Grand Floridian shouldn’t allow non hotel guests

[eandt]

What amemities are you refering to? The entire Tranportation system is open to the public, the restaurants and shops (including the gingerbread cookie purchase line) are open to the public, and the pools are gated, requiring room key/magic band for entry. Just walking/standing in a lobby is not an amenity, but if you wish to consider it so, were you not also using that amenity...so how was it denied to you?

I add to that there is almost zero chance that those complainants haven’t used the amenities of other resorts for which they have not paid

 

[nuhusky123]

What amemities are you refering to? The entire Tranportation system is open to the public, the restaurants and shops (including the gingerbread cookie purchase line) are open to the public, and the pools are gated, requiring room key/magic band for entry. Just walking/standing in a lobby is not an amenity, but if you wish to consider it so, were you not also using that amenity...so how was it denied to you?

The lobby is literally an amenity, as are the grounds of the resort

 

[Genie+]

4) at DL/DCA you can walk through VGC any time you want and I've never seen it be a problem there. In fact, I highly recommend doing that.

DL seemed a bit different than WDW. Logistically there are some easier routes preserved for guests. That is not happening at WDW. The result is two-fold because having to go out of their way discourages some amount of non-guests, and the dedicated pathways aren’t being disrupted for guests.

If people coming from the parking lots could just bop into the back gate of DL Hotel and when they left and they couldn’t use the easier security gate back into DD that guests could use, that would significantly impact that resort and a big part of why operations are the way they are. Not only that, when the DLH guests want to use their amenities like special pathways, they aren’t clogged with crazy waittimes.

The question is how to fix this at Grand Flo in December, so guests aren’t driven away from their own amenities due to outside impact. If someone’s paying high Dec rack rates at GF, should they be the one needing to uber over to EP monorail or wasting an extra hour of time? Or is it reasonable that some of that is better balanced when a visitor is likely coming no more than once during a trip and the guest is dealing with this stuff daily? If non-guest had to take a bus from MK to VGF to hit the GF lobby party evenings, how much are they put out of their way? Little really.

I don’t plan on ever staying GF in Dec anytime soon, so I’d be the visitor here. Totally wouldn’t mind needing to plan around visiting. Big deal, because the impact to me would be minimal. If it resulted in improving resort guest experience, where the accumulative effect is major because it’s multiple experiences times days, that seems like the right direction.

 

[Marrila]

The lobby is literally an amenity, as are the grounds of the resort

I think you are very befuddled about what resort guest amenities are.
The lobby is not one.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I doubt that DVC folks selling their VGF contracts will move the mouse’s accounting needle, however, cash guests choosing to not book the GF might, as pointed out by a PP Disney needs to sell a lot of gingerbread to make up for unbooked $1000+ a night rooms.

I remember when the CA entrance was for GC only in the past - it was lovely, but when I stayed at the Grand Californian 2+ years ago, (& paid just south of $1000 a night for the privilege of staying there) I swore I would not return because the lobby was such a madhouse, especially the GC entry into CA, but also the security check points for DTD & DL which snaked through the hotel & it’s grounds, if they’ve addressed those issues, then perhaps I’ll be back.
If GF cash guests respond on their exit surveys as I did on my GC exit survey, perhaps Disney will implement some crowd control measures like a dedicated LL type entry for hotel guest access to the monorail & boats during high demand times, then lookyloos can decide whether they want to queue in the equivalent of a 7DMT standby line to wander around the GF lobby & buy a gingerbread shingle & hotel guests can have reasonable access to MK & Epcot.
I own at the VGF & typically stay there during the holidays & can remember waiting in one ridiculously long line in the main lobby for the monorail which reminded me of what the Poly monorail lines were like right after the luau dinner show let out. The MK park close monorail madhouse I avoid, opting to boat or, now that they have completed the path, walk. I am concerned about transportation for my visit in a couple of weeks, but more so because of the Poly tower & all of those additional folks using the monorails, boats & especially the buses because they pick up at the Poly first.

We were just at GC the week before Thanksgiving and while the line to the Gingerbread house and treat shop were hilariously long, there were no material issues in getting through security to DCA or downtown Disney for hotel guests.

Looking at everything related to WDW makes my head spin. Honestly, if we were at GF with the pictures of monorail lines stretching back to Enchanted Rose then we would just spend money to take a Minnie Van to the park and light management up in the survey.

 

[Man-DeLorean]

If a hotel offers free breakfast or evening kickbacks for its paying guests—which, let’s be honest, aren’t actually free but included in the cost of the stay—why should anyone not staying at the resort be allowed to walk in and take advantage of those perks? This is a key part of the value that paying guests receive. Is everyone entitled to the free food? If one of the reasons you chose this resort was for the “complimentary” meals and you weren’t able to get food or had to wait in a long line of non-paying guests who just wandered in, would you be okay with that? It doesn’t make much sense.

 

[Chuck S]

The lobby is literally an amenity, as are the grounds of the resort

No, a lobby is NOT an amenity, nor are the walkways around the resort. Those are common areas, open to everyone. Hence the term "Common Area." Just as the roads and sidewalks around OKW are Common Areas.

 

[Lumpy1106]

You are not a paying guest, why should you and your family consume amenities you are not paying for?

Wondering where you draw the line. Would you take a bus from MK to RIV to get on the Skyliner to Epcot? How about take the Skyliner from Epcot to DHS, but stroll through CBR before getting on the DHS Skyliner? Are you really going to skip seeing the decorations in Wilderness lodge if you are not staying there?

Bottom line is this is no big deal - we've done all of these things and more. That's part of being in the bubble. If the line to see the gingerbread house in GF is too long, just come back later - you are staying there, the line is not crazy long the entire time. If the monorail line gets too long you can walk to MK. We do this when staying at BLT all the time.

 

[tjkraz]

Unless they restrict those parking at TTC from riding the monorail to the MK the fine folks at the GF are gonna need to deal with the ‘peasantry’ among us … what if nobody got off the monorail at GF during busy times would that alleviate the transportation issue or would there be a full monorail every time it passed the GF platform allowing no one to get on?

Exactly. It's a two way street.

Hypothetically, let's say the monorail arrives at the Grand Floridian with 50 people who are there to see the gingerbread house plus 20 GF hotel guests returning to their rooms. Right now, 70 people get off and 70 more can board.

If you eliminate the tree gawkers, yes there is probably a shorter line waiting to board the monorail at GF. But there are also 50 fewer spaces for people to board with only the 20 GF hotel guests getting off. Has anything really changed?

Steps like keeping monorail cars open for GF guests or blocking MK park guests from accessing the resorts monorail would have massive implications for the entire system's passenger capacity. We're talking 'law of unintended consequences' territory.

 

[Man-DeLorean]

Wondering where you draw the line. Would you take a bus from MK to RIV to get on the Skyliner to Epcot? How about take the Skyliner from Epcot to DHS, but stroll through CBR before getting on the DHS Skyliner? Are you really going to skip seeing the decorations in Wilderness lodge if you are not staying there?

Bottom line is this is no big deal - we've done all of these things and more. That's part of being in the bubble. If the line to see the gingerbread house in GF is too long, just come back later - you are staying there, the line is not crazy long the entire time. If the monorail line gets too long you can walk to MK. We do this when staying at BLT all the

Suggesting people should “just walk” is dismissive and overlooks the needs of guests with disabilities or mobility challenges. Many people choose resorts like the Grand Floridian specifically because of its monorail access to the Magic Kingdom—a key convenience and a necessity for some. Telling them to “just walk” ignores the importance of accessible transportation and the thought that goes into selecting a resort based on individual needs. For those who rely on the monorail, it’s not a luxury—it’s a vital part of their ability to enjoy their vacation.

 

[Chuck S]

Suggesting people should “just walk” is dismissive and overlooks the needs of guests with disabilities or mobility challenges. Many people choose resorts like the Grand Floridian specifically because of its monorail access to the Magic Kingdom—a key convenience and a necessity for some. Telling them to “just walk” ignores the importance of accessible transportation and the thought that goes into selecting a resort based on individual needs. For those who rely on the monorail, it’s not a luxury—it’s a vital part of their ability to enjoy their vacation.

For many years I traveled with my mom who had her own wheelchair, ADA requires equal access, it does not require that you don't wait your turn like everyone else. For instance, at Splash Mountain (and I assume Tiana's Bayou Adventure) there were/are stairs within the queue. Those with mobility issues were/are loaded through the exit.

Moderator Note: It appears there was a board glitch that duplicated/quoted Man-Delorean's post above twice, those duplicates have been removed.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

This thread is awesome. War has been declared, and we’ve got elitist pitchforks on one side vs freeloading pitchforks on the other. MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR FOR THOSE CHOOSING TO FIGHT TO THE DEATH!

Well, the Cake Bake thread has gotten a little stale, so needed somewhere new with a little action.

For those who think lobby overcrowding is a problem, I'd be curious to know:

- How many times did you visit / pass through the lobby?
- How often was the overcrowding a problem?
- What are the approximate times and days of the week when problems were noted?

Without that information, it's difficult to put the complaints in perspective. When I read "waited an hour for the monorail", there's no indication whether this was a one-time thing, limited to certain times of the day or every single trip to the Magic Kingdom.

As a frequent monorail resort guest who isn’t really a park commando and spends lots of time around the resorts, I could point to the numerous hours of the day where the boats and monorails have gobs of capacity. But no one ever wants to talk about that! Even in the thick of evening rush hour, an hour wait for a monorail just isn’t happening with any level of frequency, if at all.

 

[focusondisney]

Far as I can tell, your 'legit' reason for not wanting non-paying guests in the hotel is because it negatively affects YOUR vacation. You can talk about gingerbread houses and transportation all you want, but at the end of the day all I'm hearing from you is 'I pay a lot of money to stay at the Floridian, and I want everything to be suited to my needs so I can have the best vacation.' Maybe you should consider that families who stay off property or at the value resorts are maybe not paying the same dollar amount we do, but the relative cost of their vacation is just as much as anyone's. Why shouldn't they get to experience the wonderful Christmas decorations at the Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club or any other resort? Why should the hotel lobby only 'belong' to the paying guests? As I've said in my previous post, my family loves visiting the different resorts on non-park days. It's a wonderful experience. Why should that be taken away because it negatively affects you?

The debates about transportation and ways to alleviate congestion are all valid and very interesting to read. However, the comments that basically say 'we spend lots of money so get out of my hotel' are a little disappointing in my humble opinion.

BTW, in my story I am the main character. I want the non-paying guests there. That is my legit reason.

 

[Genie+]

As someone said before then the only answer is to limit everyone to their paid for resort but I have a suspicion that most if not all those complaining have ‘trespassed’ on other folks paid for resorts to grab a drink or a meal or a glimpse of a giraffe or yak …

Yes because that is exactly the same thing The majority of what is being discussed here is not that. Have AKL people ever complained about not being able to view the animals due to outward impacts or needing to wait for the 3rd or 4th bus because non-resort guests? This is what I thought was being discussed.

For the record, I totally would not mind being a GF non-guest and needing to plan a bit better or going a bit out of my way about visiting in December because WDW tried to do a better job protecting the guest resort experience there.

 

[Disneylover99]

Labeling the concern as “snobbish” misses the point. The Grand Floridian is the flagship resort of Disney World, designed to set the standard for luxury and guest experience. People paying top dollar should reasonably expect an environment that reflects that. It’s not about entitlement; it’s about maintaining the quality that the resort promises. If you’re investing in the best Disney has to offer, it’s fair to want that experience without being overwhelmed by non-guests.

You see it one way. I see it differently.
I can see why some would consider this mindset coming across as entitled.

 

[Genie+]

If GF guests are being labelled as entitled, is it not also a type of entitlement to expect GF continues to operate at detriment to its guests during December?

 

[eandt]

Yes because that is exactly the same thing The majority of what is being discussed here is not that. Have AKL people ever complained about not being able to view the animals due to outward impacts or needing to wait for the 3rd or 4th bus because non-resort guests? This is what I thought was being discussed.

For the record, I totally would not mind being a GF non-guest and needing to plan a bit better or going a bit out of my way about visiting in December because WDW tried to do a better job protecting the guest resort experience there.

Yes I have waited for a 3rd or 4th bus at AKL at certain times of the day at certain times of the year for a certain magical park …whether the wait was for paying or non paying guests was inconsequential to me … believe it or not all of the ‘pay a premium’ folks at the GF don’t have a monopoly on the ‘unwashed’ infiltrators like they apparently think that they do

 

[RMDVC24]

You are not a paying guest, why should you and your family consume amenities you are not paying for?

Actually VGF is one of our home resorts. We love staying there. Can't wait to bring our child to see the Christmas decorations next year (complete with with peasants non-hotel guests clogging up the lobby). It'll be his first time!

However, I assume (hope) the 'you' in your statement is referring to non-hotel guests, and not me specifically.

I'm genuinely curious. Is walking through the lobby considered 'consuming amenities'? I know it was discussed previously, but is the lobby even considered an amenity? I personally have never thought of a hotel lobby as an amenity exclusive to hotel guests only. I've been to many different hotels around the world and nobody has ever asked me to prove that I was a guest of the hotel upon entering the lobby.

Also, if you are a deluxe resort guest is it ok to visit other deluxe resorts? If I'm staying the Floridian is it ok for me to visit Wilderness Lodge to see their decorations? Are you saying that only hotel guests staying at that resort are allowed in each resort? Or is the issue that people staying moderate/value, or off site completely, are causing the problems? (Assuming you are not buying anything from or dining at the resort you are visiting which seems to be acceptable)

 

[StarCruzer]

Wow...this comment takes the cake...whaaaat??! where did that even come from? cultural factors?!? Based on what? Please enlighten all of us....

Looking at their economy, know that Japanese income is on average lower than the US and knowing the statistics on Japanese discretionary income? Prior to this past quarter, Japan's GDP has been contracting. https://apnews.com/article/japan-ec...on-inflation-f3c5a6f250f34f0630f77628185f4543
Japanese capital expenditure is significantly less than the US: https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/JPN/japan/consumer-spending

etc etc

But--and I mean this without any sarcasm--I appreciate anyone who questions statements from internet strangers! Absolutely valid to want actual confirmation that I'm not just pulling things out of my butt seriously, critical think is a great thing.

 

[Man-DeLorean]

You see it one way. I see it differently.
I can see why some would consider this mindset coming across as entitled.

“Seeing things differently” doesn’t excuse dismissiveness. Labeling a mindset as ‘entitled’ without understanding the full context only reveals ignorance, not a valid point. If you think advocating for the enjoyment of certain accommodations is entitlement, that says more about your perspective than it does about the issue at hand.