Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Review at Walt Disney World

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World is fancy. FANCY! This Disney Deluxe Resort borders Seven Seas Lagoon, rising from the beach with white walls, balconies, and in the Victorian-era style of architecture. The epitome of Disney luxury, you’ll see why this is the resort of choice for serious Disney fanatics. From the beaches of the resort, you can see the fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom, access the monorail, take the Magic Kingdom walking path and revel in the fact that Princess Diana too once stayed here in the ’90s. But do you really want to stay here? Will the amenities make up for the high price tag? Here are our thoughts.

Staying at the Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World 

If you were a kid of the 90’s one day hoping to visit Walt Disney World you will know that the Grand Floridian was the end all be all as part of a Disney Vacation. Mainly because the Grand Floridian promises an elegance that you can’t find anywhere else. Needless to say, because everything seems classy here, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is perfect for a Disney Adult Vacation. And frankly we were eager to see if the childhood fantasy matched the adult reality. We had previously had numerous visits to this resort in pursuit of food. Breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, Tea at the Garden View Lounge and Dinner at 1900 Park Fare we memorable and enjoyable, so surely staying here would be the same. and we confess, that even before we started pouring money into this resort, we had taken many turns lounging about the lobby, listening to the piano and browsing the fancy shops. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Atmosphere

Sophistication and grandeur from the 19th-century beach resorts of old (namely San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado from which it was modeled) can play a nice backdrop to your Disney vacation. The lobby is an excellent place to just relax while listening to the piano player that is often showcasing his grand musical stylings. We, however, could only do “sophisticated” for so long. This was a shocker to us. At one point we just wanted to put on our Mickey ears and not feel weird. While we definitly could wander outside in flip flops and pajama pants like we did at the Value Resorts along with all the other poor souls trying to find the hot chocolate, at Disney’s Grand Floridian, it just felt out of place. While this didn’t hamper our vacation stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian, we were definitly more aware. The elegance, fresh flowers, superb service, and grandeur in every sense of the word simply deter sub-par behavior. And could be considered absolutely perfect for those looking to escape that saccharine Disney Resort feeling.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Rooms

The accommodations at the Grand Floridian were wonderful, but felt a little worn. We had a room with two double beds, a couch that could act as a bed, a balcony, and a bathroom that was separate from the double vanity sink. G’s favorite element was that robes were provided.  So there was definitely some lounging about on the balcony in our robes during our stay. And don’t forget the turn down service. Who doesn’t love coming back to their room with Disney Resort branded chocolates on their bed?!?! Absolutely loved it.

Are the Rooms Bigger at the Grand Floridian Resort?

 Yes, the rooms are generally bigger at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. In fact, they are the largest on Walt Disney World property. That said, you can typically find the same elements in each of the 

Are the Disney Grand Floridian Resort Rooms Refurbished?

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort DVC Villas

New to the Resort in summer 2022, are the Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. As part of the renovation to the Big Pine Key building the resort reclaimed rooms to create 200 Disney Vacation Club Villas. Complete with studios that can sleep up to 5 people, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites, there is plenty of space to spread out if you are a DVC Member. And at one point we expect these to be up for rent on DVC resale sites as well. Check out everything to know about Disney’s Grand Floridian DVC Villas on the website. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Cost

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort may seem out of reach at the “pretty high” per night cost. Fortunately, our best tips to Save Money at Disney are the ones we use over and over to get the best prices. We love third-party hotel providers to get us the best price on Disney Resorts, and we recommend you always check those out first. We stayed here right before our Disney Cruise and were able to stay during one of the Cheapest times to visit Walt Disney World. Know that simply adjusting your vacation dates can often save you the most money. Of course, the Cost to Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort depends mostly on what time of year you plan to visit. The holidays are the most expensive, the wedding season sees limited capacity, and the Spring and Summer Break often sees groups. As a result Rooms at the Grand Floridian can cost between $400- 3500/ night or higher. the cheapest months to book any Disney Resort is typically January, February, and September. Choose wisely.

Is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Worth It?

You may be asking, is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort worth the cost? If so, know that if you can grab this resort at a cheaper rate we would definitely recommend it.  If not, include the Grand Floridian Resort into your Disney Resort day or Disney Resort Hopping lineup. Especially if you’re planning a longer vacation because the resort cost alone could really eat up your budget. While we did love the resort, we wouldn’t choose it over the Polynesian, Boardwalk Inn, or Animal Kingdom Lodge. All of which are cheaper.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Restaurants

Gasparilla Island Grill

The Gasparilla Grill is the Grand Floridian’s answer to the typical dining hall experience. You can get your quick-service meals, coffees, pizza, artisan sandwiches and new Disney snacks here. It’s open from 6 am to 11 pm and offers Mobile Order. 

We got mochas and breakfast croissants ( with egg and bacon) that were large enough in size to share or just be a substantial breakfast. They also had the most adorable cupcakes. If you’re a devoted reader you know of our obsession with cupcakes. We sometimes plan our days specifically around where the cupcakes are and when they will be available. For a Disney Quick Service Restaurant, Gasparilla Island Grill was a super nice atmosphere, small and relatively un-busy. Check out the Gasparilla Island Grill Menu for everything available. 

1900 Park Fare

The Disney Character Dining Restaurant at Grand Floridian Resort is 1900 Park Fare. This buffet restaurant offers buffet dining, and truthfully, it’s one of the table service restaurants we book quite regularly. If you’re going to pick a character dining experience, we recommend this one. In the mornings you can be lucky enough to have a custom-made omelet while visiting with Alice, Mad Hatter, and Mary Poppins. In the evenings, this is the showcase restaurant for Lady Tremaine and the evil stepsisters ( definitely our favorite character trio as the improv acting here is unparalleled). And you can also see Prince Charming and Cinderella. The food is decent, varied and the atmosphere is fun. Check out the 1900 Park Fare Menu. 

Narcoossee’s 

Narcoossees is a waterfront dining experience specializing in seafood. Offering brunch on Sundays from 9:30-1:30 pm, Narcoossee’s can be enjoyed even if you don’t eat there! They have a wrap-around deck that overlooks the lagoon with perfect views of Cinderella’s Castle. If you venture out at night you can see the Electrical Water Pageant and the Fireworks at Magic Kingdom as well. Narcoossees counts as 2 dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan, so be aware in case you choose to add it to your Disney Restaurant lineup. 

Garden View Lounge

Anytime we go to Disney we usually try to book a tea at the Garden View Lounge. High Tea, Princess Tea, and Afternoon Tea are available. We usually book the afternoon tea which is offered between 2-5 pm. A little pricey at about 40 bucks a person we forget every time just how filling a whole pot of tea and three courses are! You get an array of cheeses, little sandwiches, and pastries. This is a perfectly calm atmosphere that can be a great break from the crazies in the parks. We love the tea here and would highly recommend it anytime. Check out the Garden View Tea Room Menu. 

Enchanted Rose Lounge

One of our favorite things to do for Disney Adults, the Enchanted Rose Lounge features a Beauty and the Beast theme, with an array of small plates, drinks, and mocktails. Various seating places include Belle’s ballroom housing the main bar, a green velvet Library area, featuring the wine bar, and a green garden room with access to the balcony. Truly, Enchanted Rose Lounge is one of our favorite Disney Lounges and is a must-do if you’re of age. We love the Truffle Fries and Flatbread here, and there are a variety of drinks to be had to fit anyone’s preferences. Check out the Enchanted Rose Lounge Menu.

Grand Floridian Cafe

We are always on the lookout for an amazing Brunch at Walt Disney World and the Grand Floridian Cafe delivers. With omelets, Floridian pancakes, and typical breakfast options including Mickey Waffles, there are things to eat here for everyone. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, with tables overlooking the garden. The service here was fantastic, and we never felt rushed. A wonderful place to come and have a great meal before a day in the parks. Check out the Grand Floridian Cafe Menu. 

Citricos

Recently re-themed to a Mary Poppins Returns decor style, the newly reopened Citricos is a signature restaurant and offers dinner only. Definitely, on the pricier side, this is a good Disney Restaurant for Adults. Limited plant-based options also make this restaurant that warrants checking the menu prior to making a reservation. And while there is a kid’s menu, there is little here meant for children. Check out the Citricos Menu. 

Victoria and Albert’s

For the very fancy and sophisticated, Victoria and Albert’s provides fine dining at the highest level. A world-renowned and award-winning restaurant, led by Chef Scott Hunnel. The Victoria and Albert Restaurant is also known for its seasonal menu with foods sourced locally, so the menu is in constant flux on purpose. Always sure to impress, this signature dining experience offers a chef table option, and lounge as well.  This Disney Restaurant counts as 2 Dining Credits so be aware if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan. As one of Disney’s most popular restaurants, reservations are required and sometimes hard to get. It is, however, well worth the trouble. Check out the Victoria and Albert Menu. 

Recreation at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

If you’re looking for more of a resort experience and less of a theme park experience, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has a variety of specialty experiences on the grounds. You can frequent Senses Spa, visit the Ivy Trellis Salon, or rent a yacht, cabana, or boat. You can also get an inside glimpse of the history of the resort with the resort tour. And dare we mention the shops! You can find high-end shops, regular Disney shops, and specialty shops like Basin all in the resort. Definitely worth a walk even if you’re not staying there. And as with all Disney Resorts, there are Movies on the Lawn, and Pools to capture your attention as well. Check out all the Recreation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. 

Electrical Water Pagent

One of the best things about staying at the Grand Floridian Resort is getting to see the Electrical Wate Pagent. This pageant feature floats that light up the night with music and animation. It’s simple and fun and can be seen from the beaches of the Grand Floridian every evening. Definitely a perk of staying at this resort.

Kids at the Grand Floridian

If you’re thinking of giving your kids a more sophisticated Disney resort experience then the Grand Floridian is the place to be. A pirate boat adventure, a wonderland tea party, and movies under the stars are perfect for the little ones. You can also always count on the amazing family Beach Pool area not only for fun in the sun but also as the location of all the children’s programs. The cast members do crafts, dances, and games poolside so if you’re taking a day away from the crowds at the parks, be sure to check it out. Of course, if you have tweens, they may just like the idea that there is a spa robe and a balcony to help make you feel extra princess-like.

Transportation at the Grand Floridian Resort 

One of the biggest draws of the Grand Floridian is the location. Right next to Magic Kingdom, a few minutes on the monorail is all it takes to get there. Or you can just head to the Walking Path connecting the Grand Floridian Resort and Magic Kingdom.  If you’re heading to EPCOT you can swap monorails at the Ticket and Transportation Center Station ( TTC ). And from there, you can simply take the Disney Skyliner at EPCOT’s international Gateway over to Hollywood Studios. The only locations where you MUST take a bus are Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. One thing we noticed was that the buses took a lot longer to get to the Grand Floridian Resort than any other Walt Disney World hotel we’ve stayed at. But, never fear, because you can also take boat transportation to and from Magic Kingdom and even over to Wilderness Lodge and the Fort Wilderness Resorts. 

What We Really Thought of The Grand Floridian

So, is the Grand Floridian worth the high price tag? If you plan to spend a reasonable amount of time at your hotel, want to be close to Magic Kingdom, and have quick and easy access to the monorail, PLUS love the sophisticated, elegant, and luxurious style and service that only the Grand Floridian provides, then YES!

Personally, if we’re spending this kind of money, we love the laid-back style and vibe at the Polynesian Resort instead. But that’s just us. While the Grand Floridian Resort truly is grand, we will probably save our Disney dollars for something a little less fancy and whole lot more fun in the future. Of course, we still plan to Resort Hop to the Grand Floridian on every Disney Vacation, but don’t necessarily need to stay here to get our fix! Here’s hoping this post helped you decide if the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is right for your next vacation.