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

[mrsap]

This is SO tiny, but will probably annoy me when I see it in person. I noticed the Big Pine Key model room had a gold flush handle on the toilet to match the bathroom finishes and the Big Pine Key vlogs and now Boca Chica room photos have polished chrome flush handles. Even the bathing suit clothesline looks like polished chrome. Poly seems to have an oil rubbed bronze clothesline. IDK if it was an oversight or supply shortage, but I look at these little details, especially for the flagship resort

Good eyes!! I didn’t even notice the toilet handle!

 

[PolyRob]

Caveat that we just re-did a bathroom so I'm coming at it with a unusually picky design mindset that has messed up my brain when I walk into a new hotel room or new space in general. lol. And I haven't seen them in person yet, only judging from pics, like a good DISer.

But it's mostly function and a little form - I like rooms (like Poly and CR) that have their own toilet room vs a shower/toilet combo, so that's the overriding feeling (although there are some plusses with having the shower in its own space vs. wide-open Poly/CR, I admit). I think the vanity area is a home run - looks great. The shower/toilet room seems flat to me....like they reused the tubs and just put a new, kinda plain tile around. Again I should reserve judgement for actually seeing it in person, but the toilet/tub area just doesn't feel that luxurious, at least to me!

One of my nitpicks with the prior GF bathrooms was that in a lot of the toilet/shower rooms you could see evidence of abundant re-painting of trim/walls over the years, curious to see how it looks now. I see they kept the textured walls (not sure what you call that treatment?).

And lastly... as someone who in my adult life has spent a lot of time switching out that 80's/90's bronze from every home we've bought... I get a good laugh that it is now back in style.

Sorry, I admit I sometimes roll my eyes when I read super-opinionated posts like that and I'm rolling my eyes at myself, just relaying my opinion.

No, I love your assessment! I also recently completed a bathroom remodel so these things stick out (especially the return of gold/polished brass). I was curious if it was function or design because I definitely have my gripes about the old and new bathroom! I hated how DARK it was in the shower and toilet room at GF. I disliked how the toilet was shoved into a tiny diagonal corner and that the bathroom door almost kissed the toilet when you opened it. There was even a wicker hotelier above the toilet in the previous bathroom which was laughable to me. I also noticed the interesting texture remained and bet the layers upon layers of paint may still be visible if nothing was actually gutted. I am hoping the shower/toilet portion of the bathroom is nicer in person than what I am seeing online. The hotelier was swapped for a basic bar, but at least the door was addressed in the remodel.

The old Poly bathroom was huge and while the sinks were inside the room with the shower and toilet, I didn't have any major issues. CR had the nice pocket door separating the toilet so that was always a plus. Now that the dreaded CR sink is gone I think CR may beat Poly. The new Poly sink and countertop setup reminds me of the CSR remodel. It was fine when I stayed there, but seemed a little tight. Poly must have sacrificed some space for the toilet behind a door which is worth it.

 

[mrsap]

Progress on the Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian​

Gingerbread House Build

Preparations for the house starts well before the Christmas season. However, the build portion takes less than a week. MickeyBlog found out that the entire build should be complete in a matter of only a few more days.

 

[grannyminnie]

I recall being at the GF one year when the house was being built and they were giving out samples of the gingerbread. Wonder if they are still doing it? I remember a chef/CM named Ellen behind the table.

 

[mrsap]

I recall being at the GF one year when the house was being built and they were giving out samples of the gingerbread. Wonder if they are still doing it? I remember a chef/CM named Ellen behind the table.

They are, according to the article!


“While some cast members are working feverishly on the construction of the house others are handing out yummy samples of gingerbread for onlookers to try.”

 

[mrsap]

Shingles Added to 2022 Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort​

Gingerbread shingles and paneling now cover most of the gingerbread house framework at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

 

[geminimagk]

Can you all please tell me what's your favorite method of transport between GF and parks? My TA recommended we use the shuttle bus for all transport except MK. Is it really inconvenient to use the monorail and switch at the TTC?

 

[MommyMouse143]

Can you all please tell me what's your favorite method of transport between GF and parks? My TA recommended we use the shuttle bus for all transport except MK. Is it really inconvenient to use the monorail and switch at the TTC?

I don't believe there is a bus from GF to Epcot. We did not find it a hassle to switch at TTC. Especially with a stroller, its a way better option than a bus.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Yeah, there’s no bus to Epcot (unless the monorail is down). I don’t mind the monorail switching sometimes but then sometimes it can kind of be a drag. We'll sometimes split and rideshare/Minnie Van there and monorail back, or vice versa, just to break things up.

 

[trishadono]

Yeah, there’s no bus to Epcot (unless the monorail is down). I don’t mind the monorail switching sometimes but then sometimes it can kind of be a drag. We'll sometimes split and rideshare/Minnie Van there and monorail back, or vice versa, just to break things up.

DItto, Mono to mono one of the ways, ride share back.

Getting to HS some mornings if we arrive to a crowded bus stop we RS instead.

After RD buses are much easier to get.

 

[mrsap]

Disney Eats Unveils New Foodie Guide to Can’t Miss Gingerbread Displays 2022​

Over at Walt Disney World Resort, there are multiple displays to be explored at various resorts. Let’s kick things off with the most famous house of all – the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Beginning November 9, you can view clouds of cinnamon billowing out of the chimney of this life-sized storybook gingerbread house made from a classic Austrian recipe. This house is adorned with white chocolate, candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and 25 – yes, 25 – hidden Mickeys! Along the porches, you’ll find an 85-pound chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that have all been hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team.

As the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort continues, this year’s displays will feature colors and accents inspired by the signature EARidescent look. You can even get limited edition pins, mugs, holiday ornaments, and treats! Some of the goodies you can purchase from the Gingerbread House include:

• Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Chocolate Peppermint Bark
• House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
• New items like the Gingerbread Latte Whoopie Pie and Hot Cocoa Bombs
• Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Caramel Pecan Fudge Bar
• Gluten-friendly, plant-based, and no sugar added treats
• Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the Chocolate Mickey Ornament, exclusive to the Combo Box

In addition, several spots across Resorts will feature a new Gingerbread Martini with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Rumchata Cream Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of gingerbread, freshly baked in the Resort Bakery. It’s the perfect blend of sugar, spice, and everything nice! You can find this delicious holiday beverage at Grand Floridian Café, Cítricos, and Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Boma: Flavors of Africa and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Chef Mickey’s and Outer Rim at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and dinner at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

 

[mrsap]

I just checked my TikTok account and someone is live streaming at The Grand showing the work, as it’s being done, on the gingerbread house! Looks like it’s coming along pretty quickly! Their screen name is at the bottom if anyone is interested.

 

[geminimagk]

My checkin is today and I'm not seeing any room information on MDE. It seems like my phone and Magic Bands did not link properly. Any way to avoid going to the front desk to fix this?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My checkin is today and I'm not seeing any room information on MDE. It seems like my phone and Magic Bands did not link properly. Any way to avoid going to the front desk to fix this?

Somewhat confused what you mean by this - what are seeing/where are you looking in the app? Is your room ready?

 

[lily_belle]

Edited - found it! It's only listed when you are on the GF page, not through the "all dining" section filtered to GF.

I could have sworn a couple weeks ago with I was looking on the Disney site they had private/room service dining listed with a menu to view. I'm not seeing that now - so either I was dreaming or have they stopped doing room service?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Edited - found it! It's only listed when you are on the GF page, not through the "all dining" section filtered to GF.

I could have sworn a couple weeks ago with I was looking on the Disney site they had private/room service dining listed with a menu to view. I'm not seeing that now - so either I was dreaming or have they stopped doing room service?

Search “private dining” in the app and “Private Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa” will show up as an option. Click there and it takes you to a page with hours and a link to the menu.

 

[lily_belle]

Search “private dining” in the app and “Private Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa” will show up as an option. Click there and it takes you to a page with hours and a link to the menu.

Thank you!

 

[mrsap]

The Recreation Calendar was posted this morning on the Monthly Thread…

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Good morning everyone! I feel like I read the answer to this question on this thread before but it’s not coming up in my search. I know when we booked a cabana last year we had a tray of desserts delivered to us during the afternoon. Do the poolside patios also include the desserts? Or do they only come with the snacks and soda?

 

[MommyMouse143]

Anyone stay RPC recently and can share experiences?