Looking for the GRANDEST place to stay in all of the Disney kingdom? Then consider trying on the glass slipper of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. With so many excellent choices, you may wonder, “How will I ever choose? Give me a reason.” I’ll give you SEVEN reasons to love Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Walt Disney World specializes in theme parks AND themed resorts. My favorites are in the deluxe category, which may not be best choice for those on a budget. But in my mind, the Disney deluxe resorts are worth the extra for the amenities, location, and level of service. On that front, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sets the standard from the outset and delivers. So if deluxe is your desire, then the Grand Floridian will amaze you.
Thank you Disney for hosting my stay at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. All opinions about this GRAND property are mine, and you can always count on my honest feedback.
7 Reasons to Love Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
One of three monorail resorts and one of eight Disney deluxe resorts, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa embraces you with its stunning decor and warm hospitality. Getting to stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is like winning the Disney resort lottery!
1. Top Notch Service
It starts the moment you arrive and hear the phrase, “Welcome Home.” Disney deluxe resorts are a step above, and it’s all about the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to make stays as fabulous as possible.
The personification of this was the fabulous Richard Gerth, a Disney Cast Member who recently passed away in 2018. For almost 30 years, Richard welcomed guests with his dapper demeanor and charisma. He humbly said, “I was blessed with a good smile.” I think it’s a bit more than that, but we’ll take him at his word.
2. Romantic Opulence
Brace yourself for what’s next: an enormous lobby filled with live music and laughter. The charm and opulence envelops you. From the grandeur of the lobby to the live music being performed by the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, the sights and sounds keep that smile on your face. You may even hear a Disney song or two! Described as “victorian elegance meets sophistication”, the Grand Floridian delivers on top notch accommodations located in the heart of Walt Disney World.
3. The Grand Floridian Is ON the Monorail
One of the major conveniences of the Grand Floridian is that it is a Magic Kingdom monorail resort. The Grand Floridian is fortunately the last stop before the Magic Kingdom, so you’ll be having fun inside the park quicker than you can say “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.” Riding the monorail can be considered an attraction all its own. I remember when we could request riding in the front car and they would pass out co-pilot cards-ahh, the good old days! Magic Kingdom is the heart and soul of Walt Disney World, so the monorail resorts are tops in my book just because the ease of access to Magic Kingdom.
4. Grand Floridian’s Beach Pool
A resort in Florida MUST have a great pool, and the Grand Floridian offers that plus some! Like this Alice in Wonderland themed splash zone where the Mad Hatter’s hat fills with water to the brim before suddenly spilling the water on the kids below. Squeals of delight erupt! Makes me want to be a kid again.
My kids sadly couldn’t come on this trip with me because of school, but on our last trip to the Grand Floridian, my teen and tween had a blast poolside at the Beach pool. My daughter loved ordering food from the Beaches Pool Bar and Grill and eating poolside while sunning. And as you can see, my tween had some fun in the sun.
5. Character Interactions
Disney is all about character meet and greets. In fact, those are some of the most memorable moments happen watching your kids engage with a beloved character. The newest “Magical Moment” just added at the Grand Floridian is called the “Princess Promenade” where Cinderella strolls down the Grand Staircase with kids ages 3-12, followed by a waltz in the lobby. This experience is considered a “Magical Moment” and therefore, it is not an officially-listed event and therefore subject to change. But that’s what makes it so magical because it’s like finding a hidden Mickey! Currently, this interaction takes place at 3:30pm every day except Tuesdays.
Speaking of Cinderella, you can dine with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the Evil Stepsisters at 1900 Park Fare. I had to go into the vault for these photos, but you can tell how magical these interactions are for younger children and heck, even the grown-ups, too!
6. Grand Floridian Means Divine Dining
The Grand Floridian has a dining lineup that is out of this world. Besides 1900 Park Fare, you’ll have to choose between Citricos, Narcoossee’s, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Victoria and Albert’s, recipient of AAA’s Five Diamond Award and probably the crown jewel in Disney dining crown. Someday I’m gonna eat there! And naturally, I’ll share it all the details with you.
During this visit, we dined at Citricos and had a delicious meal, starting with the cheese course. The tuna entree is fabulous, but what really wowed me were the dessert presentations.
7. Grand Floridian Is a Gorgeous Property
The Grand Floridian is a real stunner from the design to the layout to its location. Inspired by the Victorian era beach resorts along Florida’s east coast, it was inspired by San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado with red gabled roofs, white walls, and gingerbread trim. The palatial atrium lobby towers 5 stories and has a grand piano, an aviary, fresh flowers, and enormous chandeliers.
So in short, I would jump at the chance to stay again at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for its location, the fact it is a monorail resort, and it is simply a gorgeous property.
Thanks Disney for hosting my stay at the Grand Floridian. All opinions are my own and you’ll always get my honest feedback. Scout’s honor!
