One of Disney World’s most popular hotels is undergoing an update. The iconic lobby at the Grand Floridian will be undergoing some changes in the coming year, including a brand new bar. Since opening in 1988, that lobby has offered beautiful views of the Victorian style. In this post, we’ll share the news about the upcoming lobby changes and then add a little bit of our own commentary.

Update: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar: The Perch Opens in November

Guests can grab a drink and enjoy the resort lobby’s new look at The Perch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa beginning November 10.

Sip and savor from a light menu featuring champagne, wine, beer, and two signature cocktails: the Coffee Rum Sazerac and the Floridian 75. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, the Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea is a delightful blend of lemon, blueberry, and basil tea.

This all-new lobby bar celebrates the resort’s Victorian roots through intricate woodwork, elegant herringbone tile, and custom stained glass that shimmers with subtle hues.

You might even spot a few feathered friends that have taken flight throughout the atrium, adorning the stained glass, murals, and wallpaper.

The rest of the post is from the original news and our reaction to it. We’re excited to see these changes coming to fruition!

Just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has delighted guests with its Victorian charm and timeless atmosphere since 1988.   A celebration of the golden age of travel and Florida’s lavish seaside hotels, the resort is known for its unique theming and Disney hospitality – two qualities that the renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby will try to honor.    

The lobby’s renovation marks the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms, refreshed dining experiences, including the Michelin star-awarded Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more. 

Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar   

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.  

The surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere.  Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.    

As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.   

Commentary

I don’t have as much connection to the monorail resorts as many longtime Disney World fans. Many have grown up going to those resorts, forming memories and wanting them to stay the same as those memories. I don’t have that sort of connection to the Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian, although we stop in at each of those lobbies regularly on trip. With that caveat out of the way, I think this refresh looks tasteful and needed.

I do love the Grand Floridian lobby. It’s elegant and beautiful in all of the ways Victorian-style is if done right. But the hotel has been in need of a refresh. WDW has started with the rooms, grounds and a few restaurants. They’ve even redone other common spaces. Now, it’s the lobby’s turn. The carpet will be a welcome addition as the current flooring looks a little rundown.

The most divisive part of this news will surely be the added bar. It’s not always wise to trust concept art but seeing the bar in that space looks minimally invasive. In theory, it would take away some of the crowding from nearby lounges. That’s the hope anyway, as it could have the reverse effect. I’m bullish on the look though and think it will only add charm to the lovely lobby.

In my eyes, the biggest downside of this news is that I’d advise staying away from booking a room at the Grand Floridian during this renovation. The stay would be diminished and guests don’t want that if they’re paying the premium prices. According to the WDW website, the work will likely last from April through mid-November. That could always change, of course, but for now I’d run with those dates.

That’s a small price to pay for having a resort upgrade an already beautiful space. A refresh should help the lobby from showing its age and make it all the more inviting. We’re looking forward to a refreshed Grand Floridian!

What do you think of these Grand Floridian changes? Let us know, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below! If you are planning a trip to Disney World, then check out our planning guide. Looking for discount Walt Disney World tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!