baler31
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2010
We just returned from a GF RPC stay. I posted some food photos on another thread. Lounge offerings were very strong. We were with extended family and members had rooms across all categories. For me I saw a noticeable difference in the offerings in SL. Small things, but fewer options in that lounge compared to RPC. Especially noticeable for me was the lack of ciabatta bread in SL. I love the spinach and artichoke dip and they had no bread in SL. Just the lavash, long cracker like breadsticks and the the little olive rounds that I don't like. Our trips are my cue to splurge so sue me but I like a little bread with my dip.
Also, noticed that while my favorite CM's were still in RPC, I really did not know anyone working in SL. Friends in SL agreed they would not return to that lounge. It was even more chaotic than usual and I am not sure why but it seems to attract guests who frankly seem a bit rude.
Our outer building friends experienced very lackluster housekeeping. Oddly, they received an overabundance of toiletries but very few towels every single day. Turndown was hit or miss although they were told that it is by request outside of CL now. As usual during New Year's the resort is very crowded in the afternoon/evenings
We have found the service and offerings at Gasparilla's greatly improved lately. One of the manager's Anna went out of her way to help a family member with allergies after MVMCP when pizza was the only late night offering.
Finally, although the refurb was really not that long ago the furniture is starting to show some wear and tear. Hopefully, the next refurb will be conducted with a mind towards more storage space and more quality fit and finishes. The bathrooms are badly in need of a complete refurb. For a flagship resort the last refurb was very poorly planned and seems to reflect more of a desire to cut costs rather than enhance the spaces. Honestly, the BC, YC and Coronado refurbs were much more successful from a functionality aspect.
Also, we have used Minnie Van on our last 3 trips and love them more and more each time. We used them a lot this trip as we had 50% off our Lyft rides and I was pleasantly surprised that this carried over to Minnie Van. I still miss the express in park buses but Minnie Van is a great service if convenience is your primary concern. Happy to answer questions if I can.
Also, noticed that while my favorite CM's were still in RPC, I really did not know anyone working in SL. Friends in SL agreed they would not return to that lounge. It was even more chaotic than usual and I am not sure why but it seems to attract guests who frankly seem a bit rude.
Our outer building friends experienced very lackluster housekeeping. Oddly, they received an overabundance of toiletries but very few towels every single day. Turndown was hit or miss although they were told that it is by request outside of CL now. As usual during New Year's the resort is very crowded in the afternoon/evenings
We have found the service and offerings at Gasparilla's greatly improved lately. One of the manager's Anna went out of her way to help a family member with allergies after MVMCP when pizza was the only late night offering.
Finally, although the refurb was really not that long ago the furniture is starting to show some wear and tear. Hopefully, the next refurb will be conducted with a mind towards more storage space and more quality fit and finishes. The bathrooms are badly in need of a complete refurb. For a flagship resort the last refurb was very poorly planned and seems to reflect more of a desire to cut costs rather than enhance the spaces. Honestly, the BC, YC and Coronado refurbs were much more successful from a functionality aspect.
Also, we have used Minnie Van on our last 3 trips and love them more and more each time. We used them a lot this trip as we had 50% off our Lyft rides and I was pleasantly surprised that this carried over to Minnie Van. I still miss the express in park buses but Minnie Van is a great service if convenience is your primary concern. Happy to answer questions if I can.
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But if you are worried about it, you could request to be close to the main building. We had a room in Big Pine Key and it was very convenient to the lobby and the quiet pool. 
