Grand Floridian Lobby Construction Update (Mid-August 2025)

It’s hard to believe that it’s 2025 and that the Grand Floridian’s lobby is currently undergoing a massive reimagining. It seems like only last year we were discussing the end of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment that resulted in new rooms, a new roof, new siding on all the buildings, and so much more. Oh, wait, that was only last year.

While the work will hopefully result in a positive outcome, the current state of the lobby is downright icky. Of course, we did stop in at right about check-out time yesterday morning. We were met with long lines of guests. They were waiting to speak with cast members at makeshift reception desks situated in the few areas of the first floor that aren’t walled off. Not one single seat was available, and plenty of people were waiting in the wings for someone to vacate.

It feels like every single time I go to write about the Grand Floridian, I’m being harsh. But I would hate to go on and on about a resort that costs $500.00 or more per night when you might end up in this situation. Unlike the entrance work at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, this construction work is invasive and could negatively impact your vacation. So if you’re planning a stay between now and the end date for this work, it’s something you’ll want to consider. Work is currently expected to last through the end of November 2025.

When you walk in the first-floor main entrance, you’re met with construction walls covering the former reception area to the immediate right. Hence, the reason makeship reception desks have taken up residency in the lobby.

Here is a wider view.

Continuing toward the center elevator, you can’t help but notice the grand staircase has been roped off, walled off, and sealed.

All of the decorative displays in the area have been removed.

On the opposite side of the lobby, the restrooms were unavailable. Signage asks guests to use the restroom that serves 1900 Park Fare and Grand Floridian Cafe.

Continuing upstairs, we get a bird’s-eye view of the lobby.

The new bar’s framework appears to have been installed. At this point, plumbing has likely been completed.

We can also see that the Garden View Tea Room has been walled off. It will be nice to see a proper tea room restored.

I am somewhat confident the new lobby will turn out to be as grand as it should. It’s long overdue for an update, and the once beautiful carpets are heavily worn. So all of the work is understandable. If only it hadn’t taken so long to get to this point.

For more, you might enjoy our photo post of the Grand Floridian lobby before the 2025 update. It’s also important to note that the resort will not offer a gingerbread house this holiday season. For an idea of what’s to come, Disney shared concept art and details for the new lobby here.

You might also like to browse our guide to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

In the Comments

What do you think about the lobby updates at Grand Floridian? Let us know in the comments below.