Disney’s Grand Floridian: Victorian Elegance Gets a Fresh Update

One of the most popular deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World is getting a facelift. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s lobby is getting renovated this year!

A Victorian Dream Just Steps from Magic Kingdom

Stepping into the Grand Floridian is like being transported to another era—an elegant Victorian wonderland that somehow feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Just minutes from Magic Kingdom (you can see Cinderella Castle and even watch the fireworks from this resort!), this stunning property has been impressing Disney guests since 1988.

What makes this resort truly special is how it celebrates Florida’s history and the golden age of travel. Those gorgeous seaside hotels of yesteryear? The Grand Floridian captures that essence perfectly while adding that special Disney magic we all crave.

The Stunning Lobby Transformation

Disney’s Grand Floridian lobby renovation marks the final piece of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment project. The Grand Floridian’s rooms, restaurants and even the spa have all gotten updated over the last couple of years. From the concept art of the planned lobby renovations, we can tell that Disney has saved the best for last.

The most AMAZING planned addition? A gorgeous new lobby bar!

This isn’t just any hotel bar. Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, this new bar will feature beautiful Victorian details—intricate woodwork, stunning stained glass, and elegant brass accents. Stained glass and colorful birds will be hidden throughout the atrium’s design.

And don’t worry, Disney purists! That charming cage-style elevator we all know and love? It will still be there, directly opposite the new bar. Disney knows not to mess with perfection!

Fresh but Familiar

What I love most about this renovation is how respectful it is to the Grand Floridian’s heritage. The refreshed lobby, staircase, and front desk will feature botanical accents and inviting colors that create a dreamy, garden-like atmosphere.

The new carpeting is beautiful—Victorian-inspired borders with hand-drawn florals that were inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. It’s these little details that make Disney so special, right?

All the new furnishings blend rich finishes and brass accents with fabrics that just make you want to sink in and stay awhile.

The Disney Difference

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel is always magical, but there’s something extra special about the Grand Floridian. It’s one of more than 25 Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World, and one of only a handful considered “Magic Kingdom Resorts”.

Being so close to the Magic Kingdom means you can pop back for an afternoon nap. You have the option to take the monorail or a bus…but you’re even close enough to walk to the Magic Kingdom. Staying at the Grand Floridian will give you access to the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can rent a variety of watercrafts to play on the Lagoon and at night, you can see the classic Electrical Water Pageant!

Disney’s Grand Floridian is one of only two Disney World Deluxe Resorts that feature a spa. (Disney’s Saratoga Springs is the other one, in case you were curious). The Grand Floridian is also the only Walt Disney World resort to feature its own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  (Note: The Grand Floridian’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is not currently open; however, I’m hopeful that it will reopen later this year.)

Worth Every Penny

Is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort a splurge? Absolutely.

Is it worth it? It depends on what’s important to you, but if you prefer a deluxe experience and staying near the Magic Kingdom is important to you, it’s really hard to beat the Grand Floridian.

Whether you’re celebrating something special (anniversary trip, anyone?), treating yourself to an unforgettable meal at Victoria & Albert’s (which, by the way, now has a MICHELIN STAR!), or you’re lucky enough to call it your home away from home as a Disney Vacation Club member, this resort is pure magic.

Sometimes things at Disney change, and that’s okay—it’s part of Walt’s vision to keep growing and evolving. But some things, like the warm welcome you receive when checking in, the meticulous attention to detail, and that heart-fluttering feeling of stepping into somewhere truly special—those things will always remain the same at the Grand Floridian.

Have you stayed at the Grand Floridian? Are you excited about the lobby renovations? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!