*The Official VILLAS AT DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA Group* + LOBBY CONSTRUCTION UPDATES!

[mlittig]

I am LOVING the new look of the Grand Floridian lobby When I look at photos taken from the second floor, it makes me wonder how the huge Christmas tree will fit in the usual area between the bird cage elevator and the new bar area

 

[mamaofsix]

I am LOVING the new look of the Grand Floridian lobby When I look at photos taken from the second floor, it makes me wonder how the huge Christmas tree will fit in the usual area between the bird cage elevator and the new bar area

The bar area takes up the same footprint as the platform that held the former birdcage, if you check the picture. Should hopefully still leave room for the big tree?

Unless they shift things around and the tree comes further forward?

 

[tx911]

The bar area takes up the same footprint as the platform that held the former birdcage, if you check the picture. Should hopefully still leave room for the big tree?

Unless they shift things around and the tree comes further forward?

I'd be super surprised if they hadn't thought this all through before they started, and we will get our VGF Christmas tree.

 

[PolyRob]

I was looking closer at the furniture pictures tonight and noticed there are still Mickey heads in the center of the carpet design. Not as large as the old carpet, but it's a nice subtle touch.

 

[PolyRob]

Lifting these from Twitter:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1977412914798821731

I think it looks fantastic up close! The furniture is subdued compared to the carpet and I think that makes sense. With a new bar people will be spilling all over the place. It needs to be busier and brighter to conceal all the damage. The furniture is easier to clean/swap.

 

[mrsap]

POOL CABANAS HAVE BEEN UPDATED!

It appears the Cabanas have also been updated! I just saw some pics and a video posted. The video was from mid-Sept. in TT. Pics courtesy of Stephanie @ Pixie Dust Planners on FB.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Nice and refreshed, but I wouldn't have thought bright green would be the color they'd choose!

 

[waters85]

Yikes, that color.

 

[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.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Nice and refreshed, but I wouldn't have thought bright green would be the color they'd choose!

I dig the green….

 

[LadybugsMum]

I like the green too. It's perfect for a pool area.

 

[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.




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.



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!


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.