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

[Lives4Disney]

Mr. Mike definitely book all dining....we are TS people so I booked 3 TS/day. You need to book just in case. Xmas morning we slept in, opened presents, dinked around our room and then had our first ever Gasparilla's meal,haha...we had bfast outside down there & it was nice. Then we took the bus to AK and it POURED on us!! SOAKED totally even thru our ponchos. BUT it was the BEST time! The place emptied out, we stuck it out and had the park to ourselves. That was actually the best day of our whole trip, lol, as the rest of the time the parks were packed. We left 12/27 and that day I think the limo driver told us 3 parks were filled and closed. Xmas Eve DD11 and I went over to watch the afternoon Xmas parade and it wasn't horrid. The rest of the crew went to Epcot and they were OK, too, then we hung out at the GF Xmas Eve night and ate a nice meal at Citricos. Xmas Day we were more relaxed and casual AK and booked dinner at Ohana. OK, this reminiscing is making me long to spend Xmas there again. If you can do the parks very early or VERY late, you'll be fine. We prefer late. It was a fun trip over all, but I do remember coming home and thinking for what we paid the magic was a bit thin.

My kids were 16, 10, and 6 when we did Xmas at the GF. I don't mean to sound like a downer - I would do it again in an instant! I love it there any time. It was just so different I guess. I know what you mean about extended family. We actually are always on our own here because we have out of state family and my kids really like our own little family traditions so they just really missed that - they like it being just us and our silly stuff we do. Crazy but true it was just the odd little things. I thought they would have been thrilled (as I was) to do something different and be in Disney World for the holidays.

The GF was fantastic as always though. The girls and I made ornaments w/our CM friends, met the lady that makes the gingerbread houses, saw her demo, just totally enjoyed the resort and the CMs that trip. It is the perfect WDW hotel for Xmas. You will love it & hopefully your kids will, too!! DD11 and I had to really twist DD8's arm to get her to even go down for Easter this year. They like their holidays at home. Maybe in a couple years we can try it again.

Enjoy planning - but make sure you book everything you think you might want.

Channing

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks Lives4Disney

We will arrive GF in 3 days - should I call them today to confirm my room requests (we booked directly via CRO) and also inform them that there will be a FedEX package for me? Shall I speak to the operator (whoever picks up the phone at 407-824-3000) or request to speak to front desk CM? Thanks!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks Lives4Disney

We will arrive GF in 3 days - should I call them today to confirm my room requests (we booked directly via CRO) and also inform them that there will be a FedEX package for me? Shall I speak to the operator (whoever picks up the phone at 407-824-3000) or request to speak to front desk CM? Thanks!

I really don't think you can call them and speak to somebody at the front desk. Sounds weird but I think I read that you'll get some call center somewhere.

You sure could give it a try! If you have luck let us know because I haven't ever tried, but I know I've read that calls will not get to the front desk. Maybe I read that wrong. I am really not sure......

Have a great time! Safe travels & hope it's magical!

Lives4Disney

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks again Lives4Disney

I just called GF and told the operator that I am arriving on Saturday and would like to confirm my room requests. The CM put me on hold and transferred me to the front desk.

The CM at the front desk asked for my Last Name and confirm the room requests for me. I told her that I am expecting a FedEX package and she said as long as my First & Last name are there, they will keep it at Front Desk for me.

One thing interesting - our family booked two GV rooms, and requested to be on the same floor/building. The CM I spoke with (and also the staff at CRO) kept mentioning I have requested connecting rooms. I tried to explain that this is not necessary - it can be adjoining rooms, or even rooms on the same floor. The CM said that is what Disney system works

 

[arbonnette]

Yes, please let us know if you manage to get the front desk!

 

[spacec47]

Yes, please let us know if you manage to get the front desk!

If you call (407)824-3000, you can get through to the front desk. I think that may be the main number and then you can ask for the front desk. I was able to do it a few months ago.

 

[Lives4Disney]

If you call (407)824-3000, you can get through to the front desk. I think that may be the main number and then you can ask for the front desk. I was able to do it a few months ago.

Great! Thanks. I am going to write that down. I know I read several times here on the DIS about how you cannot get in touch with the resort or specifically the front desk of various resorts...so this is good to know.

Lives4Disney

 

[arbonnette]

If you call (407)824-3000, you can get through to the front desk. I think that may be the main number and then you can ask for the front desk. I was able to do it a few months ago.

Thanks, space. This is great to know. I have been told several times by CRO there is no number to call for the specific resorts to reach the front desk. Glad to know this is not true!

 

[biggroofy]

If you call (407)824-3000, you can get through to the front desk. I think that may be the main number and then you can ask for the front desk. I was able to do it a few months ago.

Yup. I called the number and told the operator that I would like to confirm my room requests, and she said, "OK, let me transfer you to the front desk."

 

[Alicnwondrln]

actually that number goes to a call center and then they forward you to the resorts front desk

 

[LowesChevy]

Ok, I have a question I hope you can help me with. I read in the Unoffficial Guide that "many rooms have balconies." Which rooms at the GF do not have balconies-are they the rounded turret rooms? Thats what it looks like from the pictures.

I have stayed here when I was younger and just want to be sure my MK view room will have a balcony.

 

[shoppgirl]

Hello again..different topic here. I have seen photos of and read about guests getting cute towel animals from "mouse"keeping. I think my girls would LOVE to see these. How often does Housekeeping leave these cute little critters behind? Would a little note accompanying their tip help to request some? Do guests take them home to keep as souvenirs? Or do we need to leave them behind when we check out? Thanks for any info!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ok, I have a question I hope you can help me with. I read in the Unoffficial Guide that "many rooms have balconies." Which rooms at the GF do not have balconies-are they the rounded turret rooms? Thats what it looks like from the pictures.

I have stayed here when I was younger and just want to be sure my MK view room will have a balcony.

Yes, the turret rooms are the ones without balconies. Your MK view room WILL have a balcony!!

Shoppgirl - Actually towel animals aren't that common at the GF. We sometimes get them, othertimes not. We always tip....many of the housekeepers are Spanish and can't speak/read English well so I don't think a note would help. You can always ask or even call housekeeping. They are super nice at the GF and I am sure they'd want to make you happy. If you do get one, you can take it home. I know there are debates about this on the DIS, but I was TOLD BY A GF CM that they are yours to keep.

 

[Jeanine3kids]

Hi Channing,
I wanted to know if you use the dining plan or DDE I usually use the dining plan but I don't know if it is really worth it? I have an AP so I was wondering if i should get a DDE, also are you a DVC member?

Thanks
Jeanine

P.S. I have been on these boards for over a year now and I just found this thread and you today and I think you know more about disney then anyone on these boards.

 

[arbonnette]

shopgirl, we did leave tips on our trip a few weeks ago, but no towel animals. They are not important to us, however. DD doesn't know the difference. She would like them, of course, but we have never gotten them, so she isn't aware that they exist.

A note or a call to housekeeping can't hurt though. I agree with Channing, they will do anything they can to make you pleased.

 

[arbonnette]

Hi Channing,
I wanted to know if you use the dining plan or DDE I usually use the dining plan but I don't know if it is really worth it? I have an AP so I was wondering if i should get a DDE, also are you a DVC member?

Thanks
Jeanine

P.S. I have been on these boards for over a year now and I just found this thread and you today and I think you know more about disney then anyone on these boards.

There are a few ladies on here who help us learning about the GF tremendously. I can give you the quick version. From reading her previous posts, she does not do dining plan. I believe she has a DDE card. I do not think she is a DVC member. I am sure she will come along soon and will expand upon my responses.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi Channing,
I wanted to know if you use the dining plan or DDE I usually use the dining plan but I don't know if it is really worth it? I have an AP so I was wondering if i should get a DDE, also are you a DVC member?

Thanks
Jeanine

P.S. I have been on these boards for over a year now and I just found this thread and you today and I think you know more about disney then anyone on these boards.

OH, that's cool! I have been there sooo many times it's like a second home. I think that's why i keep going back - it's so comfortable.

I have an AP and I use the DDE. The DDE has been great for us...I have had it for a couple years now and it saves us a lot. I don't ever do the disney packages so never did the dining plan...and now that it's available to AP holders I still wouldn't. I don't like the thought of the dining plan...I like to be free and easy and the point/credit restrictions get to me.

No we are not DVC members...I remember way back in like 1991 or 1992 when we had the little brochures about Old Key West and joining in our CR room. We were devoted CR fans and didn't want to branch out at all so we missed the opportunity and now we have discovered concierge, haha....so we are hooked on being spoiled at the GF. I just don't like commitment and DVC seems like a big one. And I don't like any type of restrictions at all. I guess that's another reason I don't like the thought of the dining plan. Commitment and restrictions.

Channing

 

[LowesChevy]

Yes, the turret rooms are the ones without balconies. Your MK view room WILL have a balcony!!

Thanks for the info

 

[jamaica11]

Hi-I am not sure, this may have been asked and answered somewhere, but I can't find it......is there a place at the resort where I could purchase a 1/2 gallon of milk? Thank you for answering.

 

[bennynick18]

These pictures are great. We stayed there on our honeymoon in Aug.07. I'll post pics when i get a second.