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

[Alicnwondrln]

Welcome to the NEW Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread.

Hi everyone this will be the new place for everything about the Grand Floridian. Please be patient as we move things and update all out dated information. Please feel free to post information about the resort and everything it offers. We are family here at the DIS and lets make this a special place where people can learn about the GF and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

Lets get started!!

Legendary elegance and lavish décor combine with impeccable service and spectacular views to create exceptional style that pampers Guests and responds to every whim. Live lobby entertainment by the Grand Floridian Orchestra, multi-paneled arch windows, turn-of-the-century gas lamps, regal chandeliers and a world-class spa define quintessential luxury at Disney's flagship Resort Hotel.

Check In/Check Out
3:00 PM (EST) / 11:00 AM (EST)

Address
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
407-824-3000

Payment Method(s)
Disney Gift Card, Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover, JCB.

MAP

Pictures of the Lobby in the Main Building.

The kids waiting area in the Main Building

Look UP

Tammi from here on the DIS and a regular on our GF thread has a nice homepage about the GF, her trips, and some floorplans. Its a great resource and we have gotten her permission to post the link so here it is
https://home.comcast.net/~tammimcmanus/
Thank You Tammi

Heatherlynns Trip Report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1328127&referrerid=&highlight=GF+pics
Fabulous !!

Also here is the link to the old thread if anyone wants to go there.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=513609

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Services and Amenities


Dining Recreation
Menus can be found here on at the DIS at
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

- 1 Quick Service location Gasparilla's Grille
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=30

- 6 Full Service restuarants
1900 Park Fare (Character dining) post 31 and page 90
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=28

Citricos
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=186

Grand Floridian Café
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=31

Garden View Tea POST #24
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=305

Narcoossee's
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=32

Victoria & Albert's
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=32

Victoria & Albert's Chefs Table
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=184

- 2 children's dining activities
Perfectly Princess Tea Party INFO ON PAGE 34 by Janet2K Also POST #10 Lives4Disney

Wonderland Tea Party INFO ON PAGE 34 post 503 by Janet2K ALSO POST #12 by Lives4DISNEYhttp://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=227

Pirates Cruise for kids INFO ON PAGE 34 post 503 by Janet2k
Pirate Adventure - Children wear pirate bandannas and follow clues to search Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon for buried treasure. They sail to many exotic "ports of call" (Resort Marinas) to collect treasure. Children who are potty trained (no pull-ups) and ages 4-12 may attend. Lunch is provided (Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Gummy bears, Krispy Treat and Juice box).
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Available to all guests. Cost is $28.17 plus tax.
Reservations 180 days in advance at 407-WDW-DINE.


- 2 pool bars
- 3 lounges
- In-Room Dining: 24 hours
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_gfp.htm

PICS OF THE POOL post #1729 page 116 Thanks Babyboo
Feature Pool: beach pool with
zero-depth entry, water slide
waterfalls, walking bridge, natural
springs setting & cabana rentals POST #13 Alicnwondrln
- Child pool
- Whirlpool spa
- Children's playground
- Arcade
- Tennis
- Marina/boat rental
- Water cruises
- Fishing
- Beach area
- Volleyball
- Jogging trail
- Health club
- Full service spa
The opulent spa takes guest service to the highest level with a broad, balanced program of beautifying and well-being services such as facials, manicures, pedicures, massage therapy, body treatments, and nutrition and fitness counselling. For scheduling information, please call (407) 824-2332*.
www.relaxedyet.com

- Electrical Water Pageant view

Transportation Other Services
- Motorcoach transportation
Epcot®
Disney-MGM Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom®
Disney Water Parks
Downtown Disney®
Disney Resort Hotels*
*Requires one transfer at a Disney Theme Park
- Water launch to:
Magic Kingdom®
Disney's Polynesian Resort
- Monorail to:
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Magic Kingdom®
Epcot®*
*Requires a Monorail change at the Transportation & Ticket Center - Disney Resort Benefits
- 6 merchandise shops (gifts, sundries)
- Self service laundry facilities INFO ON THIS IS ON PAGE 34 post #508 by Janet2K
- Valet laundry service
- Club Level Concierge (Royal Palm Club in the Main Building and Sugar Loaf ) See below
- Business Center
- Convention/meeting space
- Salon/barber services
The Ivy Trellis Barber and Beauty Shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Valet parking

 

[Alicnwondrln]

842 Guest Rooms, 25 Suites Pics of the Walt Disney Suite on Page #26 posts 378,380,382

PICS of rooms 4002 by Dis Ohana on page 79 a 2 bedroom suite

Page 88 ROOM 6220 NEW REFURB PICS


Disabled accessible rooms available
All rooms non-smoking
Buildings offer elevators and stairs with interior corridors

There are 2 floorplans below but here is a link to a site that has TONS of them

https://home.comcast.net/~tammimcmanus/gf_rooms.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Room Amenities

In Each Room Upon Request (subject to availability)

Alarm Clock w/ CD player
Balcony/Patio
Ceiling Fan
Coffee Maker & Setup
Dial-Up Internet*
DVD Player (suites)
Evening Turndown Service
Hair Dryer
In-Room Wall Safe
Iron and Board
Minibar
Mini-Refrigerator
Robes
Table & Chairs
Tea Setup
Telephone*
Television
- ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN & more
Triple Sheet Bedding
USA Today Delivery (Mon-Fri)
Vanity Area
Voice Mail Bed Boards/Rails
Crib: Full Size
High Speed Internet (fee)
High Speed Internet Wireless (fee)
Microwave

* Local, 1-800, collect, credit card and third party calls placed from an in-room Disney Resort Guest telephone do not incur a surcharge. Charges will apply for directory assistance and domestic/international long-distance calls.

Rooom Information:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/grandflrooms.htm

Picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon or the Grand Floridian marina are available from more than half of the 900 rooms at the Grand Floridian. Garden views overlook the lush, landscaped gardens, Pool/Marina views overlook the interior courtyard pool or the marina, and Lagoon views offer a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

There are lodge rooms, concierge rooms and suites available as well as standard guest rooms. The following is a breakdown of the buildings and the type of accommodations found there:

Sago Cay, lagoon/marina view rooms, garden view dormer rooms, lodge tower rooms, hospitality suites and one- and two-bedroom suites

Sugar Loaf, concierge rooms

Conch Key, hospitality suites, one- and two-bedroom suites, pool/marina/lagoon views

Boca Chica, standard guest rooms, lagoon, pool, dormer and tower rooms

Big Pine Key, lagoon/pool/garden views

Main Building, concierge rooms and suites.

From www.allearsnet.com
What are the differences between a standard room and a dormer room?

Both types of rooms are furnished the same and contain the same features. The dormer rooms are smaller than the standard rooms, but seem larger, since dormer rooms have vaulted ceilings. Standard rooms sleep 5 people, while dormer rooms sleep only 4. Dormer rooms are also the only rooms to feature a private balcony.

What is a lodge tower room?

The lodge tower rooms are located in the semicircular protrusions you can see on the outside of some buildings. They include all of the features of a standard room. They also have a separate sitting area, with additional furniture, TV and phone. There are views out of five windows, as well as a separate balcony.

Also from www.allearsnet.com
Which rooms are closest to...

...the beach? - Guest rooms in the Main Building and in Big Pine Key are located just along the beach of Seven Seas Lagoon.

...the monorail? - Guest rooms in the Main Building are an elevator's ride away from the monorail station. Rooms in Sago Cay , Sugar Loaf Key , and Big Pine Key are all about equally the next closest.

The buses? - The bus stop is located just outside and below the monorail station. Room proximity to the buses is about the same as for the monorail.
The restaurants? - Guest rooms in the Main Building are located only a few floors above all restaurants, with the exception of Narcoossee's. Rooms in Conch Key are actually closest to Narcoossee's. Besides those in the Main Building, rooms in Big Pine Key and Sugar Loaf Key are quite near the main restaurants. Sugar Loaf Key is particularly convenient to both Gasparilla Grill & Games and the Grand Floridian Cafe.

The marina? - Guest rooms in Sugar Loaf Key and Conch Key are located just outside of the marina. These rooms, as well as those in Sago Cay, all have rooms that overlook the marina.

The pool? - Guest rooms in Boca Chica, Big Pine Key, and Sugar Loaf Key all are closest to the courtyard pool, as well as the kiddie pool.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Kids Programs

Need someone to watch the kids for a while? Boy, have you come to the right place. From in-room child care to Discovery programs -- even special clubs just for kids. Disney's got it all. Just take a look. Bet you never had a babysitter as fun as this.

Please note: Babysitters and childcare supervisors are primarily English speakers. To inquire about additional language capabilities, please call in advance.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mouseketeer Clubhouse
Hours: 4:30 pm to 12 midnight
Information: (407) 824-2985 or (407) 939-3463
Offers supervised activities, entertainment, and refreshments for children ages four to 12. Charge is $11 USD per hour per child, with a four-hour maximum. Reservations required.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kid's Nite Out, Inc.
Kid's Nite Out caregivers can provide one-on-one in-room childcare in the comfort of a Walt Disney World® Resort room. The professional staff of Kid's Nite Out gives the child individual attention by playing a variety of fun-filled activities with him/her including reading books, coloring, or playing "I Spy" games. They can also provide a fun, well-trained sitter to just hang out with the family if they need a father's/mother's helper. Kid's Nite Out also plans and works children's parties, camps, and children's theme conventions.


Reservations:


Advance reservations are required - please call 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at all Walt Disney World® Resorts
Guests can call up to 90 Days in advance. Will try to accommodate same-day calls or unusual hours.
Cancellations require 24 hours notice to avoid the 4 hour minimum charge.

Phone Number: 407-828-0920

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Club/Concierge level service is available at the Grand Floridian and it is fabulous. The Main Building is only concierge level rooms and suites. There is also concierge service at the Sugar Loaf Building. It is keyed access as is the main building. Both have been renovated recently and will be be placing pictures here as they come in. Tete01830 just returned from a stay at the Sugar Loaf building and she will be putting pictures up of the new lounge area and her tower room.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
PH: 407-824-1775
FX: 407-824-3461
Grand.Floridian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com
HERE IS THE NEW UPDATED EMAIL AS OF JAN 25th 2008

Available at *ALL* Disney Deluxe Resorts for Concierge Guests :
Nightly Turndown Service
High Speed Internet Access (access fees apply)
Bathroom Amenities (shampoo, conditioner, hand/body lotion, bath & facial soap)
Complimentary Fax Assistance
Complimentary Health Club Access
2 Adult-Size Spa Bathrobes (in-room use, additional robes can be requested)
Club Level Check-In from 7am - 10pm
Club Level Assistance from 7am - 10pm (tickets, dining, recreation, special events)
Advanced Itinerary Planning
Refreshments throughout the day in Concierge Lounges
Secured Key Access to Club Level Floors
USA Today Newspaper
Coffee Maker with Coffee & Tea Assortment
Iron and Board
Safe
Hair Dryer
Refrigerator - not stocked (available upon request at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
Library of Disney Movies at Concierge Desk
VCR and/or DVD Players in suites (upon request at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
CD/Clock Radios in Suites

Services at *SELECT* Disney Deluxe Resorts for Concierge Guests
Private Pantry (usage fees apply) Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Wireless High Speed Internet in Concierge Lounge Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Business Center Access Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon or the Grand Floridian marina are available from more than half of the 900 rooms at the Grand Floridian. Garden views overlook the lush, landscaped gardens, Pool/Marina views overlook the interior courtyard pool or the marina, and Lagoon views offer a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

THE MAIN BUILDING CONCIERGE THE ROYAL PALM CLUB and the SUGAR LOAF KEY
The Concierge Lounge is located on the fourth floor. Here, guests may enjoy a continental breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The continental breakfast includes danish, bagels, cereal, fresh friuts, coffee, tea and juice. "Daily Delights" from 11:30am to 2:30pm (the menu varies daily, but usually includes a meat dish, fruits and a vegetarian dish, including cookies, coffee, sodas and juices). Afternoon tea from 3pm to 4:30pm (includes scones, fruit breads, cookies, jam tarts, and of course, tea). Twilight Refreshments from 5pm to 7pm (includes wine and cheese, with appetizer type dishes served.

Both lounges serve alcohol now and cordials. They also serve Champagne. )

POST # 56 by Tete Has all new pics of the Sugar Loaf Tower rooms ( there are only 3) and the new Sugar Loaf concierge lounge
Page 31 post #463 by JoeSam has pics of a remodeled tower room in the Sugar Loaf Building
Page 29 post #426 by MickeyMaz has pics of Room 6114 in the Sugar Loaf Building
Page 52 and 53 posts by Lives4Disney
Menus Page 65 by Minnesota

 

[Alicnwondrln]

This is an OLD ROOM SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN REBABBED THIS YEAR. This was the dormer room I was in at the Sugar Loaf Building in NOV 2006. You can see the vaulted ceiling and the balcony and the view from the balcony.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Here's some pictures of the Royal Palm Club concierge lounge on the 4th floor of the main building.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Here's a pic of the sitting area & game tables on the 3rd floor near the concierge CM desks.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Here's the view from a table at Gasparilla's. The marina is right there & fun for boat rentals and this is a great place for some evening fireworks viewing & pretty during the day.

Pontoon boat fun............

This is us on the Grand 1. It is the older Grand 1 so I won't post pics as they are definitely outdated. It is a fabulous thing to book for a special occasion or just for a Wishes cruise. We ordered bday cake, lemonade and champagne thru private dining and it was all set up and ready for us before we boarded the yacht.

 

[Lives4Disney]

There are some fun kids activites at the Grand Floridian. Here are some pictures of the Princess Tea Party. I think my older daughter (8 at the time) and I enjoyed it much more than my 4.5 yr old. DD4 got kind of bored sitting for so long. SHE's the one I thought would love this party! The music, songs & stories were very entertaining. I didn't take pictures of the food, which was good but didn't amount to much. We were served little tea sandwiches and red grapes, nice tea, and then a very pretty cake for dessert. The girls had about the same but with apple juice "tea". They started out the party by calling the girls' names and then crowning them with a pretty garland and escorting them in one by one to the tables. Rose Petal told stories and sang accompanied by Baron Von Branch. After the lunch Aurora came to visit. I unexpectedly enjoyed it. Somewhere in there the girls were given their Disney Aurora dolls. Then, at the end they were given little certificates to pick up their other gift items at the Mercantile store upstairs in the GF lobby.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Great pics Channing.
Thanks for posting them for everyone to see.

 

[Lives4Disney]

My girls have also done the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party which they enjoyed several times. It's very secretive, so I don't think I have many pictures to share.....it's a kids only thing and adults drop off and pick up. Here are some pics when I dropped the girls off. This party takes place in 1900 Park Faire. The kids are served lunch and cupcakes, which they decorate, and play fun games. During this party Mary Poppins and Alice ran the party. Other times it was Alice and the Mad Hatter. THey loved this, but actually their favorite kids activity was the Adventures in Cooking!

Alice tea party.........

Here's the cooking class AFTER class when they are in the lobby passing out their goodies to everyone. Parents drop off their kids in the Mouseketeer clubhouse and received a receipt and pager. The kids "cook" for about an hour and then head to the lobby to pass out their treats to unsuspecting guests. Alice and the Mad Hatter joined in once. It was chaotic, but the kids loved it! The class doesn't really cook - and in the clubhouse it is very well run, no chaos there. The girls made strawberry shortcakes twice and cups of dirt and worms another time. The kids also decorate their hats and aprons and these are souveniers of their fun time. They have loved these activities at the Grand.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here are some pictures of the Beach and views from the Beach. Also some of the 2 pools and the cabanas.

There are 2 pools at the GF the quiet pool which is in front of the Sugar Loaf Building and the Main Pool which is by the main building. Both pools offer food and drinks. When I was there in July 2007 there was a ping pong table at the quiet pool along with a hot tub.

The main pool give amazing views of the lagoon, you can see the monorail, there is food, a store, the cabanas and a spot where the kids can jump around and water shoots out of the ground. We were lucky enough to get a cabana in July 2007 and it was very nice. Here are some pics of the pools and the cabanas.

The main pool

As you see in this pic ( sorta) there is a waterfall at the main pool. There is also a water slide, which is very fun.

Our cabana

There was a tv, radio, stocked fridge ( water juice and tonic), towels, chairs and even a fan in the cabana. There was also a fruit basket. There was a young man who checked on us while we were there. We were there for 4 hours and it was very nice. My sons loved it!
This doesnt really belong here but whatever, my son in the cabana.

Quite Pool pics:

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for starting a new ,updated thread,Kelly! It looks great! Will the old thread be closed?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Thanks for starting a new ,updated thread,Kelly! It looks great! Will the old thread be closed?

Yes I believe it will and this will be placed with the other FAQS in the sticky. Please feel free to post pics and reviews of the GF here everyone so can fill this baby up with great new info!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks, Kelly.

OK, here are some goodies ordered from private dining......the number is 407-824-2474. Sometimes they can offer suggestions, other times you really have to know what you want to order. Depends on the CM it seems.

Tinkerbelle birthday cake. Huge 10 inch triple layer and was filled with fresh strawberries and custard. DELICIOUS. They delivered it to our roomwhile we were out in the parks and set it up very nicely on our table. Great surprise to come back to.

Notice how the plates make a "Hidden Mickey".

Here's a white chocolate Goofy with a plate of tuxedo strawberries and chocolate truffles. Delicious again - I didn't think to take the pic until my family started digging in. Oops sorry. They have several white chocolate characters. You just need to ask and find out the updated list.

Here's another beautiful cake. Cinderella in marble with white chocolate mousse filling. Again, triple layer 10 inch cake.

Here's a cute Minnie Mouse cake we ordered for DD at 1900 Park Faire. I wouldn't order a cake at a restaurant again. Nobody could eat it. I like the room delivery & set up option.

Here's a chocolate truffle box. The whole thing is chocolate!!!!!!

Another birthday goodie platter...........

A DELICIOUS and probably my favorite....platter of strawberries and a warm chocolate dipping sauce. I am glad I thought to grab the camera and snap a shot because it went FAST!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I have a few pics from the Royal Palm Club from July 2007. I was lucky enough to meet Channing in person along with her DH and family. They are all so nice.
I wonder who this is?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Gosh, I am looking thru my Disney pictures and thinking WE HAD SUCH FUN!!!!!!

I love that place.

Here are some Grand Floridian Christmas pics. THe gingerbread houses are super cute but they cannot and will not ship them anywhere. THey run out, too. Toward the end of our stay they had no more houses or cookies! It was slim pickings so if you want a house or certain cookies don't put off the purchase.

PS....Kelly you're nice, too!! Next time I need to meet your little guys & DH.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

To go with what Channing posted about Private Dining.

Sometimes you get a great CM on the phone who is very helpful, others times not so much.
There is a great thread here on the DIS with cakes and other treats. Its not a bad idea to check it out and have some ideas!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219

Here is the number to the cakehotline 1-407-827-2253.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Here are some pics of the LODGE TOWER room we had in July 2007 in the Sugar Loaf Building. There are only 3 tower rooms in that buidling. These have since been rehabbed and Tete01830 will be posting her rehabbed pics on this thread shortly.
Room 6220 ( i think)