Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa assessment

Whenever you consider probably the most opulent and iconic of Walt Disney World resorts, there is a good probability that photos of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa dance by means 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 stay 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 may see bathing suit-clad youngsters squealing by means of the sweeping foyer extra steadily than you will see fits and jackets strolling by — although you will doubtless 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 house.

What’s Disney’s Grand Floridian?

Disney’s Grand Floridian is just not an authentic opening-day Disney World resort, however it’s situated on the well-known monorail loop and performed a significant function 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 properly over a dozen further resort resorts, many coming within the 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 smooth, white strains 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 Foremost Road, U.S.A.

There is no denying that its spot on the Seven Seas Lagoon, only a stroll or quick monorail experience away from the Magic Kingdom, is among the finest 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 want to know so you’ll be able to determine if the Grand Floridian is the best Disney resort for you.

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Learn how to ebook the Grand Floridian Resort

It is common for comparatively normal rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian to price $700-$1,000 per evening. You’ll be able to ebook a keep straight with Disney World or by way of a Disney trip planner (at no further cost) who might be able to aid you benefit from your Disney trip and preserve an eye fixed out for reductions.

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If you are going to spend 1000’s of {dollars} on a keep on the Grand Floridian, I extremely suggest incomes a bunch of journey rewards in return by utilizing one 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 (not obtainable to new candidates), you may get the fourth evening of your free keep when booked by way of cititravel.com (as much as two free evening awards per 12 months). The knowledge 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 would argue that the easiest strategy 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. This is a real-world instance of how this may prevent a bunch of cash when staying at Grand Floridian:

For June 8-10, a studio at Grand Floridian is obtainable for a complete of 38 Disney Trip Membership factors. For those who lease these factors from David’s Trip Membership — a really respected firm I’ve advisable 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 whole of $828-$900 for the two-night keep.

Conversely, in the event you ebook that very same actual stick with money straight with Disney, the value 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 by way of the walkway that you would be able to enter from the identical space because the resort boat launches.

Relying in your strolling velocity, anticipate 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 manner between the resort and the park.

For those who’d fairly keep cool and dry, you are in luck, as it’s also possible to decide 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 succeed in the Magic Kingdom. Because the park is the following cease on the monorail loop after the Grand Floridian departure level, you will be within the park very quickly.

It’s also possible to journey to and from the Magic Kingdom by way of a ship.

Professional tip: For those who take the monorail from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom, you will get off on the first cease. Then, in the event you take the boat from the Magic Kingdom again to Grand Floridian, that can be going to can help you get off on the first cease.

The resort is massive and unfold out

Though the Grand Floridian is not the largest resort at Disney World, as some properties occupy greater than 200 acres and have 2,000-plus rooms, it is nonetheless fairly massive by most common 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 gaggle, you may find yourself being fairly unfold aside in the event you aren’t cautious with room requests and alternatives. 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 tip closest to the Magic Kingdom, so you will have a shorter stroll to the park.

Associated: Learn how to save some huge cash by renting Disney Trip Membership factors

Grand Floridian swimming pools

The Grand Floridian has two spectacular swimming pools.

The principle Seashore Pool, which holds greater than 100,000 gallons of water, has a 181-foot waterslide, waterfalls and a zero-entry space. Plus, you’ll be able to seize meals and drinks from the poolside Seashores Pool Bar & Grill to get pleasure from 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 favor some selection when having a pool day.

Moreover, there’s the massive Courtyard Pool behind the principle constructing. It would not have a waterslide, lifeguards or actions, which ends up in a quieter ambiance 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 youngsters also can take a look at the Mad Hatter-themed splash pad play space, which has a small waterslide, water sprays and a giant water dump bucket that appears like a hat.

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Grand Floridian rooms and suites

The Grand Floridian’s normal rooms and studios, measuring round 440 sq. toes, function a light-weight “Mary Poppins” theme that emerged within the 2022 renovation. These are the biggest normal resort rooms obtainable at Walt Disney World. Nevertheless, this further area (and close-to-Magic Kingdom location) comes at a price, because the rooms are constantly among the many most costly choices at Disney World.

Outdoors of a giant sale (or reserving by way of rented DVC factors, as beforehand talked about), it is fairly frequent to seek out normal outer-building rooms on the Grand Floridian hovering between $700 and $800 per evening. For an upgraded theme park view, anticipate to pay wherever 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 principal constructing are sometimes greater than $1,200 per evening.

However in the event you do splurge on reserving a club-level room on the Grand Floridian, you are in for a deal with. Ensure and benefit from the membership because it does have glorious meals and beverage choices, particularly within the mornings and evenings. Professional tip: Do not miss the all-you-want Mickey bar ice cream freezer.

Bigger suites, together with one, two or three bedrooms, are additionally obtainable, each when booked straight with Disney or by way of rented DVC factors. We rented factors to sleep as much as 5 folks in a one-bedroom DVC suite lately, and it labored out very properly with a full kitchen, washer, dryer and each a pull-down Murphy mattress and single mattress underneath the TV obtainable in the lounge.

Personally, I discover the styling of those bigger DVC rooms to be slightly extra old style than the Grand Floridian resort rooms and DVC studios, however that is a matter of private choice.

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Grand Floridian eating places and bars

Those that keep on the Grand Floridian have quick access to a few of the most upscale eating places and facilities at Disney World.

Victoria & Albert’s

Right here, you’ll be able to dine at considered one of Disney’s most unique eating venues: Victoria & Albert’s. The Michelin-starred, AAA 5 Diamond Award-winning restaurant serves connoisseur fare by way of a number of programs (the prix fixe menu begins at $295 per individual) dished out for hours in a chic area that completely matches the Victorian-era design of the property.

Consuming at Victoria & Albert’s is an expertise properly value having — in case your finances permits it and also you’re in a position to snag a coveted reservation. Simply make sure to gown appropriately (dinner jackets are required) and go away the little ones behind, as youngsters 9 and youthful should not permitted.

Narcoossee’s

If you need meal that does not take three to 4 hours or require a swimsuit jacket, Narcoosee’s continues to be a really good eating possibility at Grand Floridian. This restaurant is open for dinner, situated 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 far more.

1900 Park Fare

After a four-year closure, 1900 Park Fare reopened as considered one of Walt Disney World’s latest character meals. Inside, you will get an opportunity to get pleasure from 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 little one; dinner is $69 per grownup and $44 per little one).

However whereas the meals is nice, it is the characters which are the starring attraction. Because the reopening of this restaurant, the characters include Cinderella, Mirabel, Tiana and Aladdin, who’re there to assist your kiddos be taught to be “want makers” like they’re.

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 affords a mixture of Floridian and Mediterranean delicacies, with menu gadgets similar to candy corn bisque ($15), guava-barbecued quick 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 you’ll discover 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).

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 situated within the resort’s principal 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 go together with the intensive record of cocktails, wine, beer and extra.

There may be additionally a decently sized lounge sort of space instantly adjoining to the Enchanted Rose the place it’s also possible to order meals and drinks in the event you do not want to sit straight on the bar.

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The Grand Floridian additionally has meals and beverage service by the principle pool and a quick-service possibility, Gasparilla Island Grill, that is sometimes open from 6 a.m. till late within the night and affords gadgets similar to pastries, burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches and kid-meal staples similar to hen fingers and fries that you would be able to order in individual or upfront for pick-up in your My Disney Expertise app.

Grand Floridian Spa and fitness center

You may discover the one full-service spa at any Walt Disney World-owned and operated resort on the Grand Floridian. Right here, you’ll be able to ebook massages, facials, nail and hair companies, and extra. When it comes to pricing, you’ll be able to presently anticipate a 50-minute therapeutic massage to start out at $190 earlier than charges and gratuity.

In the identical space because the spa, there’s additionally a fitness center 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 common) across the holidays

For me, one of the best time to remain on the Grand Floridian is, with out query, in late November and December. This time of 12 months 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 it’s also possible to buy a gingerbread shingle from the life-size home to get pleasure from as a snack. In reality, this time of 12 months is so magical that some friends plan annual holidays to keep up all evening watching the Christmas tree within the atrium go up.

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 Get together.

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Accessibility

Disney World is mostly an amazing vacation spot for these with accessibility wants. Disney’s web site signifies that every one Disney Resort accommodations embrace an accessible path of journey from arrival to the foyer space, in addition to to accessible visitor rooms, eating places, outlets, assembly rooms, enterprise facilities, swimming pools, train amenities and laundry amenities.

There may be close-in parking for these with a incapacity parking allow, a pool elevate on the swimming pools, and you may ebook each hearing- and wheelchair-accessible rooms on-line or over the cellphone.

Trying out

The Grand Floridian is the place Disney World feels fairly magical in a manner that is onerous to duplicate elsewhere.

This is not only a cookie-cutter resort that occurs to be situated on Disney property however in any other case might be plopped down wherever and slot in. It is themed from prime to backside, with stay piano music within the foyer and Victorian inspiration so far as the attention can see.

The resort affords settings for a lot of elegant moments, be it grand staircases or opulent promenades the place you’ll be able to really feel like a Disney prince or princess.

Being only a quick stroll or monorail experience from the Magic Kingdom definitely provides to the resort’s enchantment and recognition. Nevertheless, that, in fact, comes at a steep price, so be sure you 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’ll be able to all the time pop by for just a few 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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