Last week, we brought you a Grand Floridian Resort update that showed how close Disney was to opening the new check-in area. Now, it’s open! We made it out to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort this morning to find that the new check-in area is complete, and that construction has expanded to the main seating area. Here’s a look around!
New Check-In at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby
We’ll start with a look at the new check-in desks and sitting area. The work took about 5 and a half months, and it included completely ripping out the old check-in area and building a new one from the ground up. It also included installing new lighting, new theming, and some work on the air conditioning.
First, here’s a look back at the old setup. Of note was that the check-in area was one very long desk with only one opening for Cast Members to walk through to enter the guest area.
And here’s a look at the new check-in area, unveiled recently. The first thing you’ll notice is that the check-in area has been reduced to half of what it was. This is likely more of a function of more guests utilizing the mobile check-in feature in the My Disney Experience app than it is an increased need for shin-high seating and Mickey Mouse cartoons.
Other significant changes include a departure from a sea of white and green marble. Instead, Disney has introduced a lot more wood grain, likely to tie in with the wooden Birdcage Bar being built in the middle of the lobby. We’ll get a look at that in a minute.
There are also new theming elements such as the lighting fixtures above the check-in area, and some theming on the walls. Here’s a closer look at the newly unveiled area!
Carpet Torn Up As Construction Moves to Main Seating Area
With this new check-in area now in use, crews have blocked off the majority of the main seating area to remove and replace the carpeting. As you can see in our photos below, a large part of the lobby is now behind construction walls, and the carpeting has been torn up as the next phase of the reimagining project begins.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
The new check in desks, lighting, and area is awful looking c compared to the old design!
Looks great and refreshed! The lighting is a bit jarring but otherwise I like this change so far