Disney Unveils Plans for New Lobby at Grand Floridian Resort

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

Posted: Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will soon start a major renovation of its lobby, marking the final phase of a multi-year refurbishment effort.

Work is scheduled from April through November 2025, bringing significant updates while preserving the classic Victorian theme.

A New Lobby Bar is Coming

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 cage elevator will be relocated opposite the bar.

Refreshing the Lobby

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.

Work will occur during daytime hours, with partial closures in the lobby area. All resort pools and most amenities will continue operating normally, though path adjustments may require extra travel time around the property.

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Chef idea Mickey`=41 minutes ago

This guy's got ideas!!!!! I myself mentioned coffee, tea, in a real mug, sip sit with family. So alcoholics get another setting but non drinkers are told to go to the quick service to fill in a plastic reusable cup like a child. Smmm

trainplane32 hours ago

Fun thing from Eddie:

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

It has, I had thought it would made sense after. Disney hasn't announced it would start after clearly!

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

No your not wrong either, after all if they were to finish this in November, then I don't see why we can't get the Gingerbread House set it up in December or for December. Thank you for the clarification. 🙂

Disone2 days ago

Okay. I misunderstood this statement. It seemed like you were asking why If construction ended in November why they couldn't have the gingerbread house in December. The answer is because it takes so long to set it up. I get it that wasn't your intent. Sorry. Hummmm, construction is not starting after Easter, it has already started even with the Easter cottage still present in the lobby. Overall it'll be about 6 and 1/2 to 7 months long which when you think about it, Disney hasn't been recently known for doing any construction projects at any type of record-breaking speed. So to rip out the bird cage and its foundation build a bar while also keeping access to the restaurants in the lobby, ripping out the carpeting and replacing it, repainting everything. While not damaging the marble floor that they are to keep..... 6 to 7 months seems just about right. Maybe even a little fast by their standards.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

I was referring to why the refurb will take so long, not about when do they usually take time to put up the Gingerbread House.

TheCoasterNerd2 days ago

I just hope they FINALLY take down the tarps and painters tape on the domes

Disone2 days ago

**** Gingerbread house construction would have started in late October well ahead of the projected end of the construction for the lobby enhancement itself which isn't until mid-november.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

Starts construction late October? I thought this construction was between after Easter until November.

Disone3 days ago

It's opens in early November and starts construction even earlier in late October.

Chef idea Mickey`=3 days ago

After seeing the concept art it looks odd why it would take so long to get this refurbishment done. Besides the Bar is like the only major change to me. Didn't they already change the ground floors and painted the ceilings. Just a new carpet, seating, and some palm tree plants seems like that's all they have to do. Unless they are painting stuff again.. They said until November so it's funny no Gingerbread House because isn't it complete December?

James Alucobond3 days ago

Monkey's paw: It's now the Long Island Iced Tea Room, serving as extra seating for the bar.

jmuboy3 days ago

I want the tea room back and this is the time to do it!

Tony the Tigger5 days ago

I think you just answered your own question: the lines are not as long during non-holiday season - because - it’s non-holiday season, which will always have significantly less traffic. That’s precisely their job. …which generates sales of gingerbread slabs all season, so I’m not seeing your point. Can they sell roof slabs of gingerbread without the house? Sure, but it isn’t going to go as well.