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

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

We are driving down for our upcoming trip. Those of you GF experts who take a car do you usually park in the regular lot or Valet park. I am guessing we will do the Valet because I am lazy and on vacation but just wondering how far this other lot is from the front. Also has anyone had issues with the valet. I read on a review that someone left their car with the valet and the sunroof was left open by the valet and the the car got wet. My husband would freak if his SUV got trashed in valet. I am sure this is not the norm but reading that was a little scary. LOL.

 

[gonzo76]

I just wanted to post I still can't believe that I am actually going to be staying at GF.

I remember when I was first married, Dh and I thought just going to Disney was a pipe dream. When we finally were able to afford to go in 04, we stayed at POR. While we were there we went to GF to look at the grounds. Oh my....it was beautiful. Now we are actually going.

I can't believe it. Please...someone pinch me!!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

We are driving down for our upcoming trip. Those of you GF experts who take a car do you usually park in the regular lot or Valet park. I am guessing we will do the Valet because I am lazy and on vacation but just wondering how far this other lot is from the front. Also has anyone had issues with the valet. I read on a review that someone left their car with the valet and the sunroof was left open by the valet and the the car got wet. My husband would freak if his SUV got trashed in valet. I am sure this is not the norm but reading that was a little scary. LOL.

We self parked last time we had a car as I never used it again after we arrived. I have not had any issues with the valet but I know some of the reviews arent that good. Do you plan on using the car alot when you are there?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I just wanted to post I still can't believe that I am actually going to be staying at GF.

I remember when I was first married, Dh and I thought just going to Disney was a pipe dream. When we finally were able to afford to go in 04, we stayed at POR. While we were there we went to GF to look at the grounds. Oh my....it was beautiful. Now we are actually going.

I can't believe it. Please...someone pinch me!!!!

pinch

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

We self parked last time we had a car as I never used it again after we arrived. I have not had any issues with the valet but I know some of the reviews arent that good. Do you plan on using the car alot when you are there?

Well since we have never stayed on the monorail line I dont know. At AKL we used it alot and WL had to go rent a car due to bad transportation. So I dont know. Geez that was long winded. LOL. We will definately use it for DTD, HS, and AKL. I really dont like the buses. My husband can make it to this other lot I am sure. About how far away is the other lot?? It said across a street with buses going down it and what not. The other resorts we have stayed at had a lot right there.

 

[gonzo76]

I don't know if this has been asked before but is anyone going to use the new online checkin for their upcoming trip? I was wondering if I do use it will it eliminate me from having a request honored? I know they are not gauranteed just a request but was wondering everyones take on it. Thanks

 

[johnsonet]

mama36 We have always taken the buses to and from DHS and its never been an issue(although it can be a little crowded at park closing...)...never waited more than 15 min for the next bus to come...I know some peolple dont like to use the buses but honestly we have stayed at the GF many times and always used the buses...I think its part of the whole disney trip experience too...disney parks disney hotel disney transportation... HTH...

I totally agree, although I do drive to DTD and BB when we are there with our car.

We are driving down for our upcoming trip. Those of you GF experts who take a car do you usually park in the regular lot or Valet park. I am guessing we will do the Valet because I am lazy and on vacation but just wondering how far this other lot is from the front. Also has anyone had issues with the valet.

I usually valet park but last summer at the GF, the last stop in our 3-resort split stay, I knew I'd not be using the car again, so I self-parked and it was totally fine. I have used valet services at Disney Deluxes MANY times and have NEVER had a problem. I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Well since we have never stayed on the monorail line I dont know. At AKL we used it alot and WL had to go rent a car due to bad transportation. So I dont know. Geez that was long winded. LOL. We will definately use it for DTD, HS, and AKL. I really dont like the buses. My husband can make it to this other lot I am sure. About how far away is the other lot?? It said across a street with buses going down it and what not. The other resorts we have stayed at had a lot right there.

The buses are okay. I dont love them as sometimes they come half full already and they usually stop at the a different resort on the way back.
We usually go to AK and DHS one day each so I make the buses work for that.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

IWISHFORDISNEY - we always valet park, and have never had any issues at all. I'll admit, I was a little more leery this past month, knowing that it is now outsourced and not Disney employees - but it was fine.

As far as the bus transportation, we have used it most of the time during our trips, with only a few instances of taking a cab or driving our car. Usually, the worst service is to DTD and HS. I'm not sure why HS has the worst track record, but if we have a long wait, it is invariably at the Studios or heading to it. We did have one morning that we waited and waited for a bus to AK, and finally gave up and caught a taxi, but that is the only time we've had any problem with transportation to that park.

GF self-park: did they change that lot? The last time I did self-park there (once myself for dinner, a second time in a friend's car, so two separate trips), it was the lot across the portico driveway, across the taxi lane and a bit down the hill. A little walk, but nothing like what I've read from posters lately. They seem to be referencing what used to be an overflow lot across the main road, with several lanes of traffic and a light? Anyone have info on that? The lot we parked in then was huge, I can't imagine that it is now completely valet!

 

[mmmears]

We are driving down for our upcoming trip. Those of you GF experts who take a car do you usually park in the regular lot or Valet park. I am guessing we will do the Valet because I am lazy and on vacation but just wondering how far this other lot is from the front. Also has anyone had issues with the valet. I read on a review that someone left their car with the valet and the sunroof was left open by the valet and the the car got wet. My husband would freak if his SUV got trashed in valet. I am sure this is not the norm but reading that was a little scary. LOL.

We've always used the valet parking at the GF and never had any problems with it. We figure that it's pricey, but we're on vacation, and it's so nice to call them and have them bring the car around with the a/c already on in the hot FL weather. I can see your concern, though. I'm always leery of giving my own car to valet parking. At WDW, it's always a rental car, so I don't mind.

 

[mama36]

Thanks, everyone, for the bus information I think we'll definitely plan on a taxi to hoop dee do. Sounds like maybe the DHS would be okay with a bus...I would just rather pay a little than wait for 45 minutes with three little kids After all, it's my vacation too

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I don't know if this has been asked before but is anyone going to use the new online checkin for their upcoming trip? I was wondering if I do use it will it eliminate me from having a request honored? I know they are not gauranteed just a request but was wondering everyones take on it. Thanks

Sorry, I forgot to answer this when I posted earlier! BCV23 used the online check in for her current trip, I believe, so hopefully we'll get a report on that when she pops in here or returns.

 

[Tinkaroo]

IWISHFORDISNEY - we always valet park, and have never had any issues at all. I'll admit, I was a little more leery this past month, knowing that it is now outsourced and not Disney employees - but it was fine.

As far as the bus transportation, we have used it most of the time during our trips, with only a few instances of taking a cab or driving our car. Usually, the worst service is to DTD and HS. I'm not sure why HS has the worst track record, but if we have a long wait, it is invariably at the Studios or heading to it. We did have one morning that we waited and waited for a bus to AK, and finally gave up and caught a taxi, but that is the only time we've had any problem with transportation to that park.

GF self-park: did they change that lot? The last time I did self-park there (once myself for dinner, a second time in a friend's car, so two separate trips), it was the lot across the portico driveway, across the taxi lane and a bit down the hill. A little walk, but nothing like what I've read from posters lately. They seem to be referencing what used to be an overflow lot across the main road, with several lanes of traffic and a light? Anyone have info on that? The lot we parked in then was huge, I can't imagine that it is now completely valet!

Yes, this is the self-parking lot now. It's certainly the most inconvenient of all of the SP lots at any Disney resort.

We almost always have a rental car - we like to come and go on our own schedule, and public transportation (other than the monorail) just isn't my cup of tea on vacation. When we stay at the GF, we splurge on the valet parking just for the ease of it. We always call down to the valet for our car about 5 mins. or so before we leave our room, and it's always been waiting for us. The valets have always been extremely courteous, and we've never had any problems.

The only Disney trip I've taken that we were w/o a rental car was my first stay at the GF. The bus service was better than I expected, although you do typically stop at another resort (it always seemed to be the WL for us) before they drop you off at the Grand. The bus one night back from DTD took an hour,though, as somehow we also went to Ft. Wilderness - I had wished we had taken a cab.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thanks, everyone, for the bus information I think we'll definitely plan on a taxi to hoop dee do. Sounds like maybe the DHS would be okay with a bus...I would just rather pay a little than wait for 45 minutes with three little kids After all, it's my vacation too

I would probably take the taxi, too - except I'm not sure exactly where in Ft. Wilderness the HDDR is located. I've never actually been over to Ft. Wilderness, but I've always heard of having to park and then take their internal bus system it seems to get to HDDR. Just not sure if the taxi could get to the location? But like I said, I haven't been there, so I'm not sure.

Another option would be to take the monorail to the MK, and take the boat launch from there to Ft. Wilderness.

 

[LJD2143]

I would probably take the taxi, too - except I'm not sure exactly where in Ft. Wilderness the HDDR is located. I've never actually been over to Ft. Wilderness, but I've always heard of having to park and then take their internal bus system it seems to get to HDDR. Just not sure if the taxi could get to the location? But like I said, I haven't been there, so I'm not sure.

Another option would be to take the monorail to the MK, and take the boat launch from there to Ft. Wilderness.

And another option yet...is to take the monorail to the Contemporary, and then a boat to Fort Wilderness. The boat rides are very relaxing and enjoyable for children.

HDDR is held at Pioneer Hall in FW and is walking distance from the boat launch.

A taxi however, will drop you off at the Reception Outpost and you will then need to take an internal bus to the Settlement Depot, where Pioneer Hall is located.

 

[gonzo76]

Sorry, I forgot to answer this when I posted earlier! BCV23 used the online check in for her current trip, I believe, so hopefully we'll get a report on that when she pops in here or returns.

Thank you. I am looking forward to what she has to say.

 

[mama36]

And another option yet...is to take the monorail to the Contemporary, and then a boat to Fort Wilderness. The boat rides are very relaxing and enjoyable for children.

HDDR is held at Pioneer Hall in FW and is walking distance from the boat launch.

A taxi however, will drop you off at the Reception Outpost and you will then need to take an internal bus to the Settlement Depot, where Pioneer Hall is located.

Hmmm. Monorail to C. then boat launch...that sounds like a great suggestion How long should I plan for that adventure to take? We are going to the 7PM show - so maybe leave by 6PM? Sorry for the extended question - I'm such a detail person - I've got to have a plan

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for that parking info, Tinkaroo. Wow, what an inconvenience for the GF guests. I can't believe they are making people park across that road - is it Floridian Way? Yikes.

We usually take the boat from the MK to the HDD and walk up to Pioneer Hall, we're usually going from the GF and we take the monorail or launch over to the MK. It never occurred to us to continue on the monorail to the CR, I'm not as familiar with the transportation options in the WL/Ft.W area. I allow about an hour for our trip there, as I hate to cut it too close. If we get there early, that's OK, we go down and look at the ponies!

We've always had a bus waiting to take us back to our resort after the HDD, is that only when you get out late? I think we've only done the late show.

 

[princessesrule4]

Sorry, I forgot to answer this when I posted earlier! BCV23 used the online check in for her current trip, I believe, so hopefully we'll get a report on that when she pops in here or returns.

She said she used online check in for the BCV's, not the GF.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

She said she used online check in for the BCV's, not the GF.

Won't it work the same way, whichever resort it's used for? Is the DVC on a different system?

Either way, I'm hoping she'll see this and give us her opinion!