How Will the Lobby Refurbishment Impact My Grand Floridian Stay?
Big changes are coming to the Grand Floridian lobby! Beyond new furniture, carpeting, and front desk area, there will also be a new bar inspired by the Victorian birdcage that was previously located in the lobby. With the extensive ongoing construction, how will it impact your upcoming Grand Floridian stay?
Checking In
For guests staying in the Deluxe Studios, One Bedroom Villas, Two Bedroom Villas, and Three Bedroom Villas in the original DVC building, there is no real impact on the check in process. You can still check in with the cast members in the lobby of the DVC building. There is also a small bell services stand in the front driveway to assist you with your luggage.
Guests staying in the Resort Studios in the Big Pine Key building typically prefer to check in at the main building since it’s closer to Big Pine Key than the original DVC building. As of October 2025, guests can check in at the brand new front desk area, which features three wooden front desks, new gold light fixtures, and a backlit filigree design.
Dining and Amenities
Many of the dining options are located within the main building, such as 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Victoria & Albert’s. However, your dining experience really isn’t impacted other than seeing the work in progress on your way to the restaurants. The same goes for all of the resort’s shops, which remain open during the refurbishment.
Despite the construction, guests can also still look forward to hearing the grand piano in the center of the lobby. There are plenty of seating areas with new couches and tables where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the live music.
Getting Around
Within the lobby, you’ll notice a fair number of walls and curtains that partition the construction zones. Nevertheless, it’s still very easy to navigate the main building since the main corridors are clear. When going up to the second floor for the monorail, you’ll notice that both elevator banks have already been refurbished and are in operation. The grand staircase has also been redone with dark green carpeting and new artwork near the landing.
Holiday Decorations
Unfortunately the iconic gingerbread house will not be in the lobby this year with all of the construction. However, Disney Parks Blog did mention that there will still be holiday decorations throughout the resort, and there is a chance that the large Christmas tree may make an appearance.
All in all, the impact to your Grand Floridian stay is rather minimal other than the visible construction sites within the lobby.
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