Resort Thread Disney's GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa + Construction Updates!!

[cbailey1616]

I bet most of this is done in 2 months outside of the bar. Looks like they are making progress after a slow start.

 

[mrsap]

The Grand Staircase is OPEN today!!

 

[mrsap]

Grand Floridian Retires Its Iconic Green Carpet; We Have The Big Reveal​

Navigating the Changes with Disney Magic​

Of course, a transformation of this scale requires some temporary adjustments. For the 2025 holiday season, the beloved life-size gingerbread house that traditionally graces the lobby will be paused. But never fear—Disney has confirmed that festive treats will still be available to keep the holiday spirit alive!

Additionally, the traditional front desk has been temporarily removed to accommodate construction. True to form, Disney is ensuring guest comfort remains a top priority with temporary, well-appointed seating areas, convenient check-in tables, and thoughtful amenities like spa water and park maps readily available.

This grand project is scheduled for completion in November 2025, and we cannot wait to see the final result.

The Grand Floridian has always been Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, and this thoughtful refurbishment ensures it will continue to set the standard for luxury, elegance, and magic for decades to come.

 

[bethclayton]

Wow, I have to admit I’m fangirling just a little over here. I love this aesthetic and I think it looks great! Can’t wait to see the fully finished project once it’s complete.

 

[handerz723]

thanks for updating! i LOVE the new carpeting. told my hubby we need to get remarried there because it matches my bouquet much better now for pictures

 

[mrsap]

Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Continues Refurbishment

Progress is coming along at the beloved resort, and the changes are looking great. The first update we noticed is happening with the birdcage.

Grand Floridian Lobby Refurb
This iconic centerpiece was dismantled earlier this year to make way for a new one. The new birdcage will be inspired by the original structure’s Victorian aesthetic, complete with intricate woodwork and stained glass.

Grand Floridian Lobby Refurb

Neutral-colored construction walls and cleverly placed greenery and figures hide the construction on the lower levels, but an overhead view shows the new structure being assembled.

Once complete, the lobby upgrade project will offer a refreshed yet familiar space where guests can once again relax and enjoy the elegance of the Grand Floridian.

Additional pics if you click on link

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

that looks like it could be done in about a months' time, i'm not in construction so that is as rudimentary a guess as it gets. what say you?

 

[Genie+]

It’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to see after the main lobby carpet, bar and tea room are completed.

 

[focusondisney]

Love the new color scheme & carpet!

 

[cbailey1616]

that looks like it could be done in about a months' time, i'm not in construction so that is as rudimentary a guess as it gets. what say you?

It could be but this is Disney so it wont be. Id be surprised if its opens by the end of November.

 

[elvispursley]

I’ll admit I had serious doubts about the proposed new look but I think what they’ve done is beautiful!

 

[gottalovepluto]

that looks like it could be done in about a months' time, i'm not in construction so that is as rudimentary a guess as it gets. what say you?

Normally I’d say “it’s Disney so Jan” but I kinda think the GF Manager is going to be itching to get the dough flowing in the lobby since they don’t have the gingerbread house this year so I’m voting we’ll see it open by T-Day…

 

[Sakura1017]

Checked in. Kinda disappointed that room upgrades aren't being discounted. There were rooms available in all categories..Was going to upgrade but then realized it was the same rates as online. Also she said because im a passholder I wouldn't get a discounted room rate on day of as well. But im wondering if I should have asked someone else since she kinda gave me misleading info regarding package deliveries. She told me because it wasn't groceries I can't ask bell services but on the phone they said it was

 

[Dave006]

Checked in. Kinda disappointed that room upgrades aren't being discounted.

They don't offer discounted upgrades at the Front desk, and have not since 1971 when WDW opened. If you want a discount room you need book it or change it before you arrive. Many of us have changed our resort and/or room type from the parking lot even from the lobby online or by phone.

She told me because it wasn't groceries I can't ask bell services but on the phone they said it was

She was only guessing just like 95% of all CMs that don't perform that specific task. Who did you as on the phone? Was this before you arrived or once you got to the GF?

Dave

 

[gottalovepluto]

… she kinda gave me misleading info regarding package deliveries. She told me because it wasn't groceries I can't ask bell services but on the phone they said it was

Nobody will stop you from asking bell services if they have your item, you can ask on the phone or in person. If it’s a package that was shipped and you can see on tracking it was delivered, talk to the front desk in person.

 

[Victoriapeluso]

Gonna be there first week of nov for my 40th I cant wait!

 

[kylenne]

I never made it over there on my Labor Day trip (was too busy camped at S71 lounge when I was at CR ) and am only now getting around to checking in on the progress, I’m so happy at how the carpet turned out. I was honestly terrified but they knocked it out of the park.

Can they do Grand Canyon Concourse at CR next??

 

[PinkPixel]

I never made it over there on my Labor Day trip (was too busy camped at S71 lounge when I was at CR ) and am only now getting around to checking in on the progress, I’m so happy at how the carpet turned out. I was honestly terrified but they knocked it out of the park.

Can they do Grand Canyon Concourse at CR next??

One can hope! The original pics of the CR lobby are amazing.

 

[mrsap]

Wood Paneling Added to Birdcage Bar, New Bell Services Desk Opens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort​

The birdcage bar has more wood paneling and framing, and the new Bell Services desk has reopened during the remodel of the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby.

Birdcage Bar​

The birdcage bar replaces the giant birdcage that used to sit across from the birdcage elevator. Over the past few weeks, the bar has gained dark wood grain frames around its top, matching the dark wood roof top.



Newly added this week are light wood frames that jut out slightly from the roof’s edge. These have an unfinished appearance so will likely be painted a darker wood color or be covered in paneling.


The light wood framing continues under the roof across the future ceiling of the bar. The wood is just below steel frames. We also spotted some eletrical wiring on the edge of the roof.





Meanwhile, there is new dark wood paneling on the front of the bar. These dark wood panels are clearly the final product for the bar’s exterior. They are set against red sheathing, just under the bar’s counter.



Underneath panels on the floor, we can still see the tile that was installeda few weeks ago. The paneling over the tile is to keep it protected during construction.


So far, the bar matches the concept art pretty closely. There is still a final element to be added to the roof as well as a back wall and more finishes.

Garden View Tea Room​

On the opposite side of the lobby from the main entrance is the Garden View Tea Room, which has not operated since early 2020. The tea room has gained new ceiling light fixtures. Previously, it had unthemed ceiling lights and wall sconces. These new chandeliers appear to be silver with teardrop-shaped lights.



Over the construction walls, we also spotted new carpeting. The old carpeting featured a mainly red floral pattern. This new carpet is green with a white leafy pattern.


Some of the tea room’s furnishings are sitting in the zone just outside the room, including the Disney Cruise Line model ship, which is covered by white paper. There’s a group of lamps with white shades that appear to be new. Above the construction zone, the half-circle on the wall has been fully sanded and repainted white.



There used to be a shell-like decorative element here. According to concept art, it will be replaced by a new “GF” element. Most likely, the decorative shell on the other side of the lobby will also be replaced.

Check-In Area​

Work appears to be nearing an end on the check-in area. More wall paneling and trim have been installed since we last reported on the space. The walls are beige orange with white trim. As previously reported, there are new lights, old-fashioned key boxes, and a brown decorative “GF” panel.


From a vantage point on the reopened staircase, we also saw new desks. Like many recent resort refurbishments, Grand Floridian will now have several smaller desks instead of one long counter. The desks have a dark brown wood finish with subtle stripes and sunbursts on the front. It looks like their top counters and computers have yet to be installed.

New Bell Services​

Another new desk has been fully revealed — the brand new Bell Services desk. This is located in what was previously just a seating area cross from check-in. It has been blocked during the duration of the remodel but walls have come down, fully revealing the space. It has new carpeting, wallpaper, and a conference table.



Bell Services used to be located at the end of the check-in counter. The new desk is larger than the new check-in desks but is the same style.


The conference-sized table is dark wood. It’s surrounded by chairs with green upholstery and dark wood legs. The old carpeting had a large colorful design while the new is dark blue with a vine pattern.



A similar vine pattern is carved into the edge of the table. It also has built-in pop-up outlets. Curiously, there’s no sign of the cabinet we saw in this space just a couple weeks ago.


Instead of lights with lamp shades on the walls, there are new bronze vine-inspired light fixtures. They have bright glowing bulbs sitting atop sculpted flowers. The new wallpaper is off-white with a subtle pattern. The old wallpaper was the beige striped design that is being replacedthroughout the lobby.

More Lobby Construction​

A couple of crew members were working on the ceiling behind the grand staircase. They were in a lift within the atrium between the stairs and the lobby’s side doors.


The usual location of the Disney Vacation Club kiosk near Grand Floridian Cafe remains closed and blocked by white curtains. For now, the kiosk is by a staircase near Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries.