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

[Joe Cool]

Thanks for the replies...should I give the GF front desk a call tonight to, er, politely request the room before Patti and my Mom arrive? I won't be in until about dinnertime Monday if my plane is on time from JFK. Does anyone know the room numbers of the corner rooms in Sago, Conch and Boca? I seem to remember Conch's corner rooms were suite parlors, but that might have been ten years ago. When I was 14, they gave me a big folio with all the floor plans for the individual suites at the GF. That binder got filed away somewhere in my parents' house after I moved to Rome...


ciaociao

 

[snowwhitenyc]

Hi GF Lovers!

Thanks so much to all who have shared their photos, experiences, and helpful advice. I am just bursting because my family will be staying at the Grand Floridian in May, just as we've been dreaming for the past 20 years (thanks, buy 4/get three promotion!). I have made my way through this great thread and picked up a lot of really wonderful info along the way. I do have a few questions that I couldn't find answered...my apologies if any of this was covered in earlier GF threads, I have only been able to skim those so far.

First, I was looking for a little more info about Gasparilla's Grill. What kind of things do they have for breakfast? The allears menu didn't have any details. Also, I see they are open 24/7 -- are the offerings limited at all in the late night/early morning hours? So far it seems reviews of this place are lukewarm...I'd love to hear from anyone who does like it!

Also, I am confused about refrigerators -- some places I've seen they are in all rooms, and then others say available upon request. I'm sure the experts can clear this up! (we are in a GV room)

I'm sure this can vary, but where does GF fit on the Magical Express route -- what other resorts usually share the GF bus, and in what order does it travel?

Finally, how popular are the Sea Raycers? Is this something I need to reserve in advance, or do we just reserve same-day?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, welcome to the DIS and the GF THREAD.

Here's the Gaspies bfsat menu. I have never had any issue with Gaspies.....it's fine. It IS open 24/7.


......... Croissant Egg Sandwich .........
Scrambled Eggs on a fresh Croissant with choice of
Bacon, Sausage or Cheese
.......Grand Breakfast.......
Scrambled Eggs with a side of Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns
and Biscuit
....... Mickey Waffle Platter.......
Mickey Mouse shaped Waffles with choice of Bacon or Sausage
...... Pancake Platter with choice of Bacon or Sausage......
......Pancake a la Carte......
......Waffle a la Carte......
......Oatmeal or Grits......
........ Bounty Platter.......
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns, Waffle, Pancake,
and Biscuit
......Children's Platters......
Scrambled Eggs, Waffles, or Pancakes with your choice of
Bacon or Sausage
........Pastries.......
Bagel or Croissant
Cinnamon Bun
Danish - Cheese or Apple Danish
Donut
Muffin - Choose from a variety of flavors

Bfast is served from 6am til 11 am. THere is an all day dining menu that is pretty extensive for "fast food"...and then there is late night dining....limited to pizza, cold sandwiches, and salads. They also have yogurt & yogurt parfaits, sushi in the cooler, fruit, cookies, soft serve icecream, chips, candy...a large variety of snack foods.

All the rooms have refrigerators. They have since after the remodel.

Sea Raycers are not something you can reserve ahead of time...there are plenty & I've always seen them sitting in the dock.

No clue about ME other than I have heard some really bad things lately. I never do ME....I have a GREAT limo company that we use.

Happy planning! The GF is terrific!! We LOVE it.

Lives4Disney

 

[mom2princessj]

Hi, welcome to the DIS and the GF THREAD.

Here's the Gaspies bfsat menu. I have never had any issue with Gaspies.....it's fine. It IS open 24/7.


......... Croissant Egg Sandwich .........
Scrambled Eggs on a fresh Croissant with choice of
Bacon, Sausage or Cheese
.......Grand Breakfast.......
Scrambled Eggs with a side of Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns
and Biscuit
....... Mickey Waffle Platter.......
Mickey Mouse shaped Waffles with choice of Bacon or Sausage
...... Pancake Platter with choice of Bacon or Sausage......
......Pancake a la Carte......
......Waffle a la Carte......
......Oatmeal or Grits......
........ Bounty Platter.......
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns, Waffle, Pancake,
and Biscuit
......Children's Platters......
Scrambled Eggs, Waffles, or Pancakes with your choice of
Bacon or Sausage
........Pastries.......
Bagel or Croissant
Cinnamon Bun
Danish - Cheese or Apple Danish
Donut
Muffin - Choose from a variety of flavors

Bfast is served from 6am til 11 am. THere is an all day dining menu that is pretty extensive for "fast food"...and then there is late night dining....limited to pizza, cold sandwiches, and salads. They also have yogurt & yogurt parfaits, sushi in the cooler, fruit, cookies, soft serve icecream, chips, candy...a large variety of snack foods.

All the rooms have refrigerators. They have since after the remodel.

Sea Raycers are not something you can reserve ahead of time...there are plenty & I've always seen them sitting in the dock.

No clue about ME other than I have heard some really bad things lately. I never do ME....I have a GREAT limo company that we use.

Happy planning! The GF is terrific!! We LOVE it.

Lives4Disney

Thanks for posting all of this on Gaspies! I was wondering what kinds of foods they have for breakfast as well.

ONLY one more week and we'll be at the Grand! (hoping nobody catches that AWFUL bug going around WDW)

 

[Disneyadore]

I was wondering if it's possible to give a small suitcase in custody at the concierge in the SL when we check in?

It's the kind of roll on you are allowed to take with you in the airplane.
The reason I'm asking is because it contains our lap top.

I think its to hot to leave it for hours in the trunk off our car.

 

[EAWildman]

Last minute question....

Can you send mail from the GF? Or somewhere on WDW property? DW wants to write out postcards during DS afternoon naps.

We leave in two days!

Eric

 

[Disneyadore]

Last minute question....

Can you send mail from the GF? Or somewhere on WDW property? DW wants to write out postcards during DS afternoon naps.

We leave in two days!

Eric

I'm not sure about the GF but in POR we just gave them to the CM at the front desk and they took care of them.

 

[grannyminnie]

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

Can I have it?? Can I, can I, can I??????????

 

[Lives4Disney]

I was wondering if it's possible to give a small suitcase in custody at the concierge in the SL when we check in?

It's the kind of roll on you are allowed to take with you in the airplane.
The reason I'm asking is because it contains our lap top.

I think its to hot to leave it for hours in the trunk off our car.

We always store our stuff - including one or two laptops - with bell services. We've been doing it for years and never had any problems. But if you're not comfortable with that, you could ask SL CMs....but I don't think they'd have anywhere very secure to keep it. The Bell services storage is locked.

Last minute question....

Can you send mail from the GF? Or somewhere on WDW property? DW wants to write out postcards during DS afternoon naps.

We leave in two days!

Eric

There is a very cute old fashioned mail box down near the first floor entrance of the Grand - it's near the lobby concierge desk.

Can I have it?? Can I, can I, can I??????????

OH....if I could I would! Are you a passholder, GrannyMinnnie? I am starting to think they are going out alphabetically....probably little at a time so not to overwhelm the CRO CMs. I heard it was a mess yesterday on the phones.....DH's last name starts with S...and I know people before him alphabetically that got them Friday. His does have the yellow "code" on it though so I can't give it to you....but it says "PASSHOLDERS"...not like "LUCKY YOU" or anything..... did you read the posts on the Code board? Some AP holders are having luck calling in w/out the post card!

I hope you get one....or try calling.

Not sure if we are gonna use it....but I hope so.

Lives4Disney

 

[snowwhitenyc]

Oh, thanks so much for the great info Lives4Disney! I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised at the extensive breakfast menu -- that sounds perfect! The pictures I've seen made Gasparilla seem kind of small, and I was afraid the options would be really limited. We stayed at ASMo last year, and I'm afraid when my family thinks food court, that's what they'll be expecting. Now I thought ASMo's food court was a total zoo, but I know that everyone liked having all the options. But it sounds like they have a nice selection -- plus, we'll be at the Grand Floridian!!!!

That's too bad that the ME has not been so magical lately. We used it in February and had no problems. We'll probably take our chances again. I assume that all of the monorail resorts share one route, so I guess we'll just get dropped off when we get dropped off. What kinds of problems are people having? Long waits? Lost luggage?

Thanks again...going to drool over some more great photos and daydream about May! Oh, one more thing....how can I find the older GF FAQ threads (the ones that got maxed out)? I feel like I found them before, but I don't know how I did it...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Oh, thanks so much for the great info Lives4Disney! I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised at the extensive breakfast menu -- that sounds perfect! The pictures I've seen made Gasparilla seem kind of small, and I was afraid the options would be really limited. We stayed at ASMo last year, and I'm afraid when my family thinks food court, that's what they'll be expecting. Now I thought ASMo's food court was a total zoo, but I know that everyone liked having all the options. But it sounds like they have a nice selection -- plus, we'll be at the Grand Floridian!!!!

That's too bad that the ME has not been so magical lately. We used it in February and had no problems. We'll probably take our chances again. I assume that all of the monorail resorts share one route, so I guess we'll just get dropped off when we get dropped off. What kinds of problems are people having? Long waits? Lost luggage?

Thanks again...going to drool over some more great photos and daydream about May! Oh, one more thing....how can I find the older GF FAQ threads (the ones that got maxed out)? I feel like I found them before, but I don't know how I did it...

You're welcome...and I don't know why it gets luke warm reviews ....I have stayed at the Poly - Captain Cooks=DIRTY and STICKY & CROWDED...yuck....the CR always was dark and dirty....now it's new but I have heard nothing but crummy reviews of it ....the BWI there is NOTHING handy or open late...the YC/BC grab and go is minimal and not open 24 hours. Gaspies is the best IMO. It's clean, well organized, and they do have plenty of options. Maybe people are comparing it to the "Mall food court" type place....but that is way overwhelming to me. Gaspies is not small - it's super manageable. The only bad thing is the noisy arcade right there....but kids enjoy that anyway. The outdoor seating is beautiful right near the marina....and you can watch Wishes from there in the eves.

ME....LONG delays and long delays getting luggage. One friend was on an overbooked bus and they had to sit crammed in.

Happy planning,
Lives4Disney

 

[biggroofy]

Hi everyone,

We will be at Grand Floridian in two days. I will pick up the rental car at Airport and drive straight to GF. Is there any spot I can pull aside the car for check-in only (then we will be off to Epcot and Publix), instead of the self-parking lot across the street?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi everyone,

We will be at Grand Floridian in two days. I will pick up the rental car at Airport and drive straight to GF. Is there any spot I can pull aside the car for check-in only (then we will be off to Epcot and Publix), instead of the self-parking lot across the street?

Hi! definitely. Just pull up, tell them your situation & that you'd like to check in but need the car right away, they will unload the car & store your stuff, tell you where to pull the car until after you check in - or they will pull it off to the side near the front entrance...and you can hop back in after you check in. Easy!

Happy travels! Have a wonderful time.

Lives4Disney

 

[snowwhitenyc]

Oh, many thanks -- now I'm not just relieved, but excited about the food court options (it definitely sounds like the best of the deluxe resorts). The open 24 hours thing is perfect for my family -- we burn the candle and both ends and like a good caffiene/sugar fix late at night to keep us going.

After reading some of the not-so-enthusiastic reviews, I started thinking about it and realized that perhaps a lot of people who like the GF (or other deluxe resorts) may just prefer a sit down restaurant to a counter service food court type of place -- and I totally understand that! I am hoping we'll do the GF Cafe for breakfast a few times, but grab and go is our usual breakfast MO.

Interesting to know about ME. I usually try to avoid checking a bag...it is tough for a longer trip, but I may have to try to find some creative ways to get 8 days worth of clothes in my carry-on

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks Live4Disney!

DW has another question but she is too lazy to type

Our DD1 has some allergies - DW's friend claimed that we may request a "deep clean" in our room at check-in? I'm not sure but just wonder if anyone has requested similar service before?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Oh, many thanks -- now I'm not just relieved, but excited about the food court options (it definitely sounds like the best of the deluxe resorts). The open 24 hours thing is perfect for my family -- we burn the candle and both ends and like a good caffiene/sugar fix late at night to keep us going.

After reading some of the not-so-enthusiastic reviews, I started thinking about it and realized that perhaps a lot of people who like the GF (or other deluxe resorts) may just prefer a sit down restaurant to a counter service food court type of place -- and I totally understand that! I am hoping we'll do the GF Cafe for breakfast a few times, but grab and go is our usual breakfast MO.

Interesting to know about ME. I usually try to avoid checking a bag...it is tough for a longer trip, but I may have to try to find some creative ways to get 8 days worth of clothes in my carry-on

LOL! I am a notoriously bad packer!!! If you can be that creative and think of a way to cram that much stuff into a carry on, please post!!! I definitely need help with that!

I really don't know why anybody would complain about Gaspies.....it does the job. Last time we had a long wait for something (you order, they give you a pager and bill, and you go pay, and usually within a few minutes you get paged...but it seemed like we might hve been skipped over)....i just went and asked and the next thing I knew the manager heard and comped us everything....that was my only issue ever and I was so shocked at how nice they were.... But that is how they are at the GF....very gracious!

Oh! I forgot to post this.....this is the link to the resort Faq Threads...you can access the "Closed" threads from here. It is a link to a "sticky" thread at the top of the resort threads.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=236234

Thanks Live4Disney!

DW has another question but she is too lazy to type

Our DD1 has some allergies - DW's friend claimed that we may request a "deep clean" in our room at check-in? I'm not sure but just wonder if anyone has requested similar service before?

Hm...I can't answer your question....I HAVE heard of it, though....if you leave in two days I think you better call asap! I would go to the DISabilities board and ask...somebody there will have your answer and a phone number to call. There is a number to call re medical needs.....maybe that would be the one? I think this is it....(407) 939-7807..but I would ask on the other board asap.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[AliciaS]

First of all - YAY! We have reservations for the beautiful GF for May 2nd - 9th, thanks to buy 4, get 3!

In May of 2007 we stayed at the Poly and checked-in at 10 or so on a Saturday morning. There were surprisingly few rooms to choose from, no matter how long we were willing to wait! I had assumed most people go Saturday to Saturday and that they would be checking out Saturday and we would have more options. Do a ton of people go on Fridays? Is there any anecdotal or statistical reasons to pick one day over another for a better chance at a better room?

Thanks so much!

 

[minniesota]

Oh, thanks so much for the great info Lives4Disney! I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised at the extensive breakfast menu -- that sounds perfect! The pictures I've seen made Gasparilla seem kind of small, and I was afraid the options would be really limited. We stayed at ASMo last year, and I'm afraid when my family thinks food court, that's what they'll be expecting. Now I thought ASMo's food court was a total zoo, but I know that everyone liked having all the options. But it sounds like they have a nice selection -- plus, we'll be at the Grand Floridian!!!!

That's too bad that the ME has not been so magical lately. We used it in February and had no problems. We'll probably take our chances again. I assume that all of the monorail resorts share one route, so I guess we'll just get dropped off when we get dropped off. What kinds of problems are people having? Long waits? Lost luggage?

Thanks again...going to drool over some more great photos and daydream about May! Oh, one more thing....how can I find the older GF FAQ threads (the ones that got maxed out)? I feel like I found them before, but I don't know how I did it...

I don't think this was answered yet. There is a sticky at the top of the Resorts board called WDW Resorts FAQ - that's where you can find the older links.

Here it is:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=236234

Hope you have a wonderful stay!

 

[snowwhitenyc]

Thanks Lives4Disney and Minniesota for the link to the closed FAQs! Just when I thought I was actually going to have to do something productive today...now I can get sucked back in to my GF fantasies

 

[MickeyNicki]

This thread is fantastic! I just booked DH's dream trip, a few nights at the GF for Dec 09, I just added another night too because thanks to the 40% AP code we can do it! Because of our schedules we have to go Monday to Thursday but I think that might be better crowd wise.

I booked a deluxe king RPC room and I have a few questions.

What type of view would it be?

Do the 2 CL lounges share or can you just use the lounge to the building you are staying in?

In the main building what floor is the lounge on and what floor are the CL rooms on?