Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa review

When envisioning the most luxurious and iconic resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa likely comes to mind.

This resort showcases a Disney-inspired take on Victorian charm from the turn of the century, characterized by soft colors, spacious ceilings, beautiful stained glass, elegant chandeliers, and polished marble. Its striking lobby features a vintage cage elevator and the relaxing sound of live piano music.

The atmosphere here, however, is refreshingly unpretentious. You’ll often see children in swimsuits joyfully scampering through the grand lobby rather than a parade of suits and ties—though you might spot the latter during evening hours when diners head to the prestigious Victoria & Albert’s restaurant located within the resort.

Overview of Disney’s Grand Floridian

Although not an original opening-day hotel, Disney’s Grand Floridian was established on the iconic monorail loop, marking a significant point in Disney’s rapid resort expansion when it debuted in 1988. Between its opening and the first addition in 1971, no new resort joined the roster. Since then, Disney World has introduced many additional hotels, particularly in the 1990s, shortly after the Grand Floridian’s arrival.

In terms of thematic style, while Disney’s Contemporary Resort emphasizes Tomorrowland’s sleek lines and the Polynesian Village Resort draws inspiration from the exotic ambiance of Adventureland, the Grand Floridian takes cues from the cheerful theme of Main Street, U.S.A. within the Magic Kingdom.

Its prime location on the Seven Seas Lagoon is just a short walk or a quick monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom, making it one of the best spots within Walt Disney World.

However, before you consider spending $700 or more per night for a room at this deluxe Disney resort, here are some key details to consider to help determine if the Grand Floridian is the right fit for you.

Related: Essential information for visiting Walt Disney World Resort

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Booking Your Stay at the Grand Floridian Resort

The standard rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian typically cost between $700 and $1,000 per night. You can book directly through Disney World or consult a Disney vacation planner (at no additional cost), who can assist in maximizing your Disney experience and watching for discounts.

FOR FREE ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT Flying Frugal’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

If you’re investing significant amounts in your stay at the Grand Floridian, it’s wise to earn travel rewards by utilizing a top travel credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offers 3 points for every dollar spent on travel. You can also apply that card’s $300 annual travel credit towards your stay.

Alternatively, if you possess the Citi Prestige® Card (no longer open to new applicants), you could receive your fourth night free when booked through cititravel.com (up to two free-night awards annually). The details for the Citi Prestige card were collected independently by The Points Guy and have not been reviewed by the card issuer.

However, one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy a stay at the Grand Floridian—and potentially save up to 50% off regular rates—is by renting Disney Vacation Club points. For instance, a studio room at the Grand Floridian for June 8-10 would require 38 DVC points. If you rent those points through a reliable service like David’s Vacation Club (a service I’ve utilized and recommend), you’d pay between $23 and $25 per rented point, totaling approximately $828-$900 for a two-night stay. By contrast, booking the same room directly through Disney could cost you around $1,800, more than double the price of using rented DVC points.

Proximity to Magic Kingdom

While the Grand Floridian isn’t the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom, it is still within walking distance, positioned about 0.7 miles from the park via the walkway near the resort’s boat launch. The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are the only resorts that sit closer, at approximately half a mile away.

This pleasant walk may take about 10 to 15 minutes, although you’ll encounter limited shade during hot, humid, or rainy weather. However, you won’t need to wait for transportation, and along the route, you can enjoy views of the monorail zipping overhead.

If you prefer cooler and drier transportation, the monorail is a great option. Simply pass through security and hop on from the second level of the Grand Floridian lobby, with the Magic Kingdom being the next stop. You’ll be in the park in no time!

You can also travel to and from the Magic Kingdom by boat.

Tip: If you take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian, you’ll be the first stop. Similarly, if you return via boat, you will also disembark at the first stop.

Spacious Property with Unique Layout

While the Grand Floridian may not be the largest resort at Disney World—especially when considering properties with over 2,000 rooms—it is still quite extensive by most standards.

Spanning 40 acres, the Grand Floridian hosts over 800 rooms across its main five-story lobby and individual buildings: Sago Cay, Sugarloaf, Conch Key, Boca Chica, and Big Pine Key. Additionally, its Disney Vacation Club villas are situated in a separate building on the opposite side of the main Beach Pool.

Therefore, if you’re staying with a large group, make sure to specify your room requests to avoid being spread too thin. Opting for accommodations in the main lobby building or the Sago Cay and Sugarloaf buildings will keep you close to the main lobby, dining options, and the boat launch. These rooms are also situated on the side nearest to the Magic Kingdom, reducing your walk to the park.

Related: Tips for saving money by renting Disney Vacation Club points

Grand Floridian Swimming Pools

The Grand Floridian features two beautiful pools.

The Beach Pool is the main attraction, boasting over 100,000 gallons of water, a remarkable 181-foot waterslide, waterfalls, and a zero-entry area. Guests can enjoy food and drinks from the Beaches Pool Bar & Grill while lounging on the poolside or in a rented cabana. The resort also offers poolside activities, including games and arts and crafts for added family fun.

Additionally, there’s a large Courtyard Pool situated behind the main building. Although it doesn’t feature a waterslide, lifeguards, or organized activities, this pool offers a quieter experience and typically has extended operating hours to accommodate early morning or late-night swims.

Younger guests can enjoy a Mad Hatter-themed splash pad area featuring a small waterslide, water sprays, and a large water dump bucket designed to look like a hat.

Related: Exciting pools and unique experiences for non-Disney guests at Disney World

Accommodations at Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian’s standard rooms and studios measure about 440 square feet, adorned with a light “Mary Poppins” theme as part of the 2022 renovation. These rooms are the largest standard accommodations at Walt Disney World. However, this additional space and proximity to the Magic Kingdom come with a higher price tag, consistently positioning these rooms among the priciest options in Disney World.

Unless there’s a significant sale or you’re booking with rented DVC points, standard rooms in the outer buildings of the Grand Floridian often range from $700 to $800 per night. For a more coveted theme park view, prices can reach from $800 upwards of $1,000 per night.

Should you wish for club-level access, brace yourself for higher rates, with club-level rooms in the Grand Floridian’s main building frequently exceeding $1,200 per night.

However, if you splurge on a club-level room, make the most of the experience by taking advantage of the excellent food and beverage options available, particularly during breakfast and evening hours. Don’t miss out on the all-you-can-eat Mickey bar ice cream freezer!

Larger suites—one, two, or three-bedroom options—are available, either directly through Disney or via rented DVC points. I recently used DVC points to book a one-bedroom suite that comfortably accommodated five guests, featuring a full kitchen, washer, dryer, and both a pull-down Murphy bed and a single bed underneath the TV in the living room.

While I find the style of these larger DVC accommodations to be a bit dated compared to the more modern Grand Floridian hotel rooms and studios, this is ultimately subjective.

Related: A comparison of Disney World experiences—budget, moderate, and luxury

Dining and Drinking at the Grand Floridian

Victoria & Albert’s

At this exclusive venue, one of Disney’s finest dining establishments, you can indulge in gourmet multi-course meals at the Michelin-starred, AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Victoria & Albert’s. The prix fixe menu starts at $295 per person, set in a refined ambiance that complements the resort’s Victorian aesthetic.

Dining at Victoria & Albert’s is an unforgettable experience if your budget allows it and you’re able to secure a reservation. Just remember, a dinner jacket is a requirement, and children under nine are not permitted.

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Narcoossee’s

For a delightful meal that doesn’t require hours of commitment, consider Narcoossee’s. Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, this restaurant serves primarily seafood dishes, with some tables offering views of fireworks. Menu highlights include shrimp and grits ($19), Gulf shrimp bucatini ($44), and calamari ($18).

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1900 Park Fare

After a four-year hiatus, 1900 Park Fare has reopened as one of Walt Disney World’s latest character dining experiences. Guests can enjoy a buffet featuring fan favorites like strawberry soup and cheesy potato casserole. Breakfast is priced at $58 for adults, while dinner is $69.

The charm of this dining option lies not only in the food but in the characters present, including Cinderella, Mirabel, Tiana, and Aladdin, who engage with children during meal times.

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Citricos

Another excellent dinner option is Citricos, designed with inspiration from the animated garden scene in “Mary Poppins.” They serve a fusion of Floridian and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes such as sweet corn bisque ($15) and guava-barbecued short ribs ($54).

Grand Floridian Café

For a more laid-back dining experience, the Grand Floridian Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu items include an heirloom apple salad ($13), a signature burger ($26), and Cajun pasta ($33).

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Enchanted Rose

The Enchanted Rose, inspired by “Beauty and the Beast,” is one of my favorite bars in all of Disney World. This charming lounge is open during the afternoons and evenings, where guests can enjoy appetizers and a comprehensive selection of drinks from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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The lounge area adjacent to the Enchanted Rose also offers food and drinks for those who prefer not to sit at the bar.

Additionally, the Grand Floridian offers poolside food and beverage service and a quick-service option called Gasparilla Island Grill, which typically operates from 6 a.m. to late evening, serving a selection of pastries, burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches, available for in-person order or via the My Disney Experience app.

Spa and Fitness Center at the Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is home to Disney’s only full-service spa, where you can book massages, nail, hair services, facials, and additional treatments. As a reference, expect to pay around $190 for a 50-minute massage before fees and gratuity.

Adjacent to the spa, there’s also a 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, and resistance equipment available for Grand Floridian guests.

Related: The benefits of using an authorized Disney vacation planner to enhance your visit

Alluring Holiday Magic at the Grand Floridian

In my opinion, late November and December are the best months to experience the Grand Floridian. During this period, the resort is adorned with spectacular decorations, featuring a massive Christmas tree, a life-sized gingerbread house, and an array of poinsettias and garlands throughout the property.

Visitors can experience the holiday ambiance while savoring a gingerbread treat from the life-sized gingerbread house. This magical time prompts many guests to make annual visits just to witness the Christmas tree’s installation in the hotel atrium.

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Being close to the Magic Kingdom also enhances the convenience of attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Related: Inexpensive options for experiencing holiday magic at Disney World

Accessibility Features

Disney World is typically accessible for guests with various needs. According to Disney’s website, all resort hotels feature accessible paths leading from the arrival area to the lobby and onward to accessible rooms, restaurants, shops, meeting spaces, pools, fitness centers, and laundry facilities.

There is designated parking for guests with disabilities, along with pool lifts, and you can book hearing- and wheelchair-accessible rooms either online or via phone.

Conclusion

The Grand Floridian feels uniquely magical in a way that is hard to replicate elsewhere in the Disney universe. It’s not merely a typical hotel that happens to sit on Disney property; it’s meticulously themed, complete with live piano music and exquisite Victorian-inspired design.

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The splendid ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for many elegant moments throughout your stay. Its proximity to the Magic Kingdom only serves to heighten its charm and desirability, although this privilege comes with a hefty price tag. Make sure to thoroughly research and weigh the benefits of this resort before making your reservations to ensure the best experience for your investment.

If you can’t manage to book a stay at the Grand Floridian, you are always welcome to visit and take in its beauty, grab a meal or drink, and enjoy soothing music in the atrium during the evening hours.

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