Nearly 40 years after it first opened, one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most recognizable hotels has entered a new era — though not everyone is convinced the changes are for the better. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, often viewed as the crown jewel of hotel offerings at the Florida property, has begun unveiling renovated spaces that signal a shift in aesthetic and atmosphere.
The Magic Kingdom–adjacent resort has long been defined by its elegant, Victorian-inspired theming (and its lofty price tags).
White-painted architecture, deep red rooftops, and soaring chandeliers shaped a visual identity that felt at once glamorous and historical. Its lobby, filled with live musicians and ornate floral arrangements, became a beloved gathering place.
Disney has emphasized that the current refurbishment is intended to preserve that legacy while introducing what it describes as a “lighter, more timeless” interpretation of Victorian style. With updated furniture, refreshed carpeting, and softened color palettes, the resort is slowly revealing this next phase of design.
The Grand Floridian’s Renovation Continues
One of the most notable new additions appears above the grand staircase: an impressionist-style mural that imagines the resort at the turn of the century, framed by royal and sabal palms. The mural softens the scale of the atrium, introducing sweeping color gradients and themes drawn from Florida’s natural environment.
Below, the atrium’s new carpet tells its own story. Inspired by the Victorian “Language of Flowers,” the pattern incorporates florals rooted in Florida’s subtropical climate, reinforcing themes of hospitality, joy, and grace. The subtle narrative approach marks a shift toward quieter symbolism.
Meanwhile, changes continue throughout the property. The Grand Floridian Convention Center has been redesigned to match the resort’s evolving aesthetic. The Garden View Lounge — which has remained closed since 2020 — is slated to reopen in early 2026 with a refreshed interior and a reimagined tea experience featuring new Disney-inspired elements.
Yet one update has arrived ahead of schedule.
The Perch has soft opened at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The brand-new lobby bar officially opens on November 10.
The Perch has soft opened at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The brand-new lobby bar officially opens on November 10. pic.twitter.com/Ev7bz3u023
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) November 8, 2025
A New Addition — And a New Debate
The Perch, a newly built lobby bar, has begun a soft opening at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It was originally set to officially open on November 10.
The bar serves champagne by the glass or bottle, beer, wine, and two signature cocktails: the Coffee Rum Sazerac ($17.50) and the Floridian 75 ($22). Non-alcoholic options include a Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea with lemon, blueberry, and basil tea.
The Perch’s design leans into detailed woodwork, custom stained glass that shifts with the lobby’s natural light, and herringbone tile flooring. The atmosphere is airy and restrained — noticeably more streamlined than the resort’s previous décor.
FYI – the Perch [at] the Grand Floridian is soft opening today and is beautiful!
FYI – the Perch ant the Grand Floridian is soft opening today and is beautiful! pic.twitter.com/Sg1lQY1rXR
— TheDBCPod (@TheDBCPod) November 8, 2025
Reactions have been split. Some longtime guests say the renovation softens too much of the hotel’s original grandeur, steering the Grand Floridian closer to modern luxury trends and away from its richly themed origins. Others appreciate the updated look and the addition of a lobby space designed for relaxation and socializing.
The conversation has also intersected with broader guest concerns about alcohol availability at Walt Disney World. Recent viral incidents involving intoxicated parkgoers — including attempted attraction climbing and altercations with cast members — have sparked debate over whether alcohol-focused offerings should continue to expand.
Are you excited to visit The Perch?
