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

[Alicnwondrln]

Channing, your discount on the GV upgraded to RPC has to be the deal of the century!!!

Yeah it is!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

 

[triplefigs]

I told DH about canceling RPC when he got to the hospital tonight. We both agree it's for the best for this next trip. But he agreed to a RPC Christmas 2009 trip! So now I need to book that as soon as I can to hold the room. Kelly, how far out can I book? Gives us all something to look forward to. I think it will be the perfect place to spend the holiday season.

 

[DREAMS161]

Lives4Disney- So happy to hear about your Pixie Dust! That sounds so exciting! My family & I are arriving Nov. 26th. Thank you for all of the info. especially about the weather. We have only been to Disney during May so this is new territory for me packing wise. You did mention that it's cold (we're from NJ) should I pack coats or jackets. I figured I'd pack a little of everything but should I just pack pants & long sleeves??? I appreciate your help so much - especially because you are on vacation ...thanks a million in advance.
If anyone has any advice please let me know- thanks!!- Donna

 

[Alicnwondrln]

We have gone the last 3 xmas' to disney and have packed sweatshirts and shorts. LOL. Welcome to the GF thread!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Treats and cakes

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Pics from the GRAND 1

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Channing - Congrats on your upgrade! I hope your pixie dust follows us in January.

So glad to hear you enjoyed 1900 Park Fare. We have breakfast and dinner reservations there in January, and I planned on dining there for one of our Magical Gathering dinners in July. It was always one of our favorites and I was nervous reading the recent reviews.

Denise - Hope all is going well with your ds. I think you made the right decision, splitting the stay would have been a huge hassle right now. Besides you know how your boys love the monorail!

50 more days until we hit the GF again!

 

[princessesrule4]

Oh, Georgia, I am sorry! I hope it isn't due to anything serious. Hopefully you are rebooked!?!

Hmmm....what else can I tell? The lounge....had bfast this morning and there was no fruit or yogurt out. I guess this is some funky fruit bug season so they keep it in the fridge and I just asked about it and they brought what I requested right out to me. This is the second day in a row there has been no cream with the scones....I know Princesses is going to be bummed about that....I will ask tomorrow if that's the new norm. Not sure what to think about that.

We had automatic turndown. I love the new tv and dvd player (haven't tried it yet but it's nice to have) and I love the Ihome Ipod thing. Kind of fun.

The rooms really do look much nicer in person than the pictures display. I kind of wish they would have done something to freshen up the bathrooms a bit because they are still kind of matching the old room colors and could use a bit of oomph...it just seems to contrast with the new wallpaper ending and going right into Disney topiary print.

THe evenings are VERY cold so if you are coming soon, be sure to pack a warm jacket. I am shivering sitting here at the desk! Need to change into warmer clothing.

David's Coco - Oh ya....I agree. RPC is wonderful and it does spoil ya.

Channing

No cream with the scones!? I wonder why? Well, on the bright side I'll save myself about 500 calories a day without it!
And a fruit shortage due to an insect? That's not good! There goes my "eat fruit for breakfast so I can pig out then rest of the day" plan!

So glad you all enjoyed 1900 Park Fare!

The 3 times we've been at Christmas, Orlando has record low temps and we freeze! We have learned to bring hats, gloves,scarves ,warm jackets and boots! I'm sure they'll have record highs this year just cuz I've packed my cold weather stuff! We're flying this time so I don't have room for shorts and capris and flip flops!

Thanks for your updates - I love live GF reports! Have a great time!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hey, wait a minute!! I just realized you said NO cream for the scones! I have been looking forward to that about as much as any of the treats in the lounge! I love scones and cream and sure hope they have it when we're there! As well as the fruit..

 

[princessesrule4]

Well I hope you have a great time next week. We just had to cancel the GF RPC portion as it was going to be too hard to do a split stay with all of DS' medical supplies, IV pole, pump, etc. the GF wasn't available (in any category) for all 7 days, so we are going to be at the CR in the tower with the MK view. We do have 2 meals at the GF though, so we'll go visit at least twice.

I'm sorry to hear that but that certainly makes sense logistically speaking. I think the CR MK view is the best view on property! I know you all have had that view before - it's the next best thing to actually being in the MK,isn't it?

 

[Tinkaroo]

This may seem like a strange question but is there a first aid station at the GF?

I have 3 EXTREMELY accident prone children when they are on vacation
Every major vacation we have EVER went on we have ended up in an ER. My kids joke that they like touring the ER's around the country hahaha

I have been to the hospital in Orlando as my daughter fell out of the bunk bed at the AKL and conked her head on a night stand HARD and had a consussion ... as I said EXTREMELY accident prone

Anyway, we are flying this time and won't have a car. I figured if its bad we can get a cab (or call 911) but was wondering if they had a first aid station for minor stuff and where on the property is it EXACTLY

On our travels We have had a broken arm, a broken leg, a broken toe, 3 sets of stiches, 1 concussion along with many bumps, bruises and minor injuries.... I am NOT asking this out of curiosity

PS... the hospital in Orlando was great with my DD!!! They even had Mickey dolls for their little patients apparently lots of kids go there when they get hurt while visiting the mouse!

I don't believe there is a station at the GF. I believe the only true "first aid" stations at WDW are in the parks, so you'd have to travel to the MK. I'd probably just elect to take a cab to one of the urgent care places (I think the ones near WDW are called Centra Care - I know there's one close to DTD), or Celebration Hospital.

I do know from experience that you can use a "doctor on call" service, where you can speak to nurses/doctors over the phone who will monitor a condition, and let you know if/when you should go seek immediate care. DH got food poisoning when we were staying at the WL 12/05, and he used that, until he got so dehydrated I had to take him to Celebration Hospital. The WL was great, though - offered to call us a cab, but since I had a car and preferred to use that, they gave me pre-printed directions to the hospital. They also called ahead and made sure they took our insurance before I trucked out there (as my wonderful insurance co. customer service center was closed - this was about midnight ). It stunk to get sick (I started with the symptoms in the hospital), but WL was great. Can't imagine GF would be any different.

Channing, your discount on the GV upgraded to RPC has to be the deal of the century!!!

I was thinking the same thing.

Glad you guys are having a ball, Channing!

I told DH about canceling RPC when he got to the hospital tonight. We both agree it's for the best for this next trip. But he agreed to a RPC Christmas 2009 trip! So now I need to book that as soon as I can to hold the room. Kelly, how far out can I book? Gives us all something to look forward to. I think it will be the perfect place to spend the holiday season.

Denise - they usually release dates for the next year in August or so. I was looking at my paperwork for our upcoming trip, and I booked our RPC stay this Christmas in late August of 2006 (and I know I did it right when they came out so I could get the AAA discount).

Sorry that you guys had to cancel the RPC portion of your Feb. trip, but that sounds like the best thing for you guys now - just stay put in one spot. I'm so glad Rees gets to go home tomorrow!

We have gone the last 3 xmas' to disney and have packed sweatshirts and shorts. LOL. Welcome to the GF thread!!

I agree! We wore shorts, and also sweatsuits/jackets, etc., in 2005, while last year they had record warm temps! There's just no telling...

 

[princessesrule4]

I told DH about canceling RPC when he got to the hospital tonight. We both agree it's for the best for this next trip. But he agreed to a RPC Christmas 2009 trip! So now I need to book that as soon as I can to hold the room. Kelly, how far out can I book? Gives us all something to look forward to. I think it will be the perfect place to spend the holiday season.

I just saw that your DS is going home tommorow!! I'm so happy for you all! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
RPC at Christmas time is my absolute favorite - you will have a fabulous trip and I know it will be worth the wait!

 

[praline3001]

I hope your having a great time Channing. I can't wait to see the pics!!

My kids get a kick out of looking at all the pics of the GF... it gets them so excited about our upcoming trip!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, guys....we had a nice time at Epcot and R & C tonight. VERY packed monorail and it all emptied out at the Grand. It is a full house.

As for the weather, yesterday I started out in capris, 3/4 slv tee and jean jacket. Wore it all day comfortably - and at 9 am I was COLD. Last night we changed into jeans, long slv tee, bought Xmas party hats and sweatshirts and wore polar fleece jackets. Some people had on gloves. It was COLD and I was glad I did have the jeans and jacket. When the sun goes down it gets cold quickly. It is colder than I expected it to be from accuweather etc. predictions. People were still wearing shorts etc, but they're nuts. We are from northern IL, so we're not weather sissys, but it's been cool after the sun sets.

Ya, not sure what's up with the cream or the fruit at bfast, but I will ask if I am there in the lounge tomorrow afternoon. If there is somethihg you want and don't see out, if you just ask they will get it if possible.(like the fruit for DD and me this morn) I keep forgetting water for our room.....DH likes the new rooms, too. The sofa bed is larger and that is a nice thing for DS, too.

Grannie Minnie- GOOD LUCK!! I hope you get an upgrade, too. I just got really really lucky. Crazy lucky.

Denise, I am sorry you had to cancel your split stay, but that sounds like the best plan. You will get here one of these days and the CR is cool. BOYS love that place especially. I am going to check it out and the new concourse area etc and take some pics. I have only seen it from the monorail. Hope Rees is continuing to recover.

Georgia, Hope you can get back here soon.

Happy planning.....I don't know what other advice to give besides make sure you do have something (at least ONE outfit) and a jacket for cooler weather....I think it was in the 40s last nt and that is cold for parade watching. Tonight not as cool, but still I kept my polar fleece jacket on inside R & C. We've been this time of yr before and daytime can be swimming weather and at night jacket/jeans. Have to pack for anything.

Channing

 

[Dis Ohana]

Lives4SDisney: I'm so happy for you! I was really hoping you'd get the RPC upgrade, I know that you've been trying for that for a while. If the Disney knew how much you promote and help people like me plan our GF trip, they'd probably be paying your way over . Sounds like you're all having a great time. Thanks for taking time to post.
I'm not too concerned about the Southern Elegance service. We've had some pretty bad experiences with limo companies in the past, so if they just show up when they're suppose to I'll be happy. Please tell me how the ride back to the airport goes.
I am really thinking about doing the MVMCP now after reading this. Nice to hear that the crowds were low. I thought it would be fun, but as you know..me and crowds don't mix. I know the kids would love it though. I have to see how it is when we get there. Anything below 70 is pretty chilly to us, so if it's raining then I think we'll pass.
Have a wonderful trip. Thanks for remembering your DIS friends!


triplefigs: I'm so glad to hear that Rees is coming home soon. We all got down and prayed for him after reading your thread. My DD just asked me the other day how he was doing. God Bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.

 

[BrianD]

Channing, glad to hear the trip is off to a fabulous start! Please, you must tell me your secret to these crazy upgrades you get!! Anyway, if you happen to venture out beyond the main building (ha ha!), I'm curious where the room refurb stands. Was Sago Cay the only one left, or are there others? Anyway, have a great time - we are down to counting the days!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Dis Ohana, I am also going to go to the Xmas party on the 25th. We weren't planning on it, but since we had a surprisingly good experience on the 16th we aer going to try again with our guys. So, I will have an idea if the 16th was a fluke with the low crowds....it was in the 40s as I said so maybe that kept locals away.

About SEL.....they were there on time, great car, help etc....just a few things were idfferent and I really liked the owner a lot and hope he is still the owner....I want to know for sure .....I guess what made me start thinking something was up was when you wrote they wouldn't really give you a pick up time....they always suggested before. Then they didn't call 48 hrs out and confirm like they always do. I called them because I was arriving with just my girls ad wanted to make sure. Just little service things that seem off from before. Also the only one I ever talked to there this time was M*****L and that seemed strangely different. He seems like the only one!

BrianD...I will find out about the rehabs today. I think it is only Sago but I will check for sure.

We are LAZY and nobody is moving. Not sure what the plan is.

Talk to ya later,
Channing

 

[DREAMS161]

Thank you for all of the weather/packing advice. I think I might start packing today, so I can see how much I can really fit in our suitcases. As I've said this trip is a surprise to our little guys who are 4 & 6 yrs old. I have to pack on the sly as to not tip them off. I am about to burst to tell them though
I have to admit I am hooked on this thread, it is so much fun! Thank you again for all of your great info! We have a Garden View booked so I'll try to take pictures etc as well to share.

 

[ClareH37]

I'm so excited, 2 weeks today and I'll be checking into the RPC for my very first time

I've finally read this thread from beginning to end and I still can't get enough information

This is probably going to sound really silly, but I'd like to take lots of photos of decorations which as few people around as possible, so I'm thinking of staying up very late one night or getting up very early the next morning - do they leave the Christmas lights on the tree/etc. 24 hours a day?

Thanks