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

[mrsap]

Aren't they supposedly planning a big renovation for the Grand Floridian main lobby? I wonder if it's related.

Or if everyone with a GF reservation is getting these emails currently, regardless of when their actual travel dates are.

Yes, there have been reports that a renovation will be done to all the rooms, as well as the lobby - however, I have not seen anything official with start dates and/or specific renovation details from Disney just yet.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

I got the email too and my trip isn't until November.

A poster on WDWMAGIC found the permit that was filed for the renovations at Boca Chica back in April, so I assume we should see something happening there very soon with Big Pine Key finishing up next week. https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/permits-2022.976038/post-10250012

Hopefully Disney formally announces something within the next few days. I might be in the minority, but I kind of hope they don't make the regular resort rooms look exactly like the Resort Studios - I'd like to see them at least switch up the colors/artwork so there's still a difference between the DVC resort studios and the regular resort rooms (even though I know they are technically the exact same thing!)

I wonder if it's just the room refurbishments or if this could also involve the rumored lobby re-theming? I can't imagine they would have the lobby closed around the holidays, considering what a staple the gingerbread house is - so I would speculate either they start on the lobby right away and have it done prior to November or it doesn't happen until next year...

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Interesting. I have not received an email for my July 1 - July 4 trip coming up. But its probably IT issues vs. a lack of construction work, so thank you mrsap for sharing the email.

 

[ZerasPride]

I just got the same email for my stay for this coming November.

 

[mrsap]

New Chandeliers Visible Inside Refurbished Rooms, Exterior Construction Continues on Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort​

Refurbished resort studio rooms are under construction at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for Disney Vacation Club members. Areas of the resort have been closed and covered in scaffolding as the buildings are updated inside and out.

The stairwells were completely demolished and are now being reconstructed.

Yellow paneling has been installed on the edges of this stairwell.

*Click link for additional pictures

 

[js]

My stay begins on October 5 in a one bedroom in the DVC villas and I also got the email. It's my grandson's first visit and my dd wanted us to stay at the Grand. Gggrrrrrr

 

[sndral]

I’m staying the end of Nov. through the first week of Dec. & got the email as well. At first glance I thought it was news about the Poly tower going up next door , alas it appears to not be so - I’m wondering if we’ll be sandwiched between two construction projects
Opening for BPK is in 11 days - right? Wonder if they’ll finish in time.

 

[cheshiregoofy22]

Count me in! Trip at the end of August and also received that email today. I’m thinking it’s a general reference to the ongoing refurbishments, resort-wide. Also hoping the lobby is intact in August!

 

[mrsap]

Victoria & Albert’s Reopens July 28!​

Few establishments allow you to indulge in the luxurious cuisine quite like Victoria & Albert’s. I’m thrilled to share this fine dining restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is preparing for its momentous return on July 28, with reservations available starting June 20.

Victoria & Albert’s, a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000 and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award since 2018, is known for its unmatched dining experience with exquisite dishes made with ingredients from across the globe. This restaurant is the only one in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards and joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.
The time has come to experience its timeless elegance and modern twist on American cuisine. Not only will its flavors be enhanced, but the space will be too. The newly reimagined dining room brings guests into a Victorian-styled setting with murals and wall coverings that showcase a timeless elegance and subtle inspirations of a whimsical garden. For a more intimate evening, the private Queen Victoria’s Room or the coveted Chef’s Table with a front-row seat to the culinary masterminds at work may be the option for you. The world-class wine collection found within its wine cellar, with over 500 selections, perfectly pairs with your dishes by the sommeliers on staff. If you’re interested in zero-proof cocktails, there are delicious beverage pairing options for you as well.

 

[LadybugsMum]

The real question is when 1900 Park Faire opens up. I was hoping it would open before V&A's. I also want characters back to O'hana breakfast.

 

[ZerasPride]

The real question is when 1900 Park Faire opens up. I was hoping it would open before V&A's. I also want characters back to O'hana breakfast.

I agree with you. 1900 Park Fare is the one we are anxiously waiting to reopen. DH was so disappointed when we could not enjoy a breakfast with his favorites the Mad Hatter and Alice last week! On our last two visits - pre Covid - they actually sat down at the table with us and had hilarious conversations. Just us two adults. We miss that interaction!

 

[sndral]

Victoria & Albert’s Reopens July 28!​

Few establishments allow you to indulge in the luxurious cuisine quite like Victoria & Albert’s. I’m thrilled to share this fine dining restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is preparing for its momentous return on July 28, with reservations available starting June 20.

Victoria & Albert’s, a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000 and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award since 2018, is known for its unmatched dining experience with exquisite dishes made with ingredients from across the globe. This restaurant is the only one in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards and joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.
The time has come to experience its timeless elegance and modern twist on American cuisine. Not only will its flavors be enhanced, but the space will be too. The newly reimagined dining room brings guests into a Victorian-styled setting with murals and wall coverings that showcase a timeless elegance and subtle inspirations of a whimsical garden. For a more intimate evening, the private Queen Victoria’s Room or the coveted Chef’s Table with a front-row seat to the culinary masterminds at work may be the option for you. The world-class wine collection found within its wine cellar, with over 500 selections, perfectly pairs with your dishes by the sommeliers on staff. If you’re interested in zero-proof cocktails, there are delicious beverage pairing options for you as well.

View attachment 675242

I’m very glad V&A is reopening & will be interested in the reviews. IMO the previous chef was outstanding & I believe there’ll be a new chef - I hope the new chef is as talented as the previous chef was.
I’m am also hoping 1900 will open in the near future. I wonder if the construction we all just got emails about has anything to do w/ the delay in reopening 1900 Park Fare.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Did everyone see this part? Interesting...guess we're not going to find out what's in store anytime soon.

The reopening of this fine dining staple comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. This grand transformation began with the addition of Enchanted Rose lounge and the reimagining of Cítricos – which features sophisticated, subtle nods to beloved Disney films – and continued with the reopening of The Grand Floridian Spa. Victoria & Albert’s and the newly enhanced and expanded accommodations at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will open this summer. The transformation will continue with updated offerings across the resort over the coming years.

 

[mrsap]

Disney Publicly Defends Grand Floridian Resort Overhaul, Alludes to Controversial Lobby Remodel Coming Soon​

In the Disney Parks Blog post about the reopening of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney alluded to the upcoming and controversial remodel of the hotel’s iconic lobby.

They defended the ongoing work by writing, “The reopening of this fine dining staple comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance.” They did not show photos of the new look for Victoria & Albert’s.

According to Disney, “The transformation will continue with updated offerings across the resort over the coming years.” While not offering specifics, this does seem to be a rebuttal to the ill-received rumors.

The ongoing refurbishment began with the Enchanted Rose Lounge, which replaced Mizner’s Lounge, as well as the bandstand for the later budget-cut Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

Cítricos followed with a “modernized” look and Mary Poppins theming. Above, you can see the previous design on the left and the new look on the right.

Rooms are currently being redesigned for Disney Vacation Club, and the resort’s standard rooms will get the same design.

 

[Her Dotness]

Oh, it will be intriguing to see how V&A's is "reimagined."

Meantime, I'm imagining our getting Chef's Table! We've had no luck at that since we had a glorious meal there 8 years ago.

How I wish we were returning home this year!

 

[Royal Consort]

Disney Publicly Defends Grand Floridian Resort Overhaul, Alludes to Controversial Lobby Remodel Coming Soon​

In the Disney Parks Blog post about the reopening of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney alluded to the upcoming and controversial remodel of the hotel’s iconic lobby.

They defended the ongoing work by writing, “The reopening of this fine dining staple comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance.” They did not show photos of the new look for Victoria & Albert’s.

According to Disney, “The transformation will continue with updated offerings across the resort over the coming years.” While not offering specifics, this does seem to be a rebuttal to the ill-received rumors.

The ongoing refurbishment began with the Enchanted Rose Lounge, which replaced Mizner’s Lounge, as well as the bandstand for the later budget-cut Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

Cítricos followed with a “modernized” look and Mary Poppins theming. Above, you can see the previous design on the left and the new look on the right.

Rooms are currently being redesigned for Disney Vacation Club, and the resort’s standard rooms will get the same design.

The lobby needs to be fixed. The damn muddy carpet evokes the Florida swamp. But I don't want them to 'modernise' it. If Disney takes inspiration from their other Victorian hotel lobbies (HKDLH and TDLH) then Grand has a chance to look stunning. I'm hopeful but cautious.

 

[EilonwyWanderer]

I really hope they leave the ceiling alone, I love just sitting back and looking up at it!

That said while I'm SUPER happy V&A is coming back, reopen the Garden View Tea room!!!!

 

[nuhusky123]

Grand Floridian is set to become the flag ship resort it was intended to be. A modern touch to the elegance flair of Victorian.

So excited to see the updates and very glad to own here

 

[varyth]

Looks like all the new resort studios have now been declared:
https://dvcnews.com/resorts/grand-f...clared-into-grand-floridian-condo-association

Pretty new to DVC - is this common while still in active sales? Or an indicator that they are confident sales are "on track"?

 

[Sandisw]

Looks like all the new resort studios have now been declared:
https://dvcnews.com/resorts/grand-f...clared-into-grand-floridian-condo-association

Pretty new to DVC - is this common while still in active sales? Or an indicator that they are confident sales are "on track"?

It is unusual to have declared so soon when they still have 450K to sell.

Normally, they declare as they go along so they are not carrying so many unsold points. If rooms are not declared, they can offer to cash guests.

As the article stated, they had at least another 4 to 5 months worth of points if they averaged the May sales.

Now, the entire building is part of the association and open for bookings.