Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Experience Timeless Victorian Elegance with the Magic of Disney
Few Disney hotels are as iconic as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Where else can you enjoy superb dining and get a rejuvenating massage at the spa, all in an ornate Victorian-inspired setting??
Harkening back to the golden age of Palm Beach, ageless elegance meets modern sophistication to provide guests with the most lavish stay possible. At the Grand Floridian Resort, you can unwind indoors, indulge in a soothing massage, and marvel at the fireworks glittering above Cinderella Castle – all in complete comfort.
When you’re ready to pull yourself away from the hotel’s amenities to head to the parks, you’re just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom thanks to the complimentary Resort Monorail.
Always, Wonderfully, 1895…
While the iconic line “it is always eighteen ninety-five” comes from a fantastic poem about Sherlock Holmes, it’s also rather applicable to this Disney hotel.
Every room at the Grand Floridian Resort is adorned with elegant décor to transport you back in time to the world’s most stylish era. From details like window draperies to ornate headboards, you’ll love the way it feels like coming home – or like re-reading a Holmes story – when you come to your room after a day of Disney magic.
(We’re pretty sure this is where Disney’s other famous mouse, Basil, the great mouse detective, lives!)
When you check into the Grand Floridian Resort, you can choose from breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, or the courtyard, marina, and pool areas. Each beautifully furnished room sleeps up to 4-5 adults.
Reach For The Sky
For an elevated Disney hotel experience, opt for a club-level room. Each one is guaranteed to have awe-inspiring theme park views, and some rooms even boast a balcony – the ideal setting for a romantic, Victorian evening!
Club-level rooms also come with access to the complementary health club and the club-level lounge, with refreshments and newspapers available throughout the day. You’ll also gain access to Disney Signature Services for personal assistance making your Disney vacation the best it can be.
Splendid Suites
Fact: every room at the Grand Floridian Resort is luxurious.
But if you want your trip to be a little extra special, you might want to consider staying in a suite. The Grand Floridian offers 1 and 2 bedroom suites, which provide some extra breathing room.
You can choose the Victorian Suite or Disney Suite, both with views of the courtyard pool. Or, if you want the ultimate suite experience, opt for the majestic Grand Suite, with views of Magic Kingdom Park and panoramic views of the resort grounds!
Onsite Recreation, Perks, & Amenities
More than just a gorgeous place to stay during your Disney vacation, The Grand Floridian Resort is also brimming with plenty of perks to help make your trip that much better. It’s like the sprinkles on top of a Mickey Mouse cupcake!
Complimentary Transportation (Not Hansom Cabs)
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney hotel is how easy it makes it to get to and from the parks, and the Grand Floridian Resort is no exception. Although they are Victorian-themed, the transportation is very 21st century! (Which, frankly, is a bit of a bummer as I love a good horse-and-buggy ride.)
Disney Bus Transportation offers access to most areas around Walt Disney World Resort, and the Monorail provides quick, complimentary transportation straight to Magic Kingdom. Even better, you’re only one transfer away from EPCOT!
Electrical Water Pageant
A slight anachronism for a place set in the days of gaslights, the Grand Floridian Resort is actually an excellent place to catch the Electrical Water Pageant!
Every evening, watch as sparkling sea creatures cruise the lagoon in tune with electronic versions of the Disney songs you know and love. Bop along, get up and dance, or just enjoy the show from your hotel room window. It’s the perfect end to a perfect Disney day!
What’s your favorite electrical light creature?? I personally love the turtle.
Make a Splash!
Dip into the 111,261-gallon pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon for an afternoon of fun in the sun!
Nestled in a serene natural springs-inspired setting with cascading waterfalls and a zero-depth entry, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to paradise. The walking bridge offers a picturesque view of the pool and the perfect photo op as your friends and family glide down the 181-foot-long waterslide. Nearby, the kiddos will love getting their energy out at the water play area.
For the perfect pool day, rent a cabana to set up base while the family runs around and soaks up the sunshine. There’s an onsite bar and lounge, so your next poolside cocktail or snack is never too far away!
Keep it Chill
For a more serene getaway, head to the Courtyard Pool. This zero-entry leisure pool is nestled right behind the main building, giving it a more secluded feel and a quieter ambiance than the Beach Pool. There’s also a whirlpool spa nearby – need I say more?
Fun on the Water
You’ll also want to take advantage of being right on the water. The Grand Floridian Resort can help you do that with motorized boat rentals, bass fishing, and even specialty cruises around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake!
Movies Under the Stars
It’s not a Disney trip without Movies Under the Stars! Enjoy your favorite, classic Disney movies in the moonlight, alongside other diehard fans.
We love pairing Movies Under the Stars with a quick trip to the onsite campfires. Roast marshmallows as a family and enjoy each other’s company before the movie starts. It’s a great opportunity to put down your phones and devices and rave about the day’s adventures before unwinding with a movie!
Arcadia Games
The gamer in your family will love dipping into Arcadia Games for an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary arcade games. Quick-service snacks and meals can help fuel your gaming and help get you that high score.
Break a Sweat
You’ll get plenty of exercise exploring the Disney parks, but the Grand Floridian Resort also has opportunities for more excise if that’s your thing! Catch a quick pickup game at the basketball hoops by the health club, enjoy the scenery along the jogging trail, or head to the high-tech exercise facility with state-of-the-start training equipment.
Grand Dining Options
Home to some of Disney’s most eye-catching, high-end dining experiences, a meal at The Grand Floridian Resort is an activity all on its own! You’ll want to plan your meals here just as carefully as the rest of your itinerary. To help you decide which experiences you want to prioritize, here’s a quick run-down of all your yummy options!
Citricos
At Citricos, dinner is an experience you’ll never forget. Stop by the lounge for a quick drink before your meal and enjoy the whimsical, eclectic décor inspired by Mary Poppins Returns.
But don’t let the lighthearted atmosphere fool you; the menu means serious business! You’ll choose from offerings like citrus-cured Hamachi, guava barbecued short ribs, and oak-grilled filet mignon. The blend of a luxurious menu and a joyful ambiance is the kind of dining experience you can only have at Disney. You don’t want to miss this!
Narcoossee’s
Grabbing dinner at Narcoossee’s means enjoying hip, laidback décor that feels like an upscale beach getaway. Enjoy the views of the Seven Seas Lagoon while savoring fresh-caught seafood. Offerings include endive and pear salad, sweet potato gnocchi, and pan-seared scallops with truffled Meyer lemon cream.
Grand Floridian Café
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the Grand Floridian Café is there when you need it. Savor some American classics in the atmosphere of a Victorian manor, choosing from options like the lobster Thermidor burger, miso-glazed salmon, and lobster benedict.
Enchanted Rose
Enjoy drinks and appetizers in an elegant, fairycore ambiance inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The cocktail menu features several floral flavors, in keeping with the theme. Choose from appetizers like crab macaroni and cheese, truffle fries, or an artisanal cheese selection served with pine nut bread and raisins on the vine.
Gasparilla Island Grill
If you’re looking for the best place to get your Mickey waffle fix, this is it! Gasparilla Island Grill serves up casual bites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you’re craving a hot breakfast to fuel your day’s adventures, pizza, sandwiches, or just a light snack, you’ll find it here. They also offer a full selection of bakery items and light desserts, including a limited-edition 50th anniversary Mickey EARidescent cupcake (with shimmering EARidescent Glaze). And if you need a caffeine boost, their full coffee bar will set you up right!
Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
After working up an appetite at the Beach Pool, stop by the nearby bar and grill for lunch, bar service, and snacks. Sip a refreshing signature cocktail while satisfying your appetite in this laidback beachside bar.
Courtyard Pool Bar
Drop by this tropical oasis for the perfect accompaniment to your relaxing time at the Courtyard Pool. Choose from wraps, hot dogs, salads, and desserts, along with an extensive drink menu.
Disney Resorts Room Service – True Luxury
Sometimes what you really need is a great meal in the coziness of your hotel room. When that need strikes, the Grand Floridian Resort has your back with room service all day and into the late night.
While each Disney hotel has something special to offer, none is quite so wonderfully fancy as the Grand Floridian! If you want to vacation in style (or just really love Bronte, Dickens, and Conan Doyle), then this resort is the one for you!
Have you ever stayed at the Grand Floridian? How was your experience? Tell us about it in the comments!
Cover Image
Photo: CL Photographs via Flickr
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