Walt Disney World offers dozens of themed Resort hotels to house guests when they visit their home away from home. And we know our AllEars readers have lots of opinions about the Resort hotels, too!
While Resort categories include Value and Moderate options for those on a budget, the most expensive — and one of the most iconic — Resorts is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This Victorian-inspired hotel, located just minutes from Magic Kingdom, has a lot of perks.
Today we’re checking into Disney World’s most expensive Resort to explore all the best parts of living that Grand Floridian life.
Proximity to Magic Kingdom
There are three quick-and-easy (and complimentary) ways to get from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom. If you don’t mind adding extra steps on your pedometer, you can easily walk there using the recently opened Grand Floridian Walkway. It’s a bit of a lengthy walk (somewhere in the 20-minute range if you keep a steady pace), but it’s worth it if you don’t want to take Disney transportation or if you’d like to see the World from a new perspective.
If you do opt for Disney transportation, the Grand Floridian is a Monorail resort. That means you can take a quick ride on the Monorail to get over to Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Monorail System
Lastly, you can choose to take a water taxi as the chariot to your Kingdom. These only run to and from Magic Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom area hotels, so like the Monorail, it’s a unique perk!
Disney Boats, Water Taxis, and Ferries
If you’re heading to any of the other parks, you’ll hop on a standard Disney bus. But the Grand Floridian’s proximity to Magic Kingdom is a huge bonus if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in this flagship park.
Walt Disney World Bus System
Check Out Every Way to Get to Magic Kingdom!
Theming
That Victorian-style theming we mentioned is iconic, making the Grand Floridian one of Disney World’s most recognizable hotels. This Deluxe Resort embodies luxury, so you’ll feel like Disney royalty the moment you step inside the grand lobby.
You may even spot a pianist in that lobby playing Disney-inspired classical music! And outside, there are well-manicured grounds to explore and a sweeping view of Seven Seas Lagoon.
If you want an ultra-luxe hotel experience, this resort is for you. But don’t worry — there are plenty of Disney touches, too! Just look down at the marble tile floor for hidden Mickeys and other characters.
Here’s How the Grand Floridian Transforms for the Holiday Season!
Pools
Like the rest of the hotel, the pools at the Grand Floridian are well-themed, and you’ll have a couple of impressive options from which to choose! The Beach Pool is for the whole family; an Alice in Wonderland-themed splash pad brings the fun for little ones, a pool bar keeps the grown ups happy, and cabanas are available for rent if you want to enjoy the pool area in style.
The Courtyard Pool is the “quiet” pool, making it the ideal spot for adults to relax. You won’t hear the same loud music and kids’ activities as you will over at the Beach Pool. But you will find a whirlpool spa here!
While these aren’t our very favorite pools on property, they’re solid options. Not to mention, that Beach Pool offers a great view of Seven Seas Lagoon!
Here’s Our Ranking of Disney’s Hotel Pools!
Activities
The Grand Floridian offers quite a few unique activities that guests get to take advantage of! The first is the Electrical Water Pageant. The show features 14 illuminated barges that float across the water, and it’s visible from all of the Magic Kingdom area resorts! You can catch it between 8:40PM and 9:45PM — be sure to ask a Cast Member when it will parade past your hotel.
And while it’s temporarily unavailable, the Grand is also home to a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! When open, this experience offers the chance for your little prince or princess to get a royal makeover.
For some fun in the sun, you can rent motorized boats here and take them out for a spin on Seven Seas Lagoon. Price ranges from $32 to $45 per half hour, and these excursions (while temporarily unavailable) make for a great family activity.
Read More About the Electrical Water Pageant!
Unique Dining
If you’re a foodie, you’ll find some great dining options at this Resort! Grand Floridian Cafe makes for a great breakfast and brunch spot, but this comfortable and bright venue has an extensive menu for all meals. And Narcoosee’s offers seafood and some juicy steaks, plus views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle in the distance.
If you want to indulge in arguably the fanciest meal on property, you can opt for a visit to Victoria and Albert’s. This signature dining experience is pricey, but it’s one of the top-rated restaurants in the country (it’s been five-star-rated since 2000!). Just be sure to book your reservation as far out as possible — tables here go fast!
Citricos is another Signature dining opportunity, featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients that are consistently well-prepared and satisfying. Want Citricos-crafted appetizer bites and beauifully-composed drinks? You’ll want to dance into Enchanted Rose lounge. Lastly, you can swing by Gasparilla Island Grill for some Quick Service. You’ve got sandwiches and other simple meals up for grabs here, and don’t leave without checking the dessert case.
Check Out the Best Restaurants at Disney Hotels!
While it is Disney World’s priciest hotel, the Grand Floridian offers some incredible — and unique! — experiences should you choose to book a stay here. But remember: you can take advantage of many of these perks without even being a hotel guest! Book an ADR for a special restaurant, On your next trip to Disney, be sure to stop by and explore this classic Resort.
Here’s the Best Thing at Every Disney World Hotel!
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Have you ever stayed at the Grand Floridian? Let us know in the comments!
The Grand Floridian is my absolute favorite hotel, and my home resort, but a lot has changed there in the last 5 years, making it just that much less Grand. Even pre-covid there were many major changes, not for the better. The loss of the GF Orchestra, Mizner’s, and Commander Porters were all major blows. I’m still waiting to hear what “Beauty and the Beast” has to do with “old Florida!”
Then with Covid much more changed, less hours, shuttered restaurants, and no fresh flowers anywhere. So much has changed at the hotel, EXCEPT for the pricing. It’s still just as expensive as ever. The GF just doesn’t feel that Grand anymore, more mediocre. Perhaps with the 50th anniversary around the corner, some of these things will return. If you had asked me in the past about the GF, and is it worth owning there, it would have been a very quick yes, but these days not so much. I don’t think I’ll ever stop going or staying there, but I’ve been staying elsewhere or selling points. Disney management really needs to get it together.