What I Wish I Knew Before Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Are you hoping to stay at one of Disney World’s most popular resorts? You will want to know these tips before staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

This sought-after deluxe resort is one of our favorites to visit at Disney World due to its Victorian theming, plenty of great restaurants and lounges to keep your tummy full, and seasonal events like the current Grand Cottage full of Easter themed treats. But there are a few things to keep in mind before booking your vacation here.

No Pool Hopping

The Grand Floridian has some gorgeous pools for guests to enjoy. But if you’re booking this resort with the hopes of hopping to other monorail resorts to use their pools, you’ll be disappointed. Disney allows only hotel guests to use their pool spaces.

Last Stop on the Monorail

Having the monorail at your hotel is a big perk, but sometimes this perk is more of a headache. The Grand Floridian is the last monorail stop before heading to Magic Kingdom. During peak seasons, the monorail can become crowded and fill up quickly. Luckily, this isn’t the other way to get to the Magic Kingdom.

The Hotel is FULL of visiting guests

Since the resort is on the monorail loop, it is easily accessible to everyone visiting Disney. During the holiday season, the lobby is crowded due to the famous gingerbread house here. (Note: There will not be a gingerbread house here in 2025 due to construction.)

Guests who are staying elsewhere can visit the Grand Floridian to take in its gorgeous views or come to dine at one of the many restaurants the resort has. All this to say, the lobby can be busy and loud at times, so don’t be surprised if it’s not as relaxing as you had pictured it.

Under Construction

The resort lobby began construction on April 14th. Disney recently announced that a major change would be coming to this hotel soon and giving the lobby area a new update.

One of the features that’s been around since it was built will be removed and transformed. The iconic birdcage that’s sat in the hotel lobby for decades will be reimagined as a bar once construction is complete. With construction underway this year, it can be an eyesore and you might be able to hear some noise as it continues.

So Many Restaurants to Pick From

While the Grand Floridian does have great restaurants like Citricos and Victoria & Albert’s, there are several more restaurants just a quick monorail ride away. Having access to the monorail means you will also have quick access to even more restaurants and lounges at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Don’t neglect these restaurants if you are booking some dining reservations.

Don’t Forget the Boat

The monorail to Magic Kingdom might be the mode of transportation that guests most commonly think of first, but it’s not the only way to get there! There is a walking path that will take you right to the Magic Kingdom, but if your legs need a break, there is a boat that runs to the park as well. It’s great to have multiple ways to get to the park.

It’s a LARGE resort

This resort is widespread. With multiple buildings, you might be stuck further away from the lobby than you were anticipating. There would be a lot of walking outside if you are in a building further from the lobby, which, during a thunderstorm, could be a problem.

Keep these things in mind before booking this resort for your Disney World vacation. For more Disney tips, follow us at AllEars.net.

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