Grand Floridian changing? Construction permits filed

[Docwheeze]

Haven't been there but doesn't the GF have a convention center for corporate events? Maybe that is part of the reason although other hotels like Four Seasons may be better set up for that. Maybe others here would know about this.

 

[DonMacGregor]

I don’t think the Victorian theme is going anywhere, considering that it’s reflected in the entire resort’s architecture, as well at its lobby. Not to say that they can’t freshen the whole place up though!

While I agree, the whole architectural treatment is already a stylized interpretation of a mix of existing source materials.

For example, the exterior references the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego:


But it's lobby bears absolutely zero resemblance to the "true" Victorian lobby of the "Hotel Del" as we So Cal locals call it:



So obviously, the lighter and brighter lobby theming is taken from other Victorian era hotels, like the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Also, 6 story atriums were highly unique (with the exception of the Brown Palace in Denver, low ceilings were the norm and more practical within conventional architecture and engineering), so there's always going to be some "interpretation". Even the Brown Palace, with its 8 story wrought iron atrium and HUGE stained glass ceiling feels much darker than VGF.

 

[nuhusky123]

Flagship resort. No more likely to change than Plaza Hotel in NY with "outdated" classic architecture. I like it and just bought there but agree with all that freshening is in order. I imagine Disney has done the market research to determine what customers want. Besides the current GFV is selling like hotcakes so seems desirable with or without changes.

Sales to date mean diddly until gfv sales To non dvc members start getting announced. And to be clear, what happens in month 2-3. I’d expect brisk sales for April so what really will be telling is may and june

i do expect gfv to be sold out again well before riv

 

[nuhusky123]

In thinking about the possibilities, it makes me wonder why every deluxe resort doesn’t have a special ice cream place

poly has the dole whips. Beach club, beaches and cream.

I mean come on Disney, I’m on vacation and I’ve got kids

kids like ice cream, adults like ice cream and we all know Disney gets you a free pass on your at home diet. It’s not even cheating on your diet, it’s the Disney diet fast pass

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Haven't been there but doesn't the GF have a convention center for corporate events? Maybe that is part of the reason although other hotels like Four Seasons may be better set up for that. Maybe others here would know about this.

Yes, there is a convention center, but it is relatively small compared to the capacity of Contemporary, Yacht Club, and others.

 

[nuhusky123]

As I look at the new decor in gf this reminds me of a posh marriott branded W hotel

vibrant colors with modern looking furniture with an underlying theme of luxury

not quite on the level of ritz Carlton or four seasons but a solid true four star furnishing

my bet for the lobby - marble staff desks, marble coffee tables surrounded by brightly colored sofas and chairs similar to the below images

 

[Paul Stupin]

While I agree, the whole architectural treatment is already a stylized interpretation of a mix of existing source materials.

For example, the exterior references the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego:
View attachment 659760

But it's lobby bears absolutely zero resemblance to the "true" Victorian lobby of the "Hotel Del" as we So Cal locals call it:

View attachment 659762

So obviously, the lighter and brighter lobby theming is taken from other Victorian era hotels, like the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Also, 6 story atriums were highly unique (with the exception of the Brown Palace in Denver, low ceilings were the norm and more practical within conventional architecture and engineering), so there's always going to be some "interpretation". Even the Brown Palace, with its 8 story wrought iron atrium and HUGE stained glass ceiling feels much darker than VGF.

As a native Los Angeleno, my family vacationed at the Hotel Del many times when I was a kid, and my fond memories of those trips are one of the reasons we own at VGF. As iconic as the Hotel Del is, it’s been refurbed and upgraded many times. Last year, it completed a three year 450 million dollar renovation, which maintained and refreshed it’s historic charm. Yeah, the Grand Floridian is a bit of a fantasy Victorian, but that’s what makes it special, and I’m sure that whatever they do will enhance and improve, not reinvent it.

 

[DonMacGregor]

As a native Los Angeleno, my family vacationed at the Hotel Del many times when I was a kid, and my fond memories of those trips are one of the reasons we own at VGF. As iconic as the Hotel Del is, it’s been refurbed and upgraded many times. Last year, it completed a three year 450 million dollar renovation, which maintained and refreshed it’s historic charm. Yeah, the Grand Floridian is a bit of a fantasy Victorian, but that’s what makes it special, and I’m sure that whatever they do will enhance and improve, not reinvent it.

I agree. My point was simply that while the exterior of the two hotels are quite similar, the two lobbies are vastly different, illustrating that there was design license taken with the GFH from day 1, so any changes during this next refurb won't be any "betrayal" to the original design intent (which is a conglomeration to begin with).

The Hotel Del's lobby after the renovation looks fabulous (had brunch at Sheerwater a few weeks ago) and I'm so glad it maintains so much of its original charm:

 

[Paul Stupin]

I agree. My point was simply that while the exterior of the two hotels are quite similar, the two lobbies are vastly different, illustrating that there was design license taken with the GFH from day 1, so any changes during this next refurb won't be any "betrayal" to the original design intent (which is a conglomeration to begin with).

The Hotel Del's lobby after the renovation looks fabulous (had brunch at Sheerwater a few weeks ago) and I'm so glad it maintains so much of its original charm:

View attachment 659872

View attachment 659874

It looks amazing! We haven’t been down there for years…maybe we’ll plan a day trip to check it all out!

 

[Royal Consort]

The Hotel Del's lobby after the renovation looks fabulous (had brunch at Sheerwater a few weeks ago) and I'm so glad it maintains so much of its original charm:

I'm pleased to hear. The Del was in terrible shape when I visited in early 2019. Whatever Grand does, it cannot be worse than the turd sitting on the floor in the middle of the public restroom and the clogged loo leaking feaces on the floor.

 

[Docwheeze]

I'm pleased to hear. The Del was in terrible shape when I visited in early 2019. Whatever Grand does, it cannot be worse than the turd sitting on the floor in the middle of the public restroom and the clogged loo leaking feaces on the floor.

Was the turd reading a magazine? I agree with all the above. In the past before renovation we stayed in a quirky guestroom that you could see into the restroom from the hotel hallway. New meaning to the idea of a public restroom! Much better now. I am sure the GF will benefit from the new construction.

 

[Bjaiken77]

We had some drinks and food at Enchanted Rose on our last visit. It was spectacular. Great food, delicious drinks, top level service, and a great vibe. If they can do that with the rest of the lobby, I’d be on board. I trust that they will always treat VGF with care as the flagship resort, but as I’ve said before, the time is now. There were aspects that were just dated.

 

[Sandisw]

We had some drinks and food at Enchanted Rose on our last visit. It was spectacular. Great food, delicious drinks, top level service, and a great vibe. If they can do that with the rest of the lobby, I’d be on board. I trust that they will always treat VGF with care as the flagship resort, but as I’ve said before, the time is now. There were aspects that were just dated.

I loved the Enchanted Rose and it will become a regular spot for me each trip!!!