Disneys Resort Profiles: Grand Floridian Resort

 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a Victorian-inspired ‘seaside’ resort. Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Unwind outdoors, indulge in a luxurious massage, and watch evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella’s Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era. An open-cage elevator takes you in style to shopping and dining venues. The Grand Floridian Orchestra entertains in the Grand Lobby, or maybe there’s a pianist, in a tux, playing the grand piano.

Disney’s flagship resort has definitely seen better days. Based on my experience, the rooms are run down, and customer service isn’t what it used to be. There are resorts with much better theming, service and amenities. However, we are looking forward to staying here for our princess themed trip next year. The access to Magic Kingdom and the dining and activity options are what makes a stay here so special.

Even if it is still a bit higher to stay onsite, the benefits can far outweigh the added cost. I have laid out those benefits for you to see how staying at a Disney resort is a good value for you in my blog “Benefits to Staying at a Disney Resort.”

PROS:

Dining options

Spa

Additional activities

Rooms are large and sleep 5

CONS:

Theming Pools aren’t anything special

Overpriced

Run-down

Good For:

Adults,

Princesses  

If you would like to book this resort, click here

Room Options:

• Garden View – the most economical choice.

• Theme Park View – rooms have a view of the Magic Kingdom & castle.

• Lagoon View – offers a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

• Lodge Tower

• Standard Room / Club Level

• Outer Lodge, Standard Room / Club level

• Deluxe Room

• Deluxe King Room / Club Level

• Victorian Suite / Club Level

• 1 Bedroom Suite / Club Level

• 2 Bedroom Suite / Club level

• Disney Suite / Club level

• Grand Suite / Club Level

Dining:

1900 Park Fare (Table Service)
Delight in breakfast and dinner buffets, plus a merry afternoon tea party, each hosted by Disney Characters. Supercalifragilistic Breakfast: join favorite Disney Friends for this fabulously festive, all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet! “Popp in” for custom-made omelets, fluffy mini pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, carved ham and more. Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner is an enchanting buffet dinner hosted by Cinderella and Prince Charming! The Princess’ storybook friends join in the festivities as you have a ball dining on delectable seafood, salad, pasta and beef specialties. 

Grand Floridian Cafe (Table Service)
At the Grand Floridian Cafe, drink in the sweeping views along the veranda that overlooks the courtyard and sparkling pool. Specialties include beautiful salads, soups, sandwiches, and creative entrées for lunch, and steak and fresh seafood for dinner.

Narcoossee’s (Table Service)
Enjoy a beautiful view of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella’s Castle while you delight in superb seafood, steak and more in this waterfront hideaway. Narcoossee’s serves a spectacular, innovative selection of fresh seafood from both local waters and around the globe. For land-based fare, savor options like grass-fed filet mignon and the Black Angus New York strip. Or, enjoy the best of both worlds with a surf-and-turf dish that features sirloin steak and a lobster tail.

Victoria & Albert’s (Table Service/Signature/Fine Dining) 

At Victoria & Albert’s, indulge your discriminating culinary tastes at this elite, intimate and elegant eatery recognized by the nation’s top food critics. This very-special-occasion romantic Victorian retreat offers nightly harpists, lavish decor, fresh-cut flowers, personalized menus, Italian Sambonet silver, fine Royal Doulton and Wedgwood china, and Italian Frette tablecloths. An exceptional prix fixe menu paired with world-class wines is prepared daily. Luxury ingredients and sheer artistry make any meal here a memory to cherish.  For an extra special night, book a spot at the Chef’s Table. 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Quick Service)
Relax and refuel in this casual dining restaurant. Start your day with Mickey Waffles or a breakfast platter. Enjoy a variety of entrees available for lunch and dinner. Selections include an artisan burger, pepperoni pizza, or a hot italian sandwich. Beer and wine are available.

Enchanted Rose (Lounge)
Please your palate with delectable dishes and shimmering sips when you visit this newly reimagined lounge inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Visit this signature lounge for an evening of enchantment, where you can order exquisite appetizers like White Sturgeon Caviar, Truffle Fries, and more. The bar itself glows from the light of a magnificent golden chandelier inspired by Belle’s flowing ball gown.

Garden View Tea Room (Lounge) 

Delight in an elegant morning or afternoon tea overlooking the gardens and pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Tea cakes and other traditional tantalizing treats accompany a wide selection of tasty teas.

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
Enjoy a drink in style at this gleaming white gazebo bar by the sandy beach and zero-entry pool. Sip on a selection of wines, draft beers, and specialty cocktails—like the Sunshine Margarita. Snacks and poolside service are available.

Courtyard Pool Bar

Enjoy a refreshing dip then a refreshing sip by the largest pool at the Resort. A ping-pong table and 2 TVs provide added entertainment. Specialty cocktails, beer, wine, sangria, a Buffalo chicken wrap, all-beef gourmet hot dogs or pretzels with hummus are available through poolside service.

Children’s dining activities:

Perfectly Princess Tea Party:. Encouraged to dress as their favorite Disney Princess, young royals sip apple juice “tea” and feast on fruit, an assortment of sandwiches—some heart-cut—and Princess Cake. A magical rose fairy hosts the party, leading a special princess parade, storytelling and sing-alongs.

In-Room Dining
Whether you’re hungry for a late dinner or you just want some breakfast when you wake, private dining is the ticket. With Disney Resorts Private Dining, you can choose from a variety of American favorites—along with some specialty items particular to your Disney Resort hotel!

Activities 

The Beach Pool is the main pool with a beach, zero-depth entry, a water slide, waterfalls, and cabana rentals. The Courtyard Pool is the ‘quiet’ pool, with a toddler pool, Alice in Wonderland Children’s Water Play Area, and two whirlpool spas nearby. The Captain’s Shipyard Marina offers boat rental, water cruises, fishing excursions, and parasailing. Enjoy lounging by the beach, playing volleyball or tennis, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa.  Silhouette artwork is offered daily from 6–10 p.m. in the main lobby. 

Nightly Disney Movies Under The Stars by the Courtyard Pool.

Activities and programs are subject to change. Although the activities vary by day and by resort, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find. 

Check your tv for the schedule during your stay.

Services

Coin-Operated Laundry facilities, Valet laundry service, Shoeshine Facilities

Ivey Trellis Salon, Full-service spa

Business Center

Shopping

Basin sells beauty and bath products.

Commander Porters has men’s casual wear, golf wear & fine clothing.

M. Mouse Mercantile sells Disney apparel and souvenirs.

Pool Side Cabana stocks swimwear and swimming accessories.

Sandy Cove carries a wide variety of items: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa logo items, gifts, snacks, as well as collectibles.

Summer Lace sells women’s wear, plus fine gifts, jewelry, scarves, handbags, and fragrances.

Transportation:

The Monorail is available for transportation to the Magic Kingdom as well as Epcot (transfer required). There is also a water launch to the Magic Kingdom. There is Disney bus transportation to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom as well as the water parks and Disney Springs.

The monorail stop is located off the Grand Lobby second floor, at the front of the resort. The bus stop is located in front of the resort, to the right as you exit the Grand Lobby on the first floor. The boat launch is located on the Seven Seas Lagoon side of the resort, near Narcoossee’s.

These times are approximate, provided to give you an idea of average travel times. Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort or theme park transportation stops.

Magic Kingdom – 5 minutes by monorail, 15 minutes by boat

Epcot – 17 minutes by bus, 30 minutes by monorail

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 16 minutes by bus, 19 minutes by car

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 20 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car

Disney Springs – 22 minutes by bus, 19 minutes by car

Blizzard Beach Water Park – 20 minutes by bus, 16 minutes by car

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 20 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car

Tips

Firework Viewing: The beach at the Grand Floridian has a perfect view of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks, as well as the electric water pageant. 

Grand Floridian Orchestra: If you hang around the lobby for a while you might get to hear the Grand Floridian Orchestra on the second floor. This orchestra plays great music that goes perfectly with this resort’s lovely Victorian feel.

Garden View Tea: True to this resort’s theme one of the best meals you can get is a true English tea at Garden View Tea Room! Have finger sandwiches and scones as you drink your very own Twinings pot of tea.

Parasol Parade: Early rising guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa can enjoy a cheery parade of parasol-toting housekeepers on Mondays and Fridays. The Housekeeping Cast Members slowly stroll through the Victorian courtyard around the pool. What a practically perfect way to start the day!

NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RESORT FOR YOU?

The right resort can upgrade your entire Disney vacation—but with more than 25 Disney resorts and hotels to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! I can help you so you can choose the perfect-fit resort for your family—based on your budget, travel style, and family’s interests. DOWNLOAD the Guide to Choosing the Right Resort to understand the differences in amenities, how to choose the resort with the right location and which resorts offer the activities you are looking for.

 

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