A LOT is changing in Disney World all at once, and it’s, well, it’s A LOT to take in. We’ve got a new land and expansion coming to Magic Kingdom (plus two updated rides). We’ve got a new land and an updated Animation Courtyard coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (plus a re-themed ride). We’ve got a new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom PLUS a new show in the Tree of Life…SO much going on. And look at what’s happening at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Yep — MORE CHANGE.
The new lobby
Disney World hotels are also undergoing some huge changes, and lobby refresh seems to be the theme of the year. Disney’s Pop Century Resort is getting an updated lobby. So is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Well, we’ve got an update to share about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort upgraded lobby…and we’re still not sure how we feel about it.
Okay, let’s start with what the Grand Floridian lobby USED to look like. It’s very elegant, but also kinda old old-world. It’s giving off old money and luxury vibes, right?
Previous lobby
Then Disney announced plans to redo the lobby. Here’s the concept art that was released. It looks a little busy, but we were sorta feeling it…
©Disney
However, the reality is now hitting us as we see these changes put into action. Here’s what the Grand Floridian’s lobby looks like now. Is it just us, or does it feel kinda crowded with a LOT of things going on? Now, to be fair, there are still a lot of construction walls in the way, so this is not the final look.
It’s very…busy
Additionally, the birdcage is gone, but the new lobby bar takes inspiration from it. Like we said, that work is not done yet, so maybe that’s affecting the overall look.
Birdcage Bar on the right
Disney also, apparently, raided some antique stores for this furniture; it’s a mixture of that whole Victorian-inspired thing with the mismatched pieces. Thoughts? Do we like it?
Closer look at the furniture
There are a lot of patterns in the new look, too.
A whole lot of patterns
Of course, the work isn’t complete yet, and maybe once it’s all done, it will look and feel different. There are still areas behind curtains, and the bar isn’t done yet, so we’ll just have to wait and see. But, as you can see, the new carpet is officially installed, along with some new furniture to match the new look. It’s certainly bright, light, and colorful!
Stay tuned to DFB for more. (And PLEASE let us know what you think about this makeover — are you liking the new design?)
12 Disney Loungefly Bags You’ll LOVE if Your Favorite Hotel Is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of the lobby’s new look? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Wait to judge until all construction is done. They did a beautiful job on the other venues at the Grand Floridian. The carpet and furniture were long overdue for replacement. I think the carpet better fits the vibe of old luxury Florida.
It is amazing on how long it takes Disney to either build something new or update and existing anything. You start to think that they do not plan anything out until construction starts. ,one would think that Disney, as organized as they seem to be, would have a staging area off sit that they would accumulate and assemble some of the larger pieces for easy assembly on site. For some reason reason, the lead time for anything Disney is twice as long as it should be to complete..
As a huge fan of The Grand Floridian (it’s our absolute favorite place to stay), I’m terribly disappointed in what they have done and are still doing, to the beauty and elegance of the lobby. That carpet is absolutely HORRIBLE! The mis-matched furniture makes it look like they’ve been shopping garage sales. Adding a BAR will destroy the peace and quiet that is a signature of the GF. I am so hoping, (like you) that it will all come together once the construction is complete. Right now it looks like a trainwreck. I wish I could get excited about the “updates” but, right now, I’m just sad. Just my opinion and I know everybody has one!
I did not believe that the Grand Floridian lobby could get worse, but I was wrong. This is horrendous. I have pictures of the original GF lobby with its soft colors, designed by Wimberly, Allison, Tong, and Goo back in the 1980s. It was so tasteful. There were no marble floors back then – it was quarry tiles. But it worked. I disliked the last lobby renovation a lot, but this is something else. Look around. What has become of that place.? Sorry, but if you want to change something, make it better.
Carpet in the redone GF is way too busy!!!! They have totally taken away the charms and gone to “circus cheap”……SO SAD 😔 😟 🙁
They couldn’t leave well enough alone. I guess as the older people die out, the younger people want something different. It isn’t always better.
Maybe it’s the view from the top but it looks entirely to busy to me.
Personally I like it BECAUSE it isn’t the usual gray, white, light wood, bland nothing Disney has been doing everywhere lately!!
I like it! I think the carpet is great. It is a little busy, but the other carpet was too, you just couldn’t see it as well since it was more muted colors. And it’s never been serene there when I’ve been there. It’s always loud with people on there way through to dining or wherever so I don’t think this takes away from that. I look forward to experiencing it on my next trip. We are DVC and the Grand is my home resort.
I am so disappointed they are adding yet ANOTHER lounge! Why oh why busy up that beautiful lobby with a bar. It’s just wrong in so many ways!
Bring back the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra! The lobby feels like a tomb without them.
I can’t really judge the decor b/c I can’t get past that carpet! It looks like something from a bad dream. Too wild & too bright. The old lobby was much more elegant.
I’m still VERY disappointed they’re not having the gingerbread house this Christmas!! We always take a family picture in front of it every year. This year we’re not even going to the Grand FL, no reason to. And I’m totally against having this bar in the lobby! It gets crowded enough during holidays, & this bar will make it even worse! Very stupid corporate decision, but I’m sure they think it’s genius! NOT!