DD and I returned home this week after an amazing 8 nights at GF (and 2 nights at Poly). This was our first stay at GF and it won't be our last. DD16, who is a senior, has decided that RPC would make a great graduation trip. DH wasn't with us this trip so I'm eager for him to try it out. He loves the Greenbrier Resort in WV and I think there are many similarities.
As I already posted, the staff, especially the front desk staff and management, truly went above and beyond to make our stay magical. There seemed to be a higher level of decorum and civility. I won't re-post everything I already posted, but after 8 nights, I did have a different overall impression of the GF compared with all the other Deluxes.
Overall, housekeeping was noticeably better. More time seemed to be taken to do a more thorough job. Dusting, for example, is usually sorely lacking at other Deluxes, at least in the rooms. In our room, Big Pine Key TPV Dormer 9445, there was an attention to detail that is often missing from other Deluxes. In fact, at times it was almost too much. For example, everyday, our housekeeper would throw out all the soaps and bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and give us fresh ones everyday. I loved that she replenished everything everyday, but keeping the open bottles that were less than half-used would have been fine by us. I've never experienced this at another Disney resort.
The hallway to our room, which was at the very end, was always very clean. Room service trays were always removed from the hallway the same day, usually within hours. Many times at other Deluxes, even CL, we've seen trays remain for long periods and they are so unappealing to continuously walk past! The carpet was never dirty, as I've seen at other Deluxes and the railings surrounding the floor near the elevator that overlooks the sitting area on the 1st floor was meticulously cleaned every single day by a man who really took pride in his job.
I loved how the linens were staged daily in wicker baskets outside of each room. The housekeeping carts were tidier than at other resorts and they never impeded the flow of traffic or blocked your door which I appreciated. I also noticed that security would make their rounds on each floor. One, who I thanked, actually admonished a housekeeper who kept the door ajar, rather than locking it. This is a safety issue for both the housekeeper and the guests' belongings. I had never seen security do this at any other resort.
I liked that the quiet pool had a bar, (though I only used it once), most/other quiet pools don't. They also provided a decanter with water and cups which was unique. I even saw an attendant remove "abandoned" towels from chairs so that others could use them. Getting a chair at the quiet pool was never a problem, but it was nice that they were always tidying up after "forgetful" guests.
One thing that was problematic, but is probably moot now that GIG is ready to re-open, there was a lack of drink refill locations. GIG was closed the entire time we were there and there was only one self-service Rapid Refill location at the Beach Pool. However, whenever the pool closed, which was daily due to lightning in the area, they immediately closed the drink refill station. I don't know why it couldn't remain open, but perhaps it was too close to the pool? A few times I walked over only to discover they had just closed it due to the pool closing and I would then have to go to Mizner's. But, Mizner's only had self-service coffee, tea and milk and you had to ask for Sprite, Coke or Diet Coke. For those who only drink low calorie decaffeinated beverages, there was no option at Mizner's, so when the Beach Pool was closed, I didn't have any refills. We usually stay CL, but since we weren't this vacation, this did become a bit annoying. Not having a QS was also inconvenient, but it was easy to head over to Poly or CR instead.
We weren't impressed with the two Signature Dining locations, but we did like the GFC for breakfast and dinner. We had consistently good meals and service there.
The rooms let in a lot of noise from everywhere. We could hear and feel pretty much everything and we didn't even have a connecting door nor anyone above us. If the next door neighbor closed their door, our headboards would shake and the mirror over the desk would rattle. Every word spoken in the hallways came through. It was actually pretty disruptive late at night when guests would come in after park closing. The original resorts like Poly and especially CR, have much better sound-proofing. I'm sure the materials have cheapened over the years and there is less use of concrete or other more costly sound-proofing.
Minor complaint: The laundry within each building was pretty awful. It's literally the size of a closet and if someone is using washer #1 by the door, they will get hit with the door if someone opens it. The washer is literally right next to the door. The two washers were taken when I needed them so I hauled everything next door where I was able to get one washer, though I needed two. I could have waited 30 mins. for a washer in my building, but I was impatient.
The biggest problem was the monorail. It just isn't a reliable and convenient mode of transportation anymore. Unless you ride it at off times like late morning to early afternoon, expect delays and full cars. It was quite frustrating since there is no bus or walking alternative at GF (other than to the TTC). Often the boats are down in the summer due to storms which leaves only the monorail to MK. We were told that they will dispatch MK buses when boats aren't running, but that we might have to ask since it isn't always done immediately. It would be nice if you could take a bus to Epcot because in the morning and at night, the monorails were often delayed and/or completely full upon arrival. We once waited almost 45 minutes to get on the second monorail that came in order to get to CR. The first was filled to capacity, and the second was nearly full. It was always standing room only in the evening and really undesirable. It became a burden to take the monorail anywhere. We noticed that the majority of riders disembarked at MK and the TTC where they boarded trams. It would be nice if there were a resort guest-dedicated monorail, but I don't think that will ever happen.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some details of our stay
, but I'm going back to multi-quote now and I'll post more photos tonight and tomorrow.
Sorry if this question has been repeated but does anyone know how early the refill station at the pool bar opens?
I'm just trying to wonder if I have to walk to gasperillas in the morning for coffee or if I can just walk to the pool bar. Thanks!!
It opens at 0700, at least while GIG is closed through 9/6:
Upon reviewing my multi quote..which sometimes confuses the heck out of me...
..lol...I realize that I credited Tom with responding to your post..when it was Maddie's Nana...oops...my apologies Maddie's Nana....
.... also wanted to say to how very nice it was of you to take the time to say thank you for the info and good wishes 
You obviously have not...
. It's obviously a very touchy subject.
I tend to stay close to home here on the boards...lol..and ask most of my questions right here..Thankfully lots of nice peeps....
or over on the CL thread....also a very nice place to "visit"...lol...
Woo Hooo!!!!! doing the happy dance for you...Looking forward to hearing all about your trip...Have a Grand time!!! 
....there is is a very cool app now available for smart phones called Shop Disney Parks...lots of cool stuff available...including "authentic WDW merchandise"..
shopping GF Gal....
...lol....I think that she might be....and she sure loves that darn Patriot Mickey....
....lol.....
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.....but after being here for quite a few years, I finally learned which ones not to comment on...LOL.
Hope you feel better soon.
) and now there's only 4 months left in the year....it'll be Christmas before we know it 
!!!
Getting to and from the MK is now easier from any other area. We get a rental car and drive everywhere now, we would drive to the MK if it was an option. Sorry about your room noise...we have never experienced it, I don't think that is typical.
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