Accommodations - INTERCOT Discussion Boards

New Rooms and Lobby at Pop Century Resort

John Yaglenski — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:25:41 +0000

There is something instantly cheerful about Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Bold color, playful details, and nostalgic winks to decades past spark joy for the young and the young-at-heart.

With the resort’s recent refreshes coming together throughout the lobby, Petals Pool Bar, and refreshed rooms, the experience feels even brighter and more “Pop” than ever.

Celebrate the Decades with New Lobby Details

The first thing you’ll notice when you step into the newly reimagined lobby is how bright and energetic the space is, with plenty of spots to pause, take everything in, and snap a photo before you head out for your Disney day.

New touches include vibrant floor-to-ceiling artwork inspired by pop culture from the 1950s-1990s and larger-than-life illustrations of Disney’s Fab Five. The decades come alive through bold patterns and graphics like the TV wall, a collection of vintage-style television frames that creates a delightfully retro backdrop.

The refresh also made the space work better for today’s guests. To create more room to relax while waiting to check in or head out, the teams behind the magic reconfigured part of the lobby and added more seating, including communal tables that give guests more places to sit, recharge or get a little work done.

“One of our biggest goals was making the lobby feel brighter, more vibrant and more functional for Guests,” said Luis Sanchez, project manager on the Facility Asset Management team. “We looked at everything from the lighting to the seating layout so the space feels more open and comfortable — and supports the look and feel Disney Imagineers envisioned.”

While the design grabs your attention, the welcome is what makes it feel like Disney. Whether you’re ready to start your vacation or figuring out where to go next, cast members are right there to help you settle in, answer quick questions, and make arrival feel effortless.

Cool Off at Petals Pool Bar

Petals Pool Bar has always been a bright spot at the Hippy Dippy Pool, and newly refreshed finishes make it the perfect pit stop for a mid-day break between splashes. Up close, tile details add texture and color behind the bar, and clear digital menu boards make ordering simple.

The space also received refreshed finishes and thoughtful updates that make ordering easier and the overall experience more comfortable for both guests and cast members.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a great pool day without the people who keep it running smoothly. Cast members bring the friendly, upbeat service that makes Petals Pool Bar a fan-favorite, offering quick recommendations and helpful answers so you can stay in vacation mode.

Recharge With Refreshed Rooms

After a full day of fun, the refreshed rooms offer a bright and comfy space to kick back and relax.

Disney Imagineers brought Pop Century’s playful, decade-inspired style into the refreshed rooms through a brighter palette and layered textures — with warm, wood-toned flooring and a geometric inset area with pops of blue, gray, green, and orange, and soft sky-blue accents near the bed wall and bathroom.

Refreshed curtains and patterned upholstery add extra personality, with subtle touches — including Hidden Mickeys in the chair fabric — that keep the space feeling unmistakably Disney while still clean, comfortable, and functional.

The enhancements to the lobby, Petals Pool Bar, and rooms shine alongside earlier updates at Everything POP Shopping & Dining, including refreshed dining and shopping spaces and a new coffee shop for fueling up before you head to your next adventure.

Countless Reasons to Stay in the Magic

One of the best parts of a Disney Resort hotel stay is the support that’s built into the experience, including how easy it is to get where you’re going. At Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you’re just steps away from access to the Disney Skyliner, making it simple to travel to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And when it’s time for the rest — finding your way, choosing a meal, figuring out transportation, or getting a question answered — cast members are always ready to help keep your day moving smoothly.

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel also comes with conveniences that make vacation days feel simpler from start to finish, like early theme park entry. For even more convenience, the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney pilot lets eligible guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels transfer luggage to and from Orlando International Airport when flying with participating airlines.

However you “do” Pop Century — park days, pool days, or a little of both — these refreshed spaces are ready to welcome you with plenty of personality, comfort, and signature Disney service throughout.

Grand Floridian Lobby Refurbishment: New Experiences Coming Soon

John Yaglenski — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:52:26 +0000

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has always been a place where timeless elegance meets Disney storytelling — and now, that story continues with a fresh new chapter.

Over the past several months, guests visiting the resort have eagerly noticed the bright and inviting updates to the lobby as enhancements gradually took shape. The transformation is almost complete, and the result is nothing short of grand.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring What’s Next

Modeled after the grandeur of the Victorian era, the refreshed design celebrates the magic of discovery and blends classic charm with comfort. Each design choice is a love letter to the resort’s Floridian roots and the golden age of travel that inspired it.

Stepping into the lobby feels both familiar and new. Warm light filters through the updated stained-glass skylights, illuminating detailed woodwork and the sparkle of newly refreshed chandeliers above.

New furnishings invite guests to relax and take in the view. From the vintage-inspired wood-framed seating to grand pier mirrors featuring the resort’s iconic logo, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to preserve the resort’s heritage while creating a welcoming space for today’s guests.

Grand Floridian Lobby Bar: The Perch Opens in November

Guests can grab a drink and enjoy the resort lobby’s new look at The Perch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa beginning November 10.

Sip and savor from a light menu featuring champagne, wine, beer, and two signature cocktails: the Sunshine State Rum Sazerac and the Floridian 75. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, the Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea is a delightful blend of lemon, blueberry, and basil tea.

This all-new lobby bar celebrates the resort’s Victorian roots through intricate woodwork, elegant herringbone tile, and custom stained glass that shimmers with subtle hues.

You might even spot a few feathered friends that have taken flight throughout the atrium, adorning the stained glass, murals, and wallpaper.

Victorian Charm Meets Disney Magic

Above the grand staircase, a new impressionist-style mural imagines what the Grand Floridian may have looked like at the turn of the century, framed by royal and sabal palms (Florida’s state tree!).

Beneath your feet, the new atrium carpet blooms with meaning. Inspired by the Victorian “Language of Flowers,” the design celebrates hospitality, joy, and grace through florals native to Florida’s subtropical landscape.

Look closely and you’ll find a few special nods woven into the pattern — like the orange blossom (Florida’s state flower and a symbol of prosperity), palms, moonstones (Florida’s state gemstone), and even a few Hidden Mickeys tucked among more than 200 individual blossoms.

The Garden View Lounge Returns in 2026

We may be putting the finishing touches on the lobby, but the story doesn’t end there. In early 2026, The Garden View Lounge will reopen with a refreshed look that complements the new lobby design. The space will offer a new tea experience with whimsical Disney touches for guests of all ages.

Updates to the Grand Floridian Convention Center

The Grand Floridian Convention Center has also been elegantly refreshed, carrying the same refined design from the lobby and guest rooms into one of our most celebrated event spaces. If you’re attending a wedding, a special event, or simply admiring its splendor, every moment here feels touched by a bit of Disney magic.

A Grand Tradition of Hospitality

For decades, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has set the standard for Disney hospitality. This elegant new chapter continues that legacy, and we can’t wait for you to discover even more of the details waiting to be found in every corner.

Whether you’re here for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration or to enjoy every-day magic, Disney Resorts Collection hotels provide the perfect backdrop for memorable moments with the ones who matter most — from the next-level storytelling to the unbeatable service provided by cast members.

This transformation is just one of the ways we’re investing in spaces at our resorts — including our guest rooms, common areas, and amenities like our fan-favorite pools — to keep them fresh and exciting for our guests to revisit time and time again. With 25+ uniquely themed Disney Resorts Collection hotels, there are countless ways to enjoy a stay at Walt Disney World.

First Look at Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Renovation

John Yaglenski — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:21:01 +0000

Just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has delighted guests with its Victorian charm and timeless atmosphere since 1988.

A celebration of the golden age of travel and Florida’s lavish seaside hotels, the resort is known for its unique theming and Disney hospitality – two qualities we continue to honor during the renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby.

The lobby’s renovation marks the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms, refreshed dining experiences, including the Michelin star-awarded Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more.

Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar

There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar!

Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. You may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love.

New Look, Same Grand Feel

The surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere.

Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.

As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.

The Magic of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is among the more than 25 Disney Resort hotels at The Most Magical Place on Earth – contributing to the nearly 29,000 guest rooms on Walt Disney World property. Guests at Disney Resort hotels like the Grand Floridian get a variety of special perks with an unbeatable location close to the magic. That’s in addition to the amazing cast members who deliver distinctly Disney service every day.

Whether you’re visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, an unforgettable meal or the Grand Floridian is your home away from home as a Disney Vacation Club member, the resort will continue to be one of the most special and unique places to stay on Disney World property.

And some things – like the warm welcome, the attention to detail, and that unmistakable feeling of stepping into somewhere truly special – will always stay the same.

Shades of Green, Disney's Military Resort

DizneyFreak2002 — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:36:12 +0000

Anyone ever stay here? My father is retired Air Force, and as a retiree he can stay here. The site states what is needed to prove he was Air Force. However, what can anyone who has ever stayed here tell me about the resort. Positives, negatives.

Pickleball on Property

Not2Loud — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:09:43 +0000

So does anyone play pickleball when staying on property? If so, where? I believe when I was at FW last year I saw they had the pickleball lines on the tennis courts.

Just thought I'd ask since I see folks playing most everywhere now.

Know Before You Go: New Caribbean Beach Resort Pool Restrictions

John Yaglenski — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 12:29:20 +0000

Effective immediately, in order to use the Fuentes del Morro pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Reaort, you are now required to show your Magic Band, Room Reservation or Room Key.

Once they verify you are a resort guest at CBR, you will be given you a bracelet to gain access. This new restriction follows other Disney resorts post 2020 in enforcing a no pool hopping policy.

RV Delivery

Not2Loud — Tue, 28 May 2024 18:39:50 +0000

I thought I read something recently about only certain companies being able to deliver RV's to Ft Wilderness? I am thinking about renting one again and wanted to make sure I used an approved company. Any word on this?

Island Tower Coming To Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows in Dec '24

John Yaglenski — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:19:19 +0000

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will take you on a storytelling journey that brings to life the spirit of Polynesia. Projected to open in December 2024, the proposed 10-story tower overlooking the stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon will celebrate the natural world, and of course, the magic of Disney. Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be within convenient walking distance to the Disney Monorail, making it the perfect base for visiting Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. Did you know that original concept designs for Disney’s Polynesian Resort featured a prominent tower as the heart of the resort? Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands. When you arrive at Island Tower, you will notice beautiful designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a gorgeous Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace. Inside the lobby, you will be greeted by an art panel installation on the ceiling inspired by several Polynesian Islands, showcasing wildlife native to each locale. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to Polynesians. Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with over a dozen artists from around the world to create unique artworks that will be displayed throughout the resort. From preserved moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, each piece will be inspired by the spirit of conservation and embody the rich cultures of Polynesia. Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a variety of room types that will sleep from two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Many rooms will feature spectacular views. In the meantime, here are some important dates to keep in mind:

June 4: Disney Vacation Club members can make early rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date.
June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.
June 6: All guests can make reservations

Source: Disney Parks Blog - by Heather Concannon, Public Relations Manager, Disney Signature Experiences

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Disney Springs Area

Monkeespaw — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:15:24 +0000

Does this hotel offer early admission to the parks? I know the Drury Lake Buena Vista location does and is listed in the My Dis Exp app but this hotel is not listed in the app for early admission but I read online that it does. Does the Disney Springs location also get you early admission??

This may be a mistake - but How To Get Into Ft. Wilderness for Halloween.

Jll3Sonex — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:30:44 +0000

If you've wanted to get down there for Halloween, like my lovely bride has for a LONG time now, you know that trying to get ANY reservations down there when they first open up is a fool's errand. You just can't do it - whatever's open is quickly reserved.

And that's the trick - 'reserved'.

This year we'd managed to get scheduled in on 1 November. So we staged down there at one of the local campgrounds. My lovely bride wanted to see the way folks dressed up their sites for Halloween so we got a Hoop-De-Doo Review reservation and showed up way early to walk through as many loops as possible. (Highly recommended, BTW, it's a lot of fun.) We showed up at Wekiwa Springs State Park on the 28th, set up, and went to HDDR on the 29th.

Orlando's got some pretty nice and inexpensive campgrounds, our favorite is Bill Frederick at Turkey Lake, but because it wasn't available due to plumbing renovations we went to Wekiwa Springs State Park. The prices are remarkably low (especially compared to Disney or KOA prices) so they're our go-to for when we first get down there.

We got back from the Review - and my lovely bride checked to see if we could get in on the 30th. We couldn't - but we could reserve for the 31st.

Apparently some people cancel at the last minute - and we were the beneficiaries. Of course we had to forfeit our stay at Wekiwa Springs on the 31st and lose the money for it - but $30? Yeah, she hesitated maybe two seconds on that when faced with the chance to get into Ft. Wilderness for Halloween.

We reserved, rejoiced, went to Sea World the next day, then on the 31st we packed up, stopped and got about 30 lbs of candy and some Halloween decorations - and headed to Ft. Wilderness.

Now - was this a one-off sort of chance? Maybe, maybe not. There were THREE other empty slots in our loop when we arrived, and two weren't filled for Halloween Night. And we don't know what the other loops were like that night.

Lessons of the story:

1. Proximity REALLY helps. If we'd been home, getting ready to head to Ft. Wilderness and figuring to arrive on 1 November, we wouldn't have been in place to take advantage of the sudden opening. But we were in the area and could take advantage of it.

2. Constant checking of the Ft. Wilderness Reservations page is important. She was checking twice a day, and caught this one as it came open two days ahead.

So - what's the mistake?

Well, now you know how you can get in for Halloween - and we'll see how things go next year! Good luck!