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

[Lives4Disney]

Question- is Sugar Loaf concierge worth the extra money? We stayed at RPC last visit to GF and loved it! but it is just way too much for us this time and I'm thinking of trying Sugar Loaf for our upcoming april trip. What are the differences?
Thanks

I way prefer RPC. SL has no wow factor and the best CMs work in RPC.

I would book GV or RPC...IMO anything in between is not worth the money....but the one time I did book GV I was upgraded to RPC anyway.

I have NEVER ever found the RPC hectic or crowded .. Once you get on those golden elevators and head up, it's amazingly calm and quiet and it feels like a small group of people that kind of get to know each other up there as you see the same faces in the lounge each day & say Hi and Good morning. It's wonderful and relaxing. I think the people that say it's hectic are the ones that haven't tried RPC...because it's the complete opposite of THAT. It is a very small group of people up there and everybody is very friendly to each other and the CMs in the lounge and at the desks are terrific. RPC gets a lot of repeat guests so it becomes very familiar and welcoming to stay there time after time.

SL...eh. It is just another lodge with an over crowded dark lounge. Nothing WOWy about it.

I prefer being in the main building with the action, shopping, monorail...etc...if you can swing it RPC is great.

Happy planning. Have a great time whatever you decide.

Lives4Disney

 

[MelissaFromRI]

Question- is Sugar Loaf concierge worth the extra money? We stayed at RPC last visit to GF and loved it! but it is just way too much for us this time and I'm thinking of trying Sugar Loaf for our upcoming april trip. What are the differences?
Thanks

IMO Sugar Loaf is not worth the extra money. The main building - Royal Palm Club - is by far the best you can get at GF. Everything else pales in comparison.
The RPC is elegant and refined while the Sugar Loaf is crowded and noisy
Save your money and just book a garden view if they have it. Maybe you can stay an extra night or two with the savings

 

[disneyloveNY]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm sure we'll have a fantastic time no matter what we decide. Just can't wait to be there.

 

[mickeyfan85]

I would say that you should take a Magic Kingdom view room over Sugar loaf. Let's compare the two:

Sugar loaf - $520 (Value season) - Food Offerings - Concierge in building - crappy views of the pool or the marina

Magic Kingdom View Room - $505 (value season) - No food offerings - Concierge located in main building - Great view of the Magic Kingdom

Garden View Room - $399 (value season) - No food offerings - Concierge located in main building - Pool or marina view

Basically, sugar loaf is comparable to a garden view room, but with food. You are paying $120 a day for the food offerings and to have an on site concierge. for some people, the food is very important, others, not so much. I would highly discourage sugar loaf if you have the meal plan and would recommend a nice Magic Kingdom view room.

As for RPC (main building), it is hard to compare it to the other outer buildings. You are paying more for being in the main building than for just the food and it is a totally different experience.

 

[BCV23]

Question- is Sugar Loaf concierge worth the extra money? We stayed at RPC last visit to GF and loved it! but it is just way too much for us this time and I'm thinking of trying Sugar Loaf for our upcoming april trip. What are the differences?
Thanks

I think mmmears, BlueSkies and k&a&c'smom all did a great job of explaining Sugar Loaf. We've stayed both RPC and SL and enjoyed them both. Great CMs at both.

Hi all,
Well I have spent the better part of two days reading this thread and loving every minute of it! You guys are great! I have learned so much about the Grand Floridian. With that said, I still have a couple of questions. My DH is in a wheelchair because of a back injury. He can't do the parks much, but loves to watch the fireworks. With the 4/3 deal we booked the Grand Floridian TPV for our trip in March. We have never stayed at the Grand before, but with the deal we could splurge. My question is: does anyone know where the accessible rooms are that have a TPV? We are hoping it will be a good view of the castle so DH can watch the fireworks. I have checked the disABILITIES thread, but alas, no pictures of the view from an accessible room at the Grand. Anyone have any pictures of the view? I have read that there are a limited number of rooms available that are wheelchair accessible, and a limited number of rooms with a TPV, so that should narrow it down, right? We have a booking code of RXA, if that helps. I don't know if RXA is a room location code or something else. Any ideas? Also, last question for now: is the boat from MK to GF accessible? I know some boats are and some are not. Anyone know about this one?
Thank you all so much for all the great information about the Grand!
Rama

We've had a wheelchair accessible room in Conch Key with an incredible view of the MK. We've had it three times. I think it's called MK view currently though.

The launch is not accessible to wheelchairs. We try to take our daughter on at least once per trip but that requires removing the battery, lifting the heavy chair into the boat and my DH lifting our daughter down into the boat. It's about a 10-12 inch step down into the boat.

Luckily, the monorail is easy to use with a wheelchair. One other option if you have time to spare and want to enjoy a boat is the big ferry to the TTC and then either walk or monorail to the GF. The walk through the grounds of the Polynesian and then along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon is lovely.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I think mmmears, BlueSkies and k&a&c'smom all did a great job of explaining Sugar Loaf.

I think MickeyFan85 and I did too.

MickeyFan85 spelled it all out in facts....I gave my opinion based on having stayed both SL and RPC.

Different opinions but just as valid.

Lives4Disney

 

[TinkTatoo]

....I am not syaying that to be rude but just honest as I dont have much familiararity with you as I have not seen you post alot on this thread. It seems that some people are purposing leaving some out and that can be perceived as rude as well......

I appreciate your comments - I haven't posted on this thread before as we've only recently decided to stay at the GF and it seemed to be going through a "chatty" phase and I didn't want to but in.

The two posts I quoted just came across as in a poor way - perhaps they weren't meant like that but that was the way it seemed and I felt the need to comment on them.

I have stayed at SL and RPC and there are some nice CMs at the SL but the experience is so different. There is light, views and space at the RPC plus you can look down on the lobby and see what is going on.

If you go back to the beginning of the thread you will see there are pics of the RPC lounge and SL.

I've had a good look at this thread and as I've said already there's some great info

 

[TinkTatoo]

....This thread used to be fun and people have steadily complained more and more and driven people away. There is plenty of blame to go around but its time to end it and get over it already.....

That's interesting - obviously then, as I've only come to this thread very recently, this is something that is on going if other people have felt the need to stop posting here.

 

[3for Me]

I haven't been around this thread for a while, and am just back recently, but for what it's worth...I have stayed in RPC, a GV and in a TPV room in Boca Chica with a FAB view and double balcony. Several months after staying in the TPV we stayed in Sugar Loaf. Great to have a few treats to eat, but MAN DID I MISS MY VIEW!!! My whole family agreed we'd rather have the TPV than SL. A previous poster made a great analogy when saying that Sugar Loaf is a GV room with snacks. Just My Opinion.

I don't think anyone was being patronizing with their comments...or saying there were "undesirables" in Sugar Loaf. I read it as someone who has stayed at the GF many times giving helpful opinions. There truly is a very different feel - again my opinion only - in SL compared to RPC. I think that is the point that was being made.

To the original poster - if it were ME - I'd go for the VIEW!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

I haven't been around this thread for a while, and am just back recently, but for what it's worth...I have stayed in RPC, a GV and in a TPV room in Boca Chica with a FAB view and double balcony. Several months after staying in the TPV we stayed in Sugar Loaf. Great to have a few treats to eat, but MAN DID I MISS MY VIEW!!! My whole family agreed we'd rather have the TPV than SL. A previous poster made a great analogy when saying that Sugar Loaf is a GV room with snacks. Just My Opinion.

I don't think anyone was being patronizing with their comments...or saying there were "undesirables" in Sugar Loaf. I read it as someone who has stayed at the GF many times giving helpful opinions. There truly is a very different feel - again my opinion only - in SL compared to RPC. I think that is the point that was being made.

To the original poster - if it were ME - I'd go for the VIEW!!!

I LOVE a view, too!!! We were upgraded to YC CL in July...but had the worst view...I couldn't complain because it was a nice upgrade ....but I would have rather had the GV of the little wedding gazebo that I might have had - I booked standard view - then the CL with the rooftop view. I think almost all the GVs at the GF are really pretty!! That is why I said I'd go for GV or RPC. But if a MK view is a priority..then I'd do that.

Channing

 

[Alicnwondrln]

rememeber its theme park view now so you need to let them knwo you want a castle view or you can get a space mt CR view.

 

[3for Me]

I LOVE a view, too!!! We were upgraded to YC CL in July...but had the worst view...I couldn't complain because it was a nice upgrade ....but I would have rather had the GV that I might have had - I booked standard view - then the CL with the rooftop view. I think almost all the GVs at the GF are really pretty!! That is why I said I'd go for GV or RPC. But if a MK view is a priority..then I'd do that.

Channing

Totally agree!

We just booked GV because I could not justify the extra $500 for a view in this economy! I am happy just to be back at my favorite resort!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Wow! This took an ugly turn. Yikes!

I hate for anyone reading to get the idea that any room category you choose is the wrong one, or not good enough, or that you have to book RPC or nothing!

RPC is very special, hence the extremely high cost, lol. If it were just another room, nobody would book at that rate! I love staying there, when I've got the money for the splurge. But, I enjoy my stay, no matter what room I book at the GF. It is a very special resort, and you get that atmosphere, no matter what room you lay your head in at the end of the night.

If you like club level access, but can't quite swing the cost of RPC, there is absolutely nothing wrong with SL. Yes, you get a courtyard or marina view - but you get those views in garden view, as well, so they aren't "crappy" by any means! Just not the castle.

It has a great location, near the main building and I love being able to head out the back door to the marina or Gasparilla's for a snack. You get the CL cast members; sure, you can use the lobby concierge in garden, lagoon and theme park view, but you are getting personalized service in CL, and that is important to some. You also get a restricted-access building, and that can provide a measure of security - that is one plus that I liked when my DD was young and we traveled alone. We have stayed CL in several of the WDW resorts, and the service and attention to detail was what made the stay for us, not simply the food offerings.

I think everyone is trying to say the same thing - essentially, you have to look at your options, determine what price range fits your budget and comfort level, and book what works for you and your family. There are no wrong choices, the Grand is just that - grand!

Have a wonderful day!

 

[mandymommy4]

WOW~

Well FWIW, I would totally bypass the SL and only stay at GV or RPC! I have done both now and I can say that I could and would not eat 120 in snacks but the location and proximity to the monorail AND the snacks would be worth it for me to pay RPC.

Concerning GV, I LOVE Big Pine Key! I think it is the most convenient to the lobby AND it has a pool bar right out side that you can refill your mugs at!

ON a personal note anyone who feels they they are made to feel less of a person for booking GV needs to realize it is perceived by THEM. I found this thread before my first GF stay (GV) and NEVER felt like less of a person because I was not booked in RPC, especially by Lives4Disney. I now call Lives4Disney and many others on here a friend (like real friends, not invisible ones, that have meet and stayed together at the GF.) Channing knows when i vacay with my kids we are a ASMu family, MAYBE a Deluxe family with a good code! I have never felt judged or less of a person because most of the time our budget is value!

Channing or the other posters on here THAT I KNOW do not sit around and judge people that are booked in GV or even stay at the POP! She is a sweetheart, in fact we want to move into a cabana together!

 

[tinklvr64]

OK here i am with my 2 cents......

We have stayed in SL and now RPC...and I have to say i have enjoyed both....would I rather stay RPC instead of SL..OF COURSE!!! The ambiance and views are outstanding...plus it has a much more open feeling and one CM in particular has the Disney magic so many have lost.
We are staying in SL shortly and i can tell you for a fact that NO ONE has made me feel any differently cause we are....if some feel that way then maybe you are hypersensitive about your choice...I know Im not nor have I been when staying GV either....anywhere at GF is magic to me

Different strokes for different folks....but no need to be rude....peeps are just giving their opinion

And some peeps like to keep stirring the pot....how you ask??...one word.."Cronies".....by the we are not cronies, but gals that love the GF!

 

[sixthscents]

Thank you for the info on the accessible TPV room and the boat. Do you by any chance have a picture of the view? My DH does not go to the park often. I usuallly take our daughter by myself, and he stays in the room and reads. I am hoping for a nice castle view so he can watch the fireworks if he does not feel like going out. I am so excited as we have never stayed at the GF before!
The boat was pretty much what I expected. My DH's wheelchair is quite large and heavy since he is 6'5" and 190 lbs. Also I am somewhat vertically challenged at 5'2", so not much help from me when he needs to transfer. So I guess we will stick to the monorail and the busses for the most part.
Thank you again for the info!
Rama

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Just a question about tipping the cabanna staff person. Do you tip on the cost of the rental or just tip on whatever you order. Say I dont order anything off the menu and go over to gaspies myself. How much do I tip for the half day I have the rental. I truely have no idea?? 20% of $60??

 

[Lives4Disney]

Quote:
Originally Posted by IWISHFORDISNEY View Post
Just a question about tipping the cabanna staff person. Do you tip on the cost of the rental or just tip on whatever you order. Say I dont order anything off the menu and go over to gaspies myself. How much do I tip for the half day I have the rental. I truely have no idea?? 20% of $60??


The cabana attendant is totally separate. So you tip on the cost of the cabana....we had a bar tab...closed that at the bar & tipped on that bill for the drinks.

We did lunch at Gaspies..so that was moot...but if we had done PD..we would have tipped on the PD bill.

Any time I've done the cabana I have tipped more than 20% because we've done the 1/2 day rentals..and gotten fabulous service.

Channing
GF Gal numero Uno...also invisible sometimes here.....

Reading the posts of people who love RPC has made me even more sure now that Sugar Loaf is a good choice for me


So happy that SL is a good choice for you!

Since you are talking good choice for you...Poly came to my mind....

Poly is....ok...some peeps here like it.

Lives4Disney
invisible gf gal

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Thanks Channing. I was thinking somewhere in the $20-25 range for a tip but dont want to look like a cheapskate. LOL. We will most likey bring our breakfast over from Gaspies and the site said the fridge came with drinks and a fruit basket (is this included in the rental cost it seems so cheap for the rental if it is included) so we are set for snacks. Then we have a tea booked at 2:30 for late lunch. I am soo excited for our relax at GF day

 

[praline3001]

Good Afternoon all you wonderful sexy GF gals

Now that my RPC standard room is bought and paid for, what are my chances of getting a castle view?

I read the deluxe rooms do not offer a castle view so I made sure I got the standard room.
anyone know
how many standard rooms have castle views VS dont have them?

Every Disney trip I have taken I have never paid for the upgrade of a castle view before... so I have never had one

The closest I came to upgrading for view was the safari view at the AKL a few years back. It was so nice to sit out and watch all the wild African animals take a dump while we ate our room service breakfast