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

[AstroBlasters]

I’m sure that most believe that iPads and iPhones made the TVs less relevant and not worth the additional expense.

 

[Girlstar30]

@Girlstar30 wanted me to write a follow up on my big pine key stay. I am at the airport facing a seriously delayed flight, so why not now.

I found the cast members at Grand Floridian were a complete 180 vs. January. Everyone was kind and welcoming and what you would expect from Disney, especially at the Flagship. I didn't experience any issues this trip. To me as someone who has stayed at Grand Floridian twice this year about 6 months apart, it feels like Disney completely re-trained the cast from the custodians all the way up to the front desk.

In January I felt like the cast had the attitude of, "we don't care if you like us, we're the best so we'll be here after you're gone."

It's obvious that someone higher up got feedback and made changes. I did tell my guide about our experience and we know our guide well enough that he knew we weren't complaining just to complain.

My room was clean. Overall as far as a studio goes, I think the BPK studios are MUCH better than the VGF deluxe studios. I can write more about that if people care, but I mostly wanted to give an update about my issues with the cast in January since @Girlstar30 asked.

This is so wonderful to hear, music to my ears, thank you for sharing.

I so badly wanted to like this resort and now I feel more confident booking again! I haven't tried all the restaurants so that was definetely on the bucket list.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on bpk studios vs deluxe as I haven't stayed at deluxe yet.

I also told my guide how it was in January and how every other hotel had excellent service so he knew we weren't complaining about everything either. I guess word got out!

 

[muppets3d]

This is so wonderful to hear, music to my ears, thank you for sharing.

I so badly wanted to like this resort and now I feel more confident booking again! I haven't tried all the restaurants so that was definetely on the bucket list.

I am curious to hear your thoughts on bpk studios vs deluxe as I haven't stayed at deluxe yet.

I also told my guide how it was in January and how every other hotel had excellent service so he knew we weren't complaining about everything either. I guess word got out!

I think the Big Pine Key rooms are more functional overall. I like the dual sinks in the bathroom and the separate true couch, vanity, and two beds. There is much more storage space with the closets and dresser under the TV.

The room is larger and feels brighter and more modern.

The only complaint I have about the layout is the couch does not face the TV, so if you want to watch TV you basically have to lay in bed.

The BPK building is closer to the quick service restaurant, quiet pool, and boat dock.

There's very little clothes storage space in the VGF rooms because of the 5th sleeper under the TV. There are drawers under the bed, but half of them are obstructed by the night stand. The main advantage of the deluxe studios is you get a split bathroom with a walk-in shower and a separate tub. Plus you're in the VGF building with it's own porte-cochere and parking lot, and covered walkway to the monorail and bus stop.

Overall I like the VGF building overall better, but if I want a studio at VGF in the future, it's BPK all the way. The only downside to the building is it's noisy, so pack a fan/earplugs/white noise machine, and request a top floor room!

 

[Girlstar30]

I think the Big Pine Key rooms are more functional overall. I like the dual sinks in the bathroom and the separate true couch, vanity, and two beds. There is much more storage space with the closets and dresser under the TV.

The room is larger and feels brighter and more modern.

The only complaint I have about the layout is the couch does not face the TV, so if you want to watch TV you basically have to lay in bed.

The BPK building is closer to the quick service restaurant, quiet pool, and boat dock.

There's very little clothes storage space in the VGF rooms because of the 5th sleeper under the TV. There are drawers under the bed, but half of them are obstructed by the night stand. The main advantage of the deluxe studios is you get a split bathroom with a walk-in shower and a separate tub. Plus you're in the VGF building with it's own porte-cochere and parking lot, and covered walkway to the monorail and bus stop.

Overall I like the VGF building overall better, but if I want a studio at VGF in the future, it's BPK all the way. The only downside to the building is it's noisy, so pack a fan/earplugs/white noise machine, and request a top floor room!

I've been watching virtual room tours of the 1 bedrooms at og vgf and they look stunning

 

[muppets3d]

I've been watching virtual room tours of the 1 bedrooms at og vgf and they look stunning

Yes, definitely stunning.

 

[IDSkinner]

I guess I'm one of the few that didn't like those tvs in the mirror.

Same here. I had no idea that was a thing.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Same here. I had no idea that was a thing.

IMO, it’s not really relevant technology in the age of iPads and smartphones with WiFi.

 

[tx911]

IMO, it’s not really relevant technology in the age of iPads and smartphones with WiFi.

If they had YouTube in the shower continuously playing shorts my kids would love it

 

[AstroBlasters]

If they had YouTube in the shower continuously playing shorts my kids would love it

YouTube Preimum…. No ads!

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

I recently stayed at the BPK building and loved it (I know it's more hotel than home)! Now I am planning a trip to San Diego and I was blown away when I saw the Hotel Del Coronado. I started to wonder who was the OG, and then learned VGF was "heavily inspired" by this hotel.
Fun fact: it's also undergoing some kind of refurb

 

[MamaKate]

I recently stayed at the BPK building and loved it (I know it's more hotel than home)! Now I am planning a trip to San Diego and I was blown away when I saw the Hotel Del Coronado. I started to wonder who was the OG, and then learned VGF was "heavily inspired" by this hotel.
Fun fact: it's also undergoing some kind of refurb
View attachment 984423

Hotel Del Coronado is definitely the OG. It opened in the late 1800's. I live in Southern California and have been a couple times, and it really did need a refurb.

Even if you don't stay there, it's a great place to wonder around and look. There is a ton of history.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

Hotel Del Coronado is definitely the OG. It opened in the late 1800's. I live in Southern California and have been a couple times, and it really did need a refurb.

Even if you don't stay there, it's a great place to wonder around and look. There is a ton of history.

I've been convinced to stay there (rather than visit and have brunch there) as we don't visit SD often!
I will come back to VGF in Dec with a refreshed lobby though without the gingerbread house!

 

[mrsap]

Concrete Poured for New Lobby Bar Foundation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort​

In the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, new wallpaper continues to be revealed and crew members have poured concrete in the new bar’s foundation.

Monorail Entrance​

Both sides of the entryway attached to the Monorail station are currently open. Work isn’t complete inside, however.



Half of the entryway has received the resort’s new damask wallpaper. The other half still has the beige striped wallpaper. The ceiling has also been partially repainted.

More Paint & Wallpaper​

Various spots around the second floor that were previously blocked off have been revealed. This includes outside the Monorail station, M. Mouse Mercantile gift shop, and Basin White.


These walls all have new wallpaper replacing the stripes. It’s off-white with a subtle floral pattern. The columns along the walls also seem to have been repainted white.


The PhotoPass area next to M. Mouse Mercantile is still blocked by white curtains. It looks like this space is also getting new wallpaper and fresh paint.



The staircase closest to Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s has been closed for the past few weeks. Now there are also curtains across the hallway leading to the two restaurants.


Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s are still opening for dinner while crews refurbish their hallway. Looking around the curtains, we could see plastic taped over a wall outside the restrooms. These restrooms were also previously closed for refurbishment.

Birdcage Bar​

The concrete foundation has been poured for the lobby’s brand new birdcage-inspired bar. The bar replaces the real giant birdcage that used to sit in the lobby.



Crews have been working on the foundation for the past few weeks, installing pipes and supports in the dirt. That dirt patch is now filled in with concrete, replacing the dais that the birdcage used to stand on. Some of the plastic wrapped around the nearby columns has also been removed, revealing their side panels are gone and pipes run into them.


A long tube snaked across one side of the concrete foundation. There are several short pipes and supports sticking out of the edge. The carpet is looking worse for wear, but the lobby’s carpet is set to be replaced, anyway.



At the back of the bar’s construction site, one of the ladders sticks into a hole in the ceiling.

Check-In Area​

At the check-in area, previously exposed metal framing around these windows has been covered with new paneling.


While the check-in area is closed, guests can check in with Cast Members stationed in the center of the lobby.

 

[mamaofsix]

Concrete Poured for New Lobby Bar Foundation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort​

In the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, new wallpaper continues to be revealed and crew members have poured concrete in the new bar’s foundation.

Monorail Entrance​

Both sides of the entryway attached to the Monorail station are currently open. Work isn’t complete inside, however.



Half of the entryway has received the resort’s new damask wallpaper. The other half still has the beige striped wallpaper. The ceiling has also been partially repainted.

More Paint & Wallpaper​

Various spots around the second floor that were previously blocked off have been revealed. This includes outside the Monorail station, M. Mouse Mercantile gift shop, and Basin White.


These walls all have new wallpaper replacing the stripes. It’s off-white with a subtle floral pattern. The columns along the walls also seem to have been repainted white.


The PhotoPass area next to M. Mouse Mercantile is still blocked by white curtains. It looks like this space is also getting new wallpaper and fresh paint.



The staircase closest to Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s has been closed for the past few weeks. Now there are also curtains across the hallway leading to the two restaurants.


Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s are still opening for dinner while crews refurbish their hallway. Looking around the curtains, we could see plastic taped over a wall outside the restrooms. These restrooms were also previously closed for refurbishment.

Birdcage Bar​

The concrete foundation has been poured for the lobby’s brand new birdcage-inspired bar. The bar replaces the real giant birdcage that used to sit in the lobby.



Crews have been working on the foundation for the past few weeks, installing pipes and supports in the dirt. That dirt patch is now filled in with concrete, replacing the dais that the birdcage used to stand on. Some of the plastic wrapped around the nearby columns has also been removed, revealing their side panels are gone and pipes run into them.


A long tube snaked across one side of the concrete foundation. There are several short pipes and supports sticking out of the edge. The carpet is looking worse for wear, but the lobby’s carpet is set to be replaced, anyway.



At the back of the bar’s construction site, one of the ladders sticks into a hole in the ceiling.

Check-In Area​

At the check-in area, previously exposed metal framing around these windows has been covered with new paneling.


While the check-in area is closed, guests can check in with Cast Members stationed in the center of the lobby.

Loving the look so far. But, seriously, it does not take weeks to wallpaper one entrance. My hubby would have that whole thing complete in one day. lol.

 

[Cfabar1]

Curious how the wallpaper and the marble are going to interact, unless the plan is to rip out the marble...

 

[Disney Spaz]

Curious how the wallpaper and the marble are going to interact, unless the plan is to rip out the marble...

That is my worst fear. I can handle most everything else but I do not like the idea of loosing the beautiful marble inlays throughout the floors.

 

[mamaofsix]

Curious how the wallpaper and the marble are going to interact, unless the plan is to rip out the marble...

The new wallpaper looks beautiful with the existing marble in today's photos, so I'm not sure why they would change the flooring. It looks like they specifically chose the new wallpaper to blend well with it.

 

[muppets3d]

Loving the look so far. But, seriously, it does not take weeks to wallpaper one entrance. My hubby would have that whole thing complete in one day. lol.

If they were able to work a full day on it I’m sure they could too. But they do work at off-peak times to minimize disruption etc.

 

[PolyRob]

Curious how the wallpaper and the marble are going to interact, unless the plan is to rip out the marble...

At first I assumed it was all getting ripped out because Big Pine Key got new gray flooring in the lobby, but all the cash outer buildings retained the same marble as the main building so I am guessing it could remain untouched? Counterpoint, the club level areas received new gray flooring in the main building so who knows

 

[mamaofsix]

If they were able to work a full day on it I’m sure they could too. But they do work at off-peak times to minimize disruption etc.

Yes, but it still doesn't take weeks. They had that entry blocked and curtained off. And wallpapering is not noisy. Should have been done way faster. Especially since they've wallpapered almost the entire second floor in the same amount of time.