A Look at Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby (Ahead of the 2025 Update)

A few days ago, Disney announced that the Grand Floridian lobby would receive enhancements later this year. For those following along, you may remember that in late 2022, Disney announced the lobby would be updated. That next August, the lobby was partially walled off and construction crews arrived. The outcome was a coat of cream-colored paint, covering portions of the lobby’s almost entirely white paint color.

Back when changes were initially announced, we began taking photos for our archives. It’s always nice to have a before and after version to reference. During my real estate career, I learned that people don’t always remember things exactly as they were. A photo can often jog a memory or provide clarity in the absence of it. So for this article, we’ll take a look at the current state of things. The photos we’re sharing below come from four files dated from 2022 through 2024. So they do not all reflect the current cream paint color, but I’ve noted a few places below where you can see the difference. It will be interesting to see what “enhancements” mean for the lobby.

When you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by a stunning bouquet of hydrangeas mixed with roses. Most will agree, the floral arrangement is a lobby staple. Smaller arrangements are often placed throughout the first-floor seating area.

The main lobby elevator sits to the right of the entrance. This is worth pointing out because of its topiary mural.

We’ll also look at a few of the intricately laid tiles in select areas around the lobby. I don’t think this particular flooring will see any changes. It is, however, something you might want to check out on a future visit. This one features Cinderella and Prince Charming. It’s placed between the staircase and the elevator.

The opposite side of the elevator is designed to resemble a birdcage.

Another large birdcage sits across the lobby from it.

Behind the elevator, we see the lobby’s grand staircase.

To the left of the staircase, is one of the lobby’s exits. This is where you’ll find the Peter Pan mural which welcomes guests entering the resort from the side entrance, near the Beach Pool.

You might see this chocolate sculpture of a Cheetah that was created by the Grand Floridian’s bakery team. These types of things tend to get moved around occasionally.

A few large marble-top tables fill in empty spaces around the walls. Most have a Victorian painting behind them with a few conversation pieces.

We’ll take a closer look at the staircase.

A few steps up, we see Cinderella’s coach with the Grand Floridian’s logo woven into the carpet.

Another mural rests above the staircase’s landing. It’s designed to look like a window and what you would see if you were looking out from that point. Of course, that landscape has drastically changed over the years.

While worn, the carpets are one of the things that give the Grand Floridian its rich feel.

Here is a view of the lobby from the second floor where you’ll find a couple of gift shops, dining, and the resort’s primary lounge, The Enchanted Rose.

The lobby’s ceiling has always been one of the most notable features. The image below depicts the ceiling before it was painted in August of 2023.

The paint color was a subtle change.

Each floor’s open balcony was also painted.

Again, the changes were not necessarily that notable. If one wasn’t aware, they might not notice the difference.

The monorail entrance to the resort’s 2nd floor features the Grand Floridian’s logo with Pluto.

On the left side of the resort’s entrance, a secondary pair of elevators is available. This tile inlay features Tinker Bell.

Here’s another one of those long tables with a Victorian portrait.

The second floor is home to Citricos and Victoria and Albert’s, both fine dining locations. However, Victoria and Albert’s, a Michelin-star restaurant, is in a class of their own. Both restaurants were completely redone when the resort initially began its refurbishment.

Here’s a view from the opposite side of the lobby toward the front entrance.

The photo below shows where I’m standing to take the picture above. This is an extended seating area for the Enchanted Rose, a Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge. It was one of the first projects completed at the resort back in 2019 that signaled change was coming to the Grand Floridian.

An additional staircase sits in the back corner leading to the second floor.

Before we wrap things up, we’ll take a peak inside the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tea Room. This is where afternoon tea was offered at the resort before the pandemic. It closed during that time and has never reopened. Hopefully, this is something that will be restored when the lobby work is complete.

We’ll stop and admire the roses one last time on our way out.

Final Thoughts

We love Disney’s Grand Floridian and hope any changes to the lobby will enhance its beauty and atmosphere. I can only imagine it will be a difficult task, considering so many guests have cherished memories with their families and loved ones in this very place. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a bride having photos taken on the staircase. This is a place where many have chosen to take the first steps of their happily ever after together.

For more on Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you might enjoy our entire resort guide:

In the Comments

Are you excited to see the lobby updates at Grand Floridian? Do you have any special memories there? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media. We love to hear from you!