Terrible stay at GF

[tone.def]

That's why building two wings, one for adults only, the other where families were welcomed would be the way to go. At the time of reservation you chose which wing you wanted and were guaranteed that wing! I think there are plenty of affluent people who would bring their kids and stay there. I think there are also a ton of honeymooners and emptynesters who would love a choice like that.

Oh am I ever putting on my flame suit for this...

I must say I like that idea! I know that Walt Disney World is not the place to be when you're not overly fond of children and really, if you weren't a big kid yourself, why would you want to go... but there's something really appealling about that idea... there would be no 5 year olds playing "Nicky-nicky-nine-doors" at 7 a.m. on your door or window, no cholicy baby next door keeping you up at 3 a.m, and if done right, you wouldn't be seated next to the family with 5 kids under the age of 10 for dinner and have to witness 2 tantrums because they don't like the food and want a Happy Meal and have 1 kid have a crying fit just to have one....

I think you're onto something Anne!!!

 

[undertheradar]

Several other people posted agreeing with me. You can't please everyone implies that the posters have unreasonable requests or expectations. In fact the poster went on to verify that's what was meant. It dismisses the idea that the poster complaining should have been pleased. I prefer to take the position that the problem is inconsistent service rather than have to think either poster is wrong.

I certainly agree the gifts in the room was an "over the top" request. That said the employee could have just politely said I'm sorry, we only deliver gifts purchased from our gift shop. Once the hotel agreed to perform that service it should have been done as agreed to.

Luggage was left out in the rain long enough to get soaked, pool was dirty, spa lost a reservation, bathroom with no toilet paper, overflowing garbage the hotel didn't tell them the party they were waiting for wasn't being held on that day all sound like valid complaints.

What the guest is paying for is not dramatically nicer rooms but better service. There should be an excess of employees to handle those issues. When the hotels bookings are down the staff can be downsized but the staff/guest ratio should be higher than other hotels. Disney really can't have it both ways, if they want to position GF as a flagship hotel that's worthy of a 5* rating (even if the rating services don't agree) than the staffing should be appropriate.

By the way some of the complaints are situations that shouldn't even be present in a value hotel. Really no excuse not having enough employees to empty the garbage and replace the toilet paper as needed.

We cut Disney a lot of slack because of the theme parks and the Disney experience.

If standards were to be met you would not have the option of downsizing staff. Loyalty is important in providing a quality, guest oriented experience. Downsizing would be an ill-afforded luxury. You would need to price at a level capable of affording all staff year round. Perhaps no AAA or AP discounts?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Definitely not going to flame you tone.def, but it's not just children or teens or any other generalization who can make a vacation less than stellar ......

there would be no 5 year olds playing "Nicky-nicky-nine-doors" at 7 a.m. on your door or window, no cholicy baby next door keeping you up at 3 a.m, and if done right, you wouldn't be seated next to the family with 5 kids under the age of 10 for dinner and have to witness 2 tantrums because they don't like the food and want a Happy Meal and have 1 kid have a crying fit just to have one....

Instead it could be adults coming back at 2am that have had too much to drink and mistake your room for theirs, or continue the party in the room next to yours . Adults have been known to throw tantrums, not usually because they want a Happy Meal, but for other reasons. I've dined and stayed at true 5 stars and have seen less than appropriate behaviour from adults.

 

[Tiffany]

I think people better just stop posting their bad experiences all together. When you do, you always get the passive aggressive posters that try to discredit you with their "I've only had tulips and butterflies at that resort", or the resort's fan club that jumps in to do battle for the resort's honor.

Too bad you can't just post the experience and then lock the thread.

That would defeat the entire purpose of a message board which is to share experiances. I think it is important for people to post an opposite experiance and state when they believe others are expecting to much as newbies should have all of the information possiable and not just a one sided thing. Human nature is to over state both the negative and positive of an experiance. I will post a positve experaince to a negative experiance thread to encourge people to give the resort another try or to not have others have a destorted view. As long as everyone is posting within the guidlines there is no harm. If you post a negative post you should expect people to ask you questions. And not all resorts are of everyone tastes. Oh well. I hope everyone just continues to post thier experiances.

 

[tone.def]

Instead it could be adults coming back at 2am that have had too much to drink and mistake your room for theirs, or continue the party in the room next to yours . Adults have been known to throw tantrums, not usually because they want a Happy Meal, but for other reasons. I've dined and stayed at true 5 stars and have seen less than appropriate behaviour from adults.

Oh dear! That's true too. I admit to being guilty of the 2 a.m. return to room routine, but I only did it because I knew the baby next door was going to wake me at 3 a.m. anyways, so I might as well of been awake still or in an alcohol induced sleep I didn't have the heart to complain to front desk or to the parents next door - I figured they had enough problems as it was...

Those adults having tantrums at the adult only wing should be immediately removed

 

[JulyGirl]

I haven't read all of the pages so excuse me if this question has been answered. Do you have to request Bell Services at check in now? You have to take your luggage to the check in desk unless you flag someone down? That's crazy service for a deluxe, any deluxe. Your luggage should not have been left out in the rain. I stayed at GF in July, 2001 and every moment was magical. As soon as we stepped out of the Town Car, our luggage was taken and we were kindly shown where the front desk was. The CM at check-in arranged for Bell Services to come with the cart. We didn't even have to think about it. It's sad if that service in now only upon request.

The only complaint I had about the place was the bus transportation. Back then, we had take a monorail to the TTC to get to Typhoon Lagoon or Down Town Disney. I don't know if they've changed that, but it was so inconvienient. The bus sharing to MGM and AK was just horrible. The bus was always so packed that sometimes there was no room for us (I think we were the last stop). I would definitely take a car if I ever stayed there again.

As far as the Tinkerbell display, I don't think they should be expected to do that. That was definitely a request. Sure it would have been nice, but the GF should not have to worry about surprises when it appears that they didn't even have the staff to deliver luggage properly (which IS required).

I haven't been to WDW this year but it saddens me to hear reports of it being dirty. I remember going to the parks as a young child and seeing the "happy sweepers", as we called them, everywhere. Hope you were able to enjoy them anyways.

 

[Philly81]

Oh am I ever putting on my flame suit for this...

I must say I like that idea! I know that Walt Disney World is not the place to be when you're not overly fond of children and really, if you weren't a big kid yourself, why would you want to go... but there's something really appealling about that idea... there would be no 5 year olds playing "Nicky-nicky-nine-doors" at 7 a.m. on your door or window, no cholicy baby next door keeping you up at 3 a.m, and if done right, you wouldn't be seated next to the family with 5 kids under the age of 10 for dinner and have to witness 2 tantrums because they don't like the food and want a Happy Meal and have 1 kid have a crying fit just to have one....

I think you're onto something Anne!!!

I may not understand or agree with you and Anne but I'm certainly not going to flame anyone for having their own opinion. Personally, I don't think an adult only resort will ever happen. While I KNOW there are lots of couples who go to WDW without children and there would be people to fill some rooms, if you had the amenities that Anne described and the price tag that comes with it I don't think they could keep it full. A lot of honeymooners go to WDW but just starting out, setting up a home, just having their wedding (I know there are those who will say the bride's family takes care of all that but we all know that weddings cost everyone money.) Most other people that want an adult only experience will choose a more adult destination. A wing or building that's adult only I can see, but not a whole resort. I just don't think it's feasible.

 

[Lewisc]

If standards were to be met you would not have the option of downsizing staff. Loyalty is important in providing a quality, guest oriented experience. Downsizing would be an ill-afforded luxury. You would need to price at a level capable of affording all staff year round. Perhaps no AAA or AP discounts?

Actually you'd need some type of discounting to fill the rooms during the slow months. The alternative would be to close some buildings. That would give time for real rehab and would make it possible to re-allocate staff.

Many world class resorts are a lot more seasonal than Disney.

Some of the bad service posts haven't just been not enough staff. Bellhops and valets should be assuming that guests want to use their service and be approaching the guests. Disney may not be able to staff the front desk to always have a short wait all the time but they could have a staff member give out complimentary champagne, orange juice or at least water while guests are waiting. Pre-register the guests to speed up the process.

It's been posted that Disney wants the ME drivers drop GF guests off first, even if that means other guests having to pass their resorts on the way to the GF. Give guests, slightly, better service at the obvious expense of other guests. Now that's service.

 

[ducklite]

I may not understand or agree with you and Anne but I'm certainly not going to flame anyone for having their own opinion. Personally, I don't think an adult only resort will ever happen. While I KNOW there are lots of couples who go to WDW without children and there would be people to fill some rooms, if you had the amenities that Anne described and the price tag that comes with it I don't think they could keep it full. A lot of honeymooners go to WDW but just starting out, setting up a home, just having their wedding (I know there are those who will say the bride's family takes care of all that but we all know that weddings cost everyone money.) Most other people that want an adult only experience will choose a more adult destination. A wing or building that's adult only I can see, but not a whole resort. I just don't think it's feasible.

I thought I had made it clear--there would be two wings. One would welcome families and the othe would be adult only. When you booked you would be able to guarantee whichever one you wanted, and when it was sold out it was sold out.

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

I thought I had made it clear--there would be two wings. One would welcome families and the othe would be adult only. When you booked you would be able to guarantee whichever one you wanted, and when it was sold out it was sold out.

Anne

Anne- Suppose Disney took the existing CL at POLY and Royal Palm Club and made it kid unfriendly. Extend the extra adult charge to all guests, even for infants. Alternatively limit occupancy to two. Families would be required to book one or more connecting rooms. That would reduce or eliminate the families who are using concierge for free food. Have the staff enforce the dress code, shoes and shirts. That would provide a lot of what you're looking for without having to build a new resort.

Disney could probably even build a new building somewhere between the GF and POLY. They could use the spa and restaurants of both resorts building a small exclusive pool.

Having a wing for adults won't eliminate kids in the pool, lobby or restaurants. Kids in the room next to you isn't a huge problem if the rooms are sound proofed.

I think the only way you'll see exactly what you're looking for is if the Four Seasons builds a hotel on site. They were supposed to be building a 425 room hotel in Celebration, not sure what happened to that plan.

 

[gonga]

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!

I agree with Anne....If WDW had such accommodations, I would be 2nd in line - Anne would be first

Having just returned from Las Vegas last night and having it be our 3rd stay at the Bellagio in less than year, I can honestly say you cannot compare the two. At the Bellagio, everyone is treated like a celebrity. We were in a suite with (his and hers) bathrooms overlooking the fountains, living room and seperate bedroom. We were treated like royalty, ate in the best restaurants, splurged in the world class spa, went to a show......and spent less in 5 days than a 4 day vacation in WDW (minus the gambling money). The hotel checks in hundreds of people from all over the world 24 hours a day...all with different expectations in which they will fufill. The staff is friendly and kind and remembers your name...quite an achievement for a hotel that has thousands of guests.

We do not have any children and we do visit WDW every year. I would love to have an adults only retreat that offers a level of quiet adult sophistication. Considering what you have to pay to be in a Honeymoon DLx in the main building, the price diffreence would not be that much higher.

I also had a terrible stay at the GF RPC 2 years ago. Everything was messed up. It seemed the more I tried to communicate with the concierge, the worse it got. By the last day of our stay, I went to the concierge on the forth floor and asked for the hotel manager. I did not want to hear any more of the "I drank too much disney corporate kool aid" BS they gave me.

After waiting a few minutes a very nice gentle man who runs the concierge hotel level came out. We sat at a table and I told him everything that happened and how frustrated I was at the incompetence. I was not looking for anything for "free", I just wanted to get what I pay for. He asked me what can I do for you and I said I just wnat to be treated like I matter and have someone LISTEN to my paid for requests. He then gave me a number for the person that handles celebrities and VIP's..now when I make reservations I call this number and we are treated like were at the Bellagio - LOL.
Everything I ask for, including the exact room I want is there, including someone from the concierge waiting for our limo to pull up. The valet takes our bags directly to our room which alrady has our favorites there waithing for us ( Champagen, strawberries,flowers, grey goose and tonic) All our reservations are done thru him too...but he is a level above the concierge staff. I know that the CL advertises that they do this, but they often don't - that was exactly my problem.

We travel often and always at 5 star hotels all over. I never experience any problem with requests. I had to literally beg to be heard at the GF. Now I get the service that we should get and pay for.

I don't mind paying for these things, but I do mind when you pay a bundle and a hotel staff does nothing. The last thing you want to do on an expensive vacation is to spend time with the staff trying to get what you want. The best thing to do is to go right to the top. Everyone has a boss. It just stinks that you have to "work" and get aggrivated while on vacation.

 

[Philly81]

I thought I had made it clear--

Anne

I'm asking politely to not sound so condescending in your posts. Apparently you didn't make yourself clear or perhaps I didn't. In your post you said:

[/QUOTE}
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.[/QUOTE]

It sounded to me like you were talking about building a whole new resort . I stand by my statement that with the amenities you mentioned they would be overpriced and have unfilled rooms. Families outnumber couples and singles by far. Disney knows that and caters to them. But that was Walt's dream. To have a place for kids to dream and a place for adults to be kids again. I'm totally with you on having some quiet time w/dh in an elegant atmosphere. I just don't go to WDW for that.

 

[poohluvrs]

You CAN compare the price of the Bellagio suite & the RPC, I know this b/c we're booked for RPC, & we are looking into a vacay for my sister at the Bellagio....Our RPC regular room (@$610/nite)(NOT a deluxe or suite) is more than the most expensive (@$549/nite) Bellagio suite I could find....

Too bad there are no Bellagio's at WDW, (its cheaper & nicer) but thats the core point of the unresolved, less than stellar service that some DIS report, they dont have to make it right, its Disney & people will keep coming. I dont want to take my kids to shoot craps in Vegas, Im taking them to see Mickey & pals, so we're opting for the best available choice for us!!!

My kids are well mannered, & we are not going to RPC for "free food", Young families can opt for "deluxe" accomodations along w/ the rest of the childless adults who prefer them as well.

 

[Tiffany]

My bad this can be deleted.

 

[auntpolly]

That would defeat the entire purpose of a message board which is to share experiances. I think it is important for people to post an opposite experiance and state when they believe others are expecting to much as newbies should have all of the information possiable and not just a one sided thing. Human nature is to over state both the negative and positive of an experiance. I will post a positve experaince to a negative experiance thread to encourge people to give the resort another try or to not have others have a destorted view. As long as everyone is posting within the guidlines there is no harm. If you post a negative post you should expect people to ask you questions. And not all resorts are of everyone tastes. Oh well. I hope everyone just continues to post thier experiances.

I agree with you - I was kind of kidding. I just get tired people not respecting other posters right to get bad experiences off their chest - to vent.

Honestly when I had my bad experience at WDW years ago, if I had decided to vent about it on this board and people had tried to act like I was exagerating or that something like that couldn't possibly have happened, I would have gone ballistic! My bad experience didn't sour me on WDW at all, but at the time, I was really, really frustrated and angry with one of the resorts. They made a mistake that cost me money and time, and they were completely uncaring about it. I didn't even know about these boards yet, but it might have been nice to have some other WDW fanatics to complain to without having people tell me that I wasn't right to feel the way I did.

 

[ducklite]

Anne- Suppose Disney took the existing CL at POLY and Royal Palm Club and made it kid unfriendly. Extend the extra adult charge to all guests, even for infants. Alternatively limit occupancy to two. Families would be required to book one or more connecting rooms. That would reduce or eliminate the families who are using concierge for free food. Have the staff enforce the dress code, shoes and shirts. That would provide a lot of what you're looking for without having to build a new resort.

But neither of these is suitable for what I was describing--a small, ultra high-end resort. I would imagine that *most* guests paying that kind of rate for a room wouldn't need to have basic etiquette enforced, rather it would come naturally.

Disney could probably even build a new building somewhere between the GF and POLY. They could use the spa and restaurants of both resorts building a small exclusive pool.

Again, it defeats the idea.

Having a wing for adults won't eliminate kids in the pool, lobby or restaurants. Kids in the room next to you isn't a huge problem if the rooms are sound proofed.

I think the only way you'll see exactly what you're looking for is if the Four Seasons builds a hotel on site. They were supposed to be building a 425 room hotel in Celebration, not sure what happened to that plan.

My point is that WDW should have a resort with service that equals what one would find at a Four Seasons. And by keeping the resort smaller, it would keep the number of kids in the public areas lower just by default.

Anne

 

[TammiMcMan]

I was just sitting here reading through the last few posts and I got to thinking about Downtown Disney. Do you think a company like the Four Seasons would consider something like that in this area? I know Anne and other DIS'ers have expressed an interest in a more exclusive five star resort. I don't think it would matter to those that would book it, whether they were entitled to EMH or not. More so that the resort gave you the amenities you're looking for, like the higher quality of rooms, customer service, private transportation, etc.

 

[ducklite]

I'm asking politely to not sound so condescending in your posts. Apparently you didn't make yourself clear or perhaps I didn't. In your post you said:

I'm sorry if you took it that way, it was not meant to be condescending.

It sounded to me like you were talking about building a whole new resort . I stand by my statement that with the amenities you mentioned they would be overpriced and have unfilled rooms. Families outnumber couples and singles by far. Disney knows that and caters to them. But that was Walt's dream. To have a place for kids to dream and a place for adults to be kids again. I'm totally with you on having some quiet time w/dh in an elegant atmosphere. I just don't go to WDW for that.

Actually, during many times of the year, single adults, young couples (often honeymooners), and empty nesters outnumber families. I believe that those rooms could be filled by people who currently choose to stay elsewhere because WDW is unable to deliver the resort experience that they prefer.

Why are you so against the idea of a resort like this being built? If you aren't interested in it, no one would force you to stay there.

Anne

 

[traci]

As a mother of 2 I would appreciate the idea of that kind of luxury. A relaxing 5 star place to stay at WDW w/out my lovies!!

 

[ducklite]

I was just sitting here reading through the last few posts and I got to thinking about Downtown Disney. Do you think a company like the Four Seasons would consider something like that in this area? I know Anne and other DIS'ers have expressed an interest in a more exclusive five star resort. I don't think it would matter to those that would book it, whether they were entitled to EMH or not. More so that the resort gave you the amenities you're looking for, like the higher quality of rooms, customer service, private transportation, etc.

Yup! I can't recall the last time we did EMH. I would NOT want to share transportation with other resorts.

Anne