GF2 vs Grand Floridian?

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

We did a tour of the new room layout last week and added more VGF points. Our guide was saying that the hotel room feel of the new one was apparently based on guest feedback in the sense of guests wanting two queen beds and more space and so the kitchenette was the sacrificial lamb. The new rooms are quite nice, but definitely more hotel room than villa. Hopefully when you book a studio you will know whether it's original or Big Pine, because it would affect how much and the kind of groceries we would bring. Our guide also said to express our feelings about it on these boards so Disney may pay attention. Adding a sink is unlikely though since there is no space for it in the little nook above the beverage cooler.

Hmmmm… The lack of a kitchenette is because of guest feedback? Or because it was too much trouble/expense to add the plumbing for the sink! . I think the guide was giving a good sales pitch

 

[Her Dotness]

Hmmmm… The lack of a kitchenette is because of guest feedback? Or because it was too much trouble/expense to add the plumbing for the sink! . I think the guide was giving a good sales pitch

It's a pretty sure thing they didn't survey anybody much from these boards, isn't it?

Actually, the photos/video tour I've seen suggested to me there would have to have been some significant alterations to have adequate space for a kitchenette in those rooms. I concluded it might not have been merely the cost.

 

[KTownRaider]

Our guide was saying that the hotel room feel of the new one was apparently based on guest feedback in the sense of guests wanting two queen beds and more space and so the kitchenette was the sacrificial lamb.

I'd like to see that survey/feedback showing a large vanity table in the entrance was of more value to members than a kitchenette/microwave. Sounds very...car salesman-ish...

 

[Sandisw]

Hmmmm… The lack of a kitchenette is because of guest feedback? Or because it was too much trouble/expense to add the plumbing for the sink! . I think the guide was giving a good sales pitch

I think it was wanting the two beds and a more hotel like setting that was something wanted, not not having the kitchenette.

My guide indicated the same about the beds, not the loss of the other elements.

The lack of a kitchenette was so they could easily flip it IMO.

 

[Her Dotness]

I'd like to see that survey/feedback showing a large vanity table in the entrance was of more value to members than a kitchenette/microwave.

What guests prefer wasn't the consideration, I don't think. Looked to me like a kitchenette couldn't have been put where that big table is without substantial plumbing installation/rerouting. You can't do something like that in an existing structure without more expense than is practical or reasonable oftentimes.

 

[KTownRaider]

Looked to me like a kitchenette couldn't have been put where that big table is without substantial plumbing installation/rerouting. You can't do something like that in an existing structure without more expense than is practical or reasonable oftentimes.

It's perfectly fine to say this was a cheap flip or done for economical/timeliness reasons versus stating guest prefer less amenities. That just sounds IMHO disingenuous. Where there is a will, there is a way. There was no will, and that's ok for the reasons you alluded. Just don't tell me otherwise.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

It’s all the same association. I was able to book a VGF1 one bedroom for a weekend in January 2023. (I released it once the resort studios became available to book. Don’t come for me, VGF1 owners!! )

On an unrelated note…

Hey DVC, it’s me, Sleepless. If you’re listening (aka reading these boards), can you please create some studios that have king sized beds?

 

[Her Dotness]

It's not as though anyone truly expects a DVC Guide giving a tour to say flipping BPK speedily or plumbing costing too much was the reason there were no kitchenettes.

I'm not the least surprised one said there was no kitchenette because guest feedback indicated people preferred a hotel room atmosphere. They're salespeople compelled to stick to the official script (or to "creatively" put a positive spin on what was done.)

Whereas we're free to speculate what the actual reason probably was--and neither actually matters since the resort studios are as they are.

 

[nuhusky123]

It's a pretty sure thing they didn't survey anybody much from these boards, isn't it?

Actually, the photos/video tour I've seen suggested to me there would have to have been some significant alterations to have adequate space for a kitchenette in those rooms. I concluded it might not have been merely the cost.

I got a personal phone call from Bob, told him straight up. “Get rid of the microwave and fridge, useless, give me more room Bob and two real beds”

Bob loved the idea

you are all welcome

 

[PalmettoPath]

Hmmmm… The lack of a kitchenette is because of guest feedback? Or because it was too much trouble/expense to add the plumbing for the sink! . I think the guide was giving a good sales pitch

The guide actually told us to complain about it (the guide was not a fan, but was towing the line), implying that they do pay attention to feedback. Likely it is a sore spot for some sales/guests.

 

[PalmettoPath]

I'd like to see that survey/feedback showing a large vanity table in the entrance was of more value to members than a kitchenette/microwave. Sounds very...car salesman-ish...

Our feedback was it's a stretch to call them villas, even though they are very nice hotel rooms.

 

[PalmettoPath]

I got a personal phone call from Bob, told him straight up. “Get rid of the microwave and fridge, useless, give me more room Bob and two real beds”

Bob loved the idea

you are all welcome

Our guide said that microwaves will be on the top shelf in the pantry space, even though it wasn't actually there in the model we saw. So Keurig machine, microwave and beverage cooler. No toaster, no sink, no tableware, probably just a couple of paper coffee cups for the coffee, but likely no paper plates etc. The beverage cooler is roughly half the size of the mini fridges we're used to in other studio villas that have mini fridges (like BLT, where we happened to be staying last week). They look like mini wine coolers.

 

[PalmettoPath]

What guests prefer wasn't the consideration, I don't think. Looked to me like a kitchenette couldn't have been put where that big table is without substantial plumbing installation/rerouting. You can't do something like that in an existing structure without more expense than is practical or reasonable oftentimes.

They did a good job with the Polynesian conversion in terms of kitchenette. They decided not to do the spend at the Grand, for whatever reason. It's sort of like a new category of DVC room for me.

 

[WxKristin]

Hey DVC, it’s me, Sleepless. If you’re listening (aka reading these boards), can you please create some studios that have king sized beds?

Seriously, if Disney did a studio with a king bed that would be my go to option on trips w/o the kids. C’mon DVC, you got OKW sitting right there…

 

[The Jackal]

They did a good job with the Polynesian conversion in terms of kitchenette. They decided not to do the spend at the Grand, for whatever reason. It's sort of like a new category of DVC room for me.

And CCV and AKL Jambo rooms.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I got a personal phone call from Bob, told him straight up. “Get rid of the microwave and fridge, useless, give me more room Bob and two real beds”

Bob loved the idea

you are all welcome

Well, since you and Bob are like this
Please convince him to quit. Tell him he's missing out on his true calling: playing Scrooge on Broadway. Oh wait! I get it! He's playing it in real life!

 

[Sandisw]

They did a good job with the Polynesian conversion in terms of kitchenette. They decided not to do the spend at the Grand, for whatever reason. It's sort of like a new category of DVC room for me.

IMO, it wasn’t done so they could renovate and sell in a quick timeframe. They wanted something else to sell along with RIV to hold them over until DLT sales begin and then the Poly tower.

Now, if we see these resort studios in the Poly tower then it means they may be moving in this direction as an option in addition to deluxe studio options.

And, I hope the guide was correct that a microwave will be added. That is such a simple fix. I did send that feedback along with having a king bed instead of second queen. The room seems large enough to accomplish

 

[nuhusky123]

Bob said he hates microwaves and fridges, plans to ban them from Disney

said anyone who complains goes onto the Disney blacklist

 

[Her Dotness]

Our guide said that microwaves will be on the top shelf in the pantry space, even though it wasn't actually there in the model we saw. So Keurig machine, microwave and beverage cooler. No toaster, no sink, no tableware, probably just a couple of paper coffee cups for the coffee, but likely no paper plates etc.

What would be the point of adding a microwave without utensils, plates and bowls? That'd be dumb when this IS supposedly a studio and not a hotel room.

If they actually do put in a nuker, they'd about have to include the usual paper dinnerware and plastic flatware, I should think.

I'm cynical enough to think your guide was trying to be encouraging or was simply mistaken.

I suppose it's possible, though, that they are waiting on a volume shipment of new microwaves for the RStus. Supply chain issues are still occurring.

 

[nuhusky123]

What would be the point of adding a microwave without utensils, plates and bowls? That'd be dumb when this IS supposedly a studio and not a hotel room.

If they actually do put in a nuker, they'd about have to include the usual paper dinnerware and plastic flatware, I should think.

I'm cynical enough to think your guide was trying to be encouraging or was simply mistaken.

I suppose it's possible, though, that they are waiting on a volume shipment of new microwaves for the RStus. Supply chain issues are still occurring.

Disney already announced no microwave or fridge

guide was clearly selling smoke to get the sale

id wager good money we won’t see microwaves in resort rooms as it changes the requirements for supporting those rooms with all the junk you listed off. This increases the cost to clean the room and restock the room after each guest