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

[mrsap]

New Walkway Opens Between Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian

 

[trishadono]

I overlap you (Poly CL 11/-17-19). I was eyeing those studios but have a hard time walking away from CL, even on my own. Still v tempted to switch to RPC, I keep booking and cancelling, but the rack rates for rooms that really need refurbishment get my goat. Looking forward to your impression of the new rooms.

Which night are you doing mvmcp? I booked 17th.

 

[2vets]

Which night are you doing mvmcp? I booked 17th.

I booked both but will probably be late on the 17th. I’m coming from a work meeting in the Northeast, and there’s not been a decision yet on whether something’s happening that morning ( don’t they know they’re messing with my disney??). Last year was my first Xmas party, and it got cut short by family drama - so I wanted to have lots of time this year!!

 

[mrsap]

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know I added a section to Page 1 showing recent historical dates for Christmas Decorations at The Grand. I hope they are helpful! You can find that information HERE. Enjoy!

 

[trishadono]

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know I added a section to Page 1 showing recent historical dates for Christmas Decorations at The Grand. I hope they are helpful! You can find that information HERE. Enjoy!

What the heck. I totally wasn’t even thinking about Christmas decor and the GB house! I love the fun treats at Gaspies!
Thx Girl!

 

[mrsap]

What the heck. I totally wasn’t even thinking about Christmas decor and the GB house! I love the fun treats at Gaspies!
Thx Girl!

lol I know the question typically comes up frequently once we get closer to the holidays, asking when they start decorating. I am hoping having it on Page 1 will be helpful. We’re just missing each other in Nov.!! Will you be going back for Christmas/NYE?!

 

[lotsohugginbear]

Excited to be at the Grand December 17-22nd. Attending the party on
the 18th -- I've never been. Also looking forward to a peaceful GF Cafe
breakfast the morning after. They have great frozen caramel macchiatos.
I go to WDW several times a year, but I am really looking forward to this
holiday trip. Can't wait to make ADRs.

 

[trishadono]

lol I know the question typically comes up frequently once we get closer to the holidays, asking when they start decorating. I am hoping having it on Page 1 will be helpful. We’re just missing each other in Nov.!! Will you be going back for Christmas/NYE?!

Hm hard to say . I have been there the last so many years but always a last minute husband “ hmm can we go?” I always say yes of course

 

[mrsap]

Pre-Ian Construction Work Continues at Grand Floridian​

There, Disney Vacation Club opened more than 200 new resort studios that celebrate a “Mary Poppins” theme.

At Boca Chica, the bulk of the observable work lately has focused on replacing the roof. Completely surrounded by barriers, the enormous building on the Seven Seas Lagoon continues to be completed covered in scaffolding from the ground to its top floor.

Crews on large cranes worked to replace exterior siding. Similar to Big Pine Key, the exterior emergency stairwells also appear to be getting an update.

With fencing now surrounding the barricaded walls, crews yesterday also appeared to check boards for stability. Later in the day, Walt Disney World began announcing closures in advance of Hurricane Ivan’s arrival tomorrow.

With an extensive refurbishment underway, the Boca Chica work at the Grand Floridian could extend well into fall. Narcoossee’s closed in mid-July to begin its overhaul.

As of now, Walt Disney World continues to project the restaurant to reopen sometime “next year,” according to the restaurant’s webpage.

 

[Floridagal23]

Sadly, we have tickets for the (now cancelled) Halloween party on Thursday. We rebooked at GF for later in October to see the Halloween decorations. If we have a lagoon view room, any chance we will be able to catch MK Halloween party fireworks from our room?

 

[followthatmouse]

Sadly, we have tickets for the (now cancelled) Halloween party on Thursday. We rebooked at GF for later in October to see the Halloween decorations. If we have a lagoon view room, any chance we will be able to catch MK Halloween party fireworks from our room?

Stay safe, Floridagal23. It’s always a sad moment when you have to cancel such an exciting stay. But your safety is paramount. Hopefully, you’ll have a truly fun time in October. Party night fireworks are great!

 

[trishadono]

Sadly, we have tickets for the (now cancelled) Halloween party on Thursday. We rebooked at GF for later in October to see the Halloween decorations. If we have a lagoon view room, any chance we will be able to catch MK Halloween party fireworks from our room?

Maybe. It depends . I had a conch one time and we had a partially blocked castle view from a tree. However I would go to check in and say “ we had to move our trip….. would love to be able to see the fireworks from the party because our night was canceled…..”

They may be able to find you a LV that has a partial view . You can see the fireworks from some rooms that are even GV. I could watch from Sugar Loaf and on marina side the music was piped in below from Gaspies. I enjoyed that.

So hopefully they can find something for you.

 

[BlueSkies]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans! Hope that everyone at the world right now stayed safe...
We had a recent RPC stay...and I just wanted to share a little bit about it...
Last time we stayed in the main building was last summer...club level had not yet reopened and it was so strange to see the empty spaces..felt like we could almost see ghosts of visits past! Lol..
Our room was not ready until almost 4pm...something we have not happen ever in the past...but it was spotless and in good order...but definitely in need of a refurb...
Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...
As for the CMs..lots of new faces..and some seasoned veterans...and all were wonderful! Whoever is training the new CMs...kudos....they seem to have that Disney can do attitude that always makes a stay even better!
The lounge offereings were very much what we have seen in years past..just a bit less...still a nice selection..and we enjoyed everything...so happy to see the soup back in the afternoon...there was an especially delicious tomato soup with freshly baked croutons..yum...
But...cm'on GF powers that be...bring back the afternoon scones and tarts!! That was such a wonderful touch..a stand out IMO...and while I'm asking for 'bring backs'...lol..how about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra too!! Oh..and turn down service too...those extras truly are what made the Grand extra special...
Still...listening to the piano music while enjoying some lounge time was lovely..
We had an exceptional meal at Citricos..
And really enjoyed our pool time in our pool side patio ..a Disney bargain IMO...nice space..and great attendant..plus a chip/snack basket and a cooler filled with sodas and water..we'd definitely do it again..and I'd highly recommend it if you prefer the courtyard pool...
We did not check out ER..there was literally a line waiting for it to open..
Overall..we had a a very nice stay..especially..getting to catch up with some good Disney friends..lookin at you @trishadono and @dispro..only thing better than a family Disney trip..is getting to share it with good friends too..
We will be back again sometime..after the refurbishments tho....

 

[mrsap]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans! Hope that everyone at the world right now stayed safe...
We had a recent RPC stay...and I just wanted to share a little bit about it...
Last time we stayed in the main building was last summer...club level had not yet reopened and it was so strange to see the empty spaces..felt like we could almost see ghosts of visits past! Lol..
Our room was not ready until almost 4pm...something we have not happen ever in the past...but it was spotless and in good order...but definitely in need of a refurb...
Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...
As for the CMs..lots of new faces..and some seasoned veterans...and all were wonderful! Whoever is training the new CMs...kudos....they seem to have that Disney can do attitude that always makes a stay even better!
The lounge offereings were very much what we have seen in years past..just a bit less...still a nice selection..and we enjoyed everything...so happy to see the soup back in the afternoon...there was an especially delicious tomato soup with freshly baked croutons..yum...
But...cm'on GF powers that be...bring back the afternoon scones and tarts!! That was such a wonderful touch..a stand out IMO...and while I'm asking for 'bring backs'...lol..how about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra too!! Oh..and turn down service too...those extras truly are what made the Grand extra special...
Still...listening to the piano music while enjoying some lounge time was lovely..
We had an exceptional meal at Citricos..
And really enjoyed our pool time in our pool side patio ..a Disney bargain IMO...nice space..and great attendant..plus a chip/snack basket and a cooler filled with sodas and water..we'd definitely do it again..and I'd highly recommend it if you prefer the courtyard pool...
We did not check out ER..there was literally a line waiting for it to open..
Overall..we had a a very nice stay..especially..getting to catch up with some good Disney friends..lookin at you @trishadono and @dispro..only thing better than a family Disney trip..is getting to share it with good friends too..
We will be back again sometime..after the refurbishments tho....

So happy to hear you had a great trip!! Thank you for sharing!!!

 

[followthatmouse]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans! Hope that everyone at the world right now stayed safe...
We had a recent RPC stay...and I just wanted to share a little bit about it...
Last time we stayed in the main building was last summer...club level had not yet reopened and it was so strange to see the empty spaces..felt like we could almost see ghosts of visits past! Lol..
Our room was not ready until almost 4pm...something we have not happen ever in the past...but it was spotless and in good order...but definitely in need of a refurb...
Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...
As for the CMs..lots of new faces..and some seasoned veterans...and all were wonderful! Whoever is training the new CMs...kudos....they seem to have that Disney can do attitude that always makes a stay even better!
The lounge offereings were very much what we have seen in years past..just a bit less...still a nice selection..and we enjoyed everything...so happy to see the soup back in the afternoon...there was an especially delicious tomato soup with freshly baked croutons..yum...
But...cm'on GF powers that be...bring back the afternoon scones and tarts!! That was such a wonderful touch..a stand out IMO...and while I'm asking for 'bring backs'...lol..how about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra too!! Oh..and turn down service too...those extras truly are what made the Grand extra special...
Still...listening to the piano music while enjoying some lounge time was lovely..
We had an exceptional meal at Citricos..
And really enjoyed our pool time in our pool side patio ..a Disney bargain IMO...nice space..and great attendant..plus a chip/snack basket and a cooler filled with sodas and water..we'd definitely do it again..and I'd highly recommend it if you prefer the courtyard pool...
We did not check out ER..there was literally a line waiting for it to open..
Overall..we had a a very nice stay..especially..getting to catch up with some good Disney friends..lookin at you @trishadono and @dispro..only thing better than a family Disney trip..is getting to share it with good friends too..
We will be back again sometime..after the refurbishments tho....

Oh, thank you for the report. It sounds like a good time to me! We love Citrico’s and the Courtyard Pool and we loved the scones at afternoon tea! The scones are needed! Hopefully, the renovations remain on schedule for the Main Building. I have the feeling that the building trades will be at a necessary premium for quite some time to come in Florida. Blue, I’m very sorry we missed you during 2018. As I can’t see a trip in our immediate future, I’ll have to travel vicariously through your wonderful reports!

 

[DeeCee735]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans! Hope that everyone at the world right now stayed safe...
We had a recent RPC stay...and I just wanted to share a little bit about it...
Last time we stayed in the main building was last summer...club level had not yet reopened and it was so strange to see the empty spaces..felt like we could almost see ghosts of visits past! Lol..
Our room was not ready until almost 4pm...something we have not happen ever in the past...but it was spotless and in good order...but definitely in need of a refurb...
Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...
As for the CMs..lots of new faces..and some seasoned veterans...and all were wonderful! Whoever is training the new CMs...kudos....they seem to have that Disney can do attitude that always makes a stay even better!
The lounge offereings were very much what we have seen in years past..just a bit less...still a nice selection..and we enjoyed everything...so happy to see the soup back in the afternoon...there was an especially delicious tomato soup with freshly baked croutons..yum...
But...cm'on GF powers that be...bring back the afternoon scones and tarts!! That was such a wonderful touch..a stand out IMO...and while I'm asking for 'bring backs'...lol..how about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra too!! Oh..and turn down service too...those extras truly are what made the Grand extra special...
Still...listening to the piano music while enjoying some lounge time was lovely..
We had an exceptional meal at Citricos..
And really enjoyed our pool time in our pool side patio ..a Disney bargain IMO...nice space..and great attendant..plus a chip/snack basket and a cooler filled with sodas and water..we'd definitely do it again..and I'd highly recommend it if you prefer the courtyard pool...
We did not check out ER..there was literally a line waiting for it to open..
Overall..we had a a very nice stay..especially..getting to catch up with some good Disney friends..lookin at you @trishadono and @dispro..only thing better than a family Disney trip..is getting to share it with good friends too..
We will be back again sometime..after the refurbishments tho....

==

Hi, I can't figure out what RPC is? Sorry, can you let me know? And what is ER? We are staying at GF for our upcoming trip for a couple of nights in the new Resort Studio's. Then we are moving to the Riviera for a couple of more nights. Do you know which building the Resort Studio's are in? I think I read Big Pine Key? Also, is the area of these new rooms still under construction? I'm just wondering if we're going to regret booking GF. We haven't stayed there in a long time and I really want to get back to it. It's just so pretty. Any info you can provide would be appreciated. Oh, also, would you mind sharing the cost of the poolside cabana? I have been considering it. Thanks so much = glad to hear you had a good experience.

Dee

 

[followthatmouse]

Hi, I can't figure out what RPC is? Sorry, can you let me know? And what is ER? We are staying at GF for our upcoming trip for a couple of nights in the new Resort Studio's. Then we are moving to the Riviera for a couple of more nights. Do you know which building the Resort Studio's are in? I think I read Big Pine Key? Also, is the area of these new rooms still under construction? I'm just wondering if we're going to regret booking GF. We haven't stayed there in a long time and I really want to get back to it. It's just so pretty. Any info you can provide would be appreciated. Oh, also, would you mind sharing the cost of the poolside cabana? I have been considering it. Thanks so much = glad to hear you had a good experience.

Dee

Hi, Dee. RPC is the abbreviation for Royal Palm Club, the Club level at the GF. ER is Enchanted Rose. It’s the lounge/bar on level 2 in the Main Building. The renovations have moved to Boca Chica. Big Pine Key does have Studios. But, I’ll leave the details to those who know DVC things.

 

[trishadono]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans! Hope that everyone at the world right now stayed safe...
We had a recent RPC stay...and I just wanted to share a little bit about it...
Last time we stayed in the main building was last summer...club level had not yet reopened and it was so strange to see the empty spaces..felt like we could almost see ghosts of visits past! Lol..
Our room was not ready until almost 4pm...something we have not happen ever in the past...but it was spotless and in good order...but definitely in need of a refurb...
Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...
As for the CMs..lots of new faces..and some seasoned veterans...and all were wonderful! Whoever is training the new CMs...kudos....they seem to have that Disney can do attitude that always makes a stay even better!
The lounge offereings were very much what we have seen in years past..just a bit less...still a nice selection..and we enjoyed everything...so happy to see the soup back in the afternoon...there was an especially delicious tomato soup with freshly baked croutons..yum...
But...cm'on GF powers that be...bring back the afternoon scones and tarts!! That was such a wonderful touch..a stand out IMO...and while I'm asking for 'bring backs'...lol..how about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra too!! Oh..and turn down service too...those extras truly are what made the Grand extra special...
Still...listening to the piano music while enjoying some lounge time was lovely..
We had an exceptional meal at Citricos..
And really enjoyed our pool time in our pool side patio ..a Disney bargain IMO...nice space..and great attendant..plus a chip/snack basket and a cooler filled with sodas and water..we'd definitely do it again..and I'd highly recommend it if you prefer the courtyard pool...
We did not check out ER..there was literally a line waiting for it to open..
Overall..we had a a very nice stay..especially..getting to catch up with some good Disney friends..lookin at you @trishadono and @dispro..only thing better than a family Disney trip..is getting to share it with good friends too..
We will be back again sometime..after the refurbishments tho....

Gosh it was so fun to see you again and visit with your family!! ( I ditched DD with her friend twice to visit lol).

When I was visiting @Dispro1 before you came out a former poly cm came right over and offered me champagne. LOL i said I was visiting but she has seen me at gf and bwi a few times just since reopening and apparently knows when celebrating ??? need some sparkling!

I think RPC is great for quick visits! There is so many spaces to hang out at , especially my fav 5th floor!

Agree with needing scones and the band! It was what made it so special IMO.


Good to see you back here on the boards!!!

 

[grannyminnie]

Good afternoon fellow GF fans! Hope that everyone at the world right now stayed safe...
We had a recent RPC stay...and I just wanted to share a little bit about it...
Last time we stayed in the main building was last summer...club level had not yet reopened and it was so strange to see the empty spaces..felt like we could almost see ghosts of visits past! Lol..
Our room was not ready until almost 4pm...something we have not happen ever in the past...but it was spotless and in good order...but definitely in need of a refurb...
Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...
As for the CMs..lots of new faces..and some seasoned veterans...and all were wonderful! Whoever is training the new CMs...kudos....they seem to have that Disney can do attitude that always makes a stay even better!
The lounge offereings were very much what we have seen in years past..just a bit less...still a nice selection..and we enjoyed everything...so happy to see the soup back in the afternoon...there was an especially delicious tomato soup with freshly baked croutons..yum...
But...cm'on GF powers that be...bring back the afternoon scones and tarts!! That was such a wonderful touch..a stand out IMO...and while I'm asking for 'bring backs'...lol..how about the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra too!! Oh..and turn down service too...those extras truly are what made the Grand extra special...
Still...listening to the piano music while enjoying some lounge time was lovely..
We had an exceptional meal at Citricos..
And really enjoyed our pool time in our pool side patio ..a Disney bargain IMO...nice space..and great attendant..plus a chip/snack basket and a cooler filled with sodas and water..we'd definitely do it again..and I'd highly recommend it if you prefer the courtyard pool...
We did not check out ER..there was literally a line waiting for it to open..
Overall..we had a a very nice stay..especially..getting to catch up with some good Disney friends..lookin at you @trishadono and @dispro..only thing better than a family Disney trip..is getting to share it with good friends too..
We will be back again sometime..after the refurbishments tho....

Totally agree with you on 1) the need for refurb 2) bring back the orchestra!! and 3) what about our scones and the trifle?!
Your stay sounded wonderful nonetheless.
And yeah...great to see you back!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Another difference I noticed was a mostly busy lounge..lots of kids...I know Disney...lol...but we have many RPC visits under our belts..and I don't recall it ever being that busy..or noisy...we have always enjoyed lounge time to relax..unwind..snack a little..and soak up the scenery and ambiance...while not unpleasant... a very different vibe..thankfully there are 3 floors..so additional space to get away from the 4th floor hustle and bustle...

Hi there @BlueSkies Nice to see you around.

I have nowhere near as much RPC experience as you but we had a one night stay before the Starcruiser back in March and totally agree with the above. The lounge was very busy and we found we liked retreating to the 5th floor with our food/beverage. Granted it was only a short period of time, but the vibe was different than past stays for whatever reason.

I have personally wondered if the closure of SL has had an influence on some level for RPC crowds. For one, RPC seems harder to book these days (not a scientific observation, just feels that way in my various searching). And second, there’s not an inconsequential number of outer building suites that in the past would have used SL but now only have RPC. Perhaps that is influencing lounge guest counts on the margins?

Anyway - glad you had a good trip overall! Thanks for checking in.