***OFFICIAL Grand Floridian Construction Thread (new info!)***

[Jungle Cruiser]

As people have posted there are a lot of photos on the GF thread of the construction. We were there for 10 nights in April, staying in SL and weren't affected by the construction in terms of our room or view. That being said the walk to the Poly isn't what it used to be (you have to walk all the way past the Wedding Chapel on to Poly property before the walls disappear).

Here's a photo of the beach as of April. My best guess is that the walls were put up not only because of the DVC at the GF, but also since there is work around the beach pool bar. I think they put up walls once, instead of moving them when needed.



The photo below shows the beach pool bar building wrapped/hidden. Clearly work is being done on that also.

WDW is notorious for "hiding" any work being done. Best guess is that these walls will be up for quite a while

[andyman8]

Originally Posted by Jungle Cruiser

As people have posted there are a lot of photos on the GF thread of the construction. We were there for 10 nights in April, staying in SL and weren't affected by the construction in terms of our room or view. That being said the walk to the Poly isn't what it used to be (you have to walk all the way past the Wedding Chapel on to Poly property before the walls disappear).

Here's a photo of the beach as of April. My best guess is that the walls were put up not only because of the DVC at the GF, but also since there is work around the beach pool bar. I think they put up walls once, instead of moving them when needed.



The photo below shows the beach pool bar building wrapped/hidden. Clearly work is being done on that also.

WDW is notorious for "hiding" any work being done. Best guess is that these walls will be up for quite a while

That makes sense! I heard about some refurbishment to the pool bar. That would explain the closing off of half the beach. They put those walls up, so they could lay out the pipes and refurbish the bar at the same time!

Oh, I hope that is done by July 4! It seems somewhat possible. Does anyone know?

Actually, when you think about it, the closing off of that beach might be unrelated to the construction. They may be relaying the pipe work or something for the Pool Bar.

[baler31]

Originally Posted by andyman8

That makes sense! I heard about some refurbishment to the pool bar. That would explain the closing off of half the beach. They put those walls up, so they could lay out the pipes and refurbish the bar at the same time!

Oh, I hope that is done by July 4! It seems somewhat possible. Does anyone know?

Actually, when you think about it, the closing off of that beach might be unrelated to the construction. They may be relaying the pipe work or something for the Pool Bar.

I have a reservation for a deluxe room in RPC this June so I called to speak with management about what to expect regarding construction.

I was told the work around the pool area would continue thru the end of Aug. Then a new project would begin that MIGHT entail adding to the existing pool to create a shared pool for the DVC and creating a new childrens water feature area. Worst case I was told that due to the RPC deluxe rooms facing that area that there is a possibility those rooms may be removed from inventory should they decide the work is too intrusive.

So in short it sounds as though the work will only become more intrusive before it gets better. We are there for 11 nights so I wanted to be prepared.

[andyman8]

Originally Posted by baler31

I have a reservation for a deluxe room in RPC this June so I called to speak with management about what to expect regarding construction.

I was told the work around the pool area would continue thru the end of Aug. Then a new project would begin that MIGHT entail adding to the existing pool to create a shared pool for the DVC and creating a new childrens water feature area. Worst case I was told that due to the RPC deluxe rooms facing that area that there is a possibility those rooms may be removed from inventory should they decide the work is too intrusive.

So in short it sounds as though the work will only become more intrusive before it gets better. We are there for 11 nights so I wanted to be prepared.

Thanks for letting us know, but that (the fact of the matter not your post) sucks! I still wonder what they are doing to the pool bar, though? I guess only time will tell. One thing is for sure, I will definitely be posting some pictures when I get there in July!

[k&a&c'smom]

Originally Posted by andyman8

I agree! The only real reason we are staying here was because the Polynesian and Contemporary were MORE expensive. Anyways, we are FL Residents. The CM on the phone told me that they had "upped" the Florida Resident discount at GF because of all the construction.

On another nother, CoachBagFanactic, thanks for the video. It really is a bummer. I don't see why anything past the end of the Beach Pool needs to be closed off. Just seems a bit "unnecessary?" Oh, thanks everyone for all your help! It's great!

Thanks, I see now what you mean regarding a "great deal"! I'm glad they are at least starting to acknowledge there is a need for a bigger discount.

When we were there a couple weeks ago, you could see some destruction to the outside of the pool bar. We were at the Summerhouse and could see inside the eaves of the back side, closest to the (formerly) wide part of the beach. Not sure what they are planning, but now that someone has heard they are expanding the pool it makes sense. I've wondered since the GFV plans were leaked why there was no plan for a DVC pool!

[Donna3271]

Does anyone know if the walk to the healthclub is interrupted?

[k&a&c'smom]

Originally Posted by Donna3271

Does anyone know if the walk to the healthclub is interrupted?

The walk to the health club is on the path to the Poly, which is still open. Jungle Cruiser posted above that the walls continue past the Wedding Chapel, but you can at least get there.

Here is a link to the photos on Mousesteps of the walk from the GF to the Poly (actually, it may be the Poly to GF), posted May 6 of this year. http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?...=813&Itemid=77

[Donna3271]

Originally Posted by k&a&c'smom

The walk to the health club is on the path to the Poly, which is still open. Jungle Cruiser posted above that the walls continue past the Wedding Chapel, but you can at least get there.

Here is a link to the photos on Mousesteps of the walk from the GF to the Poly (actually, it may be the Poly to GF), posted May 6 of this year. http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?...=813&Itemid=77

You're awesome!!! TU!!!

[andyman8]

If anyone has any pictures or videos of the construction, please post them here. I am changing the name of this thread to better reflect this discussion. Again, if you have any information or graphics regarding the construction at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, please post them on this thread.

[andyman8]

Sorry for the double post, but does anyone know what they are doing to the Pool Bar? Apparently, work began on it sometime in April and several sites are saying it should be wrapping up soon. Are they just "retouching" it or is it something greater? Any information, thoughts, rumors, and opinions are appreciated.

[toodycat]

Thanks for creating this thread. I will stay tuned for more Grand gossip. I'm sincerely hoping this won't impact our September RPC TPV stay too much. But, I guess if the GF gets a facelift, there is bound to b some initial bruising.

[cgulls]

Originally Posted by baler31

I have a reservation for a deluxe room in RPC this June so I called to speak with management about what to expect regarding construction.

I was told the work around the pool area would continue thru the end of Aug. Then a new project would begin that MIGHT entail adding to the existing pool to create a shared pool for the DVC and creating a new childrens water feature area. Worst case I was told that due to the RPC deluxe rooms facing that area that there is a possibility those rooms may be removed from inventory should they decide the work is too intrusive.

So in short it sounds as though the work will only become more intrusive before it gets better. We are there for 11 nights so I wanted to be prepared.

We probably all agree that these improvements (pros & cons of DVC notwithstanding) will be good in the end but that we don't want them in-progress during out stays.

I'm staying mid-April, 2013. I'll keep an eye on this thread to keep updated on the second phase of the beach pool construction. It would be a real bummer if it was out-of-commission during our stay. We actually chose GF over Poly because I'm concerned about the Poly DVC work that might be going on next spring.

Thanks for starting and filling this thread!!!

[andyman8]

Just wondering. Does anyone know what they're doing to the Pool Bar?

[megan926]

Thanks for this thread!! I will definitely be following!

Is the path to the Poly still open?

[andyman8]

Originally Posted by megan926

Thanks for this thread!! I will definitely be following!

Is the path to the Poly still open?

It, indeed, is. I believe there are some pictures or posts about it here!