Disney has officially confirmed that the beloved gingerbread house display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will not be returning for the 2025 Disney Parks holiday season, as the resort’s lobby is set to undergo a major refurbishment.
According to reporter Scott Gustin on X, work on the Grand Floridian lobby is scheduled to begin Monday, April 14, and will continue throughout the year. The planned upgrades include new carpeting, updated furnishings, and the addition of a brand-new lobby bar.
The gingerbread house, a longtime holiday staple at Walt Disney World, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. Its absence in 2025 marks a rare break in tradition for the Grand Floridian, which has become synonymous with holiday elegance and nostalgia.
Although the lobby will be under construction, Disney confirmed that all resort pools and dining locations will remain open to guests during the refurbishment. Concept art for the redesigned lobby was released on Thursday, April 10, giving guests a glimpse at what to expect once renovations are complete. Still, many fans are voicing their disappointment online.
“Boooooooo why wouldn’t they start it earlier to be ready for the holiday season,” one user wrote on X. Another commented, “This is a bummer. We booked our trip this year during the holidays, partly to see this.” A third added, “Something tells me this is the time they use this excuse for it to never come back.”
While Disney has not said whether the gingerbread house will return after 2025, its absence will certainly be felt by longtime fans and first-time visitors alike, who consider the display a must-see part of the holiday magic at Walt Disney World.
Disney Parks Blog has also unveiled new concept art for the Grand Floridian’s updated lobby, offering a first look at the space’s fresh yet familiar aesthetic. Celebrating the elegance of Florida’s grand seaside resorts and the golden age of travel, the reimagined lobby aims to preserve the charm and hospitality the resort is known for while embracing a new era of luxury.
This marks the final phase of a multi-year renovation across the resort, which has already included refreshed guest rooms and enhanced dining experiences, such as the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s, and the recently reopened 1900 Park Fare.
A standout addition to the lobby will be a new Victorian-inspired bar, which draws inspiration from the atrium’s iconic birdcage. The space will feature intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents, creating a cozy and elegant setting for guests to unwind.
Murals and stained-glass details will showcase colorful birds throughout the space, while the beloved cage-style elevator will remain in place, maintaining a touch of nostalgia amid the updates.