Disney's Grand Floridian Lobby Walls Go Up as Major Refurbishment Project Starts

Gallery / 6 Photos
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment - April 14, 2025

Posted: Monday April 14, 2025 7:45am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Work is officially underway in the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as part of the multi-phase refurbishment project announced earlier this year. Construction walls are now installed in the main lobby, with the area surrounding the resort’s iconic birdcage fully walled off.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment - April 14, 2025

This marks the beginning of an extensive renovation to refresh the Grand Floridian’s lobby. The project runs through November 2025 and includes updates to finishes, furnishings, and the addition of a new Victorian-inspired lobby bar.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa New Lobby Concept Art

Despite the construction, several seasonal offerings remain in place. The Grand Cottage treat shop is still available, offering house-made sweets and packaged goodies. The annual Easter Egg display is also still available, showcasing hand-decorated chocolate eggs crafted by Disney pastry chefs.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment - April 14, 2025

Guests should expect changes to traffic flow in the lobby area, and some noise during daytime hours, but most resort amenities—including dining and pools—remain available.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Refurbishment - April 14, 2025

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jmuboy3 days ago

This is the first time I have seen or read about an update regarding the updates to the Garden View Tea room. Thats some good news.

wdwmagic4 days ago

My error, fixed.

Tony the Tigger4 days ago

I find this exciting. :D I don't see how it hurts them. They turn dead space into profitability, take some of the heat off of upstairs lounges, and I'm certain they'll have tea, coffee, soda, bottled water, etc. for those who just want a quick drink on the first floor. People who drink are not all rowdy, degenerate drunks.

T.S.4 days ago

Two articles on here have said "Disney says the lobby’s Victorian cage elevator will be relocated opposite the bar." That's not what Disney said. They said "Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love." I'm about 99.9% sure they're not relocating the elevator, which would be a massive undertaking, for no apparent purpose.

Disstevefan14 days ago

I agree. Iger’s WDW operates fiscal quarter to fiscal quarter, doing its best to MAKE MONEY from their cash cow that is WDW. They need the money to make and release their money losing movies.

aladdin20074 days ago

yep and: According to Disney, Imagineers have carefully planned this refurbishment to retain the lobby’s original charm while adding modern updates. Yeah right, they say anything they want now to justify it with statements like these.

RKpb4 days ago

Wow, once again Disney is going for the Adult alcohol lounge venue and leaves behind the family concept. They keep missing the mark and truly lost Walts formula. I guess the almighty dollar is blinding them but in the end this will hurt them.

wdwmagic4 days ago

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Renovation Update: Birdcage Gone, Construction Walls Expand https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/news/01may2025-grand-floridian-resort-lobby-renovation-update-birdcage-gone,-construction-walls-expand.htm

Disney Analyst6 days ago

To clarify, you are declaring that only alcoholics would sit at or use this bar? And that there is no way they could offer nice non-alc options for those who prefer a zero proof experience?