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

[trishadono]

We are renting DVC points so i imagine we will be staying in the DVC building. Looking at the resort map it sure does seem like the ferry ride to MK is a long way away from our building. Faster to take the monorail? I know walking is an option but we do enough walking in the parks!!!

To MK take mono unless it’s midday and weather is good. Leaving the boat is direct MK to gf (before heading to poly)so that’s faster than the mono which would go all the way around.

The walking path can be an option at times if mono breaks down etc.

 

[trishadono]

Question about arrivals! We have an upcoming stay in The Villas using our DVC points. Woohoo!

We have two separate parties coming from MCO. Mom is arriving on the Mears bus. I’m assuming they only drop off at the main lobby bus stop? If so, is that the same stop as the one where we would catch a bus to the parks and Disney Springs? We’d like to meet her there to assist with luggage.

Second, if we use a ride share from the airport, can they drop us and our luggage off at The Villas entrance? Same with using a Minnie Van. Are they allowed to drop off and pick up there, or is pick up at the main lobby? In the past we’ve used the Minnie Van service from WL & BC/YC, but they don’t have a separate DVC portico entrance.

No worries either way, just wanting to know so I can properly time for things! It’s a short trip so we’re packing it in. Thanks!

The red dot is the main lobby where ride share ‘taxi/Mco type arrival buses will drop off and pick up.

The blue dot is the bus stop for Ak/Hs/Ds. The blue line is a covered walkway to get from bus stop to main lobby. It’s nice to have on a rainy day.

The yellow line : you can get to the bus stop either by going through the lobby and heading right once outside or go past gaspies and head around the building to the left. The path to MK is at the end of sago and you can get to the boat dock either yellow line from this side of the resort.

Green line just shows you can walk from front of lobby to dvc building (not BPK) under an enclosed walkway.
I have stayed at VGF but used main lobby for everything. Someone else may know answer.

However they will drive you in a golf cart from lobby to VGF if mom needs assistance walking or luggage assistance. You will need to ask but it’s a fun ride

 

[WDWHopper]

Hello! Thought we would never stay at GF due to cost, but last night we got a call from Disney and were “pixie-dusted!” Now staying Labor Day weekend in a resort view instead of a garden wing in Contemporary which was a huge splurge itself. I was so surprised that I didn’t really think about how the GF is laid out. We have a really heavy cooler. Are there plenty of luggage carts to get to the outer buildings?

 

[trishadono]

Hello! Thought we would never stay at GF due to cost, but last night we got a call from Disney and were “pixie-dusted!” Now staying Labor Day weekend in a resort view instead of a garden wing in Contemporary which was a huge splurge itself. I was so surprised that I didn’t really think about how the GF is laid out. We have a really heavy cooler. Are there plenty of luggage carts to get to the outer buildings?

Congrats! The new rooms are just gorgeous! When you arrive just tell bell services you need assistance and they will bring the items on a cart for you. If needed you can request to be escorted with a golf cart .

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the resort before arrival. Aka use the app and see your dining options that are QS and TS. Gf DOES have room service!

Most resort view rooms face the courtyard pool or some in Sago face the marina backside with mono view.

*** also check page 1 of this thread to see if anything there you need.

 

[trishadono]

I have a maybe 2 night 9/2-4 resort view with dh and 9/7-11 with dd for d23 and MNSSHP Water view.

Gf is nice for a quick arrival to MK Via monorail. Awesome on party nights!
ER , both pools and Citricos are nice places for a drink or appetizer .
We like to boat back from MK but if it’s busy we walk vs mono back. UNLESS it’s raining, you dog tired etc. it’s a nice flat walk.
Dont discount dining at poly, we even do QS there , it’s not too far away , besides they have dolewhips!
You can see GF, poly and MK version of EWP from some part of gf, listen and head for it.

Last gf often has fun seasonal things at GGG. You can see in the app or check in the restaurant. The cupcakes are usually quite good.

 

[tinydancer312]

Anyone stay in sugarloaf or sago since the main building construction started? I normally like to request a pool view, but if there will be noise in the “resort view” rooms in the closer buildings, I want to make the proper requests or change to a water view. We arrive in two weeks.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Grand Floridian Interior Construction Update - August 2023​

The main lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is still dominated by construction wall and painting equipment.

View attachment 782887

During the day, crews are working on painting the upper levels of the lobby. Back in June, work began on the section closest to the main entrance and monorail. Now it has moved toward the center of the lobby.

Scrims help protect upper floors while work is being performed.

View attachment 782886

No specific timeline has been revealed for completion. However, the prevailing wisdom suggests that Disney plans to have the bulk of the lobby work done before the Christmas season in order to clear the way for the popular gingerbread display.

Thanks for the report! I was just thinking about the Gingerbread house today and wondering if it would still be happening this year. Usually it opens around the same time as the first MVMCP if my memory is correct. I sure hope to see it then.

 

[MommaKetch]

The red dot is the main lobby where ride share ‘taxi/Mco type arrival buses will drop off and pick up.

The blue dot is the bus stop for Ak/Hs/Ds. The blue line is a covered walkway to get from bus stop to main lobby. It’s nice to have on a rainy day.

The yellow line : you can get to the bus stop either by going through the lobby and heading right once outside or go past gaspies and head around the building to the left. The path to MK is at the end of sago and you can get to the boat dock either yellow line from this side of the resort.

Green line just shows you can walk from front of lobby to dvc building (not BPK) under an enclosed walkway.
I have stayed at VGF but used main lobby for everything. Someone else may know answer.

However they will drive you in a golf cart from lobby to VGF if mom needs assistance walking or luggage assistance. You will need to ask but it’s a fun ride



View attachment 784410

Thank you, @trishadono!!! The dots and various routes are a lifesaver.

We last stayed at GF in 2017; I don't remember how we got around. We stayed in Big Pine Key, and yes, the walls were thin!

However they will drive you in a golf cart from lobby to VGF if mom needs assistance walking or luggage assistance. You will need to ask but it’s a fun ride

This sounds like a fun option! I will let her know about in case we don't make it back in time to meet her.

 

[MommaKetch]

Second, if we use a ride share from the airport, can they drop us and our luggage off at The Villas entrance? Same with using a Minnie Van.

I found the answer! In the LYFT app, I booked arrival from MCO and chose the Grand Floridian as our drop-off location, they then give you the option to choose Main Lobby, The Villas, or Convention Center. I assume this would be an option when traveling on the property and using the Minnie Van/LYFT service. We'll give it a go, and I'll report back if it doesn't work.

 

[2vets]

I found the answer! In the LYFT app, I booked arrival from MCO and chose the Grand Floridian as our drop-off location, they then give you the option to choose Main Lobby, The Villas, or Convention Center. I assume this would be an option when traveling on the property and using the Minnie Van/LYFT service. We'll give it a go, and I'll report back if it doesn't work.

I haven’t stayed at GFV since…2021, I think?? But Lyft/Uber did have separate pickup/dropoff at the villas then . Enjoy!

 

[2vets]

Hello! Thought we would never stay at GF due to cost, but last night we got a call from Disney and were “pixie-dusted!” Now staying Labor Day weekend in a resort view instead of a garden wing in Contemporary which was a huge splurge itself. I was so surprised that I didn’t really think about how the GF is laid out. We have a really heavy cooler. Are there plenty of luggage carts to get to the outer buildings?

Congrats! You will love the new rooms! My sister/her daughter and I are at CR in just under 3 weeks (she’s there the Fri-Sun of Labor Day weekend in a garden wing room, and I’m in club), and she got the same call yesterday. She declined, and honestly, I love those rooms so much that I was kinda bummed out! I’d have switched to stay at GF!

Wonder what the deal is at CR? There’s availability showing that weekend, so maybe it’s a staffing thing? Anyways, enjoy!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Congrats! You will love the new rooms! My sister/her daughter and I are at CR in just under 3 weeks (she’s there the Fri-Sun of Labor Day weekend in a garden wing room, and I’m in club), and she got the same call yesterday. She declined, and honestly, I love those rooms so much that I was kinda bummed out! I’d have switched to stay at GF!

Wonder what the deal is at CR? There’s availability showing that weekend, so maybe it’s a staffing thing? Anyways, enjoy!

Another report popped up on the boards so I guess that’s 3 that weekend that we know of. I wonder if maybe they’re successfully selling paid upgrades to CR Garden Wing but can’t get people to pay to upgrade to GF so this frees up some more inventory?

 

[Peaseblossom36]

They can feel free to call me I would move in a heart beat!

(Not staying at the Contemporary though)

 

[DisneyFave]

Do you ever see availability open up after rooms are sold out at GF? Sister and I and our kids are going for 4 nights at end of Sept, and DH just decided he wants to come too. So we need another room to split the 2 families. I have been checking Priceline etc religiously for weeks just to see if I could get a price drop, and of course the minute DH says he wants to join, all rooms are sold out.

I really don't want to split up from my sister since it's always annoying to get from A to B with little kids, and this is a mostly resort pool/MNSSHP trip.

 

[iwannabdduck]

Since I got an email "watch" notice on this thread from disboards, I thought I'd post that last evening I coincidentally I cancelled a reservation for the wife & I at the GF for the last full week of September. If any of those dates fit, maybe you might still have some luck.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Since I got an email "watch" notice on this thread from disboards, I thought I'd post that last evening I coincidentally I cancelled a reservation for the wife & I at the GF for the last full week of September. If any of those dates fit, maybe you might still have some luck.

I had waitlisted a deluxe studio for that time, but no changes on the waitlist through last week. Finally had to cancel the waitlist so I could bank my extra points for the year. So that’s one less person in queue.

 

[trishadono]

Do you ever see availability open up after rooms are sold out at GF? Sister and I and our kids are going for 4 nights at end of Sept, and DH just decided he wants to come too. So we need another room to split the 2 families. I have been checking Priceline etc religiously for weeks just to see if I could get a price drop, and of course the minute DH says he wants to join, all rooms are sold out.

I really don't want to split up from my sister since it's always annoying to get from A to B with little kids, and this is a mostly resort pool/MNSSHP trip.

Keep checking several times a day . It’s close to 30 day cancel for packages so a decent chance something opens up.

 

[DisneyFave]

We might be doing a split stay btwn OKW and GF, and hubby will need to work remotely only on the day we transfer hotels. Is there a space for him to work at GF while we wait for our GF DVC studio to be ready? Anywhere with wifi and AC...?

 

[CarolMN]

He should be able to find a quiet spot in the lobby of either the original building or the BPK (VGF2) building. I'd probably try BPK first.

 

[SaintsManiac-vol.2]

Do you ever see availability open up after rooms are sold out at GF? Sister and I and our kids are going for 4 nights at end of Sept, and DH just decided he wants to come too. So we need another room to split the 2 families. I have been checking Priceline etc religiously for weeks just to see if I could get a price drop, and of course the minute DH says he wants to join, all rooms are sold out.

I really don't want to split up from my sister since it's always annoying to get from A to B with little kids, and this is a mostly resort pool/MNSSHP trip.

I’ve been searching for 2 nights in November with the fall discount. I finally saw availability after checking multiple times a day for a couple of weeks.

Good luck!