Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Last month I wrote a basic guide to staying on property at Walt Disney World, but as promised, it’s time to delve deeper into all that Disney’s flagship resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, has to offer.
I have to admit that I was somewhat concerned about staying at the Grand Floridian with small children. I know from experience that nearly everything about Walt Disney World is kid and vacation-attire friendly, but I had my doubts:
Would we feel awkward around couples looking for a more refined Disney experience?
Would the kids enjoy their stay at a hotel whose theme they would not “get”?
Would we find anything on site that the kids would actually eat?
Would I under-tip the room attendants and doom my children to a vacation free of towel animals?!?
Throwing caution to the wind, I decided that the opportunity to stay at a monorail resort while my children were still in strollers was a blessing that far outweighed any of my concerns. As it turned out, my fears were unfounded!
- After a long day at the parks, nobody is having a refined Disney experience. We’re all tired and sweaty.
- The kids did not have a clue about the Victorian theme, but they sure did love the zero entry pool!
- Pizza. Pizza. Pizza. Pizza. Pizza.
- And as for the room attendants, this is what we returned to find on our room desk one evening…
While a note from Mickey on our travel magnadoodle was surely a highlight, our entire stay at the Grand Floridian was magical. Here is just a taste of what you can expect from your vacation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa…
- The turn of the century Victorian theme gives the resort a unique charm.
- Disney characters appear in the marble floors throughout the main building, so get the cameras ready the second you enter the front doors.
- Its proximity on the monorail line not only makes the GF incredibly convenient to the Magic Kingdom, but also provides a gorgeous view of Cinderella’s Castle, Seven Seas Lagoon, evening fireworks, and the Electrical Water Pageant.
- Kid-friendly events ranging from story-time to movies on the beach make the GF a favorite of children.
- Prepare for pampering, including a nightly turn-down service with delicious chocolates.
- Spacious rooms allow you to spread out and relax, and most rooms sleep five guests comfortably.
- Six on-site restaurants ranging from cafeteria style to the incredibly elegant Victoria & Albert’s means that you’ll never go hungry!
- Want to shop? Try one of the six stores located in the GF’s main building.
- There are two pools on property, including a beach themed zero entry pool with a water slide.
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While the Grand Floridian is stunning year round, nothing can top the holiday decorations in the main building.
The giant (and delicious) gingerbread house with beautifully iced character window frames.
Miniature furniture provides a waiting area for the littlest guests checking in.
Hidden in the marble floor, Pluto greets guests with a playful smile.