Terrible stay at GF

[auntpolly]

So, though the GF may be a "flagship" resort, it's not 5 star, 5 diamond, or 5 anything - unless you are talking about hundreds of $$$ per night . In fact, come December I'll be staying at the AKL. Same number of "stars", but about $300/night less.

This was a very interesting post. Do I understand correctly that the GF is only a 3 star hotel????

 

[poohluvrs]

Its unfortunate there are no 5star hotels @WDW, but we dont want to take our kids to palm beach or naples, we want to take them to WDW, & for us the GF is the place, & $600/nite is the price we'll pay, though Ive read good & bad here, I am optimistic we'll enjoy our stay & am going w/ a good attitude & hopefully will not be disappointed.

To the OP, sorry to hear your disappointments, & esp that they went unresolved. I still have faith that our trip will be everything we are hoping!

 

[Sammie]

Its unfortunate there are no 5star hotels @WDW, but we dont want to take our kids to palm beach or naples, we want to take them to WDW, & for us the GF is the place, & $600/nite is the price we'll pay, though Ive read good & bad here, I am optimistic we'll enjoy our stay & am going w/ a good attitude & hopefully will not be disappointed.

To the OP, sorry to hear your disappointments, & esp that they went unresolved. I still have faith that our trip will be everything we are hoping!

There will never be a 5 star hotel at WDW, because they do not limit access to the resort by anyone that wants to wonder over from the theme parks. All those who love to resort hop as a form of entertainment would not be allowed to do so at a 5 star resort. Many even have a dress code for the lobby.

Disney would have to remove the monorail at the Grand Floridian to get a 5 star rating.

 

[Sammie]

This was a very interesting post. Do I understand correctly that the GF is only a 3 star hotel????

Mobil 3 star, AAA 4 star

 

[auntpolly]

Personally I think this is a little shocking! Am I the only one that thinks so? I can't believe I never wondered about the ratings of the WDW hotels. I stay at 3 star hotels to ecconomize in the real world. I've stayed at 5 star hotels and I don't remember any dress codes in the lobby or any restrictions that would make it difficult for Disney World. I think they are 3 stars because they get away with being 3 stars.

Here's a debate for the debate board. Does the magic of being on-site make up for inattention to detail at the resorts? I guess I'd say that for me, it does. I'm willing to overlook the spotty housekeeping and the at times half-hearted attempt at luxury that the WDW luxury resorts offer in exchange for cute themes and a view of the castle.

I guess most of us on this board are with me.

 

[ducklite]

There will never be a 5 star hotel at WDW, because they do not limit access to the resort by anyone that wants to wonder over from the theme parks. All those who love to resort hop as a form of entertainment would not be allowed to do so at a 5 star resort. Many even have a dress code for the lobby.

Disney would have to remove the monorail at the Grand Floridian to get a 5 star rating.

I've often posted on these boards that WDW is in dire need of a boutique hotel, either with an adult only wing, or possibly even totally adult only. Every room would be at minimum a junior suite, and it would be truly full service with butler service. There would be no need for a "club" level, as the entire resort would be "Club level". It would offer two restaurants, one along the lines of the YC Galley, the other more like Citrico's. The restaurants would have enforced dress codes, and dress cides such as coverups must be worn over bathing suits and no bare feet anywhere but the pool would be enforced. It would be restricted access, and only those with a room or confirmed dinner reservation would be allowed to visit there. The pool would offer cabana's and poolside service. And they could charge top dollar for all of this, as it would be a five star resort.

Anne

 

[auntpolly]

I've often posted on these boards that WDW is in dire need of a boutique hotel, either with an adult only wing, or possibly even totally adult only. Every room would be at minimum a junior suite, and it would be truly full service with butler service. There would be no need for a "club" level, as the entire resort would be "Club level". It would offer two restaurants, one along the lines of the YC Galley, the other more like Citrico's. The restaurants would have enforced dress codes, and dress cides such as coverups must be worn over bathing suits and no bare feet anywhere but the pool would be enforced. It would be restricted access, and only those with a room or confirmed dinner reservation would be allowed to visit there. The pool would offer cabana's and poolside service. And they could charge top dollar for all of this, as it would be a five star resort.

Anne

It's a good idea but if they are already charging 5 star rates for 3 star accomodations, what in the world would they charge for this?

 

[ducklite]

It's a good idea but if they are already charging 5 star rates for 3 star accomodations, what in the world would they charge for this?

It wouldn't matter to those looking for that type of experience.

Anne

 

[auntpolly]

It wouldn't matter to those looking for that type of experience.

Anne

I guess not, but it wasn't a rhetorical question. What do you think it would cost?

 

[GF Girl]

You think anyone would stay there? Most people go to Disney to feel like a kid again. Do the children really bother anyone? It all part of the fun

 

[wdwfan]

High Expectations?
Above and Beyond Services?
Really?

They expected that their suitcases would be delivered dry with dry clothes...

They expected that the hotel would place some sort of value on surprising a little girl to the point of walking 3 more steps to set up a surprise for her....

They expected that the CMs would at least act happy to be serving them.....

They expected no food or drink in the pools, and that the the pools be clean....

They expected that the bathrooms would have toilet paper..

They expected that housekeeping would empty the trash in the bathrooms before they overflowed with used feminine products...

And they expected that they would be provided with a voucher that would allow them to actually get on the bus for the ride they paid for......something they didn't even know they needed until it was too late.....

So....I guess I just don't see how these expectations were too high for stay that costs $300 to $400 an night....

Or for a stay at Motel 6 for that matter.....

I totally agree with erinz. Why do people try and find excuses for inappropriate service? Because it is Disney? If Disney drops the service ball then they have to step up and take responsibility for their actions. If Disney is understaffed then that must be addressed. I think the OP had reasonable expectations.

 

[DisOrBust]

Add us as well to the list of the unimpressed. Here was my review,...... Just back from the "not-so-Grand" Floridian.
Before anyone barb-b-ques me this is just IMHO. When planning this trip I had intially chosen the Poly but switched because they have no Hot tub. This ended up being a good reason since the temps were so frigid. My parents were also along on this trip and my Dad had always been longing to stay at the GF so that helped seal the deal. The first 5 nights we spent at the AKL for the second time and it was absolutely perfect! This trip I decided to split with a monorail resort since we now had our 4month old DD in tow.

WE arrived at the GF at 10:30 after departing AKL . The plan was to park the cars and hit MK and check in later. There were no spots left in Self park so I had our van valeted which always makes me nervous...its hard enough for me to park the Big Behemoth let alone a poor valet,lol! Mom was having "troubles" with handicap parking so I decided while she gets her car in order I might as well check us in. The woman who checked me in was obviously not feeling well as copious snot was dripping out her nose and on to her keyboard, hand etc...I have a very strong stomach and things like this usually do not get to me but this was to the point of making my stomach turn. She knew she was "snotting" everywhere as she anounced her allergies were really "bad today." But I digress....I had 2 rooms reserved under my AP discount as I have had done for 5 years now. Alway splitting the reservation with my parents on arrival. Never have I had difficulty at ANY of the WDW resorts until now. I was bluntly told "they can't do that." After I explained I just came from AKL where they split it without any difficulty as it has been done every year. No we can't do thst was the response. Since I did not want to behave like a witch on vacation or stand there any longer being exposed to whatever she had I thought I just deal with it at checkout and off to the MK we went.
Our rooms were in Sago Cay with a marina view. The rooms are beautifully appointed and are much larger then AKL. The mini bar is convient to have. All agree that the rooms are nicer at GF then AKL. The beach pool was very nice and the slide better then AKL per my DD's. The lifeguards were very pleasant and let my 5yo use a pair of water wings so we didn't have to go thru the whole "get a vest from the marina" business. At AKL the vest are available without any hassle poolside. The bathroom had mold here and there nothing to get to excited over. That night I put my 5 and 8yo in the tub. My daughter asked why there was all this toilet paper in the tub. I didn't know why went to open the drain that was already open..strange that the tub wasn't empty. After if finally drained I threw them in the shower. The next morning the same thing happened to my parents room but it never drained. Maintance came and fixed the tub. I hesitate to even post this but I am wondering if the pipes didn't back up!! Was that used toilet water and paper in my kids tub? God the thought of that possiblity is to much for me to take and I prefer to not think about that anymore. Maybe someone here could reassure me that they are to sperate waste removal pipes and that could never happen..right?
My parent decided the cold was to much and decided to leave 2 days early. A very nice CM, Ariel, who was "earning his ears" attempted to help with the room charges. He charged my parents room cost to their AMEX then he had to credit my CC back for 2 nights of their room because they were leaning early. He got his trainer and after 45 min they were able to credit one night back. After a 5 minute arguemnt with the trainer that it is yes 2 nights not one and another CM they proceeded to take another 15 min to credit the additional night. Ariel apoligized I told them that I was trying to avoid alll this by having the reservation split as was done in aKL he asked his traiiner why they couldn't do that. Her response was that it causes a major hassle. I looked her straight in the eye and said "more hassle then this!!!" She did not have a response. This whole saga of checkin and checkout to me was unexceptable especially at the GF. I heard more often "we can't" then "I would be happy to do that." I have read trip report on GF concierge that weren't flattering and my experience would extended that also to the "regular" staff as well. It was not the experience I would have expected from the flagship resort. Personally I think the AKL is a much better deluxe all around.

As a side bar ..my Mother is the type that needs her Java ASAP in the AM. SHe brings her own coffee and gets it ready the night before especially at WDW since the nescafe is so aweful. GF was the only resort in 5 years that could not provide a coffe maker. I personally think this is crazy any motel 6 can provide a coffee maker. When I called housekeeping they basically said order room service(nescafe,yuk!). Again not what I would consider an appropriate response from the GF Staff.

Another note for those of you how are considering the GF for the monorail. It is awesome for the MK without a doubt but it took us 55 minutes to get to Epcot using the monorail and having to push a stroller up and down 2 monorail stations. By buss from AKL it took 25 minutes and alot less walking. IMHO if you monrail resort I would choose the Poly since you are able to "walk" to the TCC.
DisOrBust is online now Edit/Delete Message

 

[ducklite]

You think anyone would stay there? Most people go to Disney to feel like a kid again. Do the children really bother anyone? It all part of the fun

You speak for yourself when you say that. We spent countless vacations at WDW treating it as a resort with the diversion of theme parks right at our fingertips. Last year we spent six or seven nighte between the BC and the PR, and spent a total of maybe 18 hours in the parks, mostly grazing and sipping in Epcot.

As much as I love children, it seems that too many parents don't parent, and lose their minds when they go to WDW. I'm a parent, and I still like to have time away from kids. There's nothing wrong with that, and if you are offended by it, you shouldn't be. There are times when it's great to have kids around, but there are times that DH and I want peace and quiet in an elegant, adult atmosphere.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

I guess not, but it wasn't a rhetorical question. What do you think it would cost?

No idea. Probably starting at about $800/night off season and going up to over $3K depending on the accomodation type.

Anne

 

[auntpolly]

No idea. Probably starting at about $800/night off season and going up to over $3K depending on the accomodation type.

Anne

I'm frankly surprised they've never tried something like this. I think I'd really hate it, but I'm sure there would be plenty of takers.

I would, however, pay more (Disney Nerd that I am) for a more intense Disney experience. My ideal boutique experience would have Cinderella cleaning my room and Mickey making me a cocktail.....I'm going to guess this will never happen!

 

[poohluvrs]

Someone putting that much money into developing a 5 star all club level hotel as described in the prior post would be looking to make out like the developers in destinations like Las Vegas, who designed similar (more private, individual cabana type) accomodations, at buy ahead, reserved for celebrity premiums. Disney does not rank as an elitist destination, so something to that effect is not likely to happen, which is unfortunate, but this is why we pay $600 for the GF, as it appears to be one of the few options to have a "deluxe" stay. ITs sad those like OP had an inferior stay, but they can get away w/ charging these rates b/c there is no alternative!

 

[Lewisc]

Anne-I suspect Disney thinks Royal Palm Club at the GF provides the experience you're looking for. If you're still reading this thread have you ever stayed at the PBH at Universal? Although its not a 5* hotel I thought the service and experience was better than Disney resorts.

Sammie--Disney wouldn't have to remove the monorail. They'd might have to restrict it to registered guests. A CM checking hotel IDs and having non guests wait for the next monorail to leave would be sufficient.

Originally AKL was supposed to be a closed hotel. Basically open to registered guests and people with a PS at one of the restaurants. This didn't last very long. Disney sees the hotels as an extension of the theme parks. They don't even do much to stop pool hopping or non-guests watching Wishes from the POLY beach.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Oh my gosh, what a terrible stay. I agree that it sounds like they have way too many guests for the CMs and that the new CMs are offering poor service. My family has never had a problem at GF, so now I'm worried about our future trip because I hope it hasn't permanently gone downhill! Your service was truly awful. Sorry that happened to you! I hope this was a nominal thing...

 

[undertheradar]

The attacks against posters by veteran members is unexcusable. There have been opposing views that have been challenged and two veteran board members have attempted to intimmidate them.

 

[undertheradar]

I respect the views posted on these boards and realize that they are exactly that: observations. Just like anyone can have a bad day, not every guests is going to experience the same thing. The overlying theme has been that if you pay more, you are "entitled" to more. Does anyone know if the CMs earn more at the GF than the other Disney Resorts?

I can appreciate that some of you do pay a lot of money for your room, but you are still at WDW. In my own household, we would not pay that kind of money for a hotel room. We choose to distribute our vacation dollars other ways. Again, that is my own choice. We have stayed in all types of resorts and hotels around the country and our expectations are different. Perhaps the fact that there are boards specific to WDW creates a higher level of expectation. Again, before I get flamed, these are my views.

Our last stay at GF we were in Boca Chica. I caused a stir when I requested that the bird "dirt" be cleaned from our otherwise unusable balcony. Yes, the room was nice, but nothing special. I would never pay this kind of money for an onsite room at WDW. Again, this is my own view.