Disney World’s Flagship Resort Should Be A LOT Better - Grand Floridian Review

[@BrightSunTravels]

Use BRIGHTSUN55 to get 55% off your first month at Scentbird sbird.co/3WSCJ6O

[@The-Chuck-E-Network]

Can't believe you used a segment to plug crappy scents. Shame on this ad.

[@Langenbacher]

Scenbird has some serious problems. Please read into it, Jake!

[@chaseohara4781]

Unfortunately Scentbird's CEO is pretty shady. I'd ask that you look into her and how she uses her platform before you accept another sponsorship from them. ❤

[@LilacGeese]

Yeah, I genuinely think you'd be very interested in looking more into Scentbird before agreeing to another deal. You might get more specific results searching for her actual name Mariya Nurislamova rather than just for Scentbird.

[@squid3946]

My favorite Scentbird CEO fact is that she believes trauma is stored in the teeth, so if you have cavities you must deal with the ancestral trauma in your family tree. Really though, please look up Mariya Nurislamova and see if you want to continue promoting and financially supporting her.

[@pyro530916]

The lack of a weather seal under the patio door is completely unacceptable. That's something you would only expect at the most run down motel. That's not something you would expect at a higher end hotel, or even a mid-tier nice hotel. It's not even something that's expensive to install, and the energy savings we'll pay for itself in a month or two. Completely mind-blowing.

[@oscartaylor8834]

@@pyro530916 that leakage it probably wouldn’t be months it would be weeks with the amount of A/C needed in Florida! Definitely a corner cut by construction crews, something I feel has been an issue at many of the recent refurbs in DW (our room at contemporary was only 6 months old and had a number of albeit small issues)

[@friedrichweitzer3071]

The leaking faucets are also completely unacceptable for that price.

[@valeriepark9444]

All I can think about is the BUGS coming in under that gap! 😬

[@nohandlehere55]

@@valeriepark9444 Yes, ever see the size of Florida cockroaches?

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

Having worked in construction, weather stripping should never, ever be missed on a punch list. The contractor doesn’t get paid until the punch list is fully resolved.

[@marcuscicero5033]

Disney hotel remodels remind me of their remakes of original animated movies to live actions. That ethos is just built into the entire company.

[@angedenpeacelove_411-00]

a cheaper version of a better product while being 3x more expensive

[@ay-dionne]

If it aint broke, break it

[@dx-ek4vr]

How Disney had such a fall from grace like this really needs to be studied

[@davidglad]

@dx-ek4vr my knee jerk hypothesis is consultants or newly hired MBAs who did a very brief prior internship at Disney and knew the company only cares about achieving Scrooge McDuck's gold vault

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

@@davidgladThe only winning move is to not play. If people stopped booking this Double Tree quality hotel for Ritz Carlton prices, things would change.

[@robina.1456]

Is no one else outraged about how disney fired the orchestra who played at this hotel after they STAYED by this company for 32 years!?! Why haven’t I seen anyone mention that???

[@wakeywarrior]

They did at the time.

[@calamityradio]

It feels like people are desensitized to the horrible way cast members are treated by Disney, because it just seems to keep happening with nothing ever getting better.

[@Dr.ZoidbergPhD]

​@@calamityradioif you fifnt know already, Dinsey dorsnt give a damn about anyone or anything besides money

[@shorebreakcards]

I personally know a member of the band... they tried to not show it, but they were pretty heartbroken. They did see it coming over the years, once you've work at the same spot for so long, you see the writing on the wall when it's going tits up.

[@jazzfool20]

People were, just not enough. And at the end of the day, Disney is just another corporation that can do whatever it wants (which I learned the hard way). As others have been saying, because they were not directly making any money off of them, they were gotten rid of. The alcove area of the second floor was specially designed for the orchestra because it had AMAZING natural acoustics. Now I think there's a couch/seating area there. It makes me want to cry when I see it. Not to mention what they did to the original bar "Mizner's!"

[@jml6263]

A company as obscenely rich as Disney cutting cost corners in any way is just such a wild concept.

[@legioner9]

Greed. And greed. And more greed.

[@feist__]

What the other commenter said. They keep cutting corners to save every penny

[@evangelism2]

late stage capitalism friend

[@anthonyparkinson4517]

This is how they pay for Zegler's half a billion dollar folly.

[@jml6263]

@@evangelism2Oh yeah. It's not /surprising/ it's just wild.

[@captainevenslower4400]

It is atrocious that this "accessible" room still features a step in tub and not a flush floor shower and maybe an additional tub, but definitely not only a tub.

[@Cat_Not_Kat]

This! All that room and they couldn't be bothered to install an accessible shower. And two standard height sinks when one of them should have been much lower for easy access.

[@vesperfromtheinternet5588]

my college dorm hall bathroom was more "accessible" than that room honestly

[@CLTmech]

From my perspective traveling with a mobility challenged person (wife works with a young lady with CP); that is a fairly accessible room other than the tub/shower issue. Space is better than some chain hotel 'accessible' rooms that we have stayed in, and the bars seem to be well placed. Tub/shower may have been the only economical option with a renovation of an existing structure; as a "roll-in" shower would either require changes to the floor itself, or a small ramp up to accommodate changes for draining.

[@seascape35]

As a family with a wheelchair user, the step-in tub not being very accessible is definitely true! No excuse for ALL the renovated "accessible" rooms not to have roll-in showers. And as such, they would be no less useful to non-handicapped people.

[@RosieMe5]

@@CLTmech The ADA was passed in 1990 and the Grand Floridian has been renovated several times since then, there's not really an excuse for such a bad decision at a top level hotel when even budget motels have easily accessible showers.

[@jaimeerindy4573]

What I love about your channel is that you know and explain that just because something is shiny & new that does NOT mean luxury. Luxury is about the quality of the materials, service, and experience, and specifically the DETAILS. Details are what make the difference, and details are the very thing Disney has been failing to get right in all facets of their businesses recently

[@Bxr12]

Maybe it’s just because I’m not American but the idea of taking a holiday to a Disney property as an adult is so unhinged and creepy and gross. Like wtf. Disney is garbage

[@Takeninthelight]

​@@Bxr12 There are Disney properties in other countries. The world's biggest media company having adult guests isn't that weird - maybe a little odd, but not weird.

[@Bxr12]

@@Takeninthelight Disney properties struggle everywhere else in the world. Euro Disney is a joke. Disney is an American brand that’s trying to expand into global markets. Nobody’s asking for it.

[@MrMaddGunner]

The amount of accuracy in this comment is refreshing. As a deep Star Wars fan, the recent media that Disney has been green lighting is disappointing. It’s Star Wars, with big budgets and no soul. No details. It’s bland. Shiny, new… but falls apart under serious observation.

[@juliannafranchini7975]

@@Bxr12 honestly though, when you go to an all inclusive walled-off resort in Mexico or something, you’re not actually seeing the real Mexico either, you’re really just experiencing a very manicured fantasy world where you’re treated like royalty, the margaritas flow like tap water and you get to lounge on the beach all day LOL. So in my eyes, I don’t really think it’s all that weird for people to prefer going to Disneyland as their “fantasy world” vacation! Some people just prefer roller coaster adrenaline to alcohol, or they want to feel like a princess in the “wears pretty dresses and lives in a castle” way rather than the “servants at your every command” way.

[@thisisafox1961]

That room looks like something someone built in the Sims and then ran out of money half way, it's just so sparsely appointed

[@AV-sw7bj]

I just don't like Studio suites there's absolutely no privacy

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

It's a pointlessly large space isn't it. You could host a full party on that empty floor space! Tho I did just get To the part where he said it was accessible. So I guess the space is for wheel chair users. I wonder if regular rooms feature such "open" spaces.

[@faeinthebay]

​@0tispunkm3y3r I agree, I think the hard floors and empty space are wheelchair accommodations. But Disney imagineers should be able to break up the boring floor with interesting designs place art and furniture and lighting so the space doesn't feel barren. Why should wheelchair users be given a room with worse design, especially in a luxury hotel?

[@cowboylerma]

motherlode motherlode

[@kyleanuar9090]

Jake missed checking the flower arrangement in the lobby and I was surprised as he always checked them, btw it's plastic. As a hotel florist we work with budgets going up or down and when they go plastic it means they're really cutting the costs.

[@ayebing]

Imagine a non-Disney 5 star hotel with plastic flowers 😂. They get away with murder!

[@caitlynr7295]

@@ayebing and their fans will defend everything they do, no matter how many corners they cut while simultaneously raising prices, it's insane

[@leahwilton785]

This isn't surprising to me - it's the same as firing the musicians. At some point they'll have to stop pretending to be luxury, right?

[@YellaBellaReno]

@@leahwilton785 I actually watched a girl who worked for Disney’s video on how they eliminated the department that did all the florals right after she was hired. They did decorations for weddings and special events too. It was one of the best jobs at Disney, and you had to work hard to get a chance at getting the position, as many people on the team staid until retirement. Disney decided to privatize it instead, and apparently gave no notice. It makes no sense. Disney is big enough to have this department in house AND save money by doing so.

[@anthonyparkinson4517]

Firing the orchestra after 32 years just about sums up Iger's Disney.

[@Mcbebblestin]

They were fired under Chapek.

[@karenweston2714]

@@Mcbebblestin Chapek was hired to be the villain and it worked!

[@jazzfool20]

You hit the nail on the head. They got rid of almost anything that was not directly generating revenue. To get rid of the Orchestra at the FLAGSHIP RESORT, that had been there for 30+ years was appalling. As an aside It was one of the things that sold me on becoming a DVC member there, along with the original bar "Mizner's" and several other things. If I knew then what I know now, I absolutely would not have done it.

[@hanashi5727]

When you have to fund woke movies, tv shows and news companies that no one wants to watch or participate in, you have to take money from somewhere.

[@robina.1456]

@@hanashi5727 Absolutely not the reason. Delusional take... They have plenty of money.

[@unclewob99hard24]

There is no reason that an accessible room should be of lesser quality. This is “pretend” luxury just like the parks are pretend environments. I think the public is figuring out that the Disney brand has lost its luster and that cheap knockoffs are the order of the day. The DVC extension to the Polynesian resort is another horror story. You can get door to door limousine service by staying off property for the same prices.

[@briansieve]

Exactly. Ersatz.

[@bodyloverz30]

Notice they got rid of "Magic Express" too.

[@rovermiles1]

Luxury and complimentary bus drop off from others. Disney has lost its luster.

[@justoverit]

Its probably not lesser quality, the whole place just sucks

[@oryxland3994]

Is the public figuring it out though? I'd like to think cheaping out like this catches up with Disney at some point but they've been doing it for years and years and no sign of that so far, in fact in the last fiscal year Disney reported a 10% increase in profits. It seems to this point like people don't notice or if they do are still spending which only tells Disney they should continue to cheap out since it isn't hurting their bottom line. Sadly a lot of people will continue to pay just because it's Disney...

[@timbit72]

Hey Jake! Im a dude in a wheelchair and i think this is an accessible room & thats probably why theres no carpets...trust me man when i wheel over carpet it feels like walking though deep sand at the beach. An accident landed me to a life on wheels instead of legs so i get both sides and wheeling around on a slick surface makes the world of difference. Love your work and cool to have a fellow Ontarian representing Canada so well...thanks Jake 'n Emmy

[@puccipower]

Ah! This is a good perspective thanks for sharing.

[@180_S]

But doesn't the bathtub not make it very accessible? It seems like they half-assed this remodel and cut corners in the bathroom.

[@TJ-bu9zk]

@@180_S both can be true

[@JamieElli]

Would've been nice to use real wood then. Although if the door lets any water in, I guess that floor is the best option.

[@Sashazur]

At 2:38 it says it’s probably an accessible room.

[@cydneyadamson1858]

My jaw was DROPPED multiple times throughout this video. The design flaws remind me of my college apartments 😭

[@LouSassoleSledgecock_III]

Imagine being so dramatic. Obviously a woman 😂

[@LouSassoleSledgecock_III]

Omg my jaw DROPPED WHAT A CLOWN 🤡

[@MotherSoren]

​@@LouSassoleSledgecock_IIItweak harder 😭

[@the.abhiram.r]

i go to a city school and we have many "luxury" campus affiliated housing communities that have the same shit design

[@vyabillie4415]

​@@LouSassoleSledgecock_IIIwhat tf are you blabbering about???

[@smooshpopper2]

I wouldn't call any of those "nitpicks" i think those are very real complaints about whats supposed to be an ultra luxury experience

[@ayebing]

I agree. At that price point, they are completely unacceptable. He was not “nitpicking” by any stretch of the imagination.

[@RariettyC]

Disney execs should have "nitpicked" harder if anyone ever thought that gap underneath the doorway was acceptable to sell to guests

[@TealCheetah]

"which I promptly unplugged and put in a drawer" good

[@Yukikazehalo]

Smart move, you know that thing is always listening...

[@Varangian_af_Scaniae]

@@Yukikazehalo Just as your smartphone, they even have the capability to listen when turned off.

[@Sashazur]

@@Varangian_af_ScaniaeNo they don’t. Hundreds of security researchers all over the world make their living investigating these things and the tech press loves reporting problems. If that really happened we would definitely hear about it. You would also notice your battery running down too fast even when the phone was off.

[@asudevil316]

Better hope this edgelord doesn't have a smartphone

[@grizfan93]

@@Varangian_af_Scaniae Not true about smartphones, at least iPhones. You have to explicitly give permission to an app to even use the microphone.

[@nerdman8428]

My mom and dad worked at The Grand for 30 years, including the entirety of my birth, childhood, and young adulthood. My Grandmother also worked there as a cast member at the Mouseketeer Club. Subsequently my brother and I spent our entire childhood here as a second home. If you were here anywhere between 1994-2012, chances are I was there too. I remember the days when The Grand was every bit as luxurious as Disney said it was. Real marble, velvety carpets, beds to sink into, any dish or beverage you could possibly dream of. Watching this video really hurts me deeply, not because of your criticism, but rather because your critiques are justified and correct. I am one of those people who has grown up with Disney and watched it decline over time. For me, it is like watching my hometown disappear and become corporatized.

[@MildExplosion]

The overly bright, echoey room with trash behind the curtains and under the bed is something I'd rage about in an AirBnB. Rhe fact that anyone pays 5 star prices for this is heinous.

[@GenaLeah]

I'm so fascinated by these videos about the Disney hotels. As someone with a lifelong interest in animation, and once considered working as an Imagineer, I've learned a lot of the 'behind the scenes' stories of the Disney company's history from different angles. Everything I've been learning about the hotels and service reflects the same decline of quality and principles that they've been exhibiting in everything else. And even aside from *their* decline, it just makes me sad on a personal level that I will never get to experience what it all used to be like. When my parents were kids living in Southern California in the 70s, Disneyland was something that they could afford to visit frequently. When I was growing up, we lived further away and struggled on the poverty line, but Disneyland was still something that we could save up for and go to every 2-5 years. We'd bring sack lunches because we couldn't afford the food, but the whole experience was absolutely worth it. I'm an adult now, and I've been working for almost a decade. My siblings and I were able to pull funds together and treat our dad to a whole Disneyland trip. It cost thousands of dollars. And it was also the first time I had ever seen broken animatronics on the rides. I don't know when I'll go back there again. I feel like all of my goodwill toward the company has been used up, over and over again. I feel like this must be happening to other people, too. You remember the good times and the magic from when you were younger, you work hard and save up for a long time to treat your family to something special, and Disney lets you down. The rides are dirty and broken. The hotel is cheap. The food is too expensive. The band is gone. The magic is gone. They saved a few bucks, but they're losing their audience's trust. Especially for all those people who really can't afford to come back anymore. It makes the decision of cutting this expense out even easier.

[@xx-hy4uy]

They priced out their biggest audience; working-class or middle class people trying to give their families something wonderful to remember and now all we have are memories that aren't even *ours* and instead we enjoy them through stories like "This one time at Disney..." from years and years ago

[@DOSU490]

@@xx-hy4uyBy design. This is being done to American families ON PURPOSE.

[@tmm226]

The world as a whole is in decline, it's everywhere😢.

[@jaimeerindy4573]

I recently stayed at a Marriott Luxury Collection hotel in Vail, Colorado and it included valet + complimentary 24hr shuttle service, turn down service, daily food/drinks/treats in the lobby and probably a host of other things we didn't have time to take advantage of, and that was a standard room costing around $500 per night. That makes the price of the GF completely unfathomable to me tbh

[@donkeyentertain]

That’s not really an apples to apples comparison, though - same with the comparison to the Ritz in Orlando. It’s location, location, location. The Grand Floridian is 5 minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, and you’re on the Disney transport system. That is worth a significant amount of money. The Ritz better be nice for what you’re paying, because the location is much worse, and you’ll spend way longer each way getting to the parks. That time is valuable on vacation. Because of the distance, you also can’t easily do things like leave the park in the middle of the day when it’s hot and crowded to go to the pool, then go back to the parks in the evening. My experience in the Grand Floridian normal rooms has been fantastic (the club level rooms have always been overpriced in my opinion, so I assume most people who stay there just aren’t worried about that). Some of the maintenance related issues should have been caught before checking in, but I think if it had been brought up to the front desk, it would have been promptly addressed.

[@somedragonbastard]

​@@donkeyentertain buddy you can lick Disney's boots as much as you want but that doesn't change that the hotel is unacceptable for its price

[@davidgedney4891]

lol positively comparing 5 minutes from magic kingdom to walking distance to some of the most premier ski terrain on earth is … something

[@donkeyentertain]

@@davidgedney4891 what do you mean - I said the two locations aren’t apples to apples, so a comparison on cost can’t be made without taking that into account.

[@OuranNaruBleachClub]

@@donkeyentertain Something you should probably take from this video is the point that this IS actually apples to apples. Comparing "Luxury" hotel experiences to genuine Luxury hotel experiences. You delude yourself into believing the value of convenience is worth more than the value of your dollar. Its why Disney bleeds suckers like you.

[@saiyamoru]

Losing the live musical performances after 32 years is what really breaks my heart. That would have been so cool to see in-person and genuinely provided a reason to linger in the lounge. Everyone has a soft spot for Disney's classic musical numbers...they really shot themselves in the foot with that one.

[@TheCoasterGays]

The cracks in Disney's perfection are showing......literally. This company has rested on it's laurels too long and the consumers are still paying their ultimate premium price for a fake premium experience

[@Erik_The_Viking]

"Invoking a Home Depot aura" - HA HA HA HA!!! Accurate description given the cost cutting measures. At the price point, that's inexcusable. This is their idea of a "flagship"? You're better off elsewhere.

[@colinklang]

Because it definitely is Home Depot! 😂 it's mcmansion: the hotel room. I'd be pissed too. Paying that kind of money for a cookie cutter experience.

[@CityWise_Travels]

This hotel is so expensive you might as well book a trip to Europe

[@ageoflove1980]

Especially because these prices are just for the room. It doesnt even come with Magic Kingdom tickets which is the only reason to stay there in the first place.

[@bemiatto67]

A overseas trip IS actually cheaper than a trip to Disney World!

[@xavierminchello8431]

ON A LUXE CRUISE TOO! AT LEAST FOOD IS INCLUDED!

[@xavierminchello8431]

@@bemiatto67NOT WORTH SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT WDW ANYMORE! WASTE OF $$$$

[@xavierminchello8431]

NO VALUE AT ANY DISNEY RESORT

[@Bryar_Smith]

I just saw your appearance on the CNBC video on Disney today! Great job, I’m so happy you and your channel are getting mainstream coverage!!

[@ParadigmSh1ft_]

Felt like a movie cameo seeing Jake on the CNBC report ahaha

[@Bryar_Smith]

@@ParadigmSh1ft_ Yes!! The Bright Sun Universe. We need Jake everywhere

[@coachken6130]

$1000 per night and they can't update the photos on the website?! Fake wood, fake tile, and fake marble? I blame Bob Iger. He has to go. For numerous reasons

[@GasFayce]

Firing the live band and changing Meisner's Lounge was very sad for me. I agree about the band adding to the atmosphere, and Meisner's while not heavily themed was a really nice place to just hang out, the Beauty and the Beast retheme, while not terrible, just makes no sense!

[@rsvihla]

Getting rid of Meisner’s BLEWWWWWWW!!!

[@christopherstyle878]

Hey Jake, saw you in CNBC's "How Disney Vacations Became Too Expensive For Many Americans" video that was posted today. You got the first word and the last word. Very nice! 😎

[@Liaframmm]

These days, the Disney Difference is provided entirely by Walt Disney World's [mostly] incredible cast members. Disney is cheaping out for the benefit of shareholders across the board.

[@McIrish_Lad]

I died laughing when you showed the wide gap under the external door 😂 imagine all the Florida bugs will be coming in your room 💀

[@mikew1986]

That's a mistake on that room. We've been in other rooms and there is one.

[@Jascolbre]

The problem is quite simple to understand. The revenue of the parks and resorts gets sucked up and allocated to feeding the giant that is Disney plus. Thus the decrease in budget given to the resorts. Imagineers are more than capable of designing a beautiful resort but the company choses instead to go with cheaper and efficient designs while also increasing prices to protect the bottom line.

[@austinnafziger4159]

That might be partially true, but the streaming side is actually turning a profit now, so I am not sure that is the reason. I have a feeling most of it is just a lack of vision or passion in the company. The culture has faded and needs to be pushed hard internally.

[@romigithepope]

Exactly. The losses have to made up somewhere and they turning their resorts into cash cows.

[@asudevil316]

Congrats on being wrong and uneducated

[@heyjakeay]

Seeing a high level "accessible room" come with one of those cheap-ass (non-accessible) bathtubs every Holiday Inn has really showcases how much of a scam it is

[@humve50]

You said it in the first few lines of the video… shareholders wanted this. Maximum output from minimum input. Disney is all about bragging where you stay wether or not it’s actually a good deal.

[@JimBrownski]

This Channel is a perfect way to get someone else to pay for overrated overpriced Disney Vacations. Brilliant!

[@colonthree]

Every time he does a cruise I go "better you than me" lol. x'3

[@JimBrownski]

@@colonthree and I go “Is it that boring where you’re from that you keep coming back to be disappointed by Disney?lol wasting somebodies money!”

[@somedragonbastard]

I mean, tye whole point here is to review Disney's stuff so you don't waste your own money

[@dani2g]

3:51 not the grand floridian having ROACH PORTAL rooms. Omgggg

[@jeb4198]

I just can't get over how...sterile the bedding looks. It looks like something from a cookie-cutter chain hotel in a random suburb, not something billed as an ultra-luxury resort.

[@e.l.norton]

Do people go there for the bedding? Virtually the only time spent in the room is sleeping and changing. People have a neurotic fixation with minutiae these days. That's a pretty damn nice room. Worth what it costs? No. But, no hotel room is. I don't care how "luxurious".

[@anthonyberger7696]

Agreed. People defending that awful looking bed have clearly never sunken into a bed at a Four Seasons.

[@jeb4198]

@@e.l.norton ...yes? If I'm using the room primarily for sleeping, I care a lot about the bedding that I'm using for said sleeping.

[@e.l.norton]

@@jeb4198 If the sheets are keeping you up at night, you have a problem. Or, you can bring your own 3000 thread-count sheets woven from unicorn hair.

[@Harmon1ca]

We used to stay club level at the GF, but since the band was removed we stopped. We now have longer trips at cheaper Disney resorts. This review really hit the nail on the head.

[@SublimatedIce]

We stayed in a different room and we had a similar experience to you. The quality of the room and it's finishes is really subpar. Not luxury in any way. It felt like it was done by a 'flipper'.

[@n.m.4023]

Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro need to go. Why do people keep supporting this when it’s beyond expensive for the subpar delivery?

[@jasonyau326]

Some of this cheapness occurred under the CEO reign of Chapek. By the time Iger returned these renovations were probably signed sealed and in the process of being delivered so it was probably cheaper to see them out through than cancel it and start over unfortunately

[@NutsAndThighs]

Disney has spent decades building a dedicated and addicted fan base, clearly folks are still paying out the ass for the parks and overpriced hotels and will probably continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Maybe in 2-3 years of terrible treatment will guest habits meaningfully change and shareholders will take notice, at which time they will "correct course" and change things. The opening of Universal's Epic Universe may change the game and force their hand, it's only when Disney sees sustained park attendance drops will things maybe change, however Disney is also more than happy with less guests if those guests are paying insane prices (i.e. more profit per guest).

[@themiasmastream]

​@jasonyau326 Chapek was CEO for 14 seconds. Iger is the reason for the season and always has been. People have delusionally supported him for years when he is the master of cutbacks.

[@dynasty0019]

While Josh is a like-able and approachable guy, his parks strategy is no different than Paul Pressler. Just cutbacks and cheapening while charging for what's previously complimentary.

[@lainey6474]

My grandmother held a convention last summer at the Grand FL, and they promised they wouldn't start reconstruction on the main lobby until right after, lo and behold they started work two days into it, and after seeing your vid, I'm so disappointed in them. Hardly anything has changed.

[@JTytshorts]

You are spot on. Calling this hotel “luxury or ultra luxury” is completely incorrect

[@Zizumia]

And to think, even at these high price points, you still have to deal with the price gouging at the park as well.

[@FunkyKong]

I wish you covered room service. One of the most ridiculous things about WDW resorts is that room service simply doesn’t exist after hours, even at the extremely expensive luxury properties. In fact I’m not sure it ever returned at all since COVID. I was just at AKL club level and it wasn’t even an option. This is table stakes at actual luxury hotels like RC and 4S where you have 24 hour room service that has a decent overnight menu. The sprinkler in the ceiling is missing a trim piece that may have fallen off. The trim piece covers the rough cut holes.

[@JMTDF]

I gotta say this and I hope you read it: Your channel is absolutely fantastic and I love it. I knew the moment I saw you gave high marks to Cabana Bay (we've been 4 times) that you were the reviewer for us. All vacations cost a lot of money whether you do it with your partner or as a family and everyone hates feeling ripped off. Your videos are so thorough and honest that I find I never skip anything. You get shots of everything and your editing is never too fast or too slow. The fact that you hold these corporations feet to the fire (especially your nostalgia for before things became so anodyne and sterile) and discuss pricing so openly, is great. As cheesy as it sounds, this channel is a delight

[@thebigbmasta1]

Saw you on CNBC this morning! Been watching since the early Abandoned days, it’s awesome to see your work being recognized🎉

[@loupnuit1]

These videos reinforce my life-long decision to never, ever shell out for anything a corporation might call "premium". If I am staying at a hotel all it needs is to be clean and serve it's function as temporary living space. Whether its a floating petri dish or this, it's simply not worth the money spent.

[@georgeg.7124]

I appreciate it when hotel reviewers comment on noise from the rooms around them (and above/below) as well as from the hallways. Noise level is priority #1 for me and I would imagine most people. With that said, did you notice the new flooring resulted in more noise from the room above/next to you? Thanks.

[@STOG01]

There's a reason people like sitting in their car when they get home. It's just quiet. Something we rarely get elsewhere.

[@janett253]

I stayed at the Yacht club and we could hear the full conversation of the people in the room next to us. Really Disney? You can't afford sound proof walls? For the prices they charge???

[@--Paws--]

The plants are also lacking, the overall "bare" look of the outside makes the whole place look like a default "fancy hotel" structure in a game especially with just grass, a few trees and bushes surrounding the place. I notice a lot of Disney resorts you have visited have a barebones approach with their greenery.

[@lili-oy1xf]

It looks like sims

[@--Paws--]

@@lili-oy1xf Exactly, even some Sims rabbit-holes/buildings have more than one type of plant around the place. They look more "alive" in comparison

[@luhso7552]

To me, big grass lawns with a couple of manicured shrubs/trees is such a tacky look.

[@--Paws--]

@@luhso7552There are ways to implement plants without everything looking manicured. They could plant a forest to make it even look secluded or exclusive for the whole place to be fancier; like a private resort vibe. The manicured greenery is tacky I agree but compared to how it appears now makes the establishment look like it was just placed there.

[@theartofgettingready7633]

If someone is doing an ultimate Disney trip, it's not even worth the price, because you won't even be in your room all that much. The value properties aren't the cream of the crop, but if your spending most of your time in the parks, it just makes sense to stay there. The Ritz Carlton in Orlando is phenomenal, when you check in they give you champagne, the luxury is top notch ( I still have the cleaning cloths they gave out for cleaning your sun/eye glasses), why even bother with the Grand Floridian? The renovations and swap outs for cheap materials are a slap in the face, who cares if they are THAT close to the parks.I love the Disney parks, but believe I won't be staying on property again.

[@bittenbyazebra]

I just started watching the video and just wanted to point out that Disney began planning The Grand Floridian as early as 1983. I was in the Magic Kingdom College Program (before is was renamed) in the summer of 1983 (before Eisner was brought on). We went to weekly seminars about how they ran the business. The week they focused on hotels, they shared the plans of The Grand Floridian, also mentioning how it was modeled after The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego (which was also the hotel in the movie Some Like It Hot). Just an FYI from someone who was there and was very excited to learn about the project.

[@oscartaylor8834]

Definitely an accessible room - bed height is much lower as usually you can store suitcase’s underneath. If you want to try a decent value club level, try Coronado Springs in the Gran Destino tower - we have tried AK lodge, Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, Waldorf and contemporary at Disney and honestly Coronado was the biggest positive suprise!

[@elliebeep27]

We stayed here for our 15th anniversary. I'd been looking forward to it for ages. It was really a let down, even though we were in a DVC studio. Gorgeous, yes; but the price tag was appalling for what you get. I did enjoy the new aesthetic of the rooms, the subtle Mary Poppins theming and coloring, but would like a bit more riot of Victoriana.

[@teeing9355]

The rooms do look like something in Suburban McMansion Track Houses you find in cookie cutter subdivisions, built with substandard materials and labor.

[@brian5o]

When I hear about birds and Disney, I think about the Dusky Seaside Sparrow. Originally, to their credit, Disney originally tried to help but in the end, they got complacent and were down to only a few birds and unfortunately the very last was a male so it was known that extinction was evident. It is my understanding that Disney were not great caregivers and I think a hurricane passed nearby. If you wouldn’t mind researching this, I would be forever grateful. It really was a black mark in Disney’s history.

[@barryswigart1432]

Wait, a Disney thing is overpriced and not what it used to be? Man, I'm so stunned. I'm so incredibly stunned.

[@LoremasterYnTaris]

I am shocked, shocked I say to find that Disney has declined so tremendously.

[@SamS-bx7ed]

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I LOVE hotels without carpet. Carpets in hotels just really gross me out, no matter how clean it looks. I always thinks about possible fleas, bedbugs, human excrement, etc that gets imbedded. Plus they often just make rooms smell stuffy 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LorewithouttheE]

agreed, plus hard floors have gotta be way easier to get clean - w/ maybe some rugs for cushioning or w/e, so you don't have upstairs folks just clomping around 😅

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

Me too!

[@Knuckleb0ne]

Not unpopular. Carpet in high traffic areas is disgusting. In a hard floor hotel room I feel more at ease, and I feel better about tracking in theme park dirt/moisture from the swimming pool etc. but I’m a Moderate Resort kinda guy, I don’t stay at the Grand Floridian. I’m at Riverside as I type this and the room is clean, cool, comfortable, safe and lovely. Laminate floors and all. The decor is really nice and one of the pools is right outside my room. It’s great!

[@ian3580]

Agreed.....people walking in bare feet after long sweaty days at the park, bodily fluids, etc.......I think carpet in a hotel room is anything but luxury

[@lizakroberts]

I agree. I don’t like carpet either.

[@AngelSGG]

When I finished watching this video I went to see a CNBC video and I got really confused when I saw you and then realized you were in it. It's great seeing that your great quality videos get the use that they deserve.

[@jonc3903]

It's laughable that they are putting vinyl flooring in these rooms and still calling it luxury.

[@esciteach7997]

for WHEELCHAIR ACCESS read the comment above . . I have no strength to roll my wheelchair over carpet

[@ninedaysjane2466]

@@esciteach7997 Does it work on REAL WOOD? That's the point here.

[@TheLincolneckhardt]

I agree that club level is rarely a good value proposition. At most hotel, those rooms are mainly used as upgrades for frequent travelers

[@Tonymanero1960]

After spending a week recently in Scottsdale, Arizona, I realized that a nice hotel-nothing spectacular-is all I need. I don't begrudge anyone paying $1200 a night for a room,...but,....for me,....once I have a comfortable bed,..nice bathroom,...and some basic amenities I am fine. And that can usually be had for $200 a night or less. Just my philosophy.

[@maxpowr90]

That's what I don't get about Disney World either. Spending $1k+/night at a hotel is a complete waste of money. The hotels are essentially a place to sleep between visiting the parks. Only time to really get in some hotel time, is the day you arrive at Disney World.

[@Baddknewz]

As someone who goes to Vegas pretty regularly, you can get twice the luxury out there for 1/4th of the price of Disneyland.

[@colinbecker6869]

@@maxpowr90 Best way to do disney is staying off property at a hotel with a shuttle. Way cheaper

[@maxpowr90]

@@colinbecker6869 My brother "makes magic". In August, I paid $420/night for Contemporary Resort club level due to his discount. Free park tickets too.

[@ultrascreens5206]

Exactly lol the whole point of a trip is to spend as little time as possible in a single room as possible so why pay premium? I guess theres just enough people in the world that have enough money not to care..

[@rsmith8434]

The only way that Disney will ever change for the better is if people stop opening their wallets to every little thing. Disney knows that there are too many people with disposable income that couldn't care less how much something costs. Those are the people that Disney is catering to now.

[@peterhurley5877]

Regarding the carpet, if this is an accessible they're doing better to use a hard floor surface. Carpet, especially plush carpet, can be pretty tough to wheel over.

[@chandlerainsley]

totally agree with your complaints, i stayed here last year. have to disagree about the carpet tho, i cannot STAND hotel carpet.

[@Pigness7]

I'm really uncomfortable with really open spaces like this room, it's too much space, it feels weird.

[@AV-sw7bj]

I agree the entire Hotel should be torn down and rebuilt where every room is at least a one-bedroom Suite

[@christopherw.9841]

It is a wheelchair accessible unit....

[@somedragonbastard]

If it's supposed to be accessible, that's for stuff like transfers and maneuvering

[@Pigness7]

@@christopherw.9841 that's fair

[@shorebreakcards]

My old best friend's dad used to play in the GF band... my family and I (they're still living in Orlando) used to just sit in the lobby, get drinks and listen to the music while people watching. Whenever I went home during a vacation over the years, we would all go to GF, grab a drink, people watch and enjoy some awesome, relaxing music.... now it's gone. I used to be a pass holder and fan of Disney, now their decisions over the years has culminated in just sadness. I like watching YT vids of what's going on at WDW, but can't bring myself to go back on property. I hope one day the former magic will come back, but I'm not holding my breath

[@wawa-tw5ji]

cant belive how much worse this looks compared to even stuff like the hilton Anaheim (that would cost 5 times less) Disney's cheaping out on the room and still charging the same money is devaluing the brand

[@pleasestopscreaming]

If Jake's channel ever goes silent... we know. The Mouse got him.

[@Bxr12]

There’s a reason Vanity Fair called them Mouschwitz back in the day

[@talitharitter3176]

Just goes to show how dangerous it is to alienate your dedicated fan base. Nobody shouts louder than someone you’ve let down.

[@Bxr12]

@@talitharitter3176 I’m not even sure what that means

[@Hydraworx]

I was married at the Grand Floridian in 2016. They upgraded us to a club level suite, and I never once thought the room was dated. The warm style of the room was not contemporary, but I didn't come to the GF for that. I came for warmth and the filtered sound of the band sneaking into my room at the end of the day. They also renovated the wedding chapel on property to be bright white and powder blue... Very thankful I got to experience the property just a few years ago as it was, the updated style looks and feels very heartless.

[@frontdesk-rv2ms]

Brother your voice is so iconic by now wow just wow watching your channel grow over the years good job ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Sig_P229]

All of the 80’s hotels are starting to burst at the seams. Their age is showing. I go to these hotels every year since the 90’s

[@Bxr12]

Why would you keep going to these Disney pieces of trash?

[@jdslyman1720]

How about the 70s ones? Contemporary was where Nixon said he was "not a crook" for Pete's sake..

[@irdriel7760]

The whole video makes me wonder if they intend to build an all-new hotel that will slot in at a price point above this one.

[@brittsmiley3410]

The small carpet and flooring might be because of the accessibility - it's more difficult to roll on carpet in a wheelchair than on smooth surfaces

[@Farquad76.547]

More to do with the fact carpet is ugly compared to traditional hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring is beautiful.

[@abdonmamede3218]

the regular rooms also don't have carpet anymore, but i'm not complaining

[@donkeyentertain]

@@abdonmamede3218the regular rooms have the same rug underneath the beds. The regular rooms are less wide/have less square footage so there is less exposed hardwood flooring.

[@thethresh]

That night shot of the monorail rolling through the fog was sweeeeeeeeeeet!

[@dassix1636]

I agree with everything besides the carpet. Having installed and removed carpets, they are gross even if cleaned regularly.

[@gabsofine]

It has always bummed me out to hear people talk about this hotel like some big bucket list borderline unobtainable dream stay when it uh...looks the way it does (especially the rooms before the renovations) and also they could probably just immediately go to an actual luxury resort with the money they're already spending on a low end Disney trip. Like yeah I get that's not everyone's preferred vacation style but if they are awed by the Grand Floridian lobby by god someone show them what they could have elsewhere!!

[@KikoLovesable]

I always get excited for a new Bright Sun video but that quick little "Which I'll talk about more in a second" at 13:55 got me unnecessarily hype 😅 I perked up READY for some extra hot tea 🤣

[@sasuke017]

My husband and I walked around the Grand Floridian a few weeks ago and were not impressed. It kinda makes you feel like you do not belong there. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge during this trip and absolutely loved it!

[@oscartaylor8834]

Was that ambience or staff? We have stayed at Beach Club and Contemporary and have found the staff at those much snootier and less welcoming than AK lodge and club level Coronado, both of which were met with amazing customer service!

[@sasuke017]

@@oscartaylor8834 just the ambience of the Grand Floridian. The AK Lodge staff were great!

[@oscartaylor8834]

@@sasuke017 fair enough, AK lodge is great, it feels spectacular but not in an intimidating way, we are going back to AK in May hopefully and are trying wilderness lodge in January for the first time which we are looking forward to!

[@sasuke017]

@@oscartaylor8834 that’s awesome! This past trip was our first time staying at a Disney resort and we really enjoyed all the aspects that AK Lodge had. We checked out the other Disney resorts while we were there to see where we might want to stay the next time.

[@oscartaylor8834]

@@sasuke017 so far AK has been our favourite out of the resorts we stayed at. We were unimpressed with Beach Club overall, Contemporary had large rooms but the a frame is not what it used to be and staff were rude, Coronado Springs was the biggest surprise, was a great stay in the new tower (club was nice too - good food), swan and dolphin are decent although felt a bit dated and the Waldorf Astoria was amazing but we missed Disney transport and the free parking you get at the Disney resorts saves about $60 a day if you drive!

[@bashildy]

The value proposition makes zero sense. I can stay multiple nights at 5 star resorts for this price, with amazing food and drink, and with professional musicians. I stayed a week in Puerto Vallarta, at a 2*, 3* and a 5* hotel combined for less (off-season). I somewhat understood Disney Fandom 20 years ago, but I don't get it now. It's the most expensive place on earth, and it's experience is debatably average.

[@CJODell12]

Dropping the quality and raising the price.

[@matthewmoser1284]

So I'm a long time subscriber to your other channel, Bright Sun Films, but this video is what finally got me to check out THIS channel. Because i stayed at the Grand Floridian 25 years ago. And i was planning on surprising my dad with a family trip to Disney now that he has grandkids. And i SPECIFICALLY wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian because it was by far his favorite hotel ever. And we've been to Hawaii! But seeing this review has got me seriously reconsidering that choice. I almost don't want to go to Disney with him at ALL. Because i know he's gonna want to at least visit the Grand Floridian while we're there. And if he sees it like this, it will legitimately make him sad. The quality is bad enough, but the complete stripping of any and all character is so disappointing. I really don't know what Disney was thinking.

[@talitharitter3176]

I’ve only ever subscribed to this channel and kept wondering how he could sound so polished but release so few videos. 😂 There never used to be much mention of the main channel.

[@roccosophie6498]

The landscaping noise is madness and is not worth the result. Especially in Florida, man will never control nature and making us all miserable in trying to do so, is getting beyond ridiculous. And unless you plan to replace them monthly, carpeting, does not belong in any hotel room. Use hard surfaces and rugs instead.

[@bodyloverz30]

That's the "can do" spirit!

[@puccipower]

They could have put in a rug that fits the space at least lol

[@bodyloverz30]

@@puccipower Right and more furniture, for a Lux JR Suite, type room.

[@puccipower]

@@bodyloverz30 someone else who is in a wheelchair commented below and said that the lack of rug is an accessibly thing. Still, I think this space could have been better executed.

[@somedragonbastard]

​@@bodyloverz30 to be a little fair, if it's supposed to be accessible, the space may be needed for things like transfers and maneuvering, and the floor being bare is better for someone using a wheelchair or roller. Even then, it's not great

[@Spacialvekter]

18:45 A lot of places are only doing clean-up/turndown service on request now because it saves on labor and resources, ostensibly for environmental reasons. Not sure how actually impactful that is, but it's definitely at least a little bit of a cost cutting measure. I agree with it being optional at regular levels (I actually prefer they don't do turndown for me in most cases, I don't really care myself) but at club/concierge level, it should be included.

[@DylanMatthew-k5w]

it reminds me of an airbnb created by someone who had a big, randomly shaped extra room that they decided to make into a "luxury" airbnb, but really it's just a big echoey room with a bunch of Ikea furniture.

[@LilW1nky]

That room rate is frankly insulting. I was in Cabo recently at a top 10 TripAdvisor resort, all inclusive with fine dining meals, 2BR suite 2000 sq ft for $800/nite - with free airport transfers and $400 premium alcohol credit. They made us feel like vips. The Disney cast members are great, but the company does not even show appreciation for shelling out these extortion prices. I guess they think if we won’t pay, some other addicted Disney adult will. If I ran the hotels division, I would spend extra for the band, and the quality finishes, and the little Disney touches that wow the guests and create loyal customers for life. High prices, but even higher experience. Disney is just penny wise and pound foolish now. It’s sad to see a beloved brand get run into the ground by soulless MBAs who have nothing in common with Walt.

[@masonmckay7935]

As a monorail pilot who routinely works on the Grand Floridian platform and gets to see this place up close all the time, it breaks my heart that so many of the details of this grand resort aren't attended to by the company. The potential for something tremendously special is on the horizon, but this resort needs more money, love, and attention than it evidently receives. Parts of it are incredible, and other parts are shockingly disappointing. Thank you for the video :)

[@ctjjsouthfl6665]

Stayed in 2021 and 2022. Room was general room and cost approx $600 er night. The same room is now $1400 per night, which is ridiculous. The only pro about staying at the GF was being so close to the MK. Will not be staying with these outrageous price.

[@legioner9]

I subscribed to your channel like 2 years ago simply because I like your reviews (you explain things very well), and more importantly, that you tell the truth and are genuinely sincere.

[@Kattakam]

Did 10 days on resort at WDW then did 5 days at Universal and by far the Universal had the best service, room and overall shock value. Both rooms were $3500 a night but at Universal I stayed in one of their two Presidential Suite, this suite was the only one on top floor facing the parks all with top notch scores on everything. So disappointed with Disney and not just with their hotel costs but everything is so incredibly outrageously overpriced. Thanks for your video.

[@asudevil316]

Lol

[@chasingtheclouds]

There's no way this is supposed to be a luxury hotel. It really lacks so many small details and amenities that would make it feel more luxurious. Thanks for your honest review! If you're ever in Europe, it would be super interesting to see your review of the DL Paris hotel(s).

[@MineTwine45]

Queen Mary 2 trip eh? Looking forward to seeing that. Just might have to bully you into going to stay on the OG Queen Mary after ;) Great video as always!

[@atsunome]

3:25 EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD DO - I’ll pass on the creepy and invasive technology, thank you.

[@BellePullman]

so what *IS* the theme of this resort? It feels like they're kinda leaning into English upper class with afternoon tea, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland, but then they're heavy on the American Florida style, but then the Beauty and the Beast dark and moody bar... the rooms almost feel ocean-themed, certainly beachy, which doesn't tie to any of the IPs they're trying to evoke... I find it irritatingly pretentious to be honest, probably the least favourite of all the WDW resorts. I'm there for a vacation, I want somewhere fun and relaxing!

[@MrAzul99]

Congrats for getting on CNBC dude!

[@matthewrarig6760]

I must admit that although I initially thought some of your qualms were a bit “nitpicky”, after hearing the price you are absolutely right. No turndown service is extremely disappointing, as are the lack of orchestra and the poor cleanliness. The absence of the weather stripping is totally unacceptable for ANY hotel, but outrageous for a 1k+/night room.

[@RirseDeBlood]

I stayed at Grand Floridan twice with my parents (first in 1993 and 2017) when both times Disney offered to upgrade their hotel rooms from Polyesten and Caribbean Beach. And honestly I never cared for it that much. The last time we spend two years in the lobby waiting for our room to be available when it was delayed beyond the checkin time we had. At least the band was still there at the time so I got to listen to them. Fun fact, back when we stayed in 1993, they were filming the awful Hulk Hogan show Thunder in Paradise on the beach at the time.

[@jar4lifeo-o69]

As someone who strangely likes the scent of hardware stores like home depot, I would actually love to have a room smell like that😅

[@MrMatteNWk]

At least the CEO of Home Depot doesn't appear to be a nut like the CEO of Scentbird

[@TheVaporEyes]

Thank you for adding the headers to your spreadsheet! It's much easier to read now!

[@steveralston8837]

The biggest problem with your video is that you're only judging it as a luxury hotel. But this is supposed to be a THEMED hotel, and they took out all the theming to make it look like a Ramada

[@normiels3]

That gap under the door is insane. There’s so many palmettos and lizards here most of them can make it through even smaller holes. You need some kind of weatherstripping here in central Florida or you’ll let all kinds of critters/debris in during storms.

[@kojinaoftheinvertedeye810]

Honestly the makeover was crap, at least before it looked like it's Victorian theme, now it looks like an office converted into a hotel, tbh I think they need to think hard about Grand Floridian, do they want another generic modern "luxury" hotel? Or do they want a unique Victorian-esque "luxury" hotel? Personally if they wanna do the first they might as well demolish the facade and commit to the sterile modern look, I'm sorry but these "upgrades" are about as good as removing the peanut butter from Reese's and calling it an Update As a Victorian aesthetic fanatic this place BARELY looks Victorian, it's about as Victorian as a Walmart is medieval, also the beauty and the Beast bar is barely themed, it's sad

[@jeffreymccormick3578]

I can tell by your commentary (and background music) that you love this hotel. It stings to see the lack of tact imposed last 10 years on this otherwise great resort. You give great comparisons to other comparable hotels of it's prestige. I'm going with friends for a week club level in 2025, and when they were all surprised when I suggested the Polynesian over GF. You hit the nail on the head again and again with the reasons why. Thanks for your great video.

[@rjgmedia6298]

actually the Hotel De Coronado in San Diego was the primary inspiration for the Grand Floridian. My father was part of the construction project for it as one of the designers.

[@jaden997]

I was actually walking by the Hotel Del yesterday and thought this looked familiar!

[@RRLV434]

I hope he is able to visit Hotel Del sometime, it’s an incredible property!

[@wakeywarrior]

This is correct and I commented above the wood effect tiles he criticises are actually in the Hotel Del Coronado lobby- I went last year!

[@bittenbyazebra]

Yup. I saw a presentation about the planning of the hotel in the summer of 1984.