Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Apparently the word is that Disney is now concerned about what having a true five star, five diamond resort on property will do to its resorts ... especially the flagship Grand Floridian. Oh to be a fly on the wall at the Grand Flo yesterday when WDI folks met with Four Seasons officials. Well, at least Disney is realistic enough to know they're going to have to significantly raise quality or lose a great many guests (especially at the highest end of the spectrum).
Originally Posted By Skellington88 It was only a matter of time Spirit, do you think Disney will get there act together and make the delux resorts really upscale and high quality again? I want BANG for my buck like in the old days. Top notch food, themed atmosphere, great service, etc. etc.
Originally Posted By Mr X Well, Orlando already has a Ritz Carlton and a couple other true 5-stars right? I would think that the highest end folks, if they really care about their accomodations, would have been staying there anyway and just riding the limo or chopper over to Disney.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN So Spirit... sine the Ritz was built in the middle of a slump in Orlando.. and knowing how faltering the service has been at the upper crust Disney hotels on property... Do you think them Disney people were asking the 4 Seasons people to "tone it down"?
Originally Posted By SuperDry I stayed at the AKL a couple of weeks ago, and I was shocked at how low quality the towels were. We're talking Motel 6 quality - absolutely the cheapest I've seen in any hotel. I can't imagine that the value resorts have anything cheaper, which probably means that all on-property resorts have the same, whether they be value, moderate, or deluxe.
Originally Posted By Mr X That's pretty pathetic, SD. I guess Disney feels they can get away with astronomical prices on their "deluxe" resorts based on theming, location, and brand alone. I guess, if they fill those suckers up consistantly, it makes good business sense. But definitely at the expense of quality. I've only stayed at three WDW resorts myself, and interestingly they were a "budget", a "moderate", and a "deluxe". Now that I think back upon it, there really wasn't much difference in the actual rooms or the service provided at all. The two lower tier places were both laid out like motels (room doors open to the outside, two story style like motel 6), and the deluxe room was SLIGHTLY larger with a coffee maker and a couple other amenities but it really and truly was not ALL that different now that I think about it.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<I've only stayed at three WDW resorts myself, and interestingly they were a "budget", a "moderate", and a "deluxe". >> Which resorts did you stay at? If I remember correctly, most of the moderates have interior hallways as opposed to the motel style layout of the values.
Originally Posted By Mr X All-Star, Coronado, and Boardwalk. Unless I'm mistaken, Coronado also opened to the outside (it's possible I just forgot).
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<I'm pretty certain all the moderates have exterior hallways.>> You could be correct about that. It's been a long, long time since I stayed in a moderate resort. I almost always stay in the deluxe resorts, unless I make a sudden trip and rooms are not available (very rare).
Originally Posted By irishfan Just did a quick bit of research and all the moderates do have the exterior hallways.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<So Spirit... sine the Ritz was built in the middle of a slump in Orlando.. and knowing how faltering the service has been at the upper crust Disney hotels on property... Do you think them Disney people were asking the 4 Seasons people to "tone it down"?>> I doubt that would work, but who knows what 'terms and conditions' TWDC is placing on them. I do know this, many of the folks who would have stayed at the GF (and likely some Poly and Yacht Club types too) will opt for the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria. There has to be enough in it for Disney to cut such a deal knowing that they either have to take their service up to a level far from what they've ever been able to provide or cede the top of the market to the outsiders. I'm going to see what I can sniff out on this one ...
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ The Wardolf-Astoria is only c.500 rooms (I think it is 498 to be precise) so small for a WDW hotel. Four Seasons haven't confirmed their size yet but there will be timeshares and it is still three years away. Disney got a sweet deal on the Four Seasons project as they are so aggressive right now on the development front.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmm, when the 4 Seasons opens, I wonder what timeshare trades will be like into it? Presumable DVC trades will be locked out, but I wonder if I would be able to exchange my Marriott rather than staying down the road?
Originally Posted By Mr X **Do you think them Disney people were asking the 4 Seasons people to "tone it down"? I doubt that would work, but who knows what 'terms and conditions' TWDC is placing on them.** I don't see how that could possibly work, since so many Four Seasons guests are regular customers and have probably stayed at many four seasons worldwide. Any diminished quality would be immediately complained about LOUDLY, I am sure. People that pay those kinda bucks for a hotel do so for a reason (high quality).
Originally Posted By dshyates The Zep coaster looks great 7 loops with A Whole lotta Love jammin'. A good solid park will get me back to the "Redneck Riviera."
Originally Posted By dshyates Oooppps! I don't know what happened, but the above post was supposed to in the U2/Bon Jovi coaster thread.
Originally Posted By Mr X That's okay...a ZEP coaster with 7 loops would be AWSOME at the four seasons DisneyWorld! How cool would THAT be!? I'd pay an extra 200 bucks a night just for THAT!
