Grand Floridian shouldn’t allow non hotel guests

[Man-DeLorean]

I never used the word insane…What I said was that people should expect crowds but not everyone sees the crowds as massive all day long and that some of us don’t see the crowds as anything but expected for this time of year. That’s a big difference. I waited lasted year 20 to 25 minutes for a monorail once and other times did not. Do I think 20 to 25 minutes to be on the monorail was higher than normal? Yes. Was it all the time? Nope.

The lobby was crowded with guests but not to the extend it was unexpected for the holidays.

And it’s been reported in this thread that the GF is full occupant…the point was that the likelihood of the Mk resorts being crowded is high. So, if that is occurring then you are going to wait more than you might when you visit in say, June.

And you absolutely have some who want it blocked to all guests.

The fact that some guests see the crowds as acceptable and some do not, means that it may not be as big of an issue for guests all the time.

That’s why I’ll repeat myself. Disney needs to ensure that the transportation options from The MK resorts during the holidays meets the demands as best they can and that could include more buses and boats, since the monorail can’t handle it all.

IMO, it’s unreasonable to say that because the GF is on the monorail that it means one should be able to ride that without a wait or have priority because it’s not practical.

And that is where expectations come into play and my experience is that guests planning trips this time of year are indeed given information on what it’s like, where to stay, and how to plan a trip that allows for the least stressful experience as possible.

Could you clarify who is responsible for providing guests with information about what to expect during a Disney trip over the holidays? I booked my Thanksgiving trip through Disney, and this information was never disclosed to me.

Additionally, how could giving guests at the Grand Floridian (and similarly at the Polynesian and Contemporary) priority access to the monorail during busy times be detrimental to those staying at the resort? Why is this not a practical solution to manage crowds and improve the experience?

 

[Chuck S]

I like that idea at TTC!

Does dvc sell gf and all its grandeur but add a caveat. Don’t expect to be able to reach the monorail during Christmas

Our bad

Go stay somewhere else

You can use the monorail, you just need to wait your turn like everyone else. I doesn't say you have prioority boarding, or won't have to wait on capacity. That isn't even implied.

 

[Minnie1222]

What planet are you on, the more money you have the more valuable your time is

Only people who think gf is a bargain would be the ultra wealthy and they will value their time even more

This is a different topic from why you think you could change the rules because you believe you had paid "top dollar".

 

[nuhusky123]

You can use the monorail, you just need to wait your turn like everyone else. I doesn't say you have prioority boarding, or won't have to wait on capacity. That isn't even implied.

Why not though

Take all emotion away

Disney sells priority boarding with lightening lanes and the such right? Guests must pay more $ for this priority access

Is a deluxe resort not much of the same thing, more $ for priority?

 

[Minnie1222]

Is a deluxe resort not much of the same thing, more $ for priority?

Yes, we already got the better locations, restaurants, rooms, gyms, decorations, etc...
You just want more than what you're entitled to.

 

[nuhusky123]

Yes, we already got the better locations, restaurants, rooms, gyms, decorations, etc...
You just want more than what you're entitled to.

And all of that minus the rooms are dismissed in value when the resort is overloaded

Access to food is harder

Access to decorations is harder

But I thought I was entitled to those things per your reply?

 

[eandt]

As with many complaints I would guess the majority of the ‘problem’ rests with the ‘paying customers’ as well … it’s like the neighborhood that begs the police to run radar because the “outsiders’ are speeding thru their streets then they discover it’s their own friends and neighbors that are the culprits getting caught and all of the sudden they no longer clamor for enforcement

 

[eandt]

And all of that minus the rooms are dismissed in value when the resort is overloaded

Access to food is harder

Access to decorations is harder

But I thought I was entitled to those things per your reply?

Yet the hifalutins continue to flock there … must be some crazy good gingerbread for Yinz to overlook all that hardship!

 

[Minnie1222]

And all of that minus the rooms are dismissed in value when the resort is overloaded
Access to food is harder
Access to decorations is harder

Don't stay there again if you think the value is diminished.

But I thought I was entitled to those things per your reply?

You are entitled to have rooms, food, decorations. You're not entitled to ban visitors from coming to the resort just because you think they're slowing you down.

 

[davidsonmark]

I totally get your frustration. I’ve had similar experiences at Disney hotels, where the non-guest crowds really take away from the relaxing atmosphere. It’s especially bad when you’re paying for amenities like transportation or the gingerbread house experience and then have to deal with people who aren’t staying there taking up space. I think Disney should definitely implement some kind of priority access, like wristbands or reservations for certain areas. That could help make sure paying guests actually get the value they’re paying for, especially during the busy holiday season. It’s a shame because VGF is a gorgeous resort, and it’s disappointing when the holiday experience ends up being more stressful than magical.

 

[eandt]

I totally get your frustration. I’ve had similar experiences at Disney hotels, where the non-guest crowds really take away from the relaxing atmosphere. It’s especially bad when you’re paying for amenities like transportation or the gingerbread house experience and then have to deal with people who aren’t staying there taking up space. I think Disney should definitely implement some kind of priority access, like wristbands or reservations for certain areas. That could help make sure paying guests actually get the value they’re paying for, especially during the busy holiday season. It’s a shame because VGF is a gorgeous resort, and it’s disappointing when the holiday experience ends up being more stressful than magical.

@ taking up space …. Space Invaders are people too!!!

 

[nuhusky123]

Don't stay there again if you think the value is diminished.


You are entitled to have rooms, food, decorations. You're not entitled to ban visitors from coming to the resort just because you think they're slowing you down.

Why is Disney not able to change the rules as to who can visit?

Me of course I cant ban anyone, I don’t own Disney. That’s just daft to say

But I am allowed an opinion and I’ll exercise my first amendment right and be very vocal as to my displeasure and encourage wdw to change their policies. Every survey I get I float this ask by them, just maybe Minnie my wish will come true and mice won’t be allowed at hotels without a reservation

 

[eandt]

Why is Disney not able to change the rules as to who can visit?

Me of course I cant ban anyone, I don’t own Disney. That’s just daft to say

But I am allowed an opinion and I’ll exercise my first amendment right and be very vocal as to my displeasure and encourage wdw to change their policies. Every survey I get I float this ask by them, just maybe Minnie my wish will come true and mice won’t be allowed at hotels without a reservation

This all started with a mouse

 

[nuhusky123]

This all started with a mouse

More than welcome with hotel reservation or adr

 

[twodogs]

The question is:

Do you feel that what is making it such a terrible experience at GF is the fault of the people or Disney?

That is, Disney can control how many people and which people (guests, non-guests, dining reservations folks etc) are in the GF or on the transportation or in the lobby at any time that they choose. But they don’t choose that (in my opinion, based on the better economics for them with the status quo). So maybe the anger, disappointment, bitterness should be directed at Disney, not the people? The people seem to be following exactly what Disney is selling to them.

In cases like this, it seems unlikely that anyone simply expressing disappointment will cause Disney to change their policies unless the change improves Disney’s profits (or lack of change decreases profits). So your best chance of impacting change is to vote with your wallet: sell your DVC, don’t book at the GF or other resorts that feel too crowded, don’t buy MKs and park tickets. Unless and until Disney feels the financial impact of guests/DVC owner’s disappointment, no changes will occur.

 

[Man-DeLorean]

As with many complaints I would guess the majority of the ‘problem’ rests with the ‘paying customers’ as well … it’s like the neighborhood that begs the police to run radar because the “outsiders’ are speeding thru their streets then they discover it’s their own friends and neighbors that are the culprits getting caught and all of the sudden they no longer clamor for enforcement

As with many complaints I would guess the majority of the ‘problem’ rests with the ‘paying customers’ as well … it’s like the neighborhood that begs the police to run radar because the “outsiders’ are speeding thru their streets then they discover it’s their own friends and neighbors that are the culprits getting caught and all of the sudden they no longer clamor for enforcement

I’ve read plenty of posts blaming resort guests for the congestion, while others argue that non-resort guests have every right to visit the gingerbread house since it’s in a public space, accessible by public transportation, and heavily promoted by Disney. Fine, let’s assume the crowding is *primarily* caused by resort guests, as your neighborhood analogy suggests—what’s the harm in putting controls in place to manage that, specifically priority monorail lines? Why the strong opposition to giving priority to guests who are paying a premium to stay there? If resort guests are the problem, it shouldn’t be impacting those not staying there.

 

[nuhusky123]

The question is:

Do you feel that what is making it such a terrible experience at GF is the fault of the people or Disney?

That is, Disney can control how many people and which people (guests, non-guests, dining reservations folks etc) are in the GF or on the transportation or in the lobby at any time that they choose. But they don’t choose that (in my opinion, based on the better economics for them with the status quo). So maybe the anger, disappointment, bitterness should be directed at Disney, not the people? The people seem to be following exactly what Disney is selling to them.

In cases like this, it seems unlikely that anyone simply expressing disappointment will cause Disney to change their policies unless the change improves Disney’s profits (or lack of change decreases profits). So your best chance of impacting change is to vote with your wallet: sell your DVC, don’t book at the GF or other resorts that feel too crowded, don’t buy MKs and park tickets. Unless and until Disney feels the financial impact of guests/DVC owner’s disappointment, no changes will occur.

Oh god it’s not the people’s fault and I don’t blame them at all.

100% Disney

I am already planning to sell my gfv contract by end of 25. I have some trips booked on the points, not to gfv I would like to take. Once done and assuming resale market is still strong I’ll put the contract up for sale

 

[proudmomof4]

What if the resort monorail reversed direction? Leave MK and stop 1st at GF, then Poly, on to TTC or not, and lastly CR before returning to MK? Would that alleviate the complaints I've read that, by the time the monorail arrives at GF in the morning, it is already full? And then GF guests are also the 1st drop off at the end of the day and get back to their rooms sooner.

 

[whiteness]

Yet the hifalutins continue to flock there … must be some crazy good gingerbread for Yinz to overlook all that hardship!

To be honest, the gingerbread isn't all that amazing. Nor is the house or Christmas Tree. Yes, it's nice, but if you don't experience it, you haven't missed all that much.

It's mostly due to influencers and FOMO: I wonder when it started to become such a big deal, anyway?

 

[Chuck S]

OK, Folks, throughout this long discussion, we've seen no new points on how/why Disney should restrict access to a resort. They are nothing more than circular arguments. The time has come to say goodnight to this thread. It's been interesting, but 54 pages of the same round and round is enough.