While you consider probably the most opulent and iconic of Walt Disney World resorts, there is a good probability that pictures of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa dance by way of your head.
This resort exudes a Disneyized model of turn-of-the-century Victorian appeal that leans into using mild colours, excessive ceilings, stained glass, chandeliers and marble. There’s even a cage elevator and occasional reside piano music within the towering foyer to assist additional set the scene.
But, regardless of the flowery setting, the vibe is definitely neither stuffy nor intimidating. You will see bathing suit-clad children squealing by way of the sweeping foyer extra often than you will see fits and jackets strolling by — although you will seemingly catch a glimpse of these, too, primarily within the evenings as some fortunate diners head to the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s restaurant that calls this resort residence.
What’s Disney’s Grand Floridian?
Disney’s Grand Floridian just isn’t an authentic opening-day Disney World resort, however it’s positioned on the well-known monorail loop and performed a significant position in transitioning Disney into an period of fast resort enlargement when it opened in 1988. A brand new resort hadn’t been added to Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971, however since Grand Floridian joined the roster, Disney World has welcomed effectively over a dozen further lodge resorts, many coming within the Nineteen Nineties, proper on the heels of the Grand Floridian.
When it comes to theme, whereas Disney’s Up to date Resort attracts inspiration from the glossy, white traces of Tomorrowland and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort enjoys unique and worldwide influences from Adventureland, the Grand Floridian is impressed by the upbeat theme of the Magic Kingdom’s Predominant Avenue, U.S.A.
There isn’t any denying that its spot on the Seven Seas Lagoon, only a stroll or brief monorail experience away from the Magic Kingdom, is likely one of the greatest spots of actual property in all of Walt Disney World.
However earlier than you drop $700 or extra per evening to ebook a room at this deluxe Disney resort, there are some things you’ll want to know so you possibly can determine if the Grand Floridian is the proper Disney resort for you.
Associated: Every part you’ll want to learn about visiting Walt Disney World Resort
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How you can ebook the Grand Floridian Resort
It’s normal for comparatively normal rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian to value $700-$1,000 per evening. You may ebook a keep immediately with Disney World or through a Disney trip planner (at no further cost) who could possibly enable you take advantage of your Disney trip and preserve a watch out for reductions.
FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.
If you are going to spend hundreds of {dollars} on a keep on the Grand Floridian, I extremely suggest incomes a bunch of journey rewards in return through the use of some of the rewarding bank cards for journey, such because the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which earns 3 factors per greenback spent on journey. You could possibly additionally use that card’s $300 annual journey credit score towards the keep, too.
Alternatively, when you’ve got the Citi Status® Card (now not out there to new candidates), you possibly can get the fourth evening of your free keep when booked through cititravel.com (as much as two free evening awards per yr). The data for the Citi Status has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
However I might argue that the easiest method to ebook a visit to the Grand Floridian, as it can save you as much as 50% on the keep, is with rented Disney Trip Membership factors. Here is a real-world instance of how this could prevent a bunch of cash when staying at Grand Floridian:
For June 8-10, a studio at Grand Floridian is out there for a complete of 38 Disney Trip Membership factors. When you hire these factors from David’s Trip Membership — a really respected firm I’ve really helpful and personally used for years — you’d pay $23-$25 per rented level, relying on how far upfront you ebook. That is an all-in complete of $828-$900 for the two-night keep.
Conversely, in case you ebook that very same precise stick with money immediately with Disney, the worth is presently $1,800, which is at the very least double what you’d pay with rented DVC factors.
It is one of many closest resorts to the Magic Kingdom
Whereas the Grand Floridian is not technically the closest resort to the gates of the Magic Kingdom, it is nonetheless inside strolling distance.
Solely the Up to date Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Up to date Resort, that are each a few half-mile away from the park, are nearer — whereas the Grand Floridian is roughly 0.7 miles away through the walkway you could enter from the identical space because the resort boat launches.
Relying in your strolling velocity, count on this stroll to take 10 to fifteen minutes. You will not get pleasure from a ton of shade and coverings when it is scorching, humid and/or wet, however you will not have to attend for any transportation to indicate up, and you will get an up-close view of the monorail zooming by overhead as you make your approach between the resort and the park.
When you’d reasonably keep cool and dry, you are in luck, as you may as well choose to take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Merely clear safety and board it from the second degree of the foyer within the Grand Floridian to achieve the Magic Kingdom. For the reason that park is the subsequent cease on the monorail loop after the Grand Floridian departure level, you will be within the park very quickly.
You may also journey to and from the Magic Kingdom through a ship.
Professional tip: When you take the monorail from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom, you will get off on the first cease. Then, in case you take the boat from the Magic Kingdom again to Grand Floridian, that can also be going to let you get off on the first cease.
The resort is massive and unfold out
Though the Grand Floridian is not the most important resort at Disney World, as some properties occupy greater than 200 acres and have 2,000-plus rooms, it is nonetheless fairly massive by commonest requirements.
On the Grand Floridian’s 40 acres, you will discover greater than 800 rooms unfold all through the five-story foyer, plus the Sago Cay, Sugarloaf, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Massive Pine Key buildings. Moreover, there are a number of Disney Trip Membership villas housed inside a separate constructing on the alternative aspect of the principle Seashore Pool.
For sure, in case you are staying right here with a bunch, you possibly can find yourself being fairly unfold aside in case you aren’t cautious with room requests and choices. I like to recommend choosing rooms in both the principle foyer constructing or the Sago Cay and Sugarloaf buildings since they’re comparatively near the principle foyer, eating places and dock. These lodging are additionally on the top closest to the Magic Kingdom, so you will have a shorter stroll to the park.
Associated: How you can save some huge cash by renting Disney Trip Membership factors
Grand Floridian swimming pools
The Grand Floridian has two spectacular swimming pools.
The primary Seashore Pool, which holds greater than 100,000 gallons of water, has a 181-foot waterslide, waterfalls and a zero-entry space. Plus, you possibly can seize meals and drinks from the poolside Seashores Pool Bar & Grill to take pleasure in from a chaise lounge or a rented cabana. Poolside actions like video games and humanities and crafts can be found, too, ought to your loved ones want some selection when having a pool day.
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Moreover, there’s the big Courtyard Pool behind the principle constructing. It would not have a waterslide, lifeguards or actions, which ends up in a quieter environment than what you will discover on the Seashore Pool. Nevertheless, it does sometimes supply longer working hours, so you may get in an early-morning or late-night swim.
Little children can even take a look at the Mad Hatter-themed splash pad play space, which has a small waterslide, water sprays and an enormous water dump bucket that appears like a hat.
Associated: Cool swimming pools and sangria faculty: Issues non-Disney individuals can do at Disney World
Grand Floridian rooms and suites
The Grand Floridian’s normal rooms and studios, measuring round 440 sq. ft, function a lightweight “Mary Poppins” theme that emerged within the 2022 renovation. These are the biggest normal lodge rooms out there at Walt Disney World. Nevertheless, this further house (and close-to-Magic Kingdom location) comes at a price, because the rooms are constantly among the many most costly choices at Disney World.
Exterior of an enormous sale (or reserving through rented DVC factors, as beforehand talked about), it is fairly frequent to search out normal outer-building rooms on the Grand Floridian hovering between $700 and $800 per evening. For an upgraded theme park view, count on to pay anyplace from $800 to over $1,000 per evening.
If you would like club-level entry, put together for sticker shock, as club-level rooms within the Grand Floridian’s important constructing are sometimes greater than $1,200 per evening.
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However in case you do splurge on reserving a club-level room on the Grand Floridian, you are in for a deal with. Make sure and take advantage of the membership because it does have wonderful meals and beverage choices, particularly within the mornings and evenings. Professional tip: Do not miss the all-you-want Mickey bar ice cream freezer.
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Bigger suites, together with one, two or three bedrooms, are additionally out there, each when booked immediately with Disney or through rented DVC factors. We rented factors to sleep as much as 5 individuals in a one-bedroom DVC suite just lately, and it labored out very effectively with a full kitchen, washer, dryer and each a pull-down Murphy mattress and single mattress beneath the TV out there in the lounge.
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Personally, I discover the styling of those bigger DVC rooms to be somewhat extra old school than the Grand Floridian resort rooms and DVC studios, however that is a matter of non-public desire.
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Grand Floridian eating places and bars
Those that keep on the Grand Floridian have easy accessibility to among the most upscale eating places and facilities at Disney World.
Victoria & Albert’s
Right here, you possibly can dine at certainly one of Disney’s most unique eating venues: Victoria & Albert’s. The Michelin-starred, AAA 5 Diamond Award-winning restaurant serves connoisseur fare through a number of programs (the prix fixe menu begins at $295 per individual) dished out for hours in a chic house that completely matches the Victorian-era design of the property.
Consuming at Victoria & Albert’s is an expertise effectively price having — in case your price range permits it and also you’re in a position to snag a coveted reservation. Simply remember to costume appropriately (dinner jackets are required) and go away the little ones behind, as children 9 and youthful aren’t permitted.
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Victoria & Albert’s. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Narcoossee’s
If you’d like meal that does not take three to 4 hours or require a go well with jacket, Narcoosee’s remains to be a really good eating choice at Grand Floridian. This restaurant is open for dinner, positioned on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon (which implies some tables have views of fireworks) and serves a wide range of largely seafood-focused gadgets similar to shrimp and grits ($19), gulf shrimp bucatini ($44), buttermilk-fried calamari ($18) and rather more.
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1900 Park Fare
After a four-year closure, 1900 Park Fare reopened as certainly one of Walt Disney World’s latest character meals. Inside, you will get an opportunity to take pleasure in some fan favorites similar to strawberry soup, cinnamon pull-apart bread and tacky potato casserole. Meals is served buffet-style (breakfast is $58 per grownup and $37 per baby; dinner is $69 per grownup and $44 per baby).
However whereas the meals is nice, it is the characters which are the starring attraction. For the reason that reopening of this restaurant, the characters encompass Cinderella, Mirabel, Tiana and Aladdin, who’re there to assist your kiddos study to be “want makers” like they’re.
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Citricos
Yet one more worthwhile restaurant at Grand Floridian open for dinner is Citricos, which has decor impressed by the backyard animated scene in “Mary Poppins.” This restaurant presents a mixture of Floridian and Mediterranean delicacies, with menu gadgets similar to candy corn bisque ($15), guava-barbecued brief ribs ($54) and smoked cauliflower ($12).
Grand Floridian Cafe
A extra informal table-service restaurant on the Grand Floridian is the Grand Floridian Cafe, open for 3 meals a day. Right here one can find an heirloom apple salad ($13), a signature burger with memorable toppings similar to brie, bacon-pepper jam, roasted garlic aioli and arugula ($26), and Cajun pasta with hen ($33).
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Enchanted Rose
One among my favourite bars in all of Disney World needs to be the Grand Floridian’s Enchanted Rose.
This “Magnificence and the Beast”-inspired lounge is positioned within the resort’s important constructing and is open from late afternoon to the night. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., you may get appetizers similar to seasonal flatbread ($18) and charcuterie ($22) to associate with the in depth checklist of cocktails, wine, beer and extra.
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There’s additionally a decently sized lounge sort of space instantly adjoining to the Enchanted Rose the place you may as well order meals and drinks in case you do not want to sit immediately on the bar.
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The Grand Floridian additionally has meals and beverage service by the principle pool and a quick-service choice, Gasparilla Island Grill, that is sometimes open from 6 a.m. till late within the night and presents gadgets similar to pastries, burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches and kid-meal staples similar to hen fingers and fries you could order in individual or upfront for pick-up in your My Disney Expertise app.
Grand Floridian Spa and gymnasium
You will discover the one full-service spa at any Walt Disney World-owned and operated lodge on the Grand Floridian. Right here, you possibly can ebook massages, facials, nail and hair providers, and extra. When it comes to pricing, you possibly can presently count on a 50-minute therapeutic massage to begin at $190 earlier than charges and gratuity.
In the identical space because the spa, there’s additionally a gymnasium that is open 24/7 to Grand Floridian friends full with cardio machines, free weights and resistance machines.
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The property is further magical (and fashionable) across the holidays
For me, the very best time to remain on the Grand Floridian is, with out query, in late November and December. This time of yr is when the resort shines the brightest because of its huge tree, life-size gingerbread home, poinsettias, garland and different festive decorations.
Not solely are you able to admire the vacation view, however you may as well buy a gingerbread shingle from the life-size home to take pleasure in as a snack. In truth, this time of yr is so magical that some friends plan annual holidays to keep up all evening watching the Christmas tree within the atrium go up.
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As an added bonus, the property’s proximity to the Magic Kingdom means it is one of many best to remain at when going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration.
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Accessibility
Disney World is usually a terrific vacation spot for these with accessibility wants. Disney’s web site signifies that each one Disney Resort resorts embody an accessible path of journey from arrival to the foyer space, in addition to to accessible visitor rooms, eating places, retailers, assembly rooms, enterprise facilities, swimming pools, train services and laundry services.
There’s close-in parking for these with a incapacity parking allow, a pool raise on the swimming pools, and you’ll ebook each hearing- and wheelchair-accessible rooms on-line or over the cellphone.
Testing
The Grand Floridian is the place Disney World feels fairly magical in a approach that is laborious to copy elsewhere.
This is not only a cookie-cutter lodge that occurs to be positioned on Disney property however in any other case might be plopped down anyplace and slot in. It is themed from high to backside, with reside piano music within the foyer and Victorian inspiration so far as the attention can see.
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The resort presents settings for a lot of elegant moments, be it grand staircases or opulent promenades the place you possibly can really feel like a Disney prince or princess.
Being only a brief stroll or monorail experience from the Magic Kingdom definitely provides to the resort’s attraction and recognition. Nevertheless, that, after all, comes at a steep value, so be sure to do your homework earlier than you ebook to make sure you’re getting probably the most bang to your buck by opting to remain right here.
If you cannot fairly swing a keep on the Grand Floridian, you possibly can all the time pop by for a number of hours to stroll round or seize a chunk to eat or a beverage on the property and hearken to music fill the atrium within the evenings.
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