Walt Disney World has been changing right in front of guests, but not always in obvious ways. While new rides and lands usually grab attention, something else has been happening behind the scenes. Disney’s resorts are evolving, and the changes are starting to add up.
At first, it feels small. A redesigned room here. A refreshed lobby there. Maybe a new dining option tucked into a familiar corner. But when you look closer, it becomes clear that Disney isn’t just maintaining these hotels anymore. It’s reshaping them.
And now, one of the most iconic resorts on the property has gone through a transformation that feels bigger than expected. Some of its most recognizable features are gone, replaced with something new. That shift is hard to ignore.
The Grand Floridian Steps Into the Spotlight
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has always stood apart. Its Victorian design, grand lobby, and refined atmosphere helped define what a Disney deluxe resort could be. Walking through those doors felt like stepping into a completely different time.
That’s exactly why the recent updates feel so noticeable.
In 2025, Disney began a major refurbishment focused on the lobby and surrounding spaces. This wasn’t a quick refresh. The work stretches through 2026 and even into early 2027 in certain areas, signaling just how large the project really is.
And from the start, it was clear this wouldn’t be a simple update.
Disney redesigned the lobby itself, introducing new furniture, updated flooring, and a layout that feels more open and modern. It still carries elements of the original style, but the overall experience has shifted.
2025 Brings Big Changes
As construction ramped up throughout 2025, guests began to notice that this wasn’t just a redesign—it was a reset.
One of the most surprising removals was the lobby’s birdcage structure. For years, it had been a visual centerpiece, something guests immediately recognized upon walking in. Its removal made it clear that Disney was willing to move away from long-standing design elements.
Other spaces followed. The Garden View Tea Room closed as part of the changes, temporarily removing one of the resort’s most traditional experiences. Even the arrival process shifted, with temporary check-in areas set up while the main space was reworked.
Each of these changes pointed to the same idea: Disney wasn’t just refreshing the Grand Floridian. It was rethinking how the space functions.
2026 Introduces What’s Next
As the project continued into 2026, the focus shifted from what was leaving to what was arriving.
The most noticeable addition has been The Perch, a new lobby bar that adds a social, relaxed energy to the space. Where the lobby once leaned toward formality and quiet, it now invites guests to linger, gather, and enjoy the space differently.
The Garden View Lounge is also expected to return with an updated experience, blending its traditional tea service with a refreshed design. Across the resort, room updates and shared space improvements continue to roll out in phases.
And this isn’t happening in isolation.
Other Walt Disney World resorts are seeing similar attention. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort continues to evolve alongside its expanded offerings, while Animal Kingdom Lodge and Port Orleans Riverside are also undergoing updates. Together, these projects show a larger effort to modernize the resort experience.
A Balance Between Old and New
Not everyone feels the same way about these changes.
On one side, the updates bring clear improvements. Spaces feel brighter, more functional, and better suited for how guests use them today. New lounges and redesigned layouts create a more flexible and inviting atmosphere.
But there’s another side to that story.
Removing original elements, such as the Birdcage, or pausing experiences, such as the tea room, alters the resort’s identity. These weren’t just decorative touches—they were part of what made the Grand Floridian feel unique.
Even traditions took a hit. The resort’s famous gingerbread display didn’t appear during the 2025 holiday season, leaving a noticeable gap for returning guests.
For many, that’s where the tension comes in. The resort looks refreshed, but it doesn’t feel the same.
The Future of Disney Resorts
What’s happening at the Grand Floridian reflects a larger trend across Walt Disney World.
Disney is clearly pushing its resorts toward becoming full experiences, not just places to stay. That means updated dining, more social spaces, and environments that feel more dynamic overall.
But every change comes with a trade-off.
Preserving the past while building for the future isn’t easy, and the Grand Floridian now sits right in the middle of that challenge. It still feels elegant. It still feels familiar. But it also feels new.
And as more updates continue across the property, one thing is becoming clear—Disney’s resorts are changing just as much as its parks, and that shift is only just getting started.
