Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is about to look noticeably different on the outside. On August 7, 2026, the South Florida Water Management District issued an Individual Environmental Resource Permit authorizing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to move forward with a 3.6-acre exterior overhaul officially called the "GF Parking Modifications" project.
The work covers two zones: a primary 3.40-acre area encompassing existing Grand Floridian DVC and Wedding Pavilion parking, and a smaller 0.20-acre connector zone near the Polynesian Village Resort's Island Tower. The goal is a unified, continuous parking layout that ties the Grand Floridian DVC building directly to the Polynesian's newest tower. Plans also include what appears to be a covered walkway linking the DVC building to the Wedding Pavilion parking loop — a welcome addition for anyone who's ever sprinted through a sudden Florida downpour.
The parking project is closely connected to the broader World Drive North Phase 3 roadway improvements along the western edge of Walt Disney World property. A new section of Floridian Way is slated to open August 10, 2026, redirecting traffic between the Magic Kingdom parking lot and the Grand Floridian entrance. Temporary connector roads are already in place to keep access open to the Grand Floridian, the Wedding Pavilion, and the Polynesian Island Tower during construction. The full Phase 3 project is expected to wrap up in late 2027.
Guests visiting in the meantime should also note that the Grand Floridian Café closed for refurbishment on July 20, 2026. Disney is directing guests who want breakfast or brunch to Cítricos next door. The Monorail and most other resort amenities are currently operating on a normal schedule despite the active construction.
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This story was originally reported by Disney Fanatic.
