room you were wishing for, but also really glad to hear that your kids enjoyed themselves because really, in the end, that's all that matters.

I did let management know my feelings, but I don't expect anything to come from it. Also filled in two on-line survey forms and let them know on those too. We were celebrating 30 years of marraige and that didn't help get the pixie dust going either. We checked in at 11:30am and got our room at 3:00.

And for all those concerned, yes, mousekeeping is great at the GF, the cast members go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, the GF is not stuffy or pretentious and the whole place really is a great place to stay. After all, you are at the happiest place on earth!

 

[Janet2k]

I have a few laundry questions.
1. Does each building have its own laundrymat?
2. Can you buy soap there or do I need to bring my own? Does the machines and the soap vending machine (if there is one) take dollars or do I need to bring/get a roll of quarters?
3. How much do they charge for the valet laundry service? Is it worth it to use their service vs an hour of my time and the cost to run the machines and all?

Praline3001, I noticed your post since it was below one of mine that I just edited (back on page 9). Hopefully, your questions have been answered by now.

I thought I'd post a few photos of one of the Grand Floridian’s laundry rooms (this one is located in the Main Building). The laundry rooms in the Lodge Buildings are similar. As you’ll see in the photos, there is a soap vending machine located inside the laundry room.

There are a few more laundry room photos in my on-line photo album: click here.

Since you asked about dry cleaning, here are a couple of photos for you (price list was from 2006):

Is it worth it to have your items sent out for cleaning? That is a personal question that I can only answer for myself.

For example, during my vacation, one of my friends had her items sent out for cleaning (including her socks). She was actually leaving WDW within a day or two, so her laundry definitely could have waited until she got home. But she felt her time was more valuable and thus didn’t think twice about sending her clothing out for cleaning.

I, on the other hand, was spending almost 5-1/2 weeks in WDW with my daughter. As you can imagine, a lot of laundry piled up during that time. I decided to spend my dry cleaning money on other things instead, and so I did my own laundry in quite a few of the different resorts, one of which was the Grand Floridian. (I resort-hop during my vacations.)

No matter what you decide to do about laundry during your upcoming vacation, I hope your family has a wonderful time in WDW.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Thanks for posting that Katie. I am sorry things were handled better for you. I am glad you are letting them know. Disney needs to know when things arent handled the right way. Its the only way to get things fixed.

 

[Janet2k]

Janet2K - your post reminded me that my DS9 went on the Pirate Adventure. I only have before pictures - no "action" shots. I will post them later.

DLo, I look forward to seeing your photos (please PM me when you post the link to them). It sounds like your child enjoys the Pirates Cruise as much as mine does.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

awesome post about the laundry janet! I am adding that to page one with a link to this page.
Thanks

eta I have added the laundry info to the first page along with some of janets other info. This way when someone is looking for stuff they can go to the first page and find page numbers and information.

 

[Janet2k]

Thanks so much for the pics. I will go back to page one and post what pages the pics are on for new comers.

Alicnwondrln, you can either post the page numbers or you can post the links to the children's activities' posts directly (if you don't know how to do that, PM me and I'll explain).

I'll see if I can dig up the links to my daughter's old trip reports. That will give some more info to the parents as they're trying to decide what activity/activities might appeal to their children.

 

[Janet2k]

awesome post about the laundry janet! I am adding that to page one with a link to this page.

Too funny, Alicnwondrln! Nothing like airing a little "dirty laundry" here on the GF FAQ thread. And to think some folks think of the Grand Floridian as a stuffy resort. It simply boggles the mind.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I just went back to the first page and added page numbers and post numbers about the laundry and kids activities.

 

[Tink rules]

Ok... I was just think about it...

Flame me if you want...

But I think part of the GF's problem is that they DID put a convention center next to the hotel...

And to that extent... I think they should utilize Sago Key for that when necessary - they may already, and also give the guests who are actually probably paying more for their room - not convention prices... to stay there...

I've personally only had one room that I didn't like in 4 times at the GF... I stay in Conch Key all the time because I like the smaller building... And only once on the third floor did I have a massive tree in front of my room... I guess I did get a garden view room!!!

Do you think it's a bit harder to get the room location you want because you may (or may not) go at a time when the resort may be booked with more guests?

Of course with conventions, you'd never know...

Just wondering...

 

[arbonnette]

Hi, everyone. Reading the trip reports is getting me super-excited for my February 4-10 RPC trip!

I just thought of a few questions that I have ...
- Has anyone done the "Soothing Tired Legs" treatment at the Spa? If so, what did you think of it? I just had IPO book this today for both my parents while my DD4 attends the Wonderland Tea Party. As much as I enjoy spa treatments, I want to use that time for myself to wander around the resort and the shops ...

- Who do I contact to put in my room requests and when should I do this? Now or closer to my departure? I would like a castle view, although I certainly realize I may not get this!. What other views do standard RPC rooms afford?

Thanks in advance.
- Andrea

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hi, everyone. Reading the trip reports is getting me super-excited for my February 4-10 RPC trip!

I just thought of a few questions that I have ...
- Has anyone done the "Soothing Tired Legs" treatment at the Spa? If so, what did you think of it? I just had IPO book this today for both my parents while my DD4 attends the Wonderland Tea Party. As much as I enjoy spa treatments, I want to use that time for myself to wander around the resort and the shops ...

- Who do I contact to put in my room requests and when should I do this? Now or closer to my departure? I would like a castle view, although I certainly realize I may not get this!. What other views do standard RPC rooms afford?

Thanks in advance.
- Andrea

If you are staying concierge you should be able to tell the IPO what you want. They will add it to your ressie and a few days before you check in call the resort and make sure they have your requests.

I have used the spa several times and have never had a poor treatment, or bad service.

 

[arbonnette]

If you are staying concierge you should be able to tell the IPO what you want. They will add it to your ressie and a few days before you check in call the resort and make sure they have your requests.

I have used the spa several times and have never had a poor treatment, or bad service.

Thanks, Alicnwondrln, for the quick reply! Despite my rough start with IPO not getting back to me when I was at the 180-day mark to make ADR's, lately, they have been very, very prompt in responding to my e-mails (within a few hours.) I am pleased with that, to say the least.

 

[Tink rules]

Teach me please... Just in case I ever make concierge...

IPO is???

Thanks

 

[arbonnette]

Teach me please... Just in case I ever make concierge...

IPO is???

Thanks

IPO is the Itinerary Planning Office. They help you plan things like ADRs before you arrive!