If you’ve stayed at Walt Disney World recently, you’ve probably noticed something feels different. Not in a dramatic, headline-grabbing way, but in smaller, quieter moments.
A lobby looks different. A favorite spot is closed. A new experience shows up where something familiar used to be.
Individually, those changes don’t seem huge. But together, they tell a much bigger story. Disney is reworking its resorts in ways that go beyond simple upkeep.
And nowhere is that more noticeable than at one of its most iconic hotels.
Grand Floridian Enters a New Phase
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has always been the standard for classic Disney luxury. Its Victorian style, elegant lobby, and long-standing traditions made it feel timeless.
That’s what makes the current transformation stand out.
Disney kicked off a major refurbishment in 2025, focusing heavily on the lobby and central areas. This isn’t a short-term project either. Work continues through 2026, with some elements stretching into early 2027.
Right away, it became clear this wasn’t just maintenance.
The lobby has been reworked with new furniture, updated flooring, and a more open layout. It still nods to its original design, but the space feels different from the moment you walk in.
The Turning Point in 2025
The biggest shift came as construction intensified in 2025.
Guests quickly noticed that some of the resort’s most recognizable features were gone. The lobby’s birdcage structure, once a defining visual element, was removed entirely. It marked a clear departure from the resort’s original look.
At the same time, Disney closed or adjusted other areas. The Garden View Tea Room stepped away during the refurbishment, taking a classic experience with it for the time being. Thankfully, the Tea Room has finally been restored. Although it's not exactly the same.
Even check-in has changed. Temporary setups replaced the traditional process, signaling that Disney was reworking the guest experience from the ground up.
By this point, it was obvious—this wasn’t a simple refresh. It was a reimagining.
What 2026 Is Bringing to the Table
As the work continues, new additions are starting to define what the Grand Floridian will become.
The Perch has emerged as one of the most noticeable updates. The new lobby bar adds energy and activity to a space that once felt more reserved. It changes how guests interact with the lobby entirely.
The Garden View Lounge is also expected to return with updates, blending its traditional tea service with a refreshed setting. Meanwhile, updates to rooms and shared spaces continue across the resort in phases.
And the changes don’t stop there.
Disney is applying a similar approach across its resorts. The Polynesian continues to evolve alongside its expanded offerings, while Animal Kingdom Lodge and Port Orleans Riverside are also seeing updates. This isn’t a one-off project—it’s a wider strategy.
What’s Gained—and What’s Lost
There’s no denying the benefits of these updates.
The spaces feel cleaner, more modern, and easier to use. New additions like The Perch bring more life into areas that once felt more formal. For many guests, that’s a welcome change.
But there’s also a sense that something is missing.
The removal of long-standing elements, such as the birdcage, shifts the resort's feel. The absence of experiences like the tea room, even temporarily, changes the rhythm of a stay.
And for many guests, the biggest loss came during the holidays. The Grand Floridian’s gingerbread display didn’t return in 2025, leaving a noticeable gap in a tradition people look forward to every year.
That’s where opinions start to divide. Some see progress. Others see pieces of the past fading away.
Where Things Go From Here
The Grand Floridian now represents something bigger than just one resort update.
Disney is clearly rethinking what its hotels should be. They’re no longer just places to stay—they’re becoming destinations with their own experiences, energy, and identity.
But with that shift comes tough choices.
Not everything can stay the same, and every update risks leaving something behind. The challenge is finding the right balance, and right now, the Grand Floridian is where that balance is being tested.
It still feels familiar. It still carries its classic style. But it’s also moving forward in a way that’s impossible to ignore.
And as more projects roll out across Walt Disney World, one thing is becoming clear—this transformation isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
