Disney not helpful to arriving guests post alligator incident??

[firstdisneytrip1]

Hello,

This is our family's first trip to Disney World. We are booked at the Grand Floridian club level and arrive on Saturday. Given the recent tragedy, we contacted guest services to try to change resorts. They were not very helpful, especially given the limited availability of rooms at other resorts. I was even accused of trying to take advantage of the tragedy--I find this appalling. All our family wants is a relaxing place to stay after a day at the packed theme parks. The Grand Floridian is no longer that place for us-too stressful.

Has anyone else changed their reservation since this news or have any advice on how to reach a reservations manager without waiting 40+ minutes on hold?

Thank you in advance,

Firstdisneytrip1

 

[jaysmom4285]

I'm not trying to be snarky, but why would you feel you needed to change resorts? If you're worried about alligators in the water, stay off the beach. The rest of the resort hasn't changed.

 

[JimmyV]

All our family wants is a relaxing place to stay after a day at the packed theme parks. The Grand Floridian is no longer that place for us-too stressful.

Can you explain why this is? Because I don't see it and it appears that Disney doesn't either. I would think that traveling to Orlando might engender this reaction given what happened this week. But someone willing to overlook the stresses of taveling to Orlando but finding the GF to be too stressful is puzzling to say the least.

 

[gap2368]

yes there is no need to change resorts in FL this could happen just about any where at any of the resorts a number of them have huge ( not as big as the water this happened in) but still you can see alligators any where.

some things to do

by no means go any where near the water ( and they have closed the beaches )

stay away from wiled life

Disney world has been opened for 45 years? or has it been longer and this is the first time something like this has happened

the boy was in the water ( about a foot) it is matting season


but I am with disney they take Guest safety very serious I was at the all start sports and ( it is a long story ) but my salty was not good there and disney paid for me to stay at AKL so if it was not safe for you or any one to stay there they would not let you.

 

[firstdisneytrip1]

I'm not trying to be snarky, but why would you feel you needed to change resorts? If you're worried about alligators in the water, stay off the beach. The rest of the resort hasn't changed.

Well, part of the attraction of the GF was the beach. And actually, several amenities have been temporarily suspended (ferries, safari boat ride, etc.).

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I'm not clear on why you'd change resorts. Not sure how helpful they can be "especially given the limited availability of rooms at other resorts"? Is your concern media or other attention that would not allow your vacation to be relaxing? I doubt that continues much beyond today.

 

[Easto]

This seems silly.

If they offered you a Value Resort would you have been happy now that you no longer have to stay at the Grand Floridian?

I'm sure someone at a Value resort would love to make the swap with you 1-for-1.

 

[jaysmom4285]

Well, part of the attraction of the GF was the beach. And actually, several amenities have been temporarily suspended (ferries, safari boat ride, etc.).

But all the beaches have been closed, not just GF, so you would have no beach access wherever you went. And the ferry and boat service was temporarily suspended while the search was going on so as not to interfere. I suspect that will be back to normal soon, if it isn't already. So you gain nothing by switching.

 

[GPC0321]

Hate to tell you, OP, but this isn't a Grand Floridian issue. It's a Florida issue.
In the Magic Kingdom:

 

[zoo2tycoon]

Take the trip with your family where you planned. Enjoy the time together. Be glad they are being proactive about safety. It is hard to believe you were accused of trying to take advantage of the situation, no employee would jeopardize their job. What demands did you make? Were they a reasonable resort comparison? Think of this family and what they are going through, spend the time there at Disney and stay where you planned. Be thankful you have your family to hug, act like the parent so kids can enjoy the trip

 

[HopperFan]

Hello,

This is our family's first trip to Disney World. We are booked at the Grand Floridian club level and arrive on Saturday. Given the recent tragedy, we contacted guest services to try to change resorts. They were not very helpful, especially given the limited availability of rooms at other resorts. I was even accused of trying to take advantage of the tragedy--I find this appalling. All our family wants is a relaxing place to stay after a day at the packed theme parks. The Grand Floridian is no longer that place for us-too stressful.

Has anyone else changed their reservation since this news or have any advice on how to reach a reservations manager without waiting 40+ minutes on hold?

Thank you in advance,

Firstdisneytrip1

Well, part of the attraction of the GF was the beach. And actually, several amenities have been temporarily suspended (ferries, safari boat ride, etc.).

ALL the beaches are closed so changing to another resort will not get this attraction back.

A huge perk of GF is the location and level of deluxe. The monorail will still provide you quick access to MK.

Ferries and boats were suspended until they could locate the boy. They have, no reason not to resume asap.

Disney will want to get the resort back to normal very very quickly and this would not be a concern for me.

The entire resort has high occupancy so changing is difficult and they don't want the GF to have empty rooms for exaggerated reasons.

Disney is not going to be cooperative with guests trying to change resorts for this, and probably asking for additional perks to make up for moving from their top tier resort.

Now that I have addressed all the reasons why Disney should not accommodate you
................. first post ..... let it go.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Because a CM would actually accuse someone of taking advantage of tragedy by moving AWAY from GF? That makes no sense.

 

[dingleberry]

I agree. Go to one of the resorts that does not have alligators in the water.

Might have to go a little farther north though.....Virginia should do it.

 

[minnie mum]

Well, part of the attraction of the GF was the beach. And actually, several amenities have been temporarily suspended (ferries, safari boat ride, etc.).

Wait. What? There's a safari boat ride?? Why don't I know about this??? Where is this???? I can't find any info on this!!!!! Disney is trying to ruin my trip by not telling me that if I stayed at the Grand Florida I could do a safari boat ride!!!!!! I want the number of that resort manager too. Heads will roll!

 

[poppinspenguins]

Honestly I would have a hard time staying there right now. Kids are same age and there would be the constant reminder. I would be using the splash pad which is just feet away. We always walk along the path by the water at pop...I don't even want to do that now. Yes...gators have always been a danger...but I just didn't think about it before. I have been many times and never saw one. I have been to Hilton head many times and there were everywhere. Naivety, I now realize.

I would assume there would also be news media there as well.

 

[jaceraden]

Let's suppose you aren't a troll. What exactly are you wanting Disney to do for you? Like specifically? Maybe that will help because your vagueness comes across as entitled and trying to benefit from a situation.

 

[firstdisneytrip1]

Honestly I would have a hard time staying there right now. Kids are same age and there would be the constant reminder. I would be using the splash pad which is just feet away. We always walk along the path by the water at pop...I don't even want to do that now. Yes...gators have always been a danger...but I just didn't think about it before. I have been many times and never saw one. I have been to Hilton head many times and there were everywhere. Naivety, I now realize.

I would assume there would also be news media there as well.

Thank you poppinspenguins for understanding where I'm coming from.

 

[RiemannLebesgue]

In terms of alligators, it's probably never been safer to stay at the Grand Floridian than it is right now. Go and enjoy your trip.

 

[firstdisneytrip1]

Let's suppose you aren't a troll. What exactly are you wanting Disney to do for you? Like specifically? Maybe that will help because your vagueness comes across as entitled and trying to benefit from a situation.

I was hoping they had a similar room in the contemporary, but they currently do not and will not officially put me on a wait list if on opens up. Also, I just wanted to avoid a resort that just had a huge tragedy. Thanks for keeping an open mind

 

[poppinspenguins]

I have no idea if this poster is a troll...but the reaction on here is disgusting.

It was a valid question. If you don't have an answer don't be a horse's behind...just ignore.

And what would someone be gaining with a transfer? Concierge is one of the most expensive room they can get as it is. A transfer will probably be a downgrade...if they are ok with it...so be it.