You might be shaking your head right now. You might be thinking, “This is a blog for a group called The Mouse for Less and you’re trying to convince me to stay at the most expensive Disney owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World?”
Granted, a stay at the Grand Floridian is very expensive. Exponentially more expensive than staying at a Value resort like Pop Century or a Moderate resort like Port Orleans French Quarter. In fact, it’s even more expensive than staying at the two other Deluxe resorts on the monorail line!
But there is no denying the charm, beauty, and level of luxury at this resort. I’ve been lucky enough to stay here once, and it was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I have many glorious memories of that trip.
So should you splurge and try a stay at Walt Disney World’s flagship resort? The answer is a resounding “Maybe.” See if you answer “yes” to any of these five questions:
IS THIS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP?
Some families go to Walt Disney World every year, to celebrate a milestone like a birthday or a holiday. For these families, spending a huge amount of money to stay at a luxurious resort probably won’t make sense. To these families, it will make more sense to stay at a less expensive resort so that they can return year after year.
But if you’re planning on this Walt Disney World vacation to be your only one, it might be worth it to spend the extra money to stay here. The location, ambiance, theming and level of service is hard to beat, and it will guarantee that this is a vacation you’ll never forget.
ARE YOU GOING ON YOUR HONEYMOON?
Although Disney has added many family-friendly touches to this resort lately, like the Alice in Wonderland themed water play area, this resort is decidedly grown-up. There are other romantic resorts on property well suited to a honeymoon, but this is the pinnacle. It’s the perfect place to begin your happily ever after.
DO YOU WANT TO DO A LOT OF DINING AT YOUR RESORT?
The Grand features some excellent dining, capped off by the impressive Victoria and Albert’s. It’s entirely possible to eat here without staying here, but it’s much more relaxing to stroll back to your room after a fabulous meal at Narcoossee’s instead of heading to a monorail, bus, boat, or the parking lot.
DO YOU WANT TO FEEL PAMPERED?
Cast members at every Disney owned and operated resort go out of their way to make your vacation feel special. But at the Grand, they take it to another level. My sister, who participated in the College Program, was taught that Grand unofficial stands for Guest Requests Are Never Denied. She told the anecdote about a couple who were on their honeymoon and wanted donuts. There were no donuts on property, so a Cast Member drove into town to buy some and deliver them. Mind you, the lucky couple paid (quite a lot) for the service, but the Cast Member didn’t simply tell them, “I’m sorry; we don’t serve donuts.”
ARE SPA SERVICES A MUST-DO ON YOUR VACATION?
Once again, you do not have to be a guest of the Grand to avail yourself of their luxurious spa. But think of how convenient it would be to wake up, decide to take a day off from the parks, have a leisurely breakfast in the Grand Floridian Café, and then get a full body massage, followed by a dip in the pool!
Although a stay at the Grand Floridian may not make sense in every case, there are definitely times when a stay at this resort will be worth the high expense.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort? What were some of the best parts for you? Tell us in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
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