Since opening its doors in 1988, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has set the gold standard for luxury at Walt Disney World. With its elegant Victorian theming, next-level dining experiences, and prime location just steps away from Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian has long been hailed as the crown jewel of Disney resorts — and often ranked as the number one hotel on property.
Now, the resort is about to unveil the latest phase of its ongoing transformation: a reimagined lobby that promises to preserve its beloved heritage while refreshing its look for a new generation of guests.
A Tribute to the Golden Age of Travel
The Grand Floridian was originally designed to celebrate the golden age of travel and Florida’s grand seaside resorts. Its Victorian architecture, sweeping verandas, and polished details have made it a symbol of Disney luxury. Throughout the years, Disney has been committed to preserving the resort’s unique character, even as it undergoes updates to enhance the guest experience.
The lobby renovation marks the final chapter in a multi-year refurbishment project that has already seen the debut of updated guest rooms, reimagined dining venues like the newly refreshed Cítricos and Narcoossee’s, the return of 1900 Park Fare, and the continued excellence of the Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert’s.
New Grand Floridian Lobby Bar Coming Soon
One of the most exciting additions to the lobby will be a brand-new lobby bar, a first for the resort’s main atrium. Designed to complement the Grand Floridian’s iconic birdcage motif, the bar will feature intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents that pay homage to the hotel’s Victorian roots.
The bar will be situated near the famous birdcage elevator and guests can expect to find subtle nods to colorful birds throughout the bar’s stained glass and murals, creating a whimsical yet elegant atmosphere perfect for unwinding with a handcrafted beverage.
A Fresh, Garden-Inspired Atmosphere
Beyond the new bar, the lobby itself is being thoughtfully refreshed. Disney Imagineers are carefully balancing the resort’s timeless charm with updated design elements that breathe new life into the space. The goal: to enhance the heart and story of the Grand Floridian while making it even more welcoming for today’s travelers.
The revitalized lobby will feature:
- Botanical Accents: Inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies, hand-drawn floral patterns will adorn the new carpeting, which will be bordered with Victorian scrollwork.
- Inviting Color Palette: garden-like tones will create an airy, fresh feeling, making the space feel both luxurious and relaxed.
- Updated Furnishings: Rich finishes, cozy fabrics, and brass accents will blend classic elegance with inviting comfort. Playful design touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends will be woven throughout.
- Enhanced Front Desk and Staircase Areas: These iconic areas will also receive subtle updates to align with the new, lighter aesthetic while maintaining the grandeur that guests have loved for decades.
What Guests Can Expect
Despite the new look, guests will appreciate that the essence of the Grand Floridian will remain the same — from the soft piano music filling the atrium to the glowing chandeliers and signature floral arrangements. The renovation is designed to preserve what makes the resort so special while adding a layer of refinement that keeps it feeling fresh and vibrant.
While Disney has not announced an exact completion date, the updated lobby and new bar are expected to debut later in 2025.
