Latest Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Rumors

[Capang]

Liked this - but NO. Thea should be dead out of the door. FIRE her.

A GOOD Manager does not create chaos on day 1. DAY 1 - WL has FOUR restaurants in chaos. Either Thea, or her predecessor, has caused this. SOMEONE needs to be fired.

Given that WL has JUST put in a 2n'd DVC? Please - get SERIOUS.
1) Geyser Point - total failure pool bar, no real services in the BEST location possible. TOTAL FAIL.
2) AP - GREAT Restaurant, totally unknown future post OCT 28, 2018.
3) WC - constant complaints over theaming. PICK A DIRECTION.
4) Roaring Forks - remodeled, and STILL in trouble.

If current Local Management can not DEAL with this mess? ESCALATE. Correct local Management. DO YOUR JOB.
Reference: We are OWNERS at BRV. We hate to see Management FAILURE. This tends to make us wish to SELL our contract on the open Market.
DVC - is this what you desire?

All personal opinion - I'm not necessarily right, no one else is necessarily wrong.

1. I've been here since the 15th. GP has been PACKED every night. It is an awesome place to eat and drink. Maybe rough in the beginning but seems to be popular now.
2.AP, may be great, but empty. Disney won't allow that. If it is losing money by not packing the tables they will revamp it to draw the crowds. And it has NO crowds.
3. Again, WC seems to have made some minor changes. Still, steadily growing crowds over the last couple of weeks. Seems there were lots of complaints over the fewer antics and they are back, with a few tweaks.
4. RF sucks. Totally agreed here. However, QS at most deluxe is awful. Bu far the best are at values.

I get that you are upset about these changes. But give them a chance. GP seems to be finding its groove. AP changes could be awesome. I can't pass judgement here until we actually know what is happening. And I'd never call for someone to be fired without knowing the full story. And no one here has that.

 

[OneinThree]

I respect your passion Dean. You obviously have a lot more at stake and know a heck of a lot more than I do about WL. That said I just can't see how you or anyone not privy to the meetings can know what she's been told to do and what's she's done on her own. As for your above points.

1. Reviews continue to be positive by most regarding GP. Basing on TA and Yelp reviews
2. Not sure how a yet to be announced refurb (if that's what it is) is the end of AP. Multiple people have posted their correspondence with Disney and all point to it's continued status at a Sig. Speculating is kind of pointless at this point.
3. Seems like they've settled on a direction. Slightly toned down antics.
4. No knowledge of anything RF related.

Just my thoughts. Anyways happy travels!

I'm all for witholding judgment and giving mgmnt a chance to right the ship, but let's be honest about the state of things. GP for example, is an operational disaster with a gorgeous view. Those reviews you cite are cumulative, and the issues forwarded here aren't in any way isolated. Most recently:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...rmation-thread.3372315/page-445#post-59541207

 

[Cramden]

I'm all for witholding judgment and giving mgmnt a chance to right the ship, but let's be honest about the state of things. GP for example, is an operational disaster with a gorgeous view. Those reviews you cite are cumulative, and the issues forwarded here aren't in any way isolated. Most recently:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...rmation-thread.3372315/page-445#post-59541207

I didn't look at it's cumulative rating. On TA I looked at the last 10 reviews going back to June 11. Of those 1 was 3 stars(circles), 4 were 4 star and 5 were 5 star. I'm not saying it doesn't have it's warts but I'm just not seeing enough information pointing to it as being a disaster.

 

[OneinThree]

I didn't look at it's cumulative rating. On TA I looked at the last 10 reviews going back to June 11. Of those 1 was 3 stars(circles), 4 were 4 star and 5 were 5 star. I'm not saying it doesn't have it's warts but I'm just not seeing enough information pointing to it as being a disaster.

I think some objectivity is in order. When we were there in March, we thought it was a delightful place to sit for a while and have a drink. Would we go back and do the same? Sure. But the reality is that it is being mismanaged and suffers a terrible identity crisis. The CM's were in total disarray, even during a slow period. So how would I rate this objectively? I think the location is wasted space as either a QS or pool bar, but would make for an incredible TS or lounge if executed properly.

 

[sotoalf]

How delicious -- an online message board pushing for the firing of a corporate employee when she hasn't been found guilty of malfeasance or policies that kill or cause harm to guests.

 

[Capang]

I'm all for witholding judgment and giving mgmnt a chance to right the ship, but let's be honest about the state of things. GP for example, is an operational disaster with a gorgeous view. Those reviews you cite are cumulative, and the issues forwarded here aren't in any way isolated. Most recently:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...rmation-thread.3372315/page-445#post-59541207

Strange. I was there the same night. My perceptions and experiences were quite different.

 

[OneinThree]

Strange. I was there the same night. My perceptions and experiences were quite different.

Alcohol will do that.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

She did not make these decisions in a vacuum, so how is she solely responsible? I have no idea how to correct the dining issues at WL, however I do know that more than one person had a hand in creating them. None of us know what direction she was given at the onset of the design of the QS restaurants and lounges that are in WL, in the main lodge and the DVC side, however we do know that AP and WCC were there long before she was. I stopped going before she came on because I did not care for WCC at all. The guest complaints from the lobby and rooms are not her fault either. She cannot win with that one unless theyrevamo that restaurant completely. In terms of AP, she needs to find how to create a draw from more then just guests in AP because the reality is that getting there is more inconvenient than getting to other resort restaurants, kind of like hiking to SSR for dinner. Do you really want that steak that badly, or is dining in Epcot just easier? This is not an easy fix, and I do not envy whoever is entrusted with that job.

It appears they need to reduce the volume at WCC to appease hotel guests. Enclosing it would probably help. That wouldn't help those who prefer quieter restaurants though. More warning on the website & through the dining line is apparently needed. We learned about the antics many years ago on the DIS. We prefer quieter meals, so we've never considered eating there. I can understand why hotel guests would be put off by the noise coming from the restaurant though.

We have dined at AP many times, but never stayed at WL. The food was always fantastic, as was the atmosphere. It was worth the trip there. (I can't say the same about all the signature restaurants.) I'm surprised to see people say it was empty on their visit. Was that during the construction? It's been awhile, since we've eaten there, but it was always full.

Simply exchanging the venues for WCC & AP isn't the answer. We would never pay AP prices in the WCC location. Atmosphere is an important part of fine dining. We haven't seen Geyser Point. Is it large enough to move AP there? It sounds like the atmosphere may work for fine dining, but I haven't seen it in person to really form an opinion. If AP was relocated to GP, they could move WCC to the more secluded space & host a character meal in the current WCC space. That would allow them to keep WCC in it's current form, host a character meal & still have a high quality, signature restaurant. Since I haven't seen GP, I may be way off base. This is just ideas I came up with using what I've experienced & what I've read.

PS: I'm not disagreeing with you. I'm just expanding on your thoughts.

My $90 bill didn't include alcohol actually. I had app, main, and dessert. Plus an expensive coffee. Anyway, I hear what you're saying. And yes youre right, for the amount we pay at Artist Point, you can have an awesome meal at Ruths Chris. But its not disney. And its kinda funny though, I would never drop that kind of money at Ruths Chris at home. But at disney, no problem! I wonder why that is? Is it because in my mind im on vacation and i figure its ok?? Hmmmm.

Oh i agree about the 1TS restaurants. There are some amazing ones out there. My fave is The Wave.

We're right there with you. We have all the high end restaurants & many more fine dining restaurants here. We can't afford to spend that much on a typical night out. We save the really expensive meals for vacation, special events & holidays. We're fine with spending that much every night on vacation, but not weekly at home.

 

[PolyRob]

The views that Geyser Point offers are the only possible signature aspects. It is open-air without actual walls enclosing it from the elements. I could not see a major transformation to a brand new structure happening. It would take the dining location out of commission and cost more $. Not to mention detract from CCV when Disney really wants to sell off all it's points before Riviera goes on sale.

I think GP suffers from an identity crisis. Making something QS/lounge does not really fit IMO. It does not seem family friendly. The openness leads to multiple entrances/exits and causes confusion. Do you seat yourself or get in line? It is not a traditional pool bar/food spot where people of all ages can run up in a swimsuit and get something to eat or drink. It also does not seem like Trader Sam's past 8pm where it is adults only.

As for RF, it definitely is not the same post-refurb. It was arguably one of the better deluxe QS locations with delicious unique offerings and a lot of the popular items were removed from the menu. The outdoor eating area is nice, but again, I am confused why Disney would build such a large outdoor eating space for RF when GP is steps away attempting to double as an outdoor QS area?

I realize this post is slightly off since the main thread is about AP and WCC. This was in response to the more recent talk about dining at WL in general.

 

[Capang]

Alcohol will do that.

I rarely drink. I was there for dinner.

The views that Geyser Point offers are the only possible signature aspects. It is open-air without actual walls enclosing it from the elements. I could not see a major transformation to a brand new structure happening. It would take the dining location out of commission and cost more $. Not to mention detract from CCV when Disney really wants to sell off all it's points before Riviera goes on sale.

I think GP suffers from an identity crisis. Making something QS/lounge does not really fit IMO. It does not seem family friendly. The openness leads to multiple entrances/exits and causes confusion. Do you seat yourself or get in line? It is not a traditional pool bar/food spot where people of all ages can run up in a swimsuit and get something to eat or drink. It also does not seem like Trader Sam's past 8pm where it is adults only.

As for RF, it definitely is not the same post-refurb. It was arguably one of the better deluxe QS locations with delicious unique offerings and a lot of the popular items were removed from the menu. The outdoor eating area is nice, but again, I am confused why Disney would build such a large outdoor eating space for RF when GP is steps away attempting to double as an outdoor QS area?

I realize this post is slightly off since the main thread is about AP and WCC. This was in response to the more recent talk about dining at WL in general.

To answer your GP questions, there is a line for QS and you eat elsewhere if you order here. It is outside (not under the roof per se) of the main structure. Near the bar area the host takes you to a table and it is more of a table service meal. They take your order at your table and bring the food. Not sure if the menu differs from inside to QS, but the tables are family/kid friendly until later in the night.

I urge people to check it out for themselves. It is a great space with very good food.

 

[PolyRob]

I rarely drink. I was there for dinner.

To answer your GP questions, there is a line for QS and you eat elsewhere if you order here. It is outside (not under the roof per se) of the main structure. Near the bar area the host takes you to a table and it is more of a table service meal. They take your order at your table and bring the food. Not sure if the menu differs from inside to QS, but the tables are family/kid friendly until later in the night.

I urge people to check it out for themselves. It is a great space with very good food.

I have dined there multiple times. The first time was during the RF refurb in 2017 when it was the only mug refill/QS food option. My thoughts are based on my observations. Maybe I see a disconnect because I did utilize the space as a full-fledged QS. There are currently separate menus going on at the same time too and breakfast was just recently removed from the QS window.

When RF was closed, I only ate breakfast at GP because I needed a quick onsite meal. All my other QS meals involved me taking the boat to the CR for Contempo Cafe.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

So, the GP location isn't adaptable to a fine dining location? Is there no way to enclose it & make it an upscale location with a great view? I haven't seen it, so I don't have a clue. IMHO, AP's atmosphere, with the great view, is importation for a fine dining location.

 

[Ponderer]

So, we've had an October 26th reservation at AP for months now. What happens if this change does take place? Will they notify us? It's getting a little late to get a comparable reservation in some other location.

 

[NYCgrrl]

So, we've had an October 26th reservation at AP for months now. What happens if this change does take place? Will they notify us? It's getting a little late to get a comparable reservation in some other location.

As I understand it AP is accepting no reservations as of the 28th or 29th; you should be fine.

 

[goofyintoronto]

We're right there with you. We have all the high end restaurants & many more fine dining restaurants here. We can't afford to spend that much on a typical night out. We save the really expensive meals for vacation, special events & holidays. We're fine with spending that much every night on vacation, but not weekly at home.

Yes thats exactly me too. I wont spend that much money on a typical night out. But on vacay I eat where I want. (Still havent been to V&A thou. I havent gone that far up yet ).

 

[PolyRob]

So, the GP location isn't adaptable to a fine dining location? Is there no way to enclose it & make it an upscale location with a great view? I haven't seen it, so I don't have a clue. IMHO, AP's atmosphere, with the great view, is importation for a fine dining location.

It is not impossible, but probably unlikely that Disney would do a major overhaul of something opened less than 18 months ago.

 

[cdtommie]

What drives me crazy about GP is no TIW. Why would I want to go there when I can go to AP. TL or WCC and get 20% off? We stayed seven nights at WL past December and didn't step foot in GP.

 

[DisBuckMan]

What drives me crazy about GP is no TIW. Why would I want to go there when I can go to AP. TL or WCC and get 20% off? We stayed seven nights at WL past December and didn't step foot in GP.

No TIW at QS at the resorts is standard for every resort that has a TS restaurant, with the exception of SSR. SSR, and the values are the only resort QS's that accept TiW.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

It is not impossible, but probably unlikely that Disney would do a major overhaul of something opened less than 18 months ago.

I'm sure you're right, but sometimes you have to back up & punt, if things don't work out as you planned or there's a better option available. Again, I haven't been to GP, but posts here don't make it appear to be the hot spot they probably hoped it would be.

 

[cdtommie]

No TIW at QS at the resorts is standard for every resort that has a TS restaurant, with the exception of SSR. SSR, and the values are the only resort QS's that accept TiW.

But is Geyser Point a QS? It is my understanding that it is a full service bar. What QS has a full bar? Why would I order a drink at GP when I can get the same drink at TL for 20% less?