Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa + Construction Updates!!

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Well, all kidding aside, I guess the reasons you seek are what I had already stated above… while CR might have better views and some transportation benefits, it doesn’t beat the Grand as a whole. The grounds, the pools, and even the amazing lobby (even if it’s under construction) because you still have access to all shops and restaurants, the decor, the ambiance, it’s all still there. I’d still pick GF every time.

Interesting. I guess you are just more tolerant of that stuff than I am. Any serious construction I consider a huge inconvenience. I hate that construction beeping noise. The grand had their photo pass place closed until recently also which is a huge perk. But hey to each their own, hopefully they fix the bus issue there cause one spot for a bus sucks

 

[mrsap]

Interesting. I guess you are just more tolerant of that stuff than I am. Any serious construction I consider a huge inconvenience. I hate that construction beeping noise. The grand had their photo pass place closed until recently also which is a huge perk. But hey to each their own, hopefully they fix the bus issue there cause one spot for a bus sucks

Definitely, I think more-so because we love it there. We’ve been at GF when multiple buildings were under construction, as well as the center of the lobby walled off for painting! Someone who may be staying club level, and staying in the main building, might feel differently about the lobby construction, and I wouldn’t blame them if it did bother them. I have a trip coming up, and I’m very much looking forward to it!

 

[bethclayton]

I have a trip coming up very soon and I am not changing it, nor have I even considered doing so. The GF is by far my favorite resort and I have very little desire to stay anywhere else. As long as the noise level is bearable (can anyone who's been there this week or last weigh in on that?), I am not concerned. I don't spend time in the lobby except to pass through it to shop. As for the resort as a whole, I love the theming, the upscale feel, and I find it VERY relaxing there. I love the shops and the dining. I love the boat, the monorail, and the walking path. And most of all, I love the CL lounge. For me, personally, the transportation at CR is not more appealing at all, and even if it were, I don't care for the ambience there enough to stay there over the GF. Like @mrsap I have been there doing major construction before, even when it was right outside my window (I even posted photos just a few days ago) and it was no bother at all. I was also at Poly when it was under major construction, again, no issue. I am following closely so that I know what to expect ahead of time, and so far (other than the potential for extreme noise), nothing I see concerns me.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

I have a trip coming up very soon and I am not changing it, nor have I even considered doing so. The GF is by far my favorite resort and I have very little desire to stay anywhere else. As long as the noise level is bearable (can anyone who's been there this week or last weigh in on that?), I am not concerned. I don't spend time in the lobby except to pass through it to shop. As for the resort as a whole, I love the theming, the upscale feel, and I find it VERY relaxing there. I love the shops and the dining. I love the boat, the monorail, and the walking path. And most of all, I love the CL lounge. For me, personally, the transportation at CR is not more appealing at all, and even if it were, I don't care for the ambience there enough to stay there over the GF. Like @mrsap I have been there doing major construction before, even when it was right outside my window (I even posted photos just a few days ago) and it was no bother at all. I was also at Poly when it was under major construction, again, no issue. I am following closely so that I know what to expect ahead of time, and so far (other than the potential for extreme noise), nothing I see concerns me.

Apparently they were recently doing construction after midnight and the club level rooms are located in the area around there. But luckily extreme noise doesn’t bother you. I think club level rooms are the most impacted.

Also, there is only one elevator that you can use to get to the club level rooms.

I guess I’m learning why Disney doesn’t discount rooms when construction is going on, they don’t have too. Even when stormoloago bay was closed beach and yacht were same prices

 

[focusondisney]

NM

 

[focusondisney]

I guess I’m learning why Disney doesn’t discount rooms when construction is going on, they don’t have too. Even when stormoloago bay was closed beach and yacht were same prices

We stayed at Y&B in May & just got back from Y&B & GF stays. Y&B was great both trips. GF RPC was amazing. And in fact, yes, we had discounts for each of those stays.

I seem to remember you remarking on discounts during construction months ago. As several posters said then, no, Disney doesn’t discount for construction. They offer discounts seasonally as needed to fill rooms. We used general public, AP & BB discounts for these trips. Disney announces construction in advance. If you don’t want to stay there during construction, you have plenty of time to book somewhere else. Construction discounts aren’t needed when so
many other discounts are already offered.

As for our trips during construction, we found the same value we always have. The rooms were beautiful, our views amazing, the CMs just as friendly & helpful as ever. We were not bothered by the lobby construction even tho our room was in the main building. We never had to wait for a 2nd elevator. Our time in the lounge was as lovely as any previous visit. Monorail, boat & bus service operated normally. The restaurants were unaffected.

I guess if you don’t want to stay somewhere with construction, there are lots of other places to stay. And lots of other places to vacation if you don’t find value at WDW. Those of us who keep going back find the value in our stays.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

We stayed at Y&B in May & just got back from Y&B & GF stays. Y&B was great both trips. GF RPC was amazing. And in fact, yes, we had discounts for each of those stays.

I seem to remember you remarking on discounts during construction months ago. As several posters said then, no, Disney doesn’t discount for construction. They offer discounts seasonally as needed to fill rooms. We used general public, AP & BB discounts for these trips. Disney announces construction in advance. If you don’t want to stay there during construction, you have plenty of time to book somewhere else. Construction discounts aren’t needed when so
many other discounts are already offered.

As for our trips during construction, we found the same value we always have. The rooms were beautiful, our views amazing, the CMs just as friendly & helpful as ever. We were not bothered by the lobby construction even tho our room was in the main building. We never had to wait for a 2nd elevator. Our time in the lounge was as lovely as any previous visit. Monorail, boat & bus service operated normally. The restaurants were unaffected.

I guess if you don’t want to stay somewhere with construction, there are lots of other places to stay. And lots of other places to vacation if you don’t find value at WDW. Those of us who keep going back find the value in our stays.

Are the discounts specific to the resort under construction or to all the resorts generally? If not directly related to construction or prices lower than not construction discounts.

yes based on everyone’s responses construction related discounts aren’t needed. People will stay at the resorts anyways. Even when the main highlights are unavailable.

That’s great you don’t mind construction or loud noises or inconveniences during your vacation.

I’m not sure what kind of gatekeeping you are alluding to in your last paragraph. Are you saying that people who don’t want to stay in a hotel with construction can’t find value at WDW? I don’t find value staying at a construction site area, quite the opposite. I’ll just stay at a different hotel. There is no badge of honor or anything given of value for being at a resort during construction, just some extra dust you can breath in and noise.

 

[Babsy]

I have had terrible experiences staying in hotels at WDW with construction. I will happily stay at the All Star with no construction over the GF with construction. But that is my choice. I actually enjoy all WDW resorts as they are all special in their own way. When paying to stay at a WDW resort, I prefer to not look at construction walls or hear any noise (even during the day as we choose to spend time med day relaxing at our resort). I pay for peace and quiet as well full amenities for that resort. In fact, I would consider some luxury off site resorts if my preferred options have pool closures or construction at or near the resort. YMMV.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

I have had terrible experiences staying in hotels at WDW with construction. I will happily stay at the All Star with no construction over the GF with construction. But that is my choice. I actually enjoy all WDW resorts as they are all special in their own way. When paying to stay at a WDW resort, I prefer to not look at construction walls or hear any noise (even during the day as we choose to spend time med day relaxing at our resort). I pay for peace and quiet as well full amenities for that resort. In fact, I would consider some luxury off site resorts if my preferred options have pool closures or construction at or near the resort. YMMV.

My thoughts exactly. I’ll stop by the grand for a meal than go back to the peace and quiet all stars lol not lying awake spending nearly $1k a night

 

[focusondisney]

Are the discounts specific to the resort under construction or to all the resorts generally? If not directly related to construction or prices lower than not construction discounts.

Maybe you missed this part:

I seem to remember you remarking on discounts during construction months ago. As several posters said then, no, Disney doesn’t discount for construction. They offer discounts seasonally as needed to fill rooms. We used general public, AP & BB discounts for these trips. Disney announces construction in advance. If you don’t want to stay there during construction, you have plenty of time to book somewhere else. Construction discounts aren’t needed when so many other discounts are already offered.

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Maybe you missed this part:

It just blows my mind that’s all. Different strokes for different folks I guess

 

[focusondisney]

can anyone who's been there this week or last weigh in on that?),

We just got home from RPC late Thursday. We were in a turret king deluxe room, so on the hallway that is open to the lobby. We were not disturbed by noise at all. When we were in the lounge before 8 am, we did not see any workers. One morning about 9 we heard some drilling for a few minutes. It wasn’t loud or continuous. Much of what’s going on right now is painting & laying tile.

Yes, @2vets had reported loud drilling a few weeks ago as they drilled into the marble. It seems that was limited to 1 or 2 days. There was 1 report of work being done at overnight as well. That post said they were told the overnight work was done in error, the manger apologized & some compensation was given. We did not experience either of those. Construction every day was done by 4:30, we heard nothing in our room during the day.

Having 1 elevator available was also not a problem. We never had to wait for a 2nd elevator. The only time we went to the lobby was to the bus stop & sit on the beach. I’m so used to the construction walls in every park, the walls in the lobby did not phase me at all. For years Disney did nothing to the resorts. There were complaints about them not spending money on resorts then too. Now they’re finally spending a lot of money fixing up all the resorts. I’m excited to see how everything is going to turn out.

 

[PolyRob]

Contemporary has a better location though and better transportation options

Grand Floridian has been under construction since 2019 when the walking path construction started. There has been ample warning on both the cash and DVC website notifying guests of possible disturbances. The transportation thing to me is a moot point because GF and CR are equidistant from MK and TTC, just in reverse. It's easier to get to Epcot from CR, but a trek to return. Vice versa with GF. Some prefer the GF walking path because it's scenic over the water rather than across an active roadway. To me, the walking path to Poly from GF trumps the boat to WL/FW from CR after 3pm. I prefer 'Ohana, Tambu Lounge, Trader Sam's, etc to WL/FW. GF is also the second stop on Poly/GF busses. CR is the second stop on WL/CR busses.

The outer building construction and scaffolding on the exterior of the main building actually seemed like it was a lot more intrusive than the current lobby setup. Sure it's not ideal, but outside of check-in/bell services you don't need to always sit in the construction zone. You have Narccoossee's outside, Gasparailla outside, and GF Cafe + 1900 Park Fare isolated in the corner of the lobby accessible to all the outer buildings. CL could take the secret elevator and walk under the covered walkway and completely miss the construction walls and covered staircase in the main building.

Comparing to CR again, the main building elevators are horrible at CR, especially when CG is open. Sure losing one at GF is hard for CL, but CR is not perfect and I almost prefer the garden wing at times because that elevator is crazy, especially if you have a stroller or assistive device and can't utilize the escalators.

Last but not least, this is the main reason I would choose GF over CR:







It's sad, but CR rooms are now glorified AoA Little Mermaid rooms. I personally don't want Edna Mode or pig snouts on the TV wall glaring at me for 1k+ per night. Guests are still visiting GF and booking GF. You yourself mentioned you would even visit GF while under construction for amenities like dining which happens to be in the lobby or accessible via the lobby for non-resort guests so it can't be that off putting.

 

[bethclayton]

@focusondisney thank you so much for posting that! That is what I was envisioning and hoping to hear. I have been feeling so badly for what @2vets went through and hoping it was a limited time scenario (though that certainly doesn’t make it any better for 2vets). If I can enjoy a few evenings in the lounge I will just be thrilled, and if this schedule continues, it sounds like a distinct possibility. Thanks again for your reply!

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Grand Floridian has been under construction since 2019 when the walking path construction started. There has been ample warning on both the cash and DVC website notifying guests of possible disturbances. The transportation thing to me is a moot point because GF and CR are equidistant from MK and TTC, just in reverse. It's easier to get to Epcot from CR, but a trek to return. Vice versa with GF. Some prefer the GF walking path because it's scenic over the water rather than across an active roadway. To me, the walking path to Poly from GF trumps the boat to WL/FW from CR after 3pm. I prefer 'Ohana, Tambu Lounge, Trader Sam's, etc to WL/FW. GF is also the second stop on Poly/GF busses. CR is the second stop on WL/CR busses.

The outer building construction and scaffolding on the exterior of the main building actually seemed like it was a lot more intrusive than the current lobby setup. Sure it's not ideal, but outside of check-in/bell services you don't need to always sit in the construction zone. You have Narccoossee's outside, Gasparailla outside, and GF Cafe + 1900 Park Fare isolated in the corner of the lobby accessible to all the outer buildings. CL could take the secret elevator and walk under the covered walkway and completely miss the construction walls and covered staircase in the main building.

Comparing to CR again, the main building elevators are horrible at CR, especially when CG is open. Sure losing one at GF is hard for CL, but CR is not perfect and I almost prefer the garden wing at times because that elevator is crazy, especially if you have a stroller or assistive device and can't utilize the escalators.

Last but not least, this is the main reason I would choose GF over CR:

View attachment 1004348

View attachment 1004349

View attachment 1004350

It's sad, but CR rooms are now glorified AoA Little Mermaid rooms. I personally don't want Edna Mode or pig snouts on the TV wall glaring at me for 1k+ per night. Guests are still visiting GF and booking GF. You yourself mentioned you would even visit GF while under construction for amenities like dining which happens to be in the lobby or accessible via the lobby for non-resort guests so it can't be that off putting.

I agree with you that the walk way across a busy intersection intersection does bring CR down a notch. It really takes you out of the immersive environment having to deal with cross a street, especially with kids. Idk why they don’t have a bridge or something there. The CR elevators can be big issues I agree. The incredible was certainly a choice, would have made more sense if they had incredible characters at the hotel.

Yes 1900 park fare is a very good spot and like the only princess dinner you can have for one credit on the Disney dinning plan. Again if to too loud or problematic I can just leave easily

 

[bethclayton]

@focusondisney i also forgot to add how much I appreciate your adding your room type. We have the same room type booked and I have been sweating it out… if we get the far away rooms, less potential for noise, but a perfectly reasonable change we’d get the turret rooms, which would be great under normal circumstances but not with the potential noise. You made me feel much better!!