Rumour: Remodeling of the Grand Floridian

Discussion in 'Walt Disney World Trip Planning and Trip Reports' started by dagobert, Jan 31, 2017.

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  1. dagobert

    dagobert Well-Known Member

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    An interesting rumour has hit the internet.

    RUMOR: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort to Be Gutted to Become Modern Luxury Resort - WDW News Today

    The hotel definitely needs an update. We never stayed there, but we took a look two years ago and had a drink at the bar. In my opinion this hotel is not worth to be the flagship hotel of WDW. For me it looked old and a bit worn down.

    Although we would never stay there, since it's way too expensive too justify the costs, but I think a remodeling should indeed happen.
     
  2. Talk-to-Ethan

    Talk-to-Ethan Member

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    Have you seen the Poly lately? It is still screaming 1972 with its architecture. Even the cliche theme has 1970's and into the 80's written all over it: Hawaii 5O, Brady Bunch 3 part episode on location, Magnum PI. and guests pay big money and it stays occupied.

    Grand Floridian has a more neutral theme and it charges huge and they still fill rooms. I just don't get why they would demolish and rebuild. The costs would be staggering.
     
  3. FerretAfros

    FerretAfros Well-Known Member

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    This seems to fall into the category of "if it's too crazy to be true, it probably isn't". I don't doubt that they might be considering making some changes at the Grand Floridian, especially since the proximity of the Four Seasons really highlights just how mediocre Disney's hotels are for the money, but I would be surprised if it were anything more extreme than the Polynesian's recent redo paired with an upgrade in overall service

    As for the site "north of the Transportation and Ticket Center" for a new flagship hotel, I can only assume that's the site that was originally intended for the Venetian hotel (and later proposed for the Mediterranean hotel in the 90's). Soil tests in that area determined that the soil was unsuitable for construction, so it would be extremely unlikely that they could build on it without great expense. Furthermore, it's a pretty small plot of land compared to most of Disney's high-end hotels, which would limit its potential profitability
    Have you been there recently, since they completed the renovation? It's still firmly rooted in the 60's/70's aesthetic, but it approaches it in a retro-chic sort of way. Instead of being embarrassingly dated, it embraces the kitsch and celebrates the hotel's roots. I agree that it's overpriced for what it is, but it seems like it was pretty well done
     
  4. Talk-to-Ethan

    Talk-to-Ethan Member

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    Yes, I was there for Ohana new years(I even made a topic on something very gross/anti health code, especially for a famous sit-down that serves people from all over the world). Have been there for drinks at Sam's Club and coffee at Kona cafe lately too.
     
  5. Talk-to-Ethan

    Talk-to-Ethan Member

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    "Sam's club".My mistake. I meant Trader Sams with those natilus and pearl drinks.
     
  6. hbquikcomjamesl

    hbquikcomjamesl Well-Known Member

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    Whatever they do with the GF, 1900 Park Fare will probably continue to NOT SERVE LUNCH.
     

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