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

[praline3001]

hi guys.....so Kelly you are doing poly? Did you squeeze into concierge? They'll probably get you in somehow.

I got ANOTHER email from the GF IPO today. Same email as before, but just "since my check in is within 30 days" (yay) I should contact them etc. ASAP. I think they're worried about me showing up and demanding they make all my ADRs and get us into CRT etc. last minute & then throwing a huge fit when it doesn't happen . Maybe I should email them back just to put them at ease, haha, and let them know it's all under control.

Since we're doing a split stay, we will just be walk ups at check in. Always feel like a dork walking up without luggage or a car. Maybe I should at least tell them what time we plan on showing up.

I did A LOT of Ebay shopping for custom stuff. Praline you are SO BAD for me. I can't even keep track of what I ordered. I get emails from diff people asking me questions about how they should do this/that and I have to figure out what they're doing for me. It'll be fun when it all starts showing up - totally surprising.

Well talk to ya later -

Lives4Disney

I know how you feel. I keep getting stuff from WDW's shipping
I will ask myself...hey I dont remember buying this and having it shipped
Its like big surprises hahaha.... I keep TRYING to tell my DH they are WDW FREE SAMPLES
Yeah honey ... that big Goofy stuffed animal was a FREE SAMPLE I promise

Kelly if you squeeze in to concierge SEND UP A GOOD WORD FOR ME

 

[tholczer]

Okay, so I can't help myself. I am officially hooked on this thread and have gotten to page 13. Such great ideas! I'm looking forward to reading a little bit every day. We leave on April 12 for our first trip. Yay!

And praline - thanks for the tip on Conch Key. We found a little extra in the budget and we're trying to book concierge, but I don't think it's going to happen. Alas.

Did I see someone mention that you can have Cookies by Design sent to the room? Is that through Disney? Thanks!

 

[arbonnette]

So we are still planning on our Nov. 30 - Dec. 9 trip in RPC ... BUT I am thinking about squeezing in a quick trip with just me and DD for early June(Praline, you have inspired me!) but I am still doing the math to see if I can swing it.

I agree about the customs for the girlies. I have to control myself as well. I am already planning for November for DDs dresses. I am thinking about having the blue Giselle one from Enchanted made ...

DD's birthday party is this weekend and I am overdoing it as usual. A girl only turns 5 once!!!

Take care everyone!
- Andrea

 

[praline3001]

So we are still planning on our Nov. 30 - Dec. 9 trip in RPC ... BUT I am thinking about squeezing in a quick trip with just me and DD for early June(Praline, you have inspired me!) but I am still doing the math to see if I can swing it.

I agree about the customs for the girlies. I have to control myself as well. I am already planning for November for DDs dresses. I am thinking about having the blue Giselle one from Enchanted made ...

DD's birthday party is this weekend and I am overdoing it as usual. A girl only turns 5 once!!!

Take care everyone!
- Andrea

I am hoping our girlie week turns out as well as we are planning for it
I did look up RPC for the 2 of us and it was around 6,500 for the week. I just couldn't see paying that much just for 2 people. If the whole family were going it went up to 7,500 ... tickets and all so that is much more doable for a family trip ...and most likely what we will do when we do our next family disney trip. We still might go ahead and stay at the GF for june as its not that big of a difference for the regular rooms.... just have to convince Savannah that is where the princesses stay

What kinds of things are you thinking of doing for your girlie week? We are still coming up with ideas and plans to make it as girlie as possible lol
I have been in contact with Peggy (from Peggys sweets) and am going to have her decorate our room and have a cake brought in with the theme of Cinderella as that is SAvanna's fav character and this is her birthday trip

I think I am going to skip The BBB this time as I just didn't care for it all that much. I am thinking of making us a REAL spa appointment at the GF instead for a special birthday gift.

Any other ideas on girlie week stuff... I am all ears

 

[triplefigs]

Praline, can you point me to your post about custom stuff on Ebay?

 

[BunnieGene]

Sigh...I love this thread...and the GF

Just made our reservation for December...I don't know if I can wait that long, though

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Welcome Bunnie! I am glad you like the thread.

 

[praline3001]

Praline, can you point me to your post about custom stuff on Ebay?

The seller I have been working with on ebay's store link is
http://stores.ebay.com/MOM2RTK-Designs_DISNEY-Other_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ14QQftidZ2QQtZkm
She is a total Disney Diva and super nice!
If you look to the left at the links you will see she has custom costumes that are beyond beatiful but costly
I love her custom made sundresses and ordered Savannah 2 and am thinking of getting a 3rd one
I really want to try and stay away from the costumes as much as possible as june is REALLY hot

Here are a couple of the costumes the lady makes

You get the idea ...nice custom made Disney stuff

Another great place for custom disney stuff is this gal on ebay
http://peanutbearys.com/catalog.php?item=30&catid=5&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D5
She did the monogrammed set I had for Savannah in Feb

Hard to tell from the pics but it had her name in red at the top.

This lady is making Savannah a birthday dress that is a custom made job. We were in emails and phone to get what I wanted... it will be a pink A lined dress and in GOLD monogramming it will say "Birthday princess" in the center will be a gold tiara and underneath will be her name...

The other dress she is making me is hard to explain but a minnie mouse sundress with a bib and her name in large red lettering. I will post pics when both come in.

Both of the ladies I mentioned above are very nice!!!! They do any custom outfit ideas the 2 of you can come up with so please pm me if you would like their email addys and I will send them your way. Tell them Savannah and I sent you as I might get FREEBIES
who knows as I am looking at one of those costumes pretty hard

 

[Lives4Disney]

Praline, I am ordering a few things from her, too....I have so much in the works. There are so many talented people out there & it's so fun to go nuts with the girls. I always dress them cute and fun & enjoy doing that. Girls rock.

My girls and I have done some short stays on our own before or after the guys join us but this Easter trip is OURS all to OURSELVES and it has me so stoked. We have so much fun together. Girl trips are the best. No concerns about the wet blanket boys in our family.

Welcome to the thread, Bunnie.

Tholczer, I have ordered cookies by design to our WDW resort. Not thru Disney at all though. Just go to the Cookies by Design website and they have a shop on Sand Lake rd...I think I am remembering that right. They deliver & they're great.....maybe i will do this for our Easter stay.

Happy planning all!

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

Praline, I am ordering a few things from her, too....I have so much in the works. There are so many talented people out there & it's so fun to go nuts with the girls. I always dress them cute and fun & enjoy doing that. Girls rock.

My girls and I have done some short stays on our own before or after the guys join us but this Easter trip is OURS all to OURSELVES and it has me so stoked. We have so much fun together. Girl trips are the best. No concerns about the wet blanket boys in our family.

Welcome to the thread, Bunnie.

Tholczer, I have ordered cookies by design to our WDW resort. Not thru Disney at all though. Just go to the Cookies by Design website and they have a shop on Sand Lake rd...I think I am remembering that right. They deliver & they're great.....maybe i will do this for our Easter stay.

Happy planning all!

Lives4Disney

so which outfit of hers did you get?!?!?! i love her little minnie patchwork twirl skirt.... I am thinking of getting Savannah that outfit too but not sure.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Hi...

URGHHH.... You guys are going to get me into so much trouble... How am I supposed to resist these great dresses and outfits... and then to limit myself to buying only a couple. Then you all go and talk about cookies to the room... more trouble!! As it is you all got me hooked on GF and now I am loathing for more concierge!!!

As for a girly idea... What about one of the "pick a pearl" places and then having it made into a necklace or other piece of jewelry? I have not done it personally (soon I hope with DD) but did see some pictures on antoher thread awhile ago and the idea stuck with me. Just a thought...

Still working on trying to finalize a trip in the beg. of April... tryign to get that 4th day... but GF seems to have no availability and too working around the airline prices... but I am persistant!

Hope everyone is having a great evening!

Best,

 

[2BabyGirls]

First time here-so glad I found this site for all the great info

I was wondering...we are staying at the GF in December and will have 4 adults and one child (6yo). Do you think that a standard room with 2 queens and a daybed will be enough space? Also do all the rooms come standard with a fridge?

Thanks so much for your help! Sure I will have more q's later!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

2 baby
you should have enough room
yes the rooms have a fridge in them

 

[arbonnette]

What kinds of things are you thinking of doing for your girlie week? We are still coming up with ideas and plans to make it as girlie as possible lol
I have been in contact with Peggy (from Peggys sweets) and am going to have her decorate our room and have a cake brought in with the theme of Cinderella as that is SAvanna's fav character and this is her birthday trip

I think I am going to skip The BBB this time as I just didn't care for it all that much. I am thinking of making us a REAL spa appointment at the GF instead for a special birthday gift.

Any other ideas on girlie week stuff... I am all ears

We will NOT be staying RPC if I do a mom/DD trip. Can't justify it for me and a 5 yo, although the breakfast would be convienent. On that note, we would do the GF tea, CRT (even though I think it isn't worth it), Norway (Do they have a breakfast?), all the roller coasters several times (My parents weren't huge fans, but DD and I LOVE them!)
We would also do Channing's suggested monorail shopping tour. I love that idea.

Praline, can you point me to your post about custom stuff on Ebay?

I ordered a more basic pilowcase dress from a lady on ebay as well. You can see pics a few pages back. I was very happy with it. PM me for the ebay link if you would like it. Also, if you just search for girls disney custom or minnie custom or something similiar you can find a good variety of things on ebay. They have bows too, but I make my own to match the outfits I get.

- Andrea

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hey everyone I just wanted to share some exciting news. I had called in a voicemail to the DIS Podcast about a great GF cast member who ROCKS! Well they used my voicemail and it is in this weeks podcast show!
If you dont listen to the podcast give a listen its a great show full of tips and insights about Disney. They are a great group to listen to and a barrel of laughs!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Hey everyone I just wanted to share some exciting news. I had called in a voicemail to the DIS Podcast about a great GF cast member who ROCKS! Well they used my voicemail and it is in this weeks podcast show!
If you dont listen to the podcast give a listen its a great show full of tips and insights about Disney. They are a great group to listen to and a barrel of laughs!

thats so cool that they used your voicemail!!!

we will be at the GF seven months from TODAY!!!

 

[DeborahB]

Hey everyone I just wanted to share some exciting news. I had called in a voicemail to the DIS Podcast about a great GF cast member who ROCKS! Well they used my voicemail and it is in this weeks podcast show!
If you dont listen to the podcast give a listen its a great show full of tips and insights about Disney. They are a great group to listen to and a barrel of laughs!

Kelly, I heard your email yesterday when I was listening to the podcast!!!! I was wondering if that was you, when you were praising that particular CM. Way to go!!!
I love the podcast, too. I just discovered it a couple of months ago. I agree it is fun and informative. Pete announced they'll be doing in depth resort reviews soon. Can't wait to hear about the GF.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Kelly, that is SO COOL! That was really awesome of you and she definitely deserves the recognition.

Praline....OMG...you are bad for me. So, I go to figure out WHICH item I ordered from that lady and find that I didn't order any from her. I have orders from so many diff people and they are all starting to blur together. I have two hot pink Minnie head tees with names embroidered from one lady, an Eeyore tee and a Kanga/Roo tee for Lu with a coordinating twirly prairie skirt from another along with a Wild Princess tee and Minnie pirate tee and twirly skirt from another, I have Hannah Montana capris and bow from another, Eeyore and Hannah M flip flops and about 10 bows from another, another Eeyore tee for Lu, a diffrerent HM tee for Jo, and another prairie skirt with Eeyore fabric patched in for Lu.....blah blah blah......I am overcooked. Also bought myself two new pairs of Brighton sunglasses, haha. THEN the worst part is, when I was scanning that lady's store to see WHAT the heck did I order from her (which I did discover was nothing ) I got crying from Jojo because she MUST HAVE that golden Belle costume for $350 PLUS the cape that isn't included but costs extra. Well, guess what. ....she's not getting it. It got ugly here about bedtime last night. My own wedding dress didn't cost $350. NO WAY am I buying a $350 costume for a little girl to traipse around WDW in, eating Mickey bars and sweating. Geeze.

You know what else is good girly fun.....Lucy even said she'd rather take the $350 costume money and do this....make a doll in Germany. It's great for girls. They start about $150 depending on the outfit. They are the size of AG dolls, but much MUCH better quality and the outfits are to die for. They can wear the AG clothes, but not the shoes. Their feet are chubbier than AG feet. You pick everything from face, eye color, hair, hair style, dress.....my girls LOVE doing this. We have also done the pick a pearl....they do it almost every trip because it's neat. Jojo always gets the monster pearl and they bang the gong and make a deal out of it. That's a fun fairly inexpensive thing to do and they have been getting in better more youthful settings lately.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[Tinkaroo]

Hey everyone I just wanted to share some exciting news. I had called in a voicemail to the DIS Podcast about a great GF cast member who ROCKS! Well they used my voicemail and it is in this weeks podcast show!
If you dont listen to the podcast give a listen its a great show full of tips and insights about Disney. They are a great group to listen to and a barrel of laughs!

How great, Kelly! I haven't listened to this week's yet, but I will be listening for your voice!

Kelly, that is SO COOL! That was really awesome of you and she definitely deserves the recognition.

Praline....OMG...you are bad for me. So, I go to figure out WHICH item I ordered from that lady and find that I didn't order any from her. I have orders from so many diff people and they are all starting to blur together. I have two hot pink Minnie head tees with names embroidered from one lady, an Eeyore tee and a Kanga/Roo tee for Lu with a coordinating twirly prairie skirt from another along with a Wild Princess tee and Minnie pirate tee and twirly skirt from another, I have Hannah Montana capris and bow from another, Eeyore and Hannah M flip flops and about 10 bows from another, another Eeyore tee for Lu, a diffrerent HM tee for Jo, and another prairie skirt with Eeyore fabric patched in for Lu.....blah blah blah......I am overcooked. Also bought myself two new pairs of Brighton sunglasses, haha. THEN the worst part is, when I was scanning that lady's store to see WHAT the heck did I order from her (which I did discover was nothing ) I got crying from Jojo because she MUST HAVE that golden Belle costume for $350 PLUS the cape that isn't included but costs extra. Well, guess what. ....she's not getting it. It got ugly here about bedtime last night. My own wedding dress didn't cost $350. NO WAY am I buying a $350 costume for a little girl to traipse around WDW in, eating Mickey bars and sweating. Geeze.

You know what else is good girly fun.....Lucy even said she'd rather take the $350 costume money and do this....make a doll in Germany. It's great for girls. They start about $150 depending on the outfit. They are the size of AG dolls, but much MUCH better quality and the outfits are to die for. They can wear the AG clothes, but not the shoes. Their feet are chubbier than AG feet. You pick everything from face, eye color, hair, hair style, dress.....my girls LOVE doing this. We have also done the pick a pearl....they do it almost every trip because it's neat. Jojo always gets the monster pearl and they bang the gong and make a deal out of it. That's a fun fairly inexpensive thing to do and they have been getting in better more youthful settings lately.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

You guys are cracking me up with all this shopping. I'm glad I don't currently have any daughters, and my trip with my nieces was last year, or I'd be going broke, too!

Channing, I've never heard about the doll in Germany. How cool! I wish I would have known that in December when I took my nieces, as they are big AG and doll junkies. I wanted to do the "pick a pearl" with them, but my SIL/BIL didn't seem too interested. No fun!

 

[heatherlynn444]

WOW channing 350 for that dress? YIKES!! that is expensive! and while my wedding dress did cost more than that...lol that is still a lot for a little girl who one day prob. wont even remember wearing it. none of my prom dresses cost that much, or over 100 dollars for that matter. it is so cute though...is there a way it could be made for cheaper? local seamstress?