Grand Floridian Lobby Renovations Beginning Spring 2025

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney began a multi year project to update most areas of the Grand Floridian. Work included a soft goods refurbishment of the original Disney Vacation Club villas, conversion of hotel rooms in the Big Pine Key builidng to additonal villas and updates to all remaining hotel rooms. Most of the resort restaurants were refreshed, including 1900 Park Fare which finally reopened in 2024. 

However, the one amenity yet to receive significant attention is the main lobby. Portions of the lobby were closed in the summer of 2023 as the upper levels were painted. Other updates were rumored but have yet to occur. Now it appears those renovations are set to begin in just a few weeks. 

Disney has released the following operational update for the Grand Floridian:

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be receiving enhancements to select areas in phases, including the lobby and convention center, from April through November 2025. Guests may see and hear construction during daytime hours, and portions of the lobby will be closed at times. All pools and most resort dining and other amenities will remain available. Please allow extra time for travel, as path adjustments may be in place.

The April 2025 starting window suggests that lobby work will begin shortly after Easter, when the popular Easter egg exhibit is removed. Disney will likely aim to wrap-up lobby work by early November, in time for the Christmas gingerbread display. 

There is no word on what sort of changes are planned for the lobby. In recent years, many Disney resorts have reduced the large "front desk" to a series of smaller podiums, allowing cast members provide more personal interaction with guests. Guest reaction to some lobby updates have been mixed, including the bold color scheme at Disney's Old Key West Resort. More recent updates, like those at Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas, featured much more subtle changes.