Disney Unveils Plans for New Lobby at Grand Floridian Resort

Disney has shared a first look at the lobby refurbishment:

From the parks blog:

Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar
There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar!

Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. You may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love.  

New Look, Same Grand Feel
The surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere.  

Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.   

As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.  

Details:
https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/first-look-at-disneys-grand-floridian-lobby-renovation/

Side by side comparison.

Aside from this resort definitely not needing another bar, I actually think I rather like this from what can be seen thus far. Can this, like, kill the Enchanted Rose and bring back the band balcony?

This could have been MUCH worse. But I don't like the bar right in the middle.

The aviary’s been dead long enough that it needed to become something, but I would’ve preferred it become a dais for the piano.

I agree it doesn't need the bar, but otherwise the concept art actually looks pretty good. Much better than what they've done elsewhere.

It’s not bad, only thing I don’t love is the bar. Do we really need ANOTHER place for alcohol. Also that will be a nightmare come Christmas time with the tree

How can we do a "renovation" on the cheap and add something to make some extra money in the process?

Can't TDO move the Ginger Bread House to another Resort temporarily?

Chandelier: staying
Rest of lobby: same general color scheme
Interior portion: Not substantially reworked, updated color scheme that doesn’t follow the deep teal and blue hues found elsewhere
Aviary: Gone the way of the dinosaurs but rebirthed as a bar

Could have been much much worse so a win

I’m guessing that some (most) of the seating will be taken over by the bar - that’s what happened at Grand Californian.

for certain this will affect holiday decor this year?

It seems pretty clear this renovation rendering is a direct result of guest feedback and complaints. The overall warm themes are staying, the chandeliers are staying, the live piano entertainment is staying, and the new greenery does make it feel a little more upscale, imo so a win is a win.

No one is forcing any of you to go to the bar, and it's not serving any purpose now, so who cares?

Disney's Grand Floridian Gingerbread Display on Hold for 2025
https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/news/10apr2025-gingerbread-house-wont-appear-at-grand-floridian-in-2025,-alternate-locations-being-considered.htm

The tea room???