It is seen as the top of the line resort hotel on all of the Walt Disney World property in Orlando, Florida. From its prime location right next to the Magic Kingdom which puts it onthe monorail loop, to its turn-of-the-century Victorian theme, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the one resort that simply has it all. We were fortunate enough to stay there when Disney offered a special of 40% off room rates.
With over 800 guest rooms and being on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, this 40 acre resort offers something for everyone. It’s location on the lagoon makes it perfect for boat rentals to cruise around in. There’s a white sand beach to stroll along (that will take you directly to Disney’s Wedding Pavilion) and if you pay close enough attention, you’ll find a Mickey Mouse shaped fire-pit to roast marshmallows and Smore’s after dark!
The resort has two pools: though their theming is not as fun or as cartoonish as so many other resort pools are, these pools are no less spectacular. You can rent private cabanas next to the beach pool that will come stocked with snacks and drinks. The courtyard pool is massive in size and manages to stay quieter than other resort pools.
There is no shortage of places to eat at Disney’s Grand Floridian and there are places for every budget. For a quick snack or a light meal that you can take back to your room, there is Gasparilla Grill and Games. They have a great variety of sandwiches, pizza and the like, as well as a small arcade. The Grand Floridian Cafe is a step up from the fast food fare to a lovely sit-down restaurant with a reasonably priced menu. Their breakfasts are amazing and I personally recommend the lobster eggs Benedict. For an afternoon tea with the ladies, be sure to check out the Garden View Tea Room.
For upscale dining, the Grand Floridian wins. You have 1900 Park Fare where you are bound to find Mary Poppins on hand to visit with you. Then there is Victoria & Albert’s (which is one of the few places on all of Disney property with a slight dress code), Citricos and Narcossee’s. These places are fine dining at their best.
The rooms at the Grand Floridian comfortably sleep five people with two queen-sized beds and one day bed. Both are extremely comfortable options. There is plenty of walking space at almost 450 square feet per room. The complex itself is pretty wide spread with seven buildings plus a convention center. The busses and the monorail (which take you to and from all of the parks) both leave from the main building. There are boats that will take you to the Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian Resort that leave from the Grand Floridian’s marina. And speaking of the marina, it is a fabulous spot to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and the Electric Water Pageant!
The service itself at the hotel was top notch. We had lunch reservations for Le Cellier but really wanted to go for dinner and the concierge at the Grand Floridian made calls for us and got us the seating that we wanted! Our trip was my birthday trip and in our room on my birthday was a huge dessert platter with a twelve inch tall solid white chocolate Mickey Mouse surrounded by cookies and chocolate covered strawberries and a card from Minnie herself! They aim to please at the Grand Floridian and they succeed.
I would highly recommend staying at this resort if it is in your family’s budget. You will feel like a princess for your entire stay!
Stacey Cotrufo
The Poor Mom’s Guide to Disney