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

[mrsap]

Mrsap! This is bringing me back to those awesome Friday posts you would make during Covid on the Disney News thread on the Rumors and News board. I lived for that, and for news from the Disboards when WDW was closed! You really brightened my weeks during that time. I didn't think WDW would ever re-open so that we could get back to arguing over carpet and furniture choices.

Aww I’m so happy!! Those were fun to do!! I’d be laughing so hard making some of them I’d have tears in my eyes!! Not too long ago, I actually did a search and just went through them all! Some were so funny!

Just did a quick search and found one I made after Bob Chapek raised prices!!! Kinda seems fitting to share, in light of the recent price hike news lol



In light of the price hike announcements this week, I thought we needed a little pick me up! As you read along, please know that I did not feel it was necessary to change any lyrics, and you’ll soon know why!


Please enjoy my little “Ode to the CEO” as you sing “Money” by The Beatles! Enjoy!!!


The best things in life are free
But you can keep 'em for the birds and bees

Now give me money (that's what I want)
That's what I want (that's what I want)
That's what I want (that's what I want) yeah
That's what I want

Your loving give me a thrill,
But your loving don't pay my bills

Now give me money (that's what I want)
That's what I want (that's what I want)
That's what I want (that's what I want) yeah
That's what I want

Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get I can't use

Now give me money (that's what I want)
That's what I want (that's what I want)
That's what I want (that's what I want) yeah
That's what I want

Well, now give me money (that's what I want)
Whole lot of money (that's what I want)
Whoah yeah, I wanna be free (that's what I want)
Oh, money (that's what I want)
That's what I want, yeah (that's what I want)
That's what I want

Well, now give me money (that's what I want)
Whole lot of money (that's what I want, whoo)
Whoah, yeah, you know I need money (that's what I want)

Now give me money (that's what I want, whoo)
That's what I want, yeah (that's what I want)
That's what I want

Good times!!

 

[mrsap]

First Roundabout Under Construction for Floridian Way Roadway Widening Project

New aerial photos show that progress is being made on the first of three roundabouts as part of the World Drive Phase III/Floridian Way project. This project, which has been under construction for years now, will ease congestion along Floridian Way, a stretch of road that connects neighborhoods north of Magic Kingdom to the main World Drive artery running through the middle of Walt Disney World. We’ll take a look at permits and aerial photos from Bioreconstruct as we check in on the latest progress.


First Roundabout Under Construction Along Floridian Way Extension

We’ll start with a look at the latest construction progress from some 3,800 feet above the northern end of Walt Disney World property. In the photo below, we can see the new Floridian Way road snaking through some forested area west of Magic Kingdom and west of the Grand Floridian Resort. Actually, there is a lot of land clearing going on in this area of property, thanks to the support areas needed for the Cars-themed expansion of Frontierland and the all-new Villains Land. In the lower left of the photo below, we can see work on a trailer complex for a temporary Walt Disney Imagineering project headquarters. On the lower right, we can see excavation work for a brand new water management facility as part of the requirements set forth in draining the Rivers of America and affecting water management in Magic Kingdom.

Shifting perspectives a bit, we can see how the new Floridian Way roadway will be wider and further away from the Grand Floridian Resort. The current Floridian Way roadway is the skinny, 2-lane road that runs directly next to the resort hotel complex. By rerouting Floridian Way, not only does Disney create a wider roadway for the increase in traffic over the past decade-plus, but there could be a strategic benefit to allow for the development of a new hotel in the area. We explored that concept back in 2021.

Zooming in more, we can see the work taking place to create one of three roundabouts connected to this project. This particular roundabout will connect to the current north exit to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, as well as the nearby Cast Member parking lot.

Here are some permit screenshots showcasing the three roundabouts part of this project, and a closer look at how the roundabout ahead will connect to the Grand Floridian. For more on the new entrance for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, check out our earlier coverage of the permits. The roundabout we’re looking at today is the northernmost roundabout in the permit screenshot below.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort isn’t the only beneficiary of this work. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is receiving a brand new entrance, too, in an effort to ease congestion on the west side of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Overall, the World Drive Phase III/Floridian Way widening project should create a much easier traffic flow through this area. With the addition of the Polynesian Resort Island Tower and the possibility of an entirely new hotel in the area, Disney is well-positioned in terms of traffic when this roadway project is complete.

 

[Mom2Elliot]

Hi! Been a long time since I have been to Disney and the GF. We booked a 'Deluxe King Room - Club Level.' I just want reassurance that it is in the main building? All it says is views of Magic Kingdom or resort and access to Royal Palm Club Lounge. Thank you!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hi! Been a long time since I have been to Disney and the GF. We booked a 'Deluxe King Room - Club Level.' I just want reassurance that it is in the main building? All it says is views of Magic Kingdom or resort and access to Royal Palm Club Lounge. Thank you!

Yes, your reservation is perfect...enjoy!!

 

[Genie+]

Hi! Been a long time since I have been to Disney and the GF. We booked a 'Deluxe King Room - Club Level.' I just want reassurance that it is in the main building? All it says is views of Magic Kingdom or resort and access to Royal Palm Club Lounge. Thank you!

Yes, The Royal Palm Club is located in the main building of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The other club level WAS in Sugarloaf building and named such, but is no longer an option.

 

[mrsap]

Yes, The Royal Palm Club is located in the main building of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The other club level is in Sugarloaf building and named such.

View attachment 1016567

Sadly, Sugarloaf CL did not return after Covid. That is outdated info. There is only one lounge now, RPC, in the main building.

 

[Genie+]

Sadly, Sugarloaf CL did not return after Covid. That is outdated info. There is only one lounge now, RPC, in the main building.

Oh that is sad. Glad to still have the main though. Now if we can just get the Tea Room back as the main lobby is near completion!

 

[focusondisney]

Hi! Been a long time since I have been to Disney and the GF. We booked a 'Deluxe King Room - Club Level.' I just want reassurance that it is in the main building? All it says is views of Magic Kingdom or resort and access to Royal Palm Club Lounge. Thank you!

All club level king deluxe rooms are in the main building. There are 2 types of King deluxe rooms. There are some rooms on the 2nd floor, those are regular rooms with a king bed, they have a balcony, they’re over Gasparilla’s grill & have a viewof the castle. There are also octogon shaped king rooms, on the 3rd, 4th & 5th floors. Those don’t have a balcony, but have windows on 2 walls & look out over the resort, monorail &/or lake & MK.

 

[Mom2Elliot]

All club level king deluxe rooms are in the main building. There are 2 types of King deluxe rooms. There are some rooms on the 2nd floor, those are regular rooms with a king bed, they have a balcony, they’re over Gasparilla’s grill & have a viewof the castle. There are also octogon shaped king rooms, on the 3rd, 4th & 5th floors. Those don’t have a balcony, but have windows on 2 walls & look out over the resort, monorail &/or lake & MK.

Thank you so much for the reassurance, everyone! Looking forward to it.

 

[Genie+]

Thank you so much for the reassurance, everyone! Looking forward to it.

Sounds like a dream come true! Enjoy your stay

 

[mrsap]

Grand Floridian Bar Gets Lighting & More Lobby Updates​

Crew members are still working on the Birdcage Bar, which was recently placed behind curtains since the rest of the lobby is open with brand new carpet and seating. Lighting has been installed on the top of the bar area.




There are six panels on the sides of the bar, and eight on the front. Each panel has its own lighting, and one in the front has a stained glass flower design. It’s unclear whether a second design will be added to the front to even it out.


The roof appears to be mostly finished, with the exception of a piece of wood that has yet to be placed and some exposed electrical wiring. We also spotted crew members working on the countertops, so those may be the next task that is completed.



The bar area does not have flooring yet.

DVC Desk Moves​

In other lobby news, the DVC desk has been moved back to its original location, which is located just outside the main lobby area. It was previously located near the Bell Services area.


The desk has DVC promotional materials on the counter and next to the window via a large display banner. It also features a new interactive screen. The display shows a cartoon photo of the iconic Grand Floridian buildings with red roofs.


A penguin waiter from Mary Poppinsholds a sign that reads “Disney Vacation Club Tap to Explore” which allows guests to touch the screen and learn more about Disney Vacation Club.

Chest of Trinkets​

Also located at the DVC desk area is the chest of trinkets that call back to Disney stories.



Such movies represented include Moana, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Aladdin, and more.


This was previously at Bell Services but has moved with the DVC desk.



Pictured above and below are photos of every trinket placed in the display chest.


Can you name all the movies referenced?



Let us know in the comments and on social media if you can!

Second Floor Elevator​

And in non-update updates, the elevator on the second floor is still closed and under construction.



Behind the white curtain, we can see a ladder and some scaffolding or some other type of metal supports.

 

[mrsap]

Large Tree Obstructing Big Pine Key Balcony Theme Park Views is Removed

Click link for full article.