One of the Most INSANE WDW Rumors I've Heard, GF to be gutted

[cutigerlady]

Last summer my husband had a conference at the Contemporary and I noticed multiple things that they were doing that was above and beyond the GF. I was surprised because I thought the GF was the flagship hotel. For example, they had towels on every lounge chair rolled up for you. Some went around the pool all day doing things like offer you a viol towel for your face, fresh fruit, cloth to clean your sunglasses, etc. In our room we had complementary liters of water, bigger/enhanced toiletries that they replenished daily. In the QS, they had silverware sets instead of the mass dispensers and someone brought our food to us and offered condiments. The staff at the desk worked with us to separate out our bill (government paid stuff vs our charges) and kept apologizing for me needing to be there to fix it.

I didn't get any of these things at the GF! I was also staying CL in the main building! I had to beg someone to show me how to get to my room (required a weird back elevator access). I struggled to get my MB to work and had to stand in line several times to get it fixed.

I think there are lots of things they could do without gutting the decor. I've stayed at many high end hotels and the service now at the GF is not even in the same ballpark!

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

I guess the big question is what Chapek means by Modern? I mean does that mean go away from the Victorian theming? That I hate. But if it means upgrade amenities etc like the TV mirrors in the DVC villas for example then I could dig that. I just don't want to see the GF lobby refurbed to look like the contemporary or four seasons. I like the opulent old time feel of that

Of course they're not going to change the theming of the hotel to something "modern." That can't be what was meant. They may soften the Victorian look a little, but the place is what it is.

 

[focusondisney]

If they didn't care at all what CMs think why would they even hold this meeting? I do agree that this likely won't lead to major investments.

I think most employers pretend to care what their employees think, even when they don't. Example: We're planning for a big move to a new facility later this year at my work place. We have staff meetings all the time about our new "processes". Management asks for input, employees give it & why things should be done certain ways. Management comes back with a totally different plan. And they say: let's try this instead. Why ask if you don't want our ideas????

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I guess the big question is what Chapek means by Modern? I mean does that mean go away from the Victorian theming? That I hate. But if it means upgrade amenities etc like the TV mirrors in the DVC villas for example then I could dig that. I just don't want to see the GF lobby refurbed to look like the contemporary or four seasons. I like the opulent old time feel of that

I think that's exactly the route they could go...match the dvc unit for thematic consistency...perhaps add some more "modern" Feel to the suites to perhaps pull that lost element back.

I don't see major changes to the lobby other than perhaps interior redos of the first floor amenities...which are way outdated.

And they can't take out the dome...or there will be no way to lower the tree in for Christmas by helicopter...

 

[Saratoga Springs Tom]

Well permits are usually pretty firm. You have to file for new permits if there are changes

That's true, a change would require an alteration or amendment to the permit(s). Very easily done with the resources Disney has, an army of lawyers and engineers at their disposal. I don't doubt they're going to construct a building. I was implying until it's announced and identified by Disney as to what it will be, there's all kinds of rumors and gossip. That's all. And even then, who knows. Remember "Hyperion Wharf"?

 

[DOOM1001]

Okay this is something that has been discussed in my family for a very long time,how this beautiful hotel with those huge rates is beautiful in its style but its just not "our" style and even if the rates were cut in half we probably wouldn't stay there.With that said I would hate to see this hotel get gutted and completely redone,its exterior is iconic with WDW and should not be touched.Having said that I wonder if they've done some research that shows people steering away from this style.I would love to see Disney go all out and build an ultra modern hotel,the Contemporary is nice and all but its mostly stuck in the 70's when compared to designs that are being done today.The only reason that leads me to believe there's some truth in it is for how long we've mentioned it and the possibility of a lot of people with the same thinking.My solution to Disney is build a new hotel but leave the GF as it is.

 

[DOOM1001]

and even then, who knows. Remember "Hyperion Wharf"?

I remember that and I'm glad they made the change to Disney Springs,it took like a decade but its much better than the plans for Hyperion Wharf.The concept art looked pretty but the plans were not big enough and would essentially just be a renovation of Pleasure Island with nowhere near the amount of new stores and restaurants Disney Springs got.The plans for Hyperion Wharf if I remember called for things like new plazas and pretty lighting and a few new stores and restaurants,things that sound nice but obviously somebody high up in Disney realized was not a big enough plan for the amount of people that visit WDW.Disney Springs was much more of a tear down and completely rebuild job than Hyperion Wharf would have been and simply put very much needed.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I remember that and I'm glad they made the change to Disney Springs,it took like a decade but its much better than the plans for Hyperion Wharf.The concept art looked pretty but the plans were not big enough and would essentially just be a renovation of Pleasure Island with nowhere near the amount of new stores and restaurants Disney Springs got.The plans for Hyperion Wharf if I remember called for things like new plazas and pretty lighting and a few new stores and restaurants,things that sound nice but obviously somebody high up in Disney realized was not a big enough plan for the amount of people that visit WDW.Disney Springs was much more of a tear down and completely rebuild job than Hyperion Wharf would have been and simply put very much needed.

Not to derail the thread too much but, while I like all the new restaurants, I'd prefer a renovation of Pleasure Island to all the high-end stores I will never set foot in that they now have at Disney Springs

 

[Spridell]

I could see the angle In all this...

It's still a huge investment...unless this has been in the works for a long time.

You can't really take the lobby offline too much because it has that dvc unit now...it has to remain mostly functional.

But you could close a lodge or two at a time and gut them for modernization. It has been 30 years.

I also think you're looking at 2 converted to dvc...that's inevitable. Big pine and boca chica are practically begging for it.

Not impossible.

If I were Disney i would start with Big Pine and make that a DVC. Do one at a time to see the outcome.

Boca Chica is pretty popular among daily guests because of the views. So i would wait a little on that one.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If I were Disney i would start with Big Pine and make that a DVC. Do one at a time to see the outcome.

Boca Chica is pretty popular among daily guests because of the views. So i would wait a little on that one.

That would make the most sense because they are the closer two...no
Other reason.

But dvc will get raped off points for a "view" just like anyone else

 

[Micca]

I think most employers pretend to care what their employees think, even when they don't. Example: We're planning for a big move to a new facility later this year at my work place. We have staff meetings all the time about our new "processes". Management asks for input, employees give it & why things should be done certain ways. Management comes back with a totally different plan. And they say: let's try this instead. Why ask if you don't want our ideas????

This has been my experience also. Ostensibly it's a morale booster--getting the troops together, sharing some new ideas and getting input from the boots on the ground. There is a chance that someone's idea could be implemented, but corporate management can make any rules they wish citing "guest feedback" as the reason.

With respect to the Feb 8 meeting, we do know that housekeeping is getting re-organized. Perhaps there's a management push to explore improvements/cost reductions to other areas of guest services.

As for the "gutting the GF" rumor...I don't think so.

 

[Madonna3]

I honestly thought this was die after the first page. Surprised to see it still going.

I love the GF. However, I think it could use a bit of a refresh in it's main areas. I love the DVC suites and actually prefer them to the regular rooms.

 

[aristocatz]

Any truth to this?

http://diskingdom.com/2017/01/31/rumor-disneys-grand-floridian-redesigned/

 

[Spridell]

Any truth to this?

http://diskingdom.com/2017/01/31/rumor-disneys-grand-floridian-redesigned/

Pretty much just a copy of the original rumor.

 

[Turn the Page]

Not to derail the thread too much but, while I like all the new restaurants, I'd prefer a renovation of Pleasure Island to all the high-end stores I will never set foot in that they now have at Disney Springs

Yes!!!! DH and I were walking through it and all I could think was "I can go to all these stores at home." Well, not home, we live in the middle of nowhere but I could drive a couple hours and go to those stores. But even then I wouldn't set foot in most of them anyway. When we go to DS we just charge right through that part and head straight to the west end or whatever they call it. The World of Disney and a few other stores in that area are all we go to.

I miss the Adventurers Club.

 

[Aurora0427]

The Grand is my favorite hotel. I love it. That being said, I would completely support the gutting of the buildings and bringing it up to modern standards, while keeping the Victorian theme. The rooms need new plumbing, we've experienced this first hand. They could make it truly grand, but I just don't see Disney spending the money. The outside is perfect- it doesn't need to be touched.

I will go nuts if they tear it down. Like, nuts. Seriously hoping that is totally nonsense.

 

[PolyRob]

Just stayed at the GF in early December and there is no other resort my mom will stay at (I try to convince her to split stay)! I agree with a lot of these comments. I do think the resort is iconic. The lobby with marble floors is breathtaking, especially during the holiday season. My room was very nice. It still had victorian touches, but definitely looks more modern compared to the previous design. The part of the room that needs the most enhancement is the bathroom. The tile, sinks, and mirrors were carried forward. Knowing this, it did not ruin my trip. I just expect it to be replaced during the next refurb.

When the rumor states "gut," I consider the DVC villa refurb at Poly a "gut" (besides elevators). Those rooms are unrecognizable and walls have been changed for the bathrooms and kitchenettes. Same thing with Wilderness Lodge for CC. Its regular rooms turning into studios and possible 1 and 2 bedrooms. Those old spaces were "gutted."

When the rumor states "rebuilt with a more modern-luxury theme," it does make me think Disney is talking about removing the victorian feel. A more "modern-luxury theme" is not an updated victorian theme similar to the villas (which I agree are beautiful). It would be sad to see that original theme completely disappear. I do not understand how Disney could possibly make a modern interior theme fit with that exterior. That would be a huge clash IMO. If Disney were to change the outside, then how would it not be more cost effective to just keep the GF and refurb it as usual and build a new "modern-luxury themed" resort? The Contemporary in its prime did fit this bill. A new Venetian or Mediterranean would not be "modern-luxury theme" either.

The Villas at the GF have been open for almost four years. They will be due for a refurb in about three more years. If this rumored project has not even started the design phase, I can see the Villas being overhauled as well to match the potential updated look. MF will just go up for the resort to help cover it. I had been researching DVC and searching the market for a VGF contract to purchase resale, but am now hesitant to wait and see what will happen.

 

[Aurora0427]

So let's say this does happen. Any guesses as to when it would start? We picked the Poly for our August trip, and now I'm wondering if we should move to the Grand.

 

[Matthew Caito]

This wont happen, disney has talked for years and years to build on the land near the TTC but the land itself is not that stable which is why they have not build there yet. Disney never would have invested millions of dollars in building a very luxurious DVC on the GF property to just cut it less than 10 years later. The GF is probably the one of the most desired places to stay on property and could be the most relaxing resort they have.

This will never happen.

 

[Spridell]

So let's say this does happen. Any guesses as to when it would start? We picked the Poly for our August trip, and now I'm wondering if we should move to the Grand.

Years from now this would happen. That is IF and a big IF it happens.

You are looking at a min of 2 years away IF