*The Official VILLAS AT DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA Group* + LOBBY CONSTRUCTION UPDATES!

New Grand Floridian Decorative Panel, Wallpaper, Planter Walls Installed in Lobby


A new decorative panel, new wallpaper, and more has been installed in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment.

Check-In Area

Cream-colored construction walls block off a section of an elegant, high-ceilinged indoor space with tiled flooring.
The newest decorative panel is seen in the center top of this wall by the check-in area. There are also vertical panels attached in the spaces on either side. Just earlier this month, there were still metal frames exposed on this wall.

Decorative wooden panel with ornate scrolling vine designs and a central monogram above a white partition wall.

The decorative panel appears to have a wood grain finish. Vine-like filigree is printed across it with the “GF” Grand Floridian logo in the center.

White-paneled construction walls in a building lobby with ladders and scaffolding visible behind the barrier.

From upstairs, we could see something else new in the area. There appears to be a set of old-fashioned key cubbies added below the decorative panel.

Tall beige construction wall blocks off an area inside a building, with a sign posted on the wall.

On the adjacent wall, the curtains above the windows have been clasped, as though to let in more light.

White divider curtains stretch across a tiled lobby with arched windows and recessed ceiling lights above.

While the curtains in the check-in area are clasped towards the center of each window, the curtains in the nearby seating area are pulled to the sides.

Two people stand in a large lobby area with white curtains set up as partitions near a window and wall sconce.

The seating area also has a new piece of furniture. This appears to be a large rounded cabinet.

Grand Staircase

White curtains section off an area in a hotel lobby with marble floors and red rope barriers.
The grand staircase located next to the check-in area is expected to reopen soon. A new mural was revealed above the stairs earlier this month, and all construction materials have been cleared from the area. The stairs remain blocked off by white curtains and stanchions at the moment.


Elegant white staircase with ornate railing, leading up to a mural of a building and trees above the landing.
We also saw crew members cleaning up the steps, leading us to believe they will reopen in the near future. The staircase closed in early August.

A pink upholstered bench with gold legs sits on a tiled floor against a patterned cream wall.A pink cushioned bench with gold legs sits against a wall in a tiled hallway near a door.
Under the stairs, on the side near the pool exit, these benches look new. They feature pink velvet upholstery with decorative stripes.

New Wallpaper

White curtains enclose a corner area in a hotel hallway with floral wall accents and patterned tile flooring.
Another new wallpaper style has been revealed. This style is found on the walls next to one of the elevators on the first floor. The area is still blocked off, but the wall panels are now light blue with tree branch designs.

White curtains partially obstruct a room with decorative floral wall panels and recessed ceiling lights.

The branches have green leaves and yellow flowers. The pattern and colors are reminiscent of the blue color scheme added to the walls of the Grand Floridian room buildings back in 2022, though those have pink floral decorations instead of yellow.

A gold elevator is surrounded by white privacy curtains and a sign on a stand in a decorative hotel hallway.
The other side of the elevator bay is prepped to receive wallpaper, which we expect will be the same pattern. There is also a new cloudy sky decal added to the panel above the elevator.

Birdcage Bar

A hotel lobby with a large area under construction, surrounded by white barriers and scaffolding.
Crews have started to construct new short walls fanning out from the sides of the birdcage bar. Concept art suggests these will be for new planters.

A construction area in the Grand Floridian lobby with tools, boxes, carpet, and a decorative panel on the floor.A partially constructed wooden structure near a green lift, surrounded by patterned tiles and Grand Floridian wallpaper.
The planters are located on either side of the bar and will house green shrubs and palm trees, according to the art.


Indoor construction site with workers, scaffolding, and a partially built gazebo-like structure surrounded by white walls.
We recently reported the birdcage bar got its roof supports and vertical framework. Now, even more drywall surrounds the steel beams near the bottom, and additional concrete has been installed by the floor.

Hotel lobby with an area under construction, fenced off by walls, and people sitting and walking nearby.

The new bar will be a place for guests to order drinks in the lobby. It replaces the actual birdcage that used to sit in the lobby.

Grand hotel lobby with construction barriers, chandeliers, and guests seated or walking through the space.

The concept art for the upcoming bar shows brass accents, stained glass, and intricate woodwork paying homage to the resort’s Victorian styling.

Construction site inside a large building with scaffolding, equipment, and an unfinished dome structure overhead.

We do not have an opening date for the new lobby bar yet.

Garden View Tea Room

Hotel lobby with construction barriers, people sitting on sofas, and others walking on the upper level.Elegant hotel lobby with chandelier, seating areas, plants, and construction barriers on the lower floor.
Above the Garden View Tea Room, the decorative seashell-like element has been removed from the wall overhang. Compare this appearance with our picture of the opposite side of the lobby, which has that piece still intact.

A hotel lobby under construction, with barriers and equipment, while people walk nearby.

In our last update, the Garden View Tea Room construction zone had expanded. There are rolling carts, trim, rolls of material, and construction tools staged outside the entrance of the space. It’s unclear what is currently inside the room due to the scrim on the windows, but we can see many ladders in the space, so crews are likely working on the walls or ceiling.

A hotel lobby at the Grand Floridian with construction barriers and decorative panels; guests are seated on couches nearby.A construction area with ladders, equipment, and barriers near a Ramp Access sign and Grand Floridian wallpaper.
The Garden View Tea Room has not operated since 2020. While the reimagined lobby art did have a new window-style installation on this side of the lobby, there have been no official announcements that the tea room will be reopening.


A hotel lobby with construction walls, lounge chairs, people walking, and a second-floor balcony above.
 

Some pictures and info posted on the GF thread:




 

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Gets New Light Fixtures


Crews have installed new light fixtures at the check-in area of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort during a major remodel of the lobby.

Three people sit at a table in a large, elegant hotel lobby with white columns and beige construction walls behind them.

There are four new light fixtures, all hanging from the ceiling behind the construction walls. near the check-in area Each fixture is made of gold-tone metal with five ball lights attached.

Modern light fixtures and a decorative wall are visible above temporary beige construction barriers and white columns indoors.

They hang in front of the decorative panel that was installed last week. While the regular check-in area is under construction, guests can check in with Cast Members in the middle of the lobby.

In addition to the decorative light fixtures, there are also small lights built into the ceiling. A crew member was working on wiring for another light fixture.

Lobby with ornate carpet, seating areas, and a large construction zone enclosed by barriers in the center.
Crews have installed a new element on the front of the birdcage bar, just below the roof. It has a dark wood grain finish like the roof framework. It curves across the bottom and has open squares across the center.


Workers assemble a large wooden gazebo in the lobby, surrounded by scaffolding and new light fixtures at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.
A few hours later, we returned to the lobby and saw crews had added white panels around the top of the structure. These are on three sides, including behind the wood grain element.


A wooden panel with angled ends rests on a box near new light fixtures at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.View of a construction area at Grand Floridian Resort with wood panels, cables, and tools on a patterned carpet.A construction worker stands beside curved wood panels and tools at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, viewed from above.

More wood grain pieces were staged nearby, likely to be installed around the rest of the bar. They were resting on the new planters that were recently added to the sides of the structure.

A view from above of a wooden roof frame under construction at the Grand Floridian Resort, with workers and tools visible inside.
Looking down into the roof from above, we could light wood paneling attached behind the white panels. There is also a dark wood grain frame across the top of the space, below the steel beams.

Wooden and metal framework under construction for new light fixtures at Disney lobby, Grand Floridian Resort.Wooden railing and metal beams above a colorful rug, reminiscent of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort under renovation.

There’s a small pipe above this frame, possibly for a sprinkler.

Workers in hard hats construct a wooden pavilion inside the Disney lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort’s ornate atrium.Construction workers install a wooden roof frame and new light fixtures at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
The new bar replaces the lobby’s giant birdcage, though it will take some architectural inspiration from the original structure.

A ladder rises above white curtains enclosing a section of a hotel lobby for maintenance work.Two men in suits stand near an elevator by a curtained enclosure in a hotel hallway with marble floors.
The left sides of the first floor and second floor elevator bays are now blocked with white curtains for more wallpaper installation. We could even see some of the new wallpaper already installed behind the curtains.


Two white panels leaned against a wall in the lobby, with a floor mat and helmet in view at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.
A roll of wallpaper was awaiting installation in front of the closed elevator.

Light blue walls decorated with a tree and yellow flowers design next to a gold elevator in a tiled lobby.
The wallpaper has been fully revealed on the right side of both bays. While the walls are a beige color, the wallpaper is surrounded by decorative white-framed paneling. The paper is light blue with images of tree branches and birds.


A blue and gray bird with outstretched wings is flying against a light textured background.Framed painting of a small bird perched on a tree branch with yellow flowers against a light background.
The birds are mostly blue with touches of pink. Yellow flowers and green leaves are pictured on the tree branches.

Construction workers behind a white barrier wall in a hotel lobby, with furniture and guests in the foreground.

Curtains are down from the front of the Garden View Tea Room, which is found at the back of the lobby. The lack of curtains gives us a look straight into the space, which has not been open since 2020. There’s not much to see right now — mostly just crew members and construction materials. The windows at the back of the tea room appear to be the same. We previously noted that decorative elements were removed from the windows looking into the lobby at the front of the room.


Elegant Grand Floridian Resort lobby with guests, chandeliers, and a fenced construction area with ladders and equipment.
A decorative element was removed from the balcony above the tea room. On Wednesday afternoon, the wall where it used to be appeared to have been cleaned of any remaining residue.

White curtains and red ropes section off part of an elegant hotel lobby with stairs and marble floors.White curtains on metal stands block off an area in a spacious hallway with tiled floors and white walls.
The lobby’s grand staircase is still closed, although work is near complete — if not already finished.


A marble countertop overlooks a stairway with ornate railings and a mural of a grand building in the background.
Behind the curtains, there are no signs of construction, just some cleaning materials. We could get a better look at the new muralon the wall above the stairs, which features the Grand Floridian surrounded by Florida nature.

A hotel lobby with white walls, patterned chairs, a table lamp, and marble floors seen from a higher level.

A crew member was working on the wall behind a curtain next to Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries. We previously saw that part of this wall was torn away, exposing some of the internal structure and pipes.

Entrance to Citricos and Victoria & Albert’s restaurants, covered by white curtains with decorative signs above.
The hallway leading to Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s was blocked on Wednesday morning. It has been periodically blocked, though it reopens for the restaurants in the evening.


Elegant hotel lobby with high ceiling, large chandelier, grand piano, and people lounging and chatting. Lush plants and ornate decor add to the sophisticated ambiance.
Concept art for the lobby indicates the Garden View Tea Room will get new stained glass windows, plus a new decorative element on the balcony above it. The piece recently installed on the birdcage bar will get some decorative panels. The lobby’s carpet will also be replaced and furnishings will be refreshed, assuming the current plans still match this original art.

Red-roofed building with pointed towers, workers on a lift, trees, and parked cars in the foreground.

Crews have been working on the roof of the resort’s convention center for a few weeks. The red shingles on this tower were completely replaced. There was still a lift next to the tower, indicating there may be more work taking place.

Large white Victorian-style building with red roofs, surrounded by trees and neatly trimmed hedges under a cloudy sky.Large white and red-roofed building with people outside, surrounded by greenery on a cloudy day.
More shingles were replaced on this side, but there are still shingles missing from a wide tower and part of the upper roof.

Construction workers in safety vests work on the covered porch of a white building with large windows and red roof.

Several crew members were working on the ground where there was previously scaffolding. Paneling has been removed from some of the columns. Lights were removed and were sitting under a plastic sheet when we rode by on the Monorail.

Large white building with red roofs, surrounded by green bushes, under a cloudy sky. Several people stand near the entrance.
Most of the roof work has moved further down the building.
 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby Gets New Light Fixtures


Crews have installed new light fixtures at the check-in area of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort during a major remodel of the lobby.

Three people sit at a table in a large, elegant hotel lobby with white columns and beige construction walls behind them.

There are four new light fixtures, all hanging from the ceiling behind the construction walls. near the check-in area Each fixture is made of gold-tone metal with five ball lights attached.

Modern light fixtures and a decorative wall are visible above temporary beige construction barriers and white columns indoors.

They hang in front of the decorative panel that was installed last week. While the regular check-in area is under construction, guests can check in with Cast Members in the middle of the lobby.

In addition to the decorative light fixtures, there are also small lights built into the ceiling. A crew member was working on wiring for another light fixture.

Lobby with ornate carpet, seating areas, and a large construction zone enclosed by barriers in the center.
Crews have installed a new element on the front of the birdcage bar, just below the roof. It has a dark wood grain finish like the roof framework. It curves across the bottom and has open squares across the center.


Workers assemble a large wooden gazebo in the lobby, surrounded by scaffolding and new light fixtures at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.'s Grand Floridian Resort.
A few hours later, we returned to the lobby and saw crews had added white panels around the top of the structure. These are on three sides, including behind the wood grain element.


A wooden panel with angled ends rests on a box near new light fixtures at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.'s Grand Floridian Resort.View of a construction area at Grand Floridian Resort with wood panels, cables, and tools on a patterned carpet.A construction worker stands beside curved wood panels and tools at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, viewed from above.'s Grand Floridian Resort, viewed from above.

More wood grain pieces were staged nearby, likely to be installed around the rest of the bar. They were resting on the new planters that were recently added to the sides of the structure.

A view from above of a wooden roof frame under construction at the Grand Floridian Resort, with workers and tools visible inside.
Looking down into the roof from above, we could light wood paneling attached behind the white panels. There is also a dark wood grain frame across the top of the space, below the steel beams.

Wooden and metal framework under construction for new light fixtures at Disney lobby, Grand Floridian Resort.Wooden railing and metal beams above a colorful rug, reminiscent of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort under renovation.'s Grand Floridian Resort under renovation.

There’s a small pipe above this frame, possibly for a sprinkler.

Workers in hard hats construct a wooden pavilion inside the Disney lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort’s ornate atrium.Construction workers install a wooden roof frame and new light fixtures at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
The new bar replaces the lobby’s giant birdcage, though it will take some architectural inspiration from the original structure.

A ladder rises above white curtains enclosing a section of a hotel lobby for maintenance work.Two men in suits stand near an elevator by a curtained enclosure in a hotel hallway with marble floors.
The left sides of the first floor and second floor elevator bays are now blocked with white curtains for more wallpaper installation. We could even see some of the new wallpaper already installed behind the curtains.


Two white panels leaned against a wall in the lobby, with a floor mat and helmet in view at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.'s Grand Floridian Resort.
A roll of wallpaper was awaiting installation in front of the closed elevator.

Light blue walls decorated with a tree and yellow flowers design next to a gold elevator in a tiled lobby.
The wallpaper has been fully revealed on the right side of both bays. While the walls are a beige color, the wallpaper is surrounded by decorative white-framed paneling. The paper is light blue with images of tree branches and birds.


A blue and gray bird with outstretched wings is flying against a light textured background.Framed painting of a small bird perched on a tree branch with yellow flowers against a light background.
The birds are mostly blue with touches of pink. Yellow flowers and green leaves are pictured on the tree branches.

Construction workers behind a white barrier wall in a hotel lobby, with furniture and guests in the foreground.

Curtains are down from the front of the Garden View Tea Room, which is found at the back of the lobby. The lack of curtains gives us a look straight into the space, which has not been open since 2020. There’s not much to see right now — mostly just crew members and construction materials. The windows at the back of the tea room appear to be the same. We previously noted that decorative elements were removed from the windows looking into the lobby at the front of the room.


Elegant Grand Floridian Resort lobby with guests, chandeliers, and a fenced construction area with ladders and equipment.
A decorative element was removed from the balcony above the tea room. On Wednesday afternoon, the wall where it used to be appeared to have been cleaned of any remaining residue.

White curtains and red ropes section off part of an elegant hotel lobby with stairs and marble floors.White curtains on metal stands block off an area in a spacious hallway with tiled floors and white walls.
The lobby’s grand staircase is still closed, although work is near complete — if not already finished.


A marble countertop overlooks a stairway with ornate railings and a mural of a grand building in the background.
Behind the curtains, there are no signs of construction, just some cleaning materials. We could get a better look at the new muralon the wall above the stairs, which features the Grand Floridian surrounded by Florida nature.

A hotel lobby with white walls, patterned chairs, a table lamp, and marble floors seen from a higher level.

A crew member was working on the wall behind a curtain next to Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries. We previously saw that part of this wall was torn away, exposing some of the internal structure and pipes.

Entrance to Citricos and Victoria & Albert’s restaurants, covered by white curtains with decorative signs above.
The hallway leading to Cítricos and Victoria & Albert’s was blocked on Wednesday morning. It has been periodically blocked, though it reopens for the restaurants in the evening.


Elegant hotel lobby with high ceiling, large chandelier, grand piano, and people lounging and chatting. Lush plants and ornate decor add to the sophisticated ambiance.
Concept art for the lobby indicates the Garden View Tea Room will get new stained glass windows, plus a new decorative element on the balcony above it. The piece recently installed on the birdcage bar will get some decorative panels. The lobby’s carpet will also be replaced and furnishings will be refreshed, assuming the current plans still match this original art.

Red-roofed building with pointed towers, workers on a lift, trees, and parked cars in the foreground.

Crews have been working on the roof of the resort’s convention center for a few weeks. The red shingles on this tower were completely replaced. There was still a lift next to the tower, indicating there may be more work taking place.

Large white Victorian-style building with red roofs, surrounded by trees and neatly trimmed hedges under a cloudy sky.Large white and red-roofed building with people outside, surrounded by greenery on a cloudy day.
More shingles were replaced on this side, but there are still shingles missing from a wide tower and part of the upper roof.

Construction workers in safety vests work on the covered porch of a white building with large windows and red roof.

Several crew members were working on the ground where there was previously scaffolding. Paneling has been removed from some of the columns. Lights were removed and were sitting under a plastic sheet when we rode by on the Monorail.

Large white building with red roofs, surrounded by green bushes, under a cloudy sky. Several people stand near the entrance.
Most of the roof work has moved further down the building.

So far, those light fixtures are the only thing in the refurb that does not feel "Victorian" to me. Love the tree and branch wallpaper by the elevators!
 
The Grand Staircase is OPEN today!!

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IMG_8852.jpeg
 

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








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.

























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








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.

At Axis Travel Group, we’ll continue to share updates on the enhancements taking place at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you’re considering a stay at this iconic resort, or looking for the perfect Disney property for your family, we’re here to help. Our team specializes in matching guests with the resort that best fits their style and needs, ensuring every detail of your vacation is both magical and seamless.























Hooray! It looks gorgeous.
 
I'm really interested in seeing what they do with the tea room and how that space will be utilized going forward. With the new bar I wonder if it will be opened up for more regular seating instead of how it was used previously.
 
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


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


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.

Grand Floridian Lobby Refurb





Grand Floridian Lobby Refurb



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.

Grand Floridian Lobby Refurb



Additional pics if you click on link
 



















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