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

[tinklvr64]

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We've spent many Thanksgivings at WDW. We were at the GF in RPC last year and the years before. I have not done the DP ever and have no desire to. I prefer the DDE that gives much more flexibility IMO and you save 20% at most TS restaurants. All I can say about our Tgiving WDW trip was... ugh. It was PACKED. Jam packed mega crowds and unfortunately the mega crowds didn't have the holiday spirit. The Christmas decorations are great and the holiday extras (Osborne lights, MVMCP, Epcot Xmas stuff) are wonderful to see. I would love to do CP one time - heard it's beautiful. Make sure you have ADRs or you'll be eating at counter services. The GF is great and you'll enjoy having the peace of the resort to come back to after a harrowing day out in the parks.


Yuck I really hate crowds...when we were at GF last Sept and went to MNSSHP the peeps were soooo rude its like they entitled to act this way. Example waiting for the parade in a spot for about 45 min then when it started a woman (who just walked up) was po'd that I wouldn't move for her so she could take pictures of the whole thing! I shouldn't get started then I could go on forever about this....
Good point on DDE although I dont know if I am renewing my AP this year we will make our ADR's though.
I did read your posts about your stay last Nov..thats disappointing.
Thanks for the info~if you think of anything else let me know.

 

[Lives4Disney]

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We've spent many Thanksgivings at WDW. We were at the GF in RPC last year and the years before. I have not done the DP ever and have no desire to. I prefer the DDE that gives much more flexibility IMO and you save 20% at most TS restaurants. All I can say about our Tgiving WDW trip was... ugh. It was PACKED. Jam packed mega crowds and unfortunately the mega crowds didn't have the holiday spirit. The Christmas decorations are great and the holiday extras (Osborne lights, MVMCP, Epcot Xmas stuff) are wonderful to see. I would love to do CP one time - heard it's beautiful. Make sure you have ADRs or you'll be eating at counter services. The GF is great and you'll enjoy having the peace of the resort to come back to after a harrowing day out in the parks.


Yuck I really hate crowds...when we were at GF last Sept and went to MNSSHP the peeps were soooo rude its like they entitled to act this way. Example waiting for the parade in a spot for about 45 min then when it started a woman (who just walked up) was po'd that I wouldn't move for her so she could take pictures of the whole thing! I shouldn't get started then I could go on forever about this....
Good point on DDE although I dont know if I am renewing my AP this year we will make our ADR's though.
I did read your posts about your stay last Nov..thats disappointing.
Thanks for the info~if you think of anything else let me know.

Unfortunately it just seems like people are getting more and more rude. I don't remember experiencing this on a constant basis at WDW in the past. Kind of a bummer. Guests used to be on their best Disney behavior in dress and manner. No longer the case. I hear ya....just thinking about it brings back nasty memories. I could go on and on,too. It's a shame. I am getting really nervous about a spring break WDW trip.

Happy planning. You picked the best resort for your holiday stay. It is decorated so beautifully and there really is a calm about the Grand. It is a haven.

Lives4Disney

 

[tinklvr64]

Thanks Lives 4 Disney...you will probably see me hanging around for the next 11 mths! I am glad to know that is the most beautiful decorated resort at the time we are going. Like you said it will be a welcome haven from those busy parks!

One other question..is it warm enough for swimming? My boys 15/13 will swim if they can since our season is so short here in Illinois, and they love the GF quiet pool.
Thanks

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks Lives 4 Disney...you will probably see me hanging around for the next 11 mths! I am glad to know that is the most beautiful decorated resort at the time we are going. Like you said it will be a welcome haven from those busy parks!

One other question..is it warm enough for swimming? My boys 15/13 will swim if they can since our season is so short here in Illinois, and they love the GF quiet pool.
Thanks

We are in Illinois too! Northern IL. The weather is usually really beautiful in FL over Thanksgiving. It was pretty chilly this past Thanksgiving in the 60s during the days & about 40/50s in the evenings. It warmed up some during our stay and I think there were a couple days in the mid to upper 70s. I didn't swim but DD8 did. I didn't even take my coverup off because the wind was chilly to me. The water temps at WDW are always on the cold side to me, too. DD doesn't mind - she is a water bug. You kind of never know about the weather during that time. It's usually comfortable park weather though. The previous year we were at the GF for Xmas and it was super hot and muggy several days! You have to plan for everything.

Happy planning. You will love the Grand Floridian.

Lives4Disney

 

[typhoonlagooner]

As our (ok who am I kidding)... as my planning continues, I've gathered a couple more questions... any help/insight is greatly appreciated!

I found out that they're allowing P&P guests in as early as 4pm this year for the event. We were originally planning on spending a few hours at AK to hold us over until 7pm, but have decided to just kick back and enjoy the resort.

Has anyone had to wait for a room upon check-in? We're planning on checking-in around 1pm and it would be nice to have a room ready right then and there. I know this could affect our room location/view, but it's not a major concern of ours.

Since my flight lands an hour earlier, I'm going to pick up my own bags to help kill the time. Do you think his bags will make it to the room (if it's ready at check-in) by 4pm?

With a couple of hours to kill, we were planning on taking a boat out of the Marina. If we wanted to rent a Pontoon boat, what exactly is the process to do so? Do we have to reserve one ahead of time? Does anyone know if it's the 17' Boston whaler or 21' Sun tracker? Also... is it scary taking a boat (any size) on the lagoon? I rented water mice at DTD in September and some of those areas between DTD and OKW are REALLY narrow... and the other boats look REALLY big lol.

TIA

 

[Lives4Disney]

As our (ok who am I kidding)... as my planning continues, I've gathered a couple more questions... any help/insight is greatly appreciated!

I found out that they're allowing P&P guests in as early as 4pm this year for the event. We were originally planning on spending a few hours at AK to hold us over until 7pm, but have decided to just kick back and enjoy the resort.

Has anyone had to wait for a room upon check-in? We're planning on checking-in around 1pm and it would be nice to have a room ready right then and there. I know this could affect our room location/view, but it's not a major concern of ours.

Since my flight lands an hour earlier, I'm going to pick up my own bags to help kill the time. Do you think his bags will make it to the room (if it's ready at check-in) by 4pm?

With a couple of hours to kill, we were planning on taking a boat out of the Marina. If we wanted to rent a Pontoon boat, what exactly is the process to do so? Do we have to reserve one ahead of time? Does anyone know if it's the 17' Boston whaler or 21' Sun tracker? Also... is it scary taking a boat (any size) on the lagoon? I rented water mice at DTD in September and some of those areas between DTD and OKW are REALLY narrow... and the other boats look REALLY big lol.

TIA

We have almost always - at lots of diff WDW hotels - had to wait for our rooms to be ready. Once at the GF it wasn't ready til about 5:30/6pm or so and then bell svc had to get out bags up there so we could make Ohana by 7 pm and that was pushing it so they gave us a ride. (which was pretty fun btw) I am not sure how crowded your vacation time period is. That has a lot to do with whether or not the room is ready - how booked up the hotel is. It sounds like you're doing ME?? I have not done that & don't want to from what I ahve heard esp about luggage getting to the room in a timely manner.

I can tell you about the boats. There are Boston Whalers and Pontoon boats and they are about the same cost. YOu don't need to reserve. You just rent at the marina. Very simple. You go up & tell them what you'd like to do, fill out paperwork, give your dl and cc and I think that's about it. We've done it a lot. DH has always owned boats so I leave it all to him. Not sure how difficult driving them is as he's a pro. We've done the Whaler and the Pontoon. We prefer the pontoon. It's more comfy and roomy and it seems to go a little faster. It's huge, though - I think it can fit 12 people?? Since I have no boat driving experience I leave it to DH. I personally don't feel comfortable renting these larger boats by myself.

 

[BamaTigger]

As our (ok who am I kidding)... as my planning continues, I've gathered a couple more questions... any help/insight is greatly appreciated!

I found out that they're allowing P&P guests in as early as 4pm this year for the event. We were originally planning on spending a few hours at AK to hold us over until 7pm, but have decided to just kick back and enjoy the resort.

Has anyone had to wait for a room upon check-in? We're planning on checking-in around 1pm and it would be nice to have a room ready right then and there. I know this could affect our room location/view, but it's not a major concern of ours.

Since my flight lands an hour earlier, I'm going to pick up my own bags to help kill the time. Do you think his bags will make it to the room (if it's ready at check-in) by 4pm?

With a couple of hours to kill, we were planning on taking a boat out of the Marina. If we wanted to rent a Pontoon boat, what exactly is the process to do so? Do we have to reserve one ahead of time? Does anyone know if it's the 17' Boston whaler or 21' Sun tracker? Also... is it scary taking a boat (any size) on the lagoon? I rented water mice at DTD in September and some of those areas between DTD and OKW are REALLY narrow... and the other boats look REALLY big lol.

TIA

Both times were were at the GF, we arrived at 8am and our room wasnt ready unti like 2:45!!!! one was a slow time, and the last was Xmas, busy time. So, chances are slim that you will get in early. But I will send some pixie dust you way hoping you will get in early!

 

[Jack'sGirl5]

Just subbing . . .

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Thanks for the quick response

We've always been able to have access to our room as soon as we checked in (usually between 11am and 1pm)... I'm kind of bummed to learn this isn't the "norm" at the GF. We're definately spoiled I know it does truly depend on the capacity, maid service, availability, etc though... so we'll just keep our fingers crossed! Thanks for the pixie dust

On a slight side note... was everyones experiences with a Con. Level room or standard (any view) room?

I won't risk waiting for the bags knowing that we may not even get a room till around 3:30pm. I'll just make sure he has a change of clothes for the afternoon/party in my luggage or his carry on. The last thing I need is him complaining

Thanks for the comments about the Pontoon boats! I'm not sure how comfortable he is with driving one, but the "boat police" scare me, so maybe we'll just stick to the water mice We've been reading a couple posts and comments about it (all ears has a nice article about it) but it will definately be his call. There's no way I'm getting behind the wheel of that thing lol.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[DVC Mary]

Has anyone heard if the pool is open yet?

Do you have to show anything when you go over to the Poly if it's still being refurbished?

The Luna Pool at BW opened early?

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thanks for the quick response

We've always been able to have access to our room as soon as we checked in (usually between 11am and 1pm)... I'm kind of bummed to learn this isn't the "norm" at the GF. We're definately spoiled I know it does truly depend on the capacity, maid service, availability, etc though... so we'll just keep our fingers crossed! Thanks for the pixie dust

On a slight side note... was everyones experiences with a Con. Level room or standard (any view) room?

I won't risk waiting for the bags knowing that we may not even get a room till around 3:30pm. I'll just make sure he has a change of clothes for the afternoon/party in my luggage or his carry on. The last thing I need is him complaining

Thanks for the comments about the Pontoon boats! I'm not sure how comfortable he is with driving one, but the "boat police" scare me, so maybe we'll just stick to the water mice We've been reading a couple posts and comments about it (all ears has a nice article about it) but it will definately be his call. There's no way I'm getting behind the wheel of that thing lol.

Thanks again for all your help!

For what it's worth, GF is the only resort that I've ever gotten into my room right away - go figure! Once was in a GV room (checking in around noon), and once was an RPC honeymoon room (checking in around 11 a.m.).

Both were in value seasons (late August and early December), so that might have something to do with it! I think it truly varies every day, though. Good luck!

 

[tinklvr64]

We are in Illinois too! Northern IL. The weather is usually really beautiful in FL over Thanksgiving. It was pretty chilly this past Thanksgiving in the 60s during the days & about 40/50s in the evenings. It warmed up some during our stay and I think there were a couple days in the mid to upper 70s. I didn't swim but DD8 did. I didn't even take my coverup off because the wind was chilly to me. The water temps at WDW are always on the cold side to me, too. DD doesn't mind - she is a water bug. You kind of never know about the weather during that time. It's usually comfortable park weather though. The previous year we were at the GF for Xmas and it was super hot and muggy several days! You have to plan for everything.

Happy planning. You will love the Grand Floridian.

Lives4Disney

We are in Northern Illinois too! Western Suburbs of Chi! Wouldn't that be something if we knew of each other and didn't even realize it!!!!!
My boys will be swimming if it is anywhere close to 70~not me....I would like to just sit and have my bones warmed up by the sun!

 

[Lives4Disney]

We are in Northern Illinois too! Western Suburbs of Chi! Wouldn't that be something if we knew of each other and didn't even realize it!!!!!
My boys will be swimming if it is anywhere close to 70~not me....I would like to just sit and have my bones warmed up by the sun!

We lived in the western suburbs when my DS17 was born. I grew up near where we now live in the NW suburbs so when DS started school we moved back up here to the "country".

Enjoy your Disney planning! I really like going to WDW (or anywhere ) over Thanksgiving because it's usually so ugly here at that time. I would love to have my bones warmed up by the sun right about now!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[NeverSayNever]

hI eVERYONE!

Just popping in to see what has been happening... and well procrastinating a little more on the packing... I swear I could have done so much tonight and urghh... I can't seem to get into it... TOMORROW I WILL... I Must!!

My kids are doing better and the weather reports seems to be favorable so the countdown is truly in gear ... only 4 more days and we will be on our way... (YIKES... why wasn't I packing tonight)

Still secretly (ok letting you guys in on it) hoping for the ever elusive upgrade... I know it's such a rare rare thing.. but one can dream... it is Disney right!

So any requests out there for pictures or things you would like to know... I would do my best...?? I personally am curious about the status of the lobby... I hope it is not under construction!

Ok... I am at least going to go and get the suitcases out ... I PROMISE!!

Btw, one last question... do you think it would be weird if we did our phot shoot wearing long sleeves and I guess more wintery type clothes.. ie DS in cords... etc?


Thanks and I hope everyone is well!

Best,

 

[DVC Mary]

We are in Northern Illinois too! Western Suburbs of Chi! Wouldn't that be something if we knew of each other and didn't even realize it!!!!!
My boys will be swimming if it is anywhere close to 70~not me....I would like to just sit and have my bones warmed up by the sun!

Count me in as another Northern IL person. We live near Woodfield Mall, so we can go over the Doorway to Dreams store when we need a quick fix.

My boys will be swimming in 70 too b/c Disney heats their pools almost at a perfect bathwater temp. I'm watching the weather for our trip carefully. I'll have to plan their pool trips carefully to make sure we're at the warmest part of the day.

Does anyone know if the GF pool has started refurb or when it will be done?

 

[DVC Mary]

hI eVERYONE!

Just popping in to see what has been happening... and well procrastinating a little more on the packing... I swear I could have done so much tonight and urghh... I can't seem to get into it... TOMORROW I WILL... I Must!!

My kids are doing better and the weather reports seems to be favorable so the countdown is truly in gear ... only 4 more days and we will be on our way... (YIKES... why wasn't I packing tonight)

Still secretly (ok letting you guys in on it) hoping for the ever elusive upgrade... I know it's such a rare rare thing.. but one can dream... it is Disney right!

So any requests out there for pictures or things you would like to know... I would do my best...?? I personally am curious about the status of the lobby... I hope it is not under construction!

Ok... I am at least going to go and get the suitcases out ... I PROMISE!!

Btw, one last question... do you think it would be weird if we did our phot shoot wearing long sleeves and I guess more wintery type clothes.. ie DS in cords... etc?


Thanks and I hope everyone is well!

Best,

Let us know if you get an upgrade. I'll be there soon, but I'm worried about the crowds: 12,000 cheerleaders, several conventions, & New Orleans closed schools for the whole week--so many families are escaping Mardi Gras to come to Disney.

Let us know how the crowds are when you get there.

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

Does anyone know how late the boats run from the MK to the GF at night, and do they run during the Pirate and Princess Parties. Thanks!!

 

[princessesrule4]

Just popped in to say that I hope everyone who has upcoming trips to the GF has a great time!

 

[praline3001]

2 1/2 days and I will be walking into that lobby

I am all packed and ready to go...

DH has the flu and DS13 has a case of the hives so I may end up leaving them at home
Nothing is going to stop me at this point!!!!!

The nice people from GF sent me the cutest card welcoming me for my upcoming trip. I guess its the little things like this that makes staying deluxe so special

(okay so if the values send cards I don't wanna know about it ... let me at least think I am special )

 

[mickeywatch33]

Just stopping by to be jealous of everybody going to GF in the coming days! I hope you all have a blast! Of course you will! I may be sneaking a 2 or 3 night visit to GF when my fiance and I get back from our honeymoon this Nov. Not sure if we will have the time to take from work. Fingers crossed!