Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Renovation Update: Birdcage Gone, Construction Walls Expand

May 01, 2025 in "Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa"

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment - May 1, 2025
Posted: Thursday May 1, 2025 9:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The ongoing lobby refurbishment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is continuing this week, with major portions of the area now under construction.


The resort’s signature birdcage structure—long a centerpiece of the Grand Floridian lobby—has now been fully disassembled and removed.

The Garden View Lounge is now completely behind construction walls. Located at the back of the lobby, this space previously hosted afternoon tea and served as a quiet seating area for guests. It is expected to return in a reimagined form as part of the updated lobby design.

The front desk check-in area is also now closed off. Temporary desks for check-in and guest services have been installed near the front of the lobby to assist guests during the renovation period. Cast Members are stationed here to support arrivals and other guest needs.


In addition, restrooms on the second floor near Cítricos are currently closed. Guests are being directed to alternate restroom locations throughout the resort.

Despite the construction, the Grand Floridian remains fully operational. Most amenities, including dining locations and pools, are open.  Guests should continue to expect changes to interior pathways, some daytime noise, and temporary closures through the scheduled completion in November 2025.

As part of the refurbishment, the resort will add a brand-new lobby bar. Inspired by the iconic birdcage in the atrium, the bar will highlight detailed woodwork, brass accents, and vibrant stained glass with bird motifs. Disney says the lobby’s Victorian birdcage will be relocated opposite the bar.

According to Disney, Imagineers have carefully planned this refurbishment to retain the lobby’s original charm while adding modern updates. Expect an airy garden-like atmosphere enhanced by botanical touches and fresh, inviting colors.

New carpeting will feature Victorian-inspired designs with intricate floral borders and scrollwork influenced by historical botanical artwork. Furnishings will offer rich textures, brass detailing, and comfortable fabrics accented with playful elements reflecting Florida’s natural beauty.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

Animaniac93-984 days ago

Did they do anything about the exterior popcorn lights? It was nice to see most of them on at the Disneyland Hotel and Newport Bay Club during my trip to DLP

Disney Analyst18 days ago

It’s right in like with most “afternoon teas” I’ve looked up or experienced. I truly thought it would cost more because Disney. This just feels like the industry standard higher end afternoon tea pricing. Of course, quality to be determined.

Jon81uk19 days ago

You can get three course dinner at California Grill for $99, or at Artist Point with characters for $69. $79 is a lot of money for cakes and sandwiches plus a pot of tea. Maybe if there was characters it would be worth it, but even for Disney this is overpriced.

MisterPenguin19 days ago

Well, it is The Floridian. There's a more reasonable price at Motel 6's tea party.

UNCgolf19 days ago

The Empress is almost certainly offering a much higher quality experience (I'm sure the teas etc. are vastly superior to what Disney is offering). But when you factor in the Disney upcharge, I'm not surprised by the price nor do I think it's that expensive.

Vegas Disney Fan19 days ago

Am I the only one that still uses $50, $100, $200, etc as what I consider reasonable thresholds? We do this here in Vegas too and it typically fails, a small show that would (IMHO) likely sell 100 tickets a night at $50 will be priced at $80 and sell a dozen tickets, despite horrible sales management will keep it at $80 until they ultimately cancel it due to a lack of ticket sales. I just don’t get it. It’ll be interesting to see how it sells at that price, too rich for my blood but the Grand is also so I’m probably not the target demographic. (To me) This would be reasonable and an easy yes at $50, at $80 it just feels outrageously expensive.

Disney Analyst19 days ago

I'm shocked it's so reasonable? Literally the same price (if converted to CAD) as afternoon tea at The Empress hotel in Victoria, BC.

easyrowrdw19 days ago

Interesting. In my mind I was comparing this to something like the dinner at Wilderness Lodge. It's a plated meal with appetizers, entrees, and dessert and the food is actually good. The theming is nice and you get multiple character interactions. That is $69 adults and $43 for kids.

dmc49320 days ago

Won’t deny that it’s expensive but honestly all tea services are expensive, so they’re not wildly off base here. And I think Cake Bake Shop’s service is $95/$65 so this feels a bit better

easyrowrdw20 days ago

Now that we know what it is… Oof, that’s expensive! 😂 There are no characters, correct?

DCBaker20 days ago

$79 per adult and $49 per child:

Chi8420 days ago

Yes. People will complain about the price without knowing what it is.

Tha Realest20 days ago

You know what that means….

Park Hours & Calendar

Updated frequently

Find operating hours, early entry times, and park hopping info across all four Walt Disney World parks.

Lightning Lane Prices

Updated daily

See current Lightning Lane prices for Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane attractions at all parks.

Dining at Walt Disney World

Dining Guide

Explore restaurants, menus, and reviews for quick service and table service dining across Walt Disney World.

Latest Disney News

Updated multiple times per day

Catch up on the latest park updates, construction news, entertainment, and official announcements.