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

[mlittig]

*Construction Notes*

Updated 4/29/24

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*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
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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."

I am checking into the Grand Floridian Villas on Monday, May 6th and will be there and at the Poly Villas until May 18th I will be sure to post any construction updates and many photos

 

[mrsap]

I am checking into the Grand Floridian Villas on Monday, May 6th and will be there and at the Poly Villas until May 18th I will be sure to post any construction updates and many photos

Great, thanks! Have a good trip!

 

[mrsap]

Hey guys! Saw it posted online:

Braiding is now being offered once again for those interested at The Grand Floridian Spa.

 

[mrsap]

ETA: they have been removed.

It’s being reported on a FB group that there’s a section of the lobby coned off today (the sitting area closest to the CM desks). Anyone there that can confirm or take pics for us this week?

 

[DisMomNCM]

I'm sure this has been answered somewhere, but there's 146 pages of discussions to look through lol. Is there a place on the property at this resort to buy bottles of hard liquor, or is it just wine and beer?

 

[hcortesis]

I'm sure this has been answered somewhere, but there's 146 pages of discussions to look through lol. Is there a place on the property at this resort to buy bottles of hard liquor, or is it just wine and beer?

Yes, in the gift shop. Behind the counter where you pay.

 

[DisMomNCM]

Yes, in the gift shop. Behind the counter where you pay.

Ahh fantastic, thank you!

 

[CWTC]

We have owned at VGF since it opened in 2013 and stay generally once a year in either early May or late October. We have never had an issue getting pool chairs in the mid afternoon but this trip it has been problematic- there are tons of chairs “reserved” with just pool towels.

Is this a new issue or have we just been lucky? Is there a policy about how long chairs can be “reserved”?

Each day we have eventually found a place to sit and rarely saw people come back to “their” loungers during the several hours we were at the pool.

 

[kgou]

Has anyone done this before? If so, recommend or skip?

Hey guys! Saw it posted online:

Braiding is now being offered once again for those interested at The Grand Floridian Spa.

 

[Sunshine11]

Has anyone done this before? If so, recommend or skip?

Both of my daughters (adults) did this last August and were extremely happy with the braiding, BUT I think the price just doubled recently. They were commenting last summer how the price was so good but obviously Disney realized that! lol.

 

[mrsap]

M. Mouse Mercantile Closing for Refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Starting May 13

Guests staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in the coming months will notice that parts of the resort are actively being refurbished to enhance the Guest experience. As part of these efforts, the M. Mouse Mercantile shop will undergo refurbishment work beginning May 13, 2024. Guests may see or hear refurbishment work taking place around the area until the work is completed in mid-July.

During this time, the merchandise location will not be open, but products from the store will be shifted to other locations. Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries or Curiouser Clothiers will continue to be available to Guests during that time.

Quoting myself, as it appears the start date has changed, and an end date has been provided for the M. Mouse Mercantile refurb.

The M. Mouse Mercantile at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will be closed starting May 20th for about two months. The location is currently set to reopen on July 13th, according to Blog Mickey.

 

[Crescent_Lake]

Both of my daughters (adults) did this last August and were extremely happy with the braiding, BUT I think the price just doubled recently. They were commenting last summer how the price was so good but obviously Disney realized that! lol.

How long did it last? If I put a shower cap on the next morning could I get two days out of it? Yes, I'm a little lazy on vacation!

 

[MamaKate]

How long did it last? If I put a shower cap on the next morning could I get two days out of it? Yes, I'm a little lazy on vacation!

Same! I would like to know too.

 

[DisMomNCM]

What is the pool chair situation like in the summer? Pictures don't show many chairs, and we are doing a resort-only stay. How early should I be out there to ensure that we have seats?

 

[mrsap]

What is the pool chair situation like in the summer? Pictures don't show many chairs, and we are doing a resort-only stay. How early should I be out there to ensure that we have seats?

We’ve never had an issue getting pool chairs at The Grand.

 

[hokiekkghl]

What is the pool chair situation like in the summer? Pictures don't show many chairs, and we are doing a resort-only stay. How early should I be out there to ensure that we have seats?

When were there last year over July 4th, so busier than usual, we found if you walked around at either pool you could always find either 2 seats together or a table. We weren't overly picky so normally took first available. If you want something directly in front of the pool we found that to be a little trickier unless we were out by the pool before noon. Other times we've found you could normally find something no matter when you went out.

 

[DisMomNCM]

When were there last year over July 4th, so busier than usual, we found if you walked around at either pool you could always find either 2 seats together or a table. We weren't overly picky so normally took first available. If you want something directly in front of the pool we found that to be a little trickier unless we were out by the pool before noon. Other times we've found you could normally find something no matter when you went out.

Oh good! We will be out there before noon for sure. We have three of us, and are also hoping to find some shade for the pale one in the group lol.

 

[Sunshine11]

How long did it last? If I put a shower cap on the next morning could I get two days out of it? Yes, I'm a little lazy on vacation!

Yup. I believe you can get a few days out of it! Enjoy.

 

[CWTC]

What is the pool chair situation like in the summer? Pictures don't show many chairs, and we are doing a resort-only stay. How early should I be out there to ensure that we have seats?

We’re here now and it’s been a bit challenging to find seats mid afternoon. One afternoon I’m pretty sure I got the last lounger and on several other afternoons I’ve watched people come in, circle around, and leave.

 

[mrsap]