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

[heatherlynn444]

I"m curious - can you book a castle (theme park) view at the Grand? If yes does anybody know if all the rooms (non-conceirge) are in Boca Chica?

Thanks in advance!

you can book a theme park view, but that is not a guaranteed view of teh castle (someone correct me if i'm wrong here)

 

[Lives4Disney]

I"m curious - can you book a castle (theme park) view at the Grand? If yes does anybody know if all the rooms (non-conceirge) are in Boca Chica?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, THEME PARK VIEW is a room category that you CAN book and pay for. The problem is that "theme park view" doesn't necessarily mean a perfect castle view. You could have more of a Space Mtn or other view than a perfect castle view.

The best castle view rooms are at the ends of Conch and Sago and people have had nice views from a few Big Pine rooms. Boca Chica might have a few, too, but I think Boca Chica would have mostly lagoon view rooms. There is a map at the beginning of this thread that shows the resort layout.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

I never get those postcards either. I just switched our April Poly ressies for Sugar Loaf with a AAA discount. Any chance of an AP rate for Sugar Loaf?

They do sometimes come out with AP rates for Sugar Loaf and Royal Palm....it's just been getting fewer and farther between that they do. I think last summer there were NONE for the monorail hotels for instance, but I have had AP rate for RPC a couple times in the past few years.

BTW....AAA discounted rate is usually only a few dollars/nt more costly than the AP discount is so if you have the AAA rate you are doing alright.

Good luck,

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I never get those postcards either. I just switched our April Poly ressies for Sugar Loaf with a AAA discount. Any chance of an AP rate for Sugar Loaf?

Theres always a chance

 

[Maxie86]

They do sometimes come out with AP rates for Sugar Loaf and Royal Palm....it's just been getting fewer and farther between that they do. I think last summer there were NONE for the monorail hotels for instance, but I have had AP rate for RPC a couple times in the past few years.

BTW....AAA discounted rate is usually only a few dollars/nt more costly than the AP discount is so if you have the AAA rate you are doing alright.

Good luck,

Lives4Disney

Thanks, this is the first time I have been able to get a discount of any kind, so I'm thrilled.
Can I ask what time of year you got AP rates for RPC? We are thinking of an anniversary trip in October. I would like to try RPC, but I just have a hard time getting over the price. Is RPC really that much better than Sugar Loaf?

 

[Maxie86]

Theres always a chance

Got your PM, thank you. Keeping my fingers crossed for an AP rate.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks, this is the first time I have been able to get a discount of any kind, so I'm thrilled.
Can I ask what time of year you got AP rates for RPC? We are thinking of an anniversary trip in October. I would like to try RPC, but I just have a hard time getting over the price. Is RPC really that much better than Sugar Loaf?

October used to be "Value season" but that changed a couple yrs ago so I am not sure about an AP rate for RPC....we haven't been to WDW in Oct since 2003. Now it is a BIG conference month and with F/W Fest things have really picked up and I know we have a 5 day school break over Columbus Day w/end and the room choices are slim during that time. Not saying there won't be one...it just isn't as predictable as it used to be and they are more rare.

I have had AP discounts on RPC in March for spring break - good luck now a days with that one , Nov for Thanksgiving stays, Dec for an Xmas stay, July over the 4th a couple times, August, Feb even during Pres week, and May.

I didn't renew my AP in December because I am finding the room discounts really have gone downhill - and that is really what I liked about having the AP despite what people say..."It's for park admittance blah blah" ..I appreciated the room discount . I got AAA discount last July over the 4th when they didn't even release AP discounts for that time period.

Lives4Disney

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Just wanted to say how much I love this thread!

Every time I "lurk"..I just want to book a quick trip, just to enjoy the GF....!
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread
My DD10 lost her first tooth here...and my DH and I share GF's anniversary June 28...which is our FTW anniversary and our youngest DD's birthday now We had our rehearsal dinner at Narcoosee's....sorry I am rambling!

Love the thread!

 

[Maxie86]

October used to be "Value season" but that changed a couple yrs ago so I am not sure about an AP rate for RPC....we haven't been to WDW in Oct since 2003. Now it is a BIG conference month and with F/W Fest things have really picked up and I know we have a 5 day school break over Columbus Day w/end and the room choices are slim during that time. Not saying there won't be one...it just isn't as predictable as it used to be and they are more rare.

I have had AP discounts on RPC in March for spring break - good luck now a days with that one , Nov for Thanksgiving stays, Dec for an Xmas stay, July over the 4th a couple times, August, Feb even during Pres week, and May.

I didn't renew my AP in December because I am finding the room discounts really have gone downhill - and that is really what I liked about having the AP despite what people say..."It's for park admittance blah blah" ..I appreciated the room discount . I got AAA discount last July over the 4th when they didn't even release AP discounts for that time period.

Lives4Disney

Thank you. We haven't been there in October since the late 80's and I'm sure things have changed since then. I didn't know about the conferences at that time though. We have been at the GF during big conferences and it distracts from the vacation feeling. I don't want to be reminded of work, I'm going there to get away from it. Unless, of course, I'm at a conference there. I get to go to Boston in January, not quite the same. I still have time to decide what to do, I'm not booking anything until after we get back in May.

 

[traci]

hello old and new friends!

I need some help with room request. I want to be prepared when I call and book our next trip.

What do you suggest for gardenview room?

What do you suggest for castle view? I have always thought that Conch looked like a good one, but do you get a good view of the castle with those trees in front?

Planning on going back in October!

 

[praline3001]

Hi gals!
I have been busy with the holidays ...ouch it seems family starts crawling through the woodwork during the holidays! I just wanted to post that we have 26 days until we will be at the Grand!

I am going to start packing this week but not sure what to pack AACKKK we have always done Disney in the summer and it has been rather cool lately.
We are flying so room for the luggage is a concern ... I need to save room for all those wonderful treasures (junk) we will be getting!
Any suggestions on what to pack for the first week in Feb?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi gals!
I have been busy with the holidays ...ouch it seems family starts crawling through the woodwork during the holidays! I just wanted to post that we have 26 days until we will be at the Grand!

I am going to start packing this week but not sure what to pack AACKKK we have always done Disney in the summer and it has been rather cool lately.
We are flying so room for the luggage is a concern ... I need to save room for all those wonderful treasures (junk) we will be getting!
Any suggestions on what to pack for the first week in Feb?

Hi, Praline! We have had many trips to WDW the first week in Feb. We are from northern IL, so we usually fly down with our winter jackets in tow and there have been a few times over the years we have used them in the evenings at WDW. Definitely polar fleece jackets at the very least... I own a few different polarfleece varieties and bring my Eddie Bauer one - it is nylon? outside & lined w/thinsulate and polarfleece and pretty much a 3 season jacket that goes with me almost every trip and covers me from rain, too (kind of like the Lands End Squall parka type jacket), jeans for sure, and capris are a must as they go both ways. Bring tops you can layer. In winter months I don't bother with shorts. Packing is tough with weather that could be all over the place and when you're an overpacker like I am things get ugly haha.....although SWA is awesome and always lets my smidge overweight bags thru. I usually check accuweather a couple days before we leave and then I have to adjust all I've packed!

DisneyBride - that is so sweet. What great memories.

Maxie...oh ya October has changed bigtime from the 80s. It is still a nice time to go though...the biggest conferences are on the Epcot side I believe and the weather is so pretty.

Hi, Traci! IMO Sago and Conch are good but some have said they've had great castle views from Big Pine. Not sure about those trees re Conch.

HELP!I am excited because I ALMOST have dd7 talked into spending a few nights at WDW over spring break....just a me and my girls trip ....the problem is Easter. She likes it AT HOME. I am working on her though!! Anybody spend Easter at WDW before??? Anything special??? How about that EXPENSIVE brunch over at Epcot??? Any good??? help!!! I need some persuasive information - something that will work on a seven yr old.

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

Hi, Praline! We have had many trips to WDW the first week in Feb. We are from northern IL, so we usually fly down with our winter jackets in tow and there have been a few times over the years we have used them in the evenings at WDW. Definitely polar fleece jackets at the very least... I own a few different polarfleece varieties and bring my Eddie Bauer one - it is nylon? outside & lined w/thinsulate and polarfleece and pretty much a 3 season jacket that goes with me almost every trip and covers me from rain, too (kind of like the Lands End Squall parka type jacket), jeans for sure, and capris are a must as they go both ways. Bring tops you can layer. In winter months I don't bother with shorts. Packing is tough with weather that could be all over the place and when you're an overpacker like I am things get ugly haha.....although SWA is awesome and always lets my smidge overweight bags thru. I usually check accuweather a couple days before we leave and then I have to adjust all I've packed!
Lives4Disney

My kids have those all in one jackets too. I don't have one but I was planning on bringing my leather jacket. I am an over packer too aackkkk I am planning on packing layers and no bulky sweatshirts or anything like that. I am not overly worried about the days but the nights are going to be COLD for us! We are in New Orleans and 50 is WINTER time for us hahah My kids will most likely start a strip show in the parks as it warms up
We did get a letter in the mail recently saying the courtyard pool will be closed while we are there and we are welcomed to use the pool at the poly. We got a laugh out of it as there is NO way we will be swimming anyway

 

[traci]

Thanks

What is your choice for Garden View building selection?

What do I need to avoid at all cost ?!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Chan,
Easter there is awesome!! I didnt do the fancy brunch but it was very nice.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Chan,
Easter there is awesome!! I didnt do the fancy brunch but it was very nice.

Kelly, do they do anything special and Eastery for kids anywhere???? Jojo is giving me a hard time. Not sure why?!?! It's not like we do a whole huge thing here. I am getting psyched about a GIRLS trip. We'll see....

Channing

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Chan
I know they have that flower festival going. I know there are other things to
be right back

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Well there is the Princess and Pirate
2008 DATES & TIMES:

January 21, 26, 29
February 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26
March 1, 6, 11, 14
Additional 2008 dates to be determined
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.


Also
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

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Don't miss the annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. This seasonal celebration full of fun for families and garden enthusiasts blooms with Disney magic! Interact with top horticulturists who will share gardening tips and demonstrate backyard-planting ideas. Plan an exciting evening “under the stars” at the America Gardens Theatre and enjoy music from the 60’s and 70’s during the Flower Power Concert Series.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EVENT DATES:
March 19 - June 1, 2008



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EVENT TICKETS:
Admission to Epcot® required.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 ENTERTAINMENT: (All entertainment is subject to change without notice)

Festival Highlights
From garden tips to fun-filled trips, there are "scent-sational" delights that are not to be missed, including a Water Garden, Butterfly Garden, Vegetable Garden and much more!

Flower Power Concert Series
Relax under the stars and groove to your favorite music from the '60s and '70s.

2008 Schedule of Performers:*
The Guess Who Mar. 19 - 22
Petula Clark Mar. 23 - 24
Paul Revere and the Raiders Mar. 25 - 29
The 5th Dimension Mar. 30 - 31
Rickey Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons Apr. 1 - 3
Jay Black Apr. 4 - 5
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Apr. 6 - 9
The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill Apr. 10 - 12
TBD Apr. 13 - 16
Peter & Gordon Apr. 17 - 18
Starship starring Mickey Thomas Apr. 19 - 23
The Ventures Apr. 24 – 26
BJ Thomas Apr. 27 – 30
Arlo Guthrie May 1 – 3
The Searchers May 4 – 5
The Tokens May 6 - 10
Davy Jones May 11 – 15
Jose Feliciano May 16 – 17
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascal’s May 18 - 20
Gary Puckett May 21 – 24
The Cowsills May 25 – 27
Tony Orlando May 28 – Jun. 1

Concert is included in regular Epcot® admission.
*Entertainment subject to change without notice.

Especially for Kids
Gardening isn’t just for grown-ups. Stop by to participate in fun family activities sure to tickle your pixies.

Themed Weekends
Enhance your trip to the Festival by joining us during our Themed Weekends - packed with guest speakers, amazing hands-on experiences and entertaining activities for kids.
Premiere: Mar. 21 - 23
Characters in Bloom: Mar. 28 - 30
Art In The Garden: Apr. 4 - 6
Wellness: Apr. 11 - 13
Green: Apr. 18 - 20
I Dig Bugs: Apr. 25 - 27
Fresh From Florida: May 2 - 4
Coming Up Roses: May 9 - 11
Garden Party: May 16 - 18
Outdoor Living: May 23 - 25
Festival Farewell: May 31 - Jun. 1

Mother’s Day Brunch
Feast among the flowers with Mom during our popular Mother's Day Weekend Brunch.

Festival Center Programs
Stop and smell the roses — and then give your other senses a workout with some fantastic Festival Center programs for the entire family.

 

[DREAMS161]

Channing- We have never been during Easter but we have been to the Epcot Flower Festival in May twice. I just love it...everything is so beautiful with all of the gardens and flowers. As I remember there were some fun kids activities ...small (Mickey maze & veggie garden activities) the life size topiary characters are amazing- Belle, Snow White etc.

...by the way I haven't been successful convincing my husband about a 2008 Disney trip. I was thinking ...what is harder convincing a 7 year old or a 45 year old- I think I have you beat ...good luck ...I think I need some too. - Donna

 

[arbonnette]

My kids have those all in one jackets too. I don't have one but I was planning on bringing my leather jacket. I am an over packer too aackkkk I am planning on packing layers and no bulky sweatshirts or anything like that. I am not overly worried about the days but the nights are going to be COLD for us! We are in New Orleans and 50 is WINTER time for us hahah My kids will most likely start a strip show in the parks as it warms up
We did get a letter in the mail recently saying the courtyard pool will be closed while we are there and we are welcomed to use the pool at the poly. We got a laugh out of it as there is NO way we will be swimming anyway

Thanks to Channing and Praline. I was just about to post about my packing dillemas for Feb. 4-10 RPC trip. I am going to start packing this week as well and I am clueless especially as all the stores are putting out spring clothes and I am easily enticed by the bright colors. I have a feeling it is going to be cold in FL for us, and as Praline mentioned, 50s is cold to us in South Louisiana. Those jackets sound like a good idea. I have a regular fleece, but I am considering buying a new one.
My biggest concern is how I am going to pack without my DD4 noticing, as this trip is going to be a surprise for her! I am an overpacker and an overplanner, so my father's suggestion to pack the night before after DD goes to bed just will not work!!!