Just footsteps away from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been celebrated for its Victorian elegance and refined charm. The resort serves as a nod to the golden age of travel, bringing the timeless appeal of Florida’s coastal hotels to life. Recent efforts have been focused on revitalizing the resort’s guest experience, and the refurbishment of the Grand Floridian lobby marks an integral part of this ongoing transformation.
Here, we’ll explore what’s in store for this iconic space, from the carefully planned lobby renovations to the addition of a new bar that complements the resort’s storied past.
A Look at the Lobby Renovation
The current renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby is part of a larger, multi-year effort that includes upgrades to guest rooms, refreshed dining options, and improved amenities. Disney Imagineers are approaching this project with a strong focus on preserving the essence of the Grand Floridian’s charm while introducing enhancements that add a modern touch.
New design elements include botanical accents, calming color schemes, and intricate Victorian-inspired details. Guests can expect to see hand-drawn floral patterns reflected across new carpets and decorative borders, creating a garden-like ambiance. Updated furnishings will blend rich materials with inviting fabrics, ensuring the lobby remains luxurious yet welcoming. Efforts also emphasize paying homage to Florida’s natural beauty while maintaining the timeless allure that Grand Floridian fans have come to expect.
Introducing the New Lobby Bar
A highlight of the renovation is the introduction of a new lobby bar, designed to complement the space’s iconic Victorian birdcage elevator. Drawing from the resort’s 19th-century design influences, the bar will feature woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. Handcrafted details, including murals and stained glass showcasing vibrant birds, will provide a cohesive link to the surrounding decor.
Guests can look forward to enjoying beverages in this carefully designed setting that evokes the elegance and tranquility of the Grand Floridian. This addition promises to serve as both a practical amenity and a thoughtful enhancement to the overall guest experience.
Maintaining the Grand Atmosphere
While updates are aimed at breathing new life into the Grand Floridian lobby, Imagineers are making an effort to honor its history. Key features, like the beloved birdcage elevator, will remain untouched, ensuring that returning guests retain their connection to the space they’ve come to cherish. The blend of historic elements with newly inspired touches aims to achieve the ideal mix of familiar comfort and refreshed sophistication.
These revisions are part of a broader strategy to sustain the Grand Floridian’s position as one of Disney’s premier resorts, meeting the evolving expectations of both first-time visitors and long-time enthusiasts.
As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the Disney Vacation Club resorts.
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If you’d like to view confirmed reservations for rent at Grand Floridian, you can experience Disney’s Deluxe resorts for less, even without being a DVC member! If you’re interested in adding more points, you can save thousands by shopping from our current resale listings for Grand Floridian.
Grand Floridian
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
