Just back from GF.....

[roozlilone]

Our first trip to the GF and I really wanted to like it....I always dreamed of staying there as a child....but I have to say I was so disappointed. We still had a magical trip. I was in Disney so I can't complain much, but for the price you pay to stay at the GF I just don't feel that it is worth the extra money...maybe my experience was an isolated one because I've read so many good posts on the GF but I feel compelled to at least share my story...maybe it will help anyone who is undecided on staying at this resort. My disappointments were several small things that added up to make a so-so experience. First, SELF-PARKING: there is none! Well, actually there is but it's a mile away. There is definitely not enough self-parking. I think they do this so you will use valet parking. But on a teacher's salary, I was doing good paying for the room, I couldn't afford to valet park. Second, CHECK-IN: I know it's luck of the draw on who you get, I didn't have any luck. Check-in was horrible. I got someone who didn't want to be there and pretty much threw the welcome pack at me and didn't explain anything in it and found out later he didn't even process my reservation correctly, he charged my card twice. Third, HOUSEKEEPING: Requested twice to have my room cleaned before noon because I had two small children that needed to take a nap, they said no problem, got back to the room and on both days and it was not done! They didn't clean our room until 3:30 p.m. each day and then I had someone come in at 4:30 p.m. (one hour later) to turn down my bed! Eventhough they are suppose to come between 5:15-7:15 p.m. for turn down service! Fourth, BIRTHDAYS: It was my husband's birthday. I noted it on the reservation and upon check-in I mentioned it again. Received nothing, not even a happy birthday (I know they don't have to do anything, but I figured we are at the GF, surely something would be done). In every other resort we stayed at: AKL, WL, CBR, POR, CR, they all did something complimentary to recognize a birthday. GF, nothing! Fifth, TV: I know it's a small detail, but the TV is so small for $400 plus a night room! The other resorts have bigger TVs, why? Sixth, PLAYGROUND: Where is the playground? Seventh, TRANSPORTATION: Fantastic for going to Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but you have to go to the TTC to get to everywhere else. I know all these things are not major, but for the price you pay at the GF compared to everywhere else, I just don't think it's worth the extra money. I guess what I'm saying for those that are thinking about the GF, especially families with small children, go to the AKL or WL. I felt it was more kid friendly, I got better service, a lovely room for a whole lot less money. I still think the GF is a gorgeous, gorgeous resort (perfect for couples or for a wedding) but for the money I will probably stay somewhere else and just visit when I want to eat at 1900 Park Fare.

 

[katallo]

We had friends return a few months ago who expressed some of the same feelings. There are so many posts about the "value" of resorts and I hope Disney reads them. I totally love Disney and have stayed onsite many times but until I stayed at the Dolphin/Swan I never realize some of things that were missing. The small TV's are amazing. Holiday Inns have larger TV's. I would definitely contact the GM at the hotel about your check-in experience. There is no excuse for poor customer service. I'm glad you had a fun time and perhaps all of our posts will make a diference.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Thanks for the reivew! I would love to stay there, but for the price I just can't justify it. The transportation to MK and Epcot sounds great, but I agree with what you said about getting to other parks. I can rent a car, but being under 25 and being charged an extra $25 a day is just not for me...at the moment I really like staying at resorts that do not have to share a bus with another resort.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm very sorry that your GF stay didn't live up to your expectations. I agree that the self parking lot is a bit out of the way, but I don't think it's really a mile. I believe the staff might also use that lot and there are times in the day when finding a spot can be difficult.

I was just wondering if you addressed any of the issues while you were down there? For instance, there is usually a front desk manager on duty and it would certainly have been appropriate for you to ask to speak with them. I understand everyone has a bad day, but there is no excuse for being rude to a guest. Also, the GF puts the statement about asking for specific housekeeping needs right in their literature. If they're making the offer, then they really shouldn't drop the ball in this area. I can't find my most recent GF newsletter, but I thought that turn down service was offered from 5-9:45pm the last time we were there. Perhaps that's changed recently though.

As for the birthday, you really can't fault the resort on that one. I've found that to be hit or miss and if you really want something, you have to make the arrangements yourself. The bakery actually has some wonderful cakes available for order and they can be delivered to your room or to a GF restaurant for as little as $25.

I don't think they mention a playground in any of their literature, but they have that great beach to play on.

Finally, the transportation. I wonder again when that changed. We've always been able to get direct transportation to any of the parks or downtown Disney from the GF without going to the TTC. I agree, that's not a good set up.

One of the reasons we originally picked this resort was because our children were young. We spent most of our time in the MK and the convenience of going back and forth for naps was priceless. I hope you have better luck with your next resort choice.

 

[sotoalf]

For which parks did you need to transfer at the TTC? Last year we took a bus to DTD; and I know the resort offers direct bus service to MGM, AK, and the water parks (shared with WL).

All your other complaints are valid, btw.

 

[LindaR]

Thanks for your post. This is the reason why Disney has so many different resorts. What appeals to one does not appeal to another! DD16 has said that IF I ever chose to stay at GF, it needs to be on a trip by myself. The place totally does not appeal to her.

But, isn't it nice that you experienced this for yourself AND NOW YOU KNOW what appeals to you and what doesn't?

DD and I feel like aliens because we absolutely did not like AKL when we stayed there and it seems that everyone else loves the place!

To each his/her own!

On to the next trip...........!

 

[roozlilone]

After the first guy messed our check-in up, I had to go back to the front desk to fix the double charge to my card. The second gentleman was much nicer so that was okay. I talked with the front desk manager regarding housekeeping after the first day, he did apologize and said he would make sure the room was finished by noon, but again it was not. So I just gave up. I was having too much fun and I didn't want to dwell on it too much. I know you can't count on anything for birthdays (I know it's complimentary) but I've never had a resort let me down, it's never been anything big, it's always been the thought that counts I guess. And GF didn't give it a thought. I don't know if part of the problem was the Super Bowl, ESPN was staying at the GF during that weekend and there was also a wedding going on, so I didn't feel too special, you know what I'm talking about? That's what I've always LOVED about Disney resorts, they usually make you feel so special. I will give you three things I did love about the resort: you can watch the fireworks from the beach, the beds are soooo....comfortable and getting to the MK is sooo.....easy. We are heading back in June for 7 nights at the YC! I can't wait!!

 

[YCFAN]

You'll love the YC!

 

[webray]

We saved the GF for a special occasion..our wedding anniversary last September..did main building concierge. The entire stay was a nightmare. The castmembers at GF should all be fired..they were horrible, didn't care/or have a clue about anything.

We will never stay there again, and we would never encourage anyone to stay there. For the price..there is definately no disney magic, for any price there is no disney magic. We get treated much better at the all stars and pop!

Quality comes from the top down, and in this case, the managers of the GF should be totally embarassed. They definately aren't doing their jobs!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

So, are you saying that the GF doesn't have bus service anymore. We were there 2 months ago and they ran the buses from the GF.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'm so sorry you didn't enjoy the GF. It's my favorite resort. I think you just had bad luck. I'm not sure if you knew it or not but you don't have to go to the TTC. THey have buses that you take you to MGM, AK, Downtown DIsney etc. That should have been explained to you. We've been lucky. We request early housekeeping and we come back to nap around 1:00 and it's always been done. We also had balloons, candy and cards for my dds birthday (free). I think you just hit a bad spot. I guess every resort can have this happen.

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Each to his own. People on here are always starting 'which resort polls' and I think they are a waste of time because what's one man's meat is another man's poison as my mum would say. We LOVED the Poly last year, but I have also heard of many others hating it oh well, c'est la vie!!!!!!!

 

[roozlilone]

So, are you saying that the GF doesn't have bus service anymore. We were there 2 months ago and they ran the buses from the GF.

We were told in order to get to Downtown Disney we would have to go to TTC and then catch a bus from there. I don't know if that was true or not, but since that is what was told to us we decided not to go to DTD. We just didn't have the time. Transportation was really not the issue with the GF, being on the monorail was extremely convenient in a lot of ways, it really was just the service, or lack thereof. I just feel it is the "little" things that can make your trip more memorable and the GF didn't seem to care about the "little things." But it was just my experience. Don't get me wrong, we still had a blast!! I'm already counting down until June!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

We had similiar thoughts after staying there last summer. We always stayed at the Poly, but my DH wanted to try the GF. We only planned on staying 2 nights the went to Poly for seven . He was happy to back at the Poly.
I found the service and the people weren't as friendly and laid back as the other resorts. At least we tried it. We'll just be going to 1900 Park Fare from now on.

 

[Leota]

No problems with buses last Oct. I'm afraid someone gave you bad info....
Sorry you didn't enjoy the GF - I fell in love with it last Oct after thinking I wouldn't like it.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I understand some of your issues. We had a lot of annoying "little things" and mishaps with our main building concierge stay at the GF over Thanksgiving and also our Contemporary 14th floor suite stay on that same trip.

I think part of the problem with disappointing stays is some people stay at the Disney resorts and everything is WONDERFUL and OVER THE TOP for them and they get on this board and just rave like crazy about their trip. I just soak that stuff in like a sponge and think "I have to go there and try this!" My trips (I have had MANY) have for the most part been fun and great, but certainly not so super that I could rave and brag about what fabulous treatment, service, complimentary upgrades, low crowds, etc I experienced during my stays. I love the DIS, but I am gullible I guess and reading such terrific posts sets my expectations higher. I always think the next trip will be the one!! It hasn't happened yet!!

I wasn't happy with some of the CMs at the GF and some of the service wasn't up to par, but overall I just love the resort. I just think it is beautiful. That is the reason I will be returning.

Good luck with the YC. Hope your next trip is "the one!!"

Lives4Disney

 

[BCV23]

Were you trying to go to DTD during the day? I believe direct transportation to DTD from the GF and other monorail resorts only starts at 4 or 5 pm probably to discourage those who try to park at DTD to avoid parking fees for MK. But it sounds like you may have assumed at that point that there was no direct transportation to MGM and AKL and of course there is. It can be a bit overwhelming at a new resort finding the ins and outs.

I have thoroughly enjoyed our few stays at GF and the CMs have been just fine. Our mousekeepers have been exceptional including that morning service as we always return to our room after lunch as well. Sorry to hear you had bad luck. I wonder if part of it was that it was Super Bowl weekend. There may have been lots of people staying for only a night or two so lots of rooms to get ready for the next guest.

Just a warning...the Polynesian doesn't have a playgound these days and I can't think of one at Y&BC either. If that is an important criteria for you, you might want to call the resort ahead of time...or ask your fellow DISsers.

As others have said, there are so many other choices...hope your next stay is magical.

 

[DeterminedOne]

I also fell in love with GF. I did think it inefficient that they cleaned the room late in the afternoon and turned around a few hours later to do turndown service. But that didn't bother me, but then again I didn't have small kids with along. As far as transportation it was the best I've experienced at Disney... even with the sharing of buses. And it's not true that you have to go to TTC to get to DD. Sorry about your experience.