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

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Expect for the Afternoon Tea from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, the times posted on the menu for Sugar Loaf for the other things they offer are the exact same times for the Club Level lounges at the Contemporary and Polynesian. So that means all the Club Level lounges must offer everything at the same times, which makes a lot of sense. Of course the menus for the Contemporary and Polynesian say Refreshments are from 11:30 - 4:00 PM, but because of the Afternoon Tea it would be different for Royal Palm and Sugar Loaf. However I am sure you know what I mean when I say the rest of the menu is the same when you compare it to the other Club Levels.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

we were just there in november and when we ate at gasparilla's they were selling sushi - in fact, that's what my daughter had and she said it was very good...

Thanks for that info. I guess since you're daughter had it in November, the night we went back there and it must have been sold out for the evening.

 

[goofygal531]

Is the afternoon tea snack offerings from the Grand View Lounge? Their desserts were delish! Can I expect a mini version of the tea service from the lounge?? I really loved having tea there!!

Oh, I saw the Sushi too! The day before Thanksgiving. I saw a lot of people buying it, so it might have been sold out. I would assume that they would buy a limited quanitity so it won't go to waste or spoil. I never saw sushi at any other resort before.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Wow! Thanks for posting the welcome letter! That's really helpful!

Oh, I know it's not exactly a full meal, but if we have a big buffet lunch the snacks should be enough for a lite dinner.

A few more questions: (sorry!)
Do they offer kid fare in the evenings? Like nuggets or mini pizzas?
Can you get beverages 24 hours?
Do they have milk on hand at all times for the kids?

A room question:
Since they provide food offerings, do they still provide you with a fridge in the room? I'll need one for the kids milk. My son has a bad habit of waking in the middle of the night for a sip or two of milk.

Would the CMs be able to freeze an ice pack for our cooler every night? This might be a pita, but there's no freezer section in the fridges.

(We had to have room service freeze our ice pack on a cruise one year. We'd drop it off at the main desk every evening, then on our room service tray - which we had to order in order to get the ice pack back - they'd get our ice pack out of the medical fridge. It was a pita for all involved, but it was necessary on hot days for my son's milk)

Thanks for all your help!
Mare

On some nights they had chicken fingers and pb&j uncrutsables and stuff like that. Some night they would have nothing.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I will try & answer a few of the questions.....all new rooms do have a fridge now. No need to request.

In the eves I have always seen something out for kids in RPC....nothing so good as mini pizzas, though. They have rollups and fish or chicken nuggets and pbj....almost always the pjbs plus one of the others. THey also have rice krispie treats and brownies, cupcakes and cookies at this time.

I always make dinner ADRs, as well as lunch ADRs...at home we normally eat dinner about 7 - 8 pm so that is what time I make them at WDW and we do lunch about 1 pm. Sometimes we are around for the appetizers and then MAYBE don't use our adr, but I like to have one just in case because who knows how things will play out 180 days in advance. and who knows if the appetizer menu will appeal to anybody in our family either. A few nights when we did eat the appetizers & missed our ADR and then we went down to Gaspies about 9 pm for a bit more dinner. We take advantage of the continental bfasts daily because we are not big on bfast at all and then we always do a ts lunch. There is nothing like a lunch offering....the closest it comes is veggies and dip and crackers/pretzels, chips and dips. Can't make a meal out of that.

As for the tea offerings....kind of weak this time. They have tea bags and all the usual drinks but they have scones (same every day) and apricot - or orange...haha had this often and still don't know for sure... and strawberry preserves and butter. They used to have thick cream...no more it seems. One day we caught it where they had a trifle - yummy. They also have the same chocochip, sugar, and oatmeal cookies they have out other times of the day, and a tray of petite cookies. That was it while we were there. No really yummy desserts other than the trifle we saw once.

The soda is in a refridgerator and I believe you can just help yourself any time of day. You can take a few cans to put in your own fridge, too. Milk - probably the same. Fill a cup w/lid and take it to go. The lounge CMs are SUPER nice and will help you with any of your needs. If they can freeze the ice pack for you they will, but I have never asked.

Lives4Disney


The afternoon

 

[princessesrule4]

When we were in RPC in June they locked the fridge up at night. I 'll check it out when we are there the week after next but I'm pretty sure they lock it up every night when they clean the latte machine and put the desserts and drinks away for the night!

 

[goofygal531]

Thanks! I really appreciate all your wonderful comments!

With my kids being so young, we've found it's not so easy to dine in the restaurants when WE want to. My 4 year old would rather be on a ride than inside a restaurant. So we've learned to dine on the go these past two trips. This is a huge change for my table service loving husband. Thankfully, he's happy with a turkey leg for lunch

So whatever food they provide, we'll appreciate. We love the idea of little meals here and there. Plus this time around we might bring some goodies back to the resort like counter service meals from "around the world" to enjoy later.

About what's available after 10pm, your saying there's a fridge that you're welcome to help yourself to soda and milk. Any juice in there? What about coffee?

Also, is there a microwave to use at your leisure?

I guess I'm trying to compare what's available in the food courts to the lounge. I liked having the microwave to reheat my son's left over chicken nuggets and fries.

I'm so looking forward to this vacation!
Mare

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Oh, I saw the Sushi too! The day before Thanksgiving. I saw a lot of people buying it, so it might have been sold out. I would assume that they would buy a limited quanitity so it won't go to waste or spoil. I never saw sushi at any other resort before.

That's a very good observation.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks! I really appreciate all your wonderful comments!

With my kids being so young, we've found it's not so easy to dine in the restaurants when WE want to. My 4 year old would rather be on a ride than inside a restaurant. So we've learned to dine on the go these past two trips. This is a huge change for my table service loving husband. Thankfully, he's happy with a turkey leg for lunch

So whatever food they provide, we'll appreciate. We love the idea of little meals here and there. Plus this time around we might bring some goodies back to the resort like counter service meals from "around the world" to enjoy later.

About what's available after 10pm, your saying there's a fridge that you're welcome to help yourself to soda and milk. Any juice in there? What about coffee?

Also, is there a microwave to use at your leisure?

I guess I'm trying to compare what's available in the food courts to the lounge. I liked having the microwave to reheat my son's left over chicken nuggets and fries.

I'm so looking forward to this vacation!
Mare

Princesses....I was wondering if they locked it!! That is kinda weird, but I believe it. I always prepared and took a few cans of what we'd drink during lounge open hours.

Mare, there is a fridge in the lounge stocked with canned Coke products. THey have milk, iced tea, pink lemonade, and apple, OJ, and cranberry juice out at various points in the day in large containers. If you need something you don't see out just ask the lounge CM and they'll get it from the back for you. They are very accommodating. You are welcome to take cans of soda or cups (styrofoam cups that have lids) of other things back to keep in your fridge, too. Nobody minds. I know there are people that gripe about this on other trheads, but there is plenty to go around and the lounge CMs OFFER for you to take things back to keep in the rooms. They restock and there is no shortage at the GF.

I have not seen a microwave in the lounge, but I have seen them being removed from rooms. I believe you can request one.

Gasparilla's Grill is a 24 hr fast food shop. The grill closes at about 11 pm, but they have lots of other items including indiv containers of milk and juices. There is no shortage of food at the GF.....there's always nice room service, too.


PS....I remembered something....a few times things FROZE SOLID in our fridge so there's your block of ice. haha. It can get really really cold in there.
Lives4Disney

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Gasparilla's Grill is a 24 hr fast food shop. The grill closes at about 11 pm

Was their grill ever open 24 hours? The 1st time I went there the Cast Member who took our order said it was, because after 2:00 AM they always had guests coming back from Pleasure Island who were hungry.

 

[goofygal531]

Lives4Disney, your just awesome! How many times have you stayed at the GF? You know everything!!

I cannot imagine requesting a microwave for our room, that's a bit over the top Does Gasparilla's Grill have one? I don't remember seeing one?

Forgot to ask about bottled water? Is that provided too?

So there's no need for the refillable mug then, great!

I bet everything's lock up in the evenings, if the staff is gone at 10pm, it makes sense.

We thought it was "wrong" to take items from the lounge when we stayed in Aruba, but later on in the week realized that everyone does it and it's expected. It's something you have to get used to doing/seeing. It's not "stealing". You paid for it and there is plenty to go around.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Was their grill ever open 24 hours? The 1st time I went there the Cast Member who took our order said it was, because after 2:00 AM they always had guests coming back from Pleasure Island who were hungry.

Hmmm.....honestly I am not sure. I was told it closes at 11 pm. I really wasn't ever in there after 10 pm, though. If we wanted something late - and we did - we ordered room service.

Mare, I have stayed at the GF a lot. Only SL once and the other times RPC. We used to stay CR since 1990 almost exclusively until about 3 years ago, but the GF won us over due to the GREAT CMs. DH LOVES the GF, too, so I am lucky.

They have large glass bottles of water in the lounge. No WDW resort has the indiv plastic bottles available in lounges anymore. I don't remember a microwave at Gaspies.....we were kind in and out, though.

I feel bad when there is all that fussing & fighting about people taking things to their rooms (whatever), and we felt awkward the first few times we stayed concierge too....weren't sure about what's appropriate, but they do offer and the drinks/snacks are available and we don't hoard them, but take what we will use and for our convenience. That's what it's all about.

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Lots of people ask for a microwave! The give you large glass bottle of water, take one back to your room and put it in the fridge. I always grab so soda place it my fridge in my room. That way when its late at night and lounge is closed I can have a drink and dont have to walk to gaspies.
I will also take some of that great pink lemonade put it in a cup with a lid and place it in the fridge. I love the pink lemonade there.

Sometimes I would even come back to the room and there would be some desserts on a plate for us. It was very nice.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I was not able to get grilled items ater 11pm they have cold sandwiches. You can also order room service. I think I have that menu I will post it.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hmmm.....honestly I am not sure. I was told it closes at 11 pm. I really wasn't ever in there after 10 pm, though. If we wanted something late - and we did - we ordered room service.

Mare, I have stayed at the GF a lot. Only SL once and the other times RPC. We used to stay CR since 1990 almost exclusively until about 3 years ago, but the GF won us over due to the GREAT CMs. DH LOVES the GF, too, so I am lucky.

They have large glass bottles of water in the lounge. No WDW resort has the indiv plastic bottles available in lounges anymore. I don't remember a microwave at Gaspies.....we were kind in and out, though.

I feel bad when there is all that fussing & fighting about people taking things to their rooms (whatever), and we felt awkward the first few times we stayed concierge too....weren't sure about what's appropriate, but they do offer and the drinks/snacks are available and we don't hoard them, but take what we will use and for our convenience. That's what it's all about.
Lives4Disney

I was also nervous at first about this but they dont care. I have been told take the drinks back to your room. They close at 10pm why should have to pay for a drink. I love concierge

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hmmm.....honestly I am not sure. I was told it closes at 11 pm. I really wasn't ever in there after 10 pm, though. If we wanted something late - and we did - we ordered room service.

Maybe it use to be open 24 hours and now it's changed to close at 11:00 PM. Although the little take home menu I have says you can get items such as Hambugers, Cheeseburgers, Double Cheeseburgers, Hot Dog, Chicken Strips and all other grilled items until 11:30 PM. Unless since this past August they changed the closing of the grill to 11:00 PM.

I feel bad when there is all that fussing & fighting about people taking things to their rooms (whatever), and we felt awkward the first few times we stayed concierge too....weren't sure about what's appropriate, but they do offer and the drinks/snacks are available and we don't hoard them, but take what we will use and for our convenience. That's what it's all about.

The way I see things is like this. When I have been in the lounge on the Atrium Club at the Contemporary, the Cast Members have never stopped any guests including my family from taking drinks back to our room and they are always very fast in replacing the items. So if they don't say anything there should be no problems. The odd time we have taken some hot foods or deserts back to our room. However we always make sure to leave some for the other guests, so we don't hoard up on anything.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Private Dining $3.00 delivery, 6% sales tax and
18% service charge will be added to all orders.


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Private Dining Experience

Our Romantic Packages...For guests seeking that special dining experience, our Romance Packages are the perfect answer. The Romance Packages are carefully selected menus served in the privacy of your own suite, on board our yacht, the Grand I, or one of our float boats or in one of many secluded and romantic venues around the hotel.

We also offer the option of serving items from the menus from any of our restaurants or have our Chefs customize a menu, tailored to your specific wishes. The meal is served butler-style, presenting each course separately. Our Private Dining managers will gladly assist in creating the perfect evening for you.

Pricing depends upon the individual options selected.

Entertaining in Your Suite...From an intimate dinner for 4 to a lavish cocktail party for 40, our Private Dining team can provide it all. Choose from our selection of hospitality menus, or allow our Chefs to create a personalized menu for you.

To arrange for these dining options, you must call Private Dining at the Grand Floridian. 24 Hour Notice will be required.


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Breakfast
served from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Fruits & Juices

Assorted Juices (orange, grapefruit, apple, cranberry, tomato, V-8, or pineapple) $2.99

Chilled Half Grapefruit $3.99

Fresh Strawberries & Cream $4.99

Rainbow of Fresh Sliced Fruit $6.99

Seasonal Melon $4.99

Natural Yogurt (with strawberries or bananas) $3.99

Breads & Cereals

Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat with brown sugar & raisins $4.50; with fruit $5.50

Assorted Cold Cereals $4.50; with fruit $5.50

Assorted Pastries (2 Danish, 1 croissant, 1 muffin) $7.50

Danish or Croissant (2 each) $3.99

Bagel and Cream Cheese $3.99

Toast (white, wheat, rye or raisin) $2.99

Beverages

Regular Coffee or Decaf $4.99

Hot Tea or Hot Chocolate $3.99

Milk or Chocolate Milk $2.99

Low-fat Smoothies $6.99

Assorted Soft Drinks or Bottled Water $3.29

Iced Tea small carafe $3.99; large carafe $7.99

Espresso or Cappuccino $3.99; flavored $4.99

Side Orders

Bacon, sausage links, or cured ham steak $3.79

Canadian bacon or turkey sausage $4.29

Southern-style Grits $2.29

Children's Menu

Entrees include your choice of beverage
(milk, chocolate milk or orange juice)
$8.99

Daisy's Eggceptional Morning - one scrambled egg with bacon and a biscuit

Lumiere's French Toast - with one scrambled egg

Mickey's Ears to You - two fun Mickey-shaped waffles

Chip 'n' Dale Chippy Cakes - pancakes with one topping of your choice (bananas, berries, or chocolate chips)

Mickey's Morning Surprise - large Mickey Mouse waffle served with lots of Mickey surprises $13.99

The Continental Approach - our Grand Floridian pastry basket served with butter and preserves; fresh seasonal fruit; your choice of coffee, tea or decaf; and your choice of juice $12.99

The Grand American Breakfast - two eggs, prepared any style, served with buttermilk biscuits; bacon, sausage or ham steaks; grits or hash brown potatoes; coffee, tea or decaf coffee; and your choice of juice $16.99

Other Breakfast Specialties
We gladly substitute regular eggs with "Egg Beaters" or egg whites in any of the following dishes.

Three Egg Omelet - ham and cheese, Western, or Spanish, served with hash brown potatoes or grits $10.99

Corned Beef Hash & Poached Eggs - homemade hash with potatoes, onions and green peppers $10.99

Spa Vegetable Fritatta - open-faced egg white omelet with tomato, zucchini, onion, mushrooms, chives, spinach and fresh seasonal fruit $9.99

Smoked Salmon with flavored cream cheeses, onions, tomatoes and a bagel $12.99

Eggs Benedict - two poached eggs on toasted English muffin with Canadian bacon and Hollandaise sauce $12.99

Steak & Eggs - two eggs, any style, served with a 8 oz. top sirloin steak, hash brown potatoes or grits $20.99

French Toast - $9.99

Belgian Waffle - $9.99

Old Fashioned Pancakes - $9.99

Add Strawberries, Blueberries, Bananas or Pecans - $1.00


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To Go Lunches
$12.99 each

-- Choose one: Ham & Cheese, Turkey & Cheese,
Roast Beef & Cheese or Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
--Whole Fruit (banana, orange, apple)
--Bag of Chips and a Cookie
--Beverages (Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Water, or a juice box)

Pizzas - served 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Cheese Pizza - a 16-inch cheese pizza with our own Italian pizza sauce $14.50
Add your choice of toppings at $1.50 each: pepperoni, sausage, ham, ground beef, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, jalapeno peppers.

Children's Menu -served 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Choice of entree as listed below, beverage (milk, soft drink or juice) and a chocolate chip cookie. $9.99

Minnie's Mini Burgers - two mini hamburgers served with fries
Mr. M's Steak Plate - grilled junior steak with French fries and vegetables
Chicken by Jiminy - fried chicken strips served with fries
Pluto's Double Dogger - two of Pluto's mini hot dogs served with fries
The Triple-Header - mini burger, mini hot dog and macaroni and cheese
Grand Goofy Griller - grilled cheese served with fries
PB&J Daisy's Way - American favorite, served with chips

Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Appetizers
Lump Crab Cake - with Cajun remoulade sauce $8.99
Garlicky Spinach Dip - with focaccia chips $6.50
Shrimp Cocktail $13.50

Soups
French Onion Soup - $6.79
Chicken Noodle Soup - $5.79


Grand Salads
House Salad - $5.99
Cobb Salad - $12.99
Caesar Salad - $6.99; with grilled chicken or shrimp $13.99
We also offer a reduced-fat Caesar and Ranch dressings.

Signature Sandwiches - All sandwiches are served with your choice of fries, chips or potato salad.

The Earl of Sandwiches - $11.99
New York Style Reuben - $10.99
Turkey Club Sandwich - $10.99
Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Homemade Veggie Burger - $10.99
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich $15.99
Pan-seared Chicken with Tomato Coulis $15.99
Penne Pasta Primavera tossed with olive oil, garlic and fresh vegetables $17.99; add chicken or shrimp $19.99
Daily Catch served with chef's accompaniments $17.99

Desserts
Florida Key Lime Pie $6.29
New York Cheesecake $6.29
Seasonal Dessert Selection $6.29
Strawberry Shortcake $6.29
Add a scoop of Haagen Dazs ice cream (vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon) $1.00


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Dinner
Served daily from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Appetizers
Lump Crab Cake - with Cajun remoulade sauce $8.99
Garlicky Spinach Dip - with focaccia chips $6.50
Shrimp Cocktail $13.50

Soups
French Onion Soup - $6.79
Chicken Noodle Soup - $5.79


Grand Salads
House Salad - $5.99
Cobb Salad - $12.99
Caesar Salad - $6.99; with grilled chicken or shrimp $13.99
We also offer a reduced-fat Caesar and Ranch dressings

Entrees
New York Strip Steak - 10 oz. steak served with baked potato $24.99
Seared Pork Tenderloin - served with Chef's choice of accompaniments $21.99
Roasted Prime Rib served with baked potato - 10 oz. $19.99; 14 oz. $22.99
Breast of Chicken - pan-seared with tomato coulis $19.99
Catch of the Day - inquire with your private dining host for details - $22.99
Filet Mignon served with a side of bearnaise sauce $28.50
Pasta Primavera tossed with garlic, olive oil, and fresh vegetables $17.99; with grilled chicken or shrimp $19.99
Turkey Club Sandwich served with chips, fries or potato salad $10.99
Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Homemade Veggie Burger served with chips, fries or potato salad $10.99

Desserts
Florida Key Lime Pie - $6.29
New York Cheesecake - $6.29
Seasonal Dessert Selection - $6.29
Strawberry Shortcake - $6.29
Add a scoop of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon) - $1.00


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Late Night Dining
Served Daily from 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Appetizers
Lump Crab Cake - with Cajun remoulade sauce $8.99
Garlicky Spinach Dip - with focaccia chips $6.50
Shrimp Cocktail $13.50

Soups & Salads
French Onion Soup - $6.79
Chicken Noodle Soup - $5.79
House Salad - $5.99
Caesar Salad - $6.99; with grilled chicken or shrimp $13.99
We also offer a reduced-fat Caesar or Ranch dressing.

Signature Sandwiches - All sandwiches served with your choice of fries, chips or potato salad
New York Style Reuben - $10.99
Turkey Club Sandwich - $10.99
Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Homemade Veggie Burger - $10.99

Entrees
New York Strip Steak - with baked potato $24.99
Breast of Chicken - pan-seared with tomato coulis $19.99
Daily Catch - with chef's choice of accompaniments $22.99

Early Risers
Three Egg Omelet - to create your perfect omelet, choose from bacon, ham or sausage; cheddar, Swiss or American cheese; tomato, onion, chives, peppers or salsa; served with hash brown potatoes or grits $10.99
Old Fashioned Pancakes - $9.99
Belgian Waffle $9.99
Banana or Pecan Pancakes - $10.99

 

[Lives4Disney]

I was also nervous at first about this but they dont care. I have been told take the drinks back to your room. They close at 10pm why should have to pay for a drink. I love concierge:banana:

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was really kind of surprised to see the microwaves in the hallways, haha. I haven't seen any lately, but on one trip I felt like we were the only ones without one. There is just too much fresh hot already ready to eat food available. I can't see me microwaving leftovers or anything in the room.

Wow!! How'd you do that, Kelly?!?!

Lives4Disney

 

[goofygal531]

I think people who hoard the items ruin it for everyone else. Those are the ones who get the most stares.

I'm not looking to stuff my face in the midnight hours I'm just a mom who needs some milk and some snacks for her kids and always snacking DH!

One last food related question then I'll drop this - promise!

What brand of water do they provide you with in those large glass bottles?

(I HATE that Florida brand "Zpharellis" sp?!)

 

[Tink rules]

Ok....

So.. .is the meat in the lounge SUPPOSED to be Gray??? and what does it taste like???

Do they have fresh Iced tea available also?

& about the people taking off with too much... if you see someone wandering down the hall with a case of soda....