Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa + Construction Updates!! **LOBBY REFURB STARTED 4/14**

[mrsap]

Birdcage Fully Removed From Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby​

The giant birdcage from the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has been fully removed.



The birdcage used to sit on a dais across from the cage-inspired elevator tower. On Thursday, crews began dismantling the birdcage, and as of Friday morning, it’s completely gone. White sheets lay across its former location.



The iconic birdcage was purely decorative for the past several years, but it was once functional, being home to real birds and a tree.



There are also white sheets over the long planter on one side of the dais that are stuffed into the planter on the other side. One of the short columns on the front of the dais has a sheet pinned to its front. Scrim also covers something, possibly a toolbox, behind one of the planters.


The four tall white columns behind the dais have wood frames around them. The frames attach to the construction walls behind.



The floor behind the planters is covered in protective SkudoBoard. More boards are stacked up against the construction walls, ready to cover the carpet in front of the dais.


A cart in a corner of the construction site is also covered by a white sheet. There were no crew members on site Friday morning.

 

[Michkaz]

Has anyone rented a cabana lately at the Beach Pool? I looked at the pictures at the beginning of this thread (thank you for all the information!), but I was wondering if anyone had any more recent experiences with it and if any amenities had changed? Also, Is there a cabana you would recommend requesting (I like sun, not shade, don’t want to be right at the bottom of the slide, etc.)? Thanks for any information!

 

[kylenne]

Has anyone rented a cabana lately at the Beach Pool? I looked at the pictures at the beginning of this thread (thank you for all the information!), but I was wondering if anyone had any more recent experiences with it and if any amenities had changed? Also, Is there a cabana you would recommend requesting (I like sun, not shade, don’t want to be right at the bottom of the slide, etc.)? Thanks for any information!

All of that info is still accurate, the only thing that has really changed is half day rentals never returned iirc. You can only do full days.

It’s been a while ago now but I had the cabana nearest the slide, I forget which number, but imo it’s tucked back enough that it’s really not annoying.



If you’re celebrating anything let them know when you book it because they decked mine out in Happy Birthday decorations. I didn’t even ask, just mentioned it was a solo trip for my birthday (it was a milestone, thus being extra and getting a cabana ).

 

[Michkaz]

All of that info is still accurate, the only thing that has really changed is half day rentals never returned iirc. You can only do full days.

It’s been a while ago now but I had the cabana nearest the slide, I forget which number, but imo it’s tucked back enough that it’s really not annoying.

View attachment 960170

If you’re celebrating anything let them know when you book it because they decked mine out in Happy Birthday decorations. I didn’t even ask, just mentioned it was a solo trip for my birthday (it was a milestone, thus being extra and getting a cabana ).

Thanks for the info! I would like to be at an end, I just don’t know if the one you are showing would be number 1 or number 4 (according to the picture posted at the beginning of the thread)?

 

[kylenne]

Thanks for the info! I would like to be at an end, I just don’t know if the one you are showing would be number 1 or number 4 (according to the picture posted at the beginning of the thread)?

I’m not sure which direction the numbers go in, but I would let the CM know when you book that you want one on the end. Recreation line CMs are pretty good about these things and it’s available they’ll put you in one. I would definitely suggest calling (407) WDW-PLAY right at 7am ET on your 60 day mark if you really want a specific one though.

 

[Michkaz]

Thank you!

 

[mrsap]

Grand Floridian Lobby Reimagining: Birdcage Removed, Front Desk Operations Relocated, Tea Room Behind Walls, and More

As we began walking around the construction walls, we noticed that an area of the lobby was roped off and that the Front Desk operations had been relocated into the sitting area. The move comes ahead of the arrival of construction walls for work on the check-in area. In speaking with Cast Members, more construction walls should surround the front desk very shortly.




The Front Desk operations have been moved into the seating area, with a more casual check-in process now in place. A Cast Member will welcome you to the hotel, and if your interaction requires the use of a computer, you’ll be welcomed into the sitting area. Some Cast Members are using desks, while others are using iPads to assist guests.



Cast Members that we spoke with were not sure how long this setup would be in place, but it is safe to say that we’re looking at weeks or months. It all depends on how much of a priority the work at the actual Front Desk is to the construction team.

It would stand to reason that the construction of the birdcage bar would take the longest, but we’re not privy to the exact construction schedule.

Garden View Tea Room Behind Construction Walls​

Finally, the Garden View Tea Room is also behind construction walls. It will be receiving some work during the lobby reimagining, and more details are expected at a later date. So far, it doesn’t look like anyone has swung a hammer in the Tea Room with the exception of the crews installing the construction walls. We should see some movement in the coming weeks in this space.

 

[PolyRob]

Grand Floridian Lobby Reimagining: Birdcage Removed, Front Desk Operations Relocated, Tea Room Behind Walls, and More

As we began walking around the construction walls, we noticed that an area of the lobby was roped off and that the Front Desk operations had been relocated into the sitting area. The move comes ahead of the arrival of construction walls for work on the check-in area. In speaking with Cast Members, more construction walls should surround the front desk very shortly.

The Front Desk operations have been moved into the seating area, with a more casual check-in process now in place. A Cast Member will welcome you to the hotel, and if your interaction requires the use of a computer, you’ll be welcomed into the sitting area. Some Cast Members are using desks, while others are using iPads to assist guests.

Cast Members that we spoke with were not sure how long this setup would be in place, but it is safe to say that we’re looking at weeks or months. It all depends on how much of a priority the work at the actual Front Desk is to the construction team.

It would stand to reason that the construction of the birdcage bar would take the longest, but we’re not privy to the exact construction schedule.

A nearby area next to the first-floor main entrance is also behind construction walls.

Garden View Tea Room Behind Construction Walls​

Finally, the Garden View Tea Room is also behind construction walls. It will be receiving some work during the lobby reimagining, and more details are expected at a later date. So far, it doesn’t look like anyone has swung a hammer in the Tea Room with the exception of the crews installing the construction walls. We should see some movement in the coming weeks in this space.

WOW! I wonder how long the makeshift check-in desks will be present? Maybe this is why we're not going to see the gingerbread house this year? You'd think/hope if the desks are being changed first they will be opened sooner, but that may not be the case. I am optimistic about the change, but it's sad seeing the lobby like this.

 

[FSU Girl]

Anyone have a picture of the birdcage when it had birds in it? I had no idea it used to be functional

 

[mrsap]

Some updated pictures:

Check-in Moves, Garden Tea Room Closes During Ongoing Grand Floridian Lobby Remodel​

More construction walls are up in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, forcing check-in to move.



Crews removed the lobby’s iconic birdcage earlier this month — the first step in a major remodel of the space that will include the construction of a birdcage-inspired bar.


In addition to the construction walls around the birdcage’s pedestal, there are now construction walls to either side of the front doors. The walls on the left in the photo above block the former check-in area.



Two desks with chairs have been set up in the seating area to act as check-in for now. The space is blocked by red ropes, but Cast Members with tablets will help guests check in. If they need to use the computer, they’ll go to one of the desks.



Two podiums with computers are also set up outside the blocked-off space.



The old check-in was one long counter. Like other remodeled Disney resort lobbies, the counter might be turned into several smaller desks.



Behind the walls, we saw crew members working already. A ladder was set up against one window. Some blue painter’s tape covers wall elements.



Two crew members were peeling striped wallpaper away.



The walls on the other side of the front doors block a small seating area.



At the back of the lobby, opposite the check-in desks, construction walls also now block the Garden View Tea Room. Disney announced the tea room’s refurbishment but shared no details.


Behind the walls, we didn’t see any major construction work on the space yet.



A couple of white poles with painter’s tape were on the ground. Other items appear to be Cast Members’ personal belongings and trash bags.


Meanwhile, the bathrooms on the second floor next to Victoria & Albert’s and Cítricos are closed. Guests are directed to the restrooms on the first floor near 1900 Park Fare instead.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hmmm, could it be an end to an era for WDW’s most awkward men’s urinal placement?

 

[ahcupcake]

Anyone have a picture of the birdcage when it had birds in it? I had no idea it used to be functional

I could only find one and it's from 1993-ish and it's not great but I did circle a couple of the birds





And there was a topiary in front of the birdcage elevator

 

[nursejackie]

Hmmm, could it be an end to an era for WDW’s most awkward men’s urinal placement?

View attachment 961372

Father and son maybe?

 

[StarLime]

We are going to be staying here in a few weeks for the first time, with a standard resort view room. I tried looking at pictures online, but couldn’t find the answer to this question - how are the views from this room type?

I ask because we once stayed at the animal kingdom lodge in a standard view room and our view was just the parking lot. Not the biggest deal breaker, and understandable why it’s the cheaper of the room types, but I’m just wondering if it’s worth paying extra for a better view at the grand Floridian? Because in hindsight I certainly would have paid a little extra for a better view at AKL.

 

[ahcupcake]

We are going to be staying here in a few weeks for the first time, with a standard resort view room. I tried looking at pictures online, but couldn’t find the answer to this question - how are the views from this room type?

I ask because we once stayed at the animal kingdom lodge in a standard view room and our view was just the parking lot. Not the biggest deal breaker, and understandable why it’s the cheaper of the room types, but I’m just wondering if it’s worth paying extra for a better view at the grand Floridian? Because in hindsight I certainly would have paid a little extra for a better view at AKL.

I haven't been there in a while so maybe someone who has been there more recently
can help but when I was there a view of the courtyard pool was considered the standard resort view.

 

[focusondisney]

We are going to be staying here in a few weeks for the first time, with a standard resort view room. I tried looking at pictures online, but couldn’t find the answer to this question - how are the views from this room type?

I ask because we once stayed at the animal kingdom lodge in a standard view room and our view was just the parking lot. Not the biggest deal breaker, and understandable why it’s the cheaper of the room types, but I’m just wondering if it’s worth paying extra for a better view at the grand Floridian? Because in hindsight I certainly would have paid a little extra for a better view at AKL.

FYI, in 2024, standard & garden view rooms at all Deluxe & Disney Vacation Club resorts were combined into 1 category called Resort View. Some websites, such as Priceline, still list standard rooms. If you look at the WDW website, you will not see a standard view category & that category can’t be booked. So you’re really booking Resort View. The views for Resort view rooms states

Views of the Courtyard, Marina or Pool Areas
Located in the Outer Building

The other categories you could upgrade to are water (lake) & theme park views. GF never really had parking lot views anyway. But if you stay at a different resort, it is possible to get anything from a parking lot, rooftop or garden view when you book Resort View.

 

[pinkxray]

I am looking to book an appt at the GF spa next trip. Usually they say check in around an hour early. If I book an appt for 9am are you still able to check in an hour early? Not sure what time they are open but would really prefer an early time. Just don’t want to lose the relaxing time before the massage.

 

[kylenne]

We are going to be staying here in a few weeks for the first time, with a standard resort view room. I tried looking at pictures online, but couldn’t find the answer to this question - how are the views from this room type?

I ask because we once stayed at the animal kingdom lodge in a standard view room and our view was just the parking lot. Not the biggest deal breaker, and understandable why it’s the cheaper of the room types, but I’m just wondering if it’s worth paying extra for a better view at the grand Floridian? Because in hindsight I certainly would have paid a little extra for a better view at AKL.

Standard at the Grand is great. Mostly you are looking in at the resort, I don’t actually think anything faces parking lots now that I’m thinking about it. Back in the day it was “Garden View” and looked at the grounds, pool, etc.

Though, I will say if you’re willing to splurge, TPV is fantastic there. We stayed TPV in Conch last September on our land & sea trip and even though we only planned to have a DIY dessert party on the balcony for fireworks one night, we ended up watching them a few times.