The Grand Floridian Lobby Bar is coming soon to Disney’s flagship resort, and while the rendering looks stunning, it raises some big questions.
There’s something timeless about stepping into the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This resort has always delivered on luxury, from the elegant chandeliers and soaring ceilings to the soft piano melodies drifting through the air. Now, Disney has shared a new rendering that reveals a reimagined lobby featuring a brand-new bar—but fans immediately began wondering what that means for the space they know and love.
A Beautiful New Space—With Familiar Touches
Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the new Grand Floridian Lobby Bar will reflect the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, colorful stained glass, and vintage brass accents. Disney Imagineers plan to maintain fan-favorite elements like the birdcage-style elevator while refreshing the lobby with botanical details and garden-inspired hues.
But as beautiful as it all looks, longtime visitors have questions.
Will There Still Be Room for the Gingerbread House?
Every winter, the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House becomes one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved holiday traditions. The massive, hand-crafted structure isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a working sweet shop! Guests line up to buy gingerbread shingles and seasonal treats straight from the house.
So where will it go? The lobby bar appears to take up a central portion of the floor space that, in previous years, housed the Gingerbread House. Could the layout shift? Will the gingerbread tradition move—or disappear?
What Happens to the Grand Cottage?
Another recent addition is the Grand Cottage, a springtime pop-up known for its pastel-themed décor and Easter goodies. Like the Gingerbread House, it’s usually located front and center in the lobby.
With permanent furniture and a bar planned for that area, will the Grand Cottage still return each spring? Or are we seeing the end of these seasonal setups?
Change Is Coming—But the Magic Stays
Disney promises that the refresh will keep the “heart and story of the Grand Floridian” intact while adding elegance and comfort through new Victorian-inspired furnishings. That includes hand-drawn floral motifs in the carpet, soft fabrics, and Florida-inspired decorative details.
Still, until we know more, fans are left to speculate. Will Disney find a way to preserve its beloved traditions like the Gingerbread House and Grand Cottage? Or are we witnessing the beginning of a new era for the Grand Floridian lobby?
We’ll be watching closely—and we can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
