Work begins in late April 2025, bringing new carpet, a reconfigured front desk and a brand new lobby bar to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. As a result, the Christmastime gingerbread display is not expected to be offered this year.
In just a few days time, crews will begin the long-rumored refurbishment of the Grand Floridian resort lobby. The most substantial change features the addition of a brand new lobby bar. The new bar is inspired by the lobby's iconic bird cage, including stained glass accents with avian imagery.
Other changes to the space include new carpeting, furnishings and an updated front desk. Disney had this to say regarding the planned updates:
Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.
As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.
Plans call for the resort's tea room area to be refreshed as well. This may pave the way for the eventual return of the princess tea service, however not announcements have been made at this time.
Upper floors of the lobby were painted back in 2023, while the resorts guest rooms and restaurants were all fully updated within the past several years.
The operational update issued by Disney several weeks ago indicates that work is set to take place through November 2025. However, travel blogger Scott Gustin reports that the resort's popular holiday gingerbread display will not be presented in 2025 due to the lobby updates.
Other resort amenities are not expected to be impacted during the lobby refurbishment.
