Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa + Construction Updates!!
- Thread starter mrsap
- Start date
I agree... I really think they'd benefit from bringing tea service back, plus being able to have some of the entertainment/trivia/craft offerings have a venue would be great. Though, to be fair, I don't see why they couldn't offer tea in the enchanted rose at 1 or 2 PM prior to it opening... or in Citricos for that matter... That might be a way to make it work...
emchen
I’m addicted (to DVC)!
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2019
- Messages
- 1,070
Woah, don’t be casting shade on Piña Colavas in plastic cups. The lava through clear plastic is what makes it look classy!
focusondisney
DIS Legend
- Joined
- May 7, 2009
- Messages
- 17,041
mrsap
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2012
- Messages
- 24,807
Iconic Grand Floridian Staircase Updated with New Mural During Lobby Renovations
The iconic Grand Floridian staircase is changing as part of the ongoing lobby renovations in the main building of the resort. Crews are currently working on replacing much of the carpet of the staircase, which remains blocked off to guests as of today. That said, we have a first look at a new mural that has been unveiled, which will be the backdrop for the popular photo spot for years to come.
While visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort this morning, we got our first look at the mural after some of the scaffolding and sheets were removed. The mural features Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort with a beach setting and some Sandhill Cranes, other birds, and a sailboat tucked in the corner. Here’s a look!
The iconic Grand Floridian staircase is changing as part of the ongoing lobby renovations in the main building of the resort. Crews are currently working on replacing much of the carpet of the staircase, which remains blocked off to guests as of today. That said, we have a first look at a new mural that has been unveiled, which will be the backdrop for the popular photo spot for years to come.
New Grand Floridian Mural at Grand Staircase
With as popular a photo spot as the grand staircase is, I’m surprised that I don’t have a photo of it easily accessible in the archives. That said, our friends at WDWMAGIC have a wonderful photo of the staircase from 2023, showcasing the “before” look. As you can see in the photo below, faux windows previously provided a “look” out toward the Seven Seas Lagoon.
While visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort this morning, we got our first look at the mural after some of the scaffolding and sheets were removed. The mural features Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort with a beach setting and some Sandhill Cranes, other birds, and a sailboat tucked in the corner. Here’s a look!
mrsap
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2012
- Messages
- 24,807
Some additional pics…. Not repeating the mural part, but this section was interesting since we were trying to figure out which carpet they’d use…
We also spotted a few carpeting samples on both sides of the bar. These rectangles were not yet installed on the floor and may just be for tests right now. The lobby’s old carpet remains, but we know Disney plans to replace it, and crews cut some pieces of it around the bar.
Compared to the old carpet, these samples are a bluer color with leafy green filigree around yellow and pink flowers.
The new tile looks straight out of the concept art for the lobby’s remodel (at the end of this article); however, the carpet samples do not match the artwork’s carpet.
We saw some blueprints for the bar sitting on the counter. These appear to generally reflect the concept art.
Some of the exposed walls of the check-in area have now been enclosed. During construction, guests can check in with Cast Members in the center of the lobby.
There is some steel framework in alcoves along the check-in area walls.
The tall windows have new curtains. These are gray with a darker patterned trim. They hang from the rounded tops of the windows, while the previous curtains began below the half-circle section.
Matching curtains hang in the lounge area across from check-in. The old curtains were a light beige color with a floral pattern.
As we previously reported, the construction walls in front of the Garden View Tea Room were recently moved forward, further into the lobby. Decorative framing has been removed from the front wall of the tea room and, according to concept art, will be replaced by new stained glass windows. The tea room has not operated since 2020.
Behind the construction walls, more of the tile floor is covered by protective paneling. We don’t know if these tiles will remain through the lobby’s remodeling. The round tops of columns at the end of a planter have been removed and set aside.
A pair of ceiling fans were in one corner of the construction zone. The railings of the tea room’s steps are wrapped in green plastic.
Various pieces of furniture, paneling, and construction equipment are piled around the area. There are several ladders, a mirror, and a horse statue on a table. Framed artwork is on the table and in a cart.
Within the tea room, we can still see a Disney Cruise Line display.
Throughout the lobby and the second floor, spaces are blocked by white curtains for repainting the walls and other construction work. On the second floor, half of the elevator bay is blocked off.
The other side of the bay was recently repainted and a new, less-detailed element was installed above the elevator.
The concept art’s carpet looks more like carpeting in the renovated guest buildings of Grand Floridan with large floral designs. It shows new stained glass windows at the front of the Garden View Tea Room. The lobby will also feature bird motifs and brass accents.
For comparison, above is what the lobby looks like right now. Below is what the lobby used to look like.
New Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Staircase Mural Revealed, Tile Flooring Installed in Lobby
We also spotted a few carpeting samples on both sides of the bar. These rectangles were not yet installed on the floor and may just be for tests right now. The lobby’s old carpet remains, but we know Disney plans to replace it, and crews cut some pieces of it around the bar.
Compared to the old carpet, these samples are a bluer color with leafy green filigree around yellow and pink flowers.
The new tile looks straight out of the concept art for the lobby’s remodel (at the end of this article); however, the carpet samples do not match the artwork’s carpet.
We saw some blueprints for the bar sitting on the counter. These appear to generally reflect the concept art.
Check-In Area
Some of the exposed walls of the check-in area have now been enclosed. During construction, guests can check in with Cast Members in the center of the lobby.
There is some steel framework in alcoves along the check-in area walls.
The tall windows have new curtains. These are gray with a darker patterned trim. They hang from the rounded tops of the windows, while the previous curtains began below the half-circle section.
Matching curtains hang in the lounge area across from check-in. The old curtains were a light beige color with a floral pattern.
Garden View Tea Room
As we previously reported, the construction walls in front of the Garden View Tea Room were recently moved forward, further into the lobby. Decorative framing has been removed from the front wall of the tea room and, according to concept art, will be replaced by new stained glass windows. The tea room has not operated since 2020.
Behind the construction walls, more of the tile floor is covered by protective paneling. We don’t know if these tiles will remain through the lobby’s remodeling. The round tops of columns at the end of a planter have been removed and set aside.
A pair of ceiling fans were in one corner of the construction zone. The railings of the tea room’s steps are wrapped in green plastic.
Various pieces of furniture, paneling, and construction equipment are piled around the area. There are several ladders, a mirror, and a horse statue on a table. Framed artwork is on the table and in a cart.
Within the tea room, we can still see a Disney Cruise Line display.
Painting and Wall Work
Throughout the lobby and the second floor, spaces are blocked by white curtains for repainting the walls and other construction work. On the second floor, half of the elevator bay is blocked off.
The other side of the bay was recently repainted and a new, less-detailed element was installed above the elevator.
Concept Art
The concept art’s carpet looks more like carpeting in the renovated guest buildings of Grand Floridan with large floral designs. It shows new stained glass windows at the front of the Garden View Tea Room. The lobby will also feature bird motifs and brass accents.
For comparison, above is what the lobby looks like right now. Below is what the lobby used to look like.
PolyRob
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2016
- Messages
- 7,821
Why isn't the window trim symmetrical anymore (there is a much larger gap between the first and second window from the left)
Matching curtains hang in the lounge area across from check-in. The old curtains were a light beige color with a floral pattern.
PolyRob
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2016
- Messages
- 7,821
Correcting myself... the two photos are separate locations (it's noted in the post/article, but I must have missed that). The check-in area is still fine.Why isn't the window trim symmetrical anymore (there is a much larger gap between the first and second window from the left)
View attachment 1000826
The second photo is where the old desk was ripped out that also served as the temp orchestra location. The column has been removed so it's more obvious
-
New Disney x RSVLTS Styles for Your Disney Parks Adventure
-
Chef Figment EPCOT Food and Wine NEW Merch Collection
-
Strategies for Surviving Christmas Week at Walt Disney World
-
New Haunted Mansion Her Universe for your Halloween Wardrobe
-
Is It a Video Game or Disneyland Attraction?
-
What's Disney Doing with The Muppets?
-
The Holidays at Disney: Planning Your Disney Parks Vacation During the Holiday Season
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
