Disney is famous for its beloved fairy tales, and at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, it feels like you’re stepping right into one. The deluxe hotel welcomes guests with its elegant Victorian-era architecture and magnificent chandeliers hanging from the main building’s atrium. Who doesn’t feel like Cinderella walking down the hotel’s grand staircase? From the intricate details in the lobby to its beautiful views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian’s theming truly captures the magic of Walt Disney World. The resort offers luxurious accommodations, various transportation options, top-notch amenities and award-winning restaurants. Hop in for all of the details on the Grand Floridian!
Overview of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
As Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian combines Victorian elegance with modern flair. It is the most opulent and expensive out of the Disney deluxe resorts. From across the Seven Seas Lagoon, you can easily spot its signature white walls and red gabled rooftops, inspired by the late 19th-century beach resorts. The gorgeous gardens, flowing fountains and white sandy beach only add to the property’s picturesque environment. Sitting on the edge of the water near the resort, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion fulfills its role as a perfect fairy tale wedding venue. (If you're caught up on Disney Fairytale Weddings on Disney+, you'll definitely recognize some areas from the show!)
Step inside the lobby of the main building and immediately gaze at the giant flower arrangements, massive chandeliers and marble flooring designs that incorporate Disney characters. The majority of restaurants and gift shops can be found on the first and second floors, which are accessible by the grand staircase or the birdcage elevator. Periodically, a piano player serenades the lobby with elegant music, which really helps add to the ambiance.
As a popular destination for resort hoppers, we think it’s toadally worth a daytime visit for a stroll around the beautiful property if you have any extra time to explore. We especially recommend visiting around Easter for the decorated egg displays and during the holidays for the larger-than-life Christmas tree and gingerbread house! However, guests trying to park without a hotel or dining reservation may be denied entry. Be sure to book one of the resort's delicious dining options or use one of the many complimentary transportation options to see this wonderful resort.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Rooms
The majority of the Grand Floridian’s standard rooms measure 440 square feet, thus making them the largest standard rooms on Walt Disney World property! The Grand Floridian is divided into its main building and four outer buildings — Sago Cay, Sugarloaf, Conch Key and Boca Chica. Conch Key is the closest to water taxi access, while the Courtyard Pool is surrounded by Sugarloaf and Boca Chica (the fifth building, Big Pine Key, has converted into DVC Villas). Out of the different room types, the outer buildings provide the following options: Standard Water View, Standard Resort View, Standard Theme Park View and Deluxe Club Level. Meanwhile, all of the main building rooms have Club Level Access, and you can choose from Resort View, Deluxe King and Theme Park View. Psst ... we offer hoppin’ rates for all of the above!
Each standard room can sleep up to five adults with two queen beds and a daybed, or a king bed and a double-size sleeper sofa. The room comes additionally furnished with a large wooden dresser, a mini-refrigerator and a flatscreen TV. The "Mary Poppins"-inspired theming stays consistent inside the rooms with beautiful paintings and stylish light fixtures. Most rooms have a small patio or balcony that looks out to the lagoon or gardens. Extra amenities include a hair dryer, free Wi-Fi, soaker tub, coffee maker, iron and ironing board and in-room safe.
Once you walk into the room, there is a spacious vanity on one side of the entry hallway and the bathroom on the other. The bathroom features a double sink, marble top vanity and a separate area for the bathtub and toilet. There is plenty of space in the dressing area, complete with a door, which makes things easier when getting ready or when someone needs to brush their teeth while others are sleeping. The bathroom leads out into the hallway and even with the door open, the dressing area is not visible from the rest of the room. The bathtub and toilet share the same space, so keep in mind that someone would need to wait to use the toilet while another is showering (or vice versa).
Transportation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
As one of the hotels closest to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian has a variety of ways to get to the park. You can hop on the resort monorail line, which will take you directly to the main entrance (it’s the first stop!). When it’s time to head back to the hotel, keep in mind that there will be brief stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Transportation and Ticket Center and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. You can also take a water taxi, which stops at Magic Kingdom and the next-door Poly. The resort’s boat launch is located right next to Conch Key and Narcoossee’s. Guests are also now able to walk back and forth (to get those extra hops in!) between Magic Kingdom and the resort via a walkway!
If you’re headed to EPCOT, take the resort monorail line and hop off at the Transportation and Ticket Center to transfer to the EPCOT monorail line. Bus transportation is available for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and Blizzard Beach.
Amenities, Recreation and Shopping at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Spending full days at the theme parks can be exhausting, and a spa day may be just the thing you need to balance out a fast-paced vacation. #TreatYourself, right? Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is home to one of the two Senses Spas on Walt Disney World property (the other can be found at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort). Senses is a full-service spa and salon providing facials, massages, body treatments and hair styling services. Guests who want to keep up their workout routines can do so at Sense’s 24-hour health and fitness center.
If you want a simpler way to unwind, relax under the sun at either the Courtyard Pool or the Beach Pool. The zero-entry Courtyard Pool, which sits directly behind the main building, offers a calm and peaceful swimming experience. Not too far away, the Beach Pool overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon, complete with its 181-foot-long waterslide and cascading waterfalls. A water playground perfect for younger tadpoles sits right next to the Beach Pool.
Other recreational activities around the resort include motorized boat rentals, specialty cruises, Movies Under the Stars, an arcade room, basketball, jogging and campfire activities. We even caught “The Princess and the Frog” during the outdoor movie night (it's like they knew their audience! Ribbit!).
For other evening entertainment, the Electrical Water Pageant sails by the shoreline of the resort, giving guests spectacular views of the nighttime water parade. For a real treat, you can watch Magic Kingdom's nighttime spectacular from the resort! Disney even plays the soundtrack so you can sing along. Plus, it was a much easier walk to our beds after a long day at the parks.
Some of the perks of staying on-site include the ability to book advance dining reservations for your length of stay 60 days in advance of check-in, early booking of Lightning Lane selections (as of July 24, 2024) and easy access to Disney World's complimentary transportation options. Enjoy even more time in the parks with Early Theme Park Entry, allowing hotel guests an additional 30 minutes before the parks open to the public. Exclusive to deluxe and deluxe villa guests, Disney World also offers Extended Evening Hours on select nights in select theme parks — a great way to enjoy lower crowds!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa also provides the following amenities:
- Room service private dining
- ATM and banking service
- Bell services
- Business center
- Laundry and dry cleaning services
- Mail services
- Complimentary self-parking (Valet parking: $44 per night)
If you’re looking for a last-minute souvenir, you have plenty of options at the Grand Floridian. Enter the house of the mouse at M. Mouse Mercantile for the best Mickey merchandise. Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries is your one-stop shop for any gourmet gifts, snacks, fine chocolates, hotel merchandise and sundry items. Curiouser Clothiers offers men’s and women’s designer clothing, along with specialty Disney items. Visit Basin White for any luxury bath and beauty products. Though not open at this time, the newest Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location, which transforms young tadpoles into princesses and knights, is located on the second floor of the main building.
Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The resort has a grand lineup of dining options, ranging from pool bars and lounges to prestigious fine dining. If you are not staying at the Grand Floridian but have a dining reservation and plan to park at the resort, security may direct you to a parking lot across the street for self-parking (or you can opt for valet parking). Cast members are usually available with golf carts for transportation, but we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early for your reservation to account for this extra time. Self-parking is limited to about three hours. Make sure your whole party arrives on time, as you will not be seated until everyone is there.
Victoria & Albert’s
Victoria & Albert’s is a unique fine dining experience that is unlike any other. For starters, the restaurant has received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 2000, as well as the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and a Michelin Star. Guests are treated to a 10-course Chef’s Degustation Menu that changes seasonally and may even vary daily. Whether you eat in The Dining Room, The Chef’s Table or the private Queen Victoria’s Room, prepare for world-class service and an exquisite culinary adventure. Keep in mind that there is a formal dress code and a minimum age requirement of 10 years old.
Citricos
Upon reopening in July 2021, Citricos debuted a new look inspired by "Mary Poppins." This Signature Dining experience features Mediterranean-style dishes and an award-winning, international wine list. Fresh, seasonal ingredients contribute to frequent changes to the menu, which includes Butter-poached Florida Cobia and Roulade of Chicken. Citricos also has a lounge where you can order international wines, cocktails, artisanal beers and seasonal tapas.
1900 Park Fare
Join your favorite Disney characters for breakfast or dinner buffet at 1900 Park Fare. This character dining location offers the opportunity to dine with rare characters for breakfast and dinner! At either mealtime, you'll meet with Tiana (in her Bayou Adventure pantsuit, of course!), Cinderella, Mirabel and Aladdin in his regal Prince Ali outfit. Together, you'll make wishes and be inspired to believe in the magic of making your dreams come true with a wish-making celebration, hosted by the characters and narrated by the beloved Jiminy Cricket.
The breakfast buffet includes Mickey-shaped waffles, a carving station, a variety of egg dishes, cheesy potatoes and more. We can’t get enough of the unique Floridian Strawberry Soup! For dinner, the menu switches up to include Tiana's famous gumbo, seafood, salad, pasta, beef and chicken, plus pizza and macaroni and cheese for the tadpoles.
Don't forget to look up! Twelve stunning art pieces featuring classic Disney characters making their wishes are showcased around the dining room, as well as Big Bertha; the turn-of-the-century organ from France. Both provide a beautiful backdrop to this dreamy character dining venue.
Narcoossee’s
Enjoy coastal cuisine at this waterfront Signature Dining restaurant that provides panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Narcoossee’s reopened on April 1, 2023, with an enhanced interior and refreshed menu celebrating "land and sea." Enjoy a spectacular selection of fresh seafood, steak and other scrumptious entrees. Top off dinner with desserts such as Almond-crusted Cheesecake and Berry Pavlova. Keep in mind there is a suggested dress code and certain clothing items (tank tops, swimsuits, cut-offs, etc.) are not permitted in the dining room.
Grand Floridian Cafe
The Grand Floridian Cafe is a more casual table-service restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Begin the day with a mix of breakfast and lunch offerings, which include the Miso-glazed Salmon, Traditional Eggs Benedict and Old Fashioned Pancakes. Some menu items reappear on the dinner menu, along with Buttermilk-fried Chicken and New York Strip Steak. It’s typically easy to snag an advance dining reservation only a few days in advance.
Gasparilla Island Grill
Pick up a casual meal at the resort’s main quick-service restaurant any time of the day since Gasparilla Island Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start your day off with a breakfast platter or classic Mickey waffles, plus sides of eggs, grits and bacon. Lunch and dinner share similar options, which include a variety of pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. We highly recommend the Caprese sandwich with a side of fries — yum!
We recommend mobile ordering while you’re still in your room and hitting the “Prepare My Order” button as you’re headed over to the restaurant if ordering at peak dining time.
Enchanted Rose
As one of the newer lounges at Disney World, Enchanted Rose serves up sophisticated appetizers and cocktails. Themed after “Beauty and the Beast,” the golden chandelier hanging above the bar takes inspiration from Belle’s iconic ball gown. Enjoy your drink while sitting at a table or on a couch in the Library room. If you look closely, you may spot Mrs. Potts, Lumiere and Cogsworth! As soon as you walk into the Garden Room, you’ll see the rich emerald colors and the Enchanted Forest artwork on the wall. You can also catch some fresh air out on the outdoor patio.
Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
Need a bite to eat or a cocktail to sip by the pool? Beaches Pool Bar & Grill has a wide selection of food and drinks. If you’re hungry, dive deep into shrimp sliders, chicken strips, an artisanal burger and an island chicken Caesar salad. Kids meals, sides and desserts are available too! Tadpoles can enjoy nonalcoholic drinks such as hot cocoa, lemonade and smoothies, while the adult frogs may choose from a variety of specialty cocktails, beer, wine and sangria. Note that food is available until 6 p.m.
Courtyard Pool Bar
The Courtyard Pool Bar has a drink menu similar to the Beaches Pool Bar, but it only differs in a few food items. At this poolside bar, you can get sandwiches or a hot dog, along with salads and pretzels with hummus as sides.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a standalone Disney Vacation Club Resort that shares the same theming as the Grand Floridian. It’s located right next to the Senses Spa and Disney’s Wedding Pavilion and has its own separate lobby and parking area. (Check out the "Mary Poppins"-themed penguin fountain!) Because of its close proximity, guests can still take full advantage of everything that the Grand Floridian has to offer. The Big Pine Key building has also been converted into DVC Villas.
This DVC Resort offers multi-bedroom villas that feature fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, private bedrooms and more, which are great options for larger families or extended stays. For smaller parties and shorter vacations, the Deluxe Studio comes with a kitchenette and sleeps up to five people with a queen-size bed, a queen-size sleeper sofa and a single pull-down bed.
What to Consider Before Staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
The resort's prime location, luxurious amenities and overall atmosphere make Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa an excellent choice. You're right next door to Magic Kingdom, which is only a hop, skip and jump away. The monorail also allows you to get to the other nearby resorts and EPCOT just as easily. The Grand Floridian offers a plethora of dining options that you won't even have to leave the resort for (and some are the most elegant and prestigious on Walt Disney World property). While it's one of the nicest and most upscale Disney hotels, it still remains family-friendly with several character dining opportunities, a kiddie pool and an arcade room.
On the flip side, it is a deluxe resort and typically the most expensive resort on property, so you'll want to consider how the resort fits your family's needs and budget. Either way, be sure to take the time to visit this elegant resort!
Have you stayed at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? Did we miss any highlights? Be sure to drop us a note in the comments below!
Related: How to Pick the Best Disney Deluxe Resort for Your Family
Hoppy planning!
