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

[praline3001]

aw i wish i would have known you were gonna do that. we just gave away BAGS and BAGS of mardi gras beads from last year. i could ahve given them to you

Thats okay, I think I can find a bag or two around here before the season
I am still not sure if we are going to bring any as most likely I will be lugging them around!
Are there a lot of people giving out beads on Mardi Gras or is far and few between?

 

[Cmbar]

What is the best time to try and get my kiddos in the front on the monorail?
We have always missed out on this little treat as someone was already in the spot! The kids were talking about trying to do it this time... planning a stradegy since we will be using the monorail a lot this trip and being monorail resort guest I was hoping for a little edge in this area. Do I need to get them to the GF station at 1AM to be able to do it?

Also, another transportation question with the GF...

Which is faster/ more reliable to MK, the boat or monorail? On paper I know the monorail looks faster but if its more crowded maybe not?

Also, with Epcot... what is the best way to get there? I know the monorail we have to make a change but is it still faster this way?

The busses run from AK and MGM but are they slow services? Would we be better off calling a cab? How crowded do the busses get in the morning? How many times (average) are you passed up by a full bus?

I am trying to get down pat all of my transportation options from the GF so we can quickly change to PLAN B if we need to.

Hi Praline, I just want to say we just got back and I was really amazed at how "uncrowded" it was waiting for the monorail at the GF. My DH liked this the best about the resort. We also got to ride in the front a few times. If there was someone waiting we just asked to wait for the next monorail which came about 5 minutes later. They are running continuously so it wasn't a big deal to wait for the next one. Our favorite ride up front is always the one from Epcot to the TTC or the TTC to Epcot so I would definitely wait from an upfront ride on that trip. It is nice and long and really nice! We didnt' find the trip to Epcot too stressful except once when they were doing a "safety check" which took almost 10 minutes and we were already late for a ADR! That was frustrating!

The buses to MGM and AK were not crowded and we didn't wait for more than five minutes for either bus. We must have timed them right. The only bus that was crowded when we got on at the GF was the DTD bus. But any bus to DTD is crowded!

I also agree with TETE that taking the Monorail to MK is always best and then catching the boat back to MK is great. Taking the boat to the MK leaves the dock from GF to go over to Poly first before going to MK, so it definitely takes longer to take the boat to MK than the monorail.

Hope this helps! Enjoy your upcoming trip!

 

[Cmbar]

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!

Katesdad! Thank you for the information. I was looking for your previous post because I knew someone had asked Channing for the information. I will wait to see if she gets an updated name for me, but I really want to just let them know we were dissappointed in being moved twice and the rooms not being ready. I have to say that that tractor was a real dissappointment to me and I of course knew that I was down closer to the convention center maintence sections. In fact it looks like Dlo had right around the same dates and they were placed further down the hall on the back side. It seems everyone here had Sago recently - even Channing was given Sago before Kelly worked some magic! So maybe they are reading the boards and somehow figured us out!

I just want to let them know it wasn't quite magical but I also want to let them know how impressed we were with Mousekeeping and this really nice CM at Gasspys! I would agree that the resort people were very nice and friendly and I didn't feel they were snobby. Although I couldn't help feeling like the guests were simply a class above. I mean those cars outside waiting for Valet, some were very impressive! Just felt a little like the lowly over there in Sago! Still was a beautiful resort and my kids also loved the slides and DH and I loved th Hot Tub! We had perfect weather too!

DLo we were at the 15th party too! Wasn't it great!!

 

[praline3001]

Thanks for the transportation info! Hopefully this year the kiddos will be able to ride up front. It seems we always ride the monorail at a busy time!
I am glad to hear the busses are easy going at the GF. I could tell you horror stories about the busses at the AKL
After that trip, we swore we would only stay at monorail resorts

We usually drive to WDW and have our car but this time we decided to fly. I would prefer NOT to rent a car as DH always gets lost driving around
I want to depend soley on Disney transportation and cabs with a limo ride to and from the airport. This will ensure DH has just as magical time as the rest of us!

Now on to my next question ...

The different outbuildings... how far are they from the main building? I have only been in the main building of the GF so not really sure how much of a hike we are looking at. I can see from the map its spread out but there is no legend/key to tell me how far each building is from the main building. Would you say 1/4 mile or less between buildings? Will I have to pack a day pack just to get to the main building?

 

[arbonnette]

The different outbuildings... how far are they from the main building? I have only been in the main building of the GF so not really sure how much of a hike we are looking at. I can see from the map its spread out but there is no legend/key to tell me how far each building is from the main building. Would you say 1/4 mile or less between buildings? Will I have to pack a day pack just to get to the main building?

I can't estimate the actual mileage for you, but I would say that the GF is much less spread out than, say, the Poly. I am sure someone else can answer that more specifically.

As for the Mardi Gras beads, I may bring a few pairs to give to the CMs in RPC, and maybe one pair for each of us to wear on Mardi Gras Day, but only if I have room for them in my suitcase. My DD4 doesn't know we are going on this trip, but I have to pack a princess costume for every day, because she will not wear anything else while we are at Disney! All in all, I may not have room for beads!

 

[Cmbar]

Now on to my next question ...

The different outbuildings... how far are they from the main building? I have only been in the main building of the GF so not really sure how much of a hike we are looking at. I can see from the map its spread out but there is no legend/key to tell me how far each building is from the main building. Would you say 1/4 mile or less between buildings? Will I have to pack a day pack just to get to the main building?

I don't think the buildings are far away from each other or the main building at all. We were in Sago Cay - as you all know and it was really close to Gassparillas, which was lovely if we wanted a quick drink or ate for breakfast and wanted to drop off our mugs back in the room. The walk to the Pool with slide was the farthest from our building, but it didn't feel like a long walk at all. I am terrible with distance so I couldn't tell you how far, just that it wasn't as far as from the bus stop at AKL to the main building!! I thought that was hike when we visited there! Definitely wouldn't stress about that at all.

 

[praline3001]

I don't think the buildings are far away from each other or the main building at all. We were Sago - as you all know and it was really close to Gassparillas, which was lovely if we wanted a quick drink or ate for breakfast and wanted to drop off our mugs back in the room. The walk to the Pool with slide was the farthest from our building, but it didn't feel like a long walk at all. I am terrible with distance so I couldn't tell you how far, just that it wasn't as far as from the bus stop at AKL to the main building!! I thought that was hike when we visited there! Definitely wouldn't stress about that at all.

That walk at AKL to the bus stop was not long at all in the morning but BOY OH BOY was it a long walk when my DH had to carry one of our boys who passed out 40 pounds of dead weight at 1am makes for a FUN hike

I still have nightmares of the walk at the campgrounds and we stayed there when I was 10

I too have a princess who has to dress up every day! I swear her luggage is going to have more than mine
At least she is getting a bit older. We are doing the P&PP and she decided she wants to be a pirate for it ... as pirates have more fun
Since your going in Feb, I would check out the leggings at Gymboree. I bought several matching pairs to go under her dresses. That way she won't get chilly in the evenings and won't flip up her dress riding rides showing her undies It has worked nicely for us in the past.

I am still in search of a dress for Minnie mouse. The only ones I have seen have been kind of cheapy looking. She wants to wear a minnie mouse dress on the plane and in the limo to the resort so everyone will know where she is going Any ideas where they have well made Minnie Mouse dresses we can buy BEFORE getting there?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I like to send the IPO CMs baskets from Harry and David thanking them for all the stuff they do for me before I get there. When I get home I write a letter to guest services about all the great work they do.

 

[praline3001]

I like to send the IPO CMs baskets from Harry and David thanking them for all the stuff they do for me before I get there. When I get home I write a letter to guest services about all the great work they do.

Now we know her secret to getting all those upgrades
Bribe the staff!!!!!!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

NO bribes dont help with that I promise.

 

[grannyminnie]

Now we know her secret to getting all those upgrades
Bribe the staff!!!!!!!!

Yeah, now we know...I wondered why she was so SPECIAL!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Sorry safetymom
I forgot about the not mentioning CMs name rule. It wont happen again.

 

[arbonnette]

I am still in search of a dress for Minnie mouse. The only ones I have seen have been kind of cheapy looking. She wants to wear a minnie mouse dress on the plane and in the limo to the resort so everyone will know where she is going Any ideas where they have well made Minnie Mouse dresses we can buy BEFORE getting there?

The only ones I have ever seen are the Disney Store ones for Halloween; we got one for 75% after Halloween last year, hence I did not care so much if it was "cheapy looking." It is the one my DD has on in my signature picture. Those are better made than the Walmart versions. You may want to look on ebay or do an Internet search.

 

[praline3001]

Sorry safetymom
I forgot about the not mentioning CMs name rule. It wont happen again.

She's a rebel with a gift basket behind her back

I am sure bribes don't work getting upgraded ... but you have to admit its pretty funny

 

[magical4us4]

Channing,when we were there, the music was piped in from the bushes in middle of the eating area outside of Gaspies.

Also, now I know not to go during Thanksgiving...it sounds packed down there!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I know it sounds like madness. I was there over the 4th this year and it sounds worse.

 

[Glorydaz]

hello all! first off, I must send a HUGE thank-you to all of you for the fabulous information posted here!! In less than 3 weeks, my husband and I will be staying RPC for our honeymoon and we are so excited!! We are not expecting any sort of upgrades as we are conceirge already and it is noted on our ressies that it's our honeymoon. I even booked a cabana the other day after reading and seeing a review here!

one question though - we are staying 3 nights - does everyone tip the conceirge staff? do you do it before? do you do it when you leave? if I was to bring something from home, what would some suggestions be?

thanks!

Michelle

 

[2excited4words]

We are staying at the GF (and our first Disney trip for that matter!) next week This may sound kind of trivial, but my DD6 is kind of excited about turn down service. At first I thought this was done in all of the rooms, but I thought I better double check. We are in a garden room. Is this standard or can we request it if not? Also, are the robes in the GV rooms or do I need to pack mine? I just thought if they are already there, no use to take up extra room in the suitcase! Thanks for the help!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

hello all! first off, I must send a HUGE thank-you to all of you for the fabulous information posted here!! In less than 3 weeks, my husband and I will be staying RPC for our honeymoon and we are so excited!! We are not expecting any sort of upgrades as we are conceirge already and it is noted on our ressies that it's our honeymoon. I even booked a cabana the other day after reading and seeing a review here!

one question though - we are staying 3 nights - does everyone tip the conceirge staff? do you do it before? do you do it when you leave? if I was to bring something from home, what would some suggestions be?

thanks!

Michelle

The staff cant take cash tips. I send a basket down from harry and david as a thank you or buy gift card to the virgin mega store while I am there and give them out when I leave. Also when you get home send an email to guest communications letting them know about all the awesome CMs who helped you.

 

[Glorydaz]

The staff cant take cash tips. I send a basket down from harry and david as a thank you or buy gift card to the virgin mega store while I am there and give them out when I leave. Also when you get home send an email to guest communications letting them know about all the awesome CMs who helped you.

thanks so much - I LOVEthe Virgin Mega Store GC - if I buy before we get to the GF - how many do you normally buy? is 3 enough? I'm not quite sure how many people is proper to purchase for!

Michelle