NEWS: Disney Announces Refurbishment for Grand Floridian Lobby

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s lobby is getting an update! Learn more below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Javier Soto:

Just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has delighted guests with its Victorian charm and timeless atmosphere since 1988.

A celebration of the golden age of travel and Florida’s lavish seaside hotels, the resort is known for its unique theming and Disney hospitality – two qualities we continue to honor during the renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby.

The lobby’s renovation marks the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms, refreshed dining experiences, including the Michelin star-awarded Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more.

Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar   

There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar!

Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. You may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love.

New Look, Same Grand Feel   

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 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 guests 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 Magic of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel   

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is among the more than 25 Disney Resort hotels at The Most Magical Place on Earth – contributing to the nearly 29,000 guest rooms on Walt Disney World property. Guests at Disney Resort hotels like the Grand Floridian get a variety of special perks with an unbeatable location close to the magic. That’s in addition to the amazing cast members who deliver distinctly Disney service every day.

Whether you’re visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, an unforgettable meal or the Grand Floridian is your home away from home as a Disney Vacation Club member, the resort will continue to be one of the most special and unique places to stay on Disney World property.

And some things – like the warm welcome, the attention to detail, and that unmistakable feeling of stepping into somewhere truly special – will always stay the same.

RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

by Kristin

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the most spectacular and luxurious resort on property.  Everything about it is a picture of perfection and is designed to give you one of the best resort experiences you could ever have.  We love everything about this resort and look forward to staying here anytime we can, especially at the Club Level.  Here are six reasons why you should definitely consider a stay at the Grand Floridian:

6 – Prepare to be amazed as soon as you arrive.

The resort is absolutely stunning. Everything is white, bright, and in pristine condition. The resort looks elegant from the outside and then even more so once you walk in. You have the grand lobby with an orchestra playing, the huge birdcage, and the fresh, clean scents right when you walk in. The grounds are perfectly maintained, and the cast goes above and beyond to treat you like royalty. We really can’t get enough of this resort. It is a dream stay for many guests on property, so if you can stay here, feel privileged to be there!

5 – Great amenities and recreation.

The resort has everything that you could imagine. You have boat and water options, bike rentals, the largest and most grand spa on property, Senses, a hair salon, multiple gift shops and stores, a beautiful pool with cabana rental options, and so much more. This truly is a resort where you can show up and never want or need to leave. If you are staying here, you will definitely want to plan a couple of days to relax and enjoy the resort, as it would be a shame to miss out on it.

4 – Signature dining options. 

There is no way that you will ever go hungry while staying at this resort. There are so many different dining options, and they are all amazing. You have The Grand Floridian Café, a nice, quiet table service restaurant. You also have 1900 Park Fare, a buffet-style restaurant home to some of your favorite characters during breakfast and dinner. There are two signature restaurants, Citricos and Narcoossee’s. Both are delicious and provide a great atmosphere, but Narcoosee’s is our favorite since it is out on the water and offers views of the fireworks and the Magic Kingdom. Then you have the most luxurious and expensive restaurant on property, Victoria & Albert’s. For this restaurant, you will want to make sure you have your suit and most elegant clothes as there is a strict dress code. The menu is prix fixe and is served over multiple courses by world-renowned chefs. The restaurant is highly rated and has won numerous awards and honors. You have to add this to your Disney bucket list!

3 – Convenient transportation around property.

Transportation has always been a major selling point for staying at any of the Magic Kingdom area resorts. At the Grand Floridian, you have the monorail to take you right to the Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary and Polynesian Village Resort. You also have boat transportation that can help you get to all of those places, as well as Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. This makes dining at other resorts, enjoying their recreation activities, or trying out one of the dinner shows much more convenient. A walkway from the resort to the Magic Kingdom is also a great way to beat the crowd when leaving the park at night. There is so much to do and enjoy across all of Walt Disney World that you want to make the most of convenient transportation so you can do as much as possible in the little time that you have.

2 – Views of Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

Yep, you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort. You can even watch from your room if you book a room with a theme park view. If you would rather watch from the grounds, head out to the resort’s dock area. The music is piped in, so you will be able to hear the music that accompanies the show while you watch. You can also view the Electrical Water Pageant from there, too. Many guests miss seeing this or do not even know it is there, so definitely take advantage of a great place to watch it.

1 – The most luxurious accommodations on property.

There are stays at the Grand Floridian that might make your head spin to know how much it would cost. With these options come the highest levels of luxury. One of the most expensive stays on property is the Main Building at the resort. This is one of the two club-level stay options on property, and you also get the benefit of staying right within the main building where most of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment are. No matter what room you choose, the Grand Floridian is the only resort where each and every guest receives a nightly turndown service and treats. It is all part of what makes the Grand one of the most luxurious and special stays that you can have while you are at Walt Disney World.