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

[GGGT]

Resort monorail was only for resort guests when WDW opened, at the very least resort guests should get priority boarding to and from their resort.

We were talking yesterday while waiting for the monorail at the GF. Dating myself, but I remember having to show your room key/card for WDW Busses and Monorail before boarding.

 

[cbailey1616]

Fill out your surveys…. Disney is making a choice to allow this to happen.

This, resort guests need to start making noise. Its getting completely out of hand.

 

[DisnEElove]

We'll be there in 2wks for Christmas week. I plan on saying something for sure. Squeaky wheels get the oil.

 

[mrsap]

Land Clearing Begins West of Magic Kingdom for Roadway Expansion, New Hotel Speculated

Land clearing is underway west of Magic Kingdom for an expansion and rerouting of Floridian Way north of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The work is part of a multi-year project that includes adding roundabouts near Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. There is speculation that the roadway rerouting is to support a new hotel near or attached to Magic Kingdom, but no such plans have been officially announced by Walt Disney World. Here’s a closer look at the permitting.

Floridian Way Reroute and Expansion Near Magic Kingdom​

The land clearing is taking place near where there will be laydown yards for construction equipment for the upcoming Cars-themed expansion to Frontierland and Villains land in Magic Kingdom. It’s important to distinguish that the work taking place here is not associated with the theme park project, which is still awaiting approval from the stateto move forward.
Going back to the recent land clearing west of Magic Kingdom, the permit below shows the planned roadway adjustments for the Floridian Way/World Drive Phase III work. We can see Magic Kingdom on the right side of the screenshot below, the Grand Floridian near the middle of the image, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the lower left. The work is outlined in purple, with the most recent land clearing taking place at the light blue section.

For reference, the image below shows the northern portion of the World Drive Phase III permitted work with a look at the unrelated laydown yards (blue) that are still awaiting final permit approval from the state. While the work is in the same area, the cleared areas are separate. The roadway reroute is clearly part of some bigger plans, but it’s unclear what those plans are right now.



It’s also worth noting that while the Magic Kingdom laydown yards/Rivers of America demolition is still awaiting final approval from the state, the roadway project has been approved for years. Other impacts from the roadway project include adjustments to Disney’s Magnolia golf course and a new entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.



In terms of where a hotel could go, the area below outlined in orange could be a great spot for a new hotel. It could even go a bit closer to Magic Kingdom depending on what Disney’s long-term plans are for the laydown yard right next to it. In theory, two of the three laydown yards will not be utilized for theme park projects and could be used for either further expansion over the next few decades, or a new hotel.

 

[Cfabar1]

interesting.... so this would be after lakeside lodge I guess...

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Did anyone go to the VGF specific quarterly condo association meeting today? Would love to know what was covered...

 

[Cfabar1]

Did anyone go to the VGF specific quarterly condo association meeting today? Would love to know what was covered...

I thought it was tomorrow? I can't make it sadly.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

I thought it was tomorrow? I can't make it sadly.

Oops, you're right - it's today! Hopefully someone will post some news.

 

[mrsap]

Oops, you're right - it's today! Hopefully someone will post some news.

I’m keeping an eye on the meetings and will post as soon as I see anything!

 

[mrsap]

Transportation Takes Center Stage at Polynesian and Grand Floridian DVC Quarterly Meetings​

The major question at hand was raised by multiple members, focusing on how the opening of the Polynesian Island Tower will affect transportation for both resorts.

Boat Transportation​

One of the first concerns discussed was the resort’s boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Rumors suggest that larger boats will begin servicing the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, which could help alleviate some bottlenecks, but no concrete plans have been confirmed.

Monorail Transportation​

Monorail capacity remains a sticking point, particularly for Grand Floridian guests. The current loop places Grand Floridian as the last stop before Magic Kingdom, leaving many guests frustrated with crowded monorails and extended wait times.

Bus Transportation​

Members also shared concerns about bus transportation, especially for guests using ECVs. The shared bus service between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian often results in full buses arriving at Grand Floridian with little to no space for additional guests or ECVs.

Leadership Response​

Alison Armor, DVC’s Vice President of Resort Operations—and formerly Vice President of Transportation Operations—addressed these concerns directly. She noted that based on studies conducted, they believe infrastructure in place should be sufficient to meet the increased demand, citing the Polynesian Island Tower’s relatively modest 268-room addition. They will be mindful of Member feedback, however, and keep a close eye on this once the tower opens.


In terms of budget adjustments, the Polynesian’s transportation budget saw a $300,000 increase for 2025, rising from $3 million to $3.3 million. This allocation appears to be tied to the new tower, possibly accounting for enhancements such as larger boats. However, the Grand Floridian’s transportation budget remains flat year-over-year, leaving some members questioning if enough is being done to address the current and future issues.

Looking Ahead​

Both Polynesian and Grand Floridian members expressed concerns that these transportation challenges already exist and could be exacerbated by the Island Tower’s opening. While leadership seems confident that existing infrastructure can handle the increase in guests, it remains unclear if the proposed budget adjustments will adequately address the strain on these shared systems.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Alison Armor, DVC’s Vice President of Resort Operations—and formerly Vice President of Transportation Operations—addressed these concerns directly. She noted that based on studies conducted, they believe infrastructure in place should be sufficient to meet the increased demand, citing the Polynesian Island Tower’s relatively modest 268-room addition.

I can't do anything but shake my head at this response. The infrastructure in place isn't even doing a great job meeting the current demand, let alone the increased demand. I know this impacts the resort side too and not just the DVC side, but an announcement that both resorts would at least receive dedicated busses (no more sharing) would have been great.

@pkrieger2287, did anyone ask about the resort wide refurbishment project at the GF and whether there's an end date for that yet? I wish they would at least announce their plans for the main lobby because I'd like to schedule around that!

 

[Flash_Sloth]

My last trip just over a month ago, there were some times that I was pleased with the bus & monorail transportation, and other times where it very negatively affected my stay at VGF. IMHO, at a minimum, they need to expand the bus stop to support at least 2 buses at a time, and have a better organization of where to wait for buses to DS, DHS, and DAK. Buses arriving full, especially for ECVs, is a valid issue too.

 

[sndral]

I can't do anything but shake my head at this response. The infrastructure in place isn't even doing a great job meeting the current demand, let alone the increased demand. I know this impacts the resort side too and not just the DVC side, but an announcement that both resorts would at least receive dedicated busses (no more sharing) would have been great.

@pkrieger2287, did anyone ask about the resort wide refurbishment project at the GF and whether there's an end date for that yet? I wish they would at least announce their plans for the main lobby because I'd like to schedule around that!

Yeah that’s disappointing, basically they don’t think there’s a problem now, they think the Poly Tower is too small to worry about, so no, they didn’t bother making any adjustments & have no plans to do so.
Sounds like those in attendance saw things differently at least. Good luck to those who’ll be testing this in 6 days when the Poly tower opens.

 

[hockeydad21]

Yeah that’s disappointing, basically they don’t think there’s a problem now, they think the Poly Tower is too small to worry about, so no, they didn’t bother making any adjustments & have no plans to do so.
Sounds like those in attendance saw things differently at least. Good luck to those who’ll be testing this in 6 days when the Poly tower opens.

How incredibly disappointing for both Poly and GF.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Yeah that’s disappointing, basically they don’t think there’s a problem now, they think the Poly Tower is too small to worry about, so no, they didn’t bother making any adjustments & have no plans to do so.
Sounds like those in attendance saw things differently at least. Good luck to those who’ll be testing this in 6 days when the Poly tower opens.

I have to say that in August it was so bad on a few occasions that I completely abandoned waiting for the monorail/bus to EPCOT/HS and walked to the MK buses and took it to Beach Club. In AUGUST . (Taking an Uber was not an option…and the wait for Minnie Vans was even longer).

I’m regretting not renting a car…

But on the plus side, I’m happy to take one for the team and document just how bad it is when we’re back later this month…

 

[sndral]

I have to say that in August it was so bad on a few occasions that I completely abandoned waiting for the monorail/bus to EPCOT/HS and walked to the MK buses and took it to Beach Club. In AUGUST . (Taking an Uber was not an option…and the wait for Minnie Vans was even longer)

I’m regretting not renting a car…

But on the plus side, I’m happy to take one for the team and document just how bad it is…

I’ll be looking for info. so that we’ll be prepared when we arrive 12/30. I expected a madhouse over NYE, but was hopeful things would calm down afterwards.

 

[Sandisw]

I can say that while it was busy today at all three of the MK resorts, the lines moved quickly and I always made it on the first monorail that arrived. I took it from GF as 11:30, 4:00 pm and then again at 8:00 pm. L

I don’t know if they had more trains but the weaving they had at GF really helped to keep the line out of the lobby.

I will add though that Poly looked the busiest and they were all bunched together!

 

[kmc8826]

On the transportation issue: I own at VGF and love it. But even in July we walk to MK. I was dumbfounded on a past trip when I had a brain cramp and we got over to the bus stop to only find that way to get to EP is drive your own car or monorail. That is no small feat with the crowds and definitely lessens the appeal of the resort especially given the lack of functionality of the tiny area for the bus stop. It is pretty disheartening to see that management does not even see it as an issue.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’ll be looking for info. so that we’ll be prepared when we arrive 12/30. I expected a madhouse over NYE, but was hopeful things would calm down afterwards.

We’ll be going at the same time too - our plan is to stick around VGF for NYE to avoid needing transportation at all…but fingers crossed crowds thin out by 1/2…

 

[AstroBlasters]

On the transportation issue: I own at VGF and love it. But even in July we walk to MK. I was dumbfounded on a past trip when I had a brain cramp and we got over to the bus stop to only find that way to get to HS/EP is drive your own car or monorail. That is no small feat with the crowds and definitely lessens the appeal of the resort especially given the lack of functionality of the tiny area for the bus stop. It is pretty disheartening to see that management does not even see it as an issue.

There is no bus from VGF to EPCOT or HS?