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

[BlueSkies]

Michelle Happy Anniversary! and thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures! Your room looks incredible..so romantic..what a nice way to spend your anniversary!

BCV How nice that you were able to do the same for your anniversary! happy belated to you too...

Love new ideas on how to celebrate at Disney!!

 

[MelissaFromRI]

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

That is so amazing and beautiful!!! I have tears in my eyes.
You have a great husband , who had help from the best CM in Disney - Vonnie

 

[snicklefrytz]

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!

Food offerings? Oh boy, so many. I will try my best. A big typical breakfast spread each morning. Breads, fruits, yogurts, cereal. More than adequate. So many dips and spreads like hummus, veggie dip with crisp/tender asparagus (I am an asparagus nut), garlic and cheese spread, and a variety of other spreads with bread sticks and crackers. Crostinis, a few different varieties of that. Some stuffed chicken that was sliced thin with a delicious fig chutney on it. A variety of veggies, salads and olives that were served in litle dishes. Crab cakes, chicken and beef skewers, asian dumplings, artichoke hearts that were breaded. Tons of other appetizer type foods that you would find at a nice cocktail party. Cookies, uncrustables, chicken nuggests one night. Always a platter of cheeses and a meat platter. Always a wonderful dessert display with the cordials. So many to choose from we were never disappointed. No matter what was out, and it changes everyday, you were always able to find something to satisfy you.

I made my ADR's back in July, but I switched around a few and canceled/rescheduled some when I got there. I am too much of a control freak, I wanted to do that myself. They were so helpful with any changes we made.

I requested a tower room, we did not get it. But everything else was so great I did not care. We were on the third floor with a balcony overlooking the pool. It was lovely and never too noisy. But I can imagine that area may get a bit noisy during high season. People do seem to love the pools at night that was the only time we really "heard" the pool. It was cold when we were there! My crazy kids still swam though.

Hope that helps!

 

[johnsonet]

TheDISneyFamily - Great pics and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! So glad you had such a wonderful time! I've always enjoyed your trip reports... Happy, Happy Anniversary to you, too, BCV23!
I have GOT to try V&A next time! Michelle - did you dine at the Chef's Table again?

 

[BlueSkies]

Disneymom We thought there were alot of good breakfast offerings too....I thought havng a toasting area to toast the bagels and different breads was really great...my kids enjoy toasted bagels cream cheese etc in the morning so it worked out well for us breakfast wise...easy to grab a quick bite and be off for the day....What a nice convenience...

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thank you both - we stayed CL at BC and YC and it sounds like the GF CL is just a little bit "grander"!

We also requested a lodge tower room but won't be upset if we don't get it. I'm hoping to get the marina side (we always request marina view in a gv Sago Cay or Conch Key room).

We'll be at the GF in 19 days - can't wait!!!!!

 

[Disbug1]

I'm staying at the GF next week for 8 nights..Is there anywhere that i can see picture's of the RPC food offering's?? Also can you buy the "Music" that is played in the lobby on Cd???

TIA

 

[Kanga1]

I booked a TPV room. Are all these rooms "standard" for this category, or are there better rooms I can request? i.e. Lodge Tower, since these rooms are less expensive?

 

[BCV23]

Thank you both - we stayed CL at BC and YC and it sounds like the GF CL is just a little bit "grander"!

We also requested a lodge tower room but won't be upset if we don't get it. I'm hoping to get the marina side (we always request marina view in a gv Sago Cay or Conch Key room).

We'll be at the GF in 19 days - can't wait!!!!!

The lodge tower rooms in Sugar Loaf are on the courtyard side. Have fun on your trip.

I'm staying at the GF next week for 8 nights..Is there anywhere that i can see picture's of the RPC food offering's?? Also can you buy the "Music" that is played in the lobby on Cd???

TIA

CDs are sold in the sundries shop on the first floor. I think there are pictures of the food offerings at the beginning of this thread. If not, try some of the old FAQ threads.

I booked a TPV room. Are all these rooms "standard" for this category, or are there better rooms I can request? i.e. Lodge Tower, since these rooms are less expensive?

TPV rooms are essentially the same with the dormer rooms being slightly smaller. The Lodge Tower rooms are not TPV as they face the courtyard (or marina in Sago Cay).

BlueSkies and johnsonet, thanks for the kind words.
johnsonet, you have to try V&A...you will love it!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thank you both - we stayed CL at BC and YC and it sounds like the GF CL is just a little bit "grander"!

We also requested a lodge tower room but won't be upset if we don't get it. I'm hoping to get the marina side (we always request marina view in a gv Sago Cay or Conch Key room).

We'll be at the GF in 19 days - can't wait!!!!!

Robyn, the Lodge Tower Rooms in SL are all facing the courtyard. The top floor (4th) doesn't have a balcony...and...they only sleep FOUR with 2 queen beds. I have TWO WEEKS!!!! Cannot wait.

I booked a TPV room. Are all these rooms "standard" for this category, or are there better rooms I can request? i.e. Lodge Tower, since these rooms are less expensive?

There are some corner TPV rooms that have two balconies and are a bit larger than the standard rooms. Sometimes these are called "Hammerhead" rooms. If I had a TPV reserved I would definitely request one of these or ask about one at check in.

Lodge Tower rooms are a bookable category...and they all have garden views.

I'm staying at the GF next week for 8 nights..Is there anywhere that i can see picture's of the RPC food offering's?? Also can you buy the "Music" that is played in the lobby on Cd???

TIA

RPC is wonderful. There are photos on the first few pages of this thread and the other GF threads...you can find those closed Faq threads thru the "Sticky" thread at the top of the Resorts Board. Enjoy!! AND...they sell CDs of the GF band music and the pianists have CDs available also in the Sandy Cove Gift shop. Have a great time!

Lives4Disney

 

[VirginiaMom]

Where do you find the Pirate Adventure boat? I've read various comments from guests saying they were looking for the boat in the wrong location. Thanks!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Where do you find the Pirate Adventure boat? I've read various comments from guests saying they were looking for the boat in the wrong location. Thanks!!

It's out back in the GF marina. YOu can't miss it. There is a map at the front of this thread so you'll know where the marina is.

Lives4Disney

 

[loralie]

We can't wait for our trip to GF in May . I was wondering how the food at Gasparilla Grill is? My DH is a burger guy and wanted to know how the burgers are there. I also read that they have soft serve ice cream, is it do it yourself or do you have to wait for a CM? What flavors do they have? Can you get the ice cream as a desert on the DDP if you have a counter service meal? Do they have toppings like sprinkles and if so is it part of the desert or is that considered an "extra"? My son loves soft serve ice cream and is excited about this. What drinks do they have at the refillable station? Is it all soda or do they have items like iced tea and fruit punch? What diet options do they have?

Alright...I think that is it about Gasparilla Grill. Thanks in advance,

Loralie

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We can't wait for our trip to GF in May . I was wondering how the food at Gasparilla Grill is? My DH is a burger guy and wanted to know how the burgers are there. I also read that they have soft serve ice cream, is it do it yourself or do you have to wait for a CM? What flavors do they have? Can you get the ice cream as a desert on the DDP if you have a counter service meal? Do they have toppings like sprinkles and if so is it part of the desert or is that considered an "extra"? My son loves soft serve ice cream and is excited about this. What drinks do they have at the refillable station? Is it all soda or do they have items like iced tea and fruit punch? What diet options do they have?

Alright...I think that is it about Gasparilla Grill. Thanks in advance,

Loralie

My kids love the soft serve ice cream at Gasparilla's - they would get it and we would sit outside Gasparilla's to watch Wishes. I'm pretty sure they had sprinkles. I think it counted as a snack on DDP.

Channing - Two weeks - I'm right behind you, 18 days! I'm hoping we get a good gv room in Sago or Conch Key. Thanks for the info on the lodge tower rooms. I definitely need a balcony in June!

 

[goofygal531]

We can't wait for our trip to GF in May . I was wondering how the food at Gasparilla Grill is? My DH is a burger guy and wanted to know how the burgers are there. I also read that they have soft serve ice cream, is it do it yourself or do you have to wait for a CM? What flavors do they have? Can you get the ice cream as a desert on the DDP if you have a counter service meal? Do they have toppings like sprinkles and if so is it part of the desert or is that considered an "extra"? My son loves soft serve ice cream and is excited about this. What drinks do they have at the refillable station? Is it all soda or do they have items like iced tea and fruit punch? What diet options do they have?

Alright...I think that is it about Gasparilla Grill. Thanks in advance,

Loralie

The burgers are good. The pizzas are prepared fresh right in front of you. My kids go for the pizza and DH and I love the roastbeef sandwich at the deli window.

As for beverages, it's the standard coke dispenser they have at all the resorts. They have Diet Coke and Minute Maid Lite Lemonade. My whole family drinks the lemonade - it's really refreshing in the summer months.

Overall, we enjoy all the food at Gaspies. We dine there frequently for lunch while relaxing by the pool.

 

[BCV23]

loralie, Gasparilla's does have ice tea. Have fun!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I second (third?) the rave reviews for V&A - we've only eaten there once, but it was incredible!

TheDISneyFamily - thanks for the photos, what a wonderful anniversary! Happy belated anniversary to you, and to BCV23! What a nice celebration to come back to.

 

[BlueSkies]

Gasparillas not only has vanilla and chocolate soft serve icecream and sprinkles...they also have chocolate and caramel sauce toppings...YUM!!

We like to enjoy dessert and watch Wishes there also

 

[Tink rules]

& if your in the mood... take a nice walk over to the Poly and grab the Dole Whip - they usually have it before midnight (I've never gone in later than that...)

 

[Goobergirl]

It's so hard to keep up with you all!!! But I try...This thread really gets me excited about my upcoming trip! Can't wait to check out GF!