Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
A stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, and I recently got to find out exactly why that is! The iconic hotel is not only known for being one of Disney’s most luxurious properties, but its theming, amenities and proximity to the Magic Kingdom make for a pretty spectacular vacation.
So what exactly is the theme? Disney calls it Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication, and I’d agree! You’ll feel transported to a lavish, bygone era from the moment you set foot into the towering, light-filled lobby. Imagine sounds of an orchestra playing ragtime jazz and scents in the air from Basin White. You’ll see little princesses and knights leaving the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and if you care to make a reservation, you’ll see countless rare Disney characters in dining experiences onsite (including tea parties).
With the resort being situated on the Seven Seas Lagoon, guests can watch the Electrical Water Pageant and see the nightly fireworks over Cinderella Castle from the “beach.” It’s this closeness to Magic Kingdom that is worth paying a premium for, even more so than the fabulousness of the property itself.
Most people know that the Grand Floridian is on the monorail loop, but the boat (which is shared with the Polynesian Resort) is a faster and more convenient way to get to and from the Magic Kingdom. It just so happened to be right outside the building we stayed in (Conch Key, guest rooms 7101-7518), so it was much closer than the monorail. (I should also note that Grand Floridian is much bigger and more spread out than I expected, so I ended up doing a lot more walking than I had bargained for.)
If you’re a foodie, it’s Grand Floridian’s award-winning signature dining options that will draw you in. But even if you can’t swing to $200 per-person price of a meal at Victoria and Albert’s, there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from. My favorite was Beaches Pool Bar & Grill, since we had the most fun enjoying Grand Floridian’s two pools and epic splash pad.
The guest rooms are pretty standard Disney rooms, but with more royal flair (think sumptuous fabrics in the bedrooms and marble counters in the bathrooms). If your family needs more space, villas are also available. What this resort truly has going for it is the sheer amount of things to do and see without ever leaving the property, while being close enough to easily go check out the other resorts of the monorail loop and of course jaunt over to Magic Kingdom at whim.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? What did you think of it?
