Credit: DisneyConstruction walls have surrounded the porte cochère of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as refurbishment begins, blocking the entrance area that also houses the monorail station above. This phase of construction is set to continue through early 2027, with previous work including the lobby’s reopening in October 2025 and the opening of the new Perch lobby bar in November 2025. While the main entrance remains accessible, the refurbishment could result in additional closures or the need for alternative routes for guests.
Several roof panels have been removed, suggesting a focus on structural and weatherproofing issues. Despite the construction, Disney has not indicated that the monorail station will close, implying that service will continue during the porte cochère refurbishment.
The Resort Construction Scope
Work for now appears to be limited to the ground level where the porte cochère provides covered vehicle drop-off and pick-up area, but it could rise to the second level as progress continues and workers need to address upper portions of the structure including the roof panels that have been removed and potentially the areas surrounding the monorail station. A marker appears on the other side of the road from the porte cochère, possibly indicating a temporary structure might be erected during the refurbishment to provide weather protection for guests during the period when the permanent porte cochère is under construction, although nothing has been confirmed as of yet regarding temporary facilities or alternative guest drop-off arrangements.
The porte cochère is one of the most visible and frequently used elements of the Grand Floridian, as every guest arriving by car, bus, or rideshare service passes through this covered entrance when checking in or departing the resort. The refurbishment of such a prominent and essential facility demonstrates Disney’s commitment to maintaining the Grand Floridian’s prestigious appearance and functionality, even though it creates construction disruptions that affect guests’ first impressions upon arrival at the resort.
The Broader Grand Floridian Resort Refurbishment
The remaining construction, extending into 2027, includes various areas of the resort beyond the porte cochère, with the Grand Floridian undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment that addresses multiple buildings, facilities, and guest spaces across the sprawling Victorian-themed property. The lobby reopened in October 2025 with new carpeting and furniture that refreshed the Grand Floridian’s iconic main lobby, while The Perch lobby bar followed in November 2025, offering cocktail and beverage service in updated surroundings.
The Mary Poppins fountain in the lobby of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is also currently blocked off for refurbishment, indicating that even decorative elements and themed features are receiving attention during this comprehensive renovation period. The fountain represents a beloved photo opportunity and a thematic element that connects the Grand Floridian Villas to the Mary Poppins intellectual property through the British Victorian aesthetic shared by both the resort design and the classic Disney film.
Construction has not prevented Easter egg displays from appearing throughout the resort, as Disney continues to operate seasonal programming and guest experiences even as refurbishment work progresses in various locations, demonstrating an effort to maintain the Grand Floridian’s premium guest experience amid ongoing construction disruptions. The Easter egg displays represent an annual tradition at the Grand Floridian that attracts guests specifically to view the elaborate decorative installations, making it important for Disney to continue this programming rather than suspending it due to construction.
The Garden View Tea Room Reopening
The last area awaiting reopening is the Garden View Tea Room, which has been closed for six years, having shut down at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and remained shuttered through the subsequent years as Disney prioritized other facilities and experiences during the recovery period. The tea room will reopen on March 19, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Grand Floridian’s return to full operational capacity and restoring a signature dining experience that has been unavailable to guests for the entire pandemic and post-pandemic period.
The Garden View Tea Room offers afternoon tea service in an elegant Victorian setting that aligns with the Grand Floridian’s theming and provides guests with a refined dining experience featuring tea selections, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The six-year closure represents an extraordinarily long period for a Disney dining venue to remain shuttered, reflecting how the pandemic fundamentally disrupted operations and how long it has taken Disney to restore full pre-pandemic service levels at its deluxe resorts.
The Flagship Resort Challenge
As Disney’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian sets the standard for luxury accommodations at Walt Disney World and commands premium pricing that reflects its prestigious status, Victorian theming, monorail access to Magic Kingdom, and comprehensive amenities including multiple restaurants, pools, spa facilities, and convention spaces. The extended refurbishment period, running through early 2027, creates challenges for maintaining the flagship resort experience, as guests paying top-tier prices encounter construction walls, scaffolding, blocked-off areas, and ongoing work that detract from the polished, seamless luxury experience they expect when booking the Grand Floridian.
The porte cochère refurbishment particularly impacts guest arrivals as the entrance represents the first physical touchpoint when guests arrive at the resort, creating a crucial first impression that sets expectations for their entire stay. Construction walls and scaffolding at the entrance risk undermining that first impression, even though the entrance remains open and functional, as guests may question whether they are receiving full value when the flagship resort’s entrance is under construction.
Resort Timeline and Completion
Disney previously shared that construction at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa would continue through early 2027, indicating that guests booking stays through the end of 2026 and into early 2027 should expect to encounter some level of ongoing refurbishment work, though the specific areas under construction will shift as different phases complete and new work begins. The early 2027 timeline suggests that the comprehensive refurbishment affecting the Grand Floridian for an extended period will finally conclude, allowing the resort to operate without construction walls and scaffolding in guest areas.
The phased approach to the refurbishment has allowed Disney to keep the Grand Floridian operating throughout the construction period rather than closing the entire resort, though this creates an extended timeline as work must proceed around operating hotel functions and guest experiences. The completion of major lobby work in October 2025, the Perch bar in November 2025, and the Garden View Tea Room reopening on March 19, 2026, demonstrates steady progress toward full restoration, with the porte cochère representing one of the final major elements requiring attention before the Grand Floridian returns to its pre-construction condition.