Trip Report A Poly Girl in a GF World *COMPLETED*

*Gasp!*

Is it true? Tuvalu, the die-hard Polynesian fan, spent 4 recent nights at a different deluxe resort? Didn't she already have three magical stays at the Poly this year? Didn't she take her name from her favorite longhouse at the Poly? Isn't this blasphemy? (Actually it isn't, but you get the point.)

Yep, it's true. Like many of you who have broken loyal ties to a political party (don't worry, I'm not gonna go there) Woody and I decided to try another option for our Food and Wine Festival excursion.

In anticipation of the question, "Why didn't you stay at an Epcot resort?" I will say, "Cause I like the MK resorts better."

Tuvalu and Woody taking a trip to WDW specifically for F&W is a bit ironic, since:
1) We are not foodies and
2) We are not big drinkers
But as we approach our sunset years, we are determined to keep ourselves open to new experiences and embrace change (even when we don't like it.)

And really, who doesn't like to eat?

Now back to the resort. The Grand Floridian. Disney's Flagship resort. The resort people call "too stuffy." Or "I could never be comfortable there." Or "The Four Seasons is a much better resort for the price."

Well, Woody and I were quite comfortable, despite a couple of irritating incidents to be revealed later. We had no problem walking around in our Target and Kohl's clothes. And we got a room rate that wouldn't have paid for the janitor's closet at the Four Seasons. (Okay, a slight exaggeration.)

The deets:
Dates: October 1-5, 2016
Cast: Tuvalu and Woody

Follow along to find out how we filled that "rumbly in our tumbly."

 

[Tuvalu]

I'd love to help you out here. Since you've been many times to WDW and have quite a few trip reports, why not go back and cut and paste from some previous posts, into a new thread about your "latest" trip. Then, just pop in a few related photos (I figure you have about 5,000 of those by this point), and voila! Quick and easy "new" Trip Report!!

I love this idea!!

 

[MinnieM123]

I love this idea!!

Of course you do!

 

[Scoppin]

@Scoppin, your nails are likely all chewed off since I have not posted in several days....sorry.

Was the monorail operational?
The monorail was actually waiting for me....or so I thought....until I realized it was delayed due to a maintenance issue with another train ahead! I don't know how long it had been stopped at the GF, but the folks in my car seemed antsy so I am guessing it had been several minutes.

The driver announced he had been given the "all clear" and we were on our way. Black sky was all around but no rain, so perhaps I would not get wet after all?

Made it to Town Square!
View attachment 176149

View attachment 176150

Now into the Emporium to look for the red 45th Anniversary tees. There was still only one display in the entire Emporium with the specialty merchandise.

View attachment 176151

View attachment 176152

View attachment 176153

While I was happy to see a few new additions, nothing screamed "Buy Me!" My mind was fixated on the red tee, and I did not want to settle for something else.

I had a little left on my right pinky.

Glad the monorail was waiting for you and operational.

 

[Tuvalu]

Despite @MinnieM123's great idea, my conscience requires that I complete this TR as it really happened.
Picking up where I left off ~

I reunited with Woody in Gasparilla's and we sat there for a short while before returning to our room at 4:15 pm. Now this was nearly 6 hours after we originally met our housekeeper outside our door and 3 hours after we'd last left our room. Surely our room would be serviced, right?

Hahahahahahahaha!!

I picked up the phone and dialed housekeeping. The CM offered to transfer me to a manager. I waited on hold for 10 long minutes before hanging up. It was time for a face-to-face talk with a manager!

We opened our door and startled the same maid we'd encountered this morning, ready to enter our room. She apologized for not cleaning earlier and said she remembered us. She did not offer an explanation for her delay. We continued on to the elevator and over to the main lobby.

The rain had stopped!

Woody found a comfy chair to sit on while I voiced my concerns to a front desk manager. In addition to late housekeeping (which held us hostage), we had only received turn-down service one night. I also mentioned my wasted time waiting to speak to a housekeeping manager, who never came on the line. I wasn't looking for any freebies, but we are concerned about the decline in service at the resorts (and the monorail, which is an issue unto itself!) and it is important that managers are made aware of the issues.

The front desk manager was extremely apologetic and put a credit on our account. She also added 3 fastpasses for today and 3 for tomorrow. (Oh, the cruel irony of bonus fastpasses on a trip where fastpasses aren't supposed to matter!)

Woody and I decided to go to Epcot for dinner (another MNSSHP at MK). There was a cool(ish) breeze which made our evening pleasant. And all the monorails were working, which made our journey pleasant!

Our first stop was to ride Soarin' with a bonus FP.

"Fast" pass being a relative term.

We were sent to the new Concourse C. I was hoping to get Concourse B again, just to see if B glider was still broken. Once we were buckled in our seats, a child in another glider began having a screaming fit. She was hysterically stating SHE DID NOT WANT TO RIDE. It was ear-piercing volume. Two CMs tried to calm her down as Mom tried to reason with her. Finally, another CM arrived and escorted Mom and child off the glider. Mom was yelling at her daughter for making her "miss" the ride. Daughter was smiling.

The girl was at least 8 years old. Old enough not to have a two-year-old's tantrum. But obviously wise enough to know how to get her way.

 

[Scoppin]

Despite @MinnieM123's great idea, my conscience requires that I complete this TR as it really happened.
Picking up where I left off ~

I reunited with Woody in Gasparilla's and we sat there for a short while before returning to our room at 4:15 pm. Now this was nearly 6 hours after we originally met our housekeeper outside our door and 3 hours after we'd last left our room. Surely our room would be serviced, right?

Hahahahahahahaha!!

I picked up the phone and dialed housekeeping. The CM offered to transfer me to a manager. I waited on hold for 10 long minutes before hanging up. It was time for a face-to-face talk with a manager!

We opened our door and startled the same maid we'd encountered this morning, ready to enter our room. She apologized for not cleaning earlier and said she remembered us. She did not offer an explanation for her delay. We continued on to the elevator and over to the main lobby.

The rain had stopped!
View attachment 176176

Woody found a comfy chair to sit on while I voiced my concerns to a front desk manager. In addition to late housekeeping (which held us hostage), we had only received turn-down service one night. I also mentioned my wasted time waiting to speak to a housekeeping manager, who never came on the line. I wasn't looking for any freebies, but we are concerned about the decline in service at the resorts (and the monorail, which is an issue unto itself!) and it is important that managers are made aware of the issues.

The front desk manager was extremely apologetic and put a credit on our account. She also added 3 fastpasses for today and 3 for tomorrow. (Oh, the cruel irony of bonus fastpasses on a trip where fastpasses aren't supposed to matter!)

Woody and I decided to go to Epcot for dinner (another MNSSHP at MK). There was a cool(ish) breeze which made our evening pleasant. And all the monorails were working, which made our journey pleasant!

Our first stop was to ride Soarin' with a bonus FP.
View attachment 176175
"Fast" pass being a relative term.

We were sent to the new Concourse C. I was hoping to get Concourse B again, just to see if B glider was still broken. Once we were buckled in our seats, a child in another glider began having a screaming fit. She was hysterically stating SHE DID NOT WANT TO RIDE. It was ear-piercing volume. Two CMs tried to calm her down as Mom tried to reason with her. Finally, another CM arrived and escorted Mom and child off the glider. Mom was yelling at her daughter for making her "miss" the ride. Daughter was smiling.

The girl was at least 8 years old. Old enough not to have a two-year-old's tantrum. But obviously wise enough to know how to get her way.

I agree, people can't fix what is broken if they are not aware of it.

Glad to hear the day was ending on a better note.

Some kids do know how to manipulate a situation. Especially if it has worked in the past. My kids know I would just walk away and then the consequences would occur. If the Frozen Ever After was still on the agenda, it may have been removed due to behaviour.

I am really glad I didn't have to deal with any melt downs. Maybe a couple of over heated kids, but no melt downs.

 

[MinnieM123]

Jaw drop time - . First, for a (supposedly . . .) top hotel like the Grand (not to mention, way overpriced . . .) to have such ridiculously late day guest room cleaning is really unacceptable. Not even done after 4 p.m.?? Call to the housekeeping manager's office and getting put on hold for so long? Hell, I've had better service in a Motel 8. As for the spotty turndown service, that also lowers the standard of a Disney "deluxe" (that's an oxymoron . . . ) hotel?! If they can't handle that, they should never advertise that as an upscale perk. In other words, if their rating goes down, they deserve it--sounds like they're shooting themselves in the foot.

Now, about that 8-year-old kid having a fit on Soarin . . .

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Despite @MinnieM123's great idea, my conscience requires that I complete this TR as it really happened.
Picking up where I left off ~

I reunited with Woody in Gasparilla's and we sat there for a short while before returning to our room at 4:15 pm. Now this was nearly 6 hours after we originally met our housekeeper outside our door and 3 hours after we'd last left our room. Surely our room would be serviced, right?

Hahahahahahahaha!!

I picked up the phone and dialed housekeeping. The CM offered to transfer me to a manager. I waited on hold for 10 long minutes before hanging up. It was time for a face-to-face talk with a manager!

We opened our door and startled the same maid we'd encountered this morning, ready to enter our room. She apologized for not cleaning earlier and said she remembered us. She did not offer an explanation for her delay. We continued on to the elevator and over to the main lobby.

The rain had stopped!
View attachment 176176

Woody found a comfy chair to sit on while I voiced my concerns to a front desk manager. In addition to late housekeeping (which held us hostage), we had only received turn-down service one night. I also mentioned my wasted time waiting to speak to a housekeeping manager, who never came on the line. I wasn't looking for any freebies, but we are concerned about the decline in service at the resorts (and the monorail, which is an issue unto itself!) and it is important that managers are made aware of the issues.

The front desk manager was extremely apologetic and put a credit on our account. She also added 3 fastpasses for today and 3 for tomorrow. (Oh, the cruel irony of bonus fastpasses on a trip where fastpasses aren't supposed to matter!)

Woody and I decided to go to Epcot for dinner (another MNSSHP at MK). There was a cool(ish) breeze which made our evening pleasant. And all the monorails were working, which made our journey pleasant!

Our first stop was to ride Soarin' with a bonus FP.
View attachment 176175
"Fast" pass being a relative term.

We were sent to the new Concourse C. I was hoping to get Concourse B again, just to see if B glider was still broken. Once we were buckled in our seats, a child in another glider began having a screaming fit. She was hysterically stating SHE DID NOT WANT TO RIDE. It was ear-piercing volume. Two CMs tried to calm her down as Mom tried to reason with her. Finally, another CM arrived and escorted Mom and child off the glider. Mom was yelling at her daughter for making her "miss" the ride. Daughter was smiling.

The girl was at least 8 years old. Old enough not to have a two-year-old's tantrum. But obviously wise enough to know how to get her way.

See, that's the downside of me not noticing house/mousekeeping - I never would have gotten any fast passes!

 

[LadyBelle]

I agree, people can't fix what is broken if they are not aware of it.

Glad to hear the day was ending on a better note.

Some kids do know how to manipulate a situation. Especially if it has worked in the past. My kids know I would just walk away and then the consequences would occur. If the Frozen Ever After was still on the agenda, it may have been removed due to behaviour.

I am really glad I didn't have to deal with any melt downs. Maybe a couple of over heated kids, but no melt downs.

I know if I had had that sort of tantrum, my dad would have taken us out of the park altogether.

 

[Scoppin]

Jaw drop time - . First, for a (supposedly . . .) top hotel like the Grand (not to mention, way overpriced . . .) to have such ridiculously late day guest room cleaning is really unacceptable. Not even done after 4 p.m.?? Call to the housekeeping manager's office and getting put on hold for so long? Hell, I've had better service in a Motel 8. As for the spotty turndown service, that also lowers the standard of a Disney "deluxe" (that's an oxymoron . . . ) hotel?! If they can't handle that, they should never advertise that as an upscale perk. In other words, if their rating goes down, they deserve it--sounds like they're shooting themselves in the foot.

Now, about that 8-year-old kid having a fit on Soarin . . .

It appeared there was better housekeeping at Sports. Not that we would actually know as we only used the service once as the DND sign was up most of our trip. And the fact we left early most days and didn't return until late night. However, we always noticed several housekeeping staff out with their carts, and some in rooms already, when we left.

Would that make the 'value' the 'deluxe'?

 

[Scoppin]

I know if I had had that sort of tantrum, my dad would have taken us out of the park altogether.

I can't reward bad behaviour. I understand everyone may not like everything, however there is a correct way. There were a few rides DD was questionable about, such as Haunted Mansion, but she was brave about it. The way we helped her was by either she sat with me or between DS and myself depending upon the ride. She was not fully wanting to go on Soarin, due to the height factor, but she sat between DS and myself and when it was over she thought it was amazing.

I never forced my two to do anything on the trip. I made many suggestions and left it up to them for the most part to decide what we were doing.

 

[Nemo14]

I can't reward bad behaviour. I understand everyone may not like everything, however there is a correct way. There were a few rides DD was questionable about, such as Haunted Mansion, but she was brave about it. The way we helped her was by either she sat with me or between DS and myself depending upon the ride. She was not fully wanting to go on Soarin, due to the height factor, but she sat between DS and myself and when it was over she thought it was amazing.

I never forced my two to do anything on the trip. I made many suggestions and left it up to them for the most part to decide what we were doing.

Our DS was actually the chicken one on some of the rides. His older sister was a real dare-devil, but he was definitely not. Our policy was that he had to wait in lines with us and if he was still too scared by the time we got to loading the ride, one of us would accompany him down through the "chicken" exit. When he realized that he did have some kind of control over the consequences, he was fine about waiting in line, and eventually summoned the courage to go on them. One of my favorite memories of him as a youngster was on his first ride on Pirates. He was so proud of himself for finally riding it, but he muttered under his breath through the whole ride "I don't like the pirates, I don't like the pirates" while smiling through the entire ride.

 

[Scoppin]

Our DS was actually the chicken one on some of the rides. His older sister was a real dare-devil, but he was definitely not. Our policy was that he had to wait in lines with us and if he was still too scared by the time we got to loading the ride, one of us would accompany him down through the "chicken" exit. When he realized that he did have some kind of control over the consequences, he was fine about waiting in line, and eventually summoned the courage to go on them. One of my favorite memories of him as a youngster was on his first ride on Pirates. He was so proud of himself for finally riding it, but he muttered under his breath through the whole ride "I don't like the pirates, I don't like the pirates" while smiling through the entire ride.

That is too funny. I am the one who usually walks up to the ride and then walks over to the other side so the kids can experience the ride. I just wish my head would take it, but it won't. The kids are a little braver.

 

[DimpledDevil18]

Jaw drop time - . First, for a (supposedly . . .) top hotel like the Grand (not to mention, way overpriced . . .) to have such ridiculously late day guest room cleaning is really unacceptable. Not even done after 4 p.m.?? Call to the housekeeping manager's office and getting put on hold for so long? Hell, I've had better service in a Motel 8. As for the spotty turndown service, that also lowers the standard of a Disney "deluxe" (that's an oxymoron . . . ) hotel?! If they can't handle that, they should never advertise that as an upscale perk. In other words, if their rating goes down, they deserve it--sounds like they're shooting themselves in the foot.

Now, about that 8-year-old kid having a fit on Soarin . . .

I totally agree on this! I mean typically at Disney this doesn't matter to much to me or my family because we don't typically go back to the hotel until early evening at the earliest. Still though... You are staying at the Grand Floridian that has the reputation of being the classiest hotel on property. There is no excuse for these types of things, especially for the amount of money you spend to stay there a night. I'm glad you at least got something out of it, but you shouldn't have to complain in the first place.

 

[Tuvalu]

Jaw drop time - . First, for a (supposedly . . .) top hotel like the Grand (not to mention, way overpriced . . .) to have such ridiculously late day guest room cleaning is really unacceptable. Not even done after 4 p.m.?? Call to the housekeeping manager's office and getting put on hold for so long? Hell, I've had better service in a Motel 8. As for the spotty turndown service, that also lowers the standard of a Disney "deluxe" (that's an oxymoron . . . ) hotel?!

If the late service had just been once, I wouldn't have complained. But it was the combination of all the factors that warranted a face-to-face.

See, that's the downside of me not noticing house/mousekeeping - I never would have gotten any fast passes!

Trust me, I would have rather had the mousekeeping!

I know if I had had that sort of tantrum, my dad would have taken us out of the park altogether.

Mine too. And Woody would have taken one of ours out of the park for that behavior as well.

It appeared there was better housekeeping at Sports. Would that make the 'value' the 'deluxe'?

It just might, haha!

I totally agree on this! I mean typically at Disney this doesn't matter to much to me or my family because we don't typically go back to the hotel until early evening at the earliest. Still though... You are staying at the Grand Floridian that has the reputation of being the classiest hotel on property. There is no excuse for these types of things, especially for the amount of money you spend to stay there a night. I'm glad you at least got something out of it, but you shouldn't have to complain in the first place.

I completely agree with you, @DimpledDevil18.

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con't

Woody's second Soarin' viewing was not as optimal as his first, since we were seated off to the side (where distortion of the landmarks is more pronounced.) However, if you find yourself here, take notice of things on the far end of the screen.

After our flight, we were ready for more food booth sampling. Tonight we made a right turn onto the Promenade and hit up the always-popular Canada first.

I only took one picture, but we each had the pretzel bread and soup and the filet. Woody also had a Moosehead. Everything was very good. I was excited to read that Le Cellier is now offering a Prix Fixe option for lunch ~ and even more excited when I was able to snag an ADR for next month.

Up next?

We love a tasty Chicken Gyro and this did not disappoint! Again, one picture but we each had our own gyro.

We leisurely strolled to our next kiosk to make room for more yumminess. This was Woody's pick.

Belgian waffles are da bomb (especially with Nutella and strawberries!) but Woody was more interested in trying the Beer Braised Beef. He paired it with a brew (the name escapes me). He liked the beer, but we both agreed the beef and smoked Gouda potatoes were just okay.

(Astute viewers will recognize this table from Tangierine Cafe. There was an entire outdoor section with empty tables so we made ourselves at home.)

 

[Tuvalu]

I have given my #1 F&W favorite its own post.

Kefta Pocket (top); Spicy Hummus Fries (bottom)

The Kefta Pocket was alright (Woody ate most of it). But the Spicy Hummus Fries?
OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!

So unusual. So yummy. I would eat these in lieu of French Fries any day. Can the Tangierine Cafe add these to the menu? Please?!!

 

[Scoppin]

Tuesday, con't

Woody's second Soarin' viewing was not as optimal as his first, since we were seated off to the side (where distortion of the landmarks is more pronounced.) However, if you find yourself here, take notice of things on the far end of the screen.

After our flight, we were ready for more food booth sampling. Tonight we made a right turn onto the Promenade and hit up the always-popular Canada first.

View attachment 176265

I only took one picture, but we each had the pretzel bread and soup and the filet. Woody also had a Moosehead. Everything was very good. I was excited to read that Le Cellier is now offering a Prix Fixe option for lunch ~ and even more excited when I was able to snag an ADR for next month.

View attachment 176266

Up next?

View attachment 176267

We love a tasty Chicken Gyro and this did not disappoint! Again, one picture but we each had our own gyro.

View attachment 176268

We leisurely strolled to our next kiosk to make room for more yumminess. This was Woody's pick.

View attachment 176269

Belgian waffles are da bomb (especially with Nutella and strawberries!) but Woody was more interested in trying the Beer Braised Beef. He paired it with a brew (the name escapes me). He liked the beer, but we both agreed the beef and smoked Gouda potatoes were just okay.

View attachment 176270
(Astute viewers will recognize this table from Tangierine Cafe. There was an entire outdoor section with empty tables so we made ourselves at home.)

I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Canada.

 

[MinnieM123]

I have given my #1 F&W favorite its own post.

View attachment 176276

Kefta Pocket (top); Spicy Hummus Fries (bottom)

View attachment 176277

The Kefta Pocket was alright (Woody ate most of it). But the Spicy Hummus Fries?
OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!

So unusual. So yummy. I would eat these in lieu of French Fries any day. Can the Tangierine Cafe add these to the menu? Please?!!

I really like the QS at Morocco. Now, I realize that you had gone to the Morocco F&W festival booth and all, but I have found that the food (no matter where it's served) at Morocco to be really delicious!!

 

[Tuvalu]

I really like the QS at Morocco. Now, I realize that you had gone to the Morocco F&W festival booth and all, but I have found that the food (no matter where it's served) at Morocco to be really delicious!!

Yes, Yes, YES!!!!

 

[SarahBella82]

Just spotted, in another TR, that Spice Road Table also serves hummus fries (without the topping). Have you tried those?