Kingdom Tower is FINALLY (almost) a reality..please help!

[spiceycat]

SSR doesn't offer a unique catch like the monorail or savanna. I know it has DTD but I don't put that on equal par to AK or MK like ALV & KT.

you are not in your 20's and only recently started to drink.... then SSR is great you can actually walk back to your room from PI or take the bus (if you remember).

of course even more of a reason to go with BWV or BCV - not only the BW but the food/wine festavial. but that is once year. PI is open every night

 

[CarolA]

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GF - different story. the seven seasons resort that is going up over near FW will be a real 5 star resort. GF has never gone head to head with a 5 star resort. So it might be hurt. So there is a possiblity that DVC could move in here in 5 years might be less. depending upon the competition.

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Might hurt The GF is SO far below a top tier five star resort it's not even FUNNY! I know you are from Alabama. I have stayed at both the GF and the Marriott Birmingham. Guess which was better?? ?THE MARRIOTT!!

Hopefully actually having some closer competetion will get Disney to figure out HOW to run a hotel that costs that much per night, but I am doubtful. These boards are FULL of folks who have no problem paying top dollar for moderate value becuase "it's Disney and it's ok to accept less"

 

[CarolA]

DH and I are thinking that KT won't be released until SSR is sold out. They way I figure it AKV can compete with KT because of the savanna but SSR doesn't offer a unique catch like the monorail or savanna. I know it has DTD but I don't put that on equal par to AK or MK like ALV & KT.

Given a choice... KT or SSR. I am staying SSR.

For some of us the MK is the LAST draw on Disney so having a resort next to it is no big deal.

And I find the monorail to be the most frustrating transportation experience on Disney property. Give me a bus or boat ANY day!

 

[jbrowna]

Might hurt The GF is SO far below a top tier five star resort it's not even FUNNY! I know you are from Alabama. I have stayed at both the GF and the Marriott Birmingham. Guess which was better?? ?THE MARRIOTT!!

Hopefully actually having some closer competetion will get Disney to figure out HOW to run a hotel that costs that much per night, but I am doubtful. These boards are FULL of folks who have no problem paying top dollar for moderate value becuase "it's Disney and it's ok to accept less"

Never having stayed at a "top tier five star resort" I am curious: what makes it so? I have stayed at the GF and, to tell you the truth, it is probably my least favorite resort. I felt like I had to always be on my best behavior, as if I was always being watched to make sure I didn't do anything "low class." Is a five star resort just more of the same, people hovering over you -- yes, I suppose to look out for your every need -- but making me feel uncomfortable? Since you obviously have stayed at a five star resort, and enjoyed it, can you describe what makes it so? Is it little things or some big thing that makes a true five star resort so much above GF?

I suppose I'm not enough of a snob to think I deserve star treatment. I'd rather carry my own bags and turn down my own covers -- if those are the things that make for five stars I'm not sure I really think they're all that significant or all that worth it. Or am I missing something? What makes a five star experience a five star experience? And how much is it really worth? And how is it such a qualitative difference from what Disney does?

 

[CarolA]

Never having stayed at a "top tier five star resort" I am curious: what makes it so? I have stayed at the GF and, to tell you the truth, it is probably my least favorite resort. I felt like I had to always be on my best behavior, as if I was always being watched to make sure I didn't do anything "low class." Is a five star resort just more of the same, people hovering over you -- yes, I suppose to look out for your every need -- but making me feel uncomfortable? Since you obviously have stayed at a five star resort, and enjoyed it, can you describe what makes it so? Is it little things or some big thing that makes a true five star resort so much above GF?

I suppose I'm not enough of a snob to think I deserve star treatment. I'd rather carry my own bags and turn down my own covers -- if those are the things that make for five stars I'm not sure I really think they're all that significant or all that worth it. Or am I missing something? What makes a five star experience a five star experience? And how much is it really worth? And how is it such a qualitative difference from what Disney does?

I have been lucky enought to get to stay at some top tier resorts.

I posted a detail comparison of a four star to a Disney Deluxe last year after my stay in the Hermitage in Nashville.

It's the LITTLE things.

1. The valet service was quick, efficent and smiling. (At the GF it took them an hour to get my car, I had to HUNT someone down to take my car and the only offer of luggage assistance came AFTER I got the front desk. If I got it that far without your help, you don't get the tip LOL!) I rarely allow them to take my luggage at any hotel as I generally have carry on only. But the GF bellman was incredibly PUSHY... He wanted that tip LOL!

2. I was introduced to the concerige at the Hermitage who offered to do anything he could to assist me. I was NOT on a special floor this was a service for ALL guests! I was not pointed in the general direction of a long line.

3. The quality of the room is just DRAMATICALLY better. Things like little flat screen TV's in the bath, seperate shower/tub. Bathrobes.

4. The linens. There is NO comparison... Just trust me, these beds were SO wonderful I just wanted to stay in them forever.

4. Service, turn down is automatic not "on request"

Personally the GF is one of the "snobbiest" places I have stayed. My overall impression is that the staff was "letting the riffraff" stay in thier nice hotel. At truly nice hotels, I don't get that feeling. The service is very "low key" but excellent.

Just to give you an example, at the Hermitage I walked down the street to the grocery and bought some stuff for my room. There was no response when I returned with my grocery bags so I didn't think they were "looking down" on me. At the GF I HEARD a valet complain about groceries. AT a DISNEY HOTEL??? Come on now! LOL!

Now I don't have a problem with NOT receiving these things, but for what the GF charges and the way Disney advertises... they need to deliver! It's a pretty hotel. Pretty is not worth thier prices. If they want to pretend to be a four star then they need to live up to the standards. Mobil travel ranks it a three star.

 

[jbrowna]

Carol -

Thanks for the reply! So I guess it wasn't just DW and I who kind of felt like the GF people were looking at us like the Beverly Hillbillies or something! But from your description, five star service doesn't have to mean five star snootiness!

Also, from what you say, it sounds like it isn't so much the physical quality (but some of that as well), but more the training of the staff that makes most of the difference. How sad, since I understand that Disney used to be considered the template for training in the hospitality industry.

I wonder how much the outsourcing of things like valet parking and maintenance might have to do with it?

 

[spiceycat]

Hopefully actually having some closer competetion will get Disney to figure out HOW to run a hotel that costs that much per night, but I am doubtful. These boards are FULL of folks who have no problem paying top dollar for moderate value becuase "it's Disney and it's ok to accept less"

you know better - they will give half of the resort to DVC.

haven't done any 5 stars - but even 4 stars non-disney are better. it is the little thinks - like the sheets. actually getting the service from the conciege staff. It was pretty wonderful.

that say the AAA in Orlando is hard - even the Ritz-Carlton which is much, much better than Disney got 4 stars.

 

[mykidsintow]

I a glad to know I am not the only one feeling like they have stepped out of the hills when going to GF. I feel like the "wrong class of people".

Maybe its just me, but its definately not my style....

 

[danielle782001]

 

[thelionqueen]

I a glad to know I am not the only one feeling like they have stepped out of the hills when going to GF. I feel like the "wrong class of people".

Maybe its just me, but its definately not my style....

This is the first time I've heard comments about the GF that are EXCACTLY how I feel!

Honestly, I feel like I'm at a hospital or another "sterile" environment when I'm there. There is no Disney "magic" at all there for me, and the whole general theme is just kinda blah.

Every hotel/resort holds something special for those who stay there, which I think Disney has done impecabbly by offering the vast amounts of resorts they have. But for me, the Contemporary is the "Disneyland Hotel" of Florida, and the DLH is pure Disney magic for me.

 

[spiceycat]

Honestly, I feel like I'm at a hospital or another "sterile" environment when I'm there. There is no Disney "magic" at all there for me, and the whole general theme is just kinda blah.

exactly - don't like GF and never have. get the chills everything I go in that place - it is just not a warn and friendly place like CR or Polyn.

definitely no magic - just the versus - kept seeing the darn thing on fire and stuck there..... in real life have no wish to be - so avoid if it possible.

since mother no longer goes to WDW with me - really doubt I will go into that place again.

 

[HayGan]

I a glad to know I am not the only one feeling like they have stepped out of the hills when going to GF. I feel like the "wrong class of people".

Maybe its just me, but its definately not my style....

This is the first time I've heard comments about the GF that are EXCACTLY how I feel!

Honestly, I feel like I'm at a hospital or another "sterile" environment when I'm there. There is no Disney "magic" at all there for me, and the whole general theme is just kinda blah.

Every hotel/resort holds something special for those who stay there, which I think Disney has done impecabbly by offering the vast amounts of resorts they have. But for me, the Contemporary is the "Disneyland Hotel" of Florida, and the DLH is pure Disney magic for me.

exactly - don't like GF and never have. get the chills everything I go in that place - it is just not a warn and friendly place like CR or Polyn.

definitely no magic - just the versus - kept seeing the darn thing on fire and stuck there..... in real life have no wish to be - so avoid if it possible.

since mother no longer goes to WDW with me - really doubt I will go into that place again.

I completely agree!!! Glad to hear I'm not the only one. All you ever hear is how fabulous it is. I don't get it at all. There is nothing appealing (other than that darn Monorail) to us about the GF. Cold and snotty is how DH describes it. Now we feel right at home at the Polynesian!

 

[jakenjess]

I have been lucky enought to get to stay at some top tier resorts.

I posted a detail comparison of a four star to a Disney Deluxe last year after my stay in the Hermitage in Nashville.

It's the LITTLE things.

1. The valet service was quick, efficent and smiling. (At the GF it took them an hour to get my car, I had to HUNT someone down to take my car and the only offer of luggage assistance came AFTER I got the front desk. If I got it that far without your help, you don't get the tip LOL!) I rarely allow them to take my luggage at any hotel as I generally have carry on only. But the GF bellman was incredibly PUSHY... He wanted that tip LOL!

2. I was introduced to the concerige at the Hermitage who offered to do anything he could to assist me. I was NOT on a special floor this was a service for ALL guests! I was not pointed in the general direction of a long line.

3. The quality of the room is just DRAMATICALLY better. Things like little flat screen TV's in the bath, seperate shower/tub. Bathrobes.

4. The linens. There is NO comparison... Just trust me, these beds were SO wonderful I just wanted to stay in them forever.

4. Service, turn down is automatic not "on request"

Personally the GF is one of the "snobbiest" places I have stayed. My overall impression is that the staff was "letting the riffraff" stay in thier nice hotel. At truly nice hotels, I don't get that feeling. The service is very "low key" but excellent.

Just to give you an example, at the Hermitage I walked down the street to the grocery and bought some stuff for my room. There was no response when I returned with my grocery bags so I didn't think they were "looking down" on me. At the GF I HEARD a valet complain about groceries. AT a DISNEY HOTEL??? Come on now! LOL!

Now I don't have a problem with NOT receiving these things, but for what the GF charges and the way Disney advertises... they need to deliver! It's a pretty hotel. Pretty is not worth thier prices. If they want to pretend to be a four star then they need to live up to the standards. Mobil travel ranks it a three star.

Carol, it makes me so sad to hear these things! We stayed at the GF once, and that was for our honeymoon in '91. It was fantastic! Now, we've never stayed at a five-star hotel, so probably didn't have a good comparison, but the staff was very friendly, professional, and we didn't feel a bit out of place. Turndown service was automatic, valet was prompt and courteous, and we had bathrobes in our room. (We just had a standard room.) It's disheartening to hear how things have gone downhill. We've always said we'd like to spend a couple of nights there for our 25th anniversary, but if that's the kind of service they're offering, forget it! Not at the prices they're charging these days!

 

[CarolA]

Carol, it makes me so sad to hear these things! We stayed at the GF once, and that was for our honeymoon in '91. It was fantastic! Now, we've never stayed at a five-star hotel, so probably didn't have a good comparison, but the staff was very friendly, professional, and we didn't feel a bit out of place. Turndown service was automatic, valet was prompt and courteous, and we had bathrobes in our room. (We just had a standard room.) It's disheartening to hear how things have gone downhill. We've always said we'd like to spend a couple of nights there for our 25th anniversary, but if that's the kind of service they're offering, forget it! Not at the prices they're charging these days!

My stay was a few years ago. Things may have changed, but for those prices I don't think they have hit the standard When Mobil gives them a four or five star rating I will assume they have hit the mark.

Now for the expected scream of "you only stayed there once" Yes and why should I give them a second chance? For that much money I should not have to accept "so so"

 

[jakenjess]

Now for the expected scream of "you only stayed there once" Yes and why should I give them a second chance? For that much money I should not have to accept "so so"

You shouldn't accept "so so"! Not for those prices! Maybe the Four Seasons will be the impetus they need to improve their service. Believe me, if we had had a bad experience there, we would be saying never again too!

 

[AKV707]

I thought when you buy directly through DVC you don't pay closing costs. Also, you don't have to pay the dues up front for the year. You can pay them monthly.

We are also very excited about KTV and will be adding on there. I would really think about how many points you are buying. I would expect the points to be higher than what they currently are at let's say, BCV. For example, I would imagine a MK view at KTV would cost a lot of points per night, even in the off season. That's just MHO.

We also financed our DVC and I do believe we had to put 10% down.

DVC charges closing costs, around $300, for a new purchase. There are no closing costs on add ons.

To the OP, before you decide how many points, take a look at the point chart, which will have to be available before sales begin, to determine what your vacation point needs will be. I am sure that there will be different views as well as room categories.

I also think that at least one of your contracts needs to be for 160 points. I could be wrong.

By the way, I have read that the name Kingdom Tower is out and the new name is Bay Lake Tower.

Good luck! I do think that your dream will come true. And hopefully, it won't take too long for DVC to announce the start of sales.

 

[shortypots]

I am going to agree with another poster that they are going to wait for SSR to sell out. According to our rep last week, they only had 3000 pts left to sell. Of course, she lied in many other ways, so this could have been another lie.

Although, I wonder if they will even do that. They will need to offer at least developer points that people can use immediately or people will question whether or not to buy since they will not be able to use their points until May 2009 for AKV and late 2009 for KTV/BLT.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We stayed at the GF once, and that was for our honeymoon in '91. It was fantastic! Now, we've never stayed at a five-star hotel, so probably didn't have a good comparison, but the staff was very friendly, professional, and we didn't feel a bit out of place. Turndown service was automatic, valet was prompt and courteous, and we had bathrobes in our room.

I'm glad somebody here agrees with ME!!

We stayed at the GF RPC two Decembers ago. We always thought it was a great resort for Christmas, so we figured it was our duty as Disney enthusiasts to give it a try.
We *thought* we were going to be sorry. We *thought* we were going to feel the snobs looking down on us.
After all, that's the impression we got when we visited.

To our surprise, there was no snobish attitude to be had. Every person we came in contact with, whether a CM or guest, was just a regular person. We chatted with many people at the RPC lounge, and they were no different than any other Disney resort... Kids jumping on the furniture and all.

Bell sevices were great, as was one of the managers who helped us with our Christmas tree.
We were impressed enough to book there again for this coming December.

As far as comparing it to the Four Seasons and other quality hotels..
The GF may not have the refinement in many areas, but they DID have the Disney Magic. Again, before we stayed there we would have guessed there was no Magic.

Give me the Grand Floridian ANY DAY over the Four Seasons, or any other non Disney hotel.
I wouldn't have said that two years ago before I stayed.

This comes from a person who spends 160+ nights per year in hotels all over North America and Caribbean.

MG