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

[tinklvr64]

More snow tonight here in Illinois--we got 5" between 7-9 pm I am sick of winter!!
Glad the NY Giants won the Super Bowl

DVC Mary I wish I was going to Dis where it is warm..80 degrees today!

 

[krbq]

Can anyone show me the page (new or old thread) where there are pics of the views from Sago or Conch rooms of the Castle and/or monorail?

Triplefigs: Here's a photo I took of the west side of Sago last October. The hammerhead rooms are visible on the end of the building and they face the MK. They have a view of the monorail trains from shortly after they leave the GF station until they enter the CR -- that should keep Rees entertained! I'll see if I have any other photos of Sago that might help you.

 

[krbq]

Triplefigs: Here's another Sago shot for you -- it's the north end of the building showing the balconies facing the MK. The hammerhead rooms -- or what I'm assuming are the hammerhead rooms -- are on the righthand side and the extra balcony is visible around the corner on the west side. The interior entrances to those rooms were actually facing west rather than north so I know they were a different configuration. (Our room was the second balcony from the right, but the last interior door in the hallway. Does that make sense?)

 

[krbq]

Triplefigs: The view from Sago, fourth floor. Excellent for viewing the fireworks.

 

[arbonnette]

We are leaving in 5 hours!!!

I am packed and ready to go, and I have my $25 ready because I KNOW my suitcase is overweight. Why is there just so much stuff we have to bring to Disney?!

I just want to thank everyone for making this such an informative, friendly board. I have never used these boards to plan a trip before and I am so glad I did this time!

I hope to post from the Grand at least once, and hopefully some pictures of my daughter's reaction when I tell her we are going to Disney!!!!!!
Have a fantastic week, everyone!
- Andrea

 

[WishesQueen]

Lives4Disney - Thanks I would love to see if they started the refurb in March. I am sorry you would rather see two freebies, but for us it gives us a better chance is renting one. My DD11 needs the fan and the rest is just entertainment for her when she needs to get out of the sun. We could never do the parks every morning, shes get so uncomfortable so the cabanas are a blessing.

The lifeguards told me that they are hugely popular and in high demand. I guess that because I go there in July. Its hot in July!!!

The CM on the phone told me that refurb should be done for my visit other then that there was no date listed!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney - Thanks I would love to see if they started the refurb in March. I am sorry you would rather see two freebies, but for us it gives us a better chance is renting one. My DD11 needs the fan and the rest is just entertainment for her when she needs to get out of the sun. We could never do the parks every morning, shes get so uncomfortable so the cabanas are a blessing.

The lifeguards told me that they are hugely popular and in high demand. I guess that because I go there in July. Its hot in July!!!

The CM on the phone told me that refurb should be done for my visit other then that there was no date listed!!

THat's good for you,then. I understand. Even when there was only one for reserve, though, we never had any problem renting it. I wonder why they feel the need to turn all 4 into rentals when they remain empty so often. Money I suppose.

I have been in July several times, too. We've rented once (when it was newish for kicks) and been lucky with the freebies lots of times in July. I think people are intimidated by them and don't know that two are free. Other than the shade, there was no wow factor for me that's why I did like having the option to have FREE shade. Especially in July!!

Arbonnette, enjoy your trip!! I hope it's magical and wonderful. SWA let my overweight bag thru on our Thanksgiving trip. Good luck!!!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[typhoonlagooner]

krbq:
Those photos are great! I too was questioning what a Hammerhead room looked like, your pictures were a prefect description!

Does anyone know if there are any hammerhead rooms that offer Garden views? I tried scanning through some pics but it seems that Sago, Conch, and Boca are the only buildings to offer these rooms. Most appear to have either a lagoon or themepark view with excpetion to a small handful in Boca which face the courtyard/monorail/dock. Does that sound right?

Can someone explain to me how I physically get into the lodges? I've seen several pics that show some really nice doorways/entry ways; so how does it work? I'm guessing I have to use my key card to enter the Lodge itself but does each lodge have a certain door to enter? If so can anyone shed some light on where they are for each lodge? What about if we had a higher floor?

I can't wait to read about everyones experiences when they get back...

 

[WishesQueen]

I think people are intimidated by them and don't know that two are free. Other than the shade, there was no wow factor for me that's why I did like having the option to have FREE shade. Especially in July!!

I never knew the other two where free!!!

I guess thats the answer right there!!! No more Freebies!!!

 

[TaraZ]

Hi all! I am currently in the process of planning our trip for Jan 09! I'm a first timer (as is my DD-- she's two but will be three by our trip) but DH has been plenty of times. I can't decide between the GF & Poly. I know both are great choices-- but I have to make reservations at one! I need advice!

Also-- as I said, my DD will be 3 for our trip (bday is Jan 6th), so she *could* feasibly do some of the cool GF activities... the Chef Party, the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party... but is she still a bit young to really enjoy them?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi all! I am currently in the process of planning our trip for Jan 09! I'm a first timer (as is my DD-- she's two but will be three by our trip) but DH has been plenty of times. I can't decide between the GF & Poly. I know both are great choices-- but I have to make reservations at one! I need advice!

Also-- as I said, my DD will be 3 for our trip (bday is Jan 6th), so she *could* feasibly do some of the cool GF activities... the Chef Party, the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party... but is she still a bit young to really enjoy them?

Hi, after staying at both the Poly and GF several times, for us the GF kicks the Poly's butt.

My girls have both done the tea parties and the adventures in cooking thing several times....my youngest was maybe 5.5 yrs old at the time. Most of the kids were about 5-10 yrs old, with a majority in the 5-8ish range from what I saw. Honestly I really can't imagine a just turned 3 yr old there. That seems really young. Is three yrs old even allowed?? I was thinking it wa 4-10 yrs old. At the Alice tea, there are A LOT of kids. The cooking class has much fewer kids, but 3 yrs old seems a bit young to really enjoy it. I don't know. My youngest is now 8 so it's been a while and maybe I am not remembering what a 3 yr old is like....it is just so close to two yrs old, lol.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[whogirl'smom]

Hi, I never thought I would be able to say this but, we are booked at the GF for 3 nights in December!! All because of a little pin number received today!

Here is my question--we could still only swing garden view, so is there any particular building I should call back and request? I know which buildings are concierge, but are the rest of the buildings divided with garden and lagoon views in each building? Any building to try to avoid?

Thanks! I'm so excited!!!

 

[TaraZ]

I kind of feel like 3 might be a bit young too... don't want to use up all the Disney fun-ness in her first trip! She will have already started preschool, so she'll be used to being away from me... but maybe I should wait until next trip for those activities.

 

[mandymommy4]

Hi all, I have tried searching the thread for info about bed rails but the search feature is not working. Does anyone know if you can get bed rails for the beds. I have 4 kiddos and all sleep with rails at home and I am willing to bring our own if I have to , I would prefer to not to. We have some big time rollers and I would hate for them to roll out of bed and get hurt while on vacation!
Thanks!

 

[trappednabox]

Hi! I'm hoping someone can answer a question for me, I'm sure it's been asked before, but this thread is really long

I'm trying to book a mother DD day at the GF spa for my Aunt and her DD, me and my mom, but how far out does it need to be booked? We want to go on Aug 14th of this year


TIA for any help

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hello Illinois friends!

I am so ready for winter to be over. My kids had off Friday. My school did not & it took me 1.5 hours to get there after shoveling my driveway out twice. Once early in the am, then again after I took my shower & realized I couldn't get out thanks to the snow plow.

I am ready for DISNEY!

Well actually, I'm really behind on my pre-trip prep & packing.


Does anyone know if both GF pools are open?

I heard one was being refurbed, but that guests could use the Poly.


Thanks for all the wonderful info on this thread & for answering my questions. Tomorrow I'm going to call for my Mom's b-day cake. I wish I could have it there when we arrrive. It will be late & I'm sure we could all use a nosh before bed.

Hi, neighbor! I read that the courtyard pool, spa, and kiddie pool will be closed until Feb 15. We have actually never even bothered with that one as the theme pool is so much more fun/nice/newer/etc. Yes, you can use the Poly pool, but honestly that pool is smaller and MUCH more crowded than I have ever seen the GF pools so it doesn't seem it would be worth the bother IMO. Hope you have some nice pool weather. Feb can be iffy.

Have a wonderful time!! You're lucky you get to get out of this mushy cold mishmash weather!!!!

Safe travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[Babyboo]

Hi! I'm hoping someone can answer a question for me, I'm sure it's been asked before, but this thread is really long

I'm trying to book a mother DD day at the GF spa for my Aunt and her DD, me and my mom, but how far out does it need to be booked? We want to go on Aug 14th of this year


TIA for any help

We did a Mother Daughter Day on Xmas Day and I booked it last February.

The Daughter part is designed around the "My First" Spa Experiences for up to 12 year olds and was great my DD5 really enjoyed herself and wants to go back in August

I thought she would be out of place, but it seemed really popular with the little ones.

 

[DVC Mary]

Thanks Lives4Disney!


We might change one of our ADRs.

Do you GF experts think Narcosses would be ok for dinner for 6 & 9 yr old w/ 3 adults? I was advised it was not for kids, but I was wondering what you guys think.

I don't even know I can get the ADR, but I like options.

 

[trappednabox]

We did a Mother Daughter Day on Xmas Day and I booked it last February.

The Daughter part is designed around the "My First" Spa Experiences for up to 12 year olds and was great my DD5 really enjoyed herself and wants to go back in August

I thought she would be out of place, but it seemed really popular with the little ones.

well we're all over 12 (the youngest is 27) so I guess we'll just book regular Swedish messages Thanks for the help, I'll be calling tomorrow

 

[WishesQueen]

Thanks Lives4Disney!


We might change one of our ADRs.

Do you GF experts think Narcosses would be ok for dinner for 6 & 9 yr old w/ 3 adults? I was advised it was not for kids, but I was wondering what you guys think.

I don't even know I can get the ADR, but I like options.

Well, how are your kids at a restaurant for dinner? IMO,I think you would fine!!

First of all it is Disney and although it is a signature restaurant, I am sure your kids will not be the only ones. Especially if you eat early!!!

Have a great time!!! If your children don't require that you eat early, the fireworks are beautiful and water parade comes by. Beautiful!!!