Grand Floridian shouldn’t allow non hotel guests

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It is unique though.

Take st pancras hotel. It’s literally over the train station. This is a city hotel with lots of activity about it

To get to the hotel you take 100% public right of ways. You may get there via public transit. At no point prior to get to the hotel must you pass through miles of private land

Total opposite of wdw. Before you set foot on any monorail loop hotel you must first drive in a vehicle for miles through private land

There's stating Disney is a unique place as in it's a theme park that has xyz and then there's the discussion you started which is about gingerbread houses at a hotel wherein you don't want Disney to allow access to non-hotel (as in Grand Floridian) guests. We can talk all day long if you want but Disney isn't unique in what the conversation is about. You need to separate out the theme park to the hotel parts because the hotel is functioning like many other hotels out there. You seem to feel very strong about it so my best suggestion would be to contact Disney, sell off your contracts you have and stay far away from the Grand Floridian hoping that eventually Disney changes their mind (which they could if they want to, their rules) and you can go back there again. I say that with sincerity because there doesn't seem to be anything else that would work for you at this point.

 

[nuhusky123]

There's stating Disney is a unique place as in it's a theme park that has xyz and then there's the discussion you started which is about gingerbread houses at a hotel wherein you don't want Disney to allow access to non-hotel (as in Grand Floridian) guests. We can talk all day long if you want but Disney isn't unique in what the conversation is about. You need to separate out the theme park to the hotel parts because the hotel is functioning like many other hotels out there. You seem to feel very strong about it so my best suggestion would be to contact Disney, sell off your contracts you have and stay far away from the Grand Floridian hoping that eventually Disney changes their mind (which they could if they want to, their rules) and you can go back there again. I say that with sincerity because there doesn't seem to be anything else that would work for you at this point.

Missed my point

My point is wdw is a special ecosystem that can and should limit access to resorts and the manner in which you have to get to wdw doesn’t bestow the same level of access to public areas as one might expect at a city hotel

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Missed my point

My point is wdw is a special ecosystem that can and should limit access to resorts and the manner in which you have to get to wdw doesn’t bestow the same level of access to public areas as one might expect at a city hotel

I got your point You're the one (well not the only one but you did create the thread) who is not wanting to view the points made by various posters impartially. I can't help that aspect. All I can do is point out when something isn't as unique as you may think it is.

 

[Chuck S]

Missed my point

My point is wdw is a special ecosystem that can and should limit access to resorts and the manner in which you have to get to wdw doesn’t bestow the same level of access to public areas as one might expect at a city hotel

I'd think of the Monorail, boat and Bus system more like a public bus/transport systen whose ticket to ride price is included in our dues, as well as in our theme park tickets. If the system would go to an actual paid structure, like most public systems, the price would not be included, the price would likely go up, as now they need to add ticketing tech to the buses, plus monorail and boat stations, causing delays especially if that computer system goes down. But why go through that expense> The non-resort guests who aren't AP holders or park ticket holdrs are likely a very small percentage of the overall crowd. Especially when you consider the tech per station would be about $500 by the time you add a media/magic band reader, and the electrical connection. And then the connection and programming to tie it into MDE/Ticketing.

 

[nuhusky123]

I got your point You're the one (well not the only one but you did create the thread) who is not wanting to view the points made by various posters impartially. I can't help that aspect. All I can do is point out when something isn't as unique as you may think it is.

I have yet to see a single compelling argument why my enjoyment and use of gf should be impaired because the hordes of non paid guests want to visit the resort

Some have argued divine right because this has been the way

Some have said let’s add more busses or boats. Yes that solves part of the transit problem but only part

Some have said it’s public property, which it isn’t. The lobby and grounds are private

Some have said we can’t restrict access to the monorail or boats. I’m not sure that’s accurate but let’s pretend it is. Grant access to all modes of transit but don’t allow non paid guests off the boat or monorail. Stepping off either places the punter onto private and by default controllable property

But a legit why Disney should harm paying guests experience in my view hasn’t been presented

Quite frankly I don’t care at all about diminishing the holiday enjoyment of non paid guests if my enjoyment as a paid guest has been negatively impacted. My enjoyment should be Disney’s priority as a paid guest

 

[nuhusky123]

I'd think of the Monorail, boat and Bus system more like a public bus/transport systen whose ticket to ride price is included in our dues, as well as in our theme park tickets. If the system would go to an actual paid structure, like most public systems, the price would not be included, the price would likely go up, as now they need to add ticketing tech to the buses, plus monorail and boat stations, causing delays especially if that computer system goes down. But why go through that expense> The non-resort guests who aren't AP holders or park ticket holdrs are likely a very small percentage of the overall crowd. Especially when you consider the tech per station would be about $500 by the time you add a media/magic band reader, and the electrical connection. And then the connection and programming to tie it into MDE/Ticketing.

You know those handheld devices in park for early hours. It validates something. I assume that could fit the bill and then it’s just the cost of a cast member and device

 

[hockeydad21]

I got your point You're the one (well not the only one but you did create the thread) who is not wanting to view the points made by various posters impartially. I can't help that aspect. All I can do is point out when something isn't as unique as you may think it is.

How is Disney World (specifically Magic Kingdom with 20 millions visitors a year), the GF with thousands of visitors a day coming to see the lobby, and the transportation to said theme park being overwhelmed not a unique situation?

 

[Chuck S]

How is Disney World (specifically Magic Kingdom with 20 millions visitors a year), the GF with thousands of visitors a day coming to see the lobby, and the transportation to said theme park being overwhelmed not a unique situation?

How many days per year is it overwhelmed? Then consider that you CHOSE to visit during that busy time of year. DVC is obligated to let you book a room, based on availability. Neither DVC nor Disney are obligated anywhere to make the resort less crowded. Inthe future, I would not book Thanksgiving week timeframe, I made that mistake once. I simply won't book that timeframe again, instead I will book late January to February and early June. Or if I want to do the Christmas stuff, EARLY December. Part of the beauty of a point based timeshare system is that WE are responsible for determining our travel dates, and take responsibility for those decisions.

In reality, didn't you also choose that time frame to see the Christmas decorations and activities, like the people in the lobby? Were you somehow led to believe it wouldn't be crowded?

 

[nuhusky123]

How many days per year is it overwhelmed? Then consider that you CHOSE to visit during that busy time of year. DVC is obligated to let you book a room, based on availability. Neither DVC nor Disney are obligated anywhere to make the resort less crowded. Inthe future, I would not book Thanksgiving week timeframe, I made that mistake once. I simply won't book that timeframe again, instead I will book late January to February and early June. Or if I want to do the Christmas stuff, EARLY December. Part of the beauty of a point based timeshare system is that WE are responsible for determining our travel dates, and take responsibility for those decisions.

Really, it’s the bookers fault for Disney allowing the resorts to turn into mad houses. Come on man seriously that’s a joke response

Total and utter nonsense right there

I am limited on when I can book based on school holidays. So no I should not be penalized with a bad experience because you all want to gate crash my resort. I have every right to spend my money when and where I want and expect a level of service that is up to par with the price point.

That Disney can’t deliver is on them and they should rectify the situation with absolute ruthlessness and remove free access

I’m actually flabbergasted by your response saying we should take responsibility for our own actions when we book. You literally blew my mind on that comment. Simply astounded.

 

[Man-DeLorean]

It’s interesting how much attention is given to the “entitlement” of non-paying guests at the Grand Floridian, yet the entitlement of paying guests is often overlooked. Those staying at the GF are making a considerable financial investment—far more than just paying for a room. They’re paying for a premium, serene, and exclusive experience that sets this deluxe resort apart from others.

Non-paying guests often enjoy the same shared spaces—lobbies, restaurants, and recreational areas—without contributing to the cost of maintaining these high standards. While Disney resorts are open to all in spirit, the balance tips when non-paying visitors start to detract from the experience that paying guests expect and deserve. Overcrowded spaces, long waits for amenities, or diminished access to prime resort features can make it feel like the investment made by paying guests isn’t being fully respected.

Entitlement isn’t inherently negative—it’s about the fairness of expectations. Paying guests are entitled to enjoy the value of what they’ve paid for without feeling like their premium experience is diminished by the influx of non-paying visitors. This isn’t to say non-paying guests shouldn’t be welcome, but there should be clear boundaries and considerations to prioritize the experience of those who’ve committed financially to being there.

In a place like the GF, it’s not unreasonable for paying guests to expect exclusivity, tranquility, and priority for the luxury price tag they’ve embraced.

 

[Disneylover99]

I have yet to see a single compelling argument why my enjoyment and use of gf should be impaired because the hordes of non paid guests want to visit the resort

Some have argued divine right because this has been the way

Some have said let’s add more busses or boats. Yes that solves part of the transit problem but only part

Some have said it’s public property, which it isn’t. The lobby and grounds are private

Some have said we can’t restrict access to the monorail or boats. I’m not sure that’s accurate but let’s pretend it is. Grant access to all modes of transit but don’t allow non paid guests off the boat or monorail. Stepping off either places the punter onto private and by default controllable property

But a legit why Disney should harm paying guests experience in my view hasn’t been presented

Quite frankly I don’t care at all about diminishing the holiday enjoyment of non paid guests if my enjoyment as a paid guest has been negatively impacted. My enjoyment should be Disney’s priority as a paid guest

The hordes of visitors at the GF are more than likely spending a fortune at DW in many ways….food, drinks, park tickets, merchandise, parking fees, other Disney resorts and Gingerbread shingles. lol. It makes no sense for Disney to tick off the masses.

I mean, there are people who are paying for their rooms at GF and not even spending a dime there. Stopping at Publix for groceries, using their kitchenettes to prepare food, etc….

Putting restrictions on who can use the transportation system, who can book an ADR, who can visit Deluxe resorts is a slippery slope I hope they never go down.
Maybe you’ll get your wish and then they’ll need to impose something like a minimum $200 per room/per night fee that you get back if you spend that amount at the GF to make up for lost revenue. So be careful what you wish for.

 

[focusondisney]

I have yet to see a single compelling argument why my enjoyment and use of gf should be impaired because the hordes of non paid guests want to visit the resort

Because WDW management has allowed & encouraged those “non paid” guests to visit & explore all their resorts for the over 50 years they have been in existence. That’s far more time than you have been a DVC member. Those are still their rules today. You knew them when you paid for DVC. A few disgruntled members are unlikely to significantly change WDW’s practices. They’ll change when the expense exceeds benefit to them. If it doesn’t work for you, it’s up to you to change your plans or membership.

 

[nuhusky123]

Because WDW management has allowed & encouraged those “non paid” guests to visit & explore all their resorts for the over 50 years they have been in existence. That’s far more time than you have been a DVC member. Those are still their rules today. You knew them when you paid for DVC. A few disgruntled members are unlikely to significantly change WDW’s practices. They’ll change when the expense exceeds benefit to them. If it doesn’t work for you, it’s up to you to change your plans or membership.

This is the divine right argument

 

[Chuck S]

Really, it’s the bookers fault for Disney allowing the resorts to turn into mad houses. Come on man seriously that’s a joke response

Total and utter nonsense right there

I am limited on when I can book based on school holidays. So no I should not be penalized with a bad experience because you all want to gate crash my resort. I have every right to spend my money when and where I want and expect a level of service that is up to par with the price point.

That Disney can’t deliver is on them and they should rectify the situation with absolute ruthlessness and remove free access

I’m actually flabbergasted by your response saying we should take responsibility for our own actions when we book. You literally blew my mind on that comment. Simply astounded.

Did you really NOT expect it to be crowded on Thanksgiving week? It has always been crowded historically.

 

[nuhusky123]

The hordes of visitors at the GF are more than likely spending a fortune at DW in many ways….food, drinks, park tickets, merchandise, parking fees, other Disney resorts and Gingerbread shingles. lol. It makes no sense for Disney to tick off the masses.

I mean, there are people who are paying for their rooms at GF and not even spending a dime there. Stopping at Publix for groceries, using their kitchenettes to prepare food, etc….

Putting restrictions on who can use the transportation system, who can book an ADR, who can visit Deluxe resorts is a slippery slope I hope they never go down.
Maybe you’ll get your wish and then they’ll need to impose something like a minimum $200 per room/per night fee that you get back if you spend that amount at the GF to make up for lost revenue. So be careful what you wish for.

I’m openly declaring war on the whole thing

 

[nuhusky123]

Did you really NOT expect it to be crowded on Thanksgiving week? It has always been crowded historically.

I expected the parks, but not my hotel. Not the point of it being miserable

And I don’t think that’s an unreasonable expectation for all reasons previously stated

 

[Disneylover99]

I’m openly declaring war on the whole thing

I see that. lol.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It’s interesting how much attention is given to the “entitlement” of non-paying guests at the Grand Floridian, yet the entitlement of paying guests is often overlooked. Those staying at the GF are making a considerable financial investment—far more than just paying for a room. They’re paying for a premium, serene, and exclusive experience that sets this deluxe resort apart from others.

Non-paying guests often enjoy the same shared spaces—lobbies, restaurants, and recreational areas—without contributing to the cost of maintaining these high standards. While Disney resorts are open to all in spirit, the balance tips when non-paying visitors start to detract from the experience that paying guests expect and deserve. Overcrowded spaces, long waits for amenities, or diminished access to prime resort features can make it feel like the investment made by paying guests isn’t being fully respected.

Entitlement isn’t inherently negative—it’s about the fairness of expectations. Paying guests are entitled to enjoy the value of what they’ve paid for without feeling like their premium experience is diminished by the influx of non-paying visitors. This isn’t to say non-paying guests shouldn’t be welcome, but there should be clear boundaries and considerations to prioritize the experience of those who’ve committed financially to being there.

In a place like the GF, it’s not unreasonable for paying guests to expect exclusivity, tranquility, and priority for the luxury price tag they’ve embraced.

I've never felt anywhere I've stayed at should bar people from the lobby nor transportation unless the transportation is already limited to hotel guests like hotel shuttles (usually vans) but even then the conversation was about Grand Floridian guests vs other hotels guests vs other types of guests asking for exclusive transportation for just the Grand Floridian.

We must be in different worlds (no pun intended since the conversation is about Walt Disney World) to feel so differently about things...meh that is life I suppose.

 

[focusondisney]

I’m openly declaring war on the whole thing

Good luck to you. I’m sure WDW will miss you.

 

[Marrila]

I’m openly declaring war on the whole thing

No walking on your lawn?