(2014-2020) Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA + VILLAS Information & Questions

[Ashley Marie]

Apologies if this was discussed already, but it's news to me. I received a letter from Disney today informing me that there will be refurbishment going on at the main GF pool during our stay. I am a bit disappointed. I don't recall being alerted about this when booking, so I assume it wasn't announced?

"Beach Pool and Beaches Pool Bar & Grill are scheduled to be closed for refurbishment, but we are happy to share that the Beach Pool Water Play Area will remain available for little ones."

And

"It is possible you may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from your guest room between dusk and 9am. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding."

We have a reservation for Dec. 14-25. I don't even know if we will have "pool weather," but if we do, my daughter will be disappointed to miss out on this pool and its slide. And we always try to avoid staying somewhere where construction is happening... had an annoying experience with it at Boardwalk on our honeymoon.

Anyway, just sharing...

 

[trishadono]

Apologies if this was discussed already, but it's news to me. I received a letter from Disney today informing me that there will be refurbishment going on at the main GF pool during our stay. I am a bit disappointed. I don't recall being alerted about this when booking, so I assume it wasn't announced?

"Beach Pool and Beaches Pool Bar & Grill are scheduled to be closed for refurbishment, but we are happy to share that the Beach Pool Water Play Area will remain available for little ones."

And

"It is possible you may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from your guest room between dusk and 9am. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding."

We have a reservation for Dec. 14-25. I don't even know if we will have "pool weather," but if we do, my daughter will be disappointed to miss out on this pool and its slide. And we always try to avoid staying somewhere where construction is happening... had an annoying experience with it at Boardwalk on our honeymoon.

Anyway, just sharing...

Oh a friend of mine got that too. The courtyard pool is wonderful! Also the beach pool would only effect BPK or maybe the VGF during day hours so not a big deal.

Did it say if the kid splash area closed? That looks more fun than the slide unless she 10+.

 

[Rachel GB]

Oh a friend of mine got that too. The courtyard pool is wonderful! Also the beach pool would only effect BPK or maybe the VGF during day hours so not a big deal.

Did it say if the kid splash area closed? That looks more fun than the slide unless she 10+.

This will affect our stay, as well.
Thankfully the splash area is reportedly going to be open. I'm not sure I understand that, though- children playing in the splash area while construction is going on directly next to it?
We chose GF in part because it's supposed to be a quieter resort. Perhaps the 'quiet pool' will now be less quiet, as it's going to be the ONLY pool! Another consideration is midday construction noise during nap time (hopefully it's far enough from the building that we wouldn't hear it?).
I know refurbishments are a necessity, and in the grand scheme of things, it's not a big deal. We'll make the best of it, because after all, we'll be at WDW!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thankfully the splash area is reportedly going to be open. I'm not sure I understand that, though- children playing in the splash area while construction is going on directly next to it?

The splash area is not adjacent to the villas pool, so it should be far enough from construction to not be affected by it. They usually build walls around construction areas which will reduce the chance of debris flying around the area.

Another consideration is midday construction noise during nap time (hopefully it's far enough from the building that we wouldn't hear it?).

The villas pool isn't that close to the Grand Floridian resort buildings. If you are staying there instead of in the villas, you should be fine. Just request one of the buildings that is far away from the villas, like Sago Key.

 

[Rachel GB]

The splash area is not adjacent to the villas pool, so it should be far enough from construction to not be affected by it. They usually build walls around construction areas which will reduce the chance of debris flying around the area.

The villas pool isn't that close to the Grand Floridian resort buildings. If you are staying there instead of in the villas, you should be fine. Just request one of the buildings that is far away from the villas, like Sago Key.

@Wood Nymph , thank you for your reply! We are staying in the Sugarloaf Building.

 

[trishadono]

I have

This will affect our stay, as well.
Thankfully the splash area is reportedly going to be open. I'm not sure I understand that, though- children playing in the splash area while construction is going on directly next to it?
We chose GF in part because it's supposed to be a quieter resort. Perhaps the 'quiet pool' will now be less quiet, as it's going to be the ONLY pool! Another consideration is midday construction noise during nap time (hopefully it's far enough from the building that we wouldn't hear it?).
I know refurbishments are a necessity, and in the grand scheme of things, it's not a big deal. We'll make the best of it, because after all, we'll be at WDW!

I was in sl during the courtyard construction and it was not that bad for that. Also I have had many different resort stays with pool work. Most of the time it's not a big deal. A few times/parts when they do jackhammer can be annoying but they don't do early or late so doesn't impact too much.

Also dec and Jan trips the pools usually are pretty empty. Yes you can swim and people do, just not like July for example.

As Sue said the pool will be all boarded up.

Hopefully the work will be done quietly and quickly for us December trippers!

 

[Rachel GB]

I have

I was in sl during the courtyard construction and it was not that bad for that. Also I have had many different resort stays with pool work. Most of the time it's not a big deal. A few times/parts when they do jackhammer can be annoying but they don't do early or late so doesn't impact too much.

Also dec and Jan trips the pools usually are pretty empty. Yes you can swim and people do, just not like July for example.

As Sue said the pool will be all boarded up.

Hopefully the work will be done quietly and quickly for us December trippers!

@trishadono , thank you! That makes me feel better! We will actually be at GF at the same time, although different buildings!

 

[Ashley Marie]

ETA: sorry, I see this letter was already discussed a few pages back!!

And thanks for the replies, I appreciate it! Like I said, who knows if the weather will even make sense for pool time, but if it does ... my daughter did go on that fun slide on our last stay and still talks about it now (and how brave she will be to go down it again).

Even if stuff isn't going on until midday, I'm worried about noise affecting naps as well.

We stayed at BWI the night of our wedding (we had our wedding at Disney!) and annoyingly woke up to jackhammers before 8am. We obviously wanted to relax/sleep in on our honeymoon. Didn't even know they were doing work until then, and they had no rooms further away from the noise to move us to. We ended up switching resorts, but it was just a bummer. So although I don't want to make assumptions, I remember that and get nervous when I see these announcements!

Probably worrying for no reason.

 

[FarmBoy78]

I put this is in the restaurant thread and on Facebook, but lots of people seemed to want to see it and I got numerous questions about it, so here's a quick rundown and slideshow of the Chef's Table experience at Victoria & Albert's. I'll happily answer any questions I can. It was delicious. The menu will vary over time, but here's what was on ours (and it started with a champagne toast with the chef).

1. Cauliflower Panna Cotta w/ Imperial Caviar Amuse-Bouche. 2. Sourdough rolls w/ Six Different Salts & Peppers (not on menu). 3. Lobster "BLT" Amuse-Bouche (chef's addition - not on menu). 4. Alaskan King Crab w/ Watermelon and Finger Limes. 5. Roasted Sablefish w/ Baby Bok Choy and Coconut Curry Broth. 6. New Zealand Langoustine w/ Nage Crema. 7. Herbed Brioche Bread and Butter (not on menu). 8. Truffle pasta (not on menu - chef's addition). 9. Marcho Farms Veal "En Crepe". 10. Smoked Rohan Duck w/ Fuji Apples and Celery Root. 11. Multigrain Baguette w/ Butter (not on menu). 12. Australian Kobe-Style Beef w/ Roasted Garlic Potatoes. 13. Selection of Cheeses 14. Limoncello Mango Dome w/ Blackberry Violet. 15. Peruvian Chocolate Crunch. 16. Assorted Tasting Chocolates (not on menu).

 

[ToffPrincess]

I put this is in the restaurant thread and on Facebook, but lots of people seemed to want to see it and I got numerous questions about it, so here's a quick rundown and slideshow of the Chef's Table experience at Victoria & Albert's. I'll happily answer any questions I can. It was delicious. The menu will vary over time, but here's what was on ours (and it started with a champagne toast with the chef).

1. Cauliflower Panna Cotta w/ Imperial Caviar Amuse-Bouche. 2. Sourdough rolls w/ Six Different Salts & Peppers (not on menu). 3. Lobster "BLT" Amuse-Bouche (chef's addition - not on menu). 4. Alaskan King Crab w/ Watermelon and Finger Limes. 5. Roasted Sablefish w/ Baby Bok Choy and Coconut Curry Broth. 6. New Zealand Langoustine w/ Nage Crema. 7. Herbed Brioche Bread and Butter (not on menu). 8. Truffle pasta (not on menu - chef's addition). 9. Marcho Farms Veal "En Crepe". 10. Smoked Rohan Duck w/ Fuji Apples and Celery Root. 11. Multigrain Baguette w/ Butter (not on menu). 12. Australian Kobe-Style Beef w/ Roasted Garlic Potatoes. 13. Selection of Cheeses 14. Limoncello Mango Dome w/ Blackberry Violet. 15. Peruvian Chocolate Crunch. 16. Assorted Tasting Chocolates (not on menu).

WOW!! Thank you for posting this and for the detail you went into.. V&A is such a dream!!

 

[Allie B]

Returned from grand floridian Friday night. Had to leave two days early due to Irma. We were lucky to get a flight out!

This was our first stay at this resort and it was wonderful. We had a very relaxing trip. We ate at 1900 park fare, narcoosees, and the grand floridian cafe. Had a great experience at all restaurants.

We were in boca chica on third floor with a pool view.

Hate we had to leave early but enjoyed it while it lasted!

 

[ToffPrincess]

Returned from grand floridian Friday night. Had to leave two days early due to Irma. We were lucky to get a flight out!

This was our first stay at this resort and it was wonderful. We had a very relaxing trip. We ate at 1900 park fare, narcoosees, and the grand floridian cafe. Had a great experience at all restaurants.

We were in boca chica on third floor with a pool view.

Hate we had to leave early but enjoyed it while it lasted!

So sorry to hear your trip was cut short. I hope you are all ok and safe!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Returned from grand floridian Friday night. Had to leave two days early due to Irma. We were lucky to get a flight out!

This was our first stay at this resort and it was wonderful. We had a very relaxing trip. We ate at 1900 park fare, narcoosees, and the grand floridian cafe. Had a great experience at all restaurants.

We were in boca chica on third floor with a pool view.

Hate we had to leave early but enjoyed it while it lasted!

Sorry you had to leave early, but glad you were able to get out before Irma and make it home safely. Glad you had a great time and enjoyed the GF .

 

[WishesQueen]

Hello everyone

I am sorry can't remember if anyone was at the GF during Irma, but I want to take the time to make sure everyone is OK! We have friends in Naples and I have been on pins and needles but we heard from everyone last night and thank God all are fine. I hope everyone here is well.

 

[FatherForce]

62 Days...

 

[vettegirl]

Checking in a week for our first CL stay at the GF!! Getting excited for our rescheduled trip!!

 

[DrunkJam]

Any news on what things are like there after Irma? Hoping everyone is safe and well.

 

[Aurora0427]

This will affect our stay, as well.
Thankfully the splash area is reportedly going to be open. I'm not sure I understand that, though- children playing in the splash area while construction is going on directly next to it?
We chose GF in part because it's supposed to be a quieter resort. Perhaps the 'quiet pool' will now be less quiet, as it's going to be the ONLY pool! Another consideration is midday construction noise during nap time (hopefully it's far enough from the building that we wouldn't hear it?).
I know refurbishments are a necessity, and in the grand scheme of things, it's not a big deal. We'll make the best of it, because after all, we'll be at WDW!

None of the pools are are loud at the GF. It will remain a quiet, tranquil and elegant resort. If you're staying at the hotel, just request Sago, Boca Chica or Conch Key. You won't be close to the construction at all.

 

[Aurora0427]

Apologies if this was discussed already, but it's news to me. I received a letter from Disney today informing me that there will be refurbishment going on at the main GF pool during our stay. I am a bit disappointed. I don't recall being alerted about this when booking, so I assume it wasn't announced?

"Beach Pool and Beaches Pool Bar & Grill are scheduled to be closed for refurbishment, but we are happy to share that the Beach Pool Water Play Area will remain available for little ones."

And

"It is possible you may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from your guest room between dusk and 9am. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding."

We have a reservation for Dec. 14-25. I don't even know if we will have "pool weather," but if we do, my daughter will be disappointed to miss out on this pool and its slide. And we always try to avoid staying somewhere where construction is happening... had an annoying experience with it at Boardwalk on our honeymoon.

Anyway, just sharing...

If you are staying at the Villas, you will probably hear noise. If you are staying at the hotel, request Sago, Conch Key, or Boca Chica.

 

[MommyGina]

Glad my GF friends are all safe! I read on another thread that some trees were down at the GF from Irma.