*The Official VILLAS AT DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA Owners & Lovers Group*

[Disney Spaz]

Thank you so much for sharing! I appreciate it! How long ago were these taken? Thanks again.

About an hour before I posted.

 

[mrsap]

About an hour before I posted.

Oh ok!! Have fun!!!!!! Please keep us posted if there’s anything new going on!

 

[mrsap]

*Construction Notes*

Updated 6/20/24
​

*M. Mouse Mercantile STILL CLOSED for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Expected to Reopen July 13.

*Work on the Lobby has NOT STARTED to date.

*6/1/24 (estimated) - Construction outside of Porte Cochere/Monorail Platform area has now been completed. Scaffolding has been removed from the area.

*Photo courtesy @Disney Spaz

​

*5/20/24 - M. Mouse Mercantile NOW CLOSED for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Expected to Reopen July 13.


*Work has NOT started on the lobby as of today.


*4/29/24 - M. Mouse Mercantile Closing for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Starting May 13 to Mid-July


As of 4/17/24, the only visible construction at The Grand was located outside the Main Building. Pictures taken during my trip last week can be viewed below. According to emails sent to guests, as well as blogs, work on the Lobby should begin soon. NO DATES HAVE BEEN GIVEN AS FAR AS START OR COMPLETION DATES. As information becomes available, I will be sure to update this thread (Page 1 included). No information has been given regarding any additional work at this time. I’d appreciate anyone who has trips coming up, if they’d kindly post any new construction indoors or out. I’d love to keep this thread as up to date as possible. Thanks so much!!!

Current Lobby State: REFURBISHMENT HAS NOT STARTED.

EMAILS SENT TO GUESTS

Letter Sent to Guests:

Dear Guest,

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience here at the Walt Disney World® Resort, we often refresh our offerings and atmosphere. In preparation for your upcoming stay, we would like to make you aware of renovations that will be taking place during your visit. While we work our magic, you will see or hear construction around Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – including our lobby – during daytime hours.

Letter sent to International Guests:

"Dear Guest,

Since March 2022, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been undergoing a period of enhancement to continuously improve the magic of this fantastic Resort.

Walt Disney Travel Company International have just been made aware that some aspects of this ongoing period of enhancement will continue to take place during your stay through 2025. This will include some minor work where the lobby will be undergoing some enhancements but will remain fully accessible. We would like to take the opportunity to assure you that these minor enhancements will not deter from the comfort and luxury of your stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

We wish to confirm that all amenities, including dining, shopping, spa, and recreation including all pools and water play areas will be open for your enjoyment. We’d like to remind you about just some of the many incredible experiences at this Resort."

 

[mlittig]

I finally received my e-mail this week about the ongoing work at the Grand Floridian for my December stay in the Villas Not sure why it took so long since it seems like a lot of people received theirs already

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

I finally received my e-mail this week about the ongoing work at the Grand Floridian for my December stay in the Villas Not sure why it took so long since it seems like a lot of people received theirs already

I got a similar notice for my stay next March.

 

[CarolMN]

No email for us yet. We have early December stay booked.

 

[mlittig]

No email for us yet. We have early December stay booked.

My trip at the Grand Floridian Villas is from 12/8 to 12/14

 

[CarolMN]

I finally received my e-mail this week about the ongoing work at the Grand Floridian for my December stay in the Villas Not sure why it took so long since it seems like a lot of people received theirs already

I got a similar notice for my stay next March.

My trip at the Grand Floridian Villas is from 12/8 to 12/14

Interesting. Our trip is scheduled to begin 12/6.

But I really don't care if we get an email on this or not - we're going anyway, the good Lord willing. (I probably should complete the cliché as lots of Minnesota creeks actually have been rising past flood level lately).

 

[mrsap]

Morning all!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Convention Center Closing for Refurbishment in Summer 2025

Guests planning on staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa next year should keep in mind that, due to ongoing refurbishment work impacting the area, the resort's Convention Center will be unavailable beginning in summer 2025. The convention space is expected to reopen in fall 2025.

As a reminder, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is currently undergoing a major refurbishment project impacting other areas of this Victorian-themed hotel. Guests may be able to see and hear construction taking place around the resort – including the lobby – during daytime hours. Most Resort hotel amenities will remain available throughout the project.

 

[mrsap]

*Construction Notes*

Updated 6/25/24
​

*6/25/24 - Announced Refurbishment of the Convention Center from Summer 2025-Fall 2025.

*M. Mouse Mercantile STILL CLOSED for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Expected to Reopen July 13.

*Work on the Lobby has NOT STARTED to date.

*6/1/24 (estimated) - Construction outside of Porte Cochere/Monorail Platform area has now been completed. Scaffolding has been removed from the area.

View attachment 869783

*Photo courtesy @Disney Spaz

​

*5/20/24 - M. Mouse Mercantile NOW CLOSED for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Expected to Reopen July 13.


*Work has NOT started on the lobby as of today.


*4/29/24 - M. Mouse Mercantile Closing for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Starting May 13 to Mid-July


As of 4/17/24, the only visible construction at The Grand was located outside the Main Building. Pictures taken during my trip last week can be viewed below. According to emails sent to guests, as well as blogs, work on the Lobby should begin soon. NO DATES HAVE BEEN GIVEN AS FAR AS START OR COMPLETION DATES. As information becomes available, I will be sure to update this thread (Page 1 included). No information has been given regarding any additional work at this time. I’d appreciate anyone who has trips coming up, if they’d kindly post any new construction indoors or out. I’d love to keep this thread as up to date as possible. Thanks so much!!!

Current Lobby State: REFURBISHMENT HAS NOT STARTED.

EMAILS SENT TO GUESTS

Letter Sent to Guests:

Dear Guest,

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience here at the Walt Disney World® Resort, we often refresh our offerings and atmosphere. In preparation for your upcoming stay, we would like to make you aware of renovations that will be taking place during your visit. While we work our magic, you will see or hear construction around Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – including our lobby – during daytime hours.

Letter sent to International Guests:

"Dear Guest,

Since March 2022, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been undergoing a period of enhancement to continuously improve the magic of this fantastic Resort.

Walt Disney Travel Company International have just been made aware that some aspects of this ongoing period of enhancement will continue to take place during your stay through 2025. This will include some minor work where the lobby will be undergoing some enhancements but will remain fully accessible. We would like to take the opportunity to assure you that these minor enhancements will not deter from the comfort and luxury of your stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

We wish to confirm that all amenities, including dining, shopping, spa, and recreation including all pools and water play areas will be open for your enjoyment. We’d like to remind you about just some of the many incredible experiences at this Resort."

 

[mrsap]

Walt Disney World 2024 Fourth of July Food Guide

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa -Gasparilla Island Grill (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)

• Fourth of July Cheesecake: Strawberry bavarois, lemon cheesecake, and blueberry chiffon cheesecake (New)

 

[TheDailyMoo]

So I'm staying at the GF next week for the first time and so excited but...very strange...I'm seeing now that I am in a resort studio. Now I don't have the best memory that's for sure but I could SWEAR I booked the deluxe studio. I don't really care that much, although everyone seems to say the deluxe is better than resort and I could've really used the kitchenette, but that's all good, I'm just really feeling kinda crazy knowing I booked the deluxe! I did talk to MS about another issue then asked if there was a chance I was moved and she said no... I booked this at the 7 month mark. I'm not even looking for a reply I just needed to tell someone that I feel like I'm on crazy pills! lol

@mrsap wow you run this joint too huh! Awesome! Now that I know this is your thread I'll stop by more often!

 

[mrsap]

So I'm staying at the GF next week for the first time and so excited but...very strange...I'm seeing now that I am in a resort studio. Now I don't have the best memory that's for sure but I could SWEAR I booked the deluxe studio. I don't really care that much, although everyone seems to say the deluxe is better than resort and I could've really used the kitchenette, but that's all good, I'm just really feeling kinda crazy knowing I booked the deluxe! I did talk to MS about another issue then asked if there was a chance I was moved and she said no... I booked this at the 7 month mark. I'm not even looking for a reply I just needed to tell someone that I feel like I'm on crazy pills! lol

@mrsap wow you run this joint too huh! Awesome! Now that I know this is your thread I'll stop by more often!

I did the same thing! I was sure I booked a Deluxe. We originally had CCV, but saw this last minute and booked it. Didn’t know until a couple days later it was a Resort Studio! Some minor differences, but I thought the room was beautiful!! No kitchenette is a bummer, but you’ll still have a microwave and toaster. Beverage cooler stinks if you buy groceries. Still a great room. Enjoy it!

PS - yes, I have a few!!

 

[Dis507]

I did the same thing! I was sure I booked a Deluxe. We originally had CCV, but saw this last minute and booked it. Didn’t know until a couple days later it was a Resort Studio! Some minor differences, but I thought the room was beautiful!! No kitchenette is a bummer, but you’ll still have a microwave and toaster. Beverage cooler stinks if you buy groceries. Still a great room. Enjoy it!

PS - yes, I have a few!!

I've heard of them moving it to a Resort Studio on arrival, but not before you even got there. Pretty nice upgrade though. Points are the same as a deluxe, with the exception of the TP rooms. They are actually bigger, 374sq/ft for a Deluxe vs 440sq/ft for a resort. Yes you don't have the little kitchenette, but to be honest, the extra sink and counter is wasted for such a small space IMHO. Double sink bathroom and a shower/bath combo with the toilet in a space with a door. When just traveling with 2 I think the Deluxe studios are the best, but the resort studios are truly the best for families!

Either way enjoy it!

3D views for reference:
VGF Resort Studio -> https://matterport.com/discover/space/PHhACBw7iCn
VGF Deluxe Studio -> https://matterport.com/discover/space/75aJLBEdRMk

EDIT: Lost an entire sentence. added it back in.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I did the same thing! I was sure I booked a Deluxe. We originally had CCV, but saw this last minute and booked it. Didn’t know until a couple days later it was a Resort Studio! Some minor differences, but I thought the room was beautiful!! No kitchenette is a bummer, but you’ll still have a microwave and toaster. Beverage cooler stinks if you buy groceries. Still a great room. Enjoy it!

PS - yes, I have a few!!

They MUST'VE moved us if we both remember it that way! lol

It's crazy to me because I remember when I was booking it right at the 7 month mark both of the studio types were open and I remember thinking ooh I get the one people like best...the deluxe...and I clicked on deluxe lol!

I do think the resorts are prettier so I'm super excited either way!

 

[PolyRob]

They MUST'VE moved us if we both remember it that way! lol

It's crazy to me because I remember when I was booking it right at the 7 month mark both of the studio types were open and I remember thinking ooh I get the one people like best...the deluxe...and I clicked on deluxe lol!

I do think the resorts are prettier so I'm super excited either way!

Do you have your original confirmation email?! I'd just search the confirmation number in my inbox to see what it says...

You could also dig through the Vacation Points: Activity Statement online, but that can get trickier with multiple contracts

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Do you have your original confirmation email?! I'd just search the confirmation number in my inbox to see what it says...

You could also dig through the Vacation Points: Activity Statement online, but that can get trickier with multiple contracts

Oh that's a good idea! Will check it later when I can search!

 

[mrsap]

I've heard of them moving it to a Resort Studio on arrival, but not before you even got there. Pretty nice upgrade though. Points are the same as a deluxe, with the exception of the TP rooms. They are actually bigger, 374sq/ft for a Deluxe vs 440sq/ft for a resort. Yes you don't have the little kitchenette, but to be honest, the extra sink and counter is wasted for such a small space IMHO. Double sink bathroom and a shower/bath combo with the toilet in a space with a door. When just traveling with 2 I think the Deluxe studios are the best, but the resort studios are truly the best for families!

Either way enjoy it!

3D views for reference:
VGF Resort Studio -> https://matterport.com/discover/space/PHhACBw7iCn
VGF Deluxe Studio -> https://matterport.com/discover/space/75aJLBEdRMk

EDIT: Lost an entire sentence. added it back in.

I’m pretty sure I just saw GF availability pop up a couple weeks before my trip, was excited to book it, and just assumed it was a Deluxe. I do not see it as an upgrade, TBH, we prefer a Deluxe. Room is beautiful, but prefer the amenities of the original deluxe studio.

 

[IDSkinner]

We're returning in September after staying in a Resort Studio Sept '23, Deluxe 1BR Dec '23, Deluxe Studio in March '24. We intentionally booked the Resort Studio as it's now our preference due to room layout and decor. We were skeptical prior to going as we'd heard that the BPK rooms were noisy and we had zero issues. I'm sure it depends on your neighbors. Both are nice though.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

We're returning in September after staying in a Resort Studio Sept '23, Deluxe 1BR Dec '23, Deluxe Studio in March '24. We intentionally booked the Resort Studio as it's now our preference due to room layout and decor. We were skeptical prior to going as we'd heard that the BPK rooms were noisy and we had zero issues. I'm sure it depends on your neighbors. Both are nice though.

Besides the actual room itself are there any advantages to the resort vs. the deluxe? I know deluxe seems to be preferred for it's amenities but any case for the resort studio?