The *NEW* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Frequently Asked Questions -Updated 08/12/02

[*123JOANNA123*]

I was quoted a rate of $405 a night for lodge concierge for August. As we hadn't bought the passes, we opted for the FT package GV. I think the usual rate is $500 a night, so the AP savings amounted to about 20%- FT worked out cheaper for us as we will need passes.

Might not help, but thought I'd post for general information

 

[s&k'smom]

Thanks Joanna. We got an amazing Airline discount last year. I may just call for the fun, you never know what you'll find when you call CRO!

 

[boomer626]

Just booked 7-night GF Lodge Concierge FTP in September. I've seen a lot of negative postings on the Sugarloaf Concierge - but wanted to take the chance because of the great FTP rates. Anyone have recent experience, and can confirm how late the lounge is open. Thanks.

 

[Jo-Jo21]

Bump

 

[hookedup]

What exactly is the "Twighlight Refresher" that is offered at the SL concierge? I know it does not include alcohol - but what does it include? I have read so many conflicting reports about the differences between RPC and SL food offerings. When I made my reservation the WDTC reservation agent said that the 2 concierge services are identical except no booze is served at SL. Other reviews and posts I have read here say that SL has much limited food compared to RPC - is that true?
I chose SL because we have a 3 year old and I thought that being in the SL would be less formal and a little better with him.
We have always loved our GF stays in the past - I had actually booked CR and switched the day I needed to make my payment. I was worried we would be looking over at the GF and I would be regreting not staying there.

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

I was there last year (SL) and I think the twilight refresher included crudites, cheese and crackers, chocolate cake, cookies and a chicken dish. I'm going in August and will have a report for you when I get back. Never been to RPC so I can't comment- maybe Cali-D knows?

Anyone else been there recently?

 

[BowlingAriel]

Going to stay at GF for the first time. Had originally booked BC Concierge for a week, then decided to cancel and stay 3 days, then off to Universal Hotel for the other 4. When I called to cancel part of trip they asked why? So I told them....I just stayed at Royal Pacific last month and was very impressed by the place and ALL of the friendly staff. And the "front of the line" pass using your hotel key was a HUGE benny.

So to make a long story short, they offered me an incredible deal to stay at the GF - Concierge Main Bldg. I have read over the many numerous posts and have a few questions.

1) How is concierge check in? I know at the BC the guard at the gate radios ahead and they meet us at valet? Take us to our room and let us check in at the Concierge desk as leisure.

2) Does anyone know if they offer a sampler pkg for the spa? (It is my DD 's (15th) and my DN's (13th) b-days while we are there) I'd like to surprise them with a spa day.

3) Can the GF concierge work miracles, like the Cindy's table ressie's for b'fast?

So sooo long winded, but I always research for weeks on a hotel to know every in and out.

Thanks

Michelle

 

[JRoglitz]

Are there any Garden View rooms with views of the Electric Water Parade or the Monorail? Thanks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hookedup,

I do agree that the lodge feels a bit less formal than the main building. Other than the lack of alcohol and not as extensive a dessert selection, I really didn't notice any other differences in the food between the two. The only complaint that I really have is that there is a lack of "kid friendly" items in both the main building and the lodge. When our youngest was 3, she would only eat breakfast and the chocolate frosted brownies that were offered. When we were there last July, I did notice that the selections at dinner time did include mini hot dogs. That brought some smiles to my DD's face.

Enjoy

 

[Bim-muv-fab]

I think I asked this a long time ago, so sorry for the repeat. For those of you who have stayed Main Building concierge, are their any particularly good views of the marina/MK that also have quiet balconies? I know the main bldg sits back from the water, so most rooms overlook the grounds, but are there any with particularly good water/MK views at all?

 

[TammiMcMan]

We stayed in room 4404 in the main building. This room contained 2 double beds and a day bed. The castle was directly center to our balcony. We were located on the 4th floor, same as the lounge, but about the furthest away that you could get. This really cut down on the hallway noise though. There were no rooms above us and even though we were over the Gasparilla grille, we really didn't experience any noise from there. Any rooms numbered from 4401 through 4409 would give you that perfect castle view.

Tammi

 

[crs7568]

Wow! This is such a helpful thread. It has gotten me totally excited for our August vacation and influenced me to switch from Polynesian concierge to the Sugar Loaf concierge. One question that I have that I cannot seem to find an answer for is regarding the theme of the room decorations in the Sugar Loaf building. My seven year old would be thrilled with Alice in Wonderland and I was just wondering what to expect. Anyone recall the theme?

Caryn

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Not sure of the theme- it may be the Alice one, all I remember is that it has a lot of florals and (I think) stripy wallpaper. I'll look at my photos tonight and see.

I can tell you that there are some 'Alice' themed toiletries- white rabbit cotton puffs- too cute.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Sugar Loaf has the Cameo theme. It is yellow, I really like it. I have two pictures of a room here: http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/fl...&.view=t&.done=http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/

 

[crs7568]

Thanks so much for the information. I am so excited to start our vacation and see everything for myself. I really think that this will be a great place to stay!

Caryn

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Ohhh Cali- those photos bring me back....... I wasn't sure what the name of that theme was- I thought it may have been Alice as I thought the figures on the bedspreads may have been characters from AIW. Thanks for posting these- only 3 weeks or so till I'm sleeping in one of those beds- YAY!!!

Have a great time at the GF Caryn!

 

[crs7568]

123JOANNA123, I have tried in vain to figure out the exact arrangement with the difference between Sugar Loaf concierge and the concierge in the main building. Some people report that the only difference is that there is no alcohol at Sugar Loaf while others seem to report that Sugar Loaf stops service at 7:00. Do you have the official word on this? I have only just switched reservations and have yet to hear from the concierge staff.

By the way, I love your other thread about great stories from the Grand Floridian. It is such a beautiful hotel and some of the negative reports had scared me away from staying there until I saw so many positive reviews. Nicely done!

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

Thank you for the nice words Caryn!

When we stayed last Sept at SL, there was definitely no alcohol there and evening offerings did finish up early (we got back to our room at around 9.30 and everything was closed up). I have the official hours somewhere on the information sheet that we received, so I'll look it up for you when I get home.

I'm quite happy with the SL offerings- for the extra $$, you could probably still call up room service and order a cordial or cocktail to be delivered to your room and you'd still come out ahead. SL has a lovely feel to it- you're going to love it.

 

[crs7568]

FYI, I have the official word that Sugar Loaf stops serving at 7:00 and definitely does not serve alcohol. I forgot to ask if the rest of the day the offerings are comparable between the two levels of concierge. I have seen many listings of the offerings at the Royal Palm but no listings for Sugar Loaf. Does anyone know? Also, how soon should I hear from concierge?

Also, if the difference is more than no alcohol and desserts, I was told that I could get a discount for a RPC deluxe room for a rate of 568.60 per night with tax instead of the 405.00 per night with tax at Sugar Loaf. Is that a decent price and is it worth it?
Thanks again!
Caryn

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

To be honest, if it were me, I would stick to the SL- for the extra $160-odd, you can sit in Mizners lounge or even sit in Citrico's, order up a dessert and as many cordials as you can drink, and you'll still come out ahead. From what I have heard, the food offerings at SL are exactly the same as RPC, so unless you have a real hankering to stay in the main building, I wouldn't go for that rate.

On the subject of the rate, I have never stayed RPC, so I have no idea if that's a good rate or not- check out disney's online website to see what rack rate is for your dates and make the decision from there. With FTP it's working out around $390 a night (that includes our park passes for 2 adults and one child) for us to stay at SL- I'm pretty happy with that rate.

Let us know what you decide