*The Official VILLAS AT DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA Owners & Lovers Group* - LOBBY REFURB BEGAN 4/14!

[marmentrout85]

I also can't help but think this new Birdcage bar will make the lobby for the future holiday seasons feel much more cramped with the gingerbread house and big tree.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Doesn't Gasparilla offer this? Le Petit Cafe may be bigger, but you can still get espresso and espresso-based drinks at GF.

I’m not sure as I only went in there once.

I’d like a real espresso machine where a barista pulls the shot and can make fancy shapes in the crema and not just push a button. I would also love real coffee cups and not paper cups….

Ok…. now I am just getting greedy… silly Pacific Northwest mindset….

 

[PolyRob]

I’m not sure as I only went in there once.

I’d like a real espresso machine where a barista pulls the shot and can make fancy shapes in the crema and not just push a button. I would also love real coffee cups and not paper cups….

Ok…. now I am just getting greedy… silly Pacific Northwest mindset….

This is the Gasparilla Menu:



The area where they make the drinks is next to the pastry case where the food is prepared and you do mobile pickup. The drip coffee, hot water, and rapid refill Coke Freestyle machines are closer to the dining area.

Ahhh fancy shapes. That would be awesome! Disney Springs has that, but it's done by a machine

 

[AstroBlasters]

This is the Gasparilla Menu:

View attachment 956156

The area where they make the drinks is next to the pastry case where the food is prepared and you do mobile pickup. The drip coffee, hot water, and rapid refill Coke Freestyle machines are closer to the dining area.

Ahhh fancy shapes. That would be awesome! Disney Springs has that, but it's done by a machine

I’m guessing that is push button auto espresso drinks.

If this is the lobby of the GRAND Floridian…. I want hand made La Marzocco espresso machines with freshly ground beans from Guatemala or Costa Rica…

With Mickey or Minnie in the crema!

None of this “iced coffee” BS that is just an excuse for people to load up on sugar flavored milk that happens to have a touch of poorly made espresso…

 

[PolyRob]

I’m guessing that is push button auto espresso drinks.

If this is the lobby of the GRAND Floridian…. I want hand made La Marzocco espresso machines with freshly ground beans from Guatemala or Costa Rica…

With Mickey or Minnie in the crema!

That would be amazing and rival the gingerbread house and Easter cottage lines!

 

[AstroBlasters]

That would be amazing rival the gingerbread house and Easter cottage lines!

Imagine sitting down with a nice ginger bread or Easter cookie and a freshly made cup of real coffee and listing to a grand piano player…..

Can we please wristband the lobby if that happens!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Ok, two lines for the coffee bar. One for GF guests with a wrist band and a separate line for everyone else.

 

[waters85]

I think the renovations look great and am cautiously optimistic. I appreciate the color and chosen design. I hope the carpet holds up (especially with the bar) - following the upgrade to Big Pine Key I always feel that lobby/ common area (bottom of elevators) of that building looks so drab and the carpet needs to be stretched and refitted to eliminate the bumps which currently exist. Do wonder how the tree will fit in the space with the new bar, and if it will come out farther than the current birdcage. Hopefully, tea room and BBB (upstairs) finally reopen along with launch of everything. Odd to start work before Easter, especially as eggs will still be out (assuming like with past). Happy to be on the home stretch of this work.

 

[kmc8826]

New lobby rendering dropped and work is expected to start this month...

View attachment 956090

View attachment 956089

NO GINGERBREAD HOUSE THIS YEAR

Team Room also getting updates with more details later

https://twitter.com/x/status/1910392490319900992

No gingerbread house?!? Last year celebrating the 25th year better not have been it. I fear like so many other Disney things it won’t come back. I don’t like this at all.

VGF is one of my home resorts and I booked time there this December specifically for the House. When we went last December it was such a quick trip we never made it over. Sigh.

 

[PolyRob]

No gingerbread house?!? Last year celebrating the 25th year better not have been it. I fear like so many other Disney things it won’t come back. I don’t like this at all.

VGF is one of my home resorts and I booked time there this December specifically for the House. When we went last December it was such a quick trip we never made it over. Sigh.

Ugh I am sorry! Part of me thinks there is no way Disney could end the gingerbread house, but then I look at what happened with the Osborne Lights and the Dream Lights. I hope it makes Disney more money than it costs to build and maintain throughout the holiday season.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

Thinking about it some more… I fear the writing is on the wall for the VGF gingerbread house

If Disney executives traded the gingerbread house for another bar … that’s quite a disillusioning final statement at the end of a 5+ year “evolution” for the flagship.

 

[mrsap]

Wow, so they aren't even going to wait for the Easter Cottage to come down! And if that's the case....then why didn't they start in January?! They could have started on the front desk portion or the stairs at least. This is going to be interesting to track.

I thought the same thing! I was sure it would start the day after the Easter display comes down, however, it does say it will be done in sections, so it might not directly impact the heart of the lobby at that time.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Just bring back the Orchestra and I’ll be happy.

 

[Sandisw]

Looks great but that poster that thought the lobby was already too busy and should just be for guest staying there will now have to battle the bar crowd trying to grab a drink oh boy! LOL

It will be interesting to see how it plays out…as a place I stay, I am excited to see it!

But, you are right…those that are not happy with GF crowds, this seems like it’s going to increase it year round.

I certainly will be shocked if they prevent people from visiting.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I think it’s hilarious that the poster has a mom walking her daughter up to the bar…. um…. I guess Disney is trying to groom future alcoholic Disney adults…

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

The info for VGF on the DVC booking page has been updated and is now very specific...

As part of the ongoing enhancements at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, phased updates to the lobby, convention center and select areas will begin April 14. Portions of the lobby will close at times, and Guests may encounter changes to their path of travel. While construction activity will be noticeable during daytime hours, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, and all pools, dining and other amenities will remain available. As Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa continues its renovations, the gingerbread display will not be available during the holiday season in 2025.

 

[mrsap]

The info for VGF on the DVC booking page has been updated and is now very specific...

As part of the ongoing enhancements at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, phased updates to the lobby, convention center and select areas will begin April 14. Portions of the lobby will close at times, and Guests may encounter changes to their path of travel. While construction activity will be noticeable during daytime hours, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, and all pools, dining and other amenities will remain available. As Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa continues its renovations, the gingerbread display will not be available during the holiday season in 2025.

Thanks. Still kind of surprised about the gingerbread house. Maybe less congestion in the lobby this holiday season.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Thanks. Still kind of surprised about the gingerbread house. Maybe less congestion in the lobby this holiday season.

Yes, me too - it's such a big deal, I'm shocked they didn't figure out a way to finish up construction ahead of time (even if it meant starting sooner.) Also, this is really short notice to us DVC owners who would have booked for the holidays long before now!

 

[Cfabar1]

some are wondering if they'll do it once in the name of renovations and have it never return... who knows...

I'm more curious about what they do with the sides (not pictured) and the tea room.

I'd also love to see BBB space utilized, the awkward chair/photo space better used, and if the kids club space is vacant find a way to put it to use...

 

[PolyRob]

Yes, me too - it's such a big deal, I'm shocked they didn't figure out a way to finish up construction ahead of time (even if it meant starting sooner.) Also, this is really short notice to us DVC owners who would have booked for the holidays long before now!

I feel like GF could have easily started construction in January and skipped the Easter cottage to ensure the gingerbread house would be ready. Eggs could have been on display in some little part of the lobby that wasn't being worked on. I'm concerned it won't be returning.