Since it opened in 1988 Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, has offered guests the ultimate in accommodations, dining, and amenities. Located right next to the Magic Kingdom, this gorgeous Victorian-themed resort is the perfect choice for a vacation that includes the best of both park time and relaxation.
One of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, the Grand Floridian is not stuffy at all! On the contrary, the Grand Floridian is welcoming from the moment you enter the gorgeous light-filled lobby.
Accommodations
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has over 800 guest rooms spread among six buildings, named for islands in the Florida Keys. Standard guest rooms start at 400 sq ft. For guests who desire a bit more breathing room, there are deluxe rooms, suites, and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Rooms have garden views, water views, or – our personal favorite – theme park views! Rooms on the top floor of each building have dormered ceilings, which make the rooms feel light and spacious.
Pro tip – request a room on the top floor! Club Level rooms are also available. In fact, the Grand Floridian offers two locations for Club Level! The Main Building offers an exclusive Club Level Lounge for guests staying in the Main Building, and Sugar Loaf Key has a second Club Level Lounge for guests in that building.
Amenities
The Grand Floridian has two swimming pools – the Courtyard Pool and the Beach Pool. The Courtyard pool is the more low-key pool while the Beach Pool has a fun Alice in Wonderland water play area, along with a water slide. Both pools are zero-entry and have cabanas and pool bars.
The marina has boat rentals, fishing excursions, and fireworks cruises. There is a game room/arcade, a jogging trail, 24-hour fitness room, and white sand beaches. (Please note – there is NO swimming at the beaches.)
For guests wishing to indulge in a spa or beauty treatment, the Grand Floridian has the Ivy Trellis Salon, and Senses Spa. Love to shop? You can find your favorite brands such as Vineyard Vines, Spartina 449, Dooney & Bourke, and Basin, in the shops around the lobby. For younger guests, there is a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to transform them into their favorite Disney Princess!
There is also entertainment in the lobby of the resort with a piano player at times. Check the daily schedule for times!
Dining
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has five table service restaurants – Victoria & Albert’s, Citrico’s, Narcoossee’s, 1900 Park Fare, the Grand Floridian Cafe, as well as a 24-hour counter service location – Gasparilla Grill, the Garden View Tea Room, and Mizner’s Lounge, in addition to the two pool bars. There is no excuse to be hungry at the Grand Floridian!
Transportation
Guests of the Grand Floridian are just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom on the monorail line. Boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom is also available! To get to Epcot, guests take the monorail to the Ticket & Transportation Center, then change to the Epcot monorail line.
But perhaps the best option – you can walk to the Magic Kingdom! The Grand Floridian opened a new walkway to the Magic Kingdom in 2021. Skip the lines for the monorail and head off on foot!
Bus service is available to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. Disney’s Magical Express offers free airport shuttle service. Guests can also use Minnie Vans to get anywhere on Walt Disney World property and to or from the airport.
You can see why “The Grand” is a Disney Park Princess favorite. It is the ultimate in royal treatment!
