Credit: DisneyBig things are happening inside one of Disney World’s iconic hotels.
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Anyone who has visited Walt Disney World in the last few months can tell you that big, big things are happening all around the resort. From Magic Kingdom’s exciting new Cars-inspired expansion to overhauls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests have a lot to look forward to over the coming months and years as Disney World embarks on one of its most ambitious transformational journeys ever.
Some of the most significant projects currently being worked on are Monstropolis, a new Monsters Inc.-themed land for Hollywood Studios, and Tropical Americas, a reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom.
Both of these projects officially started this year, though Disney has been in the process of kicking things off for quite some time. Each of these new lands will bring with them new rides and attractions for guests to enjoy, as well as new dining and shopping options.
The company laid out most of its upcoming plans during its D23 conference last August, an event which saw Disney make several game-changing announcements.
While the theme parks are all getting their own facelifts, one project may have flown under the radar for guests.
Inside the Transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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The Walt Disney World Resort is home to dozens of great hotels, ranging from value-priced rooms to deluxe luxury suites. However, everybody thinks of three main hotels when they think “Walt Disney World vacation”: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
While all three hotels are beautiful in their own way, each one being connected by the Walt Disney World Monorail, Disney’s Grand Floridian remains the premier hotel experience at the resort.
Boasting a gorgeous aesthetic, impressive layout, and a giant price tag, a Disney vacation doesn’t get much more luxurious or prestigious than a day, night, week, or weekend at the Grand Floridian.
However, guests currently staying here are facing some bumps, as Disney continues to expand and update one of its oldest hotels.
Earlier this year, Disney shared a first look at its plans to modernize and renovate the hotel and its lobby. Among visual changes and updated designs, the Grand Floridian will soon also boast a new lobby bar.
The birdcage-shaped bar will feature brass accents and intricate woodwork. Thanks to stained glass, the birdcage motif will carry through, paying tribute to the real birds that lived in the hotel’s lobby once upon a time.
There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar!
Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. You may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love.
This new bar will be open sooner than you may think, with one guest recently sharing an update on the project.
Saw someone post this on Facebook. The new bar at The Grand Floridian looks BIG. Bigger than I expected for sure. I don’t have a problem with them building this, but I’m definitely not loving how much room it’s going to take up.
Saw someone post this on Facebook. The new bar at The Grand Floridian looks BIG. Bigger than I expected for sure. I don’t have a problem with them building this, but I’m definitely not loving how much room it’s going to take up. pic.twitter.com/IuzkAfIrEn
— Nick Chappell (@NickChaps96) August 15, 2025
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The bar is quite a hefty addition to the lobby and will undoubtedly cause controversy among die-hard fans. Disney’s original announcement faced pushback from fans of the resort, with some arguing a bar does not belong in one of Disney’s most iconic hotels.
The rest of the lobby is also getting upgrades. New carpet, glass murals, and other new furnishings are set to appear soon.
The lobby work on Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is expected to continue through November. This construction certainly detracts from the hotel lobby’s overall vibe and aesthetic, but it also means the end of a long-running tradition.
Each year, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa holds a massive gingerbread house display for the holiday season. Guests can walk around and take a look at the life-size cookie creation.
However, due to work in the lobby, a gingerbread house will not be displayed inside the hotel this year.
For a full breakdown of everything closing, opening, and changing this year at Walt Disney World Resort, make sure you stay tuned here at Inside the Magic. Click here for a list of upcoming and current ride and attraction closures.
What is your favorite hotel at Walt Disney World?