Terrible stay at GF

[johnsonet]

...Moderators - having a debate over whether you agree about the GF is one thing, but allowing someone to personally attack my post by dissecting it not by it's points but it's grammar and composition is surprising. I do not appreciate being told I am not trustworthy because of a grammar mistake that may have been made. Nor do I like the assumption that I am uneducated or "stupid".

...I'm sorry the OP had such a horrible trip. And while we should all feel free to give an honest review, it's hard for me to sympathize much with her because her post is peppered with negativity, poor grammar and words like "sucky" and "crap" - I think that's why some people were so dismissive of her comments.

Nowhere in my post did I mention "stupidity" or "uneducated" or that you were not trustworthy. Stick to the facts. This is a perfect example of what I think was wrong with your original post. It's inflammatory and full of petty complaints.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I notice A LOT of people slamming this poor OP because she wanted them to put some items in her room from "Tinkerbell". This may seem over the top to some but think about it. So you stay at a 5 star hotel in another destination. Likely you will sleep there, maybe eat there some and thats probably about it. At WDW you stay onsite to be part of an entire Disney experience. You are not only paying Disney for your room you are also paying for park tickets, meals and tons of souveneirs. When was the last time you went to the gift shop at a Marriott and dropped $200 on gifts? No matter what category room you stay at at WDW you are paying for a concept not just a room. They sell you the concept so they need to keep it going! Also, I have read about a gazillion posts by people who got this sort of thing done and I don't remember a single time anybody got crucified for mentioning it. Maybe a good way is to ask a bellman and slip him the same amount you would to deliver a suitcase, I don't know. I just know that in her orginal post she said only that she had this done at the Poly and therefore it didn't seem like such a big deal. Until of course she posted her experience God help her.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

. This is a perfect example of what I think was wrong with your original post. It's inflammatory and full of petty complaints.

Can we all agree that the debate's over?!?! You win, johnsonet, whatever that means to you. The OP has stated that she no longer wants to discuss her experience. I predict that the threads closing in a few minutes anyway.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

I completely agree! I've held off responding to this thread for as long as I could stand

I've stayed at the GF 8 times and am going back next month. I can't wait. No hotel is perfect and I agree that the GF is no Ritz Carlton. HOWEVER, considering its location, variety of dining options, accomodations, views plus the range of activities for children and adults, I think it is pretty much fairly priced. Bottom line is, the place has very high occupancy rates (from all accounts I've ever read or been told) so they're doing something right .
I'm sorry the OP had such a horrible trip. And while we should all feel free to give an honest review, it's hard for me to sympathize much with her because her post is peppered with negativity, poor grammar and words like "sucky" and "crap" - I think that's why some people were so dismissive of her comments.

I agree with you on one point. It is no Ritz Carlton. In fact, it isn't even close. Funny though, I can stay at the Ritz Carlton for less.

There were things in the OP that would probably be considered "extras". But isn't that what seperates great service from just adequate? And isn't that what Disney World used to be known for? And, I do stess "used to". And in case you were wondering what the meaning of that is, it is "was in the past, not so in the present". And since when is soaked luggage and dirty bathrooms part of the "Disney magic"? Even as a guest at Disney World, I hold the door open for many people while I'm down there on vacation. Maybe that is one of Disney's money saving ideas. The guests will hold the doors open, we can cut down on one more cast member.

I think a far greater reason for people dismissing the post has more to do with peoples blind devotion to this resort than the grammar used in the post. I got a general idea of what the OP meant by "sucky" and "crap", just like I get a general idea from a post mentioning "magic" and "pixie dust". It only takes a little common sense. And, what specifically about its location, variety of dining options, accomodations, views plus the range of activities for children and adults makes it fairly priced? Just wondering. This seemed a little vague.

I have never stayed at the GF. I hope to in the future to try it for myself. Until then, I am glad people post their good and bad reviews.

 

[Lewisc]

Nowhere in my post did I mention "stupidity" or "uneducated" or that you were not trustworthy. Stick to the facts. This is a perfect example of what I think was wrong with your original post. It's inflammatory and full of petty complaints.

Did you even take the time to read the part of your, rather rude, post you quoted? Attacking her grammar and choice of words is certainly equivalent to calling her uneducated or even stupid. Of course her post is negative, why would you expect a post that's listing problems would be positive. Not sure why a description of dirty bathrooms should be anything but negative. The garbage was overflowing, toilet paper was missing and the bathroom was filthy. I guess a positive spin would be to balance the post by saying the toilet flushed.

Gonga's post is very well written. She has the same complaints regarding dirty bathrooms and poor service.

It's a shame that people who write an honest review highlighting service issues get slammed.

YOUR POST IS PETTY, RUDE AND REALLY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FACTS.

 

[JulyGirl]

Also, I have read about a gazillion posts by people who got this sort of thing done and I don't remember a single time anybody got crucified for mentioning it. .

You can request that it be done all you want, just don't complain when it does not turn out as planned.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

You can request that it be done all you want, just don't complain when it does not turn out as planned.

So if someone say wants to get engaged at the GF and gives the conceirge/guest services desk the engagement ring to hide under a pillow or something like that, don't complain if they have just thrown it on the floor in the room? The complaint's legit. The resort CMs are there to serve the guests, and I guarantee, if you posted this over on stupidguesttricks.com, the CMs discussion board, you'd find that they all would think that what the CM did in the OPs case was pretty weak. Why are so many people defending the bare minimum/lowest common denominator type service from a world renowned resort like the GF?

 

[Amy&Dan]

You can request that it be done all you want, just don't complain when it does not turn out as planned.

Probably if that was the only thing that went wrong she wouldn't have posted in the first place. To me (and probably her) it was insult to injury. And again, Disney loves to talk about their "magic" and sell it. Buy that picture for 16 bucks of the whole family in front of the castle, get that mug, snowdome, fireworks cruise, you name it, they have a way to give it to you for a price. And thats fine with me, I have no problem spending my money at Disney! But they need to put their money where their mouth is. By not upholding standards of general cleanliness you would expect at a Holiday Inn and not putting a simple gift on a bed instead of the floor they lost a customer. I think one problem is inconsistency. She got this kind of thing done at the Poly no problem. If Disney is shorthanded they need to tell every single cm working in the hotels, smile nicely and say we are no longer able to honor those type of requests". I cannot believe people are being critcal of the op posting her experience. I thought thats what these boards were all about!

 

[gonga]

So if someone say wants to get engaged at the GF and gives the conceirge/guest services desk the engagement ring to hide under a pillow or something like that, don't complain if they have just thrown it on the floor in the room? The complaint's legit. The resort CMs are there to serve the guests, and I guarantee, if you posted this over on stupidguesttricks.com, the CMs discussion board, you'd find that they all would think that what the CM did in the OPs case was pretty weak. Why are so many people defending the bare minimum/lowest common denominator type service from a world renowned resort like the GF?

WOW that is a huge leap of faith!

Everyone's perception of this is blown way out of proportion.

Does anyone rembmber this Seinfeld episde: Kramer goes to a bank because if you are not greeted with a "hello" you will receive $100.00. He gets greeted with a "hey" instead. The manager calls all the tellers into his office and they all greet Kramer with a different greeting and they settle on $20.00. I think that's what has happened here. The package was delivered, just in a different way. The fact that it was not to the OP 's perception of what it should be does not mean it was wrong, it was just a "hey" instead of a "hello". The real problem would have been if it did not arive at all. A package goes thru many hands before going to it's final destination. The person delivering the package maybe did not get the message that it was a special surprise, and treated it as a normal delivery.

 

[rmontgo892]

So if someone say wants to get engaged at the GF and gives the conceirge/guest services desk the engagement ring to hide under a pillow or something like that, don't complain if they have just thrown it on the floor in the room? The complaint's legit. The resort CMs are there to serve the guests, and I guarantee, if you posted this over on stupidguesttricks.com, the CMs discussion board, you'd find that they all would think that what the CM did in the OPs case was pretty weak. Why are so many people defending the bare minimum/lowest common denominator type service from a world renowned resort like the GF?

I totally agree! I feel the "engagement" scenario holds true. How many times has WDW had requests for help with similar scenarios in various locations??? A restaurant for example anywhere in the world surely does NOT have to go along with an engagement surprise especially because they are there to serve food, period. Who wouldn't be disappointed and understand THAT disappointment if the employees didn't go along.

I mean really, some posters ripping this OP cause they wanted Tinkerbell items delivered ahead of time to a room for a surprise to show that TINKERBELL left them for the kids. Oh yea...this is above and beyond the call when so many beg for better views/upgrades and actually get disappointed when they don't get a free upgrade they refused to pay for.

Perspective, people, perspective....

Now I have to worry when I post if I use the word *crap* that others will feel justified to tear apart my post and justify nasty behavior???

The OP had a not so great stay at the GF and people feel the need to defend a resort. Fine, defend it. Like it's so hard to believe that the GF actually has a guest now and then receive and or see bad service and they have the nerve to be disappointed after spending quite a few $$$ and somehow someway it must be THEIR fault. Believing THAT crap is ridiculous, IMHO.


~Roxanne

 

[gonga]

The Grand Floridian is not a "world renowned" hotel. Actually it is not even on the AAA diamond award list, which is the gold standard of hotel rating. The Portofino Bay Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal both are 4 diamond award winners. 5 diamond is the highest.

I think this might be the problem here, Just because the GF is the self proclaimed "flagship" resort of WDW, does not mean it is up the the standards of service that other hotels live up to and what we percieve it should be. So when you check in to the GF understand that it is not an award winner for service, it is just the most expensive hotel on Disney property and by this customers "assume" they are getting the best service. Price, perception, reality.

 

[Jen D]

You know, as far as the Tinkerbelle gift request... I don't think that at a place with a high standard for service it should really matter whether a request is above and beyond... you try to meet it because that's what a resort with a high level of service does. I used to work in the service industry and we occasionally get the guest with those sort of special treatment demands or "over the top" requests... these come with the territory and whether some people on the board think it's reasonable or not, a resort with a high standard of service like the GF should attempt to fill that request. We dealt with those customers, if we eye-rolled about it we did it in private, but we helped them with their needs because that's what you do in the service industry.

I just can't believe the sheer number of posts insisting that all a luxury high-priced hotel like the GF owes you is a clean room. Luxury hotels exist for people who want service, attention, and amenities above and beyond a clean room. If all you want is a clean room, that's nice for you but it makes your opinions on the greater service at the Grand Floridian less than relevant.

I appreciate the OP sharing her experience.

 

[undertheradar]

I would like to say something about the service at Disney in general, from the WDTC to the service at the hotels.

We go to Disney at least once per year sometimes twice. Everytime I make a reservation thru WDTC, it is ALWAYS messed up. Not only do we travel often to many destinations, but I am also a TA. WDTC always fails in this very crucial department. I just made reservations for my upcoming trip in Sept. I booked the GF RPC Honeymoon DLX in the main building. I spoke to the CM and he told me there were 2 rooms of this kind left and booked me into one. I got the faxed confirmation and all was fine. A few days later I called executivite reservations to request my room and make dining reservations. He told me that I was not booked in RPC but Sugar Loaf! What!!! I then had to call back to find out what went wrong. Not only did I have to change my vacation dates and reservations (which included being on 2 phones to find out if I could get air for the new dates, I was on the phone with WDTC and Jet BLue) but I had to make a new reservation and pay to have my flights changed. To top it all off they screwed up the transfer of deposits from the old reservation to the new reservation which was $500. Needless to say this was over an hour on the phone. Since I finially got a CM that knew what she was doing I was afraid to let her go. She fixed everything and I got a follow up phone call and a fax stating everything was ok. WHEW! This happens every time I make a reservation...no exaggeration. I have to check and re check. I know this does not happen to everyone, everytime, but it happens to me - every time.

Out last stay at the GF was lovely, but the time before that was a nightmare. We were also at the RPC and I ordered champagne and strawberries thru concierge. I gave them my CC# and was told when they would be delivered. They never came! They also screwed up our room by putting us in a lesser room paid for because they upgraded someone to our room - very nice! There have been other crossed wires that have happened like park tickets nto being right etc..

Having said that, we do enjoy the GF. I have also seen the bathrooms on the main floor - by the front doors and by 1900 park fare to be gross at times. I'm sure it's because they get the most traffic, but that is not an excuse gross is gross. We do enjoy the level of service provided by the RPC. The rooms are immaculate, the bed linens are changed every day, the rooms are cleaned twice per day. We do enjoy the convenience of being right on the monorail and having the monorail and restaurants right in the main building where our room is. I love the view of the pools, grounds, castle and Epcot from our room. I enjoy the convenience of getting my hair blown out right downstairs at the Ivy Trellis and the shops right down stairs. Also the club level is 1 flight down. Looking down the lobby from our room is just lovely. I do think the GF has it's problems, it is not the best hotel we have stayed at *service wise*, but we do enjoy it very much. I know the other deluxes are lovely as well, but we happen to like most of what the GF has to offer...the SPA, restaurants, monorail access, housekeeping, a large beautiful room with a great view, and concierge. If they could only get their act together it would be great. It is the only hotel that I anticipate a check in problem of one kind or another, and that just should not be. I don't know if it's due to computer glitches or incompetent personel or both. For the price they charge the service should be better. I am sure these things happen in all the hotels, not just the GF.

We do however always go back to the GF, I think the good outweighs the bad.

Out of curiosity, was this at the discounted Travel Agent Rate? You have obviously experienced problems and make the choice to continue going back.

The OP lost some credibility with me when the "review" became more of a rant. There was no excuse for the condition of the restrooms or common areas. No resort, 1* or 5* should be seen this way. As to the monorail, all mechanical things can break down. The luggage getting "soaked through," if I couldn't get it to my room completely dry myself, how could I expect it of others? The dormer room being smaller than expected? Now others know not to request them unless they are wanting the cathedral ceilings.
In regards to the gifts being put in the room, if you want it done a specific way, do it yourself. This would eliminate the chance for dissappointment. I have yet to see any brochure or marketing where Disney promises that the GF staff are your own personal servants. I was concerned when you compared the Poly to the GF in how the gifts were done. In one post the OP stated that they were displayed in a "cute" way, in another it was nothing special!
Yes, the combination of things added up to the OP wanting to express displeasure. Others were there at the same time and didn't experience any of this. Therefore, it is advisable that each and every person will not witness or experience the same events the same way. I stated it earlier(pages ago) and I'll stateagain: You Cannot Please Everyone! What is standard service to one person is above and beyond to someone else.

Bottom line: people will continue to go to WDW for years to come. Some will feel the 'Magic," and others will feel that they didn't get enough.

 

[cbusby]

Out of curiosity, was this at the discounted Travel Agent Rate? You have obviously experienced problems and make the choice to continue going back.


Bottom line: people will continue to go to WDW for years to come. Some will feel the 'Magic," and others will feel that they didn't get enough.

BRAVO............BRAVO........

I don't think anything else can be said...........

 

[Lewisc]

The Grand Floridian is not a "world renowned" hotel. Actually it is not even on the AAA diamond award list, which is the gold standard of hotel rating. The Portofino Bay Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal both are 4 diamond award winners.

POLY isn't really in Tahiti, it's just themed like it is. AKL isn't really in Africa, it's just themed like it is.

GF isn't really a 5*, world renowned hotel, it's just themed like one.

I thought AAA rated GF 4 diamonds, the same rating as PBH, HRH, GP, BC, YC etc.

 

[Snurk71]

I just can't believe the sheer number of posts insisting that all a luxury high-priced hotel like the GF owes you is a clean room. Luxury hotels exist for people who want service, attention, and amenities above and beyond a clean room. If all you want is a clean room, that's nice for you but it makes your opinions on the greater service at the Grand Floridian less than relevant.

I think you might be missing that a lot of us are pointing out that GF is not a luxury hotel. It is not 4 or 5 diamonds or 4 or 5 stars in any ratings. Public perception is that GF is 4 or 5 stars. But to my knowledge Disney does not promote the GF as such. Disney promotes the GF as its flagship resort (meaining the best offerings of all their properties). I listed a few pages back all of the offerings at the GF and why Disney markets GF to be its flagship. I don't know of anywhere where Disney claims you get better service at GF or any deluxe. They refer to what all is available at deluxes that you won't get at lower level resorts (bigger rooms, location to park, dining and recreation options, etc).

 

[Tigger_Magic]

If all you want is a clean room, that's nice for you but it makes your opinions on the greater service at the Grand Floridian less than relevant.

All opinions are relevant, regardless of whether or not you agree with them.

 

[robinb]

From Disney's own website:

Take a holiday in a world mixing gentility and exuberance, a turn-of-the-century experience characterized by care, consideration and high-buttoned style.

and

Experience the perfect balance of relaxation and wellness when you enjoy the first-class services and luxurious amenities at Walt Disney World® Resort's Flagship Resort and Spa.

 

[ducklite]

I just had a thought.

Should those staying at deluxes get better service? No, because EVERY WDW guest should get great service all the time. Service being having the basics of that resort delivered in a timely and courteous manner. Clean room, clean towels, toiletries as provided by that resort in place on check-in, timely room service delivery, pleasant check-in experience, etc.

That said, guests at deluxe resorts should expect MORE services as indicated by that resort. Morning paper delivery, valet service, and adequate towels at the pool come right to mind.

Because you are staying at a deluxe should you expect EXTRA service over and above the services advertised by that resort? IMHO no. If you get some pixie dust sprinkled on you during your stay, great. Things like a cake for a birthday celebration, a courtesy ride in a golf cart or even the resorts towncar, or other such extra is just that, an extra. The resort is not obligated to offer this service, and no guest should be upset when a service not normally on a resorts standard list of services and amenities isn't available to them for whatever reason.

Anne

 

[swimmom]

"The luggage getting "soaked through," if I couldn't get it to my room completely dry myself, how could I expect it of others?"

I cannot imagine any scenario where the bell staff have any excuse to present a guest with luggage that is soaked through. (regardless of the resort). They all have carts with protective coverings - perhaps they should have used one of them!!!!

I have read this thread with great curiosity from top to bottom and the only thing I can take away from it is that some people are happy to make excuses for poor service becasue its Disney.