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

[kim929]

I have been reading this thread and finally just had to post. Hopefull I can finish reading, I'm up to page 200.

Thank you all for the great pic and advice. I booked my very first stay at GF for 11/9 - 11/15 garden view. I was able to book those date with a 40 % discount. I have to pick another hotel for a few days I wasn't sure when I wanted to arrive. so we will be doing a split stay. I haven't told my family, it's going to be a suprise when I tell them they have to pack up because we had to move. I just wanted to say thank you, reading about everyones stays all the tips and good advice really has me excited. I really can't wait.
Kim

 

[grannyminnie]

I have been reading this thread and finally just had to post. Hopefull I can finish reading, I'm up to page 200.

Thank you all for the great pic and advice. I booked my very first stay at GF for 11/9 - 11/15 garden view. I was able to book those date with a 40 % discount. I have to pick another hotel for a few days I wasn't sure when I wanted to arrive. so we will be doing a split stay. I haven't told my family, it's going to be a suprise when I tell them they have to pack up because we had to move. I just wanted to say thank you, reading about everyones stays all the tips and good advice really has me excited. I really can't wait.
Kim

I'm always amazed when someone says they've read the whole thread...it's addictive, isn't it? Like a good novel!
If you stick around, you'll get lots of good advice. Worked for me when I booked my first GF stay. Even if you move to another resort like I have for my next trip, the group here is so welcoming, ya just want to hang around!!
Welcome...

 

[vbarry]

IT IS VERY ADDICTIVE!! I have an office in my home and I am having a hard time getting any of my work done.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

More annoying questions from Sheli: (By the way I adore all of you already..the "live" reports are great and the willingness to answer all the questions is so helpful. THANK YOU ALL!!!

Marina rentals: (Smaller boats only) Is there a length of stay pass for families (there was 2 years ago at the Poly. Not sure if GF ever did this, but the boys hope so.)

Disney Merchandising: Could I place an order with them for delivery to the front desk instead of home delivery? (This would fix the problem of how to *sneak* a gift to my little princess at check in. I could pick it up and toss it on the bed while hubby distracts the littles.

Custom Cakes: How early do I need to call to order a cake from the bakery? (Is it too soon to call now? 4ish months from arrival...) I am thinking the Mad Hatter cake type of custom, not a silk screen thingy with sprinkles.

GF Bakery: Is there an e-mail addy to communicate with them instead of phone? I am almost phone-o-phobic.

Sheli

 

[Alicnwondrln]

You have to call PRivate dining for the cakes. No email.

If you are staying club level the IPO will shop for you and leave the stuff in your room. If not then I would use Disney Florist or Memories by Betsy for gifts. Or you could call and order stuff and have it delivered to your home and bring it with you.

There used to be a length of stay pass for the boats I have not seen that in awhile.

Custom cakes have to go thru Linda at private dining I would call now and start talking with her. Sometimes it can take awhile to hear from her. Then she has to check with the chefs to see if they will do it. I would contact her now.

 

[WishesQueen]

I have been reading this thread and finally just had to post. Hopefull I can finish reading, I'm up to page 200.

Thank you all for the great pic and advice. I booked my very first stay at GF for 11/9 - 11/15 garden view. I was able to book those date with a 40 % discount. I have to pick another hotel for a few days I wasn't sure when I wanted to arrive. so we will be doing a split stay. I haven't told my family, it's going to be a suprise when I tell them they have to pack up because we had to move. I just wanted to say thank you, reading about everyones stays all the tips and good advice really has me excited. I really can't wait.
Kim

Welcome!!

I've been waiting for that 40% off. My DH promised me that if I get a discount we could back for the holidays!!

 

[drinktomeonly]

Hooray Hooray Hooray!


I hope that everything goes smoothly with check-in.
If anyone else is going to be at the GF pool tomorrow afternoon, please say hi to the pasty pale family from Wisconsin with big smiles on their faces, that's us!

 

[BCV23]

Hooray Hooray Hooray!


I hope that everything goes smoothly with check-in.
If anyone else is going to be at the GF pool tomorrow afternoon, please say hi to the pasty pale family from Wisconsin with big smiles on their faces, that's us!

Have a wonderful trip! Let us know all about it when you get back, please.

kim929, happy planning!

 

[Lives4Disney]

More annoying questions from Sheli: (By the way I adore all of you already..the "live" reports are great and the willingness to answer all the questions is so helpful. THANK YOU ALL!!!

Marina rentals: (Smaller boats only) Is there a length of stay pass for families (there was 2 years ago at the Poly. Not sure if GF ever did this, but the boys hope so.)

Disney Merchandising: Could I place an order with them for delivery to the front desk instead of home delivery? (This would fix the problem of how to *sneak* a gift to my little princess at check in. I could pick it up and toss it on the bed while hubby distracts the littles.

Custom Cakes: How early do I need to call to order a cake from the bakery? (Is it too soon to call now? 4ish months from arrival...) I am thinking the Mad Hatter cake type of custom, not a silk screen thingy with sprinkles.

GF Bakery: Is there an e-mail addy to communicate with them instead of phone? I am almost phone-o-phobic.

Sheli

Sheli, I would use the memories by besty or peggyssweetsandmore for the special gift delivery. They can deliver to the front desk and you could pick the gifts up there or the front desk could deliver to your room.

About the boats....haven't seen that or heard anything about that in a LONG time. It might still exist though. Maybe you could call the marina? or the 407 wdw-play number for confirmation??

About the cakes.....well, I wanted a cute more custom cake done for Easter - had a pic and all, spoke with Linda & she checked with the chef and it was going to run about $250 for a 10 or 8 inch cake. I took a pass. That mad hatter cake is fabulous but expect that type of price or more. Now for my cool cake, I just called about 10 days prior to our check in. I wouldn't risk calling more than that far out because they have been known to lose track of things and not deliver. Usually for cakes I do it about a week before & have not ever personally had any problems with them. I do have Linda's email if you'd like it....you can email her a pic of the cake you're thinking of & she can give you the cost estimate. Let me know - PM me.

Drink from WI- Have a great time!!!! Don't forget we want to hear all about it when you get back!

 

[vbarry]

Hooray Hooray Hooray!


I hope that everything goes smoothly with check-in.
If anyone else is going to be at the GF pool tomorrow afternoon, please say hi to the pasty pale family from Wisconsin with big smiles on their faces, that's us!

Have a great time!!! The weather in the Midwest has been awful this winter so I am sure you are ready for some much needed fun in the sun! Please tell us about your trip when you return!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hooray Hooray Hooray!


I hope that everything goes smoothly with check-in.
If anyone else is going to be at the GF pool tomorrow afternoon, please say hi to the pasty pale family from Wisconsin with big smiles on their faces, that's us!

Only wish I was going to be at the pool tomorrow!!!

Have a great time!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

 

[drinktomeonly]

I'm looking forward to writing my very first trip report!

I never dreamed that planning something could be this much fun!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I'm looking forward to writing my very first trip report!

I never dreamed that planning something could be this much fun!

Have fun!! And remember to post the link to the trip report here or on the GF chat thread!!!

Hi to all the newbies!! Feel free to check out our chat thread on the Countdown Board for more fun!!!

 

[heatherlynn444]

Only wish I was going to be at the pool tomorrow!!!

Have a great time!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

amen to that! what i wouldnt give to have a nice frozen beverage and be laying at a pool!

 

[Lives4Disney]

amen to that! what i wouldnt give to have a nice frozen beverage and be laying at a pool!

OK...that's it...I wanna go back.

 

[heatherlynn444]

OK...that's it...I wanna go back.

channing yuo wouldnt believe what i am doing this VERY second. tlaking to my DH on g mail chat, begging him to let me rent a cabana in september!

 

[goofygal531]

channing yuo wouldnt believe what i am doing this VERY second. tlaking to my DH on g mail chat, begging him to let me rent a cabana in september!

I just did it. One night over dinner mentioned, oh while your squeezing your fat @ss into the window of a NASCAR at the Richard Petty Driving Experience, the boys and I have rented a cabana for the day at the GF.

See the mention of his fat @ss, got him annoyed that he completely forgot to ask how much the cabana rental was!

He's really not fat. Just needs to lay off pasta awhile. He should have no problem shimmying thru the window!

 

[Lives4Disney]

channing yuo wouldnt believe what i am doing this VERY second. tlaking to my DH on g mail chat, begging him to let me rent a cabana in september!

Well.....DH LOVED the cabana...thought it was the best deal around WDW....and the GF...and he can be.....dare I say....CHEAP.

Good luck! Go ahead and book it anyway. You have 48 hr cancellation....your DH will come around by then.

Mare - too funny! That's cool he's doing the RP thing. You'll have to let us all know how it goes....Hey, when are you going to WDW anyway?? Soon??

 

[heatherlynn444]

I just did it. One night over dinner mentioned, oh while your squeezing your fat @ss into the window of a NASCAR at the Richard Petty Driving Experience, the boys and I have rented a cabana for the day at the GF.

See the mention of his fat @ss, got him annoyed that he completely forgot to ask how much the cabana rental was!

He's really not fat. Just needs to lay off pasta awhile. He should have no problem shimmying thru the window!

thats great i LOVE it! lol

Well.....DH LOVED the cabana...thought it was the best deal around WDW....and the GF...and he can be.....dare I say....CHEAP.

Good luck! Go ahead and book it anyway. You have 48 hr cancellation....your DH will come around by then.

Mare - too funny! That's cool he's doing the RP thing. You'll have to let us all know how it goes....Hey, when are you going to WDW anyway?? Soon??

cant you book 90 days out? i was wondeirng if there was a cancelation policy, in case you see a week out its going to be a monsooning downpour all day of the day you are supposed to rent

 

[goofygal531]

Mare - too funny! That's cool he's doing the RP thing. You'll have to let us all know how it goes....Hey, when are you going to WDW anyway?? Soon??

He's doing the RP thing on Father's Day. He's always wanted to do it. Last Nov we saw a rep with a car in DTD and DH got to talking to him. He had to see the car and see the size of the window first! He'll fit, he's just claustrophobic and they strap you into the car. He'll be fine. The rep mentioned that children are not recommended to attend, which is fine by me. It's at least three hours outside in the sun. I'd much rather be relaxing at the GF! I told DH to purchase any dvds or photos they offer him so we can see his experience.

This d@mn ticker won't stay on! We leave on my birthday, June 12. DS4's last day of school is June 10th. I'm hoping everyone will stay on school schedule and get out of the room in the mornings by 7:30 am! I'm going to try it! I really want to be relaxing by the pool right after lunch! I'm going to be the drill sargent of the trip I can see it now!1