The *NEW* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread (Nov 2007)

[Lives4Disney]

I totally agree with Lives4disney. GF is very child friendly and you're close to MK. I wasn't thrilled at the BWI. My DH likes the Epcot area resorts, we prefer the Beach club over there. Best pool on WDW property!

Lives4disney: I just reserved Southern Elegance! DH can't understand why I want to pay for a limo when we can ride ME for free! I told him everyone arrives at the GF by limo! He said okay, only because it's my birthday trip. I'm milking this birthday for everything possible! It's not even a milestone birthday, it's just my excuse What time do you have them pick you up to return to the airport? The airport is only 20 minutes away. I HATE ME picks you up THREE HOURS prior to your flight. My kids get so antsy waiting in the airport that long! We might make this a new tradition on our return drive, don't think DH will go for limo round trip every vacation, but on the return drive, it's worth it.

Friday at 9pm on the Travel Channel is the next show in the "Season of Disney" series. This week is "Disney Splurges". I seriously should not watch this. I've already booked so many special things DH will KILL ME if I come up with anything else!!

I am so looking forward to that show!!! I need new ideas.

Depending on the flight time I usually have the limo pic us up at GF about 2.5 to 2 hrs prior to our departure. The security lines at MCO can be horrendous. I am not a fan of hanging out there for a long time, but those lines can be daunting. I think it only almost always takes us 1/2 hr to get betwn MCO and GF, so use your best judgement and if it's rush hour it might take a little longer...KWIM?

I haven't ever tried ME so I have no clue about the drop off system.

Thanks for the feedback! A big reason we chose BWI is because we love Epcot and we have never stayed near it and we wanted to try something new. I think GF seems beautiful and it is definitely one of our first choices for next vacation! The family oriented thing came out wrong and I meant more that we loved the location of the BWI! So sorry if it offended you! But thanks for the info! And we will eat at the GF one night and post photos!

Oh, no offense....I just didn't want you to make your resort choice based on "hearsay"....you know that the GF is snooty etc. It's really so not. All the CMs are great and very friendly - as are the guests ususally, too!

Enjoy the BWI...I love that Epcot location, too! Wish I were leaving in 5 days!!!!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Cinderumbrella]

So I am on the count down WOOOWHOOO....28 days until I am the World. I think Josh (my husband) is getting really excited.

Is there anything else we should know....

On ME what order does it drop off so I will know what to expect?

I know as soon as we get there I am headed to Casey's at the Mk to get a dog then hopping on Pirates (our tradition since I was a kid) and then to Splash (my fav at MK)! That night we have ressies at Le Cellier and a cake being delivered to our room!

Thanks for the remonder on the Disney Splurges....are they covering a wedding on there?

ME drop off depends on how full the bus is. I am pretty sure we went to the Poly first last year, but I truly don't remember (I just know we were in the lobby of the GF less than 1 hour after landing)

I am at 28 days as well, but not for the GF 7 months to go for that...

 

[polyfan60]

No, but thanks for understanding! I don't think it's snooty at all as my mom and my sister and niece went there in January and had a great time! It should be a fun trip!

 

[allisonswonderland]

I did not know that they did it based on how full the bus was...you know we always stay at the BC and we are always the last stop on that bus. So what other resorts do we share with all of them over there? With BC it is BW, YC and CB...There are a few that direction so I wondered how many the Gf shared with for DME. Thanks!

 

[goofygal531]

Obviously GF will be the ME last stop just due to location, it's the furthest resort. When we stayed at BC there was a stop before us at CBR, so it's not set up based on value, mod or deluxe resort, it must just be number of guests and which resorts are on the way.

What I meant I hated about ME is the pick up time. I HATE they make you be at your resort lobby THREE HOURS prior to your flight. We spend so much time sitting around the airport. I know there could be lines at security, we've just never experienced any. We usually get to the airport within 30 mins and spend 2 1/2 hours doing NOTHING!!

I'd rather take a private car/limo/taxi and arrive later and depart from a theme park rather than going back to the resort that I checked out of already. I'll schedule our return for for 2 hours prior to our flight. That way, we're waiting around only 1 1/2 hours. I can handle that! Or I should say my kids could handle that

 

[WishesQueen]

I'd rather take a private car/limo/taxi and arrive later and depart from a theme park rather than going back to the resort that I checked out of already. I'll schedule our return for for 2 hours prior to our flight. That way, we're waiting around only 1 1/2 hours. I can handle that! Or I should say my kids could handle that

I understand what your saying, although we use ME and love it!! I just wanted to give you a heads up, last year it took almost 2 hours to get through security bag checks before you get to the gates. TG we were there so early!!!

 

[goofygal531]

I just wanted to give you a heads up, last year it took almost 2 hours to get through security bag checks before you get to the gates.

What time of the year was it? We'll be there in early June. I HATE waiting in the airport - it's the least Magical experience of the entire vacation!

DH doesn't understand why we're paying for a ride when we can get a free one with ME. I have until 24 hours prior to cancel. I might cancel and use the $250 for the Wishes fireworks cruise that I just booked today and didn't tell DH about

 

[WishesQueen]

It was late July and it was never like that before. I don't know what happened, just be prepared for any surprises. Even if you keep the Limo don't leave too late, I just thats why ME makes you leave so early!! We went through annoyed, but not stressed or rushed. There were people that missed their flights, people that were going to miss their flights, so actually we felt alittle luck!! (just alittle)

 

[vbarry]

When we got to MCO in February the line to leave MCO was VERY long. I remember thinking that I was glad I was arriving and not leaving.

Unfortunately, our direct flight back to Bloomington, IL leaves early in the morning so it is not that bad.

I would probably post over on the transportation board to see if someone can give you a good idea. You would hate to miss your flights....especially with little ones along!

Let us know how you like the Wishes Cruise. I am thinking about it for Dec.

 

[praline3001]

Getting ready for our trip in June... getting my packing list together and things I might still need to pick up Here are a few questions I have:

1. Does the GF pool have towels there for guest or should I bring our own beach towels? I would hate to pack bulky beach towels but I would hate it more to need them and not have them

2. Also, does one of the pools have a kiddie area? Which pool is better for younger kids?

3. Do they sell stuff like sun screen at the pool store? I am planning on bringing a bottle or 2 but I am a sunscreen guru and slather that stuff on I would hate to run in the lobby with my bathing suit on

4. Do they have rules on floatation devices? Savannah can swim but I feel better when she wears those arm bands in the pool when its over her head. I know some public pools frown on them.

5. We are staying SL. I remember something about them maybe having DVD players in the room? Is this correct? I wanted to make sure so I could pack Savannah one or 2 of her favorite bedtime movies to unwind with.

That's it for now!

 

[johnsonet]

Getting ready for our trip in June... getting my packing list together and things I might still need to pick up Here are a few questions I have:

1. Does the GF pool have towels there for guest or should I bring our own beach towels? I would hate to pack bulky beach towels but I would hate it more to need them and not have them

YES. They have plenty of towels around the pool area so don't worry about bringing your own towels unless you like a really large, soft towel

2. Also, does one of the pools have a kiddie area? Which pool is better for younger kids?
The Waterfall pool has an area where little squirting fountains come up from the ground 3. Do they sell stuff like sun screen at the pool store? I am planning on bringing a bottle or 2 but I am a sunscreen guru and slather that stuff on I would hate to run in the lobby with my bathing suit on
Yes, both pools sell sunscreen. For a price

4. Do they have rules on floatation devices? Savannah can swim but I feel better when she wears those arm bands in the pool when its over her head. I know some public pools frown on them.
I'm sorry I do not know the answer to this.

5. We are staying SL. I remember something about them maybe having DVD players in the room? Is this correct? I wanted to make sure so I could pack Savannah one or 2 of her favorite bedtime movies to unwind with.

I'm sorry I do not know the answer to this.

That's it for now!

You are going to LOVE the GF

 

[praline3001]

You are going to LOVE the GF

Thanks! We stayed GV in Feb and fell in love with the place. My daughter and I are doing a girls only trip for June
This will be our first ever mother/daughter vacation and we are completely excited!!! I have never traveled alone with a little one so I am trying to make sure all of my bases are covered so we can both enjoy ourselves

 

[johnsonet]

praline3001Traveling alone with a little one is EASY at the GF I've been doing it since my DD was 2 years old and it is just the most wonderful, happy place to be. Where better to be than WDW with a child? And being at the GF makes it a treat for the adults too!
Have fun!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, Praline!

We always go to the waterfall pool...there is a nice zero depth area, too, and Jojo always brings her Pollys out there to have them "swim" and all, too. They don't care if you bring your water wings. We used to always for Jojo until a few yrs ago. The waterfall pool is more fun with the slide, fountains, and zero depth area...plus the beach is right there for sand fun.....the other pool is just a free form regular old pool. Nothing special.

The concierge rooms at teh GF have DVD players.

Enjoy! It'll be here before you know it.

Lives4Disney

 

[praline3001]

praline3001Traveling alone with a little one is EASY at the GF I've been doing it since my DD was 2 years old and it is just the most wonderful, happy place to be. Where better to be than WDW with a child? And being at the GF makes it a treat for the adults too!
Have fun!

I made sure we had non stop flights both ways so we don't have to try and catch a connection while running through a strange airport

My daughter is truly a little angel so her behavior won't be an issue.... its just the logistics that worry me. I am used to tag teaming with DH while on trips and I won't be able to tag team this time We did book a spa appointment for mani's and pedi's which she will LOVE along with getting her hair done. We did the BBB in Feb and I was not impressed with it AT ALL. I figured we could do the GF spa and have her done up there and she will get more personalized care

Do you need to make ADRS for the tea room at the GF? I am not talking the princess tea ... just to go sit in there during a hot afternoon? I was thinking she would get a huge kick out of being in the tea room (she is a total girlie girl) but I didn't want to have to make ADRs as I am not sure what day or time we would finish early in a park?
What are the hours for the tea room?

 

[praline3001]

Hi, Praline!

We always go to the waterfall pool...there is a nice zero depth area, too, and Jojo always brings her Pollys out there to have them "swim" and all, too. They don't care if you bring your water wings. We used to always for Jojo until a few yrs ago. The waterfall pool is more fun with the slide, fountains, and zero depth area...plus the beach is right there for sand fun.....the other pool is just a free form regular old pool. Nothing special.

The concierge rooms at teh GF have DVD players.

Enjoy! It'll be here before you know it.

Lives4Disney

Hey Channing~ I figured you would already be planning a trip again how did things go on your last trip? any news yet when they are going to tear up the lobby floor? I am hoping it will be NOT going on while we are there!
You know... you and your girls should sneak a trip in while Savannah and I are there

 

[johnsonet]

I made sure we had non stop flights both ways so we don't have to try and catch a connection while running through a strange airport

My daughter is truly a little angel so her behavior won't be an issue.... its just the logistics that worry me. I am used to tag teaming with DH while on trips and I won't be able to tag team this time We did book a spa appointment for mani's and pedi's which she will LOVE along with getting her hair done. We did the BBB in Feb and I was not impressed with it AT ALL. I figured we could do the GF spa and have her done up there and she will get more personalized care

Do you need to make ADRS for the tea room at the GF? I am not talking the princess tea ... just to go sit in there during a hot afternoon? I was thinking she would get a huge kick out of being in the tea room (she is a total girlie girl) but I didn't want to have to make ADRs as I am not sure what day or time we would finish early in a park?
What are the hours for the tea room?

My daughter is good as gold (so far!!) too, so traveling with her has been easy and a pleasure
My daughter had her hair done while we were at the GF in August and LOVED it! But that is at the Ivy Trellis which is inside the GF Main Bldg - on the 2d floor.
In years past DD and I would just show up at the Garden View Lounge for tea but in the past year or so I have had problems getting in when I've waited til the last min. to plan a trip! So I would def. recommend making an ADR or two for Garden View Tea. Not sure whether it's just gotten more popular or that it's just that I've been going at busier times than when DD was very young... either way, I recommend reserving it in advance. You and your DD will LOVE it. Very relaxing and yummy!

 

[shoppgirl]

I noticed that Disney is offering free dining again this year. My question is, can you reserve at the GF and take advantage of the free dining, or is this promotion good only at the value and moderate resorts? Thanks, I was just wondering...if it is good, then maybe another trip in 2009 will be possible!

 

[mr.mike]

The last time we used ME to get to the GF we stopped at
WL, CR, Poly then finally the GF. I believe it took an hour from the airport until we got to the GF.

On the way back the GF is the last pick up and I think we had to leave 2.5 hours before the flight. If you stay at the CR or the Poly you would have to be picked up earlier closer to the 3 hour mark i guess.

I hate being picked up even 2.5 hours early but each time we've done used ME I've never had more than 30 minutes left once we got thru security and to our terminal.

except that time our flight was pushed back multiple times for a total of 3 hours and then we had to circle D.C. cause of storms in NY and then we had to refuel and then we had to get back in line on the runway to take off again and finally arrived at NY and got home about 5am when we were supposed to land around 8pm!!! please don't happen this time please please

 

[allisonswonderland]

Thanks for your response, Mr Mike on ME. I am assuming from your sig that you are a Disney Groom? I am a disney bride...great picture of what I am assuming is you and your wife at Illuminations!

I just wanted to have some idea of what to expect...of course I am always ansy anyway and excited to get there. But AA has pushed our flight back 1 hr 15 min already....