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

[Lives4Disney]

I understand what you're saying, but if they respond in a cold and uncaring manner how are you supposed to trust that they will even bother enough to get the job done?? I think people (most) would prefer a response that sounds happy (It's Disney!) they are coming to visit and more of a "What can I do to help you?" attitude in the emails. It's folks' first impression of the resort. If they have never stayed at GF and experienced how terrific it is, IPO's blah tone may be a big turnoff.

We have been absolutely blown away by the friendliness and welcoming emails we have received from PBH (they contacted me before I even emailed them! THAT has NEVER happened in all of our WDW stays - about 40!) and the most recent nonDisney hotel was the Royal Hawaiian. They made us feel so welcome and were so GRACIOUS in their emails - it just sets a different tone. We were made to feel it was their pleasure to help us plan for a great stay.

I LOVE the GF(LOVE IT!) but unfortunately their IPO is not as welcoming as the onsite CMs and doesn't give the best first impression. The onsite staff is just wonderful - the best, but IPO is guests' first contact with the resort and they should be just as wonderful.

It's Disney and everybody expects something special - as I think they should. I remember the "Be our guest, be our guest.....put our magic to the test" commercials of the '90s! I like to think that attitude still holds true.

Lives4Disney

 

[rie'smom]

minniesota, I agree with you. Professional and courteous describes the GF staff very well.

We've been very happy with the Polynesian and GF club level CMs both those we've met at the resorts and those we've dealt with in IPO. I think both do a great job.

Afterall when they reply, they have no reason to know if they are dealing with someone who just wants the job done and done well or someone who wants warm fuzzies.

I like the warm fuzzies but it's not necessary. What I do think is necessary is that my phone calls and emails are answered.Every other hotel I've ever been to with concierge service has gone above and beyond when answering an email or returning a phone call. Neither has happened. I'm giving GF a chance @ Thanksgiving only because every other hotel w/ suites and concierge is booked. This is terribly disappointing especially coming from Disney's flagship resort.

 

[marcij]

Denise -- we're staying RPC Dec. 15 - 20th, and I haven't been able to get an AP rate either. I guess it's just so busy and booked that they don't need to offer them.

I've actually had great luck with IPO answering my e-mails quickly, although the person I have been dealing with has been out of the office a few days over the last few weeks. I actually have better luck with pre-planning, then my room location when I get to the resort. We've had terrible luck with our rooms on the last two stays. I was actually spoiled by our first stay at the Grand 7 years ago. We had CM Jim, who works in bellservice -- I think he has been there since it opened. He took us to our room, then told us he wanted to call to see if he could get a room with a better view. We ended up in Conch Key, with a wonderful MK view. We've requested that view every trip since then (from 1 - 3 trips a year) and were successful getting it the first few years, but have had terrible luck the last year.

I talked to Jim about it on our July trip this year, when I was unhappy about our room. He said that the Grand is getting or has gotten software that tracks your requests, likes, dislikes how many repeat visits you make etc. I've gotten so discouraged at room location. We are trying RPC for the first time in December, and our plane doesn't get in until late. I know I'm going to end up with whatever is "leftover". I really shouldn't complain, because I AM staying RPC, but for that much hard-earned money, I'd be grateful for a little PD.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Denise -- we're staying RPC Dec. 15 - 20th, and I haven't been able to get an AP rate either. I guess it's just so busy and booked that they don't need to offer them.

I've actually had great luck with IPO answering my e-mails quickly, although the person I have been dealing with has been out of the office a few days over the last few weeks. I actually have better luck with pre-planning, then my room location when I get to the resort. We've had terrible luck with our rooms on the last two stays. I was actually spoiled by our first stay at the Grand 7 years ago. We had CM Jim, who works in bellservice -- I think he has been there since it opened. He took us to our room, then told us he wanted to call to see if he could get a room with a better view. We ended up in Conch Key, with a wonderful MK view. We've requested that view every trip since then (from 1 - 3 trips a year) and were successful getting it the first few years, but have had terrible luck the last year.

I talked to Jim about it on our July trip this year, when I was unhappy about our room. He said that the Grand is getting or has gotten software that tracks your requests, likes, dislikes how many repeat visits you make etc. I've gotten so discouraged at room location. We are trying RPC for the first time in December, and our plane doesn't get in until late. I know I'm going to end up with whatever is "leftover". I really shouldn't complain, because I AM staying RPC, but for that much hard-earned money, I'd be grateful for a little PD.

Marci - We check in Dec 19th!! Yes we all need pixie dust because I know it will be a full hotel. I bet you will be OK as you are checking in far enough before Xmas. Hope you get that perfect room. See ya there??!!

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[BCV23]

I like the warm fuzzies but it's not necessary. What I do think is necessary is that my phone calls and emails are answered.Every other hotel I've ever been to with concierge service has gone above and beyond when answering an email or returning a phone call. Neither has happened. I'm giving GF a chance @ Thanksgiving only because every other hotel w/ suites and concierge is booked. This is terribly disappointing especially coming from Disney's flagship resort.

I don't blame you for being disappointed. I was just sharing my experiences as well which have been satisfactory in every respect. Hope your experience improves.

As for as warm fuzzies, since the GF is also a convention hotel I can understand the business like responses we get. As minniesota said, calling may allow a more personal touch if that is what people need.

 

[welovedis]

Just wanted to give another update to my room sage. I got another call from Eric again at WDW, he made arrangements for us to spend the first night when we arrive (12/9) at BCV instead of POP. Originally our ressie (on points) was for Sun-Fri nights, we added a Sat but couldn't get out hands on any points & decided to just try POP for 1 night.

He reserved us a 1 bedroom at BCV & hopefully we won't have to change rooms the next day. The first night will be paid by Disney for the trouble with the room. To say that I was speechless is an understatement!

 

[BrianD]

Just wanted to give another update to my room sage. I got another call from Eric again at WDW, he made arrangements for us to spend the first night when we arrive (12/9) at BCV instead of POP. Originally our ressie (on points) was for Sun-Fri nights, we added a Sat but couldn't get out hands on any points & decided to just try POP for 1 night.

He reserved us a 1 bedroom at BCV & hopefully we won't have to change rooms the next day. The first night will be paid by Disney for the trouble with the room. To say that I was speechless is an understatement!

Now THAT is good customer service. That is fabulous. I have a feeling you won't have to change rooms either. And I bet you have the cleanest room at BCV!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Just wanted to give another update to my room sage. I got another call from Eric again at WDW, he made arrangements for us to spend the first night when we arrive (12/9) at BCV instead of POP. Originally our ressie (on points) was for Sun-Fri nights, we added a Sat but couldn't get out hands on any points & decided to just try POP for 1 night.

He reserved us a 1 bedroom at BCV & hopefully we won't have to change rooms the next day. The first night will be paid by Disney for the trouble with the room. To say that I was speechless is an understatement!

Karen, that is great. Hope it does work out and no room changing - I bet that's what they had in mind. I am so glad everything worked out this way for you. Have a great vacation!

Channing aka Lives4Disney

 

[scanne]

Just wanted to give another update to my room sage. I got another call from Eric again at WDW, he made arrangements for us to spend the first night when we arrive (12/9) at BCV instead of POP. Originally our ressie (on points) was for Sun-Fri nights, we added a Sat but couldn't get out hands on any points & decided to just try POP for 1 night.

This is so nice to hear!!! This is what Disney is about. Making magic for their guests and accommodating them when a situation that is less-than-magical occurs!

I hope your upcoming trip is just wonderful!!!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

just wanted to let you guys know I had emailed the GF yesterday and got a wonferful repsonse from Calvin. It had all the info I wanted plus some and was signed. I immediately felt better about the GF. Funny how small things make the difference.
Thanks everyone

 

[Lives4Disney]

just wanted to let you guys know I had emailed the GF yesterday and got a wonferful repsonse from Clavin. It had all the info I wanted plus some and was signed. I immediately felt better about the GF. Funny how small things make the difference.
Thanks everyone

Great!! I have never heard that name before. Wonder if he's new. Not that I know everybody.... Glad it worked out. Hope you have a great trip!

Seems to be good news on this thread this afternoon!

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

yeah there is alot of good news today

 

[triplefigs]

What rooms/buildings do you think the new MK rooms will be? Do you think they will all have good views? The CR Tower MK view room is $70 cheaper per night, and I *know* that view is awesome. We will be going Dec 12-22 next year.

For 10 days, that is over $700 difference to stay at the GF, or almost $600 if we decide to stay 8 days. Opinions?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

wow thats a big difference 1000
i guess it depends on what your family loved the best
CR of GF
you did the sugar loaf last time right? so how was that compared to Cr Artium? The Cr tower rooms do have the most amazing MK views

 

[triplefigs]

Sugarloaf had much better food, especially for kids. We loved the CR, but if we stay there again we'll just do a regular MK view room. I didn't think the Concierge was worth the extra money. It was very nice, and the CM's were very friendly. BUT, for $700 we could have gotten a lot of room service, coffee from the coffee cafe downstairs, beer and wine from room service, and specialty items from Private Dining.

If we stay GF, we will do the MK view room. The view is much more important to us now than the Concierge service.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

well after looking at the all ears map
there are several buildings that could house MK views
it could cary on how great the view or the angle you would get
you get a closer view at CR I would think

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i love your trip reports
i am booked sugar loaf in nov and cant wait
if you arent getting club level I might stay with the CR or make a ressie for an MK view and make sure you get alot of details so you can make the best decision
it would stink to get there and have the room not be what you want
changing at smas would be tough

 

[triplefigs]

Kelly, you'll love sugarloaf. We thought it was great. There are 3 lodge tower rooms in Sugarloaf with an extra seating area. They are in my pics (see signature) from last year. I'd put in a request for one of them. The extra space was great. We loved the CMs there, and the food/wine/beer/desserts were great.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

thanks for that tip i will email now requesting that

 

[DisneyMomx7]

What rooms/buildings do you think the new MK rooms will be? Do you think they will all have good views? The CR Tower MK view room is $70 cheaper per night, and I *know* that view is awesome. We will be going Dec 12-22 next year.

For 10 days, that is over $700 difference to stay at the GF, or almost $600 if we decide to stay 8 days. Opinions?

Denise,

While I really loved our MK view (Sago Cay - direct view) I don't think that view holds a candle to the CR view in your pictures. Have fun deciding!