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

[mrsap]

World Drive North Project Delayed by 15 Months at Walt Disney World

Documents filed late last month by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District identify a new end date for the ongoing work to widen World Drive north/Floridian Way. The project has been delayed by some 15 months, with a new project completion date now targeting late 2027.

 

[tinabina919]

Can anyone on-site report on if they started setting up for the Easter Eggs in the lobby? They’ve historically gone up just about a month before Easter and with Easter being 4/5 it should be any day now but I haven’t heard a thing.

 

[mrsap]

**Please don’t panic - let’s wait until something is posted by Disney.


2026 Easter Grand Cottage Possibly Delayed or Cancelled at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort

The Grand Cottage debuted in 2022 and has returned each year with special Easter and spring-inspired treats. Last year, the cottage was set up by March 17 and opened the day after in celebration of the Easter holiday on April 20.

Easter is earlier this year on April 5, but there have been no signs of construction for the cottage. When WDWNT heard rumblings that the cottage might not return for 2026, we stopped by to ask some Cast Members who were unsure about the status of the treat stand. Some said that the cottage would not return for the 2026 season, while others said it was just delayed.

The cottage is typically set up at the far end of the lobby when entering the resort from the front doors or Monorail station. The missing Grand Cottage could be related to the Grand Floridian construction. Just last year, the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reopened for guest use with new furniture and carpet. Due to this, the resort did not have its usual Gingerbread Display for the 2025 season. The missing cottage could be related to these updates.

We do not know if this will also impact the Chocolate Easter Egg showpieces that are placed on display each year. These Easter eggs are typically set up in the resort’s lobby around The Grand Cottage.

 

[mrsap]

Just saw this posted on Facebook 15 minutes ago…

“The chocolate Easter eggs are starting to appear at the Grand Floridian.”



Posted by Josh Pettit

 

[mrsap]

Easter Eggs Inspired by Animated Movies Arrive at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Though The Grand Cottage may not return, intricate Chocolate Easter eggs are now on display throughout Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These eggs are designed by various Grand Floridian culinary Cast Members. They can be seen throughout the second floor of the main building, and in the entryways of the Big Pine Key and The Villas buildings.

Lobby (Second Level)​

There are two eggs in the display windows at the front of M. Mouse Mercantile, a gift shop near the Monorail station on the lobby’s second floor. In the left window (when outside the gift shop) is an egg inspired by The Little Mermaid, created by Cast Member Juan.


Ariel is a 3D sculpted fondant figure sitting on rocks with coral and seaweed. Sebastian is beside her, and Flounder is in her lap.



The egg behind her features seahorses and fish. King Triton’s palace is in the background.


On the back is Ursula’s face. Flotsam, Jetsam, and some poor, unfortunate souls are on the base.


Ursula’s tentacles wrap around the sides of the egg.



In the window on the right is a Mulan-inspired egg by cast member Jade. It has a rocky base with red icing trim and a gold Mickey medallion.


The front of the egg features Mulan in full armor atop her horse, Khan.


The bag of the egg appears to have exploded open.



Figures of a started Mushu and Cri-kee are inside.


A Bambi egg is in a display case outside Basin. Created by Cast Member John, it has a base resembling a tree trunk with one branch curving up around the egg.


Painted on the egg is Bambi with a butterfly on his tail. His mother is in the forest background, along with a variety of animals.



Friend Owl and Flower are on the back of the egg with more forest friends.

Big Pine Key (Building 9)​

After entering building 9, guests will see this Hercules-inspired egg on a table in the middle of the atrium. The egg is open on the front with baby Hercules inside.



Behind him are the columns of Olympus. Baby Pegasus flies among clouds around the edge of the opening.


The clouds continue onto the back of the egg and the base. This was created by Cast Member Victoria.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian​

The Villas building is located near Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, so this chocolate creation is inspired by Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. The egg on top features an image of Cinderella and Prince Charming in their wedding clothes. Small wedding cakes around the base are inspired by Disney Princesses and wedding themes.



The tiny cakes feature Rapunzel’s lanterns, lilypads based on Tiana, Prince Eric and Ariel in their boat, Cinderella’s glass slipper, cherry blossoms, and a golden tiara.



On the bag of the egg is a depiction of the stained glass window through which Cinderella Castle is visible in the wedding pavilion. A Monorail is pictured going by, and some ducks are in the water.


This was created by Cast Member Meg.

 

[dizneedoll]

Those culinary cast members are so talented. These eggs are amazing!

 

[kmermaid]

Outstanding work can't wait to see this in person this friday!

 

[mrsap]

Mary Poppins Fountain Under Refurbishment in The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

The Mary Poppins fountain in the lobby of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is blocked off for refurbishment.



Tall ferns in white pots surround the fountain so guests can’t reach it. We could see some equipment behind the plants. The work is likely a standard refurbishment. Disney hasn’t announced any changes to the space.


The fountain features statues of the penguins from Mary Poppins preparing a tea party with teapots, cups, and trays. See it in our video below from the building’s 2013 opening.

 

[mrsap]

Chip and Company posted a video of the main entrance under construction. Here are some screen shots.

Updated Look at the Construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort​

Guests visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will notice a bit of “pixie dust in progress” as construction continues around the resort’s monorail station. During a recent visit, construction walls were spotted surrounding the ground-level area beneath the station platform, blocking off a large section of the covered walkway near the main entrance.


The white-themed construction walls wrap around the entire underside of the elevated monorail platform, enclosing scaffolding and work areas where crews appear to be performing structural and refurbishment work. From the outside, guests can see scaffolding reaching up toward the station platform while workers use lifts to access sections of the building. Protective sheeting has also been installed along parts of the station balcony as crews continue repairs and upgrades to the iconic Victorian-style structure.



Inside the covered arrival area, the walls guide foot traffic around the construction zone while still allowing access to the resort entrance, bell services, and guest parking areas. Several “Pardon our Pixie Dust, This Area is Closed” signs are posted along the barriers. Despite the construction footprint, the monorail station itself remains operational, and guests can still board the Resort Monorail line to Magic Kingdom and the nearby resorts.


Outside the station, the construction walls stretch around the stairways and along the walkway near the monorail beam. From certain angles, guests can spot the work happening behind the barriers, including exposed framing beneath the platform and temporary supports around structural columns. The project appears focused on refreshing and maintaining the elevated station infrastructure while keeping the surrounding resort operations running smoothly.



The Grand Floridian has been undergoing a series of refurbishment projects in recent years as Disney continues updating the flagship resort while preserving its classic seaside Victorian theme. This latest work at the monorail station is another piece of that ongoing effort to keep the resort looking pristine for guests arriving at Walt Disney World’s most elegant hotel.

 

[mrsap]

Some more pics…

Yearlong Refurbishment of Grand Floridian Porte Cochere Begins

As you can see in our photos below, construction walls are up around the southern half of the porte cochere. From what we can see, it looks like the refurbishment will go down to the (steel) studs. It will be interesting to see just how much of the porte cochere will be ripped away, and if it’ll extend to the monorail station above or not.

Other recent changes at Disney’s Grand Floridian include the debut of The Perch, a bar in the lobby area, and the soon-to-open Grand View Lounge Tea Experience.

Another project that we’re tracking for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is an upcoming roadway change at the main entrance to the resort. Work hasn’t begun yet, but it has been approved. The roadway improvements to the entrance of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort include a roundabout as part of the World Drive North expansion project.

 

[mrsap]

Victoria & Albert's Names New Chef de Cuisine at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Victoria & Albert's has promoted Matthew Sowers to executive chef of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Miguel Santeliz steps up as the new chef de cuisine at the MICHELIN-starred restaurant. Both chefs have spent years working their way up through the Victoria & Albert's kitchen - a pattern the restaurant has made a point of continuing.

 

[mrsap]

The Garden View Lounge: Details and Photos of the Reimagined Lounge​

Grab your best-teas and get read-teafor the debut of The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, opening to guests March 19, 2026. This reimagined offering blends the elegance of the Victorian era with the playful charm of the Walt Disney Animation  Studios film Alice in Wonderland, bringing the timeless story from the silver screen to the heart of the newly refurbished Grand Floridian, sure to leave you feeling enchanted.

 

[mrsap]

Grand Floridian Cafe Closing for Refurbishment Later This Year​

Grand Floridian Cafe will close for a “refresh” from mid-July through October 2026.
The restaurant is usually open for brunch and dinner.

Brunch will instead be offered at Cítricos during this time. All other dining locations will remain open.

Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will close for approximately three months later this year as part of an ongoing refurbishment of the resort.

Renovations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will continue in select areas, including the covered entrance, through early 2027.

As part of this work, from mid-July through October 2026, Grand Floridian Cafe will temporarily close for a refresh. During this time, brunch will continue to be offered but will temporarily move to Cítricos. All other dining locations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will remain available for Guests to enjoy. Guests may see or hear refurbishment work during daytime hours and may need to take alternate paths of travel.

Disney said guests may see or hear refurbishment work during daytime hours and may need to take alternate paths of travel.

Other renovations at the resort, including the porte cochere, are scheduled through early 2027.

 

[elvispursley]

Grand Floridian Cafe Closing for Refurbishment Later This Year​

Grand Floridian Cafe will close for a “refresh” from mid-July through October 2026.
The restaurant is usually open for brunch and dinner.

Brunch will instead be offered at Cítricos during this time. All other dining locations will remain open.

Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will close for approximately three months later this year as part of an ongoing refurbishment of the resort.




Disney said guests may see or hear refurbishment work during daytime hours and may need to take alternate paths of travel.

Other renovations at the resort, including the porte cochere, are scheduled through early 2027.

Do they have an actual start date listed for the refurb? And is it only brunch being offered at Citricos? We were hoping for brunch on one of days (July 8-16) so am happy Citricos is an option. I'm guessing one will book it under Citrico's when booking ADRs? Txs!

 

[mrsap]

Join Us for the Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience Reopening!​

You are cordially invited to join us at Garden View Lounge for afternoon tea! (Virtually, of course.)

With new flair and flavor, this enhanced experience finally reopened its doors to guests today.

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down once again for tea service at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa–a return we’ve been looking forward to.

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
So…what do we think? Is it worth a visit? Let’s dive in!

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience: Review​

Décor​

The lounge reopened with new, whimsical touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland (it is a tea experience, after all).

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience – Review

The floor-to-ceiling windows provided plenty of natural light—exactly what one would expect to see and feel during afternoon tea.

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
The updated décor still captures the Grand Floridian’s Victorian elegance through its furniture and stained-glass windows.

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

But that’s enough about the theming. Let’s check out the menu!

Menu​

The menu boasts premium tea service options–traditional tea service, plant-based tea service, and children’s tea service–which include light bites, and of course, tea! So when we say there’s something for everyone–we mean it.

The afternoon tea service is prepaid with gratuity included (no discounts apply), but you can order tea service enhancements from the table, like tea-based cocktails, specialty teas, wines, champagnes, seasonal cheeses, and caviar.

Enhancements, Cocktails, Sparkling Wines, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

Our Experience​

We started by freshening up with these rose water towelettes. (How else would one expect to begin such an elegant experience?)

Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
Our first sip was the Mint Tulip we ordered as an additional item, priced at $19.50. It comes with Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Straight Whisky, Twinning Refreshers Peach Mango Herbal Tea, and Mint.

The mint is the heavy hitter in this cocktail, while the peach mango herbal tea provides a subtle flavor. The Old Foresters is smooth and blends nicely with the rest of the drink. We appreciate the mint garnish, which elevated the experience for us!

Mint Tulip: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
The Orange Cranberry Scone was our first bite, which accompanied our afternoon tea. It’s buttery, flaky, and delicious. When we think of scones, we typically think of dry bread, but this was anything but!

Orange Cranberry Scone: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

We received a tray of Devonshire cream, orange marmalade, and whipped European butter, which we used generously on our scone!

Butter Tray: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
We upgraded our experience with the Seasonal Cheese Selection for $21. The selection included Parmesan cheese crisps, Stilton cheesecake, Purple haze goat cheese, truffle brie, Comte cheese with a quince paste, and brûléed figs.

Seasonal Tray Selection: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

The cheese crisps were the star of the show! Light and flavorful–a perfect addition to afternoon tea.

Seasonal Tray Selection: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
And our tower has arrived, filled with our afternoon tea bites! How amazing does this look?!

Tower: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

We started with the Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich, which is delicious, providing the perfect amount of mayonnaise and seasoning.

The Catepillar Cucumber Roll is good, giving us a more refreshing option for our palate.

Tower: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
The Footman’s Feast: Wonderland Salmon Crisp is impressively filling considering its petite size. It’s very creamy and smooth–a great option for salmon-lovers!

Next up is the Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart. Curry fans will love this one, as the flavor isn’t subtle by any means. The pastry shell, on which the curried chicken salad rests, is good and crunchy, balancing out the creaminess of the salad.

Tower: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
Moving onto the sweeter items–the Flamingo Croquet Choux has a soft, raspberry outer shell and a creamy, plentiful filling. The wings and head are made of edible chocolate.

Painting the Rose has a unique taste that we found hard to pinpoint and describe. It’s certainly one you’ll have to try for yourself!

The Matcha Mad Hatter features that strong, signature Matcha flavor. So keep that in mind if you’re not a fan.

Last up is the Tea Party Tart, which is our favorite of the desserts. Overall, the details on these sweets are impeccable.

Tower: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

We enjoyed their tea selections, like the Redbush Caramel Velvet Tea! You don’t have to be a huge tea drinker to enjoy this experience. They have some tamer options–like the caramel-infused tea we tried–which really do pair well with the bites that accompany them.

Tea: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience
As a parting gift, we received these cards, commemorating the teas we selected during the experience. (This was a very nice touch!)

Tea Gift: Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience

Overall, we highly recommend giving afternoon tea a try! We enjoyed our finer experience, despite not being the biggest tea drinkers.

They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 11AM to 4PM.

Note: there is also a video on their website if you click the link

 

[crazy4wdw]

Join Us for the Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience Reopening!​

Link does not work

 

[mrsap]

See How Imagineers Infused the Garden View Lounge With Elements of Nature

As Disney celebrates the reopening of the Garden View Lounge, Walt Disney Imagineering shared a closer look at some of the natural elements infused into the space.

Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering
As guests sit down for tea, they will notice new plush fabrics with rattan accents.

Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering

Above, organic shapes are used to represent patterns found in nature.

Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering
These motifs continue throughout the Garden View Lounge.

Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering

The large mural in the lounge depicts garden trees.

Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering
Here is a closer look at the updated carpeting.

Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering

Finally, the stained-glass windows feature native Floridian birds and natural light.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Pics of construction near the monorail station:
https://wdwnt.com/2026/03/monorail-station-makeover-underway-disneys-grand-floridian/