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

[McCrae]

There are many things that Disney did in the 80s and 90s to really make itself a "vacation destination"... These things are difficult to quantify the "value-add"... things like:

- Kids Clubs
- Live Music (i.e. the GF Orchestra)
- Night clubs (i.e. Pleasure Island)
- Shopping delivery
- An in-house floral/gifts service
- Eliminating multiple championship-style golf courses

These things were known as the "disney touches" that made a Disney vacation special and worth the price premium.

Investment under Iger has been in the rides. While not good or bad, that has come at the cost of the other experiences. I continue to be floored that every cruise ship (including Disney) can operate a kids club, but despite having three large hotels all on a big lake connected by a train, they couldn't operate a kids club service at at least one of those (to service the three hotels) for a fee that would at least break even.

The kids clubs were fantastic. Our kids loved the GF kids club and doing the arts and crafts. It allowed them to hang out with other kids, gave them a break from all the walking at the parks and allowed mum and dad to have some time together as well.

 

[Cfabar1]

I was looking for pictures of the outer building lobbies to see what was going on with the flooring after the new lobby render dropped. I just noticed Big Pine Key got a gray floor and more molding on the walls framing the wallpaper whereas the cash buildings like Conch Key kept the previous tile and received a simpler wallpaper application.

I have no idea why there would be variation like this? Did Big Pine Key take too long so Disney decided to skip some changes in the other outer buildings? Did Disney think these slight changes would help tip the scale and sell VGF points?

Big Pine Key

View attachment 956743

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022...d-floridian-dvc-big-pine-key-lobby-hallway-4/


Conch Key

View attachment 956742

https://www.resortsgal.com/resorts/grand-floridian-construction-updates/

My guess is it had to do with the fact DVC members pay for the construction costs of BPK, whereas disney pays for the other buildings.

I personally would have paid a few more dollars per point to have them include soundproofing in BPK....

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I know I’m in the minority, but I think the bar looks classy and tasteful. It fits the theming and I like the nod to the birdcage that it’s replacing. Just my 2 cents.
View attachment 956670

In times of change I'm always reminded that it's a little hard to tell majority/minority online. Those with the strongest opinions speak the loudest but there's always a silent middle somewhere on many topics who just read the news and don't feel the need to reply to every post one way or the other. On first thought I didn't love the "right in your face" placement and it continues the monetization of everywhere trend, but on the other hand you'll probably find me at one of those stools grabbing a beverage before dinner at Citricos. One could argue GF needs a quicker service beverage spot - Mizner's fit that purpose way back when in a way Enchanted Rose doesn't (often too busy), so I kind of get it.

I say that as someone who likes visiting GF more than staying there ( ) - so this is something I'd utilize before or after dinner or just strolling through. Paying guests probably don't like hearing that perspective.

Unless it turns out to be some poorly executed visual appendage, I suspect it will be well received, in my opinion.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I miss the kids activities- Wonderland Tea Party, Pirate Cruise and Grabd Adventures in Cooking. These are some of my kids’ favorite memories. Woukd have loved for my grandson to be able to do these

 

[FSU Girl]

I am not a fan of this new bar being added to the lobby. This lobby is always crowded so I think will add to the chaos. Also when I stayed in a club room off the lobby the noise was pretty loud so I can’t imagine how it’ll be when people are drunk late at night there.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Probably repetitive, but just posting the latest e-mail you get on the hotel side after booking, for record keeping. Worded slightly differently than the last one I saw posted in March, on quick search.

 

[mrsap]

Probably repetitive, but just posting the latest e-mail you get on the hotel side after booking, for record keeping. Worded slightly differently than the last one I saw posted in March, on quick search.

View attachment 956781

Thank you! Also going to update the post shown on the DVC Website. There’s a bit more detail now.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Kind of unrelated, but I am surprised how early the bar upstairs closes. Hopefully the lobby bar will be open later for those who wish to have a late night drink at the bar. Then again, most of the DCL venues even close pretty early at night.

Enchanted Rose is currently showing an 11pm close. I cannot imagine the lobby bar will stay open later, they aren’t going to want late night rowdiness disturbing the sleep of main building guests.

 

[Cfabar1]

Enchanted Rose is currently showing an 11pm close. I cannot imagine the lobby bar will stay open later, they aren’t going to want late night rowdiness disturbing the sleep of main building guests.

I'm not sure where, but GF should have a spot to get a drink until at least midnight maybe 1 AM or so.

but maybe people don't need it. It is extremely rare for me to be up that late, I just once again, think about what it means to be a flagship resort...

 

[PolyRob]

My guess is it had to do with the fact DVC members pay for the construction costs of BPK, whereas disney pays for the other buildings.

I personally would have paid a few more dollars per point to have them include soundproofing in BPK....

I wouldn't mind paying for better refurbishments!

 

[Cfabar1]

I wouldn't mind paying for better refurbishments!

my view as well.... I'd pay higher dues for more frequent refurbs as well...

 

[trishadono]

For those of us that have a late flight arrival it is disappointing when a deluxe resort doesn’t have food or adult beverages open late. At CSR a moderate , they have options until midnight,

A bar in the lobby? Well they have a lovely bar now at citricos that’s usually not busy. Compare that to Tambu lounge at Poly it’s like night and day crowd wise.

They added ER which is nice and we visit often . They do have a “to go” option but it’s not very welcoming when it’s busy.

A bar in the lobby is something they have done in the past as a pop up bar. It was obvious it was for to go and I thought a nice option. You get off the monorail, grab a drink and sit in the lobby, go for a stroll, head to your room or maybe watch EPW or HEA at gaspies etc.

Concerns are space and noise.Also what the heck is up with the tea room?

I know I have wanted a drink at GF and usually run to the courtyard pool bar. However it closes often at 8pm so you can miss it if late getting back from a park. It is just not convenient or timely to go to the restaurants for a drink so I think I will be one to utilize the new bar.

 

[focusondisney]

I'm not sure where, but GF should have a spot to get a drink until at least midnight maybe 1 AM or so.

Why? Even the bars at Disney Spring aren’t open that late.

 

[mrsap]

my view as well.... I'd pay higher dues for more frequent refurbs as well...

I’d happily pay more in my dues to help fund the orchestra

 

[kylenne]

I know I’m in the minority, but I think the bar looks classy and tasteful. It fits the theming and I like the nod to the birdcage that it’s replacing. Just my 2 cents.
View attachment 956670

I actually love the idea of it on paper, I’m just concerned that the location is going to cause Tambu-during prime Ohana dinner hours-level congestion in the lobby.

Re: why a bar and not the orchestra why not both??

 

[Cfabar1]

I actually love the idea of it on paper, I’m just concerned that the location is going to cause Tambu-during prime Ohana dinner hours-level congestion in the lobby.

Re: why a bar and not the orchestra why not both??

Indeed! Wouldn't that be great! Bring the orchestra downstairs - maybe put it where the second piano sits collecting dust. Would make the lobby so festive and they'd sell a lot more drinks! And enchanted rose seems to be PACKED most nights - sometimes you have to wait to get in! Seems like there' more capacity for drinking!

 

[PinkPixel]

Maybe some, but omg, it is awful if you are staying in the main building, and that is the one time of year I will pay exorbitant rack rates for CL. I finally convinced a cm to tell me where the fire stairs are last year so I could avoid the elevator.

Eta: let me know if you want deets on location, it may not be secret, but it’s not obvious! I showed a few people while there.

Would like to know, there’s no alarm? I just used the elevator by gasparillas.

 

[2vets]

Would like to know, there’s no alarm? I just used the elevator by gasparillas.

Nope!!

 

[mrsap]

AND SO IT BEGINS!


Posted by Blog Mickey.

Good morning all! GF Lobby Refurb 2025 is Officially underway!

 

[mrsap]

Disney's Grand Floridian Lobby Walls Go Up as Major Refurbishment Project Starts​

Work is officially underway in the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as part of the multi-phase refurbishment project announced earlier this year.

Construction walls are now installed in the main lobby, with the area surrounding the resort’s iconic birdcage fully walled off.







This marks the beginning of an extensive renovation to refresh the Grand Floridian’s lobby. The project runs through November 2025 and includes updates to finishes, furnishings, and the addition of a new Victorian-inspired lobby bar.

Despite the construction, several seasonal offerings remain in place. The Grand Cottage treat shop is still available, offering house-made sweets and packaged goodies. The annual Easter Egg display is also still available, showcasing hand-decorated chocolate eggs crafted by Disney pastry chefs.





Guests should expect changes to traffic flow in the lobby area, and some noise during daytime hours, but most resort amenities—including dining and pools—remain available.




Wanted to add this picture posted by Blog Mickey showing the walking space behind the walls.