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

[vinotinto]

I know this has been discussed, but I received an email that Grand Floridian would be undergoing construction during January and February. When I contact Disney via the chat function, they indicated that the room refurbs and lobby were set to be completed this summer. If so, why the notice for January? Also, has the lobby even been remodeled yet?

That email has been sent to guests for quite some time now. I have seen people report, with trips as far as next summer, that they received a letter. Unfortunately, whatever has been discussed and reported in this thread so far is all we know to date. Rooms are all updated. Lobby is not. A fellow Disser had reported being told the lobby will not be updated until next year. You can see that post HERE. I keep this thread up to date, and as of today, still nothing new to report. I’ll be sure to post it here first if I find out otherwise! In the meantime, feel free to go back a few pages and read through the recent discussion. Enjoy.

Following closely. I just booked RPC for end of July 2025 and received the letter saying there will be construction "including our lobby." I considered booked RPC for this summer and didn't want to take the chance of lobby being in refurbishment and now they've pushed it out to next year, LOL. I'll likely need to change my booking, but not until we see the actual refurbishment starting.

LETTER:

August 2024

Dear Guest,

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience here at the Walt Disney World® Resort, we often refresh our offerings and atmosphere. In preparation for your upcoming stay, we would like to make you aware of renovations that will be taking place during your visit. While we work our magic, you will see or hear construction around Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – including our lobby – during daytime hours.

Please refer to the DisneyWorld.com for the most up-to-date hours, amenities and information on what will be available to you such as dining, merchandise and recreation locations.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that we are making every effort to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your original booking agent.

For reservations made through Disney Reservation Center or disneyworld.com, please call 407-939-1877 between the hours of 7:00am-11:00pm (ET).

The team at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa look forward to your arrival and wish you a truly magical stay!

Sincerely,
Disney Destinations, LLC

 

[followthatmouse]

Hello, my dear GFers! I require some advice. I am planning a December 2025 RPC stay. My DM and I had several lovely stays over the years, usually in Deluxe Queen rooms, 4422 being our favourite. We had a 2020 trip booked and paid for and, of course, cancelled due to the Dreaded Lurgy. During the intervening years, my mother’s health and mobility declined and we never rebooked. Unfortunately, my DM passed away in June. Just before her passing, she made me promise to take the trip we planned. So, I am summoning my courage and planning that GF stay. Here is my query. Would I be foolish to book a Deluxe Queen just for me, a single guest? I’m not really all that thrilled with the thought of a King room. I always thought of them as being in a not so great position for ease of access and floor. That said, I have never tried one. So, I would be grateful for any thoughts. I do have a little time to ponder as December bookings are not yet available. Now, I will return you to your previously scheduled GFing!

 

[run_Disney]

Hello, my dear GFers! I require some advice. I am planning a December 2025 RPC stay. My DM and I had several lovely stays over the years, usually in Deluxe Queen rooms, 4422 being our favourite. We had a 2020 trip booked and paid for and, of course, cancelled due to the Dreaded Lurgy. During the intervening years, my mother’s health and mobility declined and we never rebooked. Unfortunately, my DM passed away in June. Just before her passing, she made me promise to take the trip we planned. So, I am summoning my courage and planning that GF stay. Here is my query. Would I be foolish to book a Deluxe Queen just for me, a single guest? I’m not really all that thrilled with the thought of a King room. I always thought of them as being in a not so great position for ease of access and floor. That said, I have never tried one. So, I would be grateful for any thoughts. I do have a little time to ponder as December bookings are not yet available. Now, I will return you to your previously scheduled GFing!

Why not? Is your concern that the room has a capacity for multiple people but you're just one person?
If that's your only concern, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. I book suites for myself all the time.

 

[kylenne]

Hello, my dear GFers! I require some advice. I am planning a December 2025 RPC stay. My DM and I had several lovely stays over the years, usually in Deluxe Queen rooms, 4422 being our favourite. We had a 2020 trip booked and paid for and, of course, cancelled due to the Dreaded Lurgy. During the intervening years, my mother’s health and mobility declined and we never rebooked. Unfortunately, my DM passed away in June. Just before her passing, she made me promise to take the trip we planned. So, I am summoning my courage and planning that GF stay. Here is my query. Would I be foolish to book a Deluxe Queen just for me, a single guest? I’m not really all that thrilled with the thought of a King room. I always thought of them as being in a not so great position for ease of access and floor. That said, I have never tried one. So, I would be grateful for any thoughts. I do have a little time to ponder as December bookings are not yet available. Now, I will return you to your previously scheduled GFing!

I am sorry for your loss.

I can’t speak to the Deluxe Queen but I’ve stayed solo in a Deluxe King room (in the section directly above Gaspys) they’re actually in a fantastic location imo. Not so much for getting to the rest of the main building, but it’s very convenient to the lounge (though I could not utilize it as CL hadnt returned yet) and you basically have your own private elevator that lets out practically on top of the walking path to MK.

That said, I would not be dissuaded from booking anything as a solo, especially for a trip this meaningful. My deluxe king stay was also solo not by choice, but because it was in 2021 when the border with Canada was still closed and my partner could not join me. We had been separated for months, I felt terrible, and she told me to go on and try to make my milestone special—it was my 40th birthday. I booked a cabana at the pool just for me, even. I had such a magical time despite everything. So I say go for the suite!

 

[followthatmouse]

Why not? Is your concern that the room has a capacity for multiple people but you're just one person?
If that's your only concern, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. I book suites for myself all the time.

Thank you so much, run_Disney! Yes, I suppose that was my main concern. It sounds silly, I know.

Okay, Deluxe queen here I come!

 

[followthatmouse]

I am sorry for your loss.

I can’t speak to the Deluxe Queen but I’ve stayed solo in a Deluxe King room (in the section directly above Gaspys) they’re actually in a fantastic location imo. Not so much for getting to the rest of the main building, but it’s very convenient to the lounge (though I could not utilize it as CL hadnt returned yet) and you basically have your own private elevator that lets out practically on top of the walking path to MK.

That said, I would not be dissuaded from booking anything as a solo, especially for a trip this meaningful. My deluxe king stay was also solo not by choice, but because it was in 2021 when the border with Canada was still closed and my partner could not join me. We had been separated for months, I felt terrible, and she told me to go on and try to make my milestone special—it was my 40th birthday. I booked a cabana at the pool just for me, even. I had such a magical time despite everything. So I say go for the suite!

Well, now I know that either category will be just fine! Thank you, kylenne. I do appreciate the input.

Oh, and you are quite right. That back elevator is so convenient for a variety of occasions!

 

[ahcupcake]

Hello, my dear GFers! I require some advice. I am planning a December 2025 RPC stay. My DM and I had several lovely stays over the years, usually in Deluxe Queen rooms, 4422 being our favourite. We had a 2020 trip booked and paid for and, of course, cancelled due to the Dreaded Lurgy. During the intervening years, my mother’s health and mobility declined and we never rebooked. Unfortunately, my DM passed away in June. Just before her passing, she made me promise to take the trip we planned. So, I am summoning my courage and planning that GF stay. Here is my query. Would I be foolish to book a Deluxe Queen just for me, a single guest? I’m not really all that thrilled with the thought of a King room. I always thought of them as being in a not so great position for ease of access and floor. That said, I have never tried one. So, I would be grateful for any thoughts. I do have a little time to ponder as December bookings are not yet available. Now, I will return you to your previously scheduled GFing!

Sorry for your loss

My mom & I like 4423 for the extra storage (or we used to prior to the refurb no clue what that room looks like now) also enjoy the a courtyard pool view.

There's also room 4001, 4411 & 4311

 

[Maxie86]

Hello, my dear GFers! I require some advice. I am planning a December 2025 RPC stay. My DM and I had several lovely stays over the years, usually in Deluxe Queen rooms, 4422 being our favourite. We had a 2020 trip booked and paid for and, of course, cancelled due to the Dreaded Lurgy. During the intervening years, my mother’s health and mobility declined and we never rebooked. Unfortunately, my DM passed away in June. Just before her passing, she made me promise to take the trip we planned. So, I am summoning my courage and planning that GF stay. Here is my query. Would I be foolish to book a Deluxe Queen just for me, a single guest? I’m not really all that thrilled with the thought of a King room. I always thought of them as being in a not so great position for ease of access and floor. That said, I have never tried one. So, I would be grateful for any thoughts. I do have a little time to ponder as December bookings are not yet available. Now, I will return you to your previously scheduled GFing!

I love larger rooms and would have no problem booking a deluxe room for one. 4421 is a deluxe king its right across the hall from 4422. there are 6 deluxe kings that are not on the 2nd floor. 3 have MK views and 3 face the back by the monorail. They don't have balconies though if that is important to you. The deluxe rooms on the 2nd floor have balconies and have a MK view.

Sorry for your loss

My mom & I like 4423 for the extra storage (or we used to prior to the refurb no clue what that room looks like now) also enjoy the a courtyard pool view.

There's also room 4001, 4411 & 4311

I'll take 4001 or 4411 please

 

[DisneyHardin]

I’m not really all that thrilled with the thought of a King room. I always thought of them as being in a not so great position for ease of access and floor.

We stayed in a Deluxe King last year and the view was amazing, but I didn't love the location and the way we had to take 2 different elevators to get to the lobby.

 

[ahcupcake]

I love larger rooms and would have no problem booking a deluxe room for one. 4421 is a deluxe king its right across the hall from 4422. there are 6 deluxe kings that are not on the 2nd floor. 3 have MK views and 3 face the back by the monorail. They don't have balconies though if that is important to you. The deluxe rooms on the 2nd floor have balconies and have a MK view.

I'll take 4001 or 4411 please

Hi @Maxie86

Long time no see.

Agree both of those suites are fantabulous, gotta love the pixie dust . I'm sad my pixie duster no longer works at the GF. Just need to win the lottery then I'll plan another trip

 

[TeamSy]

Question! I read that characters sometimes pop up at the hotel - does anyone have any info about this? Like when/where??

 

[kylenne]

Question! I read that characters sometimes pop up at the hotel - does anyone have any info about this? Like when/where??

There’s really no set schedule. Before the pandemic closures there used to be a little thing with Cindy in the lobby in the afternoons but that never came back. Nowadays you will randomly see some who are in training at times but it’s not every day and it’s not guaranteed.

 

[TeamSy]

There’s really no set schedule. Before the pandemic closures there used to be a little thing with Cindy in the lobby in the afternoons but that never came back. Nowadays you will randomly see some who are in training at times but it’s not every day and it’s not guaranteed.

Thanks! When is does happen is that generally in the lobby?

 

[kylenne]

Thanks! When is does happen is that generally in the lobby?

It’s random, there is no general time. Not anything you can plan for unfortunately. Expect not to see any at all tbh. If you do it’s a treat.

 

[mrsap]

Thanks! When is does happen is that generally in the lobby?

They’re not always just in the lobby. Sometimes you’ll also find them out back playing the outdoor games with kids and even waving to guests at the pool. The character interaction is usually great there, in our experience.

 

[kylenne]

They’re not always just in the lobby. Sometimes you’ll also find them out back playing the outdoor games with kids and even waving to guests at the pool. The character interaction is usually great there, in our experience.

One time we saw Donald playing cornhole with some kids and it was the funniest thing ever.

 

[mrsap]

One time we saw Donald playing cornhole with some kids and it was the funniest thing ever.

They are great!

 

[kylenne]

I actually have a question of my own, as we come up on the time Touring Plans is going to send our automatic room request, I am still waffling on what to request as far as an optimal building for outer building TPV. Sago seems too far removed from the action for us, and we are having a DIY dessert party to watch HEA from the room one night so want to have a decent view of the castle. I am thinking Conch since it also has the proximity to the resort launch but is the boat noise awful?

 

[trishadono]

I actually have a question of my own, as we come up on the time Touring Plans is going to send our automatic room request, I am still waffling on what to request as far as an optimal building for outer building TPV. Sago seems too far removed from the action for us, and we are having a DIY dessert party to watch HEA from the room one night so want to have a decent view of the castle. I am thinking Conch since it also has the proximity to the resort launch but is the boat noise awful?

Hard to say since I LOVE the boats lol. However the one that goes MK/gf/poly is not anywhere near as load as the big one from TTC to MK.

I have been in all the buildings in gf. BC TPV is nice because it far enough from the boats for noise yet a nice view!

Your biggest concern should be not getting 5th floor and outer rooms of 4th where the dormer rooms are. Those balconies are hard to see the view while sitting. Ask for floor 3. Nice view and guaranteed open balcony.

 

[trishadono]

Thank you so much, run_Disney! Yes, I suppose that was my main concern. It sounds silly, I know.

Okay, Deluxe queen here I come!

I am not sure you knew this this deluxe kings on 2nd floor are not really deluxe. They are the exact same size as the std rooms. The octagon shaped deluxe kings are interesting but hard to get since not bookable.

Dd and I finally tried the deluxe queen and loved the extra seating . I would stick with it.

Enjoy the sweet memories missing mom while you are there. There’s nothing like a Disney trip to help heal after a loss,