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

[Dis Ohana]

I really need advice/opinions from any of you GF veterans willing to give it.

We are planning a family trip for the week after Thanksgiving this year. Our son will be a sophomore in h.s. and has class trips his junior and senior years, so my dh and I feel like this will be our last "big" family trip for the 3 of us. We want to make it extra special.

We've stayed at the Grand once before, in '05, in a Conch Key room w/a view of the marina and Sago Cay. For this year, we decided to splurge and booked 6 nights in RPC w/a AAA rate.

Trouble is, the practical side of me keeps saying, "You could save $200/night by just getting a theme park view -- you don't *need* concierge."

Ds wants to stay in RPC (he just LOVES the idea of concierge for whatever reason, LOL!) and dh says it's totally up to me, but he likes the idea of being in the main building for convenience sake.

So, I guess my question is, does RPC have some extra "magic" that we'll feel, or should we just go with a theme park view so I can get that castle view?

TIA!!

I've only stayed once at RPC so I can give you my perspective of that. We loved sitting on the balcony and listening to the orchestra at night. The lobby was always very crowded in the evenings, it was nice to be a part of it all from the quiet of the lounge. The food offerings at RPC are the best of any of the other CL we experienced. The lounge itself is huge and I loved just sitting there while I had a snack.
My son is around the same age as yours, he loved getting snacks and drinks from the lounge. He also would go down and talk to the CM's to ask for videos to borrow, he seemed very comfortable there.
We had a great view of the castle, but I can tell you that after the first day or so my son never stepped out onto the balcony. He much preferred watching the fireworks from the boat dock or in the park.

If money isn't the deal breaker, I'd vote for the RPC .

 

[DiznEeyore]

We stayed at the RPC the first year we took our kids to WDW. It was a nice experience. The kids were small so the convenience of being in the main building was wonderful. There was no breakfast or food service throughout the day, as there is now. We had to buy everything downstairs and that was quite a chore.
The next year, we stayed at the Sugar Loaf concierge, since there were no rooms available at the RPC. That was a blessing in disguise. The rooms were nice, we still had concierge and we had breakfast, snacks and drinks right outside of our door all day long. We were quite happy to stay there and did for the next 7 years.
If I were planning to stay at the GF again, I would not spend the extra money on the RPC. There's just not enough "magic" to justify the cost.
Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to know.

Very interesting ... you've given me more to consider.

I hadn't really thought about Sugar Loaf, partly because I'm obsessed with having a castle view, LOL! (Although I guess that's not even really guaranteed in RPC, is it? I was going to make that as our only request, but have to admit we'd all be disappointed if we didn't get it.)

I'll bounce the SL idea off the boys and see what they think. Tho' I think they'll probably rather try for the castle view ...

Thanks again!!

 

[DiznEeyore]

I've only stayed once at RPC so I can give you my perspective of that. We loved sitting on the balcony and listening to the orchestra at night. The lobby was always very crowded in the evenings, it was nice to be a part of it all from the quiet of the lounge. The food offerings at RPC are the best of any of the other CL we experienced. The lounge itself is huge and I loved just sitting there while I had a snack.
My son is around the same age as yours, he loved getting snacks and drinks from the lounge. He also would go down and talk to the CM's to ask for videos to borrow, he seemed very comfortable there.
We had a great view of the castle, but I can tell you that after the first day or so my son never stepped out onto the balcony. He much preferred watching the fireworks from the boat dock or in the park.

If money isn't the deal breaker, I'd vote for the RPC .

Ooh, you're making it sound very tempting!!

Everything you described is what I think my son (and dh and I!) would really enjoy about RPC. Hmmmm .....

 

[tinklvr64]

Babyboo: I was just catching up on some of the older replies and you were there over xmas...how was the crowds, weather,etc...
all information will be appreciated!

 

[Tinkaroo]

I really need advice/opinions from any of you GF veterans willing to give it.

We are planning a family trip for the week after Thanksgiving this year. Our son will be a sophomore in h.s. and has class trips his junior and senior years, so my dh and I feel like this will be our last "big" family trip for the 3 of us. We want to make it extra special.

We've stayed at the Grand once before, in '05, in a Conch Key room w/a view of the marina and Sago Cay. For this year, we decided to splurge and booked 6 nights in RPC w/a AAA rate.

Trouble is, the practical side of me keeps saying, "You could save $200/night by just getting a theme park view -- you don't *need* concierge."

Ds wants to stay in RPC (he just LOVES the idea of concierge for whatever reason, LOL!) and dh says it's totally up to me, but he likes the idea of being in the main building for convenience sake.

So, I guess my question is, does RPC have some extra "magic" that we'll feel, or should we just go with a theme park view so I can get that castle view?

TIA!!

DH and I tried RPC for the first time for 3 days during the week after Thanksgiving in '07 (11/29-12/2). It was a "one-time" splurge for us, and we booked the honeymoon room, since it was only an extra $5/night, and guaranteed us a king bed. This was DH's 1st time at the GF; I had stayed with my mom in a GV room on a girl's trip a few years earlier.

Well....we are REALLY hoping that experience is not going to be a "one time" thing. (I have a GV room booked for Dec. '08, but DH is lobbying to upgrade to RPC!) Particularly with all the beautiful Christmas decorations (as well as the crowds they can draw ), it was wonderful to be able to enjoy the ambiance and beauty of the main building, without having to fight the crowds on the 1st and 2nd floors. Several times a day, we found ourselves at a small table, not far from the food offerings, with the grounds of the GF to our right (and the castle visible in the distance), and the view of the GF Xmas tree and all the garlands strung thoughout on our left (and at night, the orchestra playing below). We also found the food really good, and enjoyed the lounge and concierge CM's immensely. We also loved our room, and had a great castle view. It was basically a perfect experience, and was a very special time for us. (We were meeting our extended family after this for 5 days on our DVC points at SSR - every night, DH and I wanted to ditch them and our grand villa, and head back for the sanity and peace of RPC.)

So, I can appreciate your dilemna. My head tells me that the price difference is a lot of $$ - but we've experienced it, and it just might be worth it for us. I don't know - we'll have to see. You can stay tuned to the thread to see what we do.

(If they'd just send me one of those darn 40% off codes, it would make our decision an easy one! )

 

[tinklvr64]

Does anyone know if a discount has been available in the past for the week of Christmas?? How about AAA?

 

[typhoonlagooner]

My DBF started talks of a March trip last year and I blew him off everytime (I know.. disers dont do that ) I'm a "low crowd" kind of girl and enjoy my January, Septmeber, and December travel times so a March trip just wasn't something I was jumping up and down about. He then played his last card and bribed me with a deluxe resort... what was a girl to do?!

So it's official, we're off to the GF for 4 nights thanks to a decent discount through his work. We were only able to book a Garden View room but I'm still excited that I get to be one of "those" guests who gets into the GF bus lines. Shallow... I know...

Can anyone help me out with the layout of the resort? I'd like to request a Dormer room w/king and know that could put me pratically in any building with exception to Sugar Loaf and the Main Building. If we get placed in Conch Key or Boca Chica, how long a walk is it to the Main Building? I know maps and pictures can be decieving.

Speaking of requests, how is the GF when it comes to this? I know a request is just that, a request, and that it really is just based on timing, but has everyone been having good luck in the past? If we can't get a dormer w/king, we would atleast still like a dormer (any building) and if that doesn't work out, a higher floor... so I don't think we're being "too picky".

What can I expect with the monorail and peak morning times? I know that the GF is basically the fourth stop (Contemp, TTA, Polynesian, then GF) and could these lead to jam packed monorail cabs by the time it reaches us? We're just two people and I have no issue with standing, but like I said, I don't "do" crowds well. Are there stampedes? Is that even how you spell that word?

We're not planning any TS meals this trip so how is Gasparilla's Grill for a quick breakfast or meal? We're by no means picky eaters when it comes to quality. I checked out the menu and the offerings work for us... just wondering if theres anything I should know or expect. Also, is this the only place to refill our mugs?

We like to go for a swim or lounge around the pool, but I noticed that the GF doesn't really have a "quiet" pool like other deluxes. Are both pools open at night (after 9pm)? Which one is usually less crowded (or feels less crowded)? How's the slide?

I'd love to just kick back and spend some time on the beach area of the resort... and that includes building a sandcastle! Does anyone know if the GF or Poly has some sand toys in the gift shop?

I think this is the best FAQ thread on the forum... special thanks to those who have contributed photos, facts, and help! Your time and effort really does make a difference to someone's vacation...

 

[princessesrule4]

Ooh, you're making it sound very tempting!!

Everything you described is what I think my son (and dh and I!) would really enjoy about RPC. Hmmmm .....

Warning... once you stay RPC- it's hard go back to staying non-concierge!

We started staying RPC about 4 years ago and we have stayed there almost every visit since then. Our stay is as much about the GF as it is about WDW and the parks! We don't do commando park hopping anymore and spend a lot of time at the resort pool and shops and in the RPC lounge just relaxing. We just love the GF and especially RPC. ( We have never stayed SL ,for what its worth) We love our resort time and feel like its worth the extra cost because we spend a lot of the time just hanging out in the lounge, listening to the orchestra,etc. We are there for alot of the offerings throughout the day as well and the concierge CMs are fabulous and so helpful! My kids love being able to grab a snack pretty much anytime of the day!

Also, we like having the ambience of the lobby without actually being down there especially at Christmas when the lobby is a zoo!

We get a castle view in RPC about 75% of the time. We have gotten upgraded to deluxe a few times and the deluxes do not have a castle view but we actually almost prefer the extra space nowadays! The castle view is definitely wonderful though!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[DiznEeyore]

You guys are making RPC sound sooo nice .... Thanks for all the replies!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

You guys are making RPC sound sooo nice .... Thanks for all the replies!!

It is sooooo nice. I think it is absolutely magical. RPC has the best Disney CMs in WDW. They have made our stays just so wonderful....I am just so addicted.

Hi, Typhoonlagooner! Welcome to the GF thread.

I should have quoted your post so I could answer your questions better. Hm...I will try....I know CinderellaFan had a nice king bed dormer room in Sago with a marina view. That would be my preferred GV choice. Sago was the most recently completed GF building. It is fresh and new. Check out the map at the beginning of this thread & you can see the location. Sago is near Gasparilla's Grill and very convenient to the main building, too. If you don't get your request when you check in, just ask what else is available....hopefully something will fit the bill.

We have not had issues with the monorail crowd in the morns. We just hop on as it's only a super quick trip. We've never not been able to find room.

We did Gaspies several times for bfast & it's fine for me. I like the yogurt parfait and a cinnamin roll. Mmm.....They also have hot bfasts and lots of other choices. It is the only mug refill place at the GF, I believe.

The GF has two pools.....a "quiet" courtyard pool that is nothing super special...just a free form pool. Then there's the theme pool with the zero depth end and waterfall & slide. I have been at the GF during many diff times of the year and I think both of their pools are a nice size and even during the July4th week haven't seemed overcrowded to me. The theme pool closes at 8 pm...well it has every single time we've been at the GF. The courtyard pool is open late - or even 24 hours....I wouldn't know, haha. That is also where the hot tub is.

There are beach toys for sale at the little store near the theme pool and also at Sandy Cove in the main buiding, ground floor.

Have a ball!!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[vtwep]

"but I'm still excited that I get to be one of "those" guests who gets into the GF bus lines. Shallow... I know... "

What does this mean???

 

[grannyminnie]

Uh-oh...I just heard the sound of a can of worms opening!!

Edited to add that assuming I know what the above poster is asking...

 

[Lives4Disney]

"but I'm still excited that I get to be one of "those" guests who gets into the GF bus lines. Shallow... I know... "

What does this mean???

I just thought it meant she has been envious of the GF guests. What's wrong with that? The GF is awesome. When we go to WDW in March and are staying at the Swan - believe me - I will be longing to be in the GF bus lines...and be one of those guests. I don't think there was any bad intent in that comment.

Hi, GrannieMinnie!!! I read that you really enjoyed the WL!! Just curious & interested about it - why you liked it and all that. I am glad you are here on the GF thread to chit chat.

Lives4Disney

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Hi, Typhoonlagooner! Welcome to the GF thread.

I should have quoted your post so I could answer your questions better. Hm...I will try....I know CinderellaFan had a nice king bed dormer room in Sago with a marina view. That would be my preferred GV choice. Sago was the most recently completed GF building. It is fresh and new. Check out the map at the beginning of this thread & you can see the location. Sago is near Gasparilla's Grill and very convenient to the main building, too. If you don't get your request when you check in, just ask what else is available....hopefully something will fit the bill.

Oh that sounds like a great location for us. We'd love a more personal/private view so a Marina view would be great! I'll be sure to ask at a check-in.

We have not had issues with the monorail crowd in the morns. We just hop on as it's only a super quick trip. We've never not been able to find room.

Perfect... that gives us just a little piece of mind! I wasn't really looking forward to doing the mad dash just to even get to the parks.

We did Gaspies several times for bfast & it's fine for me. I like the yogurt parfait and a cinnamin roll. Mmm.....They also have hot bfasts and lots of other choices. It is the only mug refill place at the GF, I believe.

That works for us! I think a location in Sago would be great than, especially if this is the only place to refill our mugs.

The GF has two pools.....a "quiet" courtyard pool that is nothing super special...just a free form pool. Then there's the theme pool with the zero depth end and waterfall & slide. I have been at the GF during many diff times of the year and I think both of their pools are a nice size and even during the July4th week haven't seemed overcrowded to me. The theme pool closes at 8 pm...well it has every single time we've been at the GF. The courtyard pool is open late - or even 24 hours....I wouldn't know, haha. That is also where the hot tub is.

There are beach toys for sale at the little store near the theme pool and also at Sandy Cove in the main buiding, ground floor.

Thanks for the info We'll definately have to spend an afternoon at the beach pool now!

"but I'm still excited that I get to be one of "those" guests who gets into the GF bus lines. Shallow... I know... "

What does this mean???

Because thats where the Tanner Family stayed during the Full House special!

And now my real answer:

For the little girl (ok so I'm not little anymore) who thought she'd never get to stay there, who knew her "frugal" and "well we could do this with that money instead" behavior would always get in the way, who chose to go twice a year at a value/moderate instead once every two at a deluxe, to finally get her chance to stay at not just any deluxe, but the Grand Floridian... is exciting.

Do I look at Grand Floridian guests any differently? Nope. Am I jealous of them on occassion.. you betcha! Everything from the rooms and dinning to the pools and beach area leaves a lot for a usual value goer to desire. At the end of the day though, I know that it's my choice/decision on which resort I stay at and that makes trips to deluxe resorts that much more special for us.

If you thought I was stereotyping guests of the Grand Floridian, I apologize as I had no intensions of implying that. Is it a nice feeling to know that I'm staying at the GF? Yes it is, and I do feel that it's a more special feeling compared to past trips to values and moderates.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Do I look at Grand Floridian guests any differently? Nope. Am I jealous of them on occassion.. you betcha!

LOL!! I know just what you mean.

When we were staying there a couple of years ago, we were taking the boat back from the MK. Obviously, there were guests from the Poly on the boat, too. When we docked at the GF and several of us got off, I heard a little boy behind us say, "Oh, MAN! They are so LUCKY! They get to stay at the GRAND FLORIDIAN!"

 

[Tink rules]

Hey... I went from ASMusic to the GF in one trip... AS gave me 4 extra days there... Except that it was Pop Warner week... ASMusic was a good choice - it was at least as big as the room I usually rented up at the lake for a 2 week vacation. If that's what you can afford... go for it. At least Disney does theme every resort to be fun.

 

[grannyminnie]

I just thought it meant she has been envious of the GF guests. What's wrong with that? The GF is awesome. When we go to WDW in March and are staying at the Swan - believe me - I will be longing to be in the GF bus lines...and be one of those guests. I don't think there was any bad intent in that comment.

Hi, GrannieMinnie!!! I read that you really enjoyed the WL!! Just curious & interested about it - why you liked it and all that. I am glad you are here on the GF thread to chit chat.

Lives4Disney

Hey there!
Re: the above poster's question, and my comment...I read it to mean that SOME people think that those who stay at the GF are snobs. We've seen a thread about this before, where some people think there's an "I'm better than you" attitude if you're staying there. I don't feel that way at all, and find a very welcoming feeling chatting with those of you here who love the GF. (hope I've explained myself well)
I really did enjoy the warm and welcome feelings I got a the WL. That huge lobby is amazingly cozy, and I loved going down there for my coffee in the early morning, while it was quiet. Must have something to do with the fact that I like to visit out west...places like Jackson, Wy. Part of the reason I like the WL, too, is that everything is in one building. And the boatride over to MK is fun, and relaxing..

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hey there!
Re: the above poster's question, and my comment...I read it to mean that SOME people think that those who stay at the GF are snobs. We've seen a thread about this before, where some people think there's an "I'm better than you" attitude if you're staying there. I don't feel that way at all, and find a very welcoming feeling chatting with those of you here who love the GF. (hope I've explained myself well)
I really did enjoy the warm and welcome feelings I got a the WL. That huge lobby is amazingly cozy, and I loved going down there for my coffee in the early morning, while it was quiet. Must have something to do with the fact that I like to visit out west...places like Jackson, Wy. Part of the reason I like the WL, too, is that everything is in one building. And the boatride over to MK is fun, and relaxing..

That's great! I am glad you liked WL. I think it's so pretty, too. My house is in that style, but not as GRAND, haha. For me I just always want palm trees and light and bright when in FL...I guess that's why WL just doesn't appeal to me. Beautiful to visit, though.

Oh, no, I knew where you were going with your comment. It's all good. I knew where Typhoonlagooner was at too. Not an issue here. Yep, I have seen those threads you're talking about and I actually get a kick out of them because they are so silly.

I am struggling with planning our spring break getaway becauase I KNOW I will be sad to not be in those GF lines at least part of the stay. (well hopefully no lines, haha - but in the GF queue area anyway )

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

I am struggling with planning our spring break getaway becauase I KNOW I will be sad to not be in those GF lines at least part of the stay. (well hopefully no lines, haha - but in the GF queue area anyway )

Lives4Disney

Channing - I will commiserate with you, but I'm trying to make a statement to the WDW powers-that-be. DH and I talked it over, and we decided the Poly's rate (and the GF's is even more) were just obscene, even with the paltry little 10% AAA discount. So, I took a deep breath and canceled our May reservation at the Poly this morning. I was hoping the CM would ask me why I was canceling (or maybe offer me a discount to not do so ), but no such luck. Looks like we'll be doing the Swan thing, too, unless some unbelievable AP rate comes out. Stepping back from the situation, I really can't justify in my head that the Poly (or any resort, really, for the basic room) is worth double the deal I got at the Swan. It will be another new adventure for us!

And the above posters are right - there is something for everyone at all the different resorts! I would stay in a value w/o qualms (and have) if it meant I got to go to WDW!

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Hey there!
Re: the above poster's question, and my comment...I read it to mean that SOME people think that those who stay at the GF are snobs. We've seen a thread about this before, where some people think there's an "I'm better than you" attitude if you're staying there. I don't feel that way at all, and find a very welcoming feeling chatting with those of you here who love the GF. (hope I've explained myself well)

I'm sure those go hand and hand with the threads claiming that those who stay at the Values are white trash folk: the disrepectful, drunk, cooler racing kind of guests who have turned the value resorts into a "ghetto" and bringing down the level of quality guests at the park. My mom would be so proud!

I meant no disrespect to anyone on this forum. I never felt like I was being judged, "out of my league", or that any of you were snobs. But I consider it a good day if I can go from white trash to snob for $200. I stand by my original post, I believe this is the best FAQ on the boards, and I'm thankful for all those who've posted pictures, facts, and help... you girls do make a difference!

Has anyone participated in a Couples Massage at the Spa? He brought the idea up but I'm not at all familiar with any of the Spa offerings. And on a more personal side note... do you have to get fully *cough* exposed *cough* for that kind of thing?