2024 Renovation and Refurbishment Progress at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
This article shares a timeline of the renovation and refurbishment progress at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in 2024.
Disney’s Grand Floridian is undergoing a multi-year renovation and refurbishment. So far, we’ve seen several completed projects, including new rooms and other updates around the resort.
Since the holidays, work appears to be wrapping up at the resort, which leaves many of us with questions. Thankfully, a few of those questions have finally been answered. But we continue to get one question from our readers. What’s going on with the lobby? Unfortunately, at the time of this update, we don’t know.
As you may remember, the lobby was completely repainted last year. Speculation was that the furnishings would be changed out at some point after the holidays. But that remains to be seen. With the upcoming installation of the 2024 Easter Egg Display, we’re curious if anything else will change. If it does, we’ll let you know.
As of this last visit to the Grand Floridian, I only found a few subtle updates to share with you. But that’s a good thing because the resort looks gorgeous. We’re looking forward to planning a stay there, hopefully sooner than later.
Below, I’ve added everything we know since our update last month. I’ve included a few photos of our walk around the resort from a few days ago. We’ll continue to update this article if and when we see any significant updates. But we’ll also be glad to see everything get back to a normal routine at the Grand Floridian. I’m sure you will as well.
February 2024 Updates for Disney’s Grand Floridian
The big news for this month is that 1900 Park Fare is getting a makeover and will have new characters. 1900 Park Fare is scheduled to reopen on April 10, 2024.
Per Disney: “In this refreshed character dining experience, guests will be joined by Aladdin in his Prince Ali look, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Tiana in her new look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as they celebrate the power of a wish. An enchanting buffet will be served for breakfast and dinner, featuring some guest favorites — yes, that includes the strawberry soup!”
We walked through this area during our visit and noticed the shutter doors had been replaced with decorative doors.
Walls remain up on both sides of the entrance. But scaffolding only remains on the left side. I would imagine this area will soon be completed. It shouldn’t take long to reinstall landscaping on each side of the main entrance. But you know how construction goes.
The railings along the walkway to the bus stop were receiving a fresh coat of paint.
We didn’t see anything else going on at the resort. I walked to the outskirts of the pool area and noticed the roof of Beaches Pool Bar and Grill was complete.
It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. The Tabebuia trees bloom this time of year, and they are gorgeous. They tend to bloom between mid-February and March. As the leaves begin to sprout, the blossoms add a pretty look to the green lawn.
January 2024 Updates for Disney’s Grand Floridian
We stopped at Disney’s Grand Floridian over the weekend to see how the refurbishment was progressing. Most of the scaffolding around the back and side of the resort has been completely removed.
A few walls remain near the side entrance to the lobby.
Walls remain in place leading to the resort’s main entrance.
Scaffolding is still up around the front of the resort.
Here is a view looking down from the monorail station. It appears that most of the right side has been completed.
Basin was closed for refurbishment. However, we have seen reports that it reopened almost immediately after our last visit.
The only notable work we saw was the Beaches Pool Bar getting a new roof. Given the small size of this structure, it shouldn’t take long to complete. The pool was open during our visit.
Grand Floridian Lobby Updates
In December 2022, Disney announced the Grand Floridian’s lobby would receive an update. Their article stated that the lobby “will maintain the classic theming you know and love with some fresh new enhancements.” (Disney Parks Blog)
So far, the only new thing we’ve seen is a coat of paint. We visited the Grand Floridian in the Fall to check out the lobby updates. Formerly, the lobby had a coat of white paint. Now, we see lots of beige, which adds a contrast. Here are a few photos with specifics.
Speculation is that the lobby will eventually be completed. However, I have not been able to confirm that with anyone from Disney. So, we’ll keep watching until the work reaches an outcome.
Here are a few photos of the lobby when the paint work was being completed.
Grand Floridian Buildings Completed to Date
The following buildings at Disney’s Grand Floridian have been completely refurbished and are now open.
- Conch Key
- Boca Chica
- Big Pine Key
- The Villas Grand Floridian
- Sugar Loaf
- Sago Cay
Sago Cay was the last building to reopen. Meanwhile, work has begun on the main building. Here is a photo of Sago Cay, the last exterior building to be completed at the Grand Floridian.
Here are a few photos of other buildings since they’ve been completed, starting with Conch Key.
In the photo below, Boca Chica is the building on the left side, sitting behind the pool. Big Pine Key is to the immediate right.
Big Pine Key was one of the first buildings completed. However, rooms in this building were converted to resort studios for Disney’s Vacation Club. This new room type is specific to this building.
The Villas at Grand Floridian building was the first to see construction work completed a little over a year ago. Since this was the newest addition to the Grand Floridian, it didn’t undergo nearly as much construction as the other buildings on the property.
Nearby Construction
On another note, a new DVC Tower Hotel is under construction between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Therefore, the former scenic walkway between the hotels is closed.
As of early 2024, the construction path between the Grand Floridian and Polynesian has also closed. It is unlikely it will reopen until work has been completed. So, if you’re traveling between the Grand Floridian and Polynesian, you’ll need to take a resort boat or the monorail.
Take the monorail from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian for the quickest option. Then, take the resort watercraft from the Grand Floridian to the Polynesian.
We have a separate article on the construction progress at the Polynesian.
Related: Polynesian DVC Tower Construction Updates
What’s Already Been Completed at Disney’s Grand Floridian?
As you may know, Disney’s Grand Floridian celebrated its 35th anniversary this last year. Therefore, extensive work has been completed around the resort over the last five years that led to this renovation. Here are some of the changes.
Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom
In late 2020, a walkway opened between the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. This new walkway allows guests to walk to and from the resort to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Related: Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom
Narcoossee’s Restaurant
Narcoossee’s, one of Grand Floridian’s signature dining restaurants that sits over the water, underwent a complete refurbishment. It reopened in 2023 with a fresh interior look and menu.
Related: Grand Floridian Restaurants Guide
Rooms
Unfortunately, we haven’t stayed at the Grand Floridian since the rooms were refurbished. We’ll plan a new stay when the construction dust settles.
Here is a look at one of the newer rooms. Many of the rooms feature touches of Mary Poppins in the design elements. So far, these rooms have received rave reviews.
Villas Lobby
Here is a look inside The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Their lobby received new rugs and furnishings this last year.
These photos were taken around the holidays. If you’ve visited the Villas before, you might tell the color palette was changed to a light blue on the upper floors.
If you’ve never visited, I encourage you to stop in on a future visit to see the Mary Poppins fountain in the center of the lobby.
Conch Key Lobby
We stopped at Conch Key last April to check out the newly renovated building lobby. Each building on the property has a small lobby with similar decor.
Here are a few photos of the transformation.
Artwork featuring Mary Poppins hangs on the far wall.
Gasparilla Island Grill
Gasparilla Island Grill, the resort’s counter service, was significantly refurbished in 2017. We stopped in recently and discovered they have several new menu items. We have an updated review of Gasparilla Island Grill that includes a preview of those new menu items. We found the menu much improved but think it could still be better.
Enchanted Rose Lounge
In 2019, the Enchanted Rose Lounge debuted at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, it’s one of the nicest lounges you’ll ever visit.
When Enchanted Rose opened, it was a tell-tale sign of what would come at the resort. Unfortunately, however, those changes were significantly delayed as we headed into the next few years.
Related: Enchanted Rose Lounge Review
Citricos
Citricos is one of the Grand Floridian’s signature restaurants. It’s located on the second floor of the main building, only a few steps away from Enchanted Rose Lounge. Citricos was completely renovated and reopened with Mary Poppins theming in 2021. Victoria and Albert’s, immediately next door to Citricos, reopened from an entire refurbishment in 2022.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, these construction updates helped plan your next trip or visit to Disney’s Grand Floridian. Make sure to check back often for updates! You might also enjoy the following:
- Walt Disney World Hotel Refurbishment Schedule
- Disney’s Boardwalk Refurbishment and Construction Updates
- Disney’s Beach Club Photos of Finished Updates
In the Comments
What do you think of the progress of the construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? Would you plan a stay here during the refurbishment?
Thank you for the updates,we are staying at the Grand Floridian in early October 2023 do you think most of not all construction will be done?
Hi, from what I have seen, there is no timeline available. Construction hasn’t made its way to the main building yet.
Amber,
we’re due to stay at the Grand Floridian in two weeks. I am just learning about all of the construction, and I’m very upset to say the least. Is Gasparilla’s Grill still surrounded by the 8-foot high white walls? Are there still the 8-foot white walls around main outside areas? I can tolerate the walls in the lobby. But the exterior ambience was a key reason that we booked the GF. Do you have any current photos of the courtyard outside the GF? Thanks.
Nick
Hi, I was at the Grand Floridian on July 1st and nothing major has changed since the last photos. The walls around the main buildings exterior were erected in mid-June, so they likely won’t be down anytime soon. Gasparilla’s was still surrounded on my last visit with a walkway cut out to enter the restaurant. The grass around the courtyard pool area has recently been sodded and that area looks nice.
Would you stay elsewhere during construction? If so, where? We are headed there in Nov 2023, if there will be construction going on, wondering if we should pay less to stay somewhere else.
Hi, I wish I knew! As for me, I need to plan a stay for updates and am waiting until the majority of construction is complete. They are working on the last two exterior buildings now. From my understanding, they will move on to the main building afterward. Hopefully, that work will be completed before your stay. However, with construction, it’s difficult to say. There are so many variables. I would keep a close eye on things as time gets closer.
We stayed at the GF. As of July 28th they are moving along to get ready for the holidays (gingerbread house). I believe, starting in January they will completely shut the main building down for a couple of months. You should be okay in November. You just have to understand that they are trying to complete a refurbishment, so you will see walls and covering on the upper floors. It’s still a beautiful resort and a great place to stay
We stayed in Sago Cay last June when construction was going on in Boca Chica; it was a nightmare. Starting at 6:45am, all day long the construction crews, equipment & machinery went back & forth from the roadway behind Sago along the walkway in front of the Gasparilla and over to Boca. If I went back now, I’d try to book Big Pine or Boca
Do you happen to know when the club level services will be suspended at the Floridian for the remodeling?
I’m sorry, I’m not sure what they will do at this time.
CeCe, we are long time GF guests, and have stayed on the Royal Palm club level in the Main Building. We are visiting in July 2023, and we have asked both reservations and the GF directly. They advised that at this time, they are not accepting any club level reservations at the GF. Of course, they advised that Sugar Loaf is still under refurbishment, will remain a club level once reopened. The Main Building will resume club level as well, but that will be after they refurb those rooms. Currently, the level is open with the old rooms from those who booked prior, but no more reservations are being accepted until after refurbishment. The GF advised us that they believed Sugar Loaf is getting close to being complete as is the other building accross the marina and hopefully will be open late Spring or early Summer. It is at that time the rooms in the Main Building will likely begin. They did also add the caveat that everything is variable as construction tends to be unpredictable.
Thanks for this Club update!
Thank you for the updates! I’ll be checking back often.
Thank you for this post, and thanks to the people chiming in about the club level. I was suspecting that they stopped accepting new reservations as I have been unable to find any for the current to future timeline. Makes sense now.
When we visited in September 2022, Big Pine renovations were fabulous and it was quiet. In March 2023, the Villas side was quiet but the view was not desirable overlooking Poly construction. Glad they opened a newer temporary walking path to Poly as the other one was crazy! Hopeful for the lobby construction to be relatively quick so we can all go back to enjoying our beloved hotel in its full glory.
You are welcome. I visited this past Friday and the Grand Floridian walkway is once again open. It looks like work on Sago Cay is almost complete. So work should begin on the main building soon–I would think.
Do you think that after the main lobby they will work on additional areas like the pool?
I’m not sure, at this time the pools are not listed on Disney’s refurbishment schedule.
Hello,
I booked a stay for Dec 1st but I’m having a hard time getting an answer other than construction is unpredictable and they are refurbishing blocks of rooms at one time.
I was also told that I would be in one of the outer buildings so are they all completely refurbished with the Mary Poppins theme at this time?
This is my first stay and for the price I would want a refurbished, fresh room rather than the older rooms.
Hoping the main lobby scaffolding will also be down by then to enjoy the lovely Christmas tree.
Thank you!
Hi, all of the outer buildings are complete. All room assignments are now in newly refurbished rooms so you don’t have to worry about that. Hopefully, the major work will be complete by then but you never know with construction.
Fantastic article! So I’m going in Aug for a conference. Are you saying all rooms are refurbished like the Mary poppins blue themed? I just called to verify because I have a garden view, but they couldn’t really tell me. Then I found your article and was hoping I read that right that all rooms are upgraded now
Hi, from what I’ve seen some of the rooms have Mary Poppins and some have Disney princess accents. If you’re staying at the resort, you should get one of the updated rooms since they’ve all been completed aside from the rooms in the main building. Those rooms in the main building are all closed off at this time for refurbishment and are typically reserved for club level guests.
Does anyone have a picture of the new rooms that are not dvc?
Does anyone know if they will be refurbishing the Convention Center at the Grand Floridian? I will be having my wedding reception at the White Hall and Patio in 2024 and don’t see any updates on the convention center.
I have an upcoming wedding too Casey! I just commented too because I am also very curious to know more of its impact on those event spaces and overall guest experience for their stay.
Has anyone had a wedding during all this more recent construction? I have an upcoming wedding for January 2024 to take place at the Wedding Pavilion, Citricos, and Marina for fireworks, and some guests planned to stay there. On a scale of 1 – 10, how disruptive is all this to the experience at Grand Floridian?
Hi. Insightful article. Do you think the main building And lobby refurbishments will be complete by first week of November 2023? I’m honestly surprised since JUNE I’ve haven’t seen any club level room available at the Grand Floridian on the Disney website.
Hi, I am unsure of the timeline. But I’m having breakfast there the week after next and will be doing a few updates to this article at that time. I would imagine they hope to have the lobby completed before Christmas, but that’s only a guess on my part.
Great article! My wife and I will be taking our baby boy to Disney for the first time next weekend, August 5th-7th. We have a “theme park view” room reserved at Grand Floridian, but we are really hoping that a “theme park view” does not get obstructed due to any construction. Or that construction noise doesn’t ruin toddler nap time. (we did “request” a high floor at the Conch Key building)
If you have any Grand Floridian construction updates before next weekend, I’d love to hear it! Just subscribed to your Youtube channel. Keep up the great content!
Hi, thanks, I’m meeting friends for breakfast there next week and plan to update this article after that. Most of the construction at Grand Floridian is around the main building and lobby area. However, the large DVC Tower is being built between the Grand and Poly. But I wouldn’t think you would have to deal with any construction noises from your room.
Thanks for the feedback! I’ll be on the lookout for any new updates from you.
The resort opened June, 1988. That’s 35 years or 5 more than 30.
Hi Amber
As a DVC member, can I request a specific building and if so, which do you recommend? I’d like to stay in a 2 bedroom villa that’s newly renovated. I’m traveling during the April school break 2024. Thanks!
Hi Maria, all of the DVC units are complete. The two-bedroom units are in the Grand Floridian Villas building. During the refurbishment, Big Pine Key was incorporated into the DVC, but I believe all of the units in that building are resort studios. The Villas Grand Floridan building will have deluxe studios and one, two, and three-bedroom units.
I sure wish they’d replace that hideous carpet in the main lobby.
Hi there! Any updates on construction? I just booked for May 2024, I’m wondering if I should reconsider. Thanks!
Hi, I will probably do an update within the next week or so. Other than the announcement of the reopening of 1900 Park Fare in April, I don’t know of anything new to report.
Hello,
Thanks for the information. Do you know if you can see out the windows at the grand floridan cafe now? We were last there in August 2023 and you couldn’t see out the window due to construction walls.
Hi, yes you can, all of the scaffolding has been removed except a small area near the entrance.