A grand hotel with gabled roofs and Victorian balustrades typical of the fabled Florida beach resorts of the 19th century is considered Disney World’s most deluxe hotel option. I am of course talking about the famed Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This resort is nestled on the picturesque shores of Seven Seas Lagoon between the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It welcomed its first guests in mid-1988.
Classification Deluxe Resort & DVC
Located Between the Magic Kingdom & Polynesian
Check-In: 3:00 p.m. / Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
Rooms: 867
Often referred to as “the jewel in the crown” of Disney’s Vacation Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian also may be the first resort of its kind since the golden era of Henry M. Flagler. But this time, it has all the advantages of 21st-century living. Plus one of the more grand features, a monorail service that stops right beside the 19th century Grand Lobby.
The style of the buildings is reminiscent of the Victorian era yet is more playful and relaxed. It is embellished by intricate latticework and balustrades and 120 miles of scrolls, turn posts, and curved moldings. When you first take in the snow-white towers and red-shingle roofs it makes a dramatic first impression.
Rooms at the Grand Floridian
The resort accommodations are among the most luxurious on Disney property. Guestroom decor features include soft, spring-like colors and printed wall coverings, armoires and other furnishings in light woods, marble-top sinks with old-fashion fittings, and Victorian woodwork. Most rooms include two queen-size beds plus a day bed. Suites include a parlor plus one to three bedrooms.
In the main building, the third-floor concierge lobby includes two concierge desks designed to provide personalized services such as check-in/check-out, reservations, information, etc. The fourth-floor concierge lobby includes a quiet seating area where club-level guests can enjoy, at no additional charge, continental breakfasts and evening cocktails. The club-level and suite rooms with private elevator access in the 225,000-square-foot Sugar Loaf Key building include in-room facilities such as a wet bar and lavish decor. One of the resort’s five lodge buildings also features personal concierge service. Guests staying in club-level rooms and suites are eligible for personalized vacation-planning support.
Lobby at the Grand Floridian
An open-cage elevator, aviary, palms, and ferns set the mood in the sitting area of the Grand Lobby, which reaches five stories to a Victorian ceiling adorned with three illuminated stained- glass domes, ornate chandeliers, and metal scrolls.
Shopping at the Grand Floridian
Shops carry on the theme in displays featuring turn-of-the-century toys and clothing. Shopping options are abundant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. On the first floor,
Sandy Cove Gifts & Sundries carry food, drinks and snack items, plus medicine, suntan lotion, stamps, and other various sundries. Resort logo items for adults and various Disney Parks merchandise make Sandy Cove Gifts & Sundries a must see. Summer Lace – a ladies’ shop – offers upscale designer clothing, hair accessories, costume and fine jewelry, watches, swimwear, casual shoes, fragrances, and Guerlain makeup in an elegant and airy setting. Resort logo items for women can also be found here.
On the second floor, M. Mouse Mercantile is just a few steps from the monorail. There are toys, costumes, Disney Pin Trading, costume jewelry, princess wear, and children’s apparel. On the same floor, Commander Porter’s – a men’s shop – carries Disney golf shirts and assorted accessories. Upscale items by various designers, plus cigars, watches, casual shoes, fragrances and more are offered. Basin White offers all-natural bath, body and hair care products.
Dining at the Grand Floridian
Gasparilla Grill and Games
Relax and refuel 24/7 in this casual dining restaurant. Enjoy a hot breakfast served daily until 11:00 AM, and made-to-order grill items until 11:30 PM. Sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, soups, salads, grab ‘n’ go items, desserts, beer, and wine are available.
Victoria & Albert’s
This restaurant often makes Disney fans bucket list. It’s the highest rated and awarded restaurant at Disney World. Throughout the approximately 3-hour service, the chef offers up superb morsels and tasting samples, tailoring the mouth-watering feast to your party’s dietary preferences. And when you choose the optional wine pairing, the sommelier selects the ideal vintage to enjoy with each portion of your meal.
This fine dining experience comes with a hefty price tag. Although subject to change, the Prix Fixe begins at $250.00 per Guest, and wine pairing begins at $150.00 per Guest. (Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.)
Cítricos
You’ll find Citricos on the second floor of the Grand Floridian. It’s off of the main atrium and tucked behind Victoria and Albert’s. Its location alone lets you know to expect big things from this restaurant. For our full review go here.
1900 Park Fare
This lovely spot hosts character dining at breakfast and dinner plus the popular Wonderland Tea Party. Grand Floridian Cafe serves a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located on the first floor of the hotel.
Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea
This one of a kind tea for kids is offered daily in Garden View Tea Room.
Narcoossee’s
Head outside the main building to uncover Narcoossee’s. It’s a seafood restaurant situated on a romantic shoreline. Octagon-shaped and open-beamed, Narcoossee’s features a show kitchen where cooks broil, steam, sauté and smoke the catches of the day. For our full review read Narcoossee’s Dining Review.
The Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
This spot out by the main pool offers grilled items and specialty entrees. It has great views of Seven Seas Lagoon as well.
Pool and Recreation at the Grand Floridian
Hotel recreation is water-oriented at the Grand Floridian. You can step out on white sand beaches on Seven Seas Lagoon, with a marina and rental craft. Beach Pool has a natural spring setting complete with a waterfall flowing from a 27-foot-tall stone mountain and a waterslide. Little kids will love making a splash in the “Alice in Wonderland” themed water activity play area.
Boating at the Grand Floridian
For the most lavish water experience, the Grand 1 Yacht offers a pampered VIP boating experience on Seven Seas Lagoon overlooking the Magic Kingdom.
The 52-foot Sea Ray yacht sails on morning, afternoon or evening excursions, with views of a fireworks display above the Magic Kingdom on select evenings. For the ultimate cruise, private butler service and onboard gourmet dining are available.
Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
This is a full-service spa and health club that pampers guests with a variety of personalized treatments including massage therapy, body treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Men’s and women’s sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and a workout room round out the amenities.
What do you think of this top of the line hotel at Walt Disney World? Let us know about it and if you have stayed at the Grand Floridian in the comment section below!
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
