Refurbishment coming to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort lobby

[KDM31091]

On one hand, in realistic terms the lobby is generally chaotic, busy, loud, etc so I'm not sure how often I care to just sit and "relax" because it's not terribly relaxing. Something like the Boulder Ridge lobby and train room sure, that's quiet and relaxing. Grand Floridian, not so much.

On the other hand, the transformation into a giant bar just feels like a cash grab and things that existed just for atmosphere at Disney are a thing of the past. Every inch must be monetized. It's beyond obnoxious at this point.

 

[Disstevefan1]

On one hand, in realistic terms the lobby is generally chaotic, busy, loud, etc so I'm not sure how often I care to just sit and "relax" because it's not terribly relaxing. Something like the Boulder Ridge lobby and train room sure, that's quiet and relaxing. Grand Floridian, not so much.

On the other hand, the transformation into a giant bar just feels like a cash grab and things that existed just for atmosphere at Disney are a thing of the past. Every inch must be monetized. It's beyond obnoxious at this point.

This is 100 percent a Cash grab.

Disney converted a space that made zero dollars into the 2nd highest margin product they sell, alcohol.

The same reason the destroyed RoA, TSI, converting a space for a cash grab.

 

[Chi84]

The same reason the destroyed RoA, TSI, converting a space for a cash grab.

They also did it so guests would actually go there.

 

[nicb88]

One positive I just saw is that the completely out of place deep blue walls outside Enchanted Rose are being painted white again. They stuck out like a sore thumb, so I’m glad someone has even a tiny dot of sense.

 

[Disstevefan1]

They also did it so guests would actually go there.

I don't think there is a problem with folks showing up to the MK.

This is a cash grab in my opinion.

 

[Chi84]

Drinks in the Lobby is not without precedent.

No one said they were.

 

[Chi84]

I don't there is a problem with folks showing up to the MK.

This is a cash grab in my opinion.

Not the MK. The area in the MK comprising RoA and TSI.

 

[jah4955]

Disney converted a space that made zero dollars into the 2nd highest margin product they sell, alcohol.

I'm sorry...Caffeine hasn't sunk-in yet lol...what's #1 highest-margin? The souvenirs?

 

[Disstevefan1]

I'm sorry...Caffeine hasn't sunk-in yet lol...what's #1 highest-margin? The souvenirs?

The #1 highest margin product they sell is the "money for nothing" LLs

 

[LindseyDisney]

You just know that every Disney influencer and their grandmother are going to be posting vlogs in the Tea Room for two weeks straight on our feeds once it reopens.

 

[donaldtoo]

There was a period of time before the Enchanted Rose opened when the main floor Lobby had waiters/waitresses walking around the seating areas taking drink orders in the evenings. I know because we ordered from them on several stays. Drinks in the Lobby is not without precedent.

I’m usually already drunk before I ever even show up in a WDW resort lobby…!!!!!

 

[jah4955]

The #1 highest margin product they sell is the "money for nothing" LLs

oh yea lol....I keep blocking that out of memory (it's largely the new A-E ticket system imo)...I can't see myself ever "giving in" to burning money on that!

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

This is 100 percent a Cash grab.

Disney converted a space that made zero dollars into the 2nd highest margin product they sell, alcohol.

The same reason the destroyed RoA, TSI, converting a space for a cash grab.

Said another way Disney converted a space that no one was using, and is turning it into a space that it's customers want, will utilize, and are willing to spend money at to enjoy.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Said another way Disney converted a space that no one was using, and is turning it into a space that it's customers want, will utilize, and are willing to spend money at to enjoy.

That is another way to spin it, yes. But the reality is its all about MONEY.

I know, I know its a business... Theme, immersion is no longer in scope.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Said another way Disney converted a space that no one was using, and is turning it into a space that it's customers want, will utilize, and are willing to spend money at to enjoy.

Not really. People were definitely using the lobby of the Grand - for me, I wish this was a coffee bar since I often make the longggggg walk to the cafe for a coffee in between piano sets. (Joking of course…. It’s not that long of a walk).

Maybe the tea room will have a coffee / tea bar? That would be nice!

But the positive spin would be, Disney is adding a service to an already popular location.

 

[jmuboy]

One positive I just saw is that the completely out of place deep blue walls outside Enchanted Rose are being painted white again. They stuck out like a sore thumb, so I’m glad someone has even a tiny dot of sense.

So happy to see this!!!!

 

[Tha Realest]

Before the “cash grab” police drops in here again, this use of the space in this way remains a head-scratcher, as there are tons of very available places on the grounds (and off the main lobby) where you can get an alcoholic drink. If it’s true these are premade concoctions that too undercuts the notion this isn’t a cynical “cash grab,” because staffing a full bar costs more money than what they’re offering.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

this use of the space in this way remains a head-scratcher,

my theory is - this will take the place of the gingerbread house and Easter cottage and outside of the holidays - it can sell drinks.

That’s where it makes sense and is a positive for the lobby since the building and dismantling of 2 structures each year wasn’t totally ideal. Plus they took up extra space.

 

[jah4955]

Before the “cash grab” police drops in here again, this use of the space in this way remains a head-scratcher, as there are tons of very available places on the grounds (and off the main lobby) where you can get an alcoholic drink. If it’s true these are premade concoctions that too undercuts the notion this isn’t a cynical “cash grab,” because staffing a full bar costs more money than what they’re offering.

my theory is - this will take the place of the gingerbread house and Easter cottage and outside of the holidays - it can sell drinks.

That’s where it makes sense and is a positive for the lobby since the building and dismantling of 2 structures each year wasn’t totally ideal. Plus they took up extra space.

Disney's MO for a very long time now: "leave nothing on the table." That being said I anticipate the return of the houses.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Before the “cash grab” police drops in here again, this use of the space in this way remains a head-scratcher, as there are tons of very available places on the grounds (and off the main lobby) where you can get an alcoholic drink. If it’s true these are premade concoctions that too undercuts the notion this isn’t a cynical “cash grab,” because staffing a full bar costs more money than what they’re offering.

OK not a cash grab. Its now a part of the monorail bar crawl jump off the monorail, the bar is right there, down a drink, get back on the monorail