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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

From the GF to the Magic Kingdom I would say it's 1 - 2 minutes and maybe 5 minutes if there is already another Monorail already there, so the one you would be on has to stop on the track.

 

[dreamfinder222]

It's been about a week since the first post about the GF atrium construction was posted. Does anyone have any updated info? I'm just wondering if it's a "we'll-be-done-in-a-couple-weeks" kind of construction, or a "it's-going-to-be-july-before-we're-done" kind of thing!

We're heading down for our first stay at GF in March, and would like to experience it like it's supposed to be

Thanks for any updates!

Eric

 

[angelkk]

Thank you CR Resort Fan 4 Life and Tinkaroo.

Some questions about the boat launch (MK -> GF): I assume they won't be as BIG as the ferry from TTC Is it possible to bring a baby stroller on the boat?

Also, how frequent is the boat launch?

 

[mr.mike]

A friend has asked me to help them plan a trip to the GF and they are stayong garden view.

Are there garden view rooms in Conch Key?
Anyone have a favorite building for garden view?
thanks

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you CR Resort Fan 4 Life and Tinkaroo.

Some questions about the boat launch (MK -> GF): I assume they won't be as BIG as the ferry from TTC Is it possible to bring a baby stroller on the boat?

Also, how frequent is the boat launch?

You're welcome and to answer your other question yes the Resort boat won't be as big like the one which goes from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom. The only thing I can not answer if it's possible to bring a stroller on there. As for how frequent the boat is I would guess it's comes every 20 minutes.

 

[Babyboo]

Thank you CR Resort Fan 4 Life and Tinkaroo.

Some questions about the boat launch (MK -> GF): I assume they won't be as BIG as the ferry from TTC Is it possible to bring a baby stroller on the boat?

Also, how frequent is the boat launch?

Hi,

The boats go from Magic Kingdom to GF to Poly and then back to Magic Kingdom.

I would say it takes around 20 mins to do the full loop but can depend on number of people using the service.

I think there are normally two boats running.

We always get the monorail to MK and the boat back. We have timed it a few times and even if there is not a boat at the MK dock but a monorail in the station it is still quicker to wait for the boat than go all the way around on the monorail. Once the boat has loaded it isn't even 3 mins to get to the GF on the boat (it's loading and unloading that takes the time). I was sad enough to time it last month.

You can take strollers on the boat but they have to be folded. For us this was the only down side of using the boat at MK as DD would normally be asleep and we would have to disturb her to get back.

 

[Babyboo]

Here is a GF coffee question ~

The coffee pots in the room, are the filters the regular fluted circle kind or are they the cone shaped filters?

I want to pack my community coffee. I thought they had them in those small filter/grounds pack but I was at the store and didn't see them.
I am going to have to bring filter and grounds

I know we talked about coffee before but I can't find the post
I am also not sure if we just talked about cofee or the filter type we needed to buy!

Not sure if this will help but here's a photo of the coffee machine taken last month.

 

[grannyminnie]

I know!! I have read about other people having those types of "moments"...I never get them at WDW!!! It sounds lovely, though. I do need to try it some time.

Boy, I make sure to have those "moments"....that's part of what I pay for!!!!!! Of course, I don't always have kids in tow either, like a lot of you guys!

 

[praline3001]

Not sure if this will help but here's a photo of the coffee machine taken last month.

Looks like a basket to me! Thanks!!!

 

[biggroofy]

b) I would say 20 mins., maybe more. You would have to ride the complete resort monorail circuit (CR, TTC, Poly, then GF) to get back to the GF. The fastest way to the GF from the MK is the resort launch - first stop.

Wow! So in our case, staying in GF but having dinner at Kona Cafe (Poly) would also take us around 20 mins looping around the monorail. Shall we walk instead?

We had a 19:30 ADR in Artist Point (WL). What is the best transportation to take? Boat?

Thx!

 

[irisbud]

Wow! So in our case, staying in GF but having dinner at Kona Cafe (Poly) would also take us around 20 mins looping around the monorail. Shall we walk instead?

We had a 19:30 ADR in Artist Point (WL). What is the best transportation to take? Boat?

Thx!

You can walk to the Poly from the GF, it is a very nice walk on a wide, smooth, well lit path. Or you can get on the MK boat launch at the GF and ride the boat to the Poly, which will be its next stop.

When we ate at WL in October, we took the monorail to MK with plans on taking the boat to WL. We just missed it though, and the boats were infrequent as it was slow so we took a bus to WL. I would go with the boat, though given the choice. It's a nice ride.

 

[Lives4Disney]

praline, ya I have to agree with everybody else it's a basket. I guess I didn't understand what you were originally asking...duh. I just centered in on the coffee issue.

Amy, I don't know if there is an earphone jack.....you know, I think the thing is an iHome clock....I was looking at them at Target last weekend and maybe you could check if you're in Target. I am there like every other day ....I will look if I remember. I have the iJuke and it is so cool & I love it but I don't even know if it has an earphone jack!!! OK, dumb question but now that I think of it....why would you need an earphone jack? I am just thinking ya could just take the ipod off the thing and listen w/earphones. I am telling you I am so untechno.

NeversayNever, keep trying for that 1900 dinner. I hope you get it. The characters are so fun...although I am not sure they wouldn't be too scary for your little ones. ????? They really play the parts so well.....but they are funny.

Mr. Mike - Conch does have GV rooms. I have heard people say they each diff building best.....I guess it depends on the guest's view & location preference. If I booked GV I would like Boca Chica for a pretty courtyard pool and main building view or Sago with a marina view because Sago is nearest the marina for Wishes viewing and Gaspies for my kids convenience - it also has a little short cut to the bus stop and it is near the main building entrance. People say Big Pine is nearest the main building entrance and it is very near both pools and then Conch may have some water views included in the GV and it's nearest the boat dock. They all have their positives. Just kind of depends on what the guest has in mind.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[Lives4Disney]

Biggroofy, I agree with Amy, the walk between Poly and GF is a really nice one...especially AFTER dinner when you want to walk it off a bit. On the way over to Poly you might try and catch the little resort boat. It goes from the GF directly to the Poly and then from Poly to MK and back to GF.

When we ate at AP we took the monorail over to the CR because my kids LOVE that place and hung out there, shopped, etc. and then took the boat from the CR dock in back to the WL. It is a smaller resort boat, like the one used btwn the Poly and GF, and not usually crowded when we've been on - and a really pretty ride over.

Enjoy,

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

I have one of the iHome units sitting here on my desk. There are line in and line out jacks, but neither work with headphones (just tried).

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Hi all - we're back!

Had a great stay - beautiful weather!

We ended up in Conch Key, gv (no upgrade, boo hoo) marina side. At first I wasn't thrilled with the room because we were on the second floor, with an enclosed railing on the balcony over the red gables of the roof. Since it was just a short stay (5 nights) I thought well we'll just live with it. However, the room grew on me when I realized we could see the castle if we looked to the right. We were basically over the area where the Grand I docks.

The refurbished room looks better in person than in the pictures. I still like the old rooms better, expecially would prefer the table and chairs over the pull out desk and lounge chair.

Mousekeeping was great - no problem with turn down service every night.

We had a nice surprise when we came back our 1st night. We were celebrating dd's 9th birthday and dh's 51st birthday. I had ordered a basket and balloons from Disney florist and a cake for our dinner at 1900 Park Fare. When we came to the room, not only was the basket from Disney florist there but two white chocolate Mickeys with happy birthday signs with their names in chocolate, and two plates of cookies! What a nice surprise!

We ate at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was great, dinner so-so. We liked the food before the refurbishment much better, however the kids liked the step-mother and step-sisters. The cake we ordered was really good - I wasn't expecting it to be that good. Usually they just look pretty. We had a 10 inch vanilla cake, vanilla icing with custard and strawberry filling and a stand up white chocolate Cinderella. Of course it was way too much cake - so we ended up eating some for breakfast. Isn't that what vacations are for?

Kids still love Gasparilla's for quick breakfasts and lunches.

The biggest disappointment was when we first walked into the lobby to check in and it was completely torn up. There was sheeting everywhere and no tiles on the floor! Around the 4th day the sheeting came down but still no floor tiles - mousekeeping was walking around wearing dusks masks. No ambience at all. Luckily we had stayed at the GF several times before. I heard several guests complaining that had they know the whole lobby was being torn up they would have stayed somewhere else.

Kids were able to swim a few days. On our last day the "quiet" pool was closed (which we were aware of). Main themed pool was still open but by then the temperature had dropped to high 60's so our swimming days were done.

Any questions?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi all - we're back!

Had a great stay - beautiful weather!

We ended up in Conch Key, gv (no upgrade, boo hoo) marina side. At first I wasn't thrilled with the room because we were on the second floor, with an enclosed railing on the balcony over the red gables of the roof. Since it was just a short stay (5 nights) I thought well we'll just live with it. However, the room grew on me when I realized we could see the castle if we looked to the right. We were basically over the area where the Grand I docks.

The refurbished room looks better in person than in the pictures. I still like the old rooms better, expecially would prefer the table and chairs over the pull out desk and lounge chair.

Mousekeeping was great - no problem with turn down service every night.

We had a nice surprise when we came back our 1st night. We were celebrating dd's 9th birthday and dh's 51st birthday. I had ordered a basket and balloons from Disney florist and a cake for our dinner at 1900 Park Fare. When we came to the room, not only was the basket from Disney florist there but two white chocolate Mickeys with happy birthday signs with their names in chocolate, and two plates of cookies! What a nice surprise!

We ate at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was great, dinner so-so. We liked the food before the refurbishment much better, however the kids liked the step-mother and step-sisters. The cake we ordered was really good - I wasn't expecting it to be that good. Usually they just look pretty. We had a 10 inch vanilla cake, vanilla icing with custard and strawberry filling and a stand up white chocolate Cinderella. Of course it was way too much cake - so we ended up eating some for breakfast. Isn't that what vacations are for?

Kids still love Gasparilla's for quick breakfasts and lunches.

The biggest disappointment was when we first walked into the lobby to check in and it was completely torn up. There was sheeting everywhere and no tiles on the floor! Around the 4th day the sheeting came down but still no floor tiles - mousekeeping was walking around wearing dusks masks. No ambience at all. Luckily we had stayed at the GF several times before. I heard several guests complaining that had they know the whole lobby was being torn up they would have stayed somewhere else.

Kids were able to swim a few days. On our last day the "quiet" pool was closed (which we were aware of). Main themed pool was still open but by then the temperature had dropped to high 60's so our swimming days were done.

Any questions?

Hi Robyn! Glad it was a nice time. I would be kind of miffed, too, if the GF lobby was in that state during a stay there. That is kind of crummy how they handled it.

That's great about the white chocolate Mickey platters. Nice surprise.

Lives4Disney

 

[arbonnette]

I don't know if there is an earphone jack.....you know, I think the thing is an iHome clock....I was looking at them at Target last weekend and maybe you could check if you're in Target. I am there like every other day ... OK, dumb question but now that I think of it....why would you need an earphone jack? I am just thinking ya could just take the ipod off the thing and listen w/earphones. I am telling you I am so untechno.

Channing, it isn't a dumb question. I just thought I could leave my ipod charger at home if I could put it on the iHome clock and use my headphones. I am determined to bring one suitcase for DD and myself and as those of us with princesses know, those costumes can take up a lot of room!!! So anything I can edit from my two-page packing list is helpful. Btw, I am in Target every other day as well. It opens at 8 and it is so convienent to stop in there after I drop off DD at school! I FIND reasons to go to Target.

I have one of the iHome units sitting here on my desk. There are line in and line out jacks, but neither work with headphones (just tried).

Thanks, Tinkaroo. Ok. I am dumb. I actually have an iHome clock and I never thought to look at it to see if it has a headphone plug! Quick OT story, I was speaking to my mom the other day on the phone and I said "I feel so 'd-u-m-b'." I spelled it so my DD4 wouldn't know what I was saying. Well, much to my surprise she looks at me with those big eyes and says, "Mommy, you are not dumb!" I guess I better watch the spelling since she is starting to read ...

Hi all - we're back!
The biggest disappointment was when we first walked into the lobby to check in and it was completely torn up. There was sheeting everywhere and no tiles on the floor! Around the 4th day the sheeting came down but still no floor tiles - mousekeeping was walking around wearing dusks masks. No ambience at all. Luckily we had stayed at the GF several times before. I heard several guests complaining that had they know the whole lobby was being torn up they would have stayed somewhere else.

DisneyMom, If that had happened to us, I would have been terribly disappointed esp. since we have not stayed at the GF yet. I agree, staying there before would make for less disappointment, but still ... Glad you enjoyed your trip though! We are headed to the GF in less than 3 weeks, and we are crossing our fingers for nice weather!

 

[emmabelle]

Hello,


I have a couple of questions about the GF. I'd like to book a stay for a couple nights in July, pre-cruise, I was going to book a GV. If I don't request a certain building, is there a building that they usually give you when you book a GV and do all the buildings have GV rooms? Also has Disney updated all the rooms at the GF?

Thanks!

 

[irisbud]

Channing, it isn't a dumb question. I just thought I could leave my ipod charger at home if I could put it on the iHome clock and use my headphones. I am determined to bring one suitcase for DD and myself and as those of us with princesses know, those costumes can take up a lot of room!!! So anything I can edit from my two-page packing list is helpful. Btw, I am in Target every other day as well. It opens at 8 and it is so convienent to stop in there after I drop off DD at school! I FIND reasons to go to Target.

I don't know for sure, but I think that you could still do without the charger. The iPod clock/ radio thingie that I have functions as a charger as well, so if you left it on there for a while, it would probably recharge your iPod and then you could listen to it with your headphones later!

 

[mr.mike]

Mr. Mike - Conch does have GV rooms. I have heard people say they each diff building best.....I guess it depends on the guest's view & location preference. If I booked GV I would like Boca Chica for a pretty courtyard pool and main building view or Sago with a marina view because Sago is nearest the marina for Wishes viewing and Gaspies for my kids convenience - it also has a little short cut to the bus stop and it is near the main building entrance. People say Big Pine is nearest the main building entrance and it is very near both pools and then Conch may have some water views included in the GV and it's nearest the boat dock. They all have their positives. Just kind of depends on what the guest has in mind.

Thanks so much Lives4disney. You gave a great recap. I think with our small children and theirs I'll request Sago or Conch.
Thanks so much, I appreciate it!