Is GF Really Going Down Hill?
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ducklite
<font color=teal>Take the Poly, it's fabulous!<br>
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Sammie--admittedly this was a couple of years back. Regretfully even since Georgina was replaced at the GF, I'm still hearing/reading complaints about their concierge service. I think that this is a deeply rooted problem that's going to take more than a few months to fix.
Anne
Anne
S
susy
Guest
I have yet to stay at GF. I wanted to for our Thanksgiving trip and DH was okay with it, but he really wanted the WL .I caved, since he has wanted to stay there for two years now. I think the WL will be so pretty for the holiday and about $100 a night cheaper! The GF is certainly "grand", but Anne said something very true: that there are places just as nice for less $$$. The theming of some of these resorts is just incredible! For us , $$$ is definitely an issue. We really enjoyed AKL and we can actually afford it! Anne, I know that AKL is your fav! There are certain people on this board whose opinion weighs heavy with me and yours is one of them. When I am finally done with grad school and our income is a little nicer
, I definitely plan to make my rounds off the deluxes and GF-water view is on my list!
, I definitely plan to make my rounds off the deluxes and GF-water view is on my list!
We were in the same boat as you last Jan. I split our stay between AKL and GF. The AKL can wash the floor with the GF! THe GF CM were rude and unhelpful from check in till departure. I choose to split our stay so we could experience the GF and use the Monorail since we had our 4 month old DD along! WE were all very dissapointed in stay after switching from our beloved AKL. The monorail was great to MK but not much more convient to EPCOT. My parents were so put out by the behavior at the GF they left a day early and said their not going back this year with us to WDW. AKL is a much better resort all the way around. Don't make the mistake I made.
phyllis1966
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Wow, DisOrBust - it's terrible that you and your family had such a bad experience at the GF! 
We had a great time there last October - everyone was so cordial and helpful. We're going back this year because we loved it so much! It's truly a shame when you look forward to your vacation and have such disappointments and aggravation, especially if it totally turns you off to a resort that pleases so many people! Thank goodness WDW has so many resorts to please everyone! (Hopefully you complained and were compensated in some way.)
We had a great time there last October - everyone was so cordial and helpful. We're going back this year because we loved it so much! It's truly a shame when you look forward to your vacation and have such disappointments and aggravation, especially if it totally turns you off to a resort that pleases so many people! Thank goodness WDW has so many resorts to please everyone! (Hopefully you complained and were compensated in some way.)DisOrBust - did you ever post a trip report about your experience? If not, please let us know what happened! Did you obtain any satisfaction when you complained?
DIS posters should collectively write a book titled "When Good Vacations Go Bad - Nightmares at WDW!"
Darian
DIS posters should collectively write a book titled "When Good Vacations Go Bad - Nightmares at WDW!"
Darian
I did post a thread re: our stay titled. "Back from the not-so-grand Floridian " that went into details of our experience there. Many others had also contributed to the thread on their experiences. I am trying to convince my parents to joins us again this year with the stipulation it will be at AKL, only lol! Our experience may not be yours . I was waffling before we left after reading some bad trip reports and kicked myself so splitting our stay when we got home. Oh well, live and learn!
Its really too bad that WDW's priemiere resort--the GF-- gets such bad reviews. I realize this is only a handful of those who stayed there. The rest were either pleased or not hacked enough to post about it. After all, who wants to wind up a vacation writing complaint letters. It just reinforces the few bad parts of anotherwise dream vacation.
However, for the prices GF charges there should never be one unsatisfied guest. People are only human, problems can occur, etc., but any problems should be made right before the guest leaves. And I don't mean leave for another hotel to finish their stay. Changing hotels in the middle of a stay can take up the greater part of a day that was intended for fun.
We were at WDW April, 2003. We stayed at the Polynesian and had a great time. The only problem was the price. We felt our money could have been better spent on the attractions, souveniers, etc. We're now considering the BW-DTD or Marriott Courtyard, DTD. Neither has the theming of the Polynesian or GF, but they don't have the pricetag either! During our stay, we rode over to the GF to check it out. I must agree there's an attitude problem with the staff there. Although I don't have any horror stories to report, they didn't go out of their way to make us feel welcome. Perhaps we weren't "rich enough" for their blood? After all, this is where the rich and famous stay when visiting WDW--I understand Princess Diana stayed there once with her sons. She bought up an entire wing. Well, she can afford it. Maybe the staff is looking for celebrities and their fat tips. Also, I did notice an edge to staff in general. Disney is going through some layoffs which can put people on edge. Especially consider that the CM or staff person you're dealing with might have been laid off from a high-paying job in the tech/telecommunications sector and while once could afford to stay in such a place is now reduced to cleaning it. Well, I guess that's their problem and shouldn't be mine, but I can't help but feel for people in such situations. Also, I think people dressed up in character costumes in the 90 plus heat is inhumane! At chef Mickey's, I saw Donald Duck almost faint while other workers pulled him back into the kitchen. A mother at a table next to us complained that her kids didn't get Donald's autograph, therefore, she should be given the price of her meal back. I felt like telling her that's not Donald Duck, just a human being trying to make a few bucks.
Well, getting long-winded here. Guess the best thing to do is find a moderate priced resort and your expectations will have a better chance of being met. Also, you don't need a room at the GF to get its atmosphere. We plan a character dinner at 1900 Park Fare during Christmas season. We plan to dress up, enjoy the decorations, then get on the bus and go back to our hovel!
However, for the prices GF charges there should never be one unsatisfied guest. People are only human, problems can occur, etc., but any problems should be made right before the guest leaves. And I don't mean leave for another hotel to finish their stay. Changing hotels in the middle of a stay can take up the greater part of a day that was intended for fun.
We were at WDW April, 2003. We stayed at the Polynesian and had a great time. The only problem was the price. We felt our money could have been better spent on the attractions, souveniers, etc. We're now considering the BW-DTD or Marriott Courtyard, DTD. Neither has the theming of the Polynesian or GF, but they don't have the pricetag either! During our stay, we rode over to the GF to check it out. I must agree there's an attitude problem with the staff there. Although I don't have any horror stories to report, they didn't go out of their way to make us feel welcome. Perhaps we weren't "rich enough" for their blood? After all, this is where the rich and famous stay when visiting WDW--I understand Princess Diana stayed there once with her sons. She bought up an entire wing. Well, she can afford it. Maybe the staff is looking for celebrities and their fat tips. Also, I did notice an edge to staff in general. Disney is going through some layoffs which can put people on edge. Especially consider that the CM or staff person you're dealing with might have been laid off from a high-paying job in the tech/telecommunications sector and while once could afford to stay in such a place is now reduced to cleaning it. Well, I guess that's their problem and shouldn't be mine, but I can't help but feel for people in such situations. Also, I think people dressed up in character costumes in the 90 plus heat is inhumane! At chef Mickey's, I saw Donald Duck almost faint while other workers pulled him back into the kitchen. A mother at a table next to us complained that her kids didn't get Donald's autograph, therefore, she should be given the price of her meal back. I felt like telling her that's not Donald Duck, just a human being trying to make a few bucks.
Well, getting long-winded here. Guess the best thing to do is find a moderate priced resort and your expectations will have a better chance of being met. Also, you don't need a room at the GF to get its atmosphere. We plan a character dinner at 1900 Park Fare during Christmas season. We plan to dress up, enjoy the decorations, then get on the bus and go back to our hovel!
ww52
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vhoffman - good post.
We've stayed at GF three times, but the last was five years ago. I suspect the economy may have something to do with CMs not being as friendly as before. We had two situations our last stay, nothing worth writing about but they showed an attitude that vhoffman described - that we weren't important enough for them. Don't get me wrong, we love GF, and would stay there again except we prefer the Epcot location now that the kids are practically grown. While expensive, you generally do get a level of service and atmosphere that goes along with the price tag. It sounds like maybe the CMs need a bit of reminding - not everyone there is a high-roller; many people save and sacrifice to experience the GF.
We've stayed at GF three times, but the last was five years ago. I suspect the economy may have something to do with CMs not being as friendly as before. We had two situations our last stay, nothing worth writing about but they showed an attitude that vhoffman described - that we weren't important enough for them. Don't get me wrong, we love GF, and would stay there again except we prefer the Epcot location now that the kids are practically grown. While expensive, you generally do get a level of service and atmosphere that goes along with the price tag. It sounds like maybe the CMs need a bit of reminding - not everyone there is a high-roller; many people save and sacrifice to experience the GF.
ducklite
<font color=teal>Take the Poly, it's fabulous!<br>
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I have no desire to stay at a moderate. I can't sleep in a double bed with DH. I prefer the amenities of a deluxe, including room service, larger rooms, and balconies.
It's not just about atmosphere. But for the prices we all pay at WDW resorts, the service should be top-notch. Particularly in concierge levels and at Disney's "flagship" resort.
Anne
MOMTOMOOTOO
<font color=blue>The people in Shop Rite would not
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I think the average joe probably tips better.
This is OT but last Christmas season my girlfriends and I went to dinner after a play in NYC and Barbara Walters and her entourage came in after doing 20/20 and when we were leaving the waiter walked us out and thanked us profusely for the generous tip. He said the celebs didn't tip well.
It truly seems that some people find the need to bash the GF after a bad trip or meal. I do not understand why after one or two personal views and personal examples that it must be kept up. I have been a member of this board for two years and have not noticed any other WDW hotel receive half of the poor views and trip reportsand continual bashing.
We all choose which hotel to stay in based upon our own preferences. If something should occur during our trip that does not meet someones "standards or expectations" whose fault is that? Should the more expensive hotels, such as the GF, be held to a high " expectation standard" ? Or do the higher priced hotels charge more for their location, room size or amenities?? And because people are paying sooooooo much more for the GF than they would for other deluxe hotels does this give people the right to bash them when their dreams do not come 101% true ???? Is this the hotel staffs fault??? I enjoyed my stay at the GF and have had the unforunate bad things happen at other deluxe, but that was not the hotels fault or the CM's fault either.
Just my final thoughts on this thread, Sorry I just could not take any more.
We all choose which hotel to stay in based upon our own preferences. If something should occur during our trip that does not meet someones "standards or expectations" whose fault is that? Should the more expensive hotels, such as the GF, be held to a high " expectation standard" ? Or do the higher priced hotels charge more for their location, room size or amenities?? And because people are paying sooooooo much more for the GF than they would for other deluxe hotels does this give people the right to bash them when their dreams do not come 101% true ???? Is this the hotel staffs fault??? I enjoyed my stay at the GF and have had the unforunate bad things happen at other deluxe, but that was not the hotels fault or the CM's fault either.
Just my final thoughts on this thread, Sorry I just could not take any more.
Vlahakis2001
DIS Veteran
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I totally agree Tony, we have stayed at the GF every time at Disney, I have never encountered attitude. It's not a very far walk from the buildings, certainly not 30 minutes. We've stayed in all but one building. You can't always trust what you hear, becuase there are tons of circumstances that need to be accounted.
phyllis1966
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I've said it before and I'll say it again - we LOVELOVELOVE the GF! We're not high-rollers or huge tippers, just your average family. We've stayed there and visited there and never encountered anyone with an attitude problem. Now, I'm not discounting others' bad experiences, I'm just saying that there are lots of us out here who have had terrific experiences at the GF (probably more than one would think after reading these posts ). I also feel that you get what you expect, and that I personally know of people (relatives, if you must know) who often complain about the "attitude problems" of others without ever giving a thought as to how they are sometimes causing these "attitude problems" with their own far-from-pleasant demeanor. But I digress...
). I also feel that you get what you expect, and that I personally know of people (relatives, if you must know) who often complain about the "attitude problems" of others without ever giving a thought as to how they are sometimes causing these "attitude problems" with their own far-from-pleasant demeanor. But I digress...We love the GF, and I am the hotel's biggest supporter, but incidents like lost luggage are inexcusable in a hotel of that caliber. Yes, you are paying more for the location. But, really, wouldn't you be P.O'd if it was your luggage that had been lost, or if the staff broke hotel policy by keeping you out of your room until 5 pm?
I understand that guests shouldn't expect things like cakes for birthdays or champagne for honeymoons, and we never do, but I do think that there is a level of basic service that should be met by EVERY hotel at WDW, and lost luggage means that the hotel has fallen short.
And, I will say, that the GF projects an image of elegance and sophistication, which the staff just doesn't live up to. We have had several problems. When we checked in on our 2nd to last trip there, our room was not available when it should have been, either. And when we finally got to it, our keys didn't work. The bellhop let us in, and said he would "be right back" with a key. Half an hour later, we called to the desk to see what was going on. They said they'd "send someone right away." Half an hour later, we called again. Same friendly, pleasant response, and yet - no key! Called again, and again. I believe we had to call a total of 4 times, spacing our calls by 20-30 mins to allow them ample time, before they finally delivered our key. It wasn't a huge deal, but it definitely is a problem in ANY hotel, especially one of the GF's caliber, when the staff smilingly agrees to do something and then just DOESN'T DO IT.
And I love the GF, too. I understand your need to rush to its defense. I have heard my fair share of frivolous complaints, like "They were all out of chocolate covered strawberries." Boo hoo.
But many of these complaints are legitimate.
And unless the management is made aware of them, these problems will continue.
I do agree with the poster who said that you should tip the staff, though. We tip mousekeeping, too, and make cute little envelopes with thank-you messages for them. I think that ALL of the staff plays a major role in the hotel experience, not just the concierge staff or the guest services staff.
Cheers!
Heather W
I understand that guests shouldn't expect things like cakes for birthdays or champagne for honeymoons, and we never do, but I do think that there is a level of basic service that should be met by EVERY hotel at WDW, and lost luggage means that the hotel has fallen short.
And, I will say, that the GF projects an image of elegance and sophistication, which the staff just doesn't live up to. We have had several problems. When we checked in on our 2nd to last trip there, our room was not available when it should have been, either. And when we finally got to it, our keys didn't work. The bellhop let us in, and said he would "be right back" with a key. Half an hour later, we called to the desk to see what was going on. They said they'd "send someone right away." Half an hour later, we called again. Same friendly, pleasant response, and yet - no key! Called again, and again. I believe we had to call a total of 4 times, spacing our calls by 20-30 mins to allow them ample time, before they finally delivered our key. It wasn't a huge deal, but it definitely is a problem in ANY hotel, especially one of the GF's caliber, when the staff smilingly agrees to do something and then just DOESN'T DO IT.
And I love the GF, too. I understand your need to rush to its defense. I have heard my fair share of frivolous complaints, like "They were all out of chocolate covered strawberries." Boo hoo.
But many of these complaints are legitimate.
And unless the management is made aware of them, these problems will continue.
I do agree with the poster who said that you should tip the staff, though. We tip mousekeeping, too, and make cute little envelopes with thank-you messages for them. I think that ALL of the staff plays a major role in the hotel experience, not just the concierge staff or the guest services staff.
Cheers!
Heather W
ducklite
<font color=teal>Take the Poly, it's fabulous!<br>
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While I can't say I've not encountered a bad attitude there (there have been some doozies, but there have also been some wonderfully warm and charming CM's as well), I can say that there is no way that it takes a half an hour to get from any building to the main building and back. It wouldn't take half an hour to walk from the 5th floor of Conch Cay to the GF Spa and back. In fact that's one of the nice things about the GF, it's not more than 3-4 minutes from the main building to any of the lodges.
Anne
Sammie
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The problem with any reviews of resorts is of course that it is all subjective. To one person it is a 30 minute walk from Boca Chica to the food area, of course I do have agree that would be a very, very slow leasurely stroll with stops built in to enjoy the view. What to one person is a short stroll to someone else is a long haul. I wish I was good at actually distance, but alas I am not. But I do not feel at the Grand Floridian any room is a far distance from anything.
Also as to what is friendly and what is not, is very subjective. I don't need anyone to be anything other than efficient and non hateful to be considered the best CM there is. Someone else might like a smiling face, a How Are you Today, etc.
As to problems at resorts like lost luggage, delays in rooms etc. while I do not like to encounter these type of problems, things happen because the staff is human. I do expect them to deal with the situation efficiently and if the delay or situation warrants offer restituion for the problem.
Having problems while staying at a resort does not make me dislike that resort. Having problems that are not resolved does. It would be impossible for Disney to have millions of guests and not have problems. That being said my family has stayed at least once at all Disney resorts and over the years, since we live in Florida and have visited often, have had problems. I can say there is no resort I would not return to.
Also as to what is friendly and what is not, is very subjective. I don't need anyone to be anything other than efficient and non hateful to be considered the best CM there is. Someone else might like a smiling face, a How Are you Today, etc.
As to problems at resorts like lost luggage, delays in rooms etc. while I do not like to encounter these type of problems, things happen because the staff is human. I do expect them to deal with the situation efficiently and if the delay or situation warrants offer restituion for the problem.
Having problems while staying at a resort does not make me dislike that resort. Having problems that are not resolved does. It would be impossible for Disney to have millions of guests and not have problems. That being said my family has stayed at least once at all Disney resorts and over the years, since we live in Florida and have visited often, have had problems. I can say there is no resort I would not return to.
ducklite
<font color=teal>Take the Poly, it's fabulous!<br>
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Sammie--In my case with the lost luggage, when they did find it (after denying for over an hour that it was there and swearing they ahd sent it out for delivery) they had the nerve to tell us we had to come over and get it!
We had dinner reservations that we missed (I was not going to go to dinner at the Yachtsmans Steakhosue wearing the shorts and t's we had been in that day--especially because we had gotten caught in a downpour and still looked like drowned rats. So it wasn't just misplaced luggage. It was their response to the situation and the missed dinner. Very, very unprofessional.
Anne
Sammie
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Originally posted by ducklite
Sammie--In my case with the lost luggage, when they did find it (after denying for over an hour that it was there and swearing they ahd sent it out for delivery) they had the nerve to tell us we had to come over and get it!
We had dinner reservations that we missed (I was not going to go to dinner at the Yachtsmans Steakhosue wearing the shorts and t's we had been in that day--especially because we had gotten caught in a downpour and still looked like drowned rats. So it wasn't just misplaced luggage. It was their response to the situation and the missed dinner. Very, very unprofessional.
Anne
I would have been upset also with your luggage situation and I do feel they owed your for the missed dinner.
Hopefully things will improve as time passes with the new management.
As you stated, and as I did, it is not the problems it is how they are dealt with.
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