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

[jockey]

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

Sounds as though you have had lots of trips! We left on Thanksgiving, I was just so pleased they put the tree up before we went home!

 

[WishesQueen]

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

Welcome Back!!!

I am glad you had a great time and I am sorry you had some disappointments!!

I love the Cabanas too!!!

Honestly, I am wondering if I should change my ressie for Narcoossee's. I was undecided about going back to California Grill or trying Narcoossee's or Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Maybe Grannieminnie's reveiw of Narcoossee's will make my final decision!!

 

[jockey]

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

Thanks for the report Shame about Narcoossee's I love this restaurant!

 

[tholczer]

Hi guys! Glad no one is throwing tomatoes! We really did have a great time, did the Tourguide Mike thing and avoided lines on the rides all together which was a total surprise since the parks were very crowded.

Room service was a great convenience, especially on the morning we ordered as we were doing the getting ready thing and eating at the same time. I'm all about bang for the buck, though. I don't mind spending the money as long as the quality is there. To get gaspies food at room service prices just wasn't what I had expected. But I totally recommend it if you don't mind spending the extra for convenience sake. Just know the food isn't any better

About Narcoosees again, we ordered appetizers too - calamari and buttermilk fried shrimp. I feel silly saying they were greasy because of course they were greasy, they are deep fried dishes. But everything was greasy gross rather than greasy good if you know what I mean. We also got bread so we didn't sit there for two hours waiting for our entrees (I would have left, too). Two hours is what it took from the time we sat down until we got up to leave. Here's a weird observation for you, my DH and I don't drink and we seem to notice more about food than friends who have a glass of wine or cocktails before they eat. So if you must dine here, maybe the trick is having a bottle of wine or at least two martini's before you eat (sorry, don't mean to insult people who love this food, we just had what was hopefully a uniquely terrible dinner).

Now if I can just figure out photobucket...

Tracy

 

[Lives4Disney]

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

Oh....my kids LOVE room service. There are MANY times when Jojo wants to leave the parks, go back to the room, and order room service....that's kinda pathetic, but that's fun for her.

Dad can pack the backpack, shoes... check ressies..

THAT part has me AMAZED. Dad can actually DO THAT? Not in this family. Dad is one of the putzes.

Ya, you pay for convenience......that's what vacation is all about though. I never had icky food from room service - it's always been fine and it's nice to relax and enjoy it while watching Wishes and the kids have their Disney shows on.

Lives4Disney

 

[johnsonet]

tholczer Thank you for your report. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay at the GF.
We have stayed at the GF 10-15 times and I just love it there but the pricetag is high and a lot of its value is in its location and setting. I totally understand what you mean about the small luxuries not being there but I love it so much that I overlook a lot of the details... We have always had good experiences (overall) and I have NEVER had problems with hearing our "neighbors" at any of the resorts except once at AKL and it was a baby screaming next door from 3am-4am Very hard to bear but mostly I just felt bad for the parents...
Anyway, I am so sorry to hear about your experience at Narcoossee's. That sounds awful. Greasy food is the PITS (unless it's a nice greasy burger, of course ). In all our years staying at the GF, DD and I did not dine at Narcoossee's for the first time until last August and we had a FABULOUS dinner and a really great server. DELICIOUS meal. My only thing was that it seemed SO expensive.
Your solo tea sounds heavenly - good for you! And I was happy to read your review of dinner at Park Faire - we are going this summer and I am looking forward to the characters. We haven't been there for dinner in about 6 years! And if your 12-year-old enjoyed the tea, I think I'll sign up my DD(11) and DNiece(10) for it - I was afraid they might be too old So THANKS AGAIN for your review!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi guys! Glad no one is throwing tomatoes! We really did have a great time, did the Tourguide Mike thing and avoided lines on the rides all together which was a total surprise since the parks were very crowded.

Room service was a great convenience, especially on the morning we ordered as we were doing the getting ready thing and eating at the same time. I'm all about bang for the buck, though. I don't mind spending the money as long as the quality is there. To get gaspies food at room service prices just wasn't what I had expected. But I totally recommend it if you don't mind spending the extra for convenience sake. Just know the food isn't any better

About Narcoosees again, we ordered appetizers too - calamari and buttermilk fried shrimp. I feel silly saying they were greasy because of course they were greasy, they are deep fried dishes. But everything was greasy gross rather than greasy good if you know what I mean. We also got bread so we didn't sit there for two hours waiting for our entrees (I would have left, too). Two hours is what it took from the time we sat down until we got up to leave. Here's a weird observation for you, my DH and I don't drink and we seem to notice more about food than friends who have a glass of wine or cocktails before they eat. So if you must dine here, maybe the trick is having a bottle of wine or at least two martini's before you eat (sorry, don't mean to insult people who love this food, we just had what was hopefully a uniquely terrible dinner).

Now if I can just figure out photobucket...

Tracy

Tracy, that's funny about the wine before dinner.....I didn't drink either when was at Narcoosees and the food was good.....they were definitely having an OFF night for you. Something was wrong there for sure. Nobody's going to throw tomatoes at ya....we like you. Now, if we didn't....you better watch yourself, haha....just kidding.

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

channing~ I am the total putze in this family.... if you remember my DH's back pack could rival yours anyday
Remember he carried a small roll of TP for the entire week... just in case

 

[vbarry]

Since we are the subject of room service...can you order from each restaurant at the resort or is there a seperate room service menu?

We are huge room service people. After a long day it is hard to get kids to sit at a restaurant. Just wondering how this will work. We are not doing the dining plan while at the GF because of the package thing so we will be paying OOP.

 

[praline3001]

Since we are the subject of room service...can you order from each restaurant at the resort or is there a seperate room service menu?

We are huge room service people. After a long day it is hard to get kids to sit at a restaurant. Just wondering how this will work. We are not doing the dining plan while at the GF because of the package thing so we will be paying OOP.

While my 10 year old was ill we had to cancel our ressie at Narcooses. I talked to the host at the door to cancel and he explained I could call in our order from our room and they would bring it up. So I ran back up to the room with the menu he gave me and we all ordered lobster and ate it in our PJS
I am not sure if this is a REGULAR thing or if you can do this at all places ... I can just tell you my 1 experience of Narcooses room serivce.

 

[tinklvr64]

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.

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 you are back and had a good time! My inlaws lived in San Diego before they moved to Vegas and the Coronado is absolutely beautiful. Nothing makes my heart stop though like the GF!!
I had to laugh about the thin walls and toliet issues..we have had the same experience

WishesQueen~we always eat at the Yachtsman one night at WDW..LOVE IT I cant compare it to Narcooses though, cause we havent eaten there

I agree with you and Lives4Disney about the tv channels and all Disney...you'd think they were trying to promote something huh Although we always end up with that on the tv..go figure

Keep us posted on when your pictures are up,
Dawn

 

[goofygal531]

All this talk about room service, got me thinking....

I asked DH where he wanted to dine for Father's Day. I have an ADR for Il Mulino but after all the bad reviews and overpriced talk about restaurants for business travelers (last weeks Podcast!) I'm going to cancel it. The prices really are insane! Chicken cutlet parm is $26 and a side of pasta is an additional $16!!! That's just nuts! I'm all for paying for good food, but I'm not an idiot to pay for inflated prices like that!

So I asked DH, it's your special day where do you want to eat? I told him we could always order in room service late after the boys are asleep and have a romantic dinner in our room and eat dessert on the balcony - he loved that idea!

I'm starting to really love the GF and we haven't even stayed there yet!

 

[Tink rules]

Call Private Dining and see what they can set up for you in your room!!! I'm sure they can come up with a nice meal for you and you can enjoy dessert on the balcony!!!

 

[goofygal531]

Maybe Grannieminnie's reveiw of Narcoossee's will make my final decision!!

Annette, have you listened to Kevin's review on the podcast? He gave it a thumbs up

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1797527&page=2

Sorry I can't get the link to work, it's in post #18 of the above thread.

I made DH listen to it, he was so happy when Kevin said it was "a casual beachy restaurant with upscale food". He's all for shorts and a golf shirt! We'll never go to V&A anytime soon, DH will not wear a jacket and tie on vacation!

 

[fish4bills]

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

Did I read this correctly-No movie channels or pay per view???? My DH loves his movies at night. "Please say it isn't so"

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Remember he carried a small roll of TP for the entire week... just in case

DH thinks I'm nuts to do this! Fortunately, it looks like I'm one of the 'cool kids' (hehe). But I can't tell you how many times it's come in handy. That and post it notes (for the automagic toilets of course!).

 

[WishesQueen]

Annette, have you listened to Kevin's review on the podcast? He gave it a thumbs up

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1797527&page=2

Sorry I can't get the link to work, it's in post #18 of the above thread.

I made DH listen to it, he was so happy when Kevin said it was "a casual beachy restaurant with upscale food". He's all for shorts and a golf shirt! We'll never go to V&A anytime soon, DH will not wear a jacket and tie on vacation!

Thats funny you say that, when I tell my DH where our dinner ressies are the only thing he asks me if he needs a jacket, if so he's not going!!!

Thanks for the link I am going to check it out now!

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi guys! Glad no one is throwing tomatoes! We really did have a great time, did the Tourguide Mike thing and avoided lines on the rides all together which was a total surprise since the parks were very crowded.

Room service was a great convenience, especially on the morning we ordered as we were doing the getting ready thing and eating at the same time. I'm all about bang for the buck, though. I don't mind spending the money as long as the quality is there. To get gaspies food at room service prices just wasn't what I had expected. But I totally recommend it if you don't mind spending the extra for convenience sake. Just know the food isn't any better

About Narcoosees again, we ordered appetizers too - calamari and buttermilk fried shrimp. I feel silly saying they were greasy because of course they were greasy, they are deep fried dishes. But everything was greasy gross rather than greasy good if you know what I mean. We also got bread so we didn't sit there for two hours waiting for our entrees (I would have left, too). Two hours is what it took from the time we sat down until we got up to leave. Here's a weird observation for you, my DH and I don't drink and we seem to notice more about food than friends who have a glass of wine or cocktails before they eat. So if you must dine here, maybe the trick is having a bottle of wine or at least two martini's before you eat (sorry, don't mean to insult people who love this food, we just had what was hopefully a uniquely terrible dinner).

Now if I can just figure out photobucket...

Tracy

Thanks for the report! Wonder what the deal with Narcoosees? We aren't eating there in June - mabye thats a good thing!

I don't know how to do Photobucket either. Plus, we need a new camera - my pictures aren't turning out great anyway!

If anyone has any camera recommmendations......

 

[BCV23]

Private Dining or room service really has many things not available at Gasparilla's. I mean eggs are going to be eggs. I doubt the platter actually came from Gaspy's anyway. More likely the kitchen that services 1900 and GF Cafe. But omelets, prime rib, much bigger burgers, fish, the signature GF sandwich are but a few things offered from room service that are not available at Gaspy's.

tholczer, really a shame about your dinner at Narcoossee's. Greasy food is one thing we've never experienced there. We'll be there again in a few weeks and I sure hope our experience is better. I feel confident it will be though.

The lack of movie channels, etc. is true at all WDW resorts. I always figured it was because the emphasis is on family. We miss some of the sport channels at bowl time.

 

[disneyscotland]

I just have to say that this thread has been so helpful. My DH to be and I have been planning our Disneymoon in the GF for a while now and I'm so excited to be staying in this fab hotel. All the photos and experiences shared in this thread are making me look forward to it even more....if that is possible!