Even at a resort as polished as Disney’s Grand Floridian, occasional updates are necessary to keep everything looking its best. Guests exploring The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have recently discovered that one of the lobby’s decorative features has temporarily disappeared behind a wall of plants.
The Mary Poppins fountain located inside The Villas lobby is currently undergoing refurbishment, meaning visitors can’t view the feature up close for the time being.
Although Disney has not made an official announcement about the project, signs in the lobby suggest the work is already underway.
A Temporary Barrier in the Lobby
Instead of the familiar fountain view, guests now encounter a cluster of tall ferns placed around the fountain area. These plants sit in white pots and create a barrier that prevents visitors from approaching the work site.
From certain angles, construction equipment can be spotted behind the plants, confirming that refurbishment activity is taking place inside the space.
The setup helps keep the area safe for guests while still preserving the resort’s overall appearance. Rather than using construction walls, Disney opted for greenery that blends naturally with the Grand Floridian’s bright and airy lobby.
For guests who frequent the resort, the difference stands out immediately.
The Story Behind the Fountain
The Mary Poppins fountain has been part of The Villas lobby since the building debuted in 2013. The feature draws inspiration from Mary Poppins (1964), one of Disney’s most beloved classic films.
The fountain includes statues of the animated penguins seen in the movie’s famous tea party scene. The characters are arranged as though they’re preparing tea service, holding trays, teapots, and cups.
It’s a whimsical moment captured in sculpture form.
That playful detail fits surprisingly well within the elegant Grand Floridian setting. While the resort is known for its refined design, touches like the penguin fountain add subtle Disney storytelling to the environment.
Guests who recognize the characters often stop to take photos or admire the scene while passing through the lobby.
Routine Refurbishments Are Common
At Walt Disney World, maintenance projects happen constantly—even when guests may not notice them.
Decorative features inside hotels often undergo routine refurbishments to keep them looking clean and functioning properly. Fountains in particular require regular upkeep due to water systems, lighting, and mechanical components.
Although Disney has not confirmed exactly what work is taking place, the refurbishment likely falls into this category of standard maintenance.
Once completed, the fountain should return looking refreshed and ready to continue serving as one of the lobby’s charming details.
Seasonal Displays Still Draw Guests
Despite the fountain’s temporary closure, The Villas lobby remains lively thanks to seasonal decorations.
The Grand Floridian is currently celebrating the Easter season with elaborate chocolate egg displays placed throughout the resort. These handcrafted creations have become a popular spring tradition and continue to attract visitors who want to see the artistic designs.
While the fountain refurbishment is underway, these displays provide guests with another reason to explore the resort.
When the work is finished, the Mary Poppins penguins will likely return to their tea party scene—once again adding a small but memorable piece of Disney storytelling to one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic hotels.
