Guests passing through the front of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa may notice a new setup near the bus area. Rolling planters and a white tarp have gone up along the walkway to conceal railing work in progress. Here is what the work involves, how it might affect your walk to the buses, and how it fits into the larger changes happening across the resort.
What Guests Are Seeing at the Bus Walkway
A long row of rolling planters was spotted on Wednesday, September 9, running along the walkway that leads to the buses at the front of the resort. A white tarp sits alongside them to screen off the active construction area from guest view.
The planters and tarp serve a practical purpose. They keep the work zone contained while giving the space a tidier look than bare barriers would. In photos of the area, two crew members were seen working on the railings, with one positioned on the grass beside the walkway.
How the Work Affects Foot Traffic
Because the construction sits along a main path to the buses, Disney has added directional signs to guide guests around it. Signs reading “Please Utilize Alternate Walkway” and “Bus Stop” point people toward the right route so they can still reach transportation without confusion.
If you are staying at the resort, plan for a slightly adjusted walk when heading to the buses. The detour is minor, but it helps to know it is there before you are rushing to catch a ride to the parks. Following the posted signs is the simplest way to stay on track.
Part of a Larger Grand Floridian Refurbishment
The railing replacement is one piece of a much bigger project at the resort. Back in November 2025, Disney announced that the Grand Floridian would undergo an extensive refurbishment. Earlier this year, that timeline was extended into early 2027, which points to a steady stream of work across the property for some time.
The refurbishment touches several areas. The porte cochere entered its own refurbishment in March 2026, joining a list of spaces that have already seen updates. The resort lobby reopened in October 2025, and the Perch lobby bar followed in November 2025.
Dining has seen changes too. The Grand Floridian Cafe closed in July, but it appears set to reopen on November 2, 2026, since guests can now make certain reservations for that time frame. Taken together, these projects show a resort working through updates one section at a time rather than all at once.
What This Means for Your Stay
None of the current work closes the resort or blocks access to transportation, so a stay at the Grand Floridian remains doable during this period. The main thing to expect is the occasional adjusted walkway and visible construction screening in spots like the bus area.
Conclusion
The rolling planters and tarp along the bus walkway mark a small but visible step in the Grand Floridian’s ongoing refurbishment. The railing replacement should not disrupt your stay much beyond a rerouted path and some screened-off work zones. With the broader project running into early 2027, expect more of these targeted updates as the resort continues its refresh. A quick check on open amenities before you arrive will keep your visit running smoothly.
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.
