Refurbishment coming to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort lobby at Walt Disney World

Dec 15, 2022 in "Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa"

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Posted: Thursday December 15, 2022 2:05pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has confirmed that the Grand Floridian Resort lobby will be undergoing a refurbishment in the coming year.

Details of the project are so far vague, and there is no concept art yet available.

In a post on the official Disney parks Blog, writer Brie Decore said, "2023 will also be a momentous year for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as it celebrates its 30th anniversary on July 1! The resort has been receiving some grand touches that weave familiar storybook charm into the Victorian elegance of this flagship resort. Guest rooms are currently being updated as we speak with more to come as the beloved Grand Floridian ushers in its third decade of magic. The ongoing renovation will also include an upcoming refurbishment of the lobby, which will maintain the classic theming you know and love with some fresh new enhancements."

Disney has been updating many of its hotel lobby areas recently, with Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs, and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club already complete. Work is about to begin on the lobby at Disney's BoardWalk Inn.

Contemporary Resort new lobby - September 2021

New lobby at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort 2021

Discuss on the Forums

Follow WDWMAGIC on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more Walt Disney World news and updates

Weather_LadyApr 01, 2023

Reportedly (per a guest on a GF Facebook group who heard it from a Disney wedding planner answering questions from a bride), the GF lobby work is expected to be ongoing at least through July and August. The expectation is that the lobby will technically remain open, with one section at a time being closed off for refurbishment. No word yet on whether monorail access will be affected. It's conceivable (and even likely, given Disney's penchant for delay) that the lobby work will continue into the fall, but if the work does end up being done in piecemeal fashion, and if there's no impediment to monorail access, it may not have a huge impact on your stay.

Disney4familyApr 01, 2023

I hope not...

NelleBelleApr 01, 2023

Any guess when they lobby will be done? The new discounts that came out for the GF for our trip in Sept have me seriously toying switching.

Disney GlimpsesMar 31, 2023

I'm hoping they have learned their lesson from the recent feedback. The BoardWalk rooms look great, I have confidence they can get this right too. I know I shouldn't, but I do. It's too important.

GimpYancIentMar 28, 2023

Yep. Is it going to be the same refurb / design crew that did the Contemporary?

pdude81Mar 28, 2023

Has this started yet? I'm assuming not but we're getting closer to whichever anniversary they plan on celebrating.

Disstevefan1Jan 03, 2023

I've got a bad feeling about this.

James AlucobondJan 03, 2023

They left the brown and tan tile in place in the outbuildings, so they will probably leave it in place in the main building as well. As far as the teal goes, it has long been part of the overall color scheme (see bedding below). They've just reversed the emphasis, with teal being the main color and rose being the accent. They've also obviously cut down significantly on the tans and creams in favor of white.

GimpYancIentJan 03, 2023

None of the resent Disney resort refurbishments, as in any of them, have been impressive. Rather an overall cheapening of the atmosphere, ambiance and over all esthetics.

peter11435Jan 03, 2023

The marble in the lobby is not that old. It was installed around 2007 I believe. So I doubt it is going anywhere. I get being critical of the color and design choices but I don’t think it’s fair to call this refurb “‘modern ikea.”

ar81Dec 28, 2022

One of my main concerns is the beautiful marble in the entrances. And the dull blue and gray color palette of the new updates will simply not match; therefore will probably be ripped out which is an atrocity. Also what hasn’t been said is that it definitely does NOT match the exterior. An intricate Victorian white hotel with a red roof doesn’t transition well to a Blue modern IKEA interior.

montyz81Dec 20, 2022

Gotta love Eddie! An Imagineer that speaks his mind instead of conforming

UNCgolfDec 19, 2022

1900 Park Fare should be ahead of it on the list. Grand Floridian Cafe could use a refreshment but it still fits the theme and looks pretty good. 1900 Park Fare has really never looked good.