Disney has unveiled the long-awaited lobby reimagining for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Ever since fans initially heard about the upcoming changes, we wondered if we’d see more Mary Poppins or Beauty & the Beast incorporated into the design. Are the chandeliers safe? What about the live piano music? We finally have our answers. Let’s take a closer look!
New Look, Same Grand Feel
The renovations include a brand new lobby carpet, a lobby bar inspired by the resort’s iconic birdcage, refreshes to the grand staircase and front desk areas.
The surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere. Disney says the Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for all to enjoy.
As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.
The iconic chandeliers, Victorian cage-style elevator, and live piano music will all remain!
Work is set to begin later this month, and will be ongoing throughout 2025. The Tea Room will also be updated, with more details to be shared at a later date.
Due to construction, the annual Grand Floridian gingerbread display will sadly not be happening this 2025 holiday season.
(How the Grand Floridian’s lobby currently looks)
I’m happy to see most of the lobby’s core architecture and details will remain the same, including those glorious, glowing chandeliers, and live piano players! The added warm brown details and fresh greenery leans more into a Florida setting. Could it be… the Grand Floridian? Who would have thought?
What do you think of the changes?
