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

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

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

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

Tony the Tigger18 hours 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.

networkpro19 hours ago

There use to be plenty of poinsettia everywhere at all resorts, but coincidentally the same time that the Osborne lights went away so did they.

Disone19 hours ago

I'm actually not expecting the Christmas tree this year. But they may move it outside. I'm sure they're looking at options right now. But no I don't think there's a plan to remove Christmas trees from the lobbies of the hotels. They need those to sustain the marketing that Disney World is amazing And can't be missed during the holiday season. So while their quest for cutting the budget might not result in cutting the Christmas trees, the Garland and the wreaths are a totally different ball game. However it should be noted that the decorative light up deer at the valet lobby entrance of the hotel did come back after the construction so it was not the case that they used the construction to permanently cut those decorative deer during the holidays.

TrainsOfDisney1 day ago

Dude - what am I doing? Haha

Jambo Dad1 day ago

Dude - you are doing it too!

Disone1 day ago

Kind of. But the cost the gingerbread house is more then offset by the revenue it generates and so TDO will keep as it is a money maker. As far as Christmas decorations, they've already slashed those. Walt Disney World used to be known as a Christmas Fantasyland. In large part it's still rides that reputation which is unfortunate because it's totally phoning it in as far as Christmas goes. IMO Literally every other theme park in central florida.... out does Disney for Christmas.

TrainsOfDisney1 day ago

If it does add additional seating (hard to tell cause concept art isn’t to scale) - it will be seating for the bar. I think there’s a good chance the bar takes over some of the lobby seating as well. At the Grand California quite a bit of former lobby seating is now reserved for bar and lounge customers.

castlecake2.01 day ago

What’s the reasoning? Just too much going on?

MisterPenguin1 day ago

That's like saying, "Let's get the floor tiled, and bring in a table and chairs, some pictures on the wall, curtains... and *then* we'll install the new kitchen counters." Not the right order of construction.

James Alucobond1 day ago

Uhhh, the rest is carpet, furniture, and finishes. 🤷‍♂️

yensid19671 day ago

Great! The first thing they do is start construction on the bar!! God forbid they start with something else like the rest of the area and then finish with the bar...they're adding this first because it makes money! Carpet and nice furniture doesn't bring in revenue. I'm surprised that the Piano [layer is still there! They made a mistake years ago when they got rid of the orchestra at night! My second beef is WHY NO GINGERBREAD HOUSE!? There IS room for it, yes it may have to redesigned smaller, but I think guests will miss it! But I guess Disney footing the bill for all that REAL gingerbread...here's an idea...just make it look like gingerbread-DUH!

monothingie1 day ago

Food/Bev/Merch The other picture with the cash register gave it away.

WorldExplorer1 day ago

Easter equivalent of the gingerbread house.

monothingie1 day ago

Sadly no, but you can take your sorrows out on it not being here this year and go to the other lobby bar (Enchanted Rose) and get a $27.50 Old Fashioned.