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

[k&a&c'smom]

mandymommy4 - thanks for that dormer info!

BCV23 - Your trip sounds wonderful, too bad it is drawing to a close. But they tell us that all good things must come to an end, and that includes WDW trips.~sigh~ I'm glad you had such a good time, and so many great meals, I love the GF restaurants. And your cakes sound delicious, I'm glad they turned out so well, that must have been a relief!

I'll have to tell DD about the soaps at Basin!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Since it is SO EARLY I would take a cab. Not sure how early the buses would run. We normally monorail to MK and grab the BC bus, but our ADR is usually a lot later than that. We always allow at least an hour to do it.

You can walk to EPCOT from the BC (or take a boat).

Ditto on the cab! We had an early morning ADR for Hollywood & Vine at DHS. Rather than wait for a bus and risk being late, etc. we took a cab. The best $20 I ever spent! All you do is walk outside your resort entrance, tell the valet you need a cab and they flag one down! The cabs were literally sitting across the street from the entrance just waiting.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Wendy5055 - I agree with the PPs about the cab, for a reservation that early, it will be money well spent!

Fun choice on the smilies!

 

[Belinderella]

Where at GF do you fill up your mugs?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Where at GF do you fill up your mugs?

at Gasparillas Grille

 

[mickeyfan85]

TravelinGAl - so sorry to hear your stay wasn't as magical as you expected, that is a shame! I understand your feelings, as I've stayed in resorts where the service was much better than any WDW resort, for less money. As others have pointed out, I guess they feel they don't have to work too hard at it, if people are willing to pay for the level of service that currently exists.

As for the mousekeeping issues, I agree, we have had those problems at every resort we've visited - the GF less than most, but still had them. Unfortunately, it seems that daily vacuuming has gone out at most of the resorts, maybe since the mousekeeping was outsourced a few years ago. I was in my room at AKL several times last month when the mousekeeper made up our room, and not once did she vacuum. She did a wonderful job in the bathroom and made the beds, straightened the night stand and wiped down the telephone - but did not vacuum. Apparently, that is now the norm, as I've read this complaint posted on the DIS over and over again. But I didn't make an issue of it, as she was the sweetest lady, and we often came back to cute animals and little notes in the room.

However, I have no idea why your mousekeeper would leave the daybed open and the comforter off the beds when making up the room! That is not acceptable, IMO - unless someone requests the comforters be left in the closet, etc. (some guests don't like that the bedspreads are not changed between every guest, and ask them to be removed)

I hope your next trip to WDW is everything you hope for!

Minor correction. Housekeeping at Disney resorts is not outsourced.

 

[mickeyfan85]

Ok, random Grand Floridian trivia for you!

Did you know the huge decorative lace that is framed in the lobby was made by Walt Disney's daughter as a present for her dad? It's located over by the portrait artist and the little hidden staircase. Look for it the next time you go!

Another trivia fact, The Grand Floridian is one of only three locations at Disney World that has the keys in boxes behind the desk. They are left over from before the time of electronic key cards. If you ask a front desk cast member, they might just give you one!

The other two locations are the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Muppet Vision: 3D

Oh, and if you're looking for the hidden Mickeys in the grand staircase, just look in the carpet

 

[TinkTatoo]

......A number of new soaps in Basin including a cute shamrock one. Several Spring designs. I shipped almost all of my purchases there home.....

The Shamrock soap sounds great - I'm guessing it's only for St Patrick's day and probably won't still be there in the summer

Shame your trip is nearly over.

 

[johnsonet]

Well, fellow GF fans I was over at the GF for probably the last time this trip this am. Had a hair appointment and shopped a bit.

Since I last visited in January, there are two new styles of GF mugs. A dainty white with pink and black trim bone porcelain style mug and a larger off white mug with an embossed picture of the GF.

A number of new soaps in Basin including a cute shamrock one. Several Spring designs. I shipped almost all of my purchases there home.

We did have our birthday celebration at Citricos. Dinner was wonderful and the cakes were great. Linda was very prompt in getting back to me after I told her what I wanted. She called back in a matter of minutes to confirm that what I wanted could be done and to give me prices. The filling ended up not being what I ordered but it was close . Most importantly, the cakes were delicious and beautiful. And the birthday boys had personalized menus.

So we've had one breakfast and three lunches at GF Cafe this trip. Dinner at Citricos and Narcoossee's (sorry DD ). Oh, the menu at Citricos is different than the one posted but not in major ways....things get tweaked there all the time I think.

The lobby floor is still carpeted. There's a larger TV in Mizner's than last time I noticed but that may be old news.

Have fun anyone going soon.

Thanks for all the info BCV23 Awesome news about the cakes I'm glad to hear something positive about the cake situation at the Grand Floridian - finally I'm sure mine will turn out great as well. The birthday dinner sounded fabulous
Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

You are all so very helpful and I was teary eyed a couple of times with such warm and helpful responses to my question about the daybeds. You are all so wonderful!!!!

I have decided that I will call the Grand and speak to them about the pink daybed situation. Hopefully that will get us into a room with one! Otherwise, I will have an unhappy girlie sleeping (or not) in my bed!!!! I love her though and like I always say...it's a real good thing she is so darned cute!!!

I think you're smart to call (or maybe ask when you check in) since the daybed is so important this trip

The Shamrock soap sounds great - I'm guessing it's only for St Patrick's day and probably won't still be there in the summer

Shame your trip is nearly over.

Cute smilie TinkTatoo. And I LOVE your new signature

Ok, random Grand Floridian trivia for you!

Did you know the huge decorative lace that is framed in the lobby was made by Walt Disney's daughter as a present for her dad? It's located over by the portrait artist and the little hidden staircase. Look for it the next time you go!

Another trivia fact, The Grand Floridian is one of only three locations at Disney World that has the keys in boxes behind the desk. They are left over from before the time of electronic key cards. If you ask a front desk cast member, they might just give you one!

The other two locations are the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Muppet Vision: 3D

Oh, and if you're looking for the hidden Mickeys in the grand staircase, just look in the carpet

That's neat about the lace. I can't wait to tell my daughter that. Every time we walk down that staircase I admire the lace - I had no idea of its history. Thanks!

 

[Tink03477]

I would guess 15 min? I have only walked from the TTA to the GF but we stopped at the POLY for a Dole whip.

Thank you Mandy!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Minor correction. Housekeeping at Disney resorts is not outsourced.

Well, that sure is strange, because when I've talked with management, they've told me that it is outsourced. I wonder why they would lie?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

the new mug

 

[Happy Camper 222]

Well, that sure is strange, because when I've talked with management, they've told me that it is outsourced. I wonder why they would lie?

Hi. I am not sure who you are or who you spoke with, but somebody gave you some bad information.

Alicenwonderlnd - thank you for posting that picture. I saw those in Sandy Cove last time we stayed at the Grand Flo and wanted to purchase a couple as a souvenir. Those scream GFlo to me.

Wendy5055 - that website that has been posted on this thread has some numbers that might be of interest to you regardging transportation.

Mickeyfan85 - you posted some terrific information. Thank you. That is what this thread needs. I have a couple of those keys.


Happy Camper

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hi. I am not sure who you are or who you spoke with, but somebody gave you some bad information.

Alicenwonderlnd - thank you for posting that picture. I saw those in Sandy Cove last time we stayed at the Grand Flo and wanted to purchase a couple as a souvenir. Those scream GFlo to me.

Wendy5055 - that website that has been posted on this thread has some numbers that might be of interest to you regardging transportation.

Mickeyfan85 - you posted some terrific information. Thank you. That is what this thread needs. I have a couple of those keys.


Happy Camper

You mean these keys....
we have a few

 

[Alicnwondrln]

sorry the mug pic fuzzy in the pic but I just snapped it quick.

 

[Happy Camper 222]

YES...those keys. They are really cool. CMs gave me a few. I have some suite keys and some blank keys. Great for a Grand Floridian fan like me.

The mug photo is great. I have seen them in person though so I knew exactly what the photo was. The mugs are beautiful and not junky like a lot of other WDW souvenirs. I have had so much WDW stuff fall apart.

Happy Camper

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Love the mug!! Very elegant and "tea like"... if I can bear to go over there in June I may have to get one of those, if not I will wait until December when we stay there again

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks for all the info BCV23 Awesome news about the cakes I'm glad to hear something positive about the cake situation at the Grand Floridian - finally

But I thought she said it was CLOSE, but not exactly right It really
is a shame that after all the conversations she said they had that it still wasn't right. I just don't understand how this lady still has a job over there with the amount of complaints I have seen here on this thread and the cake thread about her.

Hopefully when BCV returns she can clarify what was wrong with the actual cake vs. her request.

 

[Happy Camper 222]

But I thought she said it was CLOSE, but not exactly right It really
is a shame that after all the conversations she said they had that it still wasn't right. I just don't understand how this lady still has a job over there with the amount of complaints I have seen here on this thread and the cake thread about her.

Hopefully when BCV returns she can clarify what was wrong with the actual cake vs. her request.

I think she still has a job over there because people keep accepting mistakes.

If more people spoke up and complained nicely and effectively to the right people something would be done. We have had our own experinces with Linda. Some good - some really bad. And lately it's been more of the bad.

Happy Camper

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi. I am not sure who you are or who you spoke with, but somebody gave you some bad information.

Hi! I'm not sure who you are, either, I've been on the DIS since 2002 and I see you registered this month. So, nice to meet you, and welcome to the DIS!

I was just coming back on to say that I've been researching this topic, since I hate to pass on inaccurate info. I was told by a CL CM a few years ago that an issue I had was hard to address, because "it is an outside company". In many Orlando Sentinel articles in 2005 and 2006, they referenced a number of outsourced positions. Those included IT jobs and many custodial, bell, valet, and baggage service jobs.

Since I can't find any articles that state that resort housekeeping jobs were also outsourced, I stand corrected. But, as anyone can see, there were many, many positions outsourced in the time that I was told the housekeeping positions were "an outside company", so either I misunderstood, or the CM that I spoke with was in error.

I humbly apologize for the misinformation!