VGF First Impressions

[OhioDVC]

I was very unimpressed about he service at GFVs:

1) Magic Bands were unavailable
2) Front desk could not make rooms keys for my wife and I. Claimed computer glitch. There was a total of 4 in the party (all adults) and we had to share two keys.
3) Hallways look TERRIBLE with trash and dirty linen outside about every third room waiting to be picked up. Hard to get down hallway with luggage cart.
4) Magic Express transportation letter not delivered to room, we had to go down to front desk where it was waiting.
5) Never received bill for the stay - either hard copy in the room or email copy. No one at front desk when we left at 6:15 am.
6) Front desk not manned 24 hours a day
7) No bell services early in the morning 6 - 6:15 am
8) 45 minutes to check in
9) Heard a lot of noise from the neighbors

I was so unimpressed that I canceled my contract to buy 125 points there. Not worth the extra money.

 

[Bellecruiser]

We did a split stay between BCV and VGF. It was over the holidays so I noted all CMs were stressed, as were we. It seemed it took FOREVER to check in at both places. The CMs struggled with the bands, with the internet being slow, with packages not being where they were supposed to be, etc. And we did online check in! I think things have just gotten very complex, and that ends up taking more time.

Next time I go to the VGF, I will check in at the GF. With only 3 desks in the lobby to serve customers, the VGF CMs were buried in long lines every time we walked by. We had to wait in one, and hoped we wouldn't get Surly, but of course we did. He actually was very helpful, and my daughter got him to crack a smile.

Once we were in our room everything was beautiful, and perfect, as it should be. I thought the rooms were lovely. I loved having an ottoman in the living room so I could put me feet up, which after a long day in the parks I really need to do.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We are very lucky we have CM's in our lobby at VGF from 7:00am to 10:00pm. The other buildings at the Grand don't.

The BCV, VWL, OKW, and SSR don't have CM's in each building.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

About the only thing I thought was that there were too many CM's and they were being drawn to talking to each other rather than concentrating on guest interaction but I only noticed that after we had arrived and were passing thru the lobby. When we arrived we were well greeted almost to the point of being overwhelmed and surrounded by CM's. I'm also thinking we had the same check-in person as is being referred to here but I had no issues with him and the check in went efficiently and well.

But - housekeeping/maintenance. The trash bag had obviously been set outside of our room after the previous cleaning and there were little bits on the carpet in the hallway. Those never changed during the 4 nights we were there and were the way I could verify we were at the correct room.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

So just to be clear, can you check in at the main lobby in the GF rather than chance Surly in the villa at any time, or just during the hours there is no CM in residence?
If so, is there a golf cart available to transport luggage?
We'll be arriving via Magical Express.
TIA

 

[disneynutz]

So just to be clear, can you check in at the main lobby in the GF rather than chance Surly in the villa at any time, or just during the hours there is no CM in residence?
If so, is there a golf cart available to transport luggage?
We'll be arriving via Magical Express.
TIA

DME arrivals are expected to check in at the main lobby, all DVC resorts that are detached from the main resort will transport you and your luggage.

Bill

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, Bill.

 

[OhioDVC]

We are very lucky we have CM's in our lobby at VGF from 7:00am to 10:00pm. The other buildings at the Grand don't.

The BCV, VWL, OKW, and SSR don't have CM's in each building.

I never thought about it that way. You are right!!

 

[Donna M]

We check in at the end of Feb.; I do hope there's an improvement from what I just read.

I stopped by to check the villas out in the beginning of Dec. and also noted there was no one to say hi--seems like a little thing doesn't it? But while staying at SSR there was the nice gentleman to greet people as they entered and it really is a nice touch. There was a man in the lobby of the VGF, and I was pretty sure he was a CM since he seemed to be dressed like one, but he was looking at his phone while I was walking around, and still checking out the phone when I walked through the lobby after checking out the grounds.


No warm and fussy feeling there. As I left the building, the man outside was very friendly though. The man at the gate was friendly too. He had no problem scanning my band.

I have higher expectations for VGF. I try not to since there can be more disappointment that way, but Disney did that to me with all the Flagship resort hype and pictures.

 

[carlbarry]

I stayed last month. There were always CMs until pretty late at night. They would jump up to greet me, and all were friendly. Same with the valet guys; they always greeted me.
Just my experience and my 2 cents.

 

[disneynutz]

I stayed last month. There were always CMs until pretty late at night. They would jump up to greet me, and all were friendly. Same with the valet guys; they always greeted me.
Just my experience and my 2 cents.

Unless things changed from last month, VGF doesn't have valets.

Bill

 

[carlbarry]

Unless things changed from last month, VGF doesn't have valets.

Bill

I meant the guys at the porte cochere. They don't park the cars, I guess, but they take your luggage? I didn't use them. There seemed to be one guy in charge, and then assistants, usually 2.

 

[Msmithmd]

Thanks for posting that, Carlberry. Maybe I have lower expectations from my hotel stays, but basically I want a clean room, my bags sent up promptly, and a bellhop quickly on the way out.

On my stay last week, the VGF delivered all of this. Staff both at the villas and at the main hotel were courteous and professional.

So, I'm not disputing that some legitimate issues were experienced by others- but I would hate for casual readers of this thread to conclude that anything is wrong with the service at VGF. In my opinion, it certainly is just fine.

 

[Candy Orlando]

There is a greeter at the Grand at the main building just like SSR. His name is Richard and he is very pleasant.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

...... but he was looking at his phone while I was walking around, and still checking out the phone when I walked through the lobby after checking out the grounds......

Yes - I hadn't mentioned that! Much of the time the CM's were standing and looking at either their phones or ipads - and not while they were helping others. When we were checking in one of the greeters pulled out his phone although it was in response to a questions my niece asked. Another CM came over and remarked about his being on his phone but he defended saying he had been asked to. My thought was that it was a problem that management was attempting to address - but maybe are not being to successful with.

 

[MouseMomx2]

We are now home and I thought I would update with my post-trip thoughts of our stay at the VGF...

The resort is beautiful. The villas are beautiful. Three minor negatives...

• I missed the second bathroom in a 1BR unit
• There are a LOT of light switches and it takes a while to get used to which one is for each light
• I found the two footstool/storage chests to be in the way.

Otherwise I loved everything about our villa.

I have already detailed our issues on our check in day so I won't rehash them. I will add that we were departing on Marathon Day and I got a different answer every time I asked how that would impact leaving the resort. I was told that I needed to be out "before 4", "by 4:30 should be okay", "by 5:00", "anytime...although there may be delays" and "not until after 9:30". They have been doing the marathon at WDW for years. There should be more concrete information on guest departures available. We ended up leaving around 5:00 and were able to get out.

As for the resort itself, it just did nothing for me. The arrival-day issues we had aside, I just didn't get a happy, warm feeling from the GF. As others have said, the CMs in the villas building seemed to be of two extremes. The first was an overly helpful, but in a semi-condescending way, type and the other was a disinterested, unwilling to help type. We had much better luck with the CMs at the main front desk, although I still wouldn't call them the cream of the crop.

Our interactions with other resort CMs, however, were fantastic. Cass in merchandise, everyone at Narcoosee's and Ty at the poolside quick serve were all a credit to Disney. The maintenance CM that came to our room for both of our issues was also wonderful.

Transportation was fine. We didn't take any buses, but I am sure those would have been no different than from any other WDW resort. The monorail to the MK was a breeze. Going to Epcot, however, was more time consuming, IMO, than just taking a bus. I know many rave about the location and ease of transportation from the monorail resorts, but I really don't find it to be any better than from any other WDW resort.

The bottom line...I just didn't get that warm, friendly feeling at the GF or VGF. I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. I honestly was expecting more from Disney's flagship resort and I supposed I set the bar too high. We may be back, but I think we'll wait a few years before trying it again. Until then we'll save our points and book at OKW which on this trip, as always, was perfect, or at SSR, BWV or AKV which have also provided us with wonderful stays.

I do hope that they work out the kinks at VGF and that those of you who own there and/or with upcoming stays have a magical time.

 

[Docmom]

Ditto on the second bathroom. Even a half bath with a sink and toilet would have been nice. I understand the increased cost but do like that extra bath at AKV Kidani and BLT.

We liked the footstools/storage because kids used as doll beds but mostly because was extra seating when some friends came to visit one night.

I liked the fridge but it was HARD to open if you had just closed it and wanted something else out within a short period of time.

Did like the extended balcony, similar to AKV though and ours only had 2 chairs for the 1 BR unit. AKV had 4 chairs on the balcony so all of us could sit out there.

 

[gdrj]

Wow. Just read the thread. At first my thoughts were, you can't keep everyone happy (myself included at times).

As I'm reading through this it looks to me as a mgt problem. When you have rude CM's, cleaning issues that should be obvious to a supervisor (garbage in hall), nothing will change unless concerns are raised. I'm not sure how staffing works, but since it is a relatively small resort, I'm guessing the most experienced or best are not staffing it. If the mgt team at the hotel assigns the CM's, I know I would keep the best in the main resort to handle the larger crowd of guests. I would imagine even the bellman don't want to deal with it since there is more money to be made in the main resort. It may not having anything to do with that but those are my thoughts.

In regards to the 4 PM check-in. I don't think you can expect anything earlier, it may happen but you can't count on it.

In regards to service, I have NO problem voicing my concern. I would recommend addressing with mgt at the main resort building as well as email after the fact.

As for the mini-fridge, rarely use the freezer, but can understand the need. I wonder of the mini fridge recall this past year has anything to do with fridges in resort.

I'm hopeful that these "training issues" are rectified prior to our April visit. We are doing a split stay here and BWV.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

My desire to stay at VGF is driven by accessibility. I thoroughly enjoy the short walk to the Polynesian and reasonable walk to the TTC. Moreover, I prefer monorail access to Magic Kingdom and the other resorts along the beam. Other experiences, such as dining at Gasparilla Island Grill and getting a haircut at Ivy Trellis round out my list. During holiday time, my Disney Magic Moment comes from listening to the piano or band and looking at the tree and gingerbread house while sitting in the main lobby.

As silly as it may sound, my love affair with the VGF is defined by the resort, not its cast members.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

From watching the disboards, I've seen an interesting trend.

1) Disney opens DVC resort attached to posh hotel.
2) Cast Members disparage having to deal with bargain hunting (lower income), demanding DVC guest.
3) Attitudes swiftly and magically change among Cast Members.
4) everything is ok.

I specifically recall a boardwalk CM posting on the disboards and making snide comments about how he could tell upon sight of someone if they were staying at the Inn or Villas. (Think Dee Vee.)

I hope this is not he case with "The Grand."

Those points are just too expensive, and the owners are not the unwashed masses. However, I suspect "Grand" CMs may be most susceptible to this type of behavior.

Trying not to bash or make generalizations.