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

[KimR]

We have booked 3 rooms with Magic Kingdom view. How do I request a castle view and how soon in advance should I call?

What are some suggestions for the best building with a Castle View that would accomodate a child in a wheelchair?

Thank you for your help.

We had a beautiful view of the castle in Boca Chica.

 

[KimR]

Does anyone know when all the renovations will be complete?

 

[vtwep]

I see this got lost in the shuffle - I'll try to answer your question. I've only had a castle view in Sago (never stayed in Conch) and it was a fantastic view. Some people think Conch is more dead-center but there are also some pretty good-sized palm tress in front of Conch that you may be looking around. I think Sago is slightly closer to the main building and pools but Conch is closest to the boat dock. My impression is that Sago's theme park view rooms would all be castle view (someone correct me if I'm wrong) and they would offer a quieter location than Conch. All that being said, I personally would vote for Sago but that's my experience talking! Good luck!

THANKS for your response! I'm thinking of leaning towards Sago...your comments about palm trees in front of Conch "scare me" a little bit! Anyone else care to compare the two?

Again - thanks!

 

[2pirates&2tinks]

We have had castle views from Sago, Boca and Big Pine. Sago has a view of just the castle. From Boca we saw the castle, but had some pine trees to deal with. From Big Pine (I was very nervous about this one when walking over to the room) We had a view of the castle, space mtn, the train station, the Contemporary, and the Poly. Hands down we all thought Big Pines theme park view was the best! I even thought the view of the castle was more staight on than from Sago. I would be careful of Conch since there are a few big pines in front of those end rooms. Good Luck!

 

[shefellnl0v3]

Quick question...

How big are the hairdryers at the GF? they're an amenity in the room right? I'm considering bring my own dryer because i have really thick hair and little hand held ones are kind of a pain..

We leave tomorrow morning!

 

[kblandino]

Are there any procedures to request a certain building? How do you do this and how far in advance? Thanks.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Quick question...

How big are the hairdryers at the GF? they're an amenity in the room right? I'm considering bring my own dryer because i have really thick hair and little hand held ones are kind of a pain..

We leave tomorrow morning!

Have a great time!!! I was there over Thanksgiving and I even took note of this because I figured I should, lol, but I forgot!!! I am almost positive they are 1600 or 1800 watt (I just checked mine and it is 1875 and the GF one is as large but not as powerful I think)...they are not the little handheld ones - the one I had was a full size white one - very basic, but it did the job better than the small hotel ones do. I have longish hair but not thick. It was fine for me but DD11 has super thick long hair and it took a while to dry and style.

kdblandino - You can request the rooms/buildings with CRO anytime. Just have it added to your reservation. At check in if you aren't happy with what you're given, just ask what else is available. That is what I usually wind up doing since the room assigners don't seem to pay attention to the requests....the probably get a million nowadays.

Lives4Disney

I need to add a ticker!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'm taking a 2 minute break while I finish packing.

Our flight leaves at 7 AM tomorrow. Hoping for a nice view (gv room).

See you all soon!

 

[WishesQueen]

You have to call Disney and tell them its someone's birthday!!! We usually celebrate my sons birthdays in Disney and for the first time last year we stayed at the GF.

Normally, they don't do too much. They give you pin and card with balloons, but at the GF you get the cutest surprise. I really don't want to give it away unless you want me to.

Have a great time!!!!!

 

[marcij]

I'm finally getting around to posting some pics. I won't re-post the same pics other people have posted, so I only have a few.

Here's the gingerbread house the day we arrived (12/27)

Gingerbread House on 1/2:

Balloons for New Year's Eve:

 

[WishesQueen]

Wow!! Great pics!!!

 

[praline3001]

I am running all over the house doing the happy dance
Since Oct I have had a split stay ressie where as the last night was had to pack up and move to the poly as there was no room at the GF
Anyway.... the Poly is nice but I didn't want a split stay our last night as I hate packing and repacking
WELLLLL this morning more rooms opened up and I was able to get our last night at GF and no split stay woohoooo

I am excited as this is my magical moment
As we all know the MOM is the one incharge of the packing and organizing on vacation soooo this has saved me valuable vacation time

 

[Lives4Disney]

I'm taking a 2 minute break while I finish packing.

Our flight leaves at 7 AM tomorrow. Hoping for a nice view (gv room).

See you all soon!

Robyn, have a magical time!!! I hope you get an upgrade!!! Gotta wish high! Take lots of pics to share.

Safe travels,

Channing

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am running all over the house doing the happy dance
Since Oct I have had a split stay ressie where as the last night was had to pack up and move to the poly as there was no room at the GF
Anyway.... the Poly is nice but I didn't want a split stay our last night as I hate packing and repacking
WELLLLL this morning more rooms opened up and I was able to get our last night at GF and no split stay woohoooo

I am excited as this is my magical moment
As we all know the MOM is the one incharge of the packing and organizing on vacation soooo this has saved me valuable vacation time

Praline, that is awesome!!!! I hear ya about the packing/repacking etc. It's a drag to move rooms sometimes. I dread the end of stay packing. Nothing ever goes back in the same way. Seems like we should have less because we bring an extra duffle for dirty clothes, but WTH?? There is never any extra space?!!?!

Marci - I talked to a CM last night that really enjoys having you stay at the GF!! Love your pics!!

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

Praline, that is awesome!!!! I hear ya about the packing/repacking etc. It's a drag to move rooms sometimes. I dread the end of stay packing. Nothing ever goes back in the same way. Seems like we should have less because we bring an extra duffle for dirty clothes, but WTH?? There is never any extra space?!!?!

Lives4Disney

Yup that special TA we all know and loved helped me out with this one!!!!

 

[marcij]

Marci [/B]- I talked to a CM last night that really enjoys having you stay at the GF!! Love your pics!!

Lives4Disney

You know, I had hoped to get to visit with them a lot while we were there, but they were both off for most of my stay! Bad timing on my part, as they work hard and are certainly due their time off.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Channing I talked to that awesome Cm last night as well. She rocks!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Channing I talked to that awesome Cm last night as well. She rocks!!

Ya, me too! Your name came up, too, haha.

 

[praline3001]

Teenage son for sale!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told him about how excited I was because we didn't have to move to the poly and the butthead teen that he is said, "Crap, I was looking forward to staying at the Poly. I like it better...."

As hard as it has been to get this last night at GF and he had to say that....

Its grounds for child abuse

 

[DiznEeyore]

Balloons for New Year's Eve:

How cool!! I'm assuming they dropped at midnight? Were you there for that? I had no idea that any of the hotels did that!!