Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa recently found themselves navigating around wet concrete in the lobby due to ongoing renovations. The work, part of a significant update to one of Disney’s most luxurious resorts, has caused some inconvenience for those hoping to relax in the elegant, Victorian-themed lobby.
Construction crews have been working hard for months to transform the Deluxe Disney Resort’s lobby. The overhaul includes the addition of the first-ever lobby bar, inspired by the golden birdcage that has long been a symbol of the hotel’s grandeur. Once complete, the new bar will become a prominent focal point of the lobby, featuring brass accents, intricate woodwork, and bird-themed stained glass.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s renovation plans were revealed earlier this year, and Walt Disney World Resort released the first look at the updates in April. While modernizing the space, these changes are meant to maintain the resort’s Victorian charm. However, some fans have voiced concerns, especially about the addition of more alcoholic offerings in a traditionally family-friendly environment.
Take a look at the new updates coming to The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at @WaltDisneyWorld! ✨🛎️ http://di.sn/6013FLVGL
Take a look at the new updates coming to The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at @WaltDisneyWorld! ✨🛎️ https://t.co/NwAVvh8iPg pic.twitter.com/GrFbnO8qwc
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) April 10, 2025
As the renovations continue, including a complete overhaul of the lobby with new stained glass, murals, custom carpeting, and modern furnishings, some of the hotel’s vintage elements—like the Victorian cage-style elevator and grand piano—will remain intact. However, with construction comes disruption, and guests were greeted with the sight of wet concrete filling the area during their stay.
On July 23, WDWNT confirmed that crews had poured a concrete foundation for the new bar. Guests on the second floor of the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby can see the early stages of construction as work continues behind the construction walls. Crews are partway through installing new wallpaper throughout the entire lobby, and construction walls block some check-in areas and staircases.
The renovation work is expected to continue through November 2025. Due to the construction, the Walt Disney World Resort hotel’s annual life-size gingerbread house display will not be available this year. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa guests will still be able to enjoy Monorail transportation and the Deluxe Resort hotel’s many other offerings, including the pool areas, which remain open.
What do you think about adding a bar in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
