The *New* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread (NOV 2008)

[denisekayt]

THey have fries!! Were were there in the middle/end of October. You can substitute for fries. They are real fries.

Happy dining,

Lives4Disney

YAY!! Thanks for confirming that I know a lot of folks like Captain Cook's, but I think for our family Gasparilla's is going to have a LOT more options for quick meals that are more our style. Cook's just seemed to have really limited options.

 

[goofygal531]

THey have fries!! Were were there in the middle/end of October. You can substitute for fries. They are real fries.

Happy dining,

Lives4Disney

Chan, I know the "hot" entrees have fries, but can you substitute with the sandwiches over on the deli counter? I'm not sure they let me last June? I can't remember. The boys always get something hot like nuggets, hot dogs or pizza, so they always get an order of fries. I really love the roastbeef sandwich (hold the salad dressing YUCK!) and always got the side salad.

Good question!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Chan, I know the "hot" entrees have fries, but can you substitute with the sandwiches over on the deli counter? I'm not sure they let me last June? I can't remember. The boys always get something hot like nuggets, hot dogs or pizza, so they always get an order of fries. I really love the roastbeef sandwich (hold the salad dressing YUCK!) and always got the side salad.

Good question!!

Hmmm....I surveyed everybody in my house and nobody has ordered from that other window.....DS has had the Southwest Chicken sandwich and the hotdog rueben? and he got fries....not sure which window that is ordered from but I think it's that same pizza /nuggets window.

I haven't been in there enough.... When I've been in there they've been awesome about pleasing my picky eater, though .....so I would hope that they'd be able to make substitutions from that other window.


Chan

 

[denisekayt]

We'll be happy even if only the hot items come with fries....at least fries are in the building!!

 

[goofygal531]

We're trying out Jet Blue for the first time and I haven't checked to see what their "luggage rules" are yet.

We fly Jet Blue exclusively, my boys love the TV sets and I love a peaceful flight! They allow each passenger ONE PIECE of luggage. For carry on, I've brought 2 WDW tote bags, a small cooler tote and my purse for the entire family, so they've never questioned our number of carry ons. This trip I'm trying to look less like a bag lady and I bought a 19 inch rolling carry on at Walmart Saturday night for $10!! It was the only carry on I could find that was not 21 inches (the standard). Jet Blue requests all carry on luggage to be 17 inches which is impossible to find!! They don't measure at check in. I've never seen that little suitcase frame you're supposed to slide your carry on in for measurement at Jet Blue (I've seen it always at American) but you never know.... I'm only stuffing ours with swimsuits, so if they don't like that it's 2 inches too large, I'll ditch it - it was only $10. But I really don't expect them to measure it.

All the details are on their website. I know they limit carry on to one per person not including a handbag and luggage has to be 17 inches.

Hmmm....I surveyed everybody in my house and nobody has ordered from that other window.....DS has had the Southwest Chicken sandwich and the hotdog rueben? and he got fries....not sure which window that is ordered from but I think it's that same pizza /nuggets window.

I haven't been in there enough.... When I've been in there they've been awesome about pleasing my picky eater, though .....so I would hope that they'd be able to make substitutions from that other window.

Okay, when you're facing the hot item window, it's the deli counter is to the right. They have their own menu above the window. I think they have salads, wraps and the roastbeef sandwich. We ate there practically every day for lunch while at the pool, I grew tired fast of burgers and chicken sandwiches so I ventured over to the deli window and discovered the yummy roastbeef sandwich. They're very fresh as they make them to order right in front of you. It's also a good alternative if you're in a hurry as there's usually never a line. They'll make the sandwiches anyway you'd like. I like mayo with roastbeef, they serve it on the menu with a salad dressing. I bet they would sub fries for a side, I just never thought of it. They were very accommodating.

We'll be happy even if only the hot items come with fries....at least fries are in the building!!

I hear ya! My boys can make a meal out of fries!! I was so happy to discover one snack credit gets you a large McD fries in Epcot DS1 was so happy!

 

[mmmears]

We fly Jet Blue exclusively, my boys love the TV sets and I love a peaceful flight! They allow each passenger ONE PIECE of luggage. For carry on, I've brought 2 WDW tote bags, a small cooler tote and my purse for the entire family, so they've never questioned our number of carry ons. This trip I'm trying to look less like a bag lady and I bought a 19 inch rolling carry on at Walmart Saturday night for $10!! It was the only carry on I could find that was not 21 inches (the standard). Jet Blue requests all carry on luggage to be 17 inches which is impossible to find!! They don't measure at check in. I've never seen that little suitcase frame you're supposed to slide your carry on in for measurement at Jet Blue (I've seen it always at American) but you never know.... I'm only stuffing ours with swimsuits, so if they don't like that it's 2 inches too large, I'll ditch it - it was only $10. But I really don't expect them to measure it.

All the details are on their website. I know they limit carry on to one per person not including a handbag and luggage has to be 17 inches.

EEK! We have international carry-on sized bags, but I think they're 19 inches... that really messes up our plans... We booked with them b/c of the seats, tv screens, and b/c I hate flying United and United is the only direct flight to MCO from here. Now I'm second guessing b/c of the luggage thing... I really dont want to check them in. (& these are expensive suitcases, so I cant just go out and buy them in another size)... Now I'll have to ask DH to take them out & measure them... Thanks for the info, though. I'd much rather be prepared than find out at the airport.

 

[goofygal531]

EEK! We have international carry-on sized bags, but I think they're 19 inches... that really messes up our plans... We booked with them b/c of the seats, tv screens, and b/c I hate flying United and United is the only direct flight to MCO from here. Now I'm second guessing b/c of the luggage thing... I really dont want to check them in. (& these are expensive suitcases, so I cant just go out and buy them in another size)... Now I'll have to ask DH to take them out & measure them... Thanks for the info, though. I'd much rather be prepared than find out at the airport.

Perhaps post on the Transportation board. Find out if they have a measure box thing (does it really have a technical name ) at check in. I fly out of JFK so I'm no help to you out of CA. I have to be honest, people boarding our flights have large luggage and they've never said a word. But you never know... The day they start measuring maybe the day you board with nice large carry on luggage.

Chan: Didn't you fly to DL on Jet Blue? Do you remember them checking the carry on bag sizes out of CA??

Should you check your bags, I've NEVER had a problem with them getting to the resort. We always check our luggage (we fly with 3 large suitcases) and use Magical Express and our luggage is always at the resort within a few hours. In the middle of the night, I would think they'd hold the luggage until the morning - I'm guessing??? Could you just take one small carry on and check the rest??

 

[goofygal531]

But we're arriving at night and I dont want to have to wait for the luggage to arrive.

You don't have to wait for the luggage if you're using Disney's Magical Express (DME). You go straight to the bus desk at the Orlando Airport.

We've never had a problem with DME or Jet Blue regarding our luggage.

 

[mmmears]

You don't have to wait for the luggage if you're using Disney's Magical Express (DME). You go straight to the bus desk at the Orlando Airport.

We've never had a problem with DME or Jet Blue regarding our luggage.

We've never used DME before, and I'm not sure if we will this time, or get a rental or a towncar. I just want to get to the hotel as quick as possible. I am worried that if we let DME get the luggage that it wont arrive until after we're all ready for bed, and that would be a problem for us. Oh, I envy those of you who have a shorter flight or can drive to WDW!

 

[goofygal531]

We've never used DME before, and I'm not sure if we will this time, or get a rental or a towncar. I just want to get to the hotel as quick as possible. I am worried that if we let DME get the luggage that it wont arrive until after we're all ready for bed, and that would be a problem for us. Oh, I envy those of you who have a shorter flight or can drive to WDW!

Should you have questions for DME, like exactly what's the procedure for late night arrivals, I have their direct phone number. I could PM it to you if you need it. I had switched my resort at the very last minute for our Nov trip and they had to rush out new tags for us. That's how I got the number.

I do know the service is offered 24 hour a day and that luggage delivery is within three hours.

Some people do wait for their luggage and take it with them on DME, we've never done that. But that's another option as well.

 

[mmmears]

Should you have questions for DME, like exactly what's the procedure for late night arrivals, I have their direct phone number. I could PM it to you if you need it. I had switched my resort at the very last minute for our Nov trip and they had to rush out new tags for us. That's how I got the number.

I do know the service is offered 24 hour a day and that luggage delivery is within three hours.

Some people do wait for their luggage and take it with them on DME, we've never done that. But that's another option as well.

I'd love to have their number so I can figure this out! Thanks for all your help!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

If someone could help with a question I would appreciate it. We are thinking of renting a cabanna for one of the days during our trip. What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad? If it is raining all day I dont want to keep the ressie obviously. Has anyone had this happen and was cancelling a problem? Also has anyone booked a massage for the cabanna.

 

[Lives4Disney]

If someone could help with a question I would appreciate it. We are thinking of renting a cabanna for one of the days during our trip. What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad? If it is raining all day I dont want to keep the ressie obviously. Has anyone had this happen and was cancelling a problem? Also has anyone booked a massage for the cabanna.

Hi, there is a 24 hour cancellation policy in general, but in the case of inclement weather they do not expect you to keep your reservation. Not sure the exact wording but if its nasty out, you won't be held responsible for the payment.

No massage info from me...sorry!! Somebody else will know.

Lives4Disney

 

[allisonswonderland]

We are staying at the gf in March. I was thinking that sago marina was a garden view, I could be wrong, when I requested that I was told that was considered lagoon and I would need to pay more. Then kind of asking myself I said I wonder what the gv would be at sago. Then he began to check and said he could put that on my on my res as a request. I am concerned about it now. My reasoning is that my fil is diabetic and has problems with his feet, the fewer steps he takes the better he will be. I just thought witg sagos convenience to the the main building, gasparilla and the busses it woul be better for him. But I called once yesterday and began explaining my situation and the person just told me I would not need a req everything is close to the main building. So I got off and called back. My concern is that since we have 3 rooms and the request can't be met at sago I would like them to know why I requested that so maybe they can stick is someplace else like that. Am I crazy should I not worry about it or should I call back. Thanks

 

[Kanga1]

Hi all you Grand fans! We are staying at the GF for the first time this June. Can't wait! Looking at all the lovely photos, I've noticed that storage space in a standard room looks quite limited. Are there just the 4 small drawers beside the fridge to put your clothes? We are staying for 10 days and completely unpack everything so storage is important to us. We stayed at the Poly last summer and got spoiled with all the space! Loved the little area on top of the fridge to put all the snacks, etc.!

 

[goofygal531]

We are staying at the gf in March. I was thinking that sago marina was a garden view, I could be wrong, when I requested that I was told that was considered lagoon and I would need to pay more. Then kind of asking myself I said I wonder what the gv would be at sago. Then he began to check and said he could put that on my on my res as a request. I am concerned about it now. My reasoning is that my fil is diabetic and has problems with his feet, the fewer steps he takes the better he will be. I just thought witg sagos convenience to the the main building, gasparilla and the busses it woul be better for him. But I called once yesterday and began explaining my situation and the person just told me I would not need a req everything is close to the main building. So I got off and called back. My concern is that since we have 3 rooms and the request can't be met at sago I would like them to know why I requested that so maybe they can stick is someplace else like that. Am I crazy should I not worry about it or should I call back. Thanks

My MIL was diabetic so I know exactly what you mean. What I would do personally is call the front desk and explain you have a "medical request". I think if they know that, they will go above and beyond to accommodate you.

 

[minniesota]

We are staying at the gf in March. I was thinking that sago marina was a garden view, I could be wrong, when I requested that I was told that was considered lagoon and I would need to pay more. Then kind of asking myself I said I wonder what the gv would be at sago. Then he began to check and said he could put that on my on my res as a request. I am concerned about it now. My reasoning is that my fil is diabetic and has problems with his feet, the fewer steps he takes the better he will be. I just thought witg sagos convenience to the the main building, gasparilla and the busses it woul be better for him. But I called once yesterday and began explaining my situation and the person just told me I would not need a req everything is close to the main building. So I got off and called back. My concern is that since we have 3 rooms and the request can't be met at sago I would like them to know why I requested that so maybe they can stick is someplace else like that. Am I crazy should I not worry about it or should I call back. Thanks

You were right - marina view is a garden view request in Sago and marina view rooms would be closest to Gasparilla's and the bus stop. There is no upcharge for a marina view room.

Is your FIL's medical situation one that could be handled by the Special Needs reservation CMs? If they handle your reservations, you would be more likely to get the room he requires. Perhaps you should look at getting them involved. Good luck and enjoy your stay!

 

[goofygal531]

Hi all you Grand fans! We are staying at the GF for the first time this June. Can't wait! Looking at all the lovely photos, I've noticed that storage space in a standard room looks quite limited. Are there just the 4 small drawers beside the fridge to put your clothes? We are staying for 10 days and completely unpack everything so storage is important to us. We stayed at the Poly last night summer and got spoiled with all the space! Loved the little area on top of the fridge to put all the snacks, etc.!

Love love the GF, but have to admit storage space STINKS!

We like to completely unpack too and it's not so easy to do at the GF. All you get are those 4 little, and they are little, drawers.

I unpacked half our clothes to put in the drawers and left half in the suitcase in the closet then would move things around throughout the week.

They do give you a nice size hamper in the bathroom that we used for our clothes (not sure if it's meant for the towels? )

There are many great ideas to work with this, you'll get lots of suggestions.

 

[TravelinGal]

RE: Storage space --

Does the GF bring extra hangers if you request them? We hang up the majority of our clothes, so drawer space is used for shorts/pants and undergarments -- oh yes, and swim wear.

This past trip I took those cheap plastic hangers that kids clothes come on for DS and then left them there (on purpose) when we headed home. We can do that again for DS's things, but for DH and me, I know we'd run out of hangers really fast.

 

[minniesota]

RE: Storage space --

Does the GF bring extra hangers if you request them? We hang up the majority of our clothes, so drawer space is used for shorts/pants and undergarments -- oh yes, and swim wear.

This past trip I took those cheap plastic hangers that kids clothes come on for DS and then left them there (on purpose) when we headed home. We can do that again for DS's things, but for DH and me, I know we'd run out of hangers really fast.

Yes you can get additional hangers. We hang most everything too, and we use the top shelf in the closet for DH's shorts and T-shirts.