Last month we reported that construction has moved to the Sugar Loaf building at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as the resort continues to be updated. Sugar Loaf is the latest building to be refurbished, after Big Pine Key and Boca Chica both reopened.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 1 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9487](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9487.jpg)
There is scaffolding covering both long sides of the building, behind white construction walls.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 2 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9488](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9488.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 3 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9489](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9489.jpg)
We didn’t see crew members or equipment on this side during our most recent trip.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 4 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9491](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9491.jpg)
The stairwell at one end has been completely dismantled.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 5 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9492](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9492.jpg)
As we saw at the other buildings, the stairwell be reconstructed.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 6 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9493](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9493.jpg)
All that remains is the roof gable and two sections of support leading from the roof to the ground. Tarps cover some of the openings in the building where the stairs used to exit.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 7 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9495 1](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9495-1.jpg)
White paneling was removed, leaving concrete blocks exposed.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 8 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9500](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9500.jpg)
Around the corner, we found the crew members working on the other side of Sugar Loaf. There are two cherry-picker vehicles parked on this side.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 9 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9501](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9501.jpg)
The crew members were working at an upper corner of the building.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 10 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9503](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9503.jpg)
One crew member was sitting on a scaffolding pole to pass materials to the crew members on the top level.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 11 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9504](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9504.jpg)
The large black pipe running down the scaffolding next to them could be for water drainage or to dispose of materials no longer needed.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 12 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9511](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9511.jpg)
The white tarp around the top level of the scaffolding keeps items from falling and helps protect workers.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 13 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9506](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9506.jpg)
There are large pieces of plywood sitting on the level crew members were working on.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 14 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9510](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9510.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 15 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9507](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9507.jpg)
The walkway beyond the pool entrance is blocked off.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 16 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9509](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9509.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 17 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9513](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9513.jpg)
Several A-frame signs help direct guests around the construction sites.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 18 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9514](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9514.jpg)
The boat launch to Magic Kingdom is accessible down the sidewalk past Big Pine Key.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 19 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9515](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9515.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 20 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9518](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9518.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 21 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9520](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9520.jpg)
There were some crew members still working at the base of a Big Pine Key stairwell.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 22 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9519](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9519.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 23 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9522](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9522.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 24 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9524](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9524.jpg)
To reach the boat launch, guests walk next to this line of construction walls, and basically through the construction site.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 25 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9526](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9526.jpg)
The walls keep guests out of the dangerous areas, but construction materials are staged on the grass next to the sidewalk.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 26 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9527](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9527.jpg)
We walked past fencing and planks of wood.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 27 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9528](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9528.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 28 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9530](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9530.jpg)
Guests walk past Narcoossee’s, which has been closed for refurbishment since last summer.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 29 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9529](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9529.jpg)
Red shingles have been removed from sections of the restaurant’s roof, revealing black weather-proof sheathing. Crew members were working on the front of the building, just visible over the construction walls.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 30 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9532](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9532.jpg)
Around the corner from Narcoossee’s, guests walking to the boat launch enter a section lined with green temporary fencing.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 31 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9533](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9533.jpg)
Behind the fencing is more construction materials, sitting in a stretch of dirt.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 32 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9534](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9534.jpg)
It’s rare that guests are forced to walk this close to construction.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 33 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9559](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9559.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 34 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9557](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9557.jpg)
This is more than just a staging ground as crew members were actively working on the other side of the temporary fencing.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 35 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9535](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9535.jpg)
There are several cinder blocks in stacks near the boat launch.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 36 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9536](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9536.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 37 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9537](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9537.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 38 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9538](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9538.jpg)
The fencing leads guests all the way to the dock on the other side of Narcoossee’s.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 39 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9539](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9539.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 40 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9540](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9540.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 41 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9541](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9541.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 42 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9551](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9551.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 43 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9542](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9542.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 44 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9550](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9550.jpg)
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 45 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9544](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9544.jpg)
From the dock, we can get a look at the back of Narcoossee’s that sits on the water. As previously reported, white scrim hangs from frames around the edge of the patio balcony to catch any stray shingles or construction materials that could fall from the roof.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 46 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9547](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9547.jpg)
Ladders lead up to the top of the tower at the center of the roof.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 47 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9455](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9455.jpg)
We can get an even better view of Narcoossee’s across the water. We then saw crew members working across the roof.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 48 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9452](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9452.jpg)
The red shingles will likely be completely removed and replaced.
![Guests Forced to Walk Through Construction Site to Reach Boat Launch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 49 grand floridian feb 1 2023 construction 9442](https://media.wdwnt.com/2023/02/grand-floridian-feb-1-2023-construction-9442.jpg)
Reportedly, when now-former CEO Bob Chapek took over the Parks & Resorts division in 2015, he felt that the Grand Floridian was not up to standards. The comparisons to a Four Seasons didn’t befit the current state of Walt Disney World, and so it was no longer suitable as the flagship resort. But rather than shift focus to another resort hotel, the company decided to make changes.
It began with the Enchanted Rose Lounge, which replaced Mizner’s Lounge. It was given a “Beauty and the Beast” theme. Cítricos followed with a new “Mary Poppins”-inspired design. When the Grand Floridian Spa reopened in January 2022, it was revealed that it, too, had been remodeled. All the rooms of the resort are still being updated and some “Mary Poppins” theming has been added throughout guest buildings. The refurbished Victoria & Albert’s opened last summer.
Disney finally confirmed in December that the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort would also be updated.
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