Grand Floridian Questions

[GoingSince1990]

However at the end of a long day an elevator only going up came, and people were very angry at my family for getting in it when they all wanted to go down to reach the other buildings. That was the only thing that truly made me feel awkward about being in the RPC,

People getting angry about an elevator going up when they wanted to go down? I wouldn't feel awkward, I would feel that those people needed anger management therapy.

 

[Katie1174]

I will throw my response into the mix also. My hubby and I have stayed at the Grand Floridian multiple times. Neither of us has ever had anyone look or treat us differently than any resort we have stayed at. We spend every day, usually all day, in shorts and tees and the front desk CM’s, bell services, restaurant CM’s, gift shop CM’s etc have never ever been snobby, nor have we encountered any guests acting that way towards us either. We always say hi to people we make eye contact with, we talk to fellow guests in the elevators, and a big smile goes a long way.
if it is your wife's desire or dream to stay there, I say go for it and give it a try. You will probably be pleasantly surprised and if you are not, then you don't need to stay there again.
And a big shout out to all the fabulous maids we have had that do a great job and always leave us a different towel animal each afternoon. After our usual 9-10 day stays we have quite the wonderful zoo lounging on the extra bed.

 

[Ashley Marie]

I'm probably being over sensitive to the issue, but like I explained earlier, it's something I do work with/experienced.

My Wife and I stayed at the Ritz Carleton Kapalua a few years back. I hated it. I'm the type of guy who wears a short and t-shirt everywhere. Guests at the resort would barely talk to me, I guess because I don't 'project rich'. Anyway, some other Canadians arrived, it got out what I do and suddenly all those people who didn't want anything to do with me before, were trying to sell me stock, get me to invest in their companies or whatever. Since then I've been going to Melia's and Royalton's, still nice places but its filled with normal folks.

It's not about the money. Money should be able to bring you things in life that are great, but one of those things shouldn't be an attitude that you're better or deserve better than others.

I love Disney, I've always loved Disney and I always will. It hold a special place in my heart because growing up my parents had to save all year, just so we could spend a couple days at one of the value resorts/or camping. I don't want to go somewhere where I run risk of hating and never wanting to go back.

Thanks to everyone who has responded with their opinions and feedback, I've honestly been blown away by how great the folks on this forum are. I've read every single one and thanks!

We've stayed at the Grand Floridian a few times now. First time was on our honeymoon, and we thought that'd be the only time because we are by no means rich, but, well... we really enjoyed that stay!

I suppose my family looks somewhat well-put together, in a casual vacation way, but we're not super fancy people -- and we've never encountered anyone like you're describing here. I wouldn't worry about other guests bothering you.

I grew up in with parents who had no money, so as someone who definitely NEVER stayed at a resort that's anywhere near as beautiful as the GF as a kid (we went on vacation I think twice, once when I was 5 and again when I was a teenager), staying there makes me feel special. Even just laying out on a lounge chair at the pool is lovely. It has a very serene vibe.

 

[3threebabies]

I totally get it. I was raised by a single mom who struggled to keep a roof over our heads as did my DH. Fast forward a few decades and we make a decent living and, because of DH's job, live in one of the highest income bracket areas in the US where every person is more entitled than the next. We both feel like fish out of water and when we go on vacation, though we like "luxurious" resorts and amenities, we do not want to encounter the entitled behavior we witness in our hometown on an almost daily basis. Here's the thing, though (and this is coming from someone who visits WDW multiple times a year) - there are tons and tons of people visiting WDW - all different walks of life, different socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, etc. and you will see all kinds of behavior in the parks and in the resorts. It's just nothing you can control. No matter where you go in WDW, you will probably be bothered by something someone else does - whether it's an entitled attitude at a resort, line cutting in the parks, being nipped in the foot by a stroller or ECV - it's going to happen. When you put that many people in one place, it's hard to avoid. If you can pack your patience and kindness (and don't worry about perceived dress codes - you'll be fine!), you can have a great trip in spite of a couple of jerks you might encounter. And truly, after 50+ trips to WDW under my belt, those jerks have been few and far between. Based on your past experiences, if you think you will be uncomfortable at GF, I wouldn't book it. There are so many other great resorts at WDW.

I only got 3 sentences in, and I said hmmm. I could think of most of the areas where you might live. I clicked, and it was my 1st choice. I smiled because I know exactly what you mean. When we moved away 4.5 years ago, my DH quoted your your daily interactions word for word I must say, though, I really miss the Sound. A lot. And my DH is a major “ocean is the only real beach” snob, and he misses it, too. Nor does our current well respected and funded school district compare favorably at all. We would totally move back and deal with it all again if the opportunity arose.

OP, sorry to detour your thread a little. The RPC is an amazing experience. Like someone said above, I mostly tune others out. If you want stay there and are able to look past those who might try to ruin your vacation, I say go for it. Otherwise, we have had great vacations at Disney no matter where we stay or choose to eat. And we often wear sneakers to dinner

 

[sndral]

One thing to keep in mind w/ the GF is that a lot of people who visit are not actually staying there. People going to V&A, people going to the nice restaurants Narcoossees & Citricios, people going to the tea, people just passing through to admire the gorgeous lobby or stroll the grounds, people attending a wedding at the wedding pavilion, many of the visitors are there for a special dinner or occasion & thus may have dressed up a bit.
IMO people assume too much and tend to see what they want to see. If someone thinks people will be snooty, they’ll probably see people who look snooty to them, when in fact no one can read someone else’s mind or know what they are thinking. Maybe they’re tense because that ride they got a FP for 60 days ago broke down and they didn’t get to ride, maybe one of the kids acted up, there’s a million reasons people act certain ways and it almost always has nothing to do with the strangers around them.
IME the most pretentious people are those who are insecure, they measure their worth by their possessions, they need to be seen as well off, whether they are or aren’t. I don’t really notice them, though, I’m far more interested in having a good time to waste time worrying about people trying to impress others.
When I stay at the GF I do expect guests to be a bit more civil than say what I would encounter at a value resort being occupied by a bunch of teenagers participating in a competition.
If your wife wants to stay at the GF, by all means give it a try, if you are as genuine and kind as your first post in this thread suggests, I’m sure you’ll find equally kind folks at the GF.
BTW, if you do stay, I think you might like the new bar, the Enchanted Rose, https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...w-open-at-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-spa/ I tried it out earlier this month and really liked the relaxed vibe.