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

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

More Taxi questions:

Where are the Taxi's located when exiting AK and DHS?

Are van Taxi's usually at the parks? or will I have to take 2? Or will they call a van for me (and who could call one if I don't find one waiting in line?)

Time IS money and a screaming toddler can ruin a whole day!

Thanks!
Sheli

Also, Praline, did the $15 and $20 taxi prices you gave earlier include the driver tip or was that just the base price (no big deal, just for planning purposes)

 

[praline3001]

More Taxi questions:

Where are the Taxi's located when exiting AK and DHS?

Are van Taxi's usually at the parks? or will I have to take 2? Or will they call a van for me (and who could call one if I don't find one waiting in line?)

Time IS money and a screaming toddler can ruin a whole day!

Thanks!
Sheli

Also, Praline, did the $15 and $20 taxi prices you gave earlier include the driver tip or was that just the base price (no big deal, just for planning purposes)

that was the amount on the meter. We tipped extra but as hubby did that, I am not sure how much he tipped

At AK the cabs were at the entrance parking lot....past where the little tram service is. You can't miss them but if you do, ask a CM and they will point them out to you. Everytime we did it, there were 4 or 5 cabs waiting.

DHS is a bit tricker... you walk to the right ...past all the bus pick ups. They are in the parking area. Again if you aren't sure ASK! Thats what we did.

At the resort, all you have to do is call the bell service from your room and ask them to get you a cab. That way you can be 100% sure there is a cab waiting for you right in front of the lobby.
The cost of the vans is the same as a regular cab. I would call ahead of time to make sure you get the van! Make sure when you call to request a van.
You could even take the cab phone number and put it in your cell phone. That way you can call and request a van at the parks. We never waited more than 2 minutes for our cab using this system.

I am sure cabs are the way to go if you are dining at a non monorail resort also! We kept to eating at resorts on the monorail as I didn't want to bus hop. While we were there we saw how easy it was to take a cab to another resort!

Cabs might seem a bit pricey compared to using the Disney free transportation... but if I had to choose, I would use the free transportation to and from the airport (instead of the limo) and take the money saved and use cabs all week rather than the busses

Of course the time of day makes a difference so make sure to take that into account. If you are leaving the park at 2pm there is most likely NOT a long line for the bus to take you to the resort. It would be a waste of money to use the cab. If you are trying to get there at park opening or leaving after fireworks ... or have a ADR you need to get to then take the cab!!!

 

[praline3001]

Shelly, I also wanted to add something else about your party you might want to think about. Are you doing a dining plan?

Look into the room service

It counts as 2 TS points but it includes the tip. The GF has some WONDERFUL room service meals!!! You can even order from Narcooses and eat lobster in your PJS... I know as WE did it

The best part is your little one can be bathed, and relaxed in the room when dinner gets there!!!! No worry about tired melt downs... most likely she will crash in the middle of dinner (your older kids might too ) leaving you and DH on the balcony with dessert and wine
Its not a night at V&A but it makes for a romantic quickie on the balcony while the kids are snoring

You don't need ADRs for room service so keep that plan in the back of your head.... if the kids have had enough excitement and are getting whiney.... pull out the room service menu!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Thanks Praline!

I think taxi prices are high everywhere and it just doesn't bother me...convenience always comes with a price (Applebees charges $5 per child for the same mac-n-cheese I can make at home for $1 - and mine feeds 3 of them! - we still eat out.)

I will program the taxi number into the phone, great idea. If I call as we head out of a park they should be able to send us a van just in time. Great hint!

Since we need a mini-van if we rent for the week it is actually less $ to take a limo and use taxi's than it would be to rent. Crazy but true.

Limo $300 + Taxi $50 rt to AK + $40 rt to DHS + $80 2 rt to dinners at Epcot (taking taxi to YC/BC to walk in the back) = $470 total...maybe throw in another $50 for DTD rt (not sure if this fits in the schedule)
$520 total (best guess with tips)

Rental van = $550 with all fees and taxes + $75 gas for a week + $75 valet parking + $20 valet tips = $720 for a rental van.

I would have to spend another $200 on taxi's before it went over the rental cost. And this way we step into already cooled off vehicles instead of a roasting hot rental van. That alone is priceles

I'm just taking the other $200 and using it toward an illuminations cruise...its not about saving money so much as it's about how much can be stuffed into each dollar.

Thanks for your help!
Sheli

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Wow Praline, we think alike! I have Narcossees booked for out last night with the idea in the back of my mind that if the kids are not up to it we will call and cancel then order room service (after feeding the kids at Gasparillas of course )
Send the teens to MK for one last hoorah, send the littles to bed and have a balcony dinner.
Either that or have in-room childcare come and watch the littles and escape to dinner at Narcossees anyway. But this takes 48 hrs notice and room service is as easy as one phone call.

Room service is also the way I get everyone out of bed the first morning we go anywhere. Lazy butts run in the family (I am the worst) but the knock on the door will make me get up and the smell of food wakes up the kids (EAT FAST BOYS...WE'RE AT DISNEY!!!)

Thanks again for your taxi hints. Very good information!!! The rental car was such a pain last time (I acutally missed seeing the shuttle launch because we missed the parking tram to the car, waited almost 20 minutes for the next to leave and got to the hotel 5 mins after the launch...grrrr!)

 

[dingoballs]

More Taxi questions:

Where are the Taxi's located when exiting AK and DHS?

Are van Taxi's usually at the parks? or will I have to take 2? Or will they call a van for me (and who could call one if I don't find one waiting in line?)

Time IS money and a screaming toddler can ruin a whole day!

Thanks!
Sheli

Also, Praline, did the $15 and $20 taxi prices you gave earlier include the driver tip or was that just the base price (no big deal, just for planning purposes)

We also take taxis when we don't want to wait in line with the masses of people for the buses or monorail, or when we're dressed up to go for fine dining and the ADR won't wait...

One bit of advice though: some taxi drivers are unscrupulous so make sure he starts the meter at departure. We had one driver who didn't so I asked him why the meter wasn't running and he said "Oh, this is my last run of the night". I asked him, "So how much will the fare be?" He said $20, which we knew was the going rate, so we didn't report him.

Since you guys aren't familiar with the rates between various points around WDW, keep an eye on the meter (and the route he takes) so you won't get ripped off.

 

[Marc A.]

About when do the X-mas decorations come up at the resort?

 

[padisneylover]

Thanks, the idea of just coming out of the room to listen to the band really appeals to me


What time do they serve food and drinks to in the evening?

If I remember from last may the evening food was put out at 5 p.m. till 7 p.m. and then I belive the cordials and deserts came out at 8 to 10.

 

[Lives4Disney]

About when do the X-mas decorations come up at the resort?

We arrived on Nov 15 this year and the gingerbread house was up and some other things but the tree, wreaths, poinsettias were all put up while we were there - in the middle of the night. I think it was JUST before Thanksgiving.

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

Savannah and I were wondering about the desserts that are offered (she is standing here as i type this... i personally could care less as I cant EAT dessert )
in the conceirge SL lounge. I showed her the pics on here of the breakfast offerings and they had her mouth watering when she heard she could pick from different desserts and eat as much dessert as she could fit in her tummy... it has gotten her attention. what can i say, the gal likes her chocolate

Anyway.... do any of you have pics of the dessert tables or other food offerings for the lounge besides the breakfast?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Savannah and I were wondering about the desserts that are offered (she is standing here as i type this... i personally could care less as I cant EAT dessert )
in the conceirge SL lounge. I showed her the pics on here of the breakfast offerings and they had her mouth watering when she heard she could pick from different desserts and eat as much dessert as she could fit in her tummy... it has gotten her attention. what can i say, the gal likes her chocolate

Anyway.... do any of you have pics of the dessert tables or other food offerings for the lounge besides the breakfast?

no pics, but they have brownies, cupcakes, cookies, different little pastries and a selection of individual mini tarts & cakes, choc eclairs, choc covered strawberries......it changes from evening to evening, but it's all good and a nice variety that they replenish so no need to worry about them running out.

 

[praline3001]

no pics, but they have brownies, cupcakes, cookies, different little pastries and a selection of individual mini tarts & cakes, choc eclairs, choc covered strawberries......it changes from evening to evening, but it's all good and a nice variety that they replenish so no need to worry about them running out.

Well I am not sure how much a 6 year old can woof down on that stuff but by her eyes when I read that... I am guessing I am about to find out

 

[goofygal531]

Savannah and I were wondering about the desserts that are offered (she is standing here as i type this... i personally could care less as I cant EAT dessert )
in the conceirge SL lounge. I showed her the pics on here of the breakfast offerings and they had her mouth watering when she heard she could pick from different desserts and eat as much dessert as she could fit in her tummy... it has gotten her attention. what can i say, the gal likes her chocolate

Anyway.... do any of you have pics of the dessert tables or other food offerings for the lounge besides the breakfast?

Somewhere back in Nov in this thread someone posted the food times and menu for SL. I have no idea exactly where it is, but I remember seeing it. It's very detailed. Like Asian food on Monday, and every item that was on the buffet!

 

[jockey]

We arrived on Nov 15 this year and the gingerbread house was up and some other things but the tree, wreaths, poinsettias were all put up while we were there - in the middle of the night. I think it was JUST before Thanksgiving.

Lives4Disney

It was just the night before Thanksgiving

 

[goofygal531]

About when do the X-mas decorations come up at the resort?

A lot of the Xmas decorations are up by the first MVMCP, I don't know the date of the first party but it's usually around the first week of Nov.

We were there the week of Thanksgiving and I thought all the decorations were up until we woke up on Thanksgiving morning to everything covered in poinsettas!

 

[Lives4Disney]

It was just the night before Thanksgiving

I KNEW it was just before!

A friend of ours was leaving the GF and flying home for Thanksgiving right before Thanksgiving, and she told us she saw them putting up the tree and the poinsettias at 3 am....I couldn't remember if she flew out Wed morn or Tues morn....and then I couldn't remember if it was Tgiving morning we saw it all newly up or if it was a day earlier. My memory is going......the Disney trips have become a blur.



Lives4Disney

 

[tholczer]

Hey all! Just back from the GF yesterday. We had such a wonderful time, even with my cranky DD15. I think I may do a trip report just so I can remember all the lovely details (and post some great pics). It went by way too fast.

We stayed in Conch Key in room 7303 (which we loved for the quiet and convenience to the boats - but if you want quiet, stay more toward the middle of the building as we were next to the exit doors and heard them slam repeatedly). It had a nice view of the marina and monorail. We also rented the cabana on two occasions and I HIGHLY recommend this. It was fabulous. You have your own helper all day and prompt service from the bar and private dining. We felt like kings.

1900 Park Fair with Cinderella and the step sisters was very entertaining and the food was great! My DD12 and DD6 also loved the Alice in Wonderland Tea. I had tea myself (blissfully alone!) in the tea room. For those mom's out there who can swing the alone time, this was priceless.

To be fair, there were some negatives. The hotel is beautiful as it was modeled after the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. However, having stayed in the Hotel Del, I have to say the GF wasn't as luxurious. I did expect all those small things that usually come with luxury hotels like down comforters and pillows and well insulated walls (we could actually hear our upstairs neighbors peeing in their toilet - ew!). We could also hear verbatim conversations in the rooms surrounding us. Also, even though there was a flat screen TV, there were no movie stations or pay per view options which would have been nice after long days in the parks.

Private dining was very convenient and DD15 used it a few times when I let her hole up in the room. But the food quality is the same as Gasparillas. We ordered breakfast and my husband's grand slam was exactly the same as what he'd ordered in Gaspies. We were surprised by this considering Gasparilla's cost us about $25 for the family and the private dining was $100. Just FYI.

A word on Narcoossee's (don't throw things, please!) - we were very disappointed. Our meal took two hours. And everything was greasy. My husband ordered the filet and it tasted like the gas flames it was cooked on. I ordered the tilefish and it was greasy and tasted like it was reheated. We would have sent it all back, but we were so starving by that point, we didn't want to wait any longer. Perhaps we were there on an off night (the service was bad, too), but it was definitely not worth the $200 we spent.

As far as transportation, I would definitely recommend taxis to Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney. We did this and it was smooth sailing. The monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot was a snap, of course. We also took the boat over to the Polynesian for breakfast and the Neverland Club and we often took the boat from the MK to the GF since the launch was right outside our building. Very convenient and a beautiful ride.

While there were some disappointments, overall we had a wonderful stay. I would recommend everyone who really wants to try this resort to definitely do so even though we found there wasn't enough luxury to meet the cost.

Tracy

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hey all! Just back from the GF yesterday. We had such a wonderful time, even with my cranky DD15. I think I may do a trip report just so I can remember all the lovely details (and post some great pics). It went by way too fast.

We stayed in Conch Key in room 7303 (which we loved for the quiet and convenience to the boats - but if you want quiet, stay more toward the middle of the building as we were next to the exit doors and heard them slam repeatedly). It had a nice view of the marina and monorail. We also rented the cabana on two occasions and I HIGHLY recommend this. It was fabulous. You have your own helper all day and prompt service from the bar and private dining. We felt like kings.

1900 Park Fair with Cinderella and the step sisters was very entertaining and the food was great! My DD12 and DD6 also loved the Alice in Wonderland Tea. I had tea myself (blissfully alone!) in the tea room. For those mom's out there who can swing the alone time, this was priceless.

To be fair, there were some negatives. The hotel is beautiful as it was modeled after the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. However, having stayed in the Hotel Del, I have to say the GF wasn't as luxurious. I did expect all those small things that usually come with luxury hotels like down comforters and pillows and well insulated walls (we could actually hear our upstairs neighbors peeing in their toilet - ew!). We could also hear verbatim conversations in the rooms surrounding us. Also, even though there was a flat screen TV, there were no movie stations or pay per view options which would have been nice after long days in the parks.

Private dining was very convenient and DD15 used it a few times when I let her hole up in the room. But the food quality is the same as Gasparillas. We ordered breakfast and my husband's grand slam was exactly the same as what he'd ordered in Gaspies. We were surprised by this considering Gasparilla's cost us about $25 for the family and the private dining was $100. Just FYI.

A word on Narcoossee's (don't throw things, please!) - we were very disappointed. Our meal took two hours. And everything was greasy. My husband ordered the filet and it tasted like the gas flames it was cooked on. I ordered the tilefish and it was greasy and tasted like it was reheated. We would have sent it all back, but we were so starving by that point, we didn't want to wait any longer. Perhaps we were there on an off night (the service was bad, too), but it was definitely not worth the $200 we spent.

As far as transportation, I would definitely recommend taxis to Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney. We did this and it was smooth sailing. The monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot was a snap, of course. We also took the boat over to the Polynesian for breakfast and the Neverland Club and we often took the boat from the MK to the GF since the launch was right outside our building. Very convenient and a beautiful ride.

While there were some disappointments, overall we had a wonderful stay. I would recommend everyone who really wants to try this resort to definitely do so even though we found there wasn't enough luxury to meet the cost.

Tracy

Hi, Tracy! Glad it was mostly a nice time. I agree....for the money/night the luxury is not the same as you'd find outside of WDW....The GF is the best WDW has to offer and the location makes it worth it for us, but I know what you're saying.

That is icky about hearing your neighbors. I haven't experienced that ever at the GF, but there are certain areas of the YC that I have. And other rooms in the YC that are super quiet and insulated...not sure why the difference.

BIG BUMMER about Narcoosees.....we only ate there once and it was good, but I thought overpriced. They must have had something weird going on the night you dined there. TWO HOURS....I would have ditched way before that and just gone to Gaspies. That is a shame after that long wait the food was nasty.

I hear what you're staying about room service. It is the same food at the various restaurants around the GF but for a premium price. We found that out at the CR. I don't order bfast but we have ordered dinner before. It's been fine but expensive.

Disney has never had great TV channels to choose from. I miss having something other than Disney this and that to watch in the evenings, too.

Thanks for the review - I'd love to see some pics!!!!

Channing

 

[praline3001]

Ok I will be the big bad defender of room serivce

You have to utilize it correctly to get your money's worth.

If you have 3 young kids, as I do, and all 3 have to get bathed and ready with only 1 bathroom... plus mom and dad... it takes a while

I would order breakfast the night before and everyone can eat WHILE getting ready. Dad can pack the backpack, shoes... check ressies... mom can be doing her hair, make up... picking up the dirty clothes.... kids can be eating, getting dressed, brushing teeth... all while munching on breakfast. Room service also starts at 6:30... not that we got up THAT early but I think we did have it for 7 a few early mornings... anyway it saves lots of time
PLUS... if your kids are easily distracted in resteraunts AS mine seem to be... its harder to get them to EAT. how can those eggs compete with Winnie the Pooh? We would all leave for the day with full bellies... which cut down on in the park snacks. It is 2TS if your using the dining plan BUT you don't HAVE to tip as the tip is included.

As to the dinner... we only had room serivce dinner once as my Ryan was sick that day and Savannah was cranky. We have done room serivce at other resorts and it is the BOMB with young kids!!!
You can get the ready for bed while waiting for the food. usually they pass out during the meal... leaving you a romantic time alone on the balcony with dessert.
Young kids can be really tired and cranky at the end of a full Disney day. Its nice to relax in the tub and have lobster or prime rib brought to your room

 

[goofygal531]

They don't call her "Room Service Queen" for nothing!

I totally agree Brook!

This past Nov, we did a last minute trip during Thanksgiving week and had no choice but to stay at the CBR. It was okay, just not what we're used to.

We were in a preferred location room. It was about a 10 min walk to the food court. Each morning I'd wake up first, throw some yoga pants on and head to the food court for breakfast. I'd get the grand slam for DH and I to split and the boys their mini mickey waffles. It was so nice to get ready while everyone was eating. DS4 loved being able to watch his Playhouse Disney morning cartoon while eating his Mickey waffle.

I'm all for room service delivering my breakfast this trip!