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Credit: DisneyDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. With its charming Victorian design, polished white exterior, sweeping verandas, and iconic lobby, this resort has long been considered Disney World’s crown-jewel hotel.
Families dress up for afternoon tea, brides pose under crystal chandeliers, and the smell of fresh flowers fills the air when you walk in. It is the place many guests splurge on for milestone trips and dream vacations.
That is exactly why any change here gets a lot of attention. And lately, change has been the theme at the Grand Floridian. Disney has been giving its flagship hotel a major refresh, from rooms to common spaces, and the lobby itself has been undergoing an extensive makeover.
The latest update brings some exciting news for fans who love to sip a cocktail in elegant surroundings. The resort’s brand-new lobby bar finally has a name and opening date, and it reflects just how much Disney is committed to both honoring tradition and embracing fresh design.
A New Chapter for a Legendary Lobby
The upcoming bar is officially called The Perch, and it will welcome guests beginning November 10. The name is no coincidence. It pays homage to the beloved birdcage that once sat in the resort lobby and became one of the Grand Floridian’s most recognizable design pieces. Rather than removing that classic charm completely, Disney has chosen to highlight it in a modern, stylish way.
The Perch will feature intricate woodwork, stained glass touches, and brass finishes that echo the Victorian storybook-style charm the resort was built on. All of this will sit across from the ornate cage-style elevator, another nostalgic nod to the resort’s origins. Fans who worried that the Grand Floridian’s recent updates would abandon its timeless vibe may breathe a little easier after seeing Disney lean into that legacy.
This transformation has been in motion for months as the lobby undergoes thoughtful refurbishment, with new flooring, counters, and cabinets making an appearance. The Perch is one of the final touches tying the renewed lobby space together, giving guests an inviting social spot without sacrificing the elegance the Grand Floridian is known for.
Why The Grand Floridian Matters So Much
If you have ever taken a ride on the monorail around Seven Seas Lagoon, you already know how striking the Grand Floridian looks from the windows. It is the kind of place Disney fans talk about like it is a rite of passage.
Honeymoons, anniversaries, big birthdays, family reunions: this resort hosts many of life’s happiest milestone moments. Built to evoke the golden age of coastal Florida retreats, it has always been a symbol of peak Disney luxury.
There is also a status element to it. Staying at the Grand Floridian is the closest thing to staying “inside the storybook.” You are steps from Magic Kingdom. You can hop aboard a boat or glide over by monorail. You can watch fireworks from your balcony, listen to live piano music drift across the lobby, and sip a fancy cocktail without ever stepping inside a park.
So when refurbishments began, many long-time fans were nervous. Would Disney tone down the Victorian touches? Would modern luxury completely replace historic charm? The reveal of The Perch feels like reassurance. The resort isn’t losing its soul. It is polishing it.
A Lobby That Means More Than Just Check-In
The Grand Floridian lobby is more than a check-in area. It is practically an attraction. People visit just to hear live musicians, admire the towering Christmas tree in winter, or soak in the lavish decor. Families pose on the staircase like they are in a fairytale movie. Couples have wedding photos taken in the atrium. Kids spin in dresses pretending the marble floors are a ballroom.
The refresh aims to enhance that experience so the lobby feels brighter, fresher, and ready for the next generation of memories. Disney understands how much emotion guests attach to this space. Reimagining it is delicate work, and The Perch fits perfectly into that vision. It feels like a bridge connecting the resort’s storied past with its sophisticated future.
A Toast to Tradition and Tomorrow
The debut of The Perch is more than just the opening of a bar. It is symbolic of the resort’s evolution. New lighting, updated furnishings, and refreshed amenities are pairing beautifully with the timeless touches fans adore. This is the type of update that makes you excited to dress up a little, stop by for a pre-dinner drink, and just enjoy the atmosphere.
And if you are someone who appreciates details, this is particularly special. The Victorian elevator still stands proudly. The familiar style and charm remain. It is that careful balance between nostalgia and innovation that makes the Grand Floridian feel magical.
Disney could have gone flashy and trendy. Instead, they went elegant and meaningful. That choice reflects how much the company understands what the Grand Floridian represents to families and Disney history.
Will You Visit The Perch?
The countdown is on, and Disney fans are already buzzing. Whether you are staying at the resort or just stopping by on a monorail loop, The Perch promises to be a new go-to relaxation spot. It offers the perfect setting to unwind after a day in the parks or celebrate a special moment.
Visitors who loved the original birdcage decor will appreciate the tribute, and first-timers will get to enjoy an addition that feels like it has always belonged.
Final Thoughts
The Grand Floridian is not just a hotel. It is a piece of Disney history, a vacation aspiration, and an emotional landmark for many guests. The fact that Disney is carefully updating it rather than replacing its signature charm speaks volumes. With The Perch leading this next phase, the future looks bright, sophisticated, and still full of heart.
If you have a trip coming up, it may be the perfect time to see these changes for yourself. Grab a drink, soak up the ambiance, and enjoy the reimagined lobby that keeps the Grand Floridian’s legacy alive while making room for new memories.