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

[BCV23]

Oh, I see what you're saying, thanks!

BCV23 - thanks for the update, did you like the process, do you think you'll do it again? I know it was for DVC, but can you tell if it will work basically the same way for all resorts?

I like to do things online, I would normally be all for anything that speeds the process; however, I worry that I won't get to have that input with the check in CM, as I usually am a little more specific about what we'd like when I'm at the front desk.

Hi!

Yes, I would absolutely do it again. In fact I will try to do it for that villa reservation that is through Disney Reservation Center (DRC). I can't access that one on the DVC site as it's not a DVC point reservation even though we will be staying in a villa. I'll let you know if I'm able to do that.

If they begin it at the regular resorts, I imagine it will be just the same as my experience the other day. You still interacted with a CM at the front desk, it's just that your packet is ready, room assigned, keys cut, credit card already on account. There was no line at all. Very fast and convenient.

 

[BCV23]

Yup, they do movies on the beach! We were just there last week and stayed at the Grand Floridian for the first time and every night a movie was playing. They did roasted marshmallows at 6pm and then at 7pm the movie started. While we were there, we heard the movies High School Musical 3, Meet the Robinsons and another I can't remember! Anyhow, I saw that they offered a movie every night of the week we were there. Pretty cool. Can I just say how much I love the Grand Floridian? It's gorgeous and the only resort my hubby says he'll ever stay at!

I'm glad you had such a wonderful first stay!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'm gald you had such a wonderful first stay!

Thanks! We had the best time. I will never stay at another resort again. It really is a beautiful resort and we loved everything about it! The buildings and grounds were impeccable and my girls loved the pools! Next time we want to rent a cabana and just chill by the pool all day

 

[johnsonet]

Yup, they do movies on the beach! We were just there last week and stayed at the Grand Floridian for the first time and every night a movie was playing. They did roasted marshmallows at 6pm and then at 7pm the movie started. While we were there, we heard the movies High School Musical 3, Meet the Robinsons and another I can't remember! Anyhow, I saw that they offered a movie every night of the week we were there. Pretty cool. Can I just say how much I love the Grand Floridian? It's gorgeous and the only resort my hubby says he'll ever stay at!

Thanks! That is great news Glad you enjoyed the GF... my husband feels the same way as yours

Yes, I would absolutely do it again... You still interacted with a CM at the front desk, it's just that your packet is ready, room assigned, keys cut, credit card already on account. There was no line at all. Very fast and convenient.

Sounds awesome BCV23! AND easy

Thanks! We had the best time. I will never stay at another resort again. It really is a beautiful resort and we loved everything about it! The buildings and grounds were impeccable and my girls loved the pools! Next time we want to rent a cabana and just chill by the pool all day

We've enjoyed the cabanas a few times - it's definitely nice to take a day to relax poolside

 

[BCV23]

Tried checking in on line for our cash Disney Reservation Center stay. A little online checkin icon shows up but when I enter my info, it says it can't access the reservation at this time.

Good luck everyone going soon. Hope it opens up soon for the GF.

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks! We had the best time. I will never stay at another resort again. It really is a beautiful resort and we loved everything about it! The buildings and grounds were impeccable and my girls loved the pools! Next time we want to rent a cabana and just chill by the pool all day

Glad you had a great first stay! We love the GF and have a hard time staying anywhere else!

 

[MelissaFromRI]

Thanks! We had the best time. I will never stay at another resort again. It really is a beautiful resort and we loved everything about it! The buildings and grounds were impeccable and my girls loved the pools! Next time we want to rent a cabana and just chill by the pool all day

Like I keep saying , once you go GF , you can't go back

 

[dpndka]

Just remember , once you go GF , you can't go back

This is 100% true!
I want to try poly or CR 4our Dec stay but just can't bring myself to do so.

 

[MelissaFromRI]

This is 100% true!
I want to try poly or CR 4our Dec stay but just can't bring myself to do so.

The one trip that I forced myself to try the Poly I pratically started crying everytime we passed the GF on the monorail

 

[Lfive]

I used online check-in for my GF stay and it worked fine the other day. I called and spoke with a CM and she told me my room requests that were added when I made the reservation would still be attached to the reservation even if I did online check-in. I'll find out tomorrow when I get there. Gotta get up in 5 hours to drive to the airport and I'm still working. Normally I'd be upset, but these days I feel lucky to have work to do.

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Hello all!

I noticed that the cabana info on the first page still reflects the same prices that we paid in 2008. Are the prices still the same? Any rumbling about price increases?

We had a blast last year and I want to do it again when we go in September. We're heading back to the GF for 10 Magical nights. Sure it's hot and humid but we love it and look forward to another great vacation.

Any help on the cabana rates would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[loralie]

Hello all!

I noticed that the cabana info on the first page still reflects the same prices that we paid in 2008. Are the prices still the same? Any rumbling about price increases?

We had a blast last year and I want to do it again when we go in September. We're heading back to the GF for 10 Magical nights. Sure it's hot and humid but we love it and look forward to another great vacation.

Any help on the cabana rates would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I booked the cabana for 2 of my days for my trip in May. The CM quoted me the same prices as on the website. $60.00 for 1/2 day and $110.00 for a full day. They did take a Credit card number to hold the reservation but it wont be charged until I use the cabana. I booked two 1/2 days... I can't wait to try it out.


Loralie

 

[BCV23]

We are DVC members and you have to access your ressie under the DVC member site. I haven't seen any posts that anyone has used online check in yet at the GF, but I'm sure someone will soon!

Glad you had a great first stay! We love the GF and have a hard time staying anywhere else!

So do you mean you use most or all of your points at the GF? Have you been happy with that? We've never used points at the "regular" resorts. I see very few reports about doing so but a couple of DVCers have posted that they had nice upgrades using points. Has that been your experience at the GF? Oh, and which resort is your home, neighbor?

I used online check-in for my GF stay and it worked fine the other day. I called and spoke with a CM and she told me my room requests that were added when I made the reservation would still be attached to the reservation even if I did online check-in. I'll find out tomorrow when I get there. Gotta get up in 5 hours to drive to the airport and I'm still working. Normally I'd be upset, but these days I feel lucky to have work to do.

And as princessrule4 predicted, here's a GF report! Very cool! Have a Grand vacation! Hope you get some sleep on the plane.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - Thanks for the input on the online check in, too bad you weren't able to use it for your AKV reservation.

Lfive - you got to do online check in for the GF, that's great! Have a wonderful trip!

Alicnwondrln & 3prettyprincesses - thanks for the info on the movies on the beach! Glad you had such a wonderful first visit to the Grand, 3prettyprincesses, hopefully the first of many!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I used online check-in for my GF stay and it worked fine the other day. I called and spoke with a CM and she told me my room requests that were added when I made the reservation would still be attached to the reservation even if I did online check-in. I'll find out tomorrow when I get there. Gotta get up in 5 hours to drive to the airport and I'm still working. Normally I'd be upset, but these days I feel lucky to have work to do.

I cant wait to hear how it works out. Have a great time!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

3prettyprincesses- now you understand all the hype!

We tend to stay at the GF for our "big" trip of the year and stay at Pop for our "extra" trips. When we are staying at Pop (our other favorite resort, go figure ) I don't even EAT at the GF. It makes me too sad that we aren't staying there!

OT Alert!!!
Melissa- I love your tag!!! That is one of my very favorite rides!!

 

[mandymommy4]

that the GF has a movie on the beach?

You are all so great and informative...I just love this thread!!!!!

Yes!!! And as you can see from my picture and what 3prettyprincess posted she experienced as some of the movies shown, the movie selection changes weekly!

[/IMG]

Yup, they do movies on the beach! We were just there last week and stayed at the Grand Floridian for the first time and every night a movie was playing. They did roasted marshmallows at 6pm and then at 7pm the movie started. While we were there, we heard the movies High School Musical 3, Meet the Robinsons and another I can't remember! Anyhow, I saw that they offered a movie every night of the week we were there. Pretty cool. Can I just say how much I love the Grand Floridian? It's gorgeous and the only resort my hubby says he'll ever stay at!

 

[mmmears]

The one trip that I forced myself to try the Poly I pratically started crying everytime we passed the GF on the monorail

OK -- this is my biggest fear for our upcoming trip. It's so much worse when you can see a hotel you love and aren't staying there. I'm really hoping that I'll love the Poly, too, since we're staying there for a week.

MelissaFromRI, say it isn't so...

 

[johnsonet]

OK -- this is my biggest fear for our upcoming trip. It's so much worse when you can see a hotel you love and aren't staying there. I'm really hoping that I'll love the Poly, too, since we're staying there for a week.

MelissaFromRI, say it isn't so...

Awww I'm sure you will love the Polynesian! And didn't your DD specifically request it? If you find yourself crying when you pass by then you can always try and switch over to the GF

 

[mmmears]

Awww I'm sure you will love the Polynesian! And didn't your DD specifically request it? If you find yourself crying when you pass by then you can always try and switch over to the GF

Thanks for the reassurance... We'll miss the YC, too, but we wont be looking at it across a lagoon everyday. And, yes, we're staying there because my DD wants to stay there. We will probably love it, just hoping so and having some worries over it. When you spend a year planning a trip, you want it to be perfect (and what is ever perfect?).