Forgive me but I didn't like it

[Forever a Princess]

Thanks for your honest review.

Isn't wierd how some resort experiences can be different than you expected?

A couple of years back we stayed at a Disney Resort that I had wanted to stay at sooo bad. I spent lots of time researching this particular resort before we went. Nice place but not our cup of tea.

That's what I love about Disney, so many options to choose from. Everyone has their favorite resorts to stay at.

We just had the chance to stay at POR. Loved it!!! Walked over to the POFQ one morning for breakfast and loved it!!!

 

[Sammie]

Mostly it's the rooms, and it's hard to really put a finger on some of it, it's the overall welcoming feeling when you walk into a room. Other hotels generally feel brighter, cleaner, newer. Not that I've actually had a dirty or disgusting room at WDW, but the furniture/fixtures just seem old and blah. Disney rooms feel so small to me, I'm used to having more room for all the kids' things. Larger bathrooms, too, usually with the toilet behind it's own door for more privacy. Better lighting both in the room and the bathroom. Mini bars, complimentary newspaper left outside the door, plumbing that doesn't squeak, larger bathtub/showers, room for the coffee maker somewhere other than the already-cramped bathroom counter, bigger closets, more hangers in the closets, bigger TV's (that's one dh noticed, lol).

Outside the room, well, like I said (or was that another thread?? lol!) Concierges that will notice a long check in line and pull you over to check you in at their desk, Nicer, newer elevators, pool attendants that will find a lounge chair for you and take it where you want it, sometimes complimentary breakfasts and/or "happy hours", for all guests, not just concierge, hmm, nothing else comes to mind right away. Nothing really important, and I'm not going to say that every other "comparable" hotel has all of these things, but often they have many of them.

Thanks for responding, as many times in these discussions people will say they don't like something but they can't ever pinpoint what is they don't like. I am curious, where have you stayed at the toliet was in a seperate room. Even though the Contemporary does have that setup I don't remember many hotels I have stayed in like that.

Mini bars, don't all Disney deluxe resorts have this? I don't drink coffee and in fact find that they are usually in my way in all hotels and put it in the closet.

As to closet space we find the closets at the Grand Floridian and Yacht Club very spacious.

Of course we have DVC and lately stay either concierge at one of the deluxe resorts are DVC in a 2 bedroom villa, so some of your comments are things we get with DVC.

I will say that of the resorts at Disney I do think, other than the grounds, and views the Polynesian is the over rated. I have not stayed in the new rooms so maybe that will be a major improvement.

 

[johnvree]

We have stayed in the Hawaii building on two of our last three trips to WDW. We love it and I have a hard time going to WDW now without staying there. We haven't had a bad experience with the concierge, but if I ever experience what you did, it's my last time there.

Checking in
Getting carted over to the Hawaii building is a cool perk and one my kids look forward to. You do have to tell the bellhop that you are staying concierge. Otherwise, they'll have no idea you should be taken there. If there were no bellhops to assist you, that's more of a resort issue than a concierge issue. As for checking in, we have loved the private check in. But you are right, I have never seen more than two concierge cast members there at the same time. And the first time we stayed there, there was only one. We were fortunate that there was no one in front of us both times. But I remember thinking that I would have been upset if we had to wait 1/2 hour just to reach the check in process. Not sure how they can do a better job unless they schedule private check-ins for specific times.

Conceirge
I'll be honest, I have found some of the concierge cast members to be not terribly helpful in this area. They were able to get some reservations and once it certainly appeared that they pulled some strings at a very crowded 'Ohana. But typically I feel like they are just checking if there is an available priority seating, which we could do in two seconds.

Room
The smell of smoke is surprising since the rooms were all redone. But maybe the person before you was a chain smoker. Why did you request smoking room? Or did you get stuck with it? The toe nails is gross and unacceptable. When we checked into the Portofino this past summer, our room was not very clean - not dirty, just not very clean. I immediately called the front desk and asked them to send up housekeeping. They told me the room should have already been cleaned. I simply said not to my liking and I'd like it re-cleaned and it was done. Did you ask the concierge to have your room re-cleaned? For $500 a night, the room should be spotless - no excuses.

The view
Can't agree with you here. I love the view and, while the beach is an option, there is no substitute for watching from your balcony, IMHO.

Lounge
You can't expect the lounge to make up for the extra $$ for the room. You can't eat that much food.

Grounds
Agreed. The grounds are beautiful. But they are beautiful for everyone, regardless of whether they are staying in the concierge building.

Luggage
I hate when I have to tip two or three people for moving my luggage. My recollection was that the Poly usually gets this right and I only have to tip one person. Universal resorts have this down to a science. It seems like half of the staff have managed to touch your luggage before it gets to your room. That's a lot of tipping.

Sorry you weren't wowed. For the money you pay at the Poly concierge, everything should be perfect. I'd be disappointed too.

 

[TwingleMum]

Disney rooms feel so small to me, I'm used to having more room for all the kids' things. Larger bathrooms, too, usually with the toilet behind it's own door for more privacy. Better lighting both in the room and the bathroom. Mini bars, complimentary newspaper left outside the door, plumbing that doesn't squeak, larger bathtub/showers, room for the coffee maker somewhere other than the already-cramped bathroom counter, bigger closets, more hangers in the closets, bigger TV's (that's one dh noticed, lol).

Have you ever tried a DVC resort?? The bathrooms are HUGE The toilet is in a separate room. The shower is large with the multijets and a bench, the big jacuzzi tub is in a separate room. You also have full size washer/dryers and a full size kitchen.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Have you ever tried a DVC resort?? The bathrooms are HUGE The toilet is in a separate room. The shower is large with the multijets and a bench, the big jacuzzi tub is in a separate room. You also have full size washer/dryers and a full size kitchen.

Does this include the studios? I'm getting excited, considering I just reserved a Beach Club Villa studio

 

[dgaston]

The studios, not so much. Their bathrooms do have vanities outside the shower/tub and toilet (at WDW, everywhere but OKW). You need to be in a 1 br for the truly spacious baths.

The "kitchen" in a studio consists of microwave, toaster, and fridge.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Do the studios include a jacuzzi tub?

 

[tinknsnow]

I completely understand the "different strokes for different folks" thing. The toenails thing is just awful, though. Yuck! Sorry about that!

We are staying at the Poly (GVC) for the first time in January. We have always stayed at (and loved) the WL but we wanted to try something new this trip.

I will be really upset if we end up in a smoking room and can't change it. My oldest daughter and I both have allergies to smoke and asthma to boot (not to mention I grew up with that smell--my mom was a chain-smoker-- and I hate it). If we have requested a non-smoking room since we reserved it almost a year ago, what are the chances of ending up in a smoking room? I have reiterated to my IPO contact that I do not want a smoking room.

 

[ducklite]

Is there any such thing as a 2 bedroom apartment in NYC that rents for the same price as one in Orlando? If so, please show me the light!

Can you say rent controlled illegal sublet?

Anne

 

[ducklite]

See, and this is what's funny to me. Every time I've made a comment like the one I did, people have responded as if I'm comparing hotels in the cheapest parts of the country.

But I actually have stayed in nicer hotels for the same or less money in places like Chicago, San Diego and yes, even NYC. (OK, the one in NYC didn't have a pool, but the room, the service and other amenities were so much nicer, that overall I have to give it a "nicer" rating.)

ETA Disclaimer: Again, this is my personal opinion. Others will disagree, and part of that probably depends on the different levels of importance people place on different amenities. For example, swimming pools aren't a real big deal to us, living in a community that has better pools at our rec centers (excepting SAB), so if you really like Disney pools and use them a lot, your opinions of the hotels will differ.

I'm going to compare apples to apples. At Cedar Point, and area with a cost of living somewhat lower than Orlando, they have a couple hotels run by Cedar Point. Their flagship hotel, the Breakers (which resembles the GF in architecture and design), does cost about 30% less than the GF, but does not offer any type of transportation to/from the airport, and their courtesy shuttle is on a first come first served space available basis, and they can't accomodate everyone. They do not hit the level of theming and elegance that the Grand Floridian does. There is no orchestra, no pianist in the lobby, which is rather stark. Rather than abundant live floral presentations there are some silk arrangements. The rooms are smaller and not as well appointed. There is no turn down service, triple sheets, or club level. Over all, service levels are lower, with many seasonal staff who really don't care all that much. There is no fine dining, the choices are "Beaches and Cream", or TGIF. While there are similar recreational facilities nearby, they are not as convenient, and there is no spa. It is not as clean and well kept.

So yes, perhaps you pay a little less, but you get a lot less for your dollar for what should in all rights be a comparable resort.

Anne

 

[Mamu]

Thanks for your honest opinion. I know there are some who love the Poly, others would rather stay at the All Stars.

I've always found the concierge staff to be very helpful. We love the Poly concierge, and feel it's worth the extra money.

The little bit of extra room comes in handy when there are 5 of you. I love the turn-down service, love getting fresh towels in the evening. I also love the evening offerings. Love to sit and relax with cheese and crackers and a glass of wine before entering the park in the evening. I love the small quaintness of this resort. We are not park commando's anymore, we try to enjoy the resort.

All the resorts have pro and con, thats why there are so many different type resorts. I feel there are more pro's then con's when staying concierge, others will totally disagree with me and Thats OK.

Sorry your Poly stay was not what you expected.

 

[DisneyMim]

Thanks for your honest report. I know how hard it can be to post negative things on this board. We love the Poly and like to stay concierge, but I have to say that the last time was not up to par for us. More and more people are staying concierge and expecting so much more than it really is intended to be that I think the staff is just so overwhelmed lately. It wasn't like this years ago. That being said, I love the fact that Disney has so many different types of resorts for it's guests. There are many options. From my experience, and we've been going forever, every stay is different based on many many factors. Just one bad experience can ruin a resort for someone. Again, thanks for your report. It's good to hear about all experiences.

 

[bringerofdreams]

I know the reasons why that is, and clearly I find some worth to Disney resort prices, or we wouldn't stay in them. I'm just saying that they are disappointing compared to our other hotel experiences, and I only offered that up in this thread because I thought the OP might have had expectations more like mine, and I think those expectations have to be adjusted for Disney.

You know, I see comments like this ALL the time on this board. I have yet to make a first trip to Disney, so comments like this just make no sense to me at all. You have no idea how ridiculous they sound to someone who is not yet a Disney addict.

Why should ANYONE who is paying $200-$500 nightly for a hotel have to "adjust" their expectations just because it is Disney? Are you saying that Disney had the right to offer sub-par service and rooms just because they have the Disney name behind them? Are you kidding me?

Disney will never improve and correct the issues they have as long as there are hundreds of apologists that will make excuses for them.

I don't care if it's Disney or not. I will not make "adjustments" to my expectations. For $300+ a night I want good service, an immaculatly clean room and excellent housekeeping service.

In the last several weekes I have seen many posts about crumbs, candy, toenails, pills and etc on floors, soap scum and hair in the tubs, dirty windows, filthy comforters and general lackluster daily housekeeping. This is not acceptable. Not at Disney, not anywhere at all. I have stayed in seedy $49/night rooms that were cleaned so well you would never guess another guest had ever stayed there. There is no excuse for this. None. At all. All this tells me is that Disney is more concerned about $$$ than its guests and I am now seriously considering staying offsite.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

You know, I see comments like this ALL the time on this board. I have yet to make a first trip to Disney, so comments like this just make no sense to me at all. You have no idea how ridiculous they sound to someone who is not yet a Disney addict.

Why should ANYONE who is paying $200-$500 nightly for a hotel have to "adjust" their expectations just because it is Disney? Are you saying that Disney had the right to offer sub-par service and rooms just because they have the Disney name behind them? Are you kidding me?

Disney will never improve and correct the issues they have as long as there are hundreds of apologists that will make excuses for them.

I don't care if it's Disney or not. I will not make "adjustments" to my expectations. For $300+ a night I want good service, an immaculatly clean room and excellent housekeeping service.

In the last several weekes I have seen many posts about crumbs, candy, toenails, pills and etc on floors, soap scum and hair in the tubs, dirty windows, filthy comforters and general lackluster daily housekeeping. This is not acceptable. Not at Disney, not anywhere at all. I have stayed in seedy $49/night rooms that were cleaned so well you would never guess another guest had ever stayed there. There is no excuse for this. None. At all. All this tells me is that Disney is more concerned about $$$ than its guests and I am now seriously considering staying offsite.

oops! No, you are right. I wasn't talking about the cleanliness factor there, I was talking about general size of room, quality of fixtures, helpfulness of staff, etc. The toenail thing is completely disgusting, as are the other comments made about other dirt and grime, and I don't think anyone should stand for that. I have not yet personally experienced such filth in a Disney (or any other developed country) hotel.

 

[bringerofdreams]

oops! No, you are right. I wasn't talking about the cleanliness factor there, I was talking about general size of room, quality of fixtures, helpfulness of staff, etc. The toenail thing is completely disgusting, as are the other comments made about other dirt and grime, and I don't think anyone should stand for that. I have not yet personally experienced such filth in a Disney (or any other developed country) hotel.

Well here again we have the comment about the "helpfulness of staff". I am NOT trying to single you out, trust me! I am simply pointing out the mindset here and how many of you, in your quest to feed the obsession, will lower your expectations to justify the addiction.

People are paying anywhere between $100-800 nighly for a room. Then, they are paying several hundred additional dollars for theme park tickets. This is an expensive vacation. Some people work 2 jobs for a year in order to save enough money to be able to go.

For this kind of money, the staff better be smiling no matter how bad their day is and asking me "Is there anything else I can help you with?" Anything less for what you are paying is not acceptable no matter how you color it.

 

[iliketoby]

I ju

It was nice to have help but since it's customary to tip it cost me $30 to have my bags taken to my room & back. 10 to take them to holding, 10 to have them delivered to my room then 10 to have them brought back out front.

...this is just one person's opinion and NOT the opinion of most.

I give the bellmen a total of $15 -- $5 to the guy who empties the car, and $10 to the guy who delivers it (if they get it to the room in a couple minutes, which WDW has always done.) Of course, that is for two people's luggage, I don't know how much you had.

I, too, am wholely unimpressed with WDW concierge. And it isn't just the Poly.

When we got to the BWI there was nobody at the desk. There was a phone and a number to call, but nobody picked up, so we had to go back down to the front desk and stand in line. Then we found a half-eaten bag of popcorn behind a throw pillow on the couch. Then they told us they didn't have any more mini-fridges. Had to call WDW Guest Services to get one (this was before all the rooms had them).

...and BWI is a dreamland when compared with the Contemporary.

Concierge at WDW cannot be compared to concierge in regular "luxury" hotels. I think they're counting on the fact that people who stay there aren't regular travelers.

 

[LvsTnk]

Thank you for your report. I am one of those that think the LVC room is well worth the price payed. I think you would have saved a little on the tipping if you had cut out having to store your bags and I'm with Steve (tikiman) I would prefer that the tipping be built in. But I totally agree with you on your other assessments of the resort.

Have to say it won't stop me from stayin there I love the Polynesian.

 

[johnvree]

Well here again we have the comment about the "helpfulness of staff". I am NOT trying to single you out, trust me! I am simply pointing out the mindset here and how many of you, in your quest to feed the obsession, will lower your expectations to justify the addiction.

People are paying anywhere between $100-800 nighly for a room. Then, they are paying several hundred additional dollars for theme park tickets. This is an expensive vacation. Some people work 2 jobs for a year in order to save enough money to be able to go.

For this kind of money, the staff better be smiling no matter how bad their day is and asking me "Is there anything else I can help you with?" Anything less for what you are paying is not acceptable no matter how you color it.

Did you mention in your last post that you have never been to WDW? If so, maybe you should wait until you have gone at least once before your comment on our addictions and obsessions. Once you have gone to WDW, I bet you'll find that posts like this are the exception, not the rule. I find WDW's services to be top notch most of the time. If you have never been disappointed with a hotel or resort in your life, consider yourself very fortunate. I have stayed in 4 and 5 star hotels and have had complaints from time to time. Just like I have had complaints about some of my Disney stays.

WDW is certainly not perfect, and the deluxes are very expensive. But it has provided my family with very memorable vacations. My kids still talk about vacations from 3 years ago. That's what I expect from WDW and it has delivered each time.

 

[iliketoby]

I would think you would need to compare other theme park hotels such as the ones at Universal and based on comments on these forums, no one is overally impressed with what they offer.

My heart belongs to Disney, but kids like Universal better, so we've stayed at Universal twice. Universal beats Disney on cleanliness, no doubt about it. And transportation, too. We always rent a car at WDW, and didn't bother on our second Universal-only trip. Using Universal's transportation actually SAVED us time! And they tie for service. The staff at Universal isn't any better or worse. It is a crapshoot, just like at WDW.

That was my experience, anyway.

 

[ducklite]

Concierge at WDW cannot be compared to concierge in regular "luxury" hotels. I think they're counting on the fact that people who stay there aren't regular travelers.

I agree, it can't be compared to a LUXURY hotel. But WDW never claims to be LUXURY. While the deluxe resorts are not on par with any Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons, they are on par with the average Hilton, Marriott, and even some Fairmonts, and a step above most Hyatt's and Omni's (both of which are generally waayyyy overrated.)

I'm a regular traveler, have been for years. In fact in 1990 I clocked 260 nights in hotel rooms--ranging from bottom of the barrel with Motel 6 to top of the line propreties such as the Crescent Court and the Fairmont San Francisco. Two of my at the time coworkers were on Marriotts business traveler advisary board and helped to develop the Courtyard concept. I participated in the original Wyndham Woman's Business Travel survey and offered suggestions to develop Wyndham's program for woman travelers, including "women only" floors, "Woman friendly" toiletries, etc. (It was a long tiem ago, and I can't even remember everything that was discussed.)

At any rate, I do agree with you that many people who visit WDW are not terribly experienced travelers and thus are "WOWED" by any hotel that is nicer than the Motel 6 they stay at on the way to and from the kin's house a couple states over each year. But I think it's also not fair to say that WDW are sub-par by camparission to the luxury hotels of the world. Of course they are, because they do'nt try to be a luxury hotel.

That said, I've always thought that was the one place WDW missed the mark, and I've said so many times here. They need to build a small, exclusive, luxury hotel. Maybe 300 rooms, all at least a jr. suite, with an adult only wing, butler service, some suites. The entire hotel would be a club level as far as service and amenities. It would offer a pool valet who would show you to a chair, your choice sun or shade, bring you chilled face cloths, etc. Housekeeping would be extraordinary in all respects. It would offer two restaurants, one casual, one fine dining with an enforced dress code. Entry would be restricted to those staying there and those with prearranged dining reservations. In reality I think they could keep two-three hundred rooms filled with clientele looking for this experience and willing to pay for it. They could target those who now stay at the Peabody, GF, and Ritz-Carlton who would rather either be on site of wish for an even more upscale experience but settle for the GF.

Anne