So, the whispers are true. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, for decades hailed as the crown jewel of Walt Disney World, just took a rather significant leap into the future. Or, depending on who you ask, a regrettable stumble away from its storied past. After nearly 40 years, this iconic resort is undergoing what some might call an identity crisis, others a much-needed refresh. And at the heart of the debate? A brand-new lobby bar called ‘The Perch.’
For those who cherished the Grand Floridian, it was more than just a hotel. It was a time machine. White facades, red rooftops, gilded chandeliers, and live lobby musicians painted a picture of Victorian elegance, a romanticized glamor from a bygone era. It felt deliberate, rich, and undeniably Disney. Now, Disney calls its extensive refurbishment a move towards a “lighter, more timeless” take on Victorian design. But for many, “lighter” feels suspiciously like “less themed.”
‘The Perch’ is the latest, and perhaps most controversial, emblem of this new direction. It soft-opened recently, even before its official November 10 launch. You can grab champagne by the bottle or glass, wine, beer, and two signature cocktails: the Coffee Rum Sazerac for $17.50 and the Floridian 75 for a cool $22. There’s also a non-alcoholic Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea if you’re not in the mood for a pricey pour.
But it’s not just the price tags raising eyebrows. The bar itself, with its detailed woodwork, herringbone tile, and custom stained glass, aims for an “airy, polished, and distinctly modern” look. And that’s where the friction lies. Longtime guests are not holding back, arguing that ‘The Perch’ actively “disrupts the lobby’s original atmosphere.” They feel these updates are pushing the resort further away from the deeply themed Disney hotels they’ve come to know and love. It’s less ornate opulence, more contemporary sleekness. And for a resort famed for its specific historical ambiance, that’s a bitter pill to swallow for some.
Beyond the aesthetic, there’s a deeper undercurrent of concern. Guests have also voiced unease about the increasing availability of alcohol across Disney property in recent years. This isn’t just about personal preference. It comes in the wake of various widely reported “violent or rule-breaking incidents,” like guests physically assaulting cast members or attempting to scale attractions. The introduction of more high-end bars, while profitable, does raise questions about the evolving atmosphere of what was once considered a purely family-centric destination.
Of course, ‘The Perch’ isn’t the only change. The Grand Floridian is truly getting a top-to-bottom refresh. Guest rooms now boast new furnishings, updated carpeting, and refreshed color palettes. Above the grand staircase, a new impressionist-style mural now depicts a turn-of-the-century Grand Floridian, softening the towering lobby with warmer tones. Even the atrium carpet has a new pattern, inspired by the Victorian “Language of Flowers,” subtly nodding to Florida’s subtropical flora.
Looking ahead, The Garden View Lounge is set to reopen in early 2026 with its own refreshed design and new tea service. The Convention Center has already been reimagined to match the resort’s updated aesthetic. It’s clear Disney is committed to a cohesive new vision. But the question remains: is this evolution, or is it simply sanding down the unique edges that made the Grand Floridian truly grand? For many, the answer leans towards the latter, feeling like a piece of Disney history is quietly being ‘canceled’ one cocktail at a time.
