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

The rumor being reported by many of the news site seems to make the most sense. Due to scheduling challenges, Disney decided not to refurb the lobby so as not to impact the holidays. The current walls are for staging materials and tools for the room refurb.

We know they have the walls up for the rooms, so something is definitely happening there. They have covered the existing flooring, so they don’t plan on ripping it out and replacing it soon. They only have 4-5 months before the holiday season begins, so it’s unlikely they could do renovations to rooms on 3 floors, and a full lobby update.

So while we can’t know until it’s done, I’m thinking it’s a very plausible scenario.
 
I’m voting on the “lobby renovation” just being a fresh coat of paint, hopefully repair of the pretty bad moldy/stained crown molding above the chandeliers, new furniture, carpet, etc. Basically what we already see in the outer building lobbies, just on a larger scale.

Guess we’ll see.
 

Another Update…


UPDATE: Construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Reportedly for Guest Rooms Only, Lobby Remodel Delayed Until 2024


Reports now indicate that the walls and equipment are in place to begin the remodel of the guest rooms in that building. WDWNT’s sources also report that the lobby remodel is being delayed until 2024.

The concierge level rooms on floors 3, 4, & 5 will be remodeled to match the new look of the resort. See a full tour of a remodeled room here. The construction walls surround a staging area for equipment to be raised up to the different floors. A crane should be arriving soon. The crew has laid wood flooring over the existing floor to protect it from the crane.
They will also be working on the high pillars and dome ceiling. This is likely what is depicted on the blueprints spotted at the site.

Reportedly, the lobby remodel was scheduled to begin earlier this spring. They were unable to meet that schedule. Rather than start construction and interfere with the giant gingerbread house the resort builds annually, the remodel was delayed.

*The remodel of the rooms in building 5 is also delayed.

* I’m confused by this because I thought Sago was completed?!

**This report coincides with what @WishesQueen was told. I don’t know what is accurate anymore. I’ll keep reporting as I see new posts. So far, this is the only blog posting this. If anyone else who is there finds out anything additional, please let us know!
The cranes have arrived.
 

We checked out yesterday morning and on the way out we witnessed a promotional video/commercial being filmed. It was so cool to see 😎. We had such a phenomenal stay and can’t wait to go back. Also, cast members truly go above and beyond to make your vacation extra special…a cast member at the pool did a canon ball with the kids and they loved it. My daughters thought it was the coolest thing ever! Lol
 

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High-Reach Lifts & Expanding Construction Walls for Grand Floridian Main Building Refurbishment Project

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Wwithout warning
Upper Floors of Disney’s Grand Floridian Main Building Closed for Refurbishment

While visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort today to check in on the construction area we spotted in the lobby yesterday, we noticed that the upper floors are now behind construction “walls”. Crews were also testing the alarm system throughout the upper floors, lobby, shops, and more as part of the early work. Floors 3-5 are now closed, but the second floor will remain open at this time for monorail access and more. Here’s a look at the lobby building as of this afternoon!



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Upper Floors of Disney’s Grand Floridian Main Building Closed for Refurbishment

While visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort today to check in on the construction area we spotted in the lobby yesterday, we noticed that the upper floors are now behind construction “walls”. Crews were also testing the alarm system throughout the upper floors, lobby, shops, and more as part of the early work. Floors 3-5 are now closed, but the second floor will remain open at this time for monorail access and more. Here’s a look at the lobby building as of this afternoon!



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Hey guys!! Someone just sent this to me. It’s a post they saw on a FB Group a couple of days ago. Not sure how accurate the info is, but it had a good overhead shot of the enclosed space in the lobby.

“Cast member we spoke to yesterday informed us that main lobby work begins Friday (although Park Fare has already been initiated). He said it is supposed to last about 3 months and a large portion will be the roof. He did state that they will be gutting the inside and will be pulling up and replacing the carpets, likely with something identical/similar to the turquoise with flowers in the other buildings and hallways. He was with Bell services and not construction crew so take with a grain of salt.”

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We checked out yesterday morning and on the way out we witnessed a promotional video/commercial being filmed. It was so cool to see 😎. We had such a phenomenal stay and can’t wait to go back. Also, cast members truly go above and beyond to make your vacation extra special…a cast member at the pool did a canon ball with the kids and they loved it. My daughters thought it was the coolest thing ever! Lol
That is so cool! And I love that the cast member jumped into the pool with all the kids - truly magical 🥰.
 
After reading some snarky comments elsewhere the last few days, I just wanted to thank everyone here for your kindness! Someone could ask a question that has been asked 1000 times, and it will be answered for the 1001 time with kindness. I am not sure when I will be able to stay at the Grand again. But I love keeping up with all the changes and making virtual "visits" until my return to the resort. It is fun to share everyone's joys and share a hug when someone experiences a disappointment on occasion. You guys are awesome!
 
We are staying at the GF in mid August but thinking of switching to the YC because of the construction. I didn't realize the whole main building was going to be surrounded by white fences! Wondering if we will be sitting at the pool staring at construction the whole time? Any possibility the fencing around the building will be gone by Mid-August? Will the white temporary walls be up in mid August also in the lobby?
 
We are staying at the GF in mid August but thinking of switching to the YC because of the construction. I didn't realize the whole main building was going to be surrounded by white fences! Wondering if we will be sitting at the pool staring at construction the whole time? Any possibility the fencing around the building will be gone by Mid-August? Will the white temporary walls be up in mid August also in the lobby?
I will admit that the white walls are very unpleasant to look at. When they talked about the lobby refurbishment, I never thought they were going to do this to the building, although I should have expected it. They did it to the other buildings.

The main building is huge. I have a feeling it would take a few months for the building to be completed. It might not be done by mid-August.
 
I will admit that the white walls are very unpleasant to look at. When they talked about the lobby refurbishment, I never thought they were going to do this to the building, although I should have expected it. They did it to the other buildings.

The main building is huge. I have a feeling it would take a few months for the building to be completed. It might not be done by mid-August.
Thank you!
 
We are staying at the GF in mid August but thinking of switching to the YC because of the construction. I didn't realize the whole main building was going to be surrounded by white fences! Wondering if we will be sitting at the pool staring at construction the whole time? Any possibility the fencing around the building will be gone by Mid-August? Will the white temporary walls be up in mid August also in the lobby?

I seriously doubt the work would be done that quickly. Sorry!
 
We are staying at the GF in mid August but thinking of switching to the YC because of the construction. I didn't realize the whole main building was going to be surrounded by white fences! Wondering if we will be sitting at the pool staring at construction the whole time? Any possibility the fencing around the building will be gone by Mid-August? Will the white temporary walls be up in mid August also in the lobby?
Unfortunately, every building was surrounded with white walls during construction, I assume for safety of the guests who are passing by. They typically remain up until the exterior work is completed. The Beach Pool lounge chairs do not face the main building, they face away from it. Here is the view of the main building from the Beach pool.

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You can always switch over to the Courtard pool, which gives you a little bit of distance between you and the Main Bldg. Honestly, I think it depends on the person vacationing. If you feel the construction will be a big disappointment/disturbance and impact your trip, I’d recommend switching resorts and rebook this one after work has completed to enjoy it at its best! Good luck deciding.
 














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