The **NEW** Grand Floridian FAQ!(MAY 2011)

[catyanna]

Thanks for the clues everyone. today I used the word "loop". But she still has no idea what the surprise is.
She keeps asking if it is a tea party w/ Alice. (her favorite character)

I will report back with more of her silly gueses!
29 days till my Magic begins! I can't wait.

I have a quick, maybe silly question. When we arrive does a CM meet us at the entrance & show us to our room? I am not sure what to expect. If one does, do they normally get a tip? if so, what is the normal tip amount for them?

 

[MommyGina]

catyanna - I am thrilled that you are taking your mom to the GF. I took my mother there several times and she loved it. She will be in my heart and in spirit with us this year. Enjoy every minute you can with her.

Since you mentioned that you were staying in Sugar Loaf, how about a clue with baking (Sugar). Or something about the grand piano in the lobby?

Since you are staying in CL, a CM will come out to the bus to meet you and check you in. I have never tipped them. I don't know what others have done in the past. Also, I haven't seen anyone tipping a CM. One of the CM's told me that they couldn't accept tips, except Mouse keeping. I don't know if that's true or not.

 

[catyanna]

catyanna - I am thrilled that you are taking your mom to the GF. I took my mother there several times and she loved it. She will be in my heart and in spirit with us this year. Enjoy every minute you can with her.

Since you mentioned that you were staying in Sugar Loaf, how about a clue with baking (Sugar). Or something about the grand piano in the lobby?

Since you are staying in CL, a CM will come out to the bus to meet you and check you in. I have never tipped them. I don't know what others have done in the past. Also, I haven't seen anyone tipping a CM. One of the CM's told me that they couldn't accept tips, except Mouse keeping. I don't know if that's true or not.

ThanksMonnyGina
Funny how as we get older we realize just what is important in life. I try to enjoy my parents as much as possible. Because although thank Goodness they are both very healthy, I know that won't be the case forever & I especially want my DS(3) to enjoy & really get to know his grandparents.

I used Sugar as her first clue. I am saving the piano clue for later on. We have been there for dinner a few times & she knows about the piano in the lobby. I want to keep her really guessing as long as possible.

About the Cm coming out to meet us, what if we are driving there? How do they know that we've arrived? Does the gate gaurd let someone we are coming in?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

catyanna - The guard at the gate will ask for ID, and may call ahead. If not, there are CL CMs stationed at the entrance during the peak check in times, so there should be someone there to greet you. If not (it has happened to me once or twice), just go in and approach someone at the front desk, they will call a CL cast member to come and get you.

Resort and CL cast members are not allowed to accept tips (except valet and mousekeeping), although some guests do bring a small token from their home state for the whole CL staff. In my opinion, simply escorting guests to the SL building is part of the job, and does not merit a tip, even were they allowed to accept.

We'll be looking forward to hearing your clues, and your mother's guesses!

 

[Lulu'sMom]

catyanna -that is so wonderful that you are taking your mother to the GF SL!!!!!
kacsmom can tell you of the many times I've taken my mom, and we've even had a mini-meet, cabana and all, at the lovely Grand Floridian.
So many precious memories you will make with your mother that you will cherish for years to come!


Well, I'm bailing out on our beloved GF on this next trip. Too many expenses for DS' college move and DH didn't want resort "hop", so no GF RPC or GF anything for moi this year for me!

But, it's all good, we're staying at the Poly, and we're eating at the GF....alot! got those ADRs booked and ready to go! LOL

Mike...keep those fabulous pics coming!

 

[kaffinito]

Thank you kaffinito for the link explaining how to upload pictures. I am sure it will help and hopefully I will get some pictures posted. Not the quality of KCmike, who takes amazing pictures, but they are of the GF which will always put a smile on the face of a GF lover! (And as always, thanks for your support k&a&c'smom, I may need your advice if I get stuck!)

Did I mention we booked our next trip there in the fall?! I have been dealing with a serious health issue and my trips to the GF help get me through my treatments! There is no place more restorative, beautiful or relaxing in my book.

You're welcome. Glad you have booked the GF in the fall! I do agree that it is a very relaxing place.

 

[KCmike]

I absolutely LOVE this picture. Could you tell me where at GF it was taken? I'm a newbie about GF.

If your at the zero entry pool and you start walking towards the main building. That's exactly where I took the shot. Thanks for the nice comments.

 

[KCmike]

 

[BCV23]

WDWKOOK - that is a mystery, I don't see much difference between the new pilot program and the old system. BCV23 could be right, and it's intended for guests onsite - it would be nice if they clarified a bit, wouldn't it?

I hope skibum25 is able to get the scoop!

It's just a guess on my part. However, the word "guest" is a clue to me. WDW seems to reserve that word for those who are actually...guests. As opposed to those of us always in planning mode on the DIS.

Watch out for your toes, I'm starting the happy dance!

One day to go!!! Following a wonderful week in NYC, we are finally flying off to the Mouse House and our beloved GF.

So excited for you. Have a Grand Trip!

You, too, skibum25.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

BCV23 - good detective work!

Lulu's Mom - Do you know, that is the only time we've tried a cabana? We don't spend enough hours at the pool to merit even a half day. Having it for a large group is definitely the way to go, though.

Sorry to hear you will not be in RPC, but I'm sure you will have a great time at the Poly. Glad you've got GF meals planned, at least - you can soak up the ambiance, listen to the music, get in some shopping. Those college expenses can really cut into our GF funds, can't they?!

Jungle Cruiser - I'm glad kaffinito quoted your post, I missed it - I think several of us were posting at the same time, and I ended up on a new page. If you get stuck, I'll be happy to help. Can't wait to see your photos!

So sorry to hear you are having health issues. I'm glad you have a GF visit for the fall - something to look forward to, right?!

 

[smithgrandchild]

Greeting all!

I have been lurking for some time and wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate everyone who contributes to this thread.

DH and I are DVC owners, so most of our time is spent at the BCV. However, when it's just the two of us we like to occasionally stay at the GF. We'll be there the last week of August and really appreciate the GF at that time of year since it's so lovely plus so easy to come back the resort to relax during the midday heat.

This time, we have two ressies at the GF. One for two nights where we exchanged DVC points for a Lagoon View and the remaining three nights on cash with an AP discount rate for a Lodge Tower Room.

I imagine there are a limited number of Lodge Tower Rooms in each outer building. How many are there in total not counting club level? I assume they all have balconies, right?

Also, DH hates to switch rooms so I'm wondering if I made a mistake taking the Lodge Tower Room for the last three nights. I would be happy to pay the difference to upgrade to the Lodge Tower Room the first two nights of our stay but am uncertain about:
1) whether we would be allowed to do that since we exchanged DVC points for those first two nights, and
2) the limited number of Lodge Tower Room availability.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

smithgrandchild - Glad you've come out of lurkdom to join us.

I'll try to help, though I don't have exact numbers for the lodge tower rooms. My guess is there are 3-4 per outer building - so counting Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, that would be around 12-16 total (not counting the SL tower rooms, which are club level). The turrets are only on the courtyard (or marina, in the case of Sago) side of the buildings, and I think the first floor is used for housekeeping, so that leaves floors 2-3-4-5; floor 5's turret may be part of a suite, I'm just not sure. If anyone has more accurate info, please don't hesitate to jump in. (Cali-D, I'm lookin' at you!)

Most of the lodge tower rooms have balconies, but a few do not.

I know nothing about DVC and its operations, so someone who does will have to answer regarding the points exchange and making changes. I hope someone will pop in soon with that info. In the meantime, maybe you could either ask over on the DVC forums, or call Member Services?

Good luck!

 

[skibum25]

I suppose you could even ask about this new plan even if you aren't awarded the coveted distinction.

Didn't even occur to me. I will ask when there and report back!

Have a great trip!

Will do. Thanks!

skibum25 - Just over a week to go, woohoo! You'll be on your way before you know it!

I'm already jumping out of my skin and have over a week to go!!! It can't come quick enough but I know you are right, it will be here before I know it.

I hope skibum25 is able to get the scoop!

As suggested by WDWKOOK, I'll inquire and advise.

You, too, skibum25.

Thanks BCV23!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'll try to help, though I don't have exact numbers for the lodge tower rooms. My guess is there are 3-4 per outer building - so counting Sago Cay, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key, that would be around 12-16 total (not counting the SL tower rooms, which are club level). The turrets are only on the courtyard (or marina, in the case of Sago) side of the buildings, and I think the first floor is used for housekeeping, so that leaves floors 2-3-4-5; floor 5's turret may be part of a suite, I'm just not sure. If anyone has more accurate info, please don't hesitate to jump in. (Cali-D, I'm lookin' at you!)

Hi k&a&c'smom, you've pretty much got it right! 16 lodge tower rooms, 12 with balconies (5th floor doesn't have them).

 

[KCmike]

 

[threebeesatdisney]

Hi everyone1 I am so excited because at this time next month I will be arriving for our first visit to the GF!!!! for MANY years my family & I have been going to Disney & always say "one day we will be able to stay there" One day is FINALLY here!

Congratulations! I am working on our first visit to GF for 2012! Soon our "one day" will be here too if all goes as planned! ISN'T IT EXCITING!

 

[threebeesatdisney]

If your at the zero entry pool and you start walking towards the main building. That's exactly where I took the shot. Thanks for the nice comments.

COOL! Thanks!

You were right k&a&c'smom!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Cali-D, thanks for the info, as always you are a wealth of knowledge. You truly ARE the #1 GF expert.

KC Mike - another gorgeous shot, interesting and beautiful.

skibum25 - as the big day gets closer, the excitement does seem overwhelming, doesn't it?! Even after so many trips, I feel the same way.

threebeesatdisney - I'm such a cheat - I have a similar photo taken from the same area, but in the daytime:

 

[BCV23]

Cali-D, thanks for the info, as always you are a wealth of knowledge. You truly ARE the #1 GF expert.

He is, isn't he?

Cali-D, what happened to your colored tags from the Tag Fairy? Didn't it use to say #1 GF Fan as well as All around Good Guy. Something like that and all true.

KCMike, thanks again for all your beautiful pictures. I enjoy them every day even if I don't have anything to add to the thread.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

Jungle Cruiser - I'm glad kaffinito quoted your post, I missed it - I think several of us were posting at the same time, and I ended up on a new page. If you get stuck, I'll be happy to help. Can't wait to see your photos!

So sorry to hear you are having health issues. I'm glad you have a GF visit for the fall - something to look forward to, right?![/QUOTE]

The link that kaffinito posted looks great. I hope to post pictures this weekend. I have been doing intense chemo for months and it's a week on a week off so I don't get things done in a timely manner! However, the GF is just the medicine I need to help me get through.

Some "pixie dust" came our way yesterday. I had booked the GF for 11 nights the end of Sept/beginning of Oct with the bounceback offer. AP rates came out yesterday, through Oct 1st. The bounceback didn't let us book Sugarloaf, however when I called I found out the AP rate did, for only half our stay...however the CM put me on hold for a bit to talk to her supervisor and when she came back "magically" we were able to get the whole vacation at Sugarloaf at a discount! I can't stop smiling! The magic of the GF!!!