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.

 

[praline3001]

I posted this yesterday but I think it got lost in the shuffle. Can anyone help me?


I have a few laundry questions.
We are a family of 5 and I am trying to pack light. Instead of bringing 35 shirts (5x7 days)
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?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I posted this yesterday but I think it got lost in the shuffle. Can anyone help me?
I have a few laundry questions.
We are a family of 5 and I am trying to pack light. Instead of bringing 35 shirts (5x7 days)
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?

There is laundry on the bottom floor of the buildings I know there wasnt any in sugar loaf but dont know if it was added since the rehab. There was 2 washers and 2 dryers. Not enough in my opinion for each buidling.
You can buy soap anddryer sheets in there and som ehave change machines. SOme dont I usually plan on packing 1 roll of quarters.

 

[DeborahB]

First of all, this new GF site is fabulous! Great job ladies!!

We are going to be staying at the GF next May. I've stayed there twice (not since 2001, sadly) and only in a GV room. I'm looking into staying in a different room type this time and I am interested in a lodge tower room or a corner room (not sure if that is the correct description).

Are these bookable room types or requests only?

We would love to have the extra space and we love having a balcony or two.

Also, as an aside, I'm very disappointed with the look of the new rooms. I hope they look better when you are actually in them. I first stayed there in 1990 and the rooms were beautiful. I liked the last redo but not as much as when I first stayed there. I don't mind change when it's in a good direction but the rooms just look blah to me.
I love the GF though. It remains my favorite resort.
Thanks!

 

[tarrgem]

Hi everybody!

I've been lurking here for a while but finally decided to come out and play! All the information here is fantastic!

We are so excited about our first trip to the Grand! Our last trip to WDW was five years ago and we stayed at the Poly which was great! But to stay at the GF has always been a dream and it is almost here!

We (me, dh, dd13, ds9, and ds5) have reservations for 12/4-12/11 with a lagoon view room. Due to a flight scheduling change we had to switch our trip dates and we are now arriving on Dec. 3 and staying at the BC for one night (we couldn't get anything at GF ) then checking into the GF on the 4th. Now I understand that Bell services will handle our luggage transfer, but we were planning on hitting AK early that day with a late lunch ressie of 2:00.

Do I need to worry about trying to check in early at the GF in order to get a "good room" before they are all assigned? I know check in is officially 3:00, but should I have dh jump over to the GF around 12:00 or so to check us in? I'd hate to have to break up the day like that if we don't have to. Am I just being overly paranoid? Are there really no "bad rooms" at the Grand? If we get there at 5:00 will we still be able to get the room we want?

I was hoping for an MK view so the kids can catch the fireworks!

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Lives4Disney]

First of all, this new GF site is fabulous! Great job ladies!!

We are going to be staying at the GF next May. I've stayed there twice (not since 2001, sadly) and only in a GV room. I'm looking into staying in a different room type this time and I am interested in a lodge tower room or a corner room (not sure if that is the correct description).

Are these bookable room types or requests only?

We would love to have the extra space and we love having a balcony or two.

Also, as an aside, I'm very disappointed with the look of the new rooms. I hope they look better when you are actually in them. I first stayed there in 1990 and the rooms were beautiful. I liked the last redo but not as much as when I first stayed there. I don't mind change when it's in a good direction but the rooms just look blah to me.
I love the GF though. It remains my favorite resort.
Thanks!

Hi, Debbie....lodge tower rooms are a bookable category. They are only request in Sugar Loaf, which is the concierge lodge building. In SL there are 3 lodge tower rooms. Tete posted pics of her lodge tower room in SL - just so you get an idea of the look and layout. All the lodge tower rooms are the same floorplan except Tete had the upper floor w/no balcony and a dormer ceiling.

The corner rooms are hammerhead rooms and those are either lagoon or MK view rooms. You book that category and can request the corner room. Request only and no guarantee. Those have the extra floor space and two balconies.

I think we pretty much all agree (from what I read here) that the new rooms leave something to be desired.

Tarrgem, hi and welcome! We have done the luggage transfer many times and it's always been smooth. I do always try and check in as soon as possible. That's just me, though. I know others have always been lucky - I just don't usually have luck. I have had experiences with late check ins too many times (but I am talking after 10 pm) where things are not as expected so I have a "thing" about getting it taken care of asap. There are really no bad rooms at the GF. They will have a room assigned to you, but if it's fabulous and somebody else arrives earlier and doesn't like their room they have the opportunity to talk to the front desk and get it changed and they may take your fabulous room because you didn't get there to grab it., If you want something specific it's pretty much first come first serve.

You have a bit of time until you leave for your trip, so I would keep checking to see if that one nt opens up at the GF. You might get lucky. Otherwise, you or your DH could run to the GF early and meet your family at AK after you check in and make sure the room you are assigned is what you were hoping for.

One more thing......MK view rooms are a bookable category. If you book Lagoon View, you may be looking at the Poly. Just an FYI ....if you are counting on watching the fireworks from your room, something to think about. Some lagoon views may have the firework view, but not sure how many.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[wdhinn89]

Anxiously waiting for 11:30 then we pick up the kids and leave for the airport.

GF & WDW, get ready cause here we come

 

[tarrgem]

Thanks Lives4Disney!

I guess you suffer from my paranoia too! Luck never seems to cross my path either! I think I might try to check in as soon as possible...better to be safe than sorry!

I'm sure we'll be thrilled with whatever room we get but I like the chances of getting the first pick of the bunch!

 

[Katesdad]

I want to drop a note of thanks to the GM of the GF for all the wonderfull efforts of the staff during our recent stay. I know the old GF thread had this information but the search function isn't finding it. Can someone give me a name to address my thank you too?

By the way, the staff was outstanding, even to someone like me that didn't stay CL. Didn't get any towel creatures, but that was not a disappointment as we weren't expecting any. Didn't get an upgrade, but then, not many do. Just had a really good stay and want to let them know.

Thanks

 

[Lives4Disney]

I want to drop a note of thanks to the GM of the GF for all the wonderfull efforts of the staff during our recent stay. I know the old GF thread had this information but the search function isn't finding it. Can someone give me a name to address my thank you too?

By the way, the staff was outstanding, even to someone like me that didn't stay CL. Didn't get any towel creatures, but that was not a disappointment as we weren't expecting any. Didn't get an upgrade, but then, not many do. Just had a really good stay and want to let them know.

Thanks

That's awesome!! I am getting excited - we leave next Friday!!

The GM is Kent Mitchell. I send my thank you notes addressed to him at the GF's address....

Address/Telephone/Fax:
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32830-1000, USA
Telephone407) 824-2421*
Fax: (407) 824-3186*

The note will get sent to the executive offices and then you'll get a thank you call for taking the time to write.

That's great to hear things were wonderful for you. What building were you in?? We have a GV booked.

Thanks for any trip info.

Wdhinn - Have a great time!!!!!!!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

tarrgem
I sent you a PM

 

[grannyminnie]

I'm down to 17 days and counting!
Can I start packing yet??

 

[Erin1700]

New to this thread...we leave the 28th!!
First time at GF, with 2 kids and a garden view, what building should we request? Think we may be able to get a gorgeous view somewhere?

 

[tarrgem]

Thanks Kelly!

I tried to PM you back but it keeps giving me errors

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to look into CR...I'd much rather check in early morning so we'll have the whole day and not have to worry about it!

Big PATS fans in this house! We live about a mile from the stadium!

Crossing our fingers for an undefeated season!

 

[Katesdad]

Thanks Channing. The trip was a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We stayed in Boca in room 9243 (end of building with castle view). Although we had to sort of "position" ourselves on the balcony to see the castle and the fire works, the view was great, the room was even better than expected and the hotel staff from check in to check out went out of their way to make sure we were having a good stay.

Hope your trip goes well. It may be tough for you moving down from CL to Garden View but I've always found with all my stays at WDW over the last thirty years that you get out of it what you put into it and if you go to have a good time you will.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Thanks Channing. The trip was a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We stayed in Boca in room 9243 (end of building with castle view). Although we had to sort of "position" ourselves on the balcony to see the castle and the fire works, the view was great, the room was even better than expected and the hotel staff from check in to check out went out of their way to make sure we were having a good stay.

Hope your trip goes well. It may be tough for you moving down from CL to Garden View but I've always found with all my stays at WDW over the last thirty years that you get out of it what you put into it and if you go to have a good time you will.

If you have any pics please post them we would love to see them.

 

[kblandino]

Just booked a grand gathering (12 people) for March 2008 - Currently, we have a magic kingdom view. Is the view worth the extra $? I believe the Castle view rooms are in the boca area - We have one child that is in a wheelchair (can walk short distances with crutches) - I am concerned about the transportation from the room to the monorail - should we stay in the main building? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[BrianD]

Just booked a grand gathering (12 people) for March 2008 - Currently, we have a magic kingdom view. Is the view worth the extra $? I believe the Castle view rooms are in the boca area - We have one child that is in a wheelchair (can walk short distances with crutches) - I am concerned about the transportation from the room to the monorail - should we stay in the main building? Thanks for any suggestions.

If you can swing the main building, then I would say, by all means, go for it! I'm sure it's nice to just take an elevator and then be a short walk to the monorail.

That said, our son uses a wheelchair and we always stay in one of the outer lodges, and that works out just fine. The resort is not too spread out.

And by the way, the prime castle views are actually in Sago Cay & Conch Key. The rooms in Boca Chica view the castle at an angle, although it does have the best overall view of the lagoon itself.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks Channing. The trip was a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We stayed in Boca in room 9243 (end of building with castle view). Although we had to sort of "position" ourselves on the balcony to see the castle and the fire works, the view was great, the room was even better than expected and the hotel staff from check in to check out went out of their way to make sure we were having a good stay.

Hope your trip goes well. It may be tough for you moving down from CL to Garden View but I've always found with all my stays at WDW over the last thirty years that you get out of it what you put into it and if you go to have a good time you will.

Oh, that's so nice. Congratulations on your anniversary.

We are hoping to go next Sept for our 20th.

We are getting excited for our vacation. Getting our Disney stuff together.

If you have pics, please post them. I would love Boca Chica for a GV, too. Dummie me requested Sago!!! The ONE building that they have not updated. We shall see......

Channing

 

[DeborahB]

Hi, Debbie....lodge tower rooms are a bookable category. They are only request in Sugar Loaf, which is the concierge lodge building. In SL there are 3 lodge tower rooms. Tete posted pics of her lodge tower room in SL - just so you get an idea of the look and layout. All the lodge tower rooms are the same floorplan except Tete had the upper floor w/no balcony and a dormer ceiling.

The corner rooms are hammerhead rooms and those are either lagoon or MK view rooms. You book that category and can request the corner room. Request only and no guarantee. Those have the extra floor space and two balconies.

I think we pretty much all agree (from what I read here) that the new rooms leave something to be desired.


Lives4Disney, thanks so much for your quick reply! Yes the pics Tete posted are great. I definitely would love a lodge tower room but with a balcony. At least you can book that category unlike the corner room. But...somebody has to get those rooms, right? Why not me?
I see your countdown is coming on fast. I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip and a Happy Thanksgiving. Please take lots of pics and let us have the skinny on the new decor.

tarrgem- completely off topic but we are huge Pats fans too! And we are season ticket holders. It's a great time to be a Boston sports fan!