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

[snicklefrytz]

I had promised that I would come back and let a few people know about our experiences with conceirge/club level at Sugar Loaf. I had primarily lurked on these boards but I soaked up all the information like a sponge for our trip.

It was absolutely fantastic! The Grand Floridian itself is simply wonderful, and our stay at SL enhanced it even more. The CM's were so kind and helpful. They were just fantastic. They set up a wonderful display of stuffed animals, candy, balloons, confetti and cards for my kids. I had emailed ahead and requested this, but they went above and beyond. My children's jaws literally dropped when we walked into the room. Of course I did not take a picture. Sorry! We were just too caught up in the entire display and I forgot. With all of our other requests, they were kind, patient and thorough. A really superb crew of CM's at Sugar Loaf.

I can't say enough nice things about our stay. We had a fantastic time and I would not hesitate to book conceirge at Sugar Loaf again. RPC gets a ton of great feedback on this board and I just want to assure those who are contemplating Sugar Loaf that we had the time of our lives there. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to resorts and vacations, I will admit it. I drive my poor husband nuts. He puts up with my inner-diva and I love him for it. I was apprehensive, but left Disney after a week thoroughly impressed with everything. I will say that when we go back we will only do GF. There is a Disney resort out there for everyone, so much to offer for whatever you may be looking for! But we found our favorite with the Grand Floridian. I even received a hand written thank you note from Mousekeeping on our final night there! I was blown away.

If anyone has specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Enjoy your vacations!

 

[puzzles]

The "quiet" pool at the GF is the courtyard pool the one located right in the middle of most of the outer lodges...

It is big has a shallow and deep end and is where the kiddie pool and hot tub are located...

The themed pool is nice(its got a slide and water fall) but the courtyard pool is very nice too...beautiful surroundings...relaxing atmosphere...

We actually preferred the courtyard pool. Its really large, and lots of places to sit around and relax. Its very pretty, too. There is a ping pong table there, and a bar (for adults), jacuzzi, kids pool.. It's really nice.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I just got off the phone with Vonnie from the RPC and she says hi to everyone !!!
It's cold in Florida right now

thats great! I talked to Vonnie this week to, she really is the best!

 

[denisekayt]

I just want to assure those who are contemplating Sugar Loaf that we had the time of our lives there.

Thanks so much for coming back and giving us a review!! We'll be in Sugar Loaf in 10 days!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I had promised that I would come back and let a few people know about our experiences with conceirge/club level at Sugar Loaf. I had primarily lurked on these boards but I soaked up all the information like a sponge for our trip.

It was absolutely fantastic! The Grand Floridian itself is simply wonderful, and our stay at SL enhanced it even more. The CM's were so kind and helpful. They were just fantastic. They set up a wonderful display of stuffed animals, candy, balloons, confetti and cards for my kids. I had emailed ahead and requested this, but they went above and beyond. My children's jaws literally dropped when we walked into the room. Of course I did not take a picture. Sorry! We were just too caught up in the entire display and I forgot. With all of our other requests, they were kind, patient and thorough. A really superb crew of CM's at Sugar Loaf.

I can't say enough nice things about our stay. We had a fantastic time and I would not hesitate to book conceirge at Sugar Loaf again. RPC gets a ton of great feedback on this board and I just want to assure those who are contemplating Sugar Loaf that we had the time of our lives there. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to resorts and vacations, I will admit it. I drive my poor husband nuts. He puts up with my inner-diva and I love him for it. I was apprehensive, but left Disney after a week thoroughly impressed with everything. I will say that when we go back we will only do GF. There is a Disney resort out there for everyone, so much to offer for whatever you may be looking for! But we found our favorite with the Grand Floridian. I even received a hand written thank you note from Mousekeeping on our final night there! I was blown away.

If anyone has specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Enjoy your vacations!

thats great!

 

[denisekayt]

Does anyone know if the small, short fishing trips for kids are offered from the GF marina? Last year at the Poly they had short 1-2 hour fishing expeditions that weren't a whole lot of money for younger kids. They were only offered certain days though, and by the time DS spotted them we had missed it. I'd like to get him on one this trip if possible, but I seem to remember some info awhile back that these small trips may no longer be available? I'm not sure we'd be up for one of the half-day (and expensive) fishing trips they offer.

Thanks!

 

[Lives4Disney]

thats great! I talked to Vonnie this week to, she really is the best!

SHE IS!!

Thanks so much for coming back and giving us a review!! We'll be in Sugar Loaf in 10 days!!!

Have a great time!

thats great!

IT IS!! SL gets some mixed reviews....so good to hear it was a nice time.

Lives4Disney

 

[BlueSkies]

Snicklefritz Thanks for the review...glad that you had such a good stay...we enjoy SL whenever we stay there too...

Puzzles We like the courtyard pool best too...and swimming at night when everything is lit so beautifully is especially nice!

 

[MelissaFromRI]

I'm booked in a Deluxe Room - King - Club Level for May
Does anyone have any pictures or details about this type of room? I've only stayed in a regular club level room. Thanks

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I had promised that I would come back and let a few people know about our experiences with conceirge/club level at Sugar Loaf. I had primarily lurked on these boards but I soaked up all the information like a sponge for our trip.

It was absolutely fantastic! The Grand Floridian itself is simply wonderful, and our stay at SL enhanced it even more. The CM's were so kind and helpful. They were just fantastic. They set up a wonderful display of stuffed animals, candy, balloons, confetti and cards for my kids. I had emailed ahead and requested this, but they went above and beyond. My children's jaws literally dropped when we walked into the room. Of course I did not take a picture. Sorry! We were just too caught up in the entire display and I forgot. With all of our other requests, they were kind, patient and thorough. A really superb crew of CM's at Sugar Loaf.

I can't say enough nice things about our stay. We had a fantastic time and I would not hesitate to book conceirge at Sugar Loaf again. RPC gets a ton of great feedback on this board and I just want to assure those who are contemplating Sugar Loaf that we had the time of our lives there. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to resorts and vacations, I will admit it. I drive my poor husband nuts. He puts up with my inner-diva and I love him for it. I was apprehensive, but left Disney after a week thoroughly impressed with everything. I will say that when we go back we will only do GF. There is a Disney resort out there for everyone, so much to offer for whatever you may be looking for! But we found our favorite with the Grand Floridian. I even received a hand written thank you note from Mousekeeping on our final night there! I was blown away.

If anyone has specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Enjoy your vacations!

Thank you! We're booked at SL June 20-27 and I was dying to hear some good reviews. We tried to get SL for our February 10-17 trip but it was booked (at least with the 7/4 deal).

How were the food offerings? Did IPO make your ADRs or did you do it yourself? I've already sent my ADR list to them (before they changed the 180 day rule to 90 days) but I'm a little bit nervous about giving up control!

Also, what view did you have from your room?

Thanks again!

 

[BCV23]

I had promised that I would come back and let a few people know about our experiences with conceirge/club level at Sugar Loaf. I had primarily lurked on these boards but I soaked up all the information like a sponge for our trip.

It was absolutely fantastic! The Grand Floridian itself is simply wonderful, and our stay at SL enhanced it even more. The CM's were so kind and helpful. They were just fantastic. They set up a wonderful display of stuffed animals, candy, balloons, confetti and cards for my kids. I had emailed ahead and requested this, but they went above and beyond. My children's jaws literally dropped when we walked into the room. Of course I did not take a picture. Sorry! We were just too caught up in the entire display and I forgot. With all of our other requests, they were kind, patient and thorough. A really superb crew of CM's at Sugar Loaf.

I can't say enough nice things about our stay. We had a fantastic time and I would not hesitate to book conceirge at Sugar Loaf again. RPC gets a ton of great feedback on this board and I just want to assure those who are contemplating Sugar Loaf that we had the time of our lives there. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to resorts and vacations, I will admit it. I drive my poor husband nuts. He puts up with my inner-diva and I love him for it. I was apprehensive, but left Disney after a week thoroughly impressed with everything. I will say that when we go back we will only do GF. There is a Disney resort out there for everyone, so much to offer for whatever you may be looking for! But we found our favorite with the Grand Floridian. I even received a hand written thank you note from Mousekeeping on our final night there! I was blown away.

If anyone has specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Enjoy your vacations!

I'm glad you had such a great stay. We've loved our stays in Sugar Loaf too and over my years on the DIS, most reports have been glowing...especially now that the food service is the same as RPC. Glad your trip was so Grand!

Thanks so much for coming back and giving us a review!! We'll be in Sugar Loaf in 10 days!!!

Have a wonderful vacation and please come back and let us know all about it!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

I just got off the phone with Vonnie from the RPC and she says hi to everyone !!!
It's cold in Florida right now

thats great! I talked to Vonnie this week to, she really is the best!

Hi everyone! I was going to post on the chat thread, but since Vonnie was just brought up on this GF thread, I'll post my picture of her over here...

My husband & I just got back from an incredible stay at the Grand Floridian RPC to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. It was everything I had hoped for and more, mostly due to miss Channing and Vonnie . I can't thank them enough for helping to make our stay at the GF magical. I have plenty of GF pics that I will post in the next few days, but for now, I wanted to show you what my DH surprised me with on our anniversary...

When I opened the door to our room, I was greeted with the most amazing sight - rose petals were strewn all along the hallway to the big king size bed. The room was dark and there were three battery operated candles flickering.

I have to admit. I was speechless. I expected roses, but not all this!

Steve really outdid himself with this one! The Disney Florist did a wonderful job decorating the room.

Tink was even there! She lit up and changed colors.

This is definitely an anniversary I will never forget! I'm a very lucky woman!

The pictures really don't do it justice. The room was so beautiful and it smelled amazing with all of the roses. It was one of best nights of my life...

The Grand Floridian is THE place to celebrate a romantic get-away!

Have a great week everyone!
Take care,
Michelle

 

[Lives4Disney]

Michelle you are so sweet. I am so glad you had the anniversary of your LIFE!!! That room looks amazing.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics!!

I know you were feeling kinda down about being back home....get on it and plan your next getaway .....hopefully that will help get you out of the blues.

Melissa...Michelle's room - above - was a king club deluxe room. These king rooms are either one of six turret suites in the main building....or one of the 2nd floor rooms over Gaspies that face the castle.

Channing

 

[BCV23]

Michelle, congratulations on your 20th. We just celebrated our 30th at WDW and I ordered that same package for my husband (he's impossible to buy for so I thought at least I could create a memory ).

At least I think it was the same package. Did you get a bath products basket too? And our picture from Mickey and Minnie was different. It was larger and matted in red but there was no frame. I like yours much better.

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BCV23]

Never mind... I can see your basket on the bedside table.

I'm glad the presentation was so good....they dropped the ball on some aspects of ours and I called in the hopes that they would correct that for future guests.

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Michelle you are so sweet. I am so glad you had the anniversary of your LIFE!!! That room looks amazing.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics!!

I know you were feeling kinda down about being back home....get on it and plan your next getaway .....hopefully that will help get you out of the blues.

Melissa...Michelle's room - above - was a king club deluxe room. These king rooms are either one of six turret suites in the main building....or one of the 2nd floor rooms over Gaspies that face the castle.

Channing

I'm getting there! The post-Disney depression always gets me. Yes, we had one of the 2nd floor rooms - I think we had 4208 on the Clarendon Level. There are only 8 rooms in this section & you have to take a different elevator to get to them. I have a great story about staying in this section of rooms, too! We had dinner at V&A and stayed well past midnight. Israel Perez personally walked us to our room through the 'back door' that is located in Citricos! It was amazing to be so close to V&A! We used the secret door many times to get out to the lobby. Shhhh... don't tell anyone!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Michelle, congratulations on your 20th. We just celebrated our 30th at WDW and I ordered that same package for my husband (he's impossible to buy for so I thought at least I could create a memory ).

At least I think it was the same package. Did you get a bath products basket too? And our picture from Mickey and Minnie was different. It was larger and matted in red but there was no frame. I like yours much better.

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Never mind... I can see your basket on the bedside table.

I'm glad the presentation was so good....they dropped the ball on some aspects of ours and I called in the hopes that they would correct that for future guests.

First of all, Happy Anniversary!!! I'm sorry that the florist didn't come through for you. I think it's a new package and they must be working out the kinks. I was overwhelmed with the presentation, maybe because it was at night and the candles just set the mood... Steve was happy with his purchase and he's pretty hard to please. I think he's been converted to a GF groupie after this trip! LOL!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I'm getting there! The post-Disney depression always gets me. Yes, we had one of the 2nd floor rooms - I think we had 4208 on the Clarendon Level. There are only 8 rooms in this section & you have to take a different elevator to get to them. I have a great story about staying in this section of rooms, too! We had dinner at V&A and stayed well past midnight. Israel Perez personally walked us to our room through the 'back door' that is located in Citricos! It was amazing to be so close to V&A! We used the secret door many times to get out to the lobby. Shhhh... don't tell anyone!

Michelle, that is neat! That is definitely one thing that makes the GF such a stand out....they make the guests feel special!

I am so glad you tried the GF and loved it.

I am hoping for our June trip....but as the kids get older it gets more difficult to get everybody on the same page. I thnk I am going to have mega post trip let down after this fun one coming up in TWO FAST MOVING WEEKS!! I am gearing myself up for that....and hoping for June.

Channing

 

[BCV23]

First of all, Happy Anniversary!!! I'm sorry that the florist didn't come through for you. I think it's a new package and they must be working out the kinks. I was overwhelmed with the presentation, maybe because it was at night and the candles just set the mood... Steve was happy with his purchase and he's pretty hard to please. I think he's been converted to a GF groupie after this trip! LOL!

Thanks, Michelle!

I bet Steve was happy. It looks lovely.

Yes, it is new which is why I called. Ours was in the first week of January. The flowers were beautiful, the products were very nice (isn't that sachet amazingly strong?) but they dropped the ball on presentation. I'm glad they've corrected that as it's a wonderful package.

Love your story about the secret door. Isn't Israel the best? I need to write Guest Relations about what a perfect host he is.

 

[Shell54]

TheDISneyFamily thanks for posting such beautiful photos and congrats on your anniversary . Your room looks very romantic, I love all the details.
I used the Disney Florist in Sept. to order a surprise gift for my DH. They were great and I was very happy with the gift package for my DH that they put together.
Once again Congrats on your anniversary..great GF photos..my trip can't come soon enough!!