The *New* Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Frequently Asked Questions (FEB2004) Part 2

[ducklite]

mlill--DH ran, not I. He had his second worst marathon time ever--it was soooo hot.

Lives4Disney--Glad I'm not the only one. It's not that anything was particularly bad, but there was just no magic, and for $700 a night, I expect a much more service oriented stay.

One thing I forgot to mention--the new company that has taken over valet and luggage--what a fiasco! There must have been 15 people running around that were valet's, and none of them could get their act together. The people a few rooms down from me waited an hour for bell services to come get their bags. I gave up and just dragged it all myself. They wouldn't give us a 30 minute extension on the check-out time, and DH was still running at 10:00am, so I knew he wouldn't get back in time to shower and pack, so I packed all his stuff and then waited over 20 minutes for the car to be brought around--I could actually see it in the valet lot, but it was just a cluster with no one knowing what the heck they were doing.

Because I had to deal with this, I couldn't get over to see DH cross the finish--very disappointing. And even more so taht they couldn't give us a lousy extra half and hour. She told me they had 100% turnover that day, and all I could think was "and right, you'll have every room cleaned at 11:00 and be waiting outside our door for us to leave.

Anyhow, that's beside the point, it was just much to long to wait on valet when there really were plenty of valets to take care of the number of guests dropping off or picking up, but they were just terribly disorganized. They had actually lost one guests keys after bringing his car up to the valet area. He wasn't a happy camper.

Oh! When we first arrived at 6:00 pm Friday night the valet was told we were staying RPC, and still tried to send us to the front desk to check in. Fortunately we saw a RPC CM stading there with a clipboard and he took us up, but it was us who approached him, not the other way around.

Oh, and so much forCL getting any extra treatment--we arrived to Citrico's for a 7:20ish ADR made by the IPO, they only had one woman checking people in, and she wsa painfully slow. There must ahve been almost 100 people waiting for tables, we weren't seated until almost 8:00 pm, and they had no pagers to hand out. It was so noisy by the bar that we didn't hear them call our name until they came through a second time and DH barely heard it.

Anne

 

[princess-rn]

We have decided not to try concierge this year. It just doesn't seem worth it in my eyes. Especially after the reports I've read/heard from here and from friends. I'm looking forward to our December trip though. I'm booking it as we speak. Dec 2-12 WDW here we come! LOL

 

[magical4us4]

Well, reading these posts, I do understand how everyone feels. The services have started to decline for a while now at the RPC and SL. There are those very few CM's that have been there for a while and they are terrific, but it's the new ones or so called fill ins that aren't that great. Disney should understand that it is not cheap to stay in GF concierge and they should really do something to train the rest of their help to be a little more nicer, helpful and accomodating.

I have had some really bad CM's at RPC and SL, but like I said, the ones who have been there for a while are wonderful! And the women in the concierge lounge are absolutely the best! They were very grateful that me, my husband and children always cleaned up after ourselves. We are just curtious and gracious people (and above all, well mannered), and don't expect those ladies to clean up our mess like everyone else there.

Citros could use a little more customer friendly approach toward their guests. I have had a terrible incident there with the manager in March of 2005. I let the hotel know about, but nothing was done or accomplished.

It is going to be a long time before we do return, and if we do, we will proabably go somewhere else on property or off, because I can no longer justify the cost!

They really do need to change the daily offerings, it is getting old!!

Well, I put my 2cents in.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ya, I think the ladies in the lounge are awesome. So sweet and helpful. It is crappy that people expect to be waited on and cleaned up after. I couldn't believe it - this is the first time I have seen that. WHERE are these people coming from? I kind of look at the way these guests behaved (lounge and parks) and figure that must be why so many CMs don't stick around and why of the ones that do, so many are burned out and not as Disneyish as they should be.

And YES! CHANGE THE FOOD OFFERINGS!!!! I have been going regularly to GF since 11/04 and it is THE SAME STUFF!! I bet is has been the same forever.

Bummer about valet. Did that go into effect 1/1?? We were ok in Dec (luckily maybe) and this is the FIRST time we were actually greeted by a concierge CM curbside that seemed to be expecting us. THAT was nice.

I agree, Anne, about that extended check out. Maybe you had the misfortune of dealing with the worst concierge CMs. For the rates they know it costs to stay there, they should be a bit more gracious and flexible for guests' needs.

Lives4Disney

 

[marcij]

Marci, I'm so glad we were able to help you feel better at Disney! Calvin at IPO was a tremendous help and so wonderful to work with in planning the surprises.

And for everyone else who doesn't frequent the DISigns board, the red shirt with the Christmas palm tree and white shirts with the yellow mickey in sunglasses that Marci and family are wearing are my designs. Wearing matching, personalized shirts get lots of attention at Disney!

Actually, Denise's yellow mickey with clouds/sunglasses got us picked as First Family of the day at Soarin'. The CM that picked us said she was going to pick the family in front of us, but she saw our shirts. It was really cool to ride the ride with just the four of us in the room. Thanks again, Denise!

 

[ducklite]

I agree about the mess makers in the lounge. I couldn't believe how people acted like it was a restaurant. Some of the people there were just pigs! how much effort does it take to tidy up after yourself. I son't go as far as to wipe my table down, but I at least pick up the plates, glasses, napkins, etc. and put them on the cart or tray set out for that purpose.

The outsourcing company took over valet and bell services at the GF on 1/6 IIR.

Anne

 

[Tinkaroo]

The GF was fine for us, but I was so disgusted by the behaviour of the guests - mostly PARK guests. At the Gf, though, people thought nothing of piggying up the lounge and then leaving everything on their tables (after sitting there for hours and accumulating BIG messes. That was the first time I had seen that "Poly" behaviour in RPC ) People really have become illmannered savages and they are raising brats and taking them to WDW! (Stay out of our park!!!!) Realizing that turned me off this trip. I remember the early 90s when people were so much better dressed and mannered & respectful at WDW. The parks are starting to become filled with the wild and skankily dressed carnival/fair crowd hahaha . Where do they get the money??!! (Actually I always wondered that about the carnie crowd, too!) It is just sad.

(OK, I am NOT against carnivals and fairs, lol - have to say that - but we all know the type of folks that frequent them!! )

Channing aka Lives4Disney

Not to get flamed or cause too much of a debate, but DH and I have been noticing the change in guest "clientele" so to speak. I have my own theory - we can all thank the advent of the credit card. Now that no one really needs to be able to "afford" anything any longer, cost is no longer an obstacle for some. Not that this is inherently bad, but I think in a society that is now used to instant gratification and getting/doing what they want, whenever they want it, regardless of the cost, it cheapens the experience to some degree.

 

[poohluvrs]

I agree about the mess makers in the lounge. I couldn't believe how people acted like it was a restaurant. Some of the people there were just pigs! how much effort does it take to tidy up after yourself. I son't go as far as to wipe my table down, but I at least pick up the plates, glasses, napkins, etc. and put them on the cart or tray set out for that purpose.

The outsourcing company took over valet and bell services at the GF on 1/6 IIR.

Anne

I agree, we were there in Oct & it was disgraceful...

 

[Remember The Magic]

Not to get flamed or cause too much of a debate, but DH and I have been noticing the change in guest "clientele" so to speak. I have my own theory - we can all thank the advent of the credit card. Now that no one really needs to be able to "afford" anything any longer, cost is no longer an obstacle for some. Not that this is inherently bad, but I think in a society that is now used to instant gratification and getting/doing what they want, whenever they want it, regardless of the cost, it cheapens the experience to some degree.

Although I agree with your point, I can't help but feel this kind of thinking goes against the whole point of WDW, the whole point of Walt's original vision- a place where families can have fun together, regardless of their class or bank balance.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ok, maybe this will come across as obnoxious, but I just watched the DL opening day broadcast and the anniversary special. People were all dressed so nice and so happy and sweet. Maybe it's just a sad sign of the times, but the quality of people visiting WDW has declined in a big way. Despite the high HIGH cost of the resorts, the people are getting trashier over all. Flame suit on. I don't care - it's true and it's starting to kill some of the magic for me. I miss the good old days where families dressed so nicely (at least appropriately), people weren't picnicking on the grass all over Epcot and MK eating lunchables and drinking Koolaid and then leaving litter, you could leave items on strollers with no fear of them getting taken, unsupervised crowds of teens weren't all over the parks dressed like slobs and behaving like slobs, ladies weren't falling out of their tops and bottoms and people weren't smoking all over the parks.... I won't even mention the washrooms. I could say more, but my DD just got off the bus.....You get the picture. JMO, of course.

Lives4Disney

 

[traci]

I don't think it matters how rich or poor a person is....you can't put a price on class and good manners. I have no idea what some families have in their bank account (and I really don't care) but I am really shocked at how some people dress or behave when there.

**i.e. We encountered a lady with her fancy double stroller running in front of us at the GF monorail boarding station. She basically pushed my kids out of her way. DH and I were still shocked when I was about to get my daughter (who was in her stroller) off at the MK exit when she sighed loudly and then pushed me aside! She couldn't even wait her turn. **I didn't feel bad when my daughters stroller banged against her ankles as we got off either.** So even with her Prada sunglasses, her peg stroller and the really cute louie vuitton backpack she was carrying that lady was RUDE and lacked in the class department. What's sad is when you can share a handful of experiences like that during one trip.

 

[traci]

koolaid and lunchables...Channing that one made me laugh!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Although I agree with your point, I can't help but feel this kind of thinking goes against the whole point of WDW, the whole point of Walt's original vision- a place where families can have fun together, regardless of their class or bank balance.

Maybe I didn't phrase it the best - it's not really a matter of "class" per se (like the old caste system, that $$ dominated), but general class and good manners. I think today's "me, me, mine, mine" society is creating a world where good manners and values are sadly not as common.

Walt wanted a place where familes could have good, safe fun together - I just think that as behavior diminishes amongst the guests, families aren't going to see WDW as a wholesome destination spot any longer.

It makes me very sad. And that's my last comment on this subject!

 

[Cinderella Fan]

I haven't posted on this subject yet, but I agree with Channing. It doesn't matter how much money a person or family has in the bank, it does matter that people no longer have manners or class.

While we were at the GF, people were in the lounge at all times making a mess and leaving their drinks, plates, and cups all over the tables! It makes me so mad - I do go as far to wipe down my table upon leaving so that the family behind me will have a clean place to eat. But, it surprised me how many times we had to clear someone's mess up so as to have a clean place to eat. That is just down right rude and disrespectful! I teach the students in my Kindergarten class to clean up after themselves, and it is a shame how many adults never learn that lesson.

And don't even get me started on the behavior in the parks. I am ashamed for these people many times....

On a more positive note - Channing, thanks so much for your kind words MANY pages back. I haven't had the chance to post muc now that we are back in school. Your girls are a beautiful as ever and your whole family was so sweet.

Our vacation didn't go perfectly, but no vacation we ever have does! Thanks again - I loved my dress.... it had a corset built into it and I couldn't breathe and it was VERY heavy, but it didn't matter to me! It was beautiful....

 

[Lives4Disney]

Traci, it's true! The first time I saw that, my jaw dropped. First of all, I thought no outside food was allowed in the parks. Maybe that's changed. Second of all was just the sight of this family making themselves at home on the grass in front of Crystal Palace with their wrappers blowing in the wind. Then that same trip I saw people pulling over to the sidewalk curbs at Epcot and just chowing down on lunchables, too!! Must have had a big sale on Lunchables that week, lol. That was actually a couple yrs ago, but I have just been continuously amazed at what people will try and pull and get away with more and more thru the years. Saw a HUGE mega can of Bud that a security guard confiscated at the MK one day this trip!! Dah, no alcohol in the MK. Rules, people.

Tinkaroo - you are so tactful - obviously much more than I. I am just feeling a bit disheartened by the way things have been at WDW these past few trips. The changes really bother me. I don't think it's about how much money anybody has in the bank necessarily, either. It's about some manners, class and respect for other guests and the park. Sure Walt wanted families to be able to have an enjoyable time together, but not trashing his dream & offending other guests, either. You're right...enough said.

Angela - I just saw your picture!! It gave me goosebumps!! You were beautiful. Sorry your trip wasn't all you hoped it would be. Hope your husband is all better, too! Thanks for the nice words about my family & girls. I think we had a few similar experiences in the lounge. This was a weird trip.

Lives4Disney

 

[marcij]

Maybe I didn't phrase it the best - it's not really a matter of "class" per se (like the old caste system, that $$ dominated), but general class and good manners. I think today's "me, me, mine, mine" society is creating a world where good manners and values are sadly not as common.

Walt wanted a place where familes could have good, safe fun together - I just think that as behavior diminishes amongst the guests, families aren't going to see WDW as a wholesome destination spot any longer.

It makes me very sad. And that's my last comment on this subject!

Well said! And I agree with your point. It is sad and disheartening, like Channing noted.

 

[princessesrule4]

Not to get flamed or cause too much of a debate, but DH and I have been noticing the change in guest "clientele" so to speak. I have my own theory - we can all thank the advent of the credit card. Now that no one really needs to be able to "afford" anything any longer, cost is no longer an obstacle for some. Not that this is inherently bad, but I think in a society that is now used to instant gratification and getting/doing what they want, whenever they want it, regardless of the cost, it cheapens the experience to some degree.

It is disheartening when you pay so much money to not have your experience be extra special and I agree that some of the guests can be very rude and classless. We called one lady "the Double Dipper". She kept dipping her breadstick in the dip and taking a bite and dipping again!! She just stood up there dipping, never taking a plate or sitting down! Thank goodness the CM's realized what she was doing right away and they spoke to the Double Dipper! They took the old dip and brought new. I wasn't sure how they would handle it and we were so glad they dealt with her. They told us that if we ever saw anything like that happen again, to please tell them right away. The lounge CM's are always are so nice! We always clear our tables and throw away our trash and they always thank us! I think that can be a tough job!

Another pet peeve of ours is the elevators that are supposed to be for Concierge use! I can't even count how many times people who aren't even staying at the GF will get off the elevator , get something to eat, take in the view,etc. One lady couldn't figure out why she couldn't get back down to the Lobby!!( after she took a handful of cookies and cokes!) The CM's had to tell her that this lounge was only for Concierge and walked her to the service elevator! What did she think it was a free reception for her! Not to sound like a snob but something needs to be done about that - it happens a couple of times a trip!

 

[magical4us4]

It is disheartening when you pay so much money to not have your experience be extra special and I agree that some of the guests can be very rude and classless. We called one lady "the Double Dipper". She kept dipping her breadstick in the dip and taking a bite and dipping again!! She just stood up there dipping, never taking a plate or sitting down! Thank goodness the CM's realized what she was doing right away and they spoke to the Double Dipper! They took the old dip and brought new. I wasn't sure how they would handle it and we were so glad they dealt with her. They told us that if we ever saw anything like that happen again, to please tell them right away. The lounge CM's are always are so nice! We always clear our tables and throw away our trash and they always thank us! I think that can be a tough job!

Another pet peeve of ours is the elevators that are supposed to be for Concierge use! I can't even count how many times people who aren't even staying at the GF will get off the elevator , get something to eat, take in the view,etc. One lady couldn't figure out why she couldn't get back down to the Lobby!!( after she took a handful of cookies and cokes!) The CM's had to tell her that this lounge was only for Concierge and walked her to the service elevator! What did she think it was a free reception for her! Not to sound like a snob but something needs to be done about that - it happens a couple of times a trip!

Oh my god!!! I have never seen that happen (referring to last paragraph)!! That is crazy.

Love the reception part!

And about the double dipper, I have also encountered one there!! I really can't understand where these people are from, don't they know how rude and gross!!!

 

[ducklite]

I used to work with a double dipper. We'd go to a Mexican place where they served chips and salsa. He'd start the double dip and we'd stop eating. After the third time this happened, as soon as the server came over when we were seated, I said "He (pointing at the co-worker) needs his own bowl of salsa because he double dips."

The sad thing is, the guy thought it was funny--he didn't get it. He had no manners or social skills in many other ways either--I think he was just never taught any by his parents.

Anne

 

[mlill]

I just wanted to tell you that I love your dress! It is GORGEOUS! I hope you had a wonderful wedding! Congratulations!

Do you have anymore pictures to share with us???

-Michelle