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

[BCV23]

Yeah. I don't think there's a husband out there that's THAT good of a sport

I think you're right.

Thanks everyone for the cake advice. If I end up ordering one for our GF dinner, I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[praline3001]

Is the campfire and smores a regular thing? I thought that it was something special they were doing that week only

It sounds similar to the Camp Rock premier party they had while Savannah and I were there. If its like that ... then I highly recommend doing it!!! We had such a blast with the Cm's! They had the youth director from Poly and the GF working together. They had a big movie popcorn machine on the beach and the kids danced to beach type music until the movie started. They even brought out blankets for the kids to sit on while on the beach. They didn't light up the campfire but we really enjoyed ourselves!

 

[princessesrule4]

Hey ladies, I just got my Basin White order today and pink sugar in amazing. I love it!!! The box said it was actually shipped from the GF store not from the mall of America store where the regular Basin ships from. So I got a little magic delivered to my door today!!!

I am so glad to read about the movies and campfire at GF too now. That is the only thing we liked about WL. Otherwise I hated the place. My DH loved the Christmas decorations but I am not a woodsy kind of gal. Lets just say that is the closest I will ever come to camping. What time does this ususally start? At dusk or a set time if anyone knows?

I was reading about the pirate adventure and the kids go alone without parents. My son just turned 4 and I have a feeling he might be to young despite his age. How well do they handle little ones. It scares me for him to be on a boat without me. He cant swim that well yet. Plus the whole seperation factor with strangers. However I know he would love it because he is so into pirates and just had a pirates birthday. Any thoughts.

Last but not least I think I am gonna request Big Pine Key uppper floor for my Gv room because it seems to be closer to the main building. Is this a pretty good request?

I can not wait to go!!!! Not much longer now.

All Basin White ships from the GF! There's something special about knowing that it came right from the GF, isn't there!
Didn't you just order the other day? ( If you are the person I'm thinking of) That sure came fast if you did! Pink Sugar smells great. I love the Lemon Sugar too!

 

[allisonswonderland]

I just wanted to say that I found on another board that around the 15th the new mugs had popped up at the gf! I was really excited as I have so many blue ones. We are heading down to the gf for a magical gathering and my nephews 8 th birthday. I am really excited for this next trip to the gf!

 

[twincesses]

Complete newbie here seeking help booking our October 2009 WDW vacation. We plan to stay at the GF with our twin girls, who will be turning 3 during our stay. I am considering requesting a MK/castle view room in the GF main building. I noticed, though, that the MK closes earlier in October and that perhaps there are fewer nights with the fireworks shows. One of the big reasons for considering upgrading to the castle view is to be able to see the fireworks from our room at night, since we likely won't be able to keep two toddlers out too late after a big day at the parks.

So, a couple questions - First, is the MK/castle view worth the extra money at that time of year (October)? And, second, if anyone has any advice as to what I should tell the CM when requesting my room to maximize the location, view, etc., I would appreciate it! I've never been to the GF and have only been to WDW once as a young child, so I need all the help I can get! Thank you!

 

[MelissaFromRI]

Complete newbie here seeking help booking our October 2009 WDW vacation. We plan to stay at the GF with our twin girls, who will be turning 3 during our stay. I am considering requesting a MK/castle view room in the GF main building. I noticed, though, that the MK closes earlier in October and that perhaps there are fewer nights with the fireworks shows. One of the big reasons for considering upgrading to the castle view is to be able to see the fireworks from our room at night, since we likely won't be able to keep two toddlers out too late after a big day at the parks.

So, a couple questions - First, is the MK/castle view worth the extra money at that time of year (October)? And, second, if anyone has any advice as to what I should tell the CM when requesting my room to maximize the location, view, etc., I would appreciate it! I've never been to the GF and have only been to WDW once as a young child, so I need all the help I can get! Thank you!

Hello and Welcome
There are fireworks at the MK everynight no matter when you go to WDW. In October there will be "special" Halloween party fireworks on certain nights.
The MK view rooms are lovely at the GF and have to be booked specifically , obviously they cost more than a garden view room. If you & your family would enjoy seeing the castle and the fireworks from your room by all means book a MK view room. Having a nice view always makes my vacations better

 

[BCV23]

Complete newbie here seeking help booking our October 2009 WDW vacation. We plan to stay at the GF with our twin girls, who will be turning 3 during our stay. I am considering requesting a MK/castle view room in the GF main building. I noticed, though, that the MK closes earlier in October and that perhaps there are fewer nights with the fireworks shows. One of the big reasons for considering upgrading to the castle view is to be able to see the fireworks from our room at night, since we likely won't be able to keep two toddlers out too late after a big day at the parks.

So, a couple questions - First, is the MK/castle view worth the extra money at that time of year (October)? And, second, if anyone has any advice as to what I should tell the CM when requesting my room to maximize the location, view, etc., I would appreciate it! I've never been to the GF and have only been to WDW once as a young child, so I need all the help I can get! Thank you!

Welcome, twincesses!

Only some rooms in the main building have a view of the castle and the fireworks. That view can be requested but not booked. All rooms in that building are club level in Royal Palm Club.

Since watching the fireworks from your room are an understandable priority for you, I would book MK view. You won't be in the main building but you will have the view you want and save lots of money to boot!

Happy planning!

 

[constanze]

I posted this on the dining thread too...but thought maybeyou guys could answer quicker. I'm staying at the GF in May. I went to book my ADR's for the Tusker House at around opening at 8:05 am, so we could be done with breakfast near opening time. The CM booking my ADR said the bus from GF would never get me there in time for our reservation. He recommended not booking before 9am...Does this sound right?

 

[MelissaFromRI]

I posted this on the dining thread too...but thought maybeyou guys could answer quicker. I'm staying at the GF in May. I went to book my ADR's for the Tusker House at around opening at 8:05 am, so we could be done with breakfast near opening time. The CM booking my ADR said the bus from GF would never get me there in time for our reservation. He recommended not booking before 9am...Does this sound right?

Sadly , it does sound right. The buses are PAINFULLY slow!!!

 

[constanze]

Sadly , it does sound right. The buses are PAINFULLY slow!!!

Pooh. do you think it would be better to just eat breakfast at the GF and then take an early bus and get straight into the park instead of eating breakfast at AK?

 

[Maxie86]

Pooh. do you think it would be better to just eat breakfast at the GF and then take an early bus and get straight into the park instead of eating breakfast at AK?

You could take a taxi if you really want to eat at the AK. It would be a lot less stressful than trying to get there by bus.

 

[MelissaFromRI]

Pooh. do you think it would be better to just eat breakfast at the GF and then take an early bus and get straight into the park instead of eating breakfast at AK?

That could work , both 1900 Park Fare (the buffet) and the Grand Floridian Cafe (sit down) have wonderful breakfasts

You could take a taxi if you really want to eat at the AK. It would be a lot less stressful than trying to get there by bus.

Also a great idea

 

[BCV23]

Unless things have changed, a cab won't work either. I've seen many reports that the DAK parking lot doesn't open in time for the earliest breakfast seatings. Buses can get in but that's it. You might try asking about that on the Transportation or Theme Park forums.

One other option is to take the monorail to the TTC and hop a DAK bus there. Those buses are direct I think.

I think I'd have breakfast at GF Cafe though...or 1900 if you want a character breakfast.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Pooh. do you think it would be better to just eat breakfast at the GF and then take an early bus and get straight into the park instead of eating breakfast at AK?

I have a number for you......maybe this will work....it's a little known Disney one...I am going to PM it to you. I have used it before...you get a live person...and they've been very helpful when I've called....

It was given to my by a CM friend from HER own info...so not sure that it should be posted here.

Channing
GF Gal in the snow

 

[Mary T in PA]

Just wanted to say hi! I just booked a trip for June 20-27 and will be in Sugar Loaf. We usually stay at CR, but hubby said I need to try either the Poly or GF. I am hoping we have good times, I am just happy to be in the MK area.

Any suggestions?

Mary

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

All Basin White ships from the GF! There's something special about knowing that it came right from the GF, isn't there!
Didn't you just order the other day? ( If you are the person I'm thinking of) That sure came fast if you did! Pink Sugar smells great. I love the Lemon Sugar too!

I know it did come really fast!!! Yes that was me the other day. I am off to try another one tonight. Those things are addictive.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I posted this on the dining thread too...but thought maybeyou guys could answer quicker. I'm staying at the GF in May. I went to book my ADR's for the Tusker House at around opening at 8:05 am, so we could be done with breakfast near opening time. The CM booking my ADR said the bus from GF would never get me there in time for our reservation. He recommended not booking before 9am...Does this sound right?

If we dont have a car we always take a taxi to our breakfast adr's. I have yet to find a bus that will get you there on time.

 

[constanze]

I have a number for you......maybe this will work....it's a little known Disney one...I am going to PM it to you. I have used it before...you get a live person...and they've been very helpful when I've called....

It was given to my by a CM friend from HER own info...so not sure that it should be posted here.

Channing
GF Gal in the snow

Have I told you lately how much I LOVE you! Thank you!!!
And your website rocks!!!

Lisa.

 

[kat_balou]

We are thinking of reserving a limo from Southern Elegance for our upcoming trip. Has anyone used them recently for a review? Also, what would an appropriate tip amount be?

TIA!

 

[Belinderella]

We have a Cabana booked for 1/2 day. I have read the posts asked some questions but still do not fully understand what the Cabana Guy does for you? The Cabana has a TV, frig. w/ drinks, fruit bowl, towels, chairs, chase lounges...this sounds complete for a pool side, sun bathing, relaxing afternoon. What do they add?