Guests arriving at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa may notice that parking access has been restricted as Walt Disney World Resort begins a new project outside the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel grounds. The work is part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow and access to the Magic Kingdom Resort area.
For months, construction crews have been working inside the Grand Floridian’s Victorian lobby. Earlier in 2025, Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to modernize the space, removing the golden birdcage and replacing it with a bar inspired by the original design. The refurbishment will also include new carpeting, elegant furnishings, and updated stained glass features, while keeping historic elements like the cage-style elevator and grand piano intact. The project is expected to wrap up by the end of 2025. However, the annual life-size Gingerbread House display has been canceled this year due to space constraints.
Now, attention has shifted to the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel’s exterior. This month, Walt Disney World Resort filed a construction permit to update the entrance and parking areas. If approved, the project will add two new World Drive roundabouts, a new driveway near the Wedding Pavilion, and an additional Disney cast member parking area.
While awaiting approval from the South Florida Water Management District, crews have already begun work on Floridian Way, widening and rerouting the road to improve traffic flow. Photos from X (formerly Twitter) user @bioreconstruct show crews actively working on the roadway:
Aerial photos of the rerouting and widening of Floridian Way.
Aerial photos of the rerouting and widening of Floridian Way. pic.twitter.com/fniVv05tJE
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 17, 2025
The Magic Kingdom Resort area, which includes the Transportation & Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the Grand Floridian, is known for heavy traffic. These new improvements, along with other ongoing construction at nearby resorts, aim to make entering and exiting the area easier for both guests and Disney cast members.
Has the roadwork outside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa impacted your Walt Disney World Resort visit? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments.
