A new decorative panel, new wallpaper, and more has been installed in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment.
Grand Floridian Lobby Construction
Check-In Area
The newest decorative panel is seen in the center top of this wall by the check-in area. There are also vertical panels attached in the spaces on either side. Just earlier this month, there were still metal frames exposed on this wall.
The decorative panel appears to have a wood grain finish. Vine-like filigree is printed across it with the “GF” Grand Floridian logo in the center.
From upstairs, we could see something else new in the area. There appears to be a set of old-fashioned key cubbies added below the decorative panel.
On the adjacent wall, the curtains above the windows have been clasped, as though to let in more light.
While the curtains in the check-in area are clasped towards the center of each window, the curtains in the nearby seating area are pulled to the sides.
The seating area also has a new piece of furniture. This appears to be a large rounded cabinet.
Grand Staircase
The grand staircase located next to the check-in area is expected to reopen soon. A new mural was revealed above the stairs earlier this month, and all construction materials have been cleared from the area. The stairs remain blocked off by white curtains and stanchions at the moment.
We also saw crew members cleaning up the steps, leading us to believe they will reopen in the near future. The staircase closed in early August.
Under the stairs, on the side near the pool exit, these benches look new. They feature pink velvet upholstery with decorative stripes.
New Wallpaper
Another new wallpaper style has been revealed. This style is found on the walls next to one of the elevators on the first floor. The area is still blocked off, but the wall panels are now light blue with tree branch designs.
The branches have green leaves and yellow flowers. The pattern and colors are reminiscent of the blue color scheme added to the walls of the Grand Floridian room buildings back in 2022, though those have pink floral decorations instead of yellow.
The other side of the elevator bay is prepped to receive wallpaper, which we expect will be the same pattern. There is also a new cloudy sky decal added to the panel above the elevator.
Birdcage Bar
Crews have started to construct new short walls fanning out from the sides of the birdcage bar. Concept art suggests these will be for new planters.
The planters are located on either side of the bar and will house green shrubs and palm trees, according to the art.
We recently reported the birdcage bar got its roof supports and vertical framework. Now, even more drywall surrounds the steel beams near the bottom, and additional concrete has been installed by the floor.
The new bar will be a place for guests to order drinks in the lobby. It replaces the actual birdcage that used to sit in the lobby.
The concept art for the upcoming bar shows brass accents, stained glass, and intricate woodwork paying homage to the resort’s Victorian styling.
We do not have an opening date for the new lobby bar yet.
Garden View Tea Room
Above the Garden View Tea Room, the decorative seashell-like element has been removed from the wall overhang. Compare this appearance with our picture of the opposite side of the lobby, which has that piece still intact.
In our last update, the Garden View Tea Room construction zone had expanded. There are rolling carts, trim, rolls of material, and construction tools staged outside the entrance of the space. It’s unclear what is currently inside the room due to the scrim on the windows, but we can see many ladders in the space, so crews are likely working on the walls or ceiling.
The Garden View Tea Room has not operated since 2020. While the reimagined lobby art did have a new window-style installation on this side of the lobby, there have been no official announcements that the tea room will be reopening.
Since 1988, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been known for its unique Victorian theming, which Disney says they will “continue to honor” during this lobby renovation.
The renovation of the lobby marks the culmination of the resort’s years-long overhaul, which has included refurbished guest rooms, updated dining experiences like at Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s, and 1900 Park Fare, and more.
Are you looking forward to completed construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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