Disney Tears Out Original Grand Floridian Feature, Replacement Revealed

Guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have been navigating a transformed arrival experience as construction crews have been hard at work in the hotel’s iconic lobby. Over the past several months, portions of the Victorian-themed space were behind walls, and some original fixtures were removed, leaving Walt Disney World Resort guests to adjust to temporary check-in areas.

Disney announced plans to revamp the Grand Floridian lobby earlier this year, aiming to blend modern touches with the resort’s classic Victorian style. Construction began in April, and crews immediately started dismantling some of the original features, including the ornate metal birdcage that had long been a centerpiece of the lobby.

The refreshed space will retain its Victorian style but feature custom new carpeting, updated furnishings, and the first-ever lobby bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The brand-new bar will be shaped like the large birdcage that once stood in its place, featuring metal finishings and detailed stained glass.

While much of the lobby is changing, some original elements remain. When construction is finished, the Victorian cage-style elevator and grand piano will return to the atrium at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Over the last few months, the changes have altered the check-in experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Construction walls blocked much of the lobby, including the original check-in counter, and guests were forced to use temporary check-in areas.

As of October 6, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has introduced new check-in desks. On Monday, WDWNT reported that individual wooden desks had replaced the long check-in counter. Each features a leafy “GF” emblem and stands in front of a pink, stained-glass-like window.

In addition to the new desks, a children’s lounge area has been added where part of the old counter once stood. It features blue-and-gold carpeting, floral ottomans, and colorful furnishings that hint at the design vision for the completed lobby. Behind the construction walls, crews are finalizing the birdcage-inspired lobby bar and removing much of the old carpet. The Victorian cage-style elevator remains curtained off for now.

Walt Disney World Resort says the full lobby update at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is expected to be completed by the end of the year. However, due to construction, the annual life-size gingerbread house display has been canceled for 2025.

Have you stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa during the ongoing lobby construction? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!