Guests staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have some welcome news: the resort's popular Alice in Wonderland (1951)-themed splash pad has reopened after closing in August for refurbishment. The Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotel, which first opened on June 28, 1988, is in the midst of a broader wave of renovation work — and the splash pad is the latest area to come out the other side.
What Happened During the Closure?
When the splash pad went offline in August, guests noticed some telling signs of work underway: water was drained from the area, decorative portraits of Disney characters were removed, and the signature Mad Hatter hat at the top of the structure was wrapped in construction equipment. Walt Disney World Resort didn't publicly share specific plans for the refurbishment, which is fairly typical for routine projects of this kind.
The resort's official webpage does give guests a broader heads-up about ongoing renovation efforts at the property:
"Renovations at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will continue in select areas, including the covered entrance, through early 2027. Guests may see or hear work during daytime hours and may need to take alternative routes.
From mid-July through October 2026, Grand Floridian Cafe will temporarily close for a refresh. During this time, brunch will continue to be offered at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but it will temporarily move to Cítricos. All other dining locations at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will remain during the renovations.
This holiday season at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Guests can enjoy elegant seasonal décor and festive offerings, along with new miniature gingerbread displays featured throughout the Resort. To help keep the lobby flowing smoothly for Resort Guests, the traditional large gingerbread house will not be offered this year."
The Splash Pad Is Back — With a Notable Tweak
The splash pad reopened on October 1, and WDWNT visited the resort to check out the results. The Alice in Wonderland theming is still intact, but there is one meaningful change: the Mad Hatter bucket, which used to intermittently dump gallons of water on delighted guests, is no longer functioning as it once did.
Rather than tipping and releasing a dramatic rush of water, the tophat is now bolted in place at a slight angle, allowing a much smaller, steady stream of water to spill out continuously. The beloved surprise-soaking experience that generations of guests enjoyed is no longer part of the attraction.
Beyond that change, the splash pad appears largely the same. The refurbishment seems to have been primarily focused on replacing the flooring in the area after years of wear from water, weather, and guest use.
Which Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotel is your favorite — Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? Let us know in the comments!