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

[BCV23]

Hi All, Thanks so much for all your help, I am thinking of making my 5th call back to them to get the price of the GV room, Does anyone know do I make the request now for which bldg or is that as I get closer to the date?
club level standard Gv room would that even be more than the TPV room?
I only ask because I don't always have 45 mins or more to spend on the phone with the reps from disney.
remember I am a 1st timer so I am totally not up on which rooms are more than others.
also if i go GV not club level which was the favorite bldg to request?

Whoops...pushed submit too quickly!

40% off is a wonderful discount! Congratulations on that. It really makes a TPV much more reasonable....about $351 without tax I think. I agree with k&a&c'smom that if the price works for you, this could be the trip to go with TPV. It is very magical to enjoy Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant from your own room. It would also be lovely to sit out on your balcony with that view after your daughter is asleep at night.

Yes, standard club level is more than TPV. Most gardenview rooms are lovely as others have stated but for your first trip and with such a wonderful discount, I would consider sticking with what you have. Gardenview with 40% off should be about $269 if you are able to get the same % discount. If you do stick with TPV, Conch Key followed by Sago Cay would be my first choice but the other buildings give a more panoramic view of the entire lagoon and those rooms would be lovely as well.

As for the decorations, the dates they go up and come down vary. This year they went up late and came down early at the GF. Next year, who knows. This year the tree was down by the morning of the 2nd but one year we were checking out on the 9th and it had come down overnight. Dates vary each year at the resorts and parks...I think to keep it magical. It is very special to wake up one morning to find your resort has been transformed overnight.

Have fun deciding and happy planning.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

TravelinGal - the amenities in the GV rooms at the GF are shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion - and, possibly, body wash, though that may only be in club level, I can't remember. The only other item I've gotten in club level at the GF is the mint foot rub, toothbrush, bath cap and box of cotton balls/swabs. When we stayed CL at other resorts, where they have the H20+ rather than H2O+ Spa collection, we've gotten the sun relief gel and mouth wash. It's possible you can ask for those at the GF, too, I've just never thought to do so.

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

Does anyone know if they offer robes in the GV rooms or is that only in CL?

Also do they have handicap accessible rooms and if so do they have 2 beds or one in them?

My mom may have to rent a ecv for our trip and would find it easier if she didn't have a tub but rather a walk in shower do they offer those there? If so do you just request that at check in or is there a number I should call?

Thanks

 

[hmillerbarilla]

Hi everyone: I just read on touringplans that there is a refurb going on at GF. Does anyone know what's going on? we arrive in one week & I'd love to know!!!! I dont' want to be in the middle of construction if I can request something else.

Thanks!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

LivingtheWDWDream - they should have robes in the GV rooms, if yours does not, call housekeeping and ask for them.

I can't help with the disabled rooms questions, sorry, hopefully someone else knows the answer!

hmillerbarilla - there is refurbishment of the themed pool going on right now (started early January, not sure if that is finished yet). That may be what they were referring to, or there may be more - like painting or powerwashing the balconies, like they were doing at AKL a couple weeks ago. Hopefully, someone who has just returned can answer more fully.

 

[BCV23]

Does anyone know if they offer robes in the GV rooms or is that only in CL?

Also do they have handicap accessible rooms and if so do they have 2 beds or one in them?

My mom may have to rent a ecv for our trip and would find it easier if she didn't have a tub but rather a walk in shower do they offer those there? If so do you just request that at check in or is there a number I should call?

Thanks

Hi! Robes are in all rooms.

The GF does have rooms with rollin showers. We've had a rollin shower in a TPV room in Conch Key (3x) and club level in Sugar Loaf (3x). I know there is also at least one gardenview room and one in RPC.

The rooms have two queens. The room in Conch Key also had a daybed while the one in Sugar Loaf had a small couch instead.

Do not wait until checkin. In my experience, it can be difficult to get a room with a rollin shower at the GF. When you book the room, tell the CM what you need. You'll be put on hold while the CM checks for availablity with Special Needs. If a room is available, it will be reserved for you. If you book online, there's a box to check if you need an accessible room. You will be contacted. Hope that helps.

Hi everyone: I just read on touringplans that there is a refurb going on at GF. Does anyone know what's going on? we arrive in one week & I'd love to know!!!! I dont' want to be in the middle of construction if I can request something else.

Thanks!

The activity pool is being refurbished. I've read that they are working on stairwells too but I'm sure that's well masked from guests.

Have a great trip!

 

[hmillerbarilla]

Now that you mention the pool, I remember that the pool is getting refurbed.

I'm very excited! This will be our first GF stay.

Thanks!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Now that you mention the pool, I remember that the pool is getting refurbed.

I'm very excited! This will be our first GF stay.

Thanks!

A group of us is going to be there at the same time ....so if you see a bunch of ladies having the time of their lives.....it's US! I have been there before....and I am very excited because I know how wonderful the GF & the GF CMs are!!! You will LOVE it.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[BCV23]

Hi, k&a&c's mom, I didn't see your post. Shows you what a slow typist I am!

 

[monkeybug]

We are headed to the GF in April! Yay!
It will be our first trip to WDW, and we are very excited. We wanted the WL at first, but had to switch when we added a 5th person to our room. I have to admit I was a little bummed, but after reading this thread and the photo thread, I am not nearly as disappointed as I was! I just still worry that it won't be as fun for my kids! I have a 6 and a 3 year old, and I can't find anything that the 3 year old can participate in (other than the pool, which honestly is probably all he'll care about anyway) We plan on an entire day just at the resort, and I loved that the WL had the hidden Mickey list, the ladybugs, and some tours, is there anything like that at the GF? I heard you could get child size robes, is that correct?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi, k&a&c's mom, I didn't see your post. Shows you what a slow typist I am!

LOL! I noticed we posted nearly the same time, with the same info!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

monkeybug - I can't help with the activities, since my kids were teens when we started staying at the GF. But, I think I've read that they no longer have child-sized robes.

 

[loralie]

We are headed to the GF in April! Yay!
It will be our first trip to WDW, and we are very excited. We wanted the WL at first, but had to switch when we added a 5th person to our room. I have to admit I was a little bummed, but after reading this thread and the photo thread, I am not nearly as disappointed as I was! I just still worry that it won't be as fun for my kids! I have a 6 and a 3 year old, and I can't find anything that the 3 year old can participate in (other than the pool, which honestly is probably all he'll care about anyway) We plan on an entire day just at the resort, and I loved that the WL had the hidden Mickey list, the ladybugs, and some tours, is there anything like that at the GF? I heard you could get child size robes, is that correct?

I read on Allears that they have a tea party for kids, a pirate cruise and an adventures in cooking activity. Of course these require a fee and reservations. It also says that they may have activities at the pool and story time on certain nights and arts and crafts. It sounds like these are free. This is what I read but someone else can let us know if they still do this. Hope this helps.

Loralie

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I read on Allears that they have a tea party for kids, a pirate cruise and an adventures in cooking activity. Of course these require a fee and reservations. It also says that they may have activities at the pool and story time on certain nights and arts and crafts. It sounds like these are free. This is what I read but someone else can let us know if they still do this. Hope this helps.

Loralie

I believe the adventures in cooking was cancelled.

 

[BlueSkies]

monkeybug Congratulations on booking your first trip! You picked a great a resort to stay at too.... There is info on page 1 of this thread on childrens activities(lives4disney even posted some pics)....also tours etc...

Have fun planning and have a great trip!

 

[MelissaFromRI]

We are headed to the GF in April! Yay!
It will be our first trip to WDW, and we are very excited. We wanted the WL at first, but had to switch when we added a 5th person to our room. I have to admit I was a little bummed, but after reading this thread and the photo thread, I am not nearly as disappointed as I was! I just still worry that it won't be as fun for my kids! I have a 6 and a 3 year old, and I can't find anything that the 3 year old can participate in (other than the pool, which honestly is probably all he'll care about anyway) We plan on an entire day just at the resort, and I loved that the WL had the hidden Mickey list, the ladybugs, and some tours, is there anything like that at the GF? I heard you could get child size robes, is that correct?

There's plenty at the GF for kids.
Here's what they have:
- An arcade
- Grand Adventures in Cooking for kids ages 4 to 12
- Mouseketeer Club for kids ages 4 to 12
- Pools
- Wonderland Tea Party for kids ages 4 to 12
- Daily lady bug release that kids can participate in

The GF is a wonderful hotel , you will LOVE it!!! Promise

 

[Alicnwondrln]

There's plenty at the GF for kids.
Here's what they have:
- An arcade
- Grand Adventures in Cooking for kids ages 4 to 12
- Mouseketeer Club for kids ages 4 to 12
- Pools
- Wonderland Tea Party for kids ages 4 to 12
- Daily lady bug release that kids can participate in

The GF is a wonderful hotel , you will LOVE it!!! Promise

grand adventures in cooking is not open anymore

 

[MelissaFromRI]

grand adventures in cooking is not open anymore

Oops...sorry. The Disney website said that it was.

 

[Lives4Disney]

There's plenty at the GF for kids.
Here's what they have:
- An arcade
- Grand Adventures in Cooking for kids ages 4 to 12
- Mouseketeer Club for kids ages 4 to 12
- Pools
- Wonderland Tea Party for kids ages 4 to 12
- Daily lady bug release that kids can participate in

The GF is a wonderful hotel , you will LOVE it!!! Promise

It is a wonderful hotel!! I don't want to burst anybody's bubbles.....but.
no more grand adv in cooking as of the end of Sept & the lady bug release has been nonexistant for years.

The Disney website is lame. It is very outdated...I don't even think they have the SL concierge info correct yet...and that's been what? Like 2 or 3 years now that they've updeated the SL service....

The GF has fun pools for kids....water slide, fountains, water fall....the sandy beach...there are pool activities daily from about 1 to 330 pm. They post the schedule and plans daily on a black board on the lifeguard chair.

The arcade is fun for little kids. Not so much for older kids...but little ones will be amused for a while.

The pirate adv and the Wonderland Tea Party are a ball for kids. My girls have done them and LOVE them. The CMs that run these activities are terrific and have lots of fun with the kids. If that is something you're interested in, though, you have to reserve asap...they fill up quickly.

Enjoy! I did post pics on this thread. The kids activities are something my daughters really look forward to on a WDW trip.

Lives4Disney

 

[monkeybug]

Thanks everyone for the great tips!
My daughter would love the tea party!
I guess my son is still a bit too young for most of the activities they offer (he will be 3). I was reading about the night vision thing and story time at the AK, and Chip & Dales camp fire program and the hidden mickey hunt at the WL and kinda' hoping there would be something like that for him at the GF (so he wouldn't feel too bad about big sis' going on a pirate cruise or to a tea party!) I am sure he will be plenty happy with some extra pool time and a few arcade games with Daddy though!
You know us moms- always trying to plan fun even though the little squirts always find plenty of it on their own!!!
I really am looking forward to our stay! I mean chocolate on my pillow every night...what more could a girl want?
Thanks to everyone who has posted pictures on this thread! It really helps build the excitement!!