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

[lissiesmum]

I was wondering if you can see the MK fireworks from the beach as well as the EWP? How does it compare to the view from the Poly? Is the GF kid-friendly? It would just be DD4 and I traveling and I've never really considered the GF before...tried to book the Poly but it is not available for our dates and I really have my heart set on a monorail resort. I always loved the look of the GF, but not sure it would have all the things I was looking for in the Poly?

 

[tink4ever]

I also have a questions for all of the GF pros out there. I have a garden view room booked for Jan 11-16 and I was wondering is there a certain area or room to request. Also since we always stay DVC is there a laundry facility close to the pool area or are they in the seperate buildings. Thanks

 

[EAWildman]

I just wanted to let you all know that even though we have not even left on our trip yet (just a few days to go) we have already experienced the GF great customer service!

My wife has skin and nasal allergies and is especially prone to problems with down bedding/pillows. She gave the GF a call today and asked about the bedding. They said that they did use some down in the bedding. But they were very quick to make note of it on our reservation and promised that our beds would be down free. She then offered to put a note in the reservation about perfumed detergent and other products in the room. We didn't know they could do anything about that.

Then she asked my wife about a room location. I have been telling my wife not to worry about that as I have read all the rooms are nice. My wife just asked to be closer to the Monorail if possible. They said no problem and added that they would get us the best view possible.

Now I realize that we have not even gotten there yet, and some of these requests might be missed once we are there...but it was nice to have someone there understand our problems and our needs without hesitation. It's a refreshing change from pretty much every other hotel we have ever stayed in.

So, just a thumbs up so far to the GF staff! Can't wait to stay there for the first time so soon!

Eric

 

[Maxie86]

I was wondering if you can see the MK fireworks from the beach as well as the EWP? How does it compare to the view from the Poly? Is the GF kid-friendly? It would just be DD4 and I traveling and I've never really considered the GF before...tried to book the Poly but it is not available for our dates and I really have my heart set on a monorail resort. I always loved the look of the GF, but not sure it would have all the things I was looking for in the Poly?

I don't think you can see them from the beach. You can see the fireworks from Gaspies, or anywhere around the marina, or the boat dock. You can see the EWP from the boat dock. Nothing can really compare with the view of the fireworks from the beach at the Poly. The Poly was built to be directly in front of the castle. The GF is to the side, but still very good, just a different angle. It is also a short walk to the Poly if you would rather watch them from there.
The GF is very kid friendly. They have many activities for kids. It is a lovely resort and very casual, with lots of kids. I am sure you and your daughter will feel very comfortable there.

I also have a questions for all of the GF pros out there. I have a garden view room booked for Jan 11-16 and I was wondering is there a certain area or room to request. Also since we always stay DVC is there a laundry facility close to the pool area or are they in the seperate buildings. Thanks

I never make any requests and have always had a great room. There are very few not so great views at the Grand. If you get a room that you are not happy with just ask to be moved. There is a laundry room in all the buildings except Sugar Loaf. Enjoy your stay.

 

[Maxie86]

I just wanted to let you all know that even though we have not even left on our trip yet (just a few days to go) we have already experienced the GF great customer service!

My wife has skin and nasal allergies and is especially prone to problems with down bedding/pillows. She gave the GF a call today and asked about the bedding. They said that they did use some down in the bedding. But they were very quick to make note of it on our reservation and promised that our beds would be down free. She then offered to put a note in the reservation about perfumed detergent and other products in the room. We didn't know they could do anything about that.

Then she asked my wife about a room location. I have been telling my wife not to worry about that as I have read all the rooms are nice. My wife just asked to be closer to the Monorail if possible. They said no problem and added that they would get us the best view possible.

Now I realize that we have not even gotten there yet, and some of these requests might be missed once we are there...but it was nice to have someone there understand our problems and our needs without hesitation. It's a refreshing change from pretty much every other hotel we have ever stayed in.

So, just a thumbs up so far to the GF staff! Can't wait to stay there for the first time so soon!

Eric

I agree the GF staff is the best. If some of your requests were not met when you arrive just tell them and they will take care of it. I wouldn't be surprised if housekeeping doesn't get the memo, but a phone call will quickly get it taken care of. My DS is allergic to feathers, they used to have feather pillows, and we would just tell housekeeping and they would take those away and bring others. Always very prompt. Enjoy your stay at the Grand. WDW is very good at dealing with allergies.

 

[allisonswonderland]

Thanks I will try tom conatct them on Monday!

Thanks for the tip on the sky caps printing, but I get so nervouse...I like having them in my hand LOL

 

[Lives4Disney]

I was wondering if you can see the MK fireworks from the beach as well as the EWP? How does it compare to the view from the Poly? Is the GF kid-friendly? It would just be DD4 and I traveling and I've never really considered the GF before...tried to book the Poly but it is not available for our dates and I really have my heart set on a monorail resort. I always loved the look of the GF, but not sure it would have all the things I was looking for in the Poly?

Hi! Well....I have stayed at the Poly and the GF. They are very different....the GF is MUCH nicer. much much much.....

I have two daughters and they LOVE the GF. It is very kid friendly. We just did a girl only trip in October. I think you will really enjoy it. It IS casual...just elegant casual. We never feel out of place and we ARE CASUAL people.

Ditto to what Maxie said....Wishes is beautiful from the marina area..sometimes they pipe in the soundtrack near Gaspies. The Poly Beach gives a more direct view, but I'd rather be seeing Wishes thru a crack in a wall at the GF than anywhere at the Poly.

We've stayed at almost all the WDW deluxe resorts and the GF is our favorite.....and we've stayed there a lot. It's beautiful, the service is great, the CMs are wonderful......LOVE IT.


EAWildman, that is awesome to hear. Doesn't surprise me though. The CMs at the GF are the best. And if for some reason you check in and aren't satisfied, just correct anything then and there.

Allisonswonderland.....no worries....I have always had the skycaps print the bps for me. You just show them your license...they ask where you're going...and ask if you need the BPs printed and do that and tag your bags and you're done! I have done it LOTS and lots of times.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[lissiesmum]

Thank you for the great responses everyone. I think I'm going to book the GF...the only thing that'd make me cancel would be if my DD is not 40" tall yet...I really don't want to head back to WDW so soon and not be able to ride anything besides Goofy's Barnstormer! My DD was not all that interested in the "kiddie" rides and is all about the rollercoasters! WIsh me luck that she grows 2" in three months

 

[Tink rules]

Hey i am new to the boards

Welcome!!! Join in anytime!!!

 

[mom2princessj]

Thank you for the great responses everyone. I think I'm going to book the GF...the only thing that'd make me cancel would be if my DD is not 40" tall yet...I really don't want to head back to WDW so soon and not be able to ride anything besides Goofy's Barnstormer! My DD was not all that interested in the "kiddie" rides and is all about the rollercoasters! WIsh me luck that she grows 2" in three months

Good luck! I was hoping my ds would grow a few inches before our trip but alas he's still 38 inches so he's out of luck for the bigger rides (he'd ride them too where dd won't she's a chicken ) I just figure for us it will be a good reason to return soon!

 

[grannyminnie]

I will never understand why some of us are not ever on the mailing list for the 40% (or ANY %, for that matter!). Such a tease to read about them!!! Other than the AP discounts, anybody received one for that much off lately?

 

[Maxie86]

I will never understand why some of us are not ever on the mailing list for the 40% (or ANY %, for that matter!). Such a tease to read about them!!! Other than the AP discounts, anybody received one for that much off lately?

I have never recieved one either. It seems like some people get them a lot and others never get one. Maybe we go too much anyway, so they feel they don't have to offer a discount.

Joe Cool: I can't answer your question, but just wanted to say welcome back. I never stayed in one of the corner rooms. Someone will be along soon that can give you an answer.

 

[grannyminnie]

I was wondering if you can see the MK fireworks from the beach as well as the EWP? How does it compare to the view from the Poly? Is the GF kid-friendly? It would just be DD4 and I traveling and I've never really considered the GF before...tried to book the Poly but it is not available for our dates and I really have my heart set on a monorail resort. I always loved the look of the GF, but not sure it would have all the things I was looking for in the Poly?

You can stand on the porch of Narcoosee's and see the fireworks well, and the music is piped in...at least it was when we were there the first of December.

 

[pixie921]

I will never understand why some of us are not ever on the mailing list for the 40% (or ANY %, for that matter!). Such a tease to read about them!!! Other than the AP discounts, anybody received one for that much off lately?

I finally got a PIN mailer yesterday (after 10 years of Disney trips and NEVER getting one before!), and we were able to book the Royal Palm Club for our September trip (which will also be my 40th birthday trip). We stayed at the Grand Floridian several years ago in a garden room, but this will be our first time in the beautiful main building! I'm very excited ... we never could've done it without the discount (over $300/night off!).

The weird thing about the mailer is that it had my correct first name and address, but incorrect last name. However, it was what a lot of people seem to hear when we say our last name, so I'm thinking that I got on the list by talking to a CM who put it in the computer, rather than by my filling out something with the correct spelling (like my Annual Pass info, for example). So that makes the whole thing even more of a mystery to me.

So now I guess I have a lot of reading to do so I can learn the ins and outs of staying at the Grand.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I will never understand why some of us are not ever on the mailing list for the 40% (or ANY %, for that matter!). Such a tease to read about them!!! Other than the AP discounts, anybody received one for that much off lately?

Still waiting for the elusive pin code.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Still waiting for the elusive pin code.

Me too......Robyn, I think they know they've got us sucked in. I am gonna stop holding my breath right about now.

Welcome back Joe Cool. There are corner rooms with two balconies in each of the outer lodges. Those rooms are TPVs. Your best bet for a fabulous fireworks view would be from the ends of Sago and Conch. The area near Gaspies has a terrific view and they often have the music playing there, also.

I don't think they pay attention to requests much anymore. Too many people request TOO much. They can't make everybody happy. You can (hopefully) get the room/view/location/whatever you want squared away at check in.

Have a wonderful time - wow it's tomorrow! I don't think it will be very crowded, either....so you're chances of getting what you'd prefer are good.

Lives4Disney

 

[BlueSkies]

Joe Cool How nice of your aunt... have a great trip...

Pixie921 Congratulations on the code!!! We have gottne them occasionally How nice that you were able to book RPC...enjoy!

grannyminnie I've enjoyed Wishes from the porch at Narcoosees too...its nice that the music is piped in......a great viewing spot IMO...(unless of course you are sitting at a window table try to watch also.. )

 

[triplefigs]

People are calling in to CRO and saying they have the flyer and getting the 40% code for Passholders. See my code post on the code board.

 

[pixie921]

Pixie921 Congratulations on the code!!! We have gottne them occasionally How nice that you were able to book RPC...enjoy!

Thanks BlueSkies. Our son isn't too thrilled with the idea of the Grand, and we had a great time at the Contemporary over Christmas, so we'll see if we keep that booking or end up changing to the Contemporary. He'll do it if Mom really wants to, but since he's in high school and it might be our last family trip, I'm more willing to compromise.

 

[Lives4Disney]

People are calling in to CRO and saying they have the flyer and getting the 40% code for Passholders. See my code post on the code board.

I got one today Denise. It must be for ALL passholders ....EXCEPT this one has DH's name on it NOT MINE!!! We had different last names.

It says "Passholders save 40% off a Disney stay!"...... I AM a passholder.

I am very happy to have it here....but I don't like that dates .....probably not going to do us much good.

Channing