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

[vtwep]

THANKS Lives4Disney!! Appreciate the info. I'll be going for Conch or Sago then...glad I asked!

 

[klofan]

Hey GF fans! I'm stuck. I have a reservation for the GF garden view but I'm considering moving to the CR - Tower Bay Lake view. I don't know what to do! Is the GF really that great, cause I know the CR is. Convince me!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hey GF fans! I'm stuck. I have a reservation for the GF garden view but I'm considering moving to the CR - Tower Bay Lake view. I don't know what to do! Is the GF really that great, cause I know the CR is. Convince me!

I was just in the situation you are now in. Last month on the day my family and I left WDW we switched our August Sugar Loaf reservation to a room on the Atrium Club Level at the Contemporary. We did that because we realized that we missed staying at the Contemporary and just like you we know how great the Contemporary is. My advice is go with what you think is best, because only you can make the final decision on where you would like to stay at in WDW.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hey GF fans! I'm stuck. I have a reservation for the GF garden view but I'm considering moving to the CR - Tower Bay Lake view. I don't know what to do! Is the GF really that great, cause I know the CR is. Convince me!

Well, all I can say is we were ALL ABOUT the CR until our first GF stay a few years ago. It just didn't feel like a Disney trip if we weren't staying at the CR. We always had CR MK views. I don't think I'd get as excited over a Bay Lake view. We stayed CR several week a year from 1990 on until we booked a last minute Thanksgiving trip a couple years ago and had to settle for a split stay CR/GF because nothing else was available. That GF stay won us over. I was just bummed I had the GF part of the stay first. I didn't want to move to CR after.

I am a GF addict so probably not an objective opinion here. Enjoy deciding.

Lives4Disney

 

[klofan]

I was just in the situation you are now in. Last month on the day my family and I left WDW we switched our August Sugar Loaf reservation to a room on the Atrium Club Level at the Contemporary. We did that because we realized that we missed staying at the Contemporary and just like you we know how great the Contemporary is. My advice is go with what you think is best, because only you can make the final decision on where you would like to stay at in WDW.

Well, all I can say is we were ALL ABOUT the CR until our first GF stay a few years ago. It just didn't feel like a Disney trip if we weren't staying at the CR. We always had CR MK views. I don't think I'd get as excited over a Bay Lake view. We stayed CR several week a year from 1990 on until we booked a last minute Thanksgiving trip a couple years ago and had to settle for a split stay CR/GF because nothing else was available. That GF stay won us over. I was just bummed I had the GF part of the stay first. I didn't want to move to CR after.

I am a GF addict so probably not an objective opinion here. Enjoy deciding.

Lives4Disney

Wow, you guys are quick. Thanks. I'm so stuck though. I'm considering flipping a coin, haha.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Wow, you guys are quick. Thanks. I'm so stuck though. I'm considering flipping a coin, haha.

You're welcome and when you make a decision let us know what it is. Also no matter the Resort you pick I am sure you and you're family will have a great time.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hey GF fans! I'm stuck. I have a reservation for the GF garden view but I'm considering moving to the CR - Tower Bay Lake view. I don't know what to do! Is the GF really that great, cause I know the CR is. Convince me!

One thing to consider is that the CR is undergoing so much construction right now (and appears to be for the next year). Maybe now would be a good time to try something new, and you can always return to the CR on your next trip.

DH and I would like to try the CR sometime (mainly because it's the only deluxe where we haven't stayed), but we've decided to wait until all the construction calms down.

 

[arbonnette]

Hey guys! A "few" pages back I was looking for cute outfits for my little princess to wear at Disney. Some of you pointed me to Boutique Ebay and I did find the most adorable outfit. Kelly told me I should post it as its so cute. The lady who did it also monogrammed my daughter's name on the top of the shirt in red =)
I bought 2 cute minnie mouse BIG bows to put her hair in pony tails for the outfit. The lady also has a website so if you can't find the outfit on Ebay you can always order it direct from her site. She will make them in long or short sleeves. I saw she had a little jean skirt instead of jeans also but not sure if she does shorts. I worked with her on this outfit and she was a wonderful lady, highly recommended!

Praline: Adorable outfit! I too ordered some custom outfits for my princess via ebay. I am making her bows myself. I will have to post pics.

Babyboo: Great pictures! I still like the Alice theme though, and I wish I had stayed at the GF when they still had the different themes.

Channing: I understand about the wanting to and thinking it is way too expensive. I am still feeling guilt about paying the value season RPC price (but not so much that I will switch my ressies! We just enjoyed a 2BR suite on the MS Gulf Coast at a casino for 1/3 what a standard RPC room costs during value season. Granted, it's not Disney, but I just have a hard time with the "sticker shock." Just envision all the beauty of the Epcot area during that time of year!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

One thing to consider is that the CR is undergoing so much construction right now (and appears to be for the next year). Maybe now would be a good time to try something new, and you can always return to the CR on your next trip.

DH and I would like to try the CR sometime (mainly because it's the only deluxe where we haven't stayed), but we've decided to wait until all the construction calms down.

However that depends on when klofan will be going to WDW. As of right now the only major construction is happening outside where the North Garden Wing is and has no effect on the guests who stay in the Tower and South Garden Wings. Now starting on May 10, 2008 the Concourse Steakhouse is closing and there will be construction there until August 14, 2008 when their new counter service location which is to be called Chef Mickey's Express opens up.

 

[arbonnette]

Hey GF fans! I'm stuck. I have a reservation for the GF garden view but I'm considering moving to the CR - Tower Bay Lake view. I don't know what to do! Is the GF really that great, cause I know the CR is. Convince me!

We stayed at the CR last December and while we liked it perfectly fine, we didn't LOVE it. It felt more business hotel than theme park hotel to us. I didn't find it to be as "themed" as I was hoping it would be. We had a tower room with a Bay Lake View, and although I would have liked to see the castle out my window, it was really neat to see the Electric Water Pageant from my bed.
Also, because of the construction going on at CR, we chose not to stay there again this trip, but we I believe we would do so after all the construction "calms down". I would book MK view or stay in the new wing, if possible. I wouldn't book a water view from the tower again.

If I were you, I would try the GF this time. Although I have not stayed there yet, I have visited and eaten there and it is truly beautiful. Plus, there are plenty of people on here who enjoy it immensely! At worst, you will just confirm you like CR more. Construction is a big deterrent for me, and may be something for you to consider in making your final decision. HTH!

 

[klofan]

One thing to consider is that the CR is undergoing so much construction right now (and appears to be for the next year). Maybe now would be a good time to try something new, and you can always return to the CR on your next trip.

DH and I would like to try the CR sometime (mainly because it's the only deluxe where we haven't stayed), but we've decided to wait until all the construction calms down.

I just got back from the CR and the only visible construction was of the new tower their building. It wasn't that bad, we just didn't look that way in our Bay Lake view room. But when the construction is over, stay there! It really is a great resort.

We stayed at the CR last December and while we liked it perfectly fine, we didn't LOVE it. It felt more business hotel than theme park hotel to us. I didn't find it to be as "themed" as I was hoping it would be. We had a tower room with a Bay Lake View, and although I would have liked to see the castle out my window, it was really neat to see the Electric Water Pageant from my bed.
Also, because of the construction going on at CR, we chose not to stay there again this trip, but we I believe we would do so after all the construction "calms down". I would book MK view or stay in the new wing, if possible. I wouldn't book a water view from the tower again.

If I were you, I would try the GF this time. Although I have not stayed there yet, I have visited and eaten there and it is truly beautiful. Plus, there are plenty of people on here who enjoy it immensely! At worst, you will just confirm you like CR more. Construction is a big deterrent for me, and may be something for you to consider in making your final decision. HTH!

To me, it didn't feel as "resorty" as say the WL but I still felt like I was in a resort. But as I was walking through the South Garden wing, it felt more like a resort, rather than a high-rise hotel. But, yes, I am going to try the GF this time.

I also have a question, is the GF still being rehabbed or is it done? Thanks.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I also have a question, is the GF still being rehabbed or is it done? Thanks.

The rooms are done but they are now working on the lobby floor so not sure how they are handling that. I know they are moving the main building guests out to Sugar Loaf and I don't know about the lobby shops etc during this time frame. It won't be a long time before they're done - not sure when you are looking to go.


Lives4Disney

 

[klofan]

The rooms are done but they are now working on the lobby floor so not sure how they are handling that. I know they are moving the main building guests out to Sugar Loaf and I don't know about the lobby shops etc during this time frame. It won't be a long time before they're done - not sure when you are looking to go.


Lives4Disney

I already have it booked for September 6-13.

 

[arbonnette]

I already have it booked for September 6-13.

You will be fine then. The lobby floor is being done next week, I believe.

By the way, everybody, I don't know if anyone here is a college football fan, but we are huge LSU fans, and I am going to the BCS championship game tomorrow, so I have to get a "GO TIGERS" in!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

But, yes, I am going to try the GF this time.

At least you came to a decision and have fun staying there.

 

[Dis Ohana]

I was looking through our pictures tonight and I got so sad. I miss Disney World and the GF! For any of you having doubts about this hotel, let me tell you that it was the highlight of our trip.
We're talking about another trip when DS is in his senior year -- that would be 3 years from now, I don't know if I can wait that long!

You will be fine then. The lobby floor is being done next week, I believe.

By the way, everybody, I don't know if anyone here is a college football fan, but we are huge LSU fans, and I am going to the BCS championship game tomorrow, so I have to get a "GO TIGERS" in!

Good luck in your bowl game ! Our team just took a beating at the Sugar Bowl and we might be losing our head coach. Not a great time for Hawaii!

 

[3for Me]

By the way, everybody, I don't know if anyone here is a college football fan, but we are huge LSU fans, and I am going to the BCS championship game tomorrow, so I have to get a "GO TIGERS" in!

Arbonnette - I'm "goin to the 'ship" too! Taking my kids out of school early and heading to the Dome this afternoon. GEAUX TIGERS!

Then it's on to the Grand in 31 days!

 

[princessesrule4]

Robyn, have a great time!!!!

Babyboo - cute pics! I stayed ni 6420? I think ....the one at the top w/out a balcony. It was cute with the high ceilings, though.


OK...you guys need to hold me back. I called and RPC is available for a few of my dates during spring break I just called to make ADRs and I couldn't bite my tongue.... I had to at least ASK . I am so torn because the Swan is a GREAT deal, I enjoy that location - esp w/the flower fest going on, and RPC is not a great deal at this "Peak season" and I like that location,too. Now I am thinking split stay. Hold me back. P L E A S E. No really. I am not kidding. I don't want to do it but I do but I know I really should not but I want to but it doesn't make sense I think it's overpriced but I love it there but the Swan is nice too and also has new rooms but I love the GF.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

Hey Lives!

I just did the same thing. We are going to Vero for a week on the Monday after Easter and I checked into RPC for Sat. and Easter Sunday!! We all decided that Easter is better at home after a little discussion! The crowds are craaazzzy at Easter - the memory of that kind of sealed the deal to stay home for us!
Good luck deciding! You'll be at RPC in the summer right? The Peak Season RPC prices are outrageous - another factor in not going for us!

I did cancel our Poly bounceback for August and switched to RPC so I am psyched! We are doing the first night at the YC since DH asked to be close to Epcot for at least one night!

You'll have a great time whatever you decide - let us know!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hey Lives!

I just did the same thing. We are going to Vero for a week on the Monday after Easter and I checked into RPC for Sat. and Easter Sunday!! We all decided that Easter is better at home after a little discussion! The crowds are craaazzzy at Easter - the memory of that kind of sealed the deal to stay home for us!
Good luck deciding! You'll be at RPC in the summer right? The Peak Season RPC prices are outrageous - another factor in not going for us!

I did cancel our Poly bounceback for August and switched to RPC so I am psyched! We are doing the first night at the YC since DH asked to be close to Epcot for at least one night!

You'll have a great time whatever you decide - let us know!

Hi, Princesses....ya I slept on it and thought about the reality of how much one silly night would cost...hmmm...I could pay for DD11's impending braces that she will have on her teeth for probably about 2 1/2 yrs for what it will cost us for a 3 or 4 nt peak season RPC stay. That is a bit obscene to pay that when I have been there for so much less/nt. I love it - it's wonderful but those peak season prices are sickening and I will feel ripped off (well this is how I feel right now, lol) if I pay that hideous nightly rate. I think Disney is kind of over the top asking that but people are paying it so...whatever.

The Swan is all done w/it's rehabs and has upscale rooms and good service and a great location so I am alomst positive we will just hang there and enjoy that BW area and save RPC for a family trip this summer when the rates are a little easier to stomach.

Have fun in Vero. We used to go often when my grandparents lived there. We would stay at the Disney resort as they lived in a retirement community.

Dis Ohana, that is so nice about GF being the highlight of your stay - and what a stay you had!!! That is how I felt during our Tgiving trip. GF was a peaceful, beautiful reprieve from the crowds.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

By the way, everybody, I don't know if anyone here is a college football fan, but we are huge LSU fans, and I am going to the BCS championship game tomorrow, so I have to get a "GO TIGERS" in!

GO Tigers!!!!! We too will be watching the game!
I am planning on my daughter wearing that outfit on the plane going to Disney, in the limo and checking in. That way everyone knows where we are going

Are you going to be at the GF during Mardi Gras? Maybe we will run into each other!