Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Refurbishment Update: Porte Cochere Work to Continue Until 2027

31 days ago in "Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa"

Posted: Friday February 6, 2026 1:!1pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has updated the refurbishment notice for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, revealing that work will extend through early 2027. The new notice specifically mentions the porte cochere as one of the areas undergoing renovation.

The Perch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

The original refurbishment notice stated:

"As renovations to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa take place, construction may be visible during daytime hours in select areas. While Guests may notice changes to walking paths around the Resort, most dining and other amenities remain available."

The updated notice now reads:

"Renovations at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will continue in select areas-including the porte cochere-through early 2027. Guests may see or hear refurbishment work during daytime hours or need to take alternate paths of travel."

The porte cochere serves as the main arrival and departure point for guests at the resort. Work in this area could affect how you access the lobby when arriving by Disney transportation, rideshare, or personal vehicle.

Recent Grand Floridian upgrades

This porte cochere work follows a comprehensive multi-year renovation program at the resort. Recent updates include:

Refreshed main lobby with new design elements
Addition of a new lobby bar The Perch
Restaurant updates throughout the property
Modernized guest rooms
Convention center improvements

The resort has remained operational throughout the renovation period, with Disney working to minimize guest impact by scheduling construction during daytime hours.

The Perch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

What to expect during your stay

If you have a reservation at the Grand Floridian before early 2027, you should prepare for:

Visible construction work during daytime hours
Possible noise from refurbishment activities
Alternate walking routes around the resort
Potential changes to vehicle drop-off and pick-up procedures at the porte cochere

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney's flagship resort at Walt Disney World, offering Victorian-style elegance on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon with monorail access to Magic Kingdom.

Discuss on the Forums

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TrainsOfDisney10 days ago

I spent a few evenings on my recent trip, listening to the piano player at the Grand. I don’t love the design of the bar. It definitely feels very large, and to me, it sticks out and doesn’t blend with the rest of the lobby and decor. The same can be said of the back wall of the check-in desk. it’s like the people that designed the check-in desk and the bar took no inspiration from the rest of the lobby, and just did whatever they wanted. I know John Hench himself worked on the Grand Floridian so this is even more insulting design-wise. overall the refurbishment could have been worse - at least we didn’t get an expansion of the enchanted rose design in furniture. And, of course, the good news is that when Wes is playing the piano it’s easy to forget the design issues, and simply enjoy the beautiful music.

Animaniac93-9831 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

wdwmagic31 days ago

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Refurbishment Update: Porte Cochere Work to Continue Until 2027 https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/news/06feb2026-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-refurbishment-update-porte-cochere-work-to-continue-until-2027.htm

Disney AnalystJan 23, 2026

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.

Jon81ukJan 23, 2026

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.

MisterPenguinJan 22, 2026

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

UNCgolfJan 22, 2026

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 FanJan 22, 2026

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 AnalystJan 22, 2026

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.

easyrowrdwJan 22, 2026

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.

dmc493Jan 22, 2026

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