What to use for the getting ready room @ GF

[pixie08]

So I was speaking to my consultant about a getting ready room at the gf convention center and she mentioned they are no longer comp. and now have a food and bev min associated (boy do they know how to milk you). Ok after a little I calmed down and am starting to think about other alternatives. I am planning on staying at the GF the night before(checking in the morning of the rehersal) and few days after the wedding. I have myself, my mom and 5 bridesmaids (7 total) who are all going to be getting their hair done.

What do I do?

Should I try and convince my mom to stay at the GF w/ connecting rooms, or get an affordable suite? Are there any suites that aren't outrageously priced (ie over $500) that would be big enough, or will 2 rooms be big enough? Maybe since Dan and I will be sleeping apart he can stay in the connecting room than leave the morning of the wedding and we can use that? I have NO idea what to do!!!! Maybe the girls should just get their hair done at ivy trellis to free space up in the room? I think I need help

 

[allisonswonderland]

Yeah- I am concerned about that as well...I am at the beach club and ceremony is the WP, not sure what to do either. What is the food and bev minimum for the rooms?

 

[pixie08]

I am not sure but I know it is over 500...not sure exactly though.

 

[allisonswonderland]

could be that it is 1000 that is what the whitehall for my tea will be and the GF summerhouse for the rehearsal dinner.

 

[Luvndisney]

I think there is a 500 base charge for the room and then a f/b min of about 500. yes they know how to milk you!!! I would say try and get a second room at the GF. Only because the conference rooms are not set in stone until 2 weeks out frm your wedding for "getting ready". So if a conference comes in and wants that room they will not give it you..basically. You are better off suing your discount (it is preety large) and having 2 rooms connecting. MY mother actually just booked a room at the GF for 2 nights just for that reason and what more...they are a bit cheaper than the "ready room" now.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Hey-

We had me, three bridesmaids, my mom, his mom, hair and make-up artist, and three boyfriends that were flitting in and out (not my choice).

We had some serious last minute changes to plans becuase DH's dad was sick... like real flu sick. Not the "I have the flu" sick when it's really a cold. For that reason, DH didn't want to be anywhere near him and we ended up spending all the nights before the wedding together. At this point, I couldn't imgaine not having that time together.

We were in one of the honeymoon suites at Disney. It was a comp upgrade after the terrible service we receieved at the desk and I complained that I was not walking from the furthest building to get portraits done. The room rocked! It was a perfect size for everyone to get ready. Although I left it when it was still pretty much in shambles, my MoH did a beautiful job decorating it for us when we returned later that night. It was so helpful, as well, to have all our stuff in the room already and not have to worry about juggling rooms and bags and keys.

You ma want to look into the option of including the concierge room on your room block to get the discounted rate. Also check the time of year you will be there and see if you're during value season, regular season, etc., as that will decrease the rice of the room. And don't forget about the AP rates either. Remember, you're 2nd night will be comped by Disney as long as you have met the Room Block 25 night minimum. So, you'll have the awesome room for free your second night.

I would be very hesitant about adjoining rooms. We had requested building 8 or 9, across from the main building, and ended up down near Narcoosee's. Disney will not guarantee you anything. For me personally, looking back, I wouldn't risk it. It just worked out very well for us... we met the right person in charge.

Photos of the room are at www. D i s n e y S u i t e s. com (no spaces anywhere) under the blue "Hotels" tab at the top, Grand Floridian, honeymoon suite.

 

[pixie08]

Thanks Jill that is exactly what I was wondering...I wasn't sure if the suite was large enough or not. it is good to know it worked for you...Thanx.

 

[Janet2k]

So I was speaking to my consultant about a getting ready room at the gf convention center...

Pixie08, since I had the St. Augustine Ballroom at the Grand Floridian’s Convention Center for my getting ready room, I thought I would share photos of it so that you would have an idea of what something like that looks like during bridal preparations : click here.

There were only three people in my party (myself and my two bridesmaids), but we did have two Disney cosmetologists. That put our party size at five. We were dwarfed by the ballroom, but it certainly was nice having lots of space in which to get ready in.

How many cosmetologists will be preparing your bridal party? How long will it take for everyone to get prepared? Will food and beverages be served during your time together? Make sure you take those things into consideration when deciding upon the location for your getting ready room.

I hope this helped. And congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

 

[pixie08]

Thank you Janet..that is too funny because I think our reception is going to be in St Augustine!

 

[Janet2k]

Thank you Janet..that is too funny because I think our reception is going to be in St Augustine!

Well, if it is, I think you're gonna need a different "getting ready" room.

(Glad I could help.)