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

[mrsap]

LOBBY UPDATE!!!!!




ETA: Page 1 will be updated. I will be sure to keep this thread updated as we receive more information!!!

 

[vinotinto]

LOBBY UPDATE!!!!!


View attachment 949349

ETA: Page 1 will be updated. I will be sure to keep this thread updated as we receive more information!!!

Hmmmm, thanks for this latest update. I will be keeping an eye on the first page. I currently have a Deluxe Club room booked for my DD’s 18th birthday in July. I had had some wishful thinking when I booked it last July that the main lobby renovations would be completed. Will likely need to change it because even though I booked it with a generous bounce back discount, even with the discount it’s a LOT.

 

[mrsap]

Following up on my post:

Grand Floridian Lobby Renovations Beginning Spring 2025​

​

The long-gestating lobby updates to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are now scheduled to take place throughout most of 2025.​

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney began a multi year project to update most areas of the Grand Floridian. Work included a soft goods refurbishment of the original Disney Vacation Club villas, conversion of hotel rooms in the Big Pine Key builidng to additonal villas and updates to all remaining hotel rooms. Most of the resort restaurants were refreshed, including 1900 Park Fare which finally reopened in 2024.

However, the one amenity yet to receive significant attention is the main lobby. Portions of the lobby were closed in the summer of 2023 as the upper levels were painted. Other updates were rumored but have yet to occur. Now it appears those renovations are set to begin in just a few weeks.

Disney has released the following operational update for the Grand Floridian:

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be receiving enhancements to select areas in phases, including the lobby and convention center, from April through November 2025. Guests may see and hear construction during daytime hours, and portions of the lobby will be closed at times. All pools and most resort dining and other amenities will remain available. Please allow extra time for travel, as path adjustments may be in place.

The April 2025 starting window suggests that lobby work will begin shortly after Easter, when the popular Easter egg exhibit is removed. Disney will likely aim to wrap-up lobby work by early November, in time for the Christmas gingerbread display.

There is no word on what sort of changes are planned for the lobby. In recent years, many Disney resorts have reduced the large "front desk" to a series of smaller podiums, allowing cast members provide more personal interaction with guests. Guest reaction to some lobby updates have been mixed, including the bold color schemeat Disney's Old Key West Resort. More recent updates, like those at Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas, featured much more subtle changes.

 

[mrsap]

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment Begins This Spring

Walt Disney World has announced that the long-awaited refurbishmentenhancements to the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will begin this Spring. The work will take place in phases, and include the lobby and convention center. The work is expected to take 7 months, and it will begin in April. Here’s the announcement!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be receiving enhancements to select areas in phases, including the lobby and convention center, from April through November 2025. Guests may see and hear construction during daytime hours, and portions of the lobby will be closed at times. All pools and most resort dining and other amenities will remain available. Please allow extra time for travel, as path adjustments may be in place.
Walt Disney World

Other areas of the resort, such as the campus-style buildings and rooms have already been refurbished. Other refurbishments include the Citricos restaurant, and the introduction of a Beauty and the Beast-themed bar on the second floor of the lobby area.

More recently, the lobby gift shop also received a visual refresh. There is no word on what work will take place in the lobby yet, or what it’ll look like when the work has been completed.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

There is absolutely no way they haven't know at least for a few months that this would be happening in April. The fact that they tell people, a few weeks before their April trips is a joke to me. You can at least give more notice so people can change resorts, if they don't want to be in construction.

 

[mrsap]

Hi All! Happy April!!!


With the Lobby Refurb imminent this month, I wanted to ask the group a big favor! If you have a trip coming up at The Grand in the next few months, I’d appreciate if you’d participate in keeping this thread up to date with Live Reports, as well as Construction Photos!! If you see any preparation being done, walls being put up, construction workers, materials, or ANYTHING that suggests construction, please post it here!! And of course you can count on me to post anything I find online from blogs or other sources as well! Thank you in advance!!

 

[kylenne]

Hi All! Happy April!!!


With the Lobby Refurb imminent this month, I wanted to ask the group a big favor! If you have a trip coming up at The Grand in the next few months, I’d appreciate if you’d participate in keeping this thread up to date with Live Reports, as well as Construction Photos!! If you see any preparation being done, walls being put up, construction workers, materials, or ANYTHING that suggests construction, please post it here!! And of course you can count on me to post anything I find online from blogs or other sources as well! Thank you in advance!!

We're staying next door at Poly next month but will definitely be over there and I'll try to get pics and report.

 

[2vets]

Hi All! Happy April!!!


With the Lobby Refurb imminent this month, I wanted to ask the group a big favor! If you have a trip coming up at The Grand in the next few months, I’d appreciate if you’d participate in keeping this thread up to date with Live Reports, as well as Construction Photos!! If you see any preparation being done, walls being put up, construction workers, materials, or ANYTHING that suggests construction, please post it here!! And of course you can count on me to post anything I find online from blogs or other sources as well! Thank you in advance!!

There with my mom in mid-May - happy to report!

 

[mrsap]

There with my mom in mid-May - happy to report!

We're staying next door at Poly next month but will definitely be over there and I'll try to get pics and report.

Thank you both! Have fun!

 

[Dbktmc]

I have stayed at the GF multiple times and it is the only resort that feels like “home” to us when we are in Disney. For this upcoming trip we will be staying with my family and my parents in the same room. We have booked two ECV’s for our stay for my parents to use when we go to the parks. My problem is trying to fit 4 adults and a 13 year old, who is the size of an adult, in our room along with two ECV’s.

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

Reading my own post lets me see how stringent my requirements are. . So….. does anyone know if accessible rooms are on higher floors? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Dreaming of Cali]

I have stayed at the GF multiple times and it is the only resort that feels like “home” to us when we are in Disney. For this upcoming trip we will be staying with my family and my parents in the same room. We have booked two ECV’s for our stay for my parents to use when we go to the parks. My problem is trying to fit 4 adults and a 13 year old, who is the size of an adult, in our room along with two ECV’s.

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

Reading my own post lets me see how stringent my requirements are. . So….. does anyone know if accessible rooms are on higher floors? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

I would suggest calling the GF directly and asking them about the accessible rooms locations. In my experience, usually accessible rooms have a king bed due to the fact that the extra space is needed for a wheelchair.
Have you looked into renting points from a DVC rental company? The cost is typically half of what you would pay for rack rate, even WDW room discounts don’t compare to how much you can save.
I rented points to stay in the Resort Studios in Big Pine Key and our rate worked out to about $425 per night.

 

[focusondisney]

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

If you look at the GF booking page you can check accessible rooms. They list different types of accessible rooms, such as wheelchair or hearing accessible. They are not all king beds, there are also rooms with 2 queens & a daybed. I did a mock search for 4 adults & 1 child these are some of the results. It’s hard to read, sorry, but I got multiple results.



I have randomly been assigned accessible rooms in a few different resorts, but not GF. None of them have been on the first floor. I have over many years seen guests on ECVs on elevators at every hotel we’ve stayed at. I have no reason to thing it would be any different at GF. I also don’t think accessible rooms are bigger to accommodate ECVs. They may have roll in showers, automatic door openers or light alerts for hearing impaired if you need those. You can check some of the features on the GF booking page by clicking the accessible room box.


FYI, there is no way to call GF directly. The number listed for hotels goes to a call center. As far as I know, almost every room has a balcony or patio, although some of them are small. So the chances of getting 1 are extremely high. You could book your room for 4 adults & 1 child & make higher floor your only request. At check in, double check if you have a higher floor & if it can be granted if not.

 

[dizneedoll]

I have stayed at the GF multiple times and it is the only resort that feels like “home” to us when we are in Disney. For this upcoming trip we will be staying with my family and my parents in the same room. We have booked two ECV’s for our stay for my parents to use when we go to the parks. My problem is trying to fit 4 adults and a 13 year old, who is the size of an adult, in our room along with two ECV’s.

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

Reading my own post lets me see how stringent my requirements are. . So….. does anyone know if accessible rooms are on higher floors? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

You can use the room finder tool at Touring Plans website. It allows you to filter accessible rooms. Choose the room type first (garden view, water view etc) then choose the accesibility type (roll in shower, Florida Special etc) and it will show you exactly where the rooms are located and what floors.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I have stayed at the GF multiple times and it is the only resort that feels like “home” to us when we are in Disney. For this upcoming trip we will be staying with my family and my parents in the same room. We have booked two ECV’s for our stay for my parents to use when we go to the parks. My problem is trying to fit 4 adults and a 13 year old, who is the size of an adult, in our room along with two ECV’s.

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

Reading my own post lets me see how stringent my requirements are. . So….. does anyone know if accessible rooms are on higher floors? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Just a few thoughts.... After watching a few videos on YT of accessible GF Studio Resort rooms, I am not sure that is the route that would suit your needs. It looks like they enlarge the bathroom area which moves around the closet location in the room. It also means no split bathroom with everything in one room which negates the ability of 5 people in the room being able to utilize the shower/toilet and the sinks at the same time.

Might I suggest you contact the special services department (I don't have the info but I am sure someone else can pipe in) to see if they can remove the desk and stool? This might allow you room to park the ECVs end-to-end along that wall?? Otherwise, you might be better off trying to rent a 1BR DVC villa.

Good luck!

 

[PolyRob]

I have stayed at the GF multiple times and it is the only resort that feels like “home” to us when we are in Disney. For this upcoming trip we will be staying with my family and my parents in the same room. We have booked two ECV’s for our stay for my parents to use when we go to the parks. My problem is trying to fit 4 adults and a 13 year old, who is the size of an adult, in our room along with two ECV’s.

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

Reading my own post lets me see how stringent my requirements are. . So….. does anyone know if accessible rooms are on higher floors? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

You got a lot of great advice about the accessible rooms. Like @focusondisney mentioned in my stays at GF and other resorts over the years the accessible rooms are not always on the first floor. I also think it may be overkill just because you need to park two ECVs. You'll get a different bathroom configuration, probably one sink, and lose some living space.

Regular GF rooms have a lot of space. You could probably park and charge an ECV where the connecting room door is horizontally and one on the side of the bed by the balcony door. That would really keep all the common walking space open. I would disengage the brake and manually put them in these places since it can be difficult to maneuver them in tight spaces around the room.

If you want an upper room like you mentioned I would make sure you request upper floor, NO DORMER. A dormer room is much smaller with a different configuration and will significantly reduce your livable space in a room at GF.

 

[Dreaming of Cali]

I second the person who suggested looking into renting a 1 BR DVC villa. You might be able to rent one for around the same price as a standard room at the GF.

Will you keep us posted @Dbktmc? I’d love to hear what you decide.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hello fellow GF fans! It's been a while..altho I always have the best intentions of popping in more often...
We have had a few very lovely GF stays..and have one planned that will coincide with the lobby refurb..not really too concerned ...but since it's an RPC stays I'm hoping the pianist will still be there..it always adds to the ambience of the lobby and the lounge in RPC...so fingers crossed..
@mrsap big Thank You as always for keeping this thread up to date..especially now with the refurb about to begin..
@Dbktmc I have some suggestions for you regarding a suitable room for the family to share...how wonderful that you will all enjoy the GF together...there are 2 buildings that have a larger room configuration than the other rooms...they used to be in a separate and more costly category..but are not any longer..they have to standard 2 queen beds..but they have a bump out that has quite a bit of extra space! With an extra tv and a sleep sofa or maybe a day bed with the current reno...in any case can sleep 5...they are located in Sugar Loaf..rooms 6220 (closed in balcony due to the roof line) 6320 (regular railings on the balcony) and 6420(be aware this room has no balcony due to the suite next door)...SL is a great location..also there are 4 of these rooms in Boca Chica starting with room 8214( this happens to be a HA room) and then 8314 etc..up to the 5th floor..not sure of the balcony configurations there...as I said..a significantly bigger room though..and by request only..
The other thing that I wanted to point out is that HA bathrooms are often set up differently in that they do not have a separate outer sink area that the standard rooms have..and everything is in one large bathroom...definitely not as easy for several people to get ready for the day..since everything is in the one room..for us with a larger family we always appreciated the ability of more than one person being able to get ready at a time with the sink area being seperate...unless you like doubling up in the shower/commode area!! Lol..
Those rooms would easily accommodate 2 ECVs...hope that helps some with a room request..
Ok..so my post is definitely a novel...lol..hope it didn't put anyone to sleep ...lol..
And hope you're all having a magical Monday!

 

[lvloopingbag]

I have stayed at the GF multiple times and it is the only resort that feels like “home” to us when we are in Disney. For this upcoming trip we will be staying with my family and my parents in the same room. We have booked two ECV’s for our stay for my parents to use when we go to the parks. My problem is trying to fit 4 adults and a 13 year old, who is the size of an adult, in our room along with two ECV’s.

I posted about this on the disability forum and it was suggested to request an accessible room. Does anyone know if these rooms are on all levels of the hotel? (We are not staying Club Level.). My husband needs a balcony to feel comfortable and we love being on the higher floors. I’m debating my options right now and I have just a standard room booked at this point.

There are only three requirements for this trip for my family. 1 We must stay at the GF. We have tried other resorts and are always disappointed we didn’t spend the extra money to stay here. 2. We must have a balcony on a higher floor. If we are stuck being crammed into a small room it will have to be that way. 3. My parents can’t afford their own room at the GF and we can’t pay for them to have their own room as we are already paying for the entire vacation.

Reading my own post lets me see how stringent my requirements are. . So….. does anyone know if accessible rooms are on higher floors? I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Many times I have seen folks leave their ECV's out in the hallway...

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Many times I have seen folks leave their ECV's out in the hallway...

As was explained in the disabilities forum, people may do it but it is quite clearly a violation of the fire code.

(Quote didn’t work well but hopefully this will link to that discussion)

You are correct. The 2023 Florida Building Code, Section 1020.4 reads:

1005.7 reads:



So, other than doors when fully opened and handrails, all other obstructions, whether temporary or permanent, are prohibited as they reduce the required egress width. I don't know why cast members do or do not suggest parking ECV's in hallways, but I do know the Code. Oh, and Group I-2 Occupancies are medical facilities, and more specifically for the exceptions, nursing homes, and the exceptions are limited to very specific conditions. There are no such exceptions given for Group R Occupancies (hotels):

The Building Code really doesn't like anything in a hallway serving as a primary means of egress, and it addresses the potential in multiple Chapters. The little alcoves you see in BRV, for example, where the hallway width widens, likely don't give you any leeway either, as parking a scooter there would encroach on the clear space required around the exit door for the room.

And yes, Mousekeeping leaving those linen storage carts unattended in the hallways would also violate the code. A conventional housekeeping cart left attended (with the CM inside the room with the door propped open) would not raise any concern, but a scooter left in the hallway, in the middle of the night, unattended in a possibly smoke-filled hallway, also possibly illuminated by only emergency lighting, would be another story.

ETA: to be clear, the FFPC (Florida Fire protection Code) adopts the minimum width requirements of the Building Code, and also only allows exceptions, in Section 19.1.6.1, for corridors providing egress for patient rooms in healthcare facilities (also, specifically, for "wheeled equipment").

Bottom line the poster refuses to budge on location or budget, so the family WILL be in for a miserable 10 day stay.

A 1BD would be better but a 2BD would be best because what teenager wants to be stuck on a pullout with their 80s grandparents with health problems. Or the grandparents get the master and the parents cram on the Murphy bed. I’m sure the husband will love that idea!

GF has 1 and 2BD through DVC. Even if it is more expensive than renting a studio, the potential savings of eating 1-2 meals in the room for 5 people could certainly help to defray some of that cost. Or shorten the trip to a length that you can afford. Or suck it up and try a different resort, even if only for part of the time. Eg Beach Club or Boardwalk would make access to HS and Epcot much easier rather than having to wait for the bus with 2 ECVs. Or if Grandma and Grandpa get parked out, it’s lovely to sit on the balcony at AKL and look at the animals. Riviera is a lovely resort, Bay Lake’s extra bathroom is a game changer with larger groups, and my all time favorite room was a last minute emergency switch to the 3BD at Copper Creek. My point is that there are lots of wonderful Disney options beyond just Grand Floridian (where we own and love - no hate for that hotel at all!)

Sometimes having a family means having to sacrifice your own desires for the good of all.

Only the OP knows her husband, but I personally can’t imagine saying “everything else about this vacation is horrible but at least I can hide on my balcony at GF” as opposed to “this wasn’t what we originally planned but it still ended up being an awesome trip where we built some great memories as a family.”

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

https://wdwnt.com/2025/04/breaking-...n-lobby-renovation-new-lobby-bar-coming-soon/

Not sure if it needs another bar but it looks nice and stay's true to what the resort is. New carpet time. Can't complain