Anyone stay at the GF recently also disappointed with all the construction?

[kandb]

We just came back from our first stay at the GF. It is a beautiful resort, however I was disappointed with all the construction that was being done when we got there. The lobby had a lot of white petitions up to block all the work being done on the floor. When we got to our room in Big Pine Key, we walked in and the first thing I could see out of our window/balcony was a large orange crane. Putting aside what the crane looked like, once the working started moving it, it had a very loud sound from the motor when it moved up and down. I called and said we couldn' stay for a week with the loud noise since we have an infant and planned on napping during the day. They moved us far from the main building (which I requested being close to), to Sago Cay, in the rear. Don't get me wrong, all the buildings are beautiful but I was a little dissappointed we were what seemed like the furthest from the main building. There were also many cranes around other buildings doing what seemed to be painting, spackling of the outside of the buildings. I have to admit that it did take away the ambiance of the resort with all the cranes and work being done in the lobby but we still had a great time and enjoyed our stay. We got the 4/3 deal so we did not pay almost $500 a night, which I believe is rack rate. Even though the resort is beautiful, I would never pay $500 a night to stay there. The construction did seem to diminish towards the end of our stay. If anyone has any questions, please ask. Linda

[michelle1]

We were at GF in August so I'm not sure if there is more or less construction now but it honestly didn't phase us one bit. We were so in awe of the place that I was just so happy to be there. We have never stayed at a deluxe which is probably why we were in such awe and we don't have small kids that nap but I could see how that could be annoying if it's too noisy. I personally wouldn't stay $500/night to stay anywhere (we just prefer to not spend $ on a room but other things instead) but we were also using a discount code and I found GF to be worth every penny of what we paid. I guess during the slower months is when it makes most sense to renovate but I'm glad you had a good time despite everything!

[Missytara]

That's funny, because I would love to have a room facing the construction - I am a construction manager in facilities management, so I would probably end up spending hours watching them work.... it is the way our business is - we are all "sidewalk engineers" as they refer to it.

It is like when I took three of my friends a few years ago. We all work together and two of them are also construction managers in our office. While other people are noticing the little cool things about the rides, we were trying to figure out how they hid all the sprinkler heads, security cameras, etc......

Like I said, it is a curse!

I should add that this work has to get done sometime - again, working in facilities management, I know it can be disappointing, but I would be glad to see that they are taking the time to get things just right. I am lucky because it is very easy for me to block it out, since I see it all the time - I can imagine how disappointing it may be because things didn't seem so "magical."

[psac]

Anyone know when the construction will be done?

[rie'smom]

I can't find any rehab links for the GF. What kind of work is being done? When is it expected to be completed? Fibgers crossed they'll be finished by our trip.

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Other than what people have posted on the threads here on the Dis, I haven't found much info out there about the rehab although this was in the latest issue of the Mousesavers newsletter:

"Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby flooring is being replaced and there is some construction/refurbishment requiring the use of a crane. This is expected to continue through November."

I also found some pictures on this blog:
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?...1&limitstart=1

[kandb]

The construction they are doing on some of the buildings on the outside have large cranes that the resort tries hard to "hide". They put a fence around them and they are usually at the end of the building. They seem to use the cranes during the day hours when most people are at the parks. During the week we were there the construction on the lobby was done in different areas. The new floor is absolutely beautiful. When you come off the monorail to where the piano and small band is, there is several large white temporary walls there to block work being done. The resort is beautiful but it did feel like the resort was under construction. Linda

[Carrie in AZ]

Oh no...I am so sorry. I would feel majorly disappointed if I walked into my room and saw a crane outside. UGH... And, those pictures of the lobby with all the white barricades up certainly make it feel less than magical. Double ugh..

We have our very first stay booked there in two weeks for our 20th wedding anniversary -- honestly, these pictures have thrown me for a loop. Definitely not what I've been dreaming of......I'm not sure what to think now....

I know you still had a wonderful time, but I am sorry to know the GF didn't look 100% gorgeous during your stay. I, too, would feel disappointed. You are NOT alone.

[Carrie in AZ]

Just thought of a question......

Do you hear the lovely music in the lobby these days or noise from jack hammers, etc.???

[LMO429]

I am being hopeful that all this construction will be done for the holiday decorations. I have a feeing it is..the gf will have alot more foottraffic once the xmas tree and gingerbread house are in the lobby, I would think that their goal is to have it done before then.

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Originally Posted by LMO429

I am being hopeful that all this construction will be done for the holiday decorations. I have a feeing it is..the gf will have alot more foottraffic once the xmas tree and gingerbread house are in the lobby, I would think that their goal is to have it done before then.

I was thinking that too. I'm wondering if that's why so much is going on at once - to get it all done in time for the holiday decorations. The pics in the blog I posted earlier have me a little .

[Mouseturtle]

is it just in the main building? I'm going in May staying in Sugarloaf, hope it's all taken care of by then! I know it's frustrating but they gotta do it sometime and it will be better off fo rit for future visits! When we were there in May they had one elevator down (out of 2) in SL and that was frustrating in itself