Upgrade to Grand Floridian

[LYNSUE]

Last night I received a call from DVC regarding our upcoming visit in September. Part of our visit included two nights in the Poly concierge. It turns out that the nights we had booked are the same dates that the Poly is undergoing some major renovations in the concierge area.

We were offered three options: 1. Switch to a regular Poly room and DVC would refund the point difference. 2. Change our stay to earlier in the week before the concierge renovations start. 3. Switch to the Grand Floridian concierge for no additional points.

I wanted to think about it. However, DH felt it was a "no brainer". Of course you take the upgrade to GF. When would we ever get another opportunity to stay there for that amount of points? He is right!

However, now I am wondering if we will be comfortable there. Don't get me wrong, we love a great resort, but will it be too high society or stuffy for us?

I am having very mixed emotions about it. Would love to hear your opinions on the GF.

 

[mikesmom88]

LYNSUE

We used t think that way also, too stuffy, wouldn't be comfortable - wow were we wrong. We had a great time there and so did the kids (ages 15, 10, 7). They loved the pool and the snack place (Gasparilla's) was open 24 hours. The lobby is wonderful and we spent free time just sitting and listening to the band and enjoying the atmosphere. The CM were great too.

We are Poly lovers and are staying there in August but we will definetly go to the GF again!

Try it, you will be surprised.
Enjoy!

 

[CarolMN]

Some have reported (on the Resorts Board) that they were offered the Contemporary (didn't want GF either). If you think you would like the CR, why not ask if that is an option?

Best wishes-

 

[RobDoc]

Concierge at the GF is really nice. I think you'll find that the experience will be very positive. You won't feel out of place at all. Concierge at the CR is not comparable to the level of service at either the GF or Poly (IMO). Just go and enjoy the pampering and the amenities.

 

[DebbieB]

I think the person on the resorts board posted that the GF conceirge was Sugarloaf Building, not Main Building. He felt that Sugarloaf was not comparable to the Poly and they would not give him main building. So he took the Contemporary.

 

[Debs Hill]

We're hoping to book Poly with points for next year and were either going to go for a lagoon view or conceirge.......................when you book conceirge poly with points is that for garden or lagoon view, or is it pot luck?!!! And is conceirge at the GF in the main building with points or not?
Many thanks!
Debsx

 

[jel0511]

The person on the resorts board indicated that the move to the GF was into the Sugarloaf building, not the main building, and not a fair trade if you ask me. Personally, I'd push for another resort, like the CR or maybe an Epcot resort concierge. There is really no comparision between the Poly and Sugarloaf. Though if you can get Main Building, go for it!!!

We're hoping to book Poly with points for next year and were either going to go for a lagoon view or conceirge.......................when you book conceirge poly with points is that for garden or lagoon view, or is it pot luck?!!! And is conceirge at the GF in the main building with points or not?
Many thanks!
Debsx

At the Poly, you're booked into Lagoon View Concierge and at the GF, you're booked into the Main Building.

 

[Debs Hill]

That's reassuring to know, as if we were going to use all those points I'd want to be looking at the lagoon!!!! For points value would you go for an ordinary lagoon view or conceirge..........it's 10 pts per night more when we want to go?

What are the main differences between GF sugar loaf and the main building? Do you think the GF concierge points are good value?!

Debsxxx

 

[DisneyAg85]

The difference between Main Building Concierge and Sugarloaf is incredible. Sugarloaf is concierge Light and Main Building is more like the Polynesian level. The same can be said at Contemporary 14th floor vs. 12th floor which has the concierge light service. In my opinion neither the Sugarloaf nor 12th floor is worth it. But Main Building and 14th floor are great.

 

[jmminarik]

Ok, for myself and those ignorant like myself, what's so great about concierge? All I can find reference to is there's a lounge with "free" food and booze and possibly a seperate check-in. To me concierge should mean the ability to get the "impossible" to get things, like PS at Cinderella's for breakfast, fireworks cruises, and stuff like that. Not 90 days out at 7:00 am Eastern, but the day before.

I'm just confused as to the fondness some have for it. Maybe I'm just too much of a do it myselfer.

-Joe

 

[jel0511]

Ok, for myself and those ignorant like myself, what's so great about concierge? All I can find reference to is there's a lounge with "free" food and booze and possibly a seperate check-in. To me concierge should mean the ability to get the "impossible" to get things, like PS at Cinderella's for breakfast, fireworks cruises, and stuff like that. Not 90 days out at 7:00 am Eastern, but the day before.

I'm just confused as to the fondness some have for it. Maybe I'm just too much of a do it myselfer.

-Joe

I really can't explain it. Yes, you do get a lounge, usually has "free" food all day long, and usually alcohol after 5PM. There is usually a separate check-in, but that does vary, though I've always had the separate check-in. They can help you get some of those impossible things, but they NEVER guarantee it since they also have to book them when everyone else is. There used to be a hold on those impossible things for concierge guests, but not anymore. I'm sure if you're a true VIP you can get anything, but that has not been my experience. I also usually book all my own PS's but it is nice to know that there is a dedicated desk for us that usually isn't crowded, and they are very helpful. I like the all-day snacks too, usually secured building or floor, and personalized service. I don't mind paying the extra for these services, so I do it.

 

[kathleena]

The first time a friend of mine stayed at GF (they had stayed at OKW, BW and WL before) they were concerned about "stuffiness". They said it was not a problem and have stayed there two more times since!

 

[Tamar]

We recently splurged and stayed at GP main concierge, and it was wonderful. You are really treated like royalty (there was actually a queen there from a small country when we were there, as a matter of fact).

We didn't make any PS's (didn't need any fancy meals with the food served) but here's an example of the level of service:

The night before we checked in, we had dinner at V&A's and they gave me a longstemmed red rose. We were spending 3 nights at GF, so after checkin the next day I went to the concierge desk and asked if they had a vase...maybe someone had left one behind after their stay.

One of the CMs went in the back to check, and came back with a smallish vase...all they had. He walked me back to my room, stopping at the flower arrangements that were in the hall on the way, and picking some other flowers out of those arrangements....then he cut off the rose to fit the vase and made me a flower arrangement with it and the other flowers he'd gathered. Totally unexpected and totally appreciated. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat if I could afford it!

 

[goldilocks_63]

Ok, for myself and those ignorant like myself, what's so great about concierge? All I can find reference to is there's a lounge with "free" food and booze and possibly a seperate check-in. To me concierge should mean the ability to get the "impossible" to get things, like PS at Cinderella's for breakfast, fireworks cruises, and stuff like that. Not 90 days out at 7:00 am Eastern, but the day before.

***

Before I bought into DVC, we stayed at Yatch Club concierge.... We were able to get PS for cindy's (at 2 days ahead)..... and fireworks cruise, and other stuff....

Now maybe it was because it was my wedding, and we were in a majorly expensive room (Admiral's suite) with 17 additional family members, but definitely could get pretty much whatever we wanted.....

That was 10 years ago, so I don't know if concierge is as luxurious...

but if you like stormalong bay, consider yatch club... or doesn't boardwalk have something too.

***

I also felt intimidated by GF.... so try somewhere else, if you like....

Enjoy, Goldi

 

[Debs Hill]

Can anyone tell me what sort of things are on offer in the lounges at Poly and GF?!! Do you get nightly turn down service?

On a slightly different note, is the view from Hawaii at Poly better than standard lagoon view in Tahiti!?
Debsx

 

[lts862]

My famiy and I have stayed at GF (not conceirge). It is a lovely, victorian hotel, but we did not feel that it was "uppity" or "snotty" at all. We had a 3 1/2 and one year old with us. There were lots of children, shorts and t shirts, the same things you see at the other hotels and resorts. I think that the conceirge at GF would be wonderful! Enjoy!!
Lynn

 

[jmminarik]

Do you get nightly turn down service?
Debsx

Since I'm in an inquiring mood, what's the big deal about turn down service. I could see 200 years ago in the dead of winter it would be nice to have the bed warmed, but what am I missing about somebody pulling the covers down part way?

-Joe

 

[Bugeye]

It's not the GF that's stuffy - it's the people who stay there (except all of us, of course).

 

[Meezers]

I will be wondering what your decision is. We are staying at GF for our "dream trip" next year...wondering how much OT I would have to work for concierge service.

Can anyone explain the difference between the two levels of concierge service? Would the lower level bother you if you had no idea of what to compare it with? We are non-drinkers so lack of alcohol would actually be a good thing

 

[ddhoeg]

I have stayed at both the Sugarloaf concierge and the main building concierge previously. The two aren't comparable at all IMHO. The Sugarloaf building doesn't have any better view than a standard GF hotel room. You get some coffee/juice with light breakfast items in the morning and then some snack type of items in the evening. There is a concierge staff desk area in the building but we found that it was only staffed about half of the time. We didn't feel like the cost increase from a regular room was worth it and have some other friends who felt the same way when they stayed there. Personally, I would choose a top floor, lagoon view of the castle from the Boca Chica or Conch Key buildings over the Sugarloaf concierge. It would be less points and a better value. OTOH, the main building concierge is incredible. Wow!! We had a room 2 floors above Gasparillas that looked straight at the castle. You can watch Wishes right from your balcony and hear the music. The food offerings are extensive and include wine, with each night featuring items from the different GF restaurants. I remember one night there amazing dishes from V&As, and another night great seafood from Narcoossies. They had a special snack area for kids with cupcakes, hot dogs, mickey pancakes for BF, etc. Another benefit is you walk straight onto the monorail from the elevator without ever leaving the building. If you have a stroller that is very convenient! My daughter had a birthday when we were there and they surprised her with a cake, balloons, and signed card of Tigger and Pooh. You also can't really compare sitting in the concierge area just sipping a drink and listening to the band play. It feels like your own private concert. They also have 2-3 dedicated staff concierge members to help you with any requests and waitstaff to get you refills on drinks while you enjoy the music. I have had turndown service at all types of GF rooms, so I don't think there is a difference there. I could go on and on, but will stop the rambling!! We love the GF! If you can't stay in the main building concierge, don't take the trade. The Sugarloaf isn't much at all, and I think you would be disappointed. However, I wouldn't feel at all uncomfortable with the "stuffy" atmosphere. We have never felt that way and we have stayed there 7 times. You will see tons of kids and families hanging out. It is just like any other resort, so make yourself at home. Have a great trip!!