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

[Janet2k]

Does the Grand Floridian have a business center like some hotels have with a computer, printer, etc.?

AlienBrain, my responses to FeeFeeWhite also apply to your question. I'm sorry that I didn't go back further in this thread before I replied to FeeFeeWhite. I'm only sporadically on the Dis website and haven't checked this thread since it was started several months ago -- I'm sorry about that!

In case you find yourself near any of Disney's Convention Resorts, I thought I'd list them below. All of them should have a Business Center that you may use for a fee (please contact Disney directly to find out what the fees are for their services).

From Disney's official website:

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The Disney Difference
Choose from over 500,000 square feet of flexible function space, from spacious ballrooms to modern breakout rooms to intimate boardrooms — and everything in between.

Partner with the Disney Event Group, Disney's own "Destination Magic Company," who can provide everything from signature entertainment and technical support services to A/V, floral, themed decor, photography, transportation and more.

Transform your agenda with professional development programming from the world-renowned Disney Institute.

Make use of unparalleled networking and teambuilding opportunities through exclusive use of Disney Theme Park and entertainment venues for private group events.

Spectacular Convention Resorts

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Enjoy distinctive Southwestern style at Disney's largest and most affordable convention Resort, that boasts over 220,000 square feet of flexible meeting, ballroom and function space - all one level. With the 86,000 square foot Veracruz Exhibit Hall combined with the existing 95,000 square feet of space, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will become one of the largest single-level convention hotels on the East coast.

Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Utilize this revival of 1800s New England seaside splendor nestled along a 45-acre lake for its 73,000 square-foot convention center, two beautiful ballrooms and multiple breakout rooms.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Savor the graciousness of a bygone era in a stunning world of luxury and elegance at this convention Resort that offers a 40,000 square-foot Convention Center along with an exquisitely appointed ballroom, executive boardroom and multiple breakout rooms.

Disney's Contemporary Resort
Experience this unique architectural masterpiece that provides a picturesque lakeside setting with a 90,000+ square-foot Convention Center on two levels, including spacious pre-function areas, four ballrooms, executive boardroom and 35 breakout rooms.

Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Opt for this intimate, upscale convention hotel that captures the essence of a lively 1920's waterfront village and features 20,000 square feet of flexible function and meeting space including a beautiful ballroom, elegant boardroom, multiple breakout rooms and outdoor pavilions.
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And here is some info from Mousesavers (click here) regarding the Swan/Dolphin:

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The Dolphin has a 24-hour Business Center that includes three computers with high-speed Internet access. The Swan has a smaller Business Center that only has one Internet-connected computer and is open limited hours. At either center there is a charge of $1 for the first minute and .69 for each additional minute, which you must pay by credit card. Ask at the front desk for directions to the Business Centers.
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[Janet2k]

Honstly we really won't be in the room that much. Whenever I am in Disney I am hardly in the room. But since this is a sepcial tirp I just wanted a sepcial room to go along with everything.

ROEDISNEY, I can certainly understand the specialness of your trip. We'll be celebrating 25 years next year and are trying to figure out if we'll have another Fairy Tale Weddings vow renewal (we did one for our 20th - click here). We stayed at the Grand Floridian for the days surrounding our vow renewal's events. There was no way it would have been a fairy tale anything had our favorite resort not been incorporated into the festivities.

 

[Janet2k]

Today Flickr began offering a new feature on their website (that's where some of my WDW photos are stored -- click here). The new feature is video. I do have videos stored elsewhere but thought I'd give Flickr's new feature a whirl. Here's the first video that I've uploaded -- click here. If the video doesn't automatically load, simply click on the "play" button. Enjoy!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Thanks for the pic's. I will go ck them all out now. Thank you. I planed a vow renewal for my parents on the Disney Cruise for there 50th. It's all on you tube. If you type in wdisnyw you will see all my Disney's video & my parents renewal. I was going to do a vow renewal but I have changed my mind I just wanted it to me & him since we have been married we NEVER went away ourselves. We have 5 boys. Yes they did want to go on this trip. I have one more ? . Would you upgrade your room ? if so to where?
Thanks Roe

 

[goofygal531]

So excited, I'm now all booked for May 2009 at the RPC I blame all you lovely ladies here, although I had a fantastic time last December I was going to stay elsewhere but reading your thread and seeing the GF photo thread I just had to return

So, I'm planning on spending quite a bit of time at the spa (it's going to be a more relaxing trip, spending time just chilling at the resort rather than full on in the parks), I've never been to the GF Spa before, can anyone tell me how far the walk is from the actual resort?

Also, if I were to have a late treatment which would mean walking in the dark, would I feel safe doing so?

Thanks

I'm also interested in the Spa. DH will be going to the NASCAR driving experience and a Segway tour, I'd love to schedule a little spa time in for me

Could any one comment on the massages, facials and wraps?

I went to the Disney Institute Spa (9 years ago) (now Saratoga Springs Spa) and had an amazing 3 hour package that left me laying on the sofa practically sedated when DH found me after his golf lesson! That hydro tub is heavenly!

I believe I heard that the spas are run separately, not the same management. Can anyone compare the two? I highly recommend the Saratoga Springs Spa. Great CMs, beautiful spacious facility and wonderful treatments.

I'm so overdue for a spa day! Maybe mother's day I'll ask for a spa day
Mare

 

[tray11c]

We are going to the Grand Flordian December 3rd for the first time and we are staying on conceirge level. I've been reading this thread and have been getting some great info. What is IPO? Is there anything special I should know or tips?

 

[goofygal531]

What is IPO? Is there anything special I should know or tips?

I forgot what the acronym stands for but they do all your trip planning for you. You tell them what restaurants you'd like to dine in and they will do all the leg work and make you an itinerary. Great for the beginner.

 

[goofygal531]

Can someone lead me to the activities page?? I can't seem to locate it.

I'm trying to find the times for the pool activities and other children's activities. The parasol twirl the mousekeeping does in the morning, the ladybug release (do they still do this?)

I'd like to make a spa appointment, but need have a list of activities for DH to do with the boys should they get bored at the pool.

Thanks.
Mare

 

[johnsonet]

IPO is the Itinerary Planning Office - the folks who make your dining reservations, book specialty cruises, etc.
Congrats on your plans, GF is beautiful and Concierge is deluxe. have a great time!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Can someone lead me to the activities page?? I can't seem to locate it.

I'm trying to find the times for the pool activities and other children's activities. The parasol twirl the mousekeeping does in the morning, the ladybug release (do they still do this?)

I'd like to make a spa appointment, but need have a list of activities for DH to do with the boys should they get bored at the pool.

Thanks.
Mare

Mare, they will give you a little packet of info when you check in with all/any activities during your stay. There is no "Activities Page". They change times and what's offered due to season. There isn't much. The parasol twirl thing is EARLY. I never see that. It happens while the housekeepers are on their way to the rooms.

....NO ladybud release anymore. They haven't done that for a couple years.

Your DH and the boys might get bored at the pool unless your boys just love to swim. My DD loves to swim/slide so she is happy just to be there and she brings toys for the zero depth end and the beach. My other DD loves to sit and read at the pool. The little pool shop sells toys and goggles. My girls always pick out a couple things and they entertain themselves. GF doesn't have constant activities at all so don't have that idea in your head or you'll be disappointed .... I have RARELY seen any as a matter of fact. The YC/BC has those continuous type of activities scheduled at their pool, but GF doesn't. If GF does while you're there, it's just a little something and not a constant or continuous thing.


The IPO email addy is at the front of this thread.

 

[pooksma]

Has anyone had the couples massage at the spa? Just curious how it was.

Thanks.

 

[princessesrule4]

Can someone lead me to the activities page?? I can't seem to locate it.

I'm trying to find the times for the pool activities and other children's activities. The parasol twirl the mousekeeping does in the morning, the ladybug release (do they still do this?)

I'd like to make a spa appointment, but need have a list of activities for DH to do with the boys should they get bored at the pool.

Thanks.
Mare

They used to do a storytime in M. Mouse one evening a week - just check the Around and About Newsletter when you check in.

We've never seen any pool activities in all of our GF visits but my kids were/are never bored between the slide, waterfall, playing catch in the zero entry end and playing in the "squirty fountains" as my kids called them when they were little!

 

[goofygal531]

Mare, they will give you a little packet of info when you check in with all/any activities during your stay. There is no "Activities Page". They change times and what's offered due to season. There isn't much. The parasol twirl thing is EARLY. I never see that. It happens while the housekeepers are on their way to the rooms.

....NO ladybud release anymore. They haven't done that for a couple years.

Your DH and the boys might get bored at the pool unless your boys just love to swim. My DD loves to swim/slide so she is happy just to be there and she brings toys for the zero depth end and the beach. My other DD loves to sit and read at the pool. The little pool shop sells toys and goggles. My girls always pick out a couple things and they entertain themselves. GF doesn't have constant activities at all so don't have that idea in your head or you'll be disappointed .... I have RARELY seen any as a matter of fact. The YC/BC has those continuous type of activities scheduled at their pool, but GF doesn't. If GF does while you're there, it's just a little something and not a constant or continuous thing.


The IPO email addy is at the front of this thread.

Thanks Channing! I really thought there were daily scheduled activities. My boys don't really swim yet, they love to play in the sand so I thought I'd put some sand toys in the box I'm shipping to the resort, then just give them to another kid on the beach when we're heading home. There is no place for me to pack a pail and shovel! Our suitcases are full as it is!

but my kids were/are never bored playing in the "squirty fountains" as my kids called them when they were little!

That is exactly what I was about to ask for!! My DS4 LOVES sprinklers. Moreso than pools. He's too little to swim yet and a kiddie pool bores him. But sprinklers he adores! Bingo! I can now enjoy my spa treatment and relax!!

Would you know if the sprinkler is similar to the one at the Poly? They have it off to the side of the kiddie pool and it resembles one of the squirting sprinklers they have in the parks. Water shoots up from the ground around this huge circle randomly. If it's one of those, my son will be there for HOURS!

Anyone have a picture of the sprinkler and kiddie pool?

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks Channing! I really thought there were daily scheduled activities. My boys don't really swim yet, they love to play in the sand so I thought I'd put some sand toys in the box I'm shipping to the resort, then just give them to another kid on the beach when we're heading home. There is no place for me to pack a pail and shovel! Our suitcases are full as it is!




That is exactly what I was about to ask for!! My DS4 LOVES sprinklers. Moreso than pools. He's too little to swim yet and a kiddie pool bores him. But sprinklers he adores! Bingo! I can now enjoy my spa treatment and relax!!

Would you know if the sprinkler is similar to the one at the Poly? They have it off to the side of the kiddie pool and it resembles one of the squirting sprinklers they have in the parks. Water shoots up from the ground around this huge circle randomly. If it's one of those, my son will be there for HOURS!

Anyone have a picture of the sprinkler and kiddie pool?

It's the same one at the GF!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks Channing! I really thought there were daily scheduled activities. My boys don't really swim yet, they love to play in the sand so I thought I'd put some sand toys in the box I'm shipping to the resort, then just give them to another kid on the beach when we're heading home. There is no place for me to pack a pail and shovel! Our suitcases are full as it is!


That is exactly what I was about to ask for!! My DS4 LOVES sprinklers. Moreso than pools. He's too little to swim yet and a kiddie pool bores him. But sprinklers he adores! Bingo! I can now enjoy my spa treatment and relax!!

Would you know if the sprinkler is similar to the one at the Poly? They have it off to the side of the kiddie pool and it resembles one of the squirting sprinklers they have in the parks. Water shoots up from the ground around this huge circle randomly. If it's one of those, my son will be there for HOURS!

Anyone have a picture of the sprinkler and kiddie pool?

Sorry...I just didn't want ya to go thinking it would be full time organized fun fun fun at the pool. It is a free for all. I always buy the toys and then leave them in the closet of our room. I know about full suitcases. There is a little area of fountains that sounds like it's up your DS's alley. The pool has the zero depth area too so that's fun for littler kids....and the sandy beach is right there.

They used to do a storytime in M. Mouse one evening a week - just check the Around and About Newsletter when you check in.

We've never seen any pool activities in all of our GF visits but my kids were/are never bored between the slide, waterfall, playing catch in the zero entry end and playing in the "squirty fountains" as my kids called them when they were little!

I don't think they even do that M M story time anymore. I just read a bit ago about someone that brought their kids up there, and the CMs knew nothing about it!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[allisonswonderland]

Has anyone ever tried the "baths" at the spa...like the citrus bath? I was just curious. I did one like this at a spa in Phoenix and I loved that....

 

[Alicnwondrln]

my mom did and loved it

 

[BunnieGene]

Has anyone had the couples massage at the spa? Just curious how it was.

Thanks.

Hubby and I tried it several years ago. While it was lovely, I'm not sure it was worth the extra money. Other than winking and giggling from across the way prior to our massages, we had no contact with each other. Once the massages began, we didn't even want to talk...just wanted to sink into a silent, pampered bliss

At that time it was done in 2 side-by-side rooms with double doors between them which, of course, were open...so we really weren't THAT close to each other. Perhaps it's different now.

 

[goofygal531]

Has anyone ever tried the "baths" at the spa...like the citrus bath? I was just curious. I did one like this at a spa in Phoenix and I loved that....

I've done the hydro tub at the SSR Spa. That was heavenly! It was part of my package. It was in the same room as the massage table and the vichy shower. I was pure jello after 3 hours at the spa

Has anyone had the couples massage at the spa? Just curious how it was.

Thanks.

We did the couples massage during the cruise on Castaway Cay. That was amazing! Your in a wooden cabana (similar to a beach cabin, not poolside cabana with fabric walls) on the adult beach with the windows open in front of you listening to the ocean. They only thing was the two CMs kept talking to us! I HATE that! If DH wasn't with me, I would have told them to shut up I'm not paying for chit chat! But HE kept talking to them!

I wouldn't have done this if it wasn't for the amazing location. I'd much rather have a massage alone and be able to listen to the soothing sounds of the spa music...

 

[goofygal531]

I always buy the toys and then leave them in the closet of our room. I know about full suitcases. Lives4Disney

Channing: Your the best!! That is a great idea! I'll leave them in the closet!

I need to make a sign:

"When in doubt, ask Channing"