Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon just one monorail stop from the Magic Kingdom. It’s turn of the century Victorian red and white theme features striking gabled roofs and a five-story Grand Lobby complete with chandeliers. This Resort really is the height of elegance and is the flagship WDW Resort.

While this is the most expensive Disney World Resort it isn’t filled with rich people; anyone is welcome as long as you’ve saved enough pennies If you really want to splash out on the Grand but even the cheapest room is too much then try booking during Value Season or looking out for Annual Pass-holder discounts.

As with the Polynesian, the monorail will take you to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot theme parks. A bus provides transport to the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney and the water parks.

What are the rooms like?

All rooms at the Grand are furnished in the same way and offer the standard Deluxe Resort amenities. Standard rooms sleep five people and are slightly larger than the dormer (attic) rooms which only sleep four but which have private balconies. The Lodge Tower rooms are located in the turrets and have all the features of a standard room as well as a separate sitting area.

All guest rooms receive a nightly turn down service complete with chocolates and a good night message.

There are four views available at the Resort; the Garden view overlook the beautiful landscaped gardens while the Pool/Marina view has balconies which look out over the pool or the Grand’s marina. The Lagoon view offers views across the Seven Seas Lagoon but not necessarily the Magic Kingdom. There are rooms in the Main Building with a Magic Kingdom view including the Jacuzzi Honeymoon rooms.

What eating options do I have?

You’ll be spoilt for choice at the Grand. For casual southern cooking head to the Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Snacks and take out are available 24/7 from the Gasparilla Grill.

For seafood and steak make reservations at Narcoosee’s, or for more upscale dining try Citricos.

The 1900 Park Fare restaurant offers a character buffet hosted by Mary Poppins and her friends, while Cinderella holds court over her Happily Ever After Dinner served nightly from 4.30pm-8.20pm.

For a little piece of afternoon luxury take a trip to the Garden View Lounge and experience the scrumptious Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea.

For the ultimate in elegant dining put on your best clothes and make a reservation at the upscale Victoria & Albert’s. This is the dining centrepiece of the Walt Disney World Resort, where the menu is selected daily by the chef.  Jackets are required for the men in your party while ladies are asked to wear fancy attire. Please note that children cannot dine at Victoria & Albert’s.

What recreational facilities will I be able to enjoy?

There are two pools at the Resort; the larger Courtyard Pool is open 24/7 weather permitting but has no lifeguard.

The theme pool is the Beach Pool which has a waterfall and of course, a slide and a pool bar.

Other activities include tennis courts, the Health Club and Spa, watercraft rental, jogging, volleyball and croquet.

If you’re lucky you might also get to witness a fairytale wedding being conducted at the Wedding Pavilion.

Will my kids be welcome?

Children and families receive a warm welcome at the Grand and will not feel out of place; one of my friends regularly stays here with her young triplets. There are a number of children’s activities including Adventure Time, Mousecraft and Story Time. There is also a supervised kid’s club for kids aged 4 through 12 at the Mouseketeer Clubhouse.

You can also make reservations for the Wonderland Tea Party, Pirate Cruise and Kid Adventures in cooking for an additional cost per child.