Credit: Michael HueyWalt Disney World Resort has begun a project outside the border of Magic Kingdom Park that will forever change guest access to one of its most luxurious hotels, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Here’s what we know about the project and how it may impact your upcoming Disney Park vacation.
For months, construction crews have been hard at work inside the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In April, Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to overhaul the Victorian lobby, removing its iconic golden birdcage and replacing it with a birdcage-inspired bar. The modernization project will also bring customized carpet, elegant new furnishings, and stained glass features, while historic features like the Victorian cage-style elevator and grand piano will remain. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2025, but the annual life-size Gingerbread House display has been canceled due to space constraints.
Now, Walt Disney World Resort is focusing on the experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, far before guests step into the lobby. Disney recently filed a construction permit to update the Grand Floridian entrance and parking area, connecting them to two new World Drive roundabouts. If approved, the project would also add a new driveway near the Wedding Pavilion and an additional cast member parking area.
While Walt Disney World Resort waits for the South Florida Water Management District to approve this permit, work has already begun on Floridian Way, which leads to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. According to photos from X (formerly known as Twitter) user @bioreconstruct, crews are currently widening and rerouting the road to improve traffic flow in the area.
Aerial photos of the rerouting and widening of Floridian Way.
Aerial photos of the rerouting and widening of Floridian Way. pic.twitter.com/fniVv05tJE
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 17, 2025
The Magic Kingdom Resort area encompasses the Transportation & Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The area is known for heavy traffic congestion, so hopefully this Grand Floridian project and other ongoing roadwork at the entrance to the Polynesian will improve driving conditions for Walt Disney World Resort guests and cast members.
Has construction impacted your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel? Inside the Magic would love to hear from you in the comments!