The Changes Coming to the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is getting a makeover! As the flagship luxury resort at Walt Disney World, this resort was built in 1988 and honors Victorian Seaside Resorts from the early 20th century. Frankly, we love the Victorian charm and the classic seaside feel. But since updates at the Grand Floridian resort have been much needed, we’re tracking all the Grand Floridian Changes on the way.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Renovation

Prompted by comments made previously by parks chairman, now Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, The Grand Floridian Resort has been in line for a major overhaul for a couple of years now. Of course many of us Walt Disney World fans love it like it is. But, as Chapek noted, The Grand Floridian lacked the luxury commonly found at the Four Seasons and he’d like to see that improved. Now that Josh D’Amaro is the new Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products we’ll see how far these plans can go.

Original comments suggested that guests were due for more of a “Wow factor”. Mainly because the prices are so high! Which may have you asking, How much does it cost to stay at the Grand Floridian Resort? With prices for The Grand Floridian Resort, Spa, and Villas ranging from $700- $2800 per night we could agree that WOW! is what we’re hoping to see. Because at those prices there should be a little “more” to the experience here. Frankly, our last Disney Cruise was cheaper than a resort stay at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. And on a Disney Cruise, you get wine for free with your apple turnover cooking class.

Grand Floridian Changes Happening Now

Interestingly enough just as the talk around the Grand Floridian Resort’s new look started, so did the talk about making things at Disney more “Disney”. We’ve of course seen this permeate ALL of the coming changes happening over at EPCOT. So why not overlay the same concept at the resorts as well? Thankfully, this renovation at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is slated to be beautiful and updated while keeping with the original theme. As one of the best Disney Resorts for Adults, we’re thrilled to see this resort adding a little more luxury.

New Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort

The biggest change happening at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the renovation of the Big Pine Key building to become 200 Disney Vacation Club Villas. This is an amazing renovation featuring the Mary Poppin’s themed fountain in the lobby and clean and classic decor. Everything you can find in a typical DVC villa. Mosaic tiles in the bathroom, a full kitchen, and the ability to sleep up to 5 people, these rooms are hopefully just the beginning, of a full update at the Resort. Book your Disney’s Grand Floridian DVC Villa on the website. Opening Summer 2022.

What kind of DVC rooms are available at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa?

Resort Studios with Standard, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views. Range from 16 to 24 points per night
Deluxe Studio with Standard and Lake Views from 17-20 points per night
1-Bedroom Villa with Standard and Lake Views from 33-44 points per night
2-Bedroom Villa with Standard and Lake Views from 46-55 points per night
3-Bedroom Grand Villa with Lake View is 112 points per night

New Disney Grand Floridian Resort Merchandise

The Grand Floridian Resort has debuted tons of new merchandise themed to Beauty and the Beast. Including apparel, drinkware, keychains, trinket dishes, and more. Be sure to stop by the gift shop when you’re next at the Grand Floridian Resort to see all the new merchandise arriving throughout the renovations.

Walking Path from Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian Resort

This new path is accessible from the entrance of Magic Kingdom, wraps right past the Resort Monorail Entrance, and hugs the lagoon. Lined with lamp posts, this new path brings you over the bridge of a small inlet that the Electrical Water Pageant uses to come in and out of the lagoon. Once past the bridge you just follow the pathway towards the Grand Floridian Resort. What we most love about this new pathway is that it connects the Grand Floridian to Polynesian Pathway. Meaning that after your evening at Magic Kingdom you can just walk home, instead of crowding onto the monorail.

Citricos Mary Poppins Returns Reimagining

By far one of the more major changes to be happening at the Grand Floridian is the re-imagining of Citricos. Originally slated to become Victoria and Albert’s Bistro, delayed renovation projects across the parks have most likely been the cause of this smaller edit. While this signature restaurant ( with a dress code) has never quite drummed up the award-winning accolades or hard-to-get reservations like Victoria and Albert’s, it is now coined as fine dining “underneath the lovely London sky.” The newly reimagined Cítricos pays homage to the whimsy and elegance of Mary Poppins Returns.

Enchanted Rose Lounge Replaced Mizners

The newest lounge to arrive at Walt Disney World is the Enchanted Rose Lounge themed to Beauty and the Beast. For fans of this movie, you will see EVERYTHING you know; Cogsworth sits on a shelf, the Beast’s rose is encased in domed glass and even a gilded hand mirror has a space to be seen. While others may have different opinions on this one, we could not be more impressed or blown away by the grandiose feeling of Beauty and the Beast here. Very subtle, elegant, and classy. We absolutely loved our experience at the Enchanted Rose Lounge.

If you’re up for a perfect late afternoon drink head inside to the library, garden room, or main bar. Or even outside on the balcony. Everything here felt modern yet classic. The drinks menu was filled with Beauty and the Beast-inspired drinks, and the appetizers were exactly what you would expect from a small establishment in the south of France. We simply could not get enough of the truffle fries, so be sure to try those. If this is a sign of what’s to come, we’ll take it! Check out all the Best Disney Lounges at Walt Disney World.

Removal of Disney’s Grand Floridian Society Orchestra

After 32 years of playing at the Grand Floridian, Disney’s Grand Floridian Society Orchestra has been canceled. While this isn’t a huge surprise given that some of their previous performance space was renovated when the Enchanted Rose Lounge arrived, it is still heartbreaking not only to the performers but also guests who look to the Grand Floridian for respite from the parks. We absolutely loved the orchestra and all that it brought to the classical upscale feeling of the resort.

Grand Floridian Resort Rooms Refurbishments

Currently, rooms at the Grand Floridian are done in the classic style, but you can still not quite as nice as even Coronado Springs after that refurbishment. This room still boasted the large red, somewhat tattered sofa, an Alice in wonderland lampshade in the bathroom, and a dated telephone. No doubt all being replaced as the resort becomes available for renovations to be made.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Refresh

The most recognizable lobby on Walt Disney World property is due for a paint job. But what else? While we haven’t seen any concept art on this vision yet. It will be interesting to see how Disney World balances this antique charm with modern luxury. For our money as long as nothing happens to the Christmas Tree or the Gingerbread House, we’ll be able to cope. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort gets Christmas decorations set up typically the third week of November each year. We figure refurbishments to this space, would be done before the holidays.