5 SERIOUS Downsides To Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel

There’s no denying the Grand Floridian looks like the pinnacle of Disney luxury — but sometimes looks can be deceiving.

This is one of the most iconic and expensive hotels at Disney World, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for every trip. There are a few serious things you should know before booking here, especially if you’re thinking it’s the “ultimate” place to stay. Let’s talk about five major downsides that might make you rethink dropping that kind of cash.

It’s Expensive — Even for a Deluxe Resort

Let’s just get this out of the way: the Grand Floridian is seriously pricey. Yes, it’s a Deluxe Resort. Yes, it’s on the Monorail loop. Yes, it’s got fancy restaurants and high-end touches everywhere you look. But even compared to other Deluxe resorts, the Grand Floridian is on another level cost-wise.

We’re talking room rates that can easily hit over $700 a night (for the most basic room) — and that’s before you factor in food, park tickets, and extras. And while you’re definitely paying for luxury, that luxury doesn’t always translate to convenience or value, which brings us to the next point…

You Can’t Avoid the Outdoors — Even Just Getting to Your Room

For a resort that costs this much, it’s kind of shocking how inconvenient it can be to just get to your room. Most of the buildings are spread out across the property, which means you’ll probably be walking outside — in the Florida heat, or rain — just to get back to your room.

If you’re coming back from a long park day, the last thing you want is to drag tired kids and park bags across a half-mile of concrete in 95-degree weather. And don’t even get us started on transporting luggage from your car. Parking is all out front, and it’s limited — so you’ll be making that outdoor trek more than you probably want to during your stay.

It’s Not Great if You’re Focused on EPCOT or Hollywood Studios

If you’re planning a trip that’s mostly Magic Kingdom-focused, being on the Monorail loop is great. But if your itinerary is more EPCOT or Hollywood Studios heavy, the Grand Floridian starts to feel a little out of the way.

While other Deluxe resorts in the BoardWalk area give you walking access to EPCOT and a Skyliner ride to Hollywood Studios, staying at the Grand Floridian means relying on buses or transferring Monorails at the TTC. It adds extra time and hassle — especially if you’re trying to rope drop or get back for a midday break.

The Monorail Situation at Park Close is Not Ideal

Here’s something most first-timers don’t realize: at the end of the night, the Monorail from Magic Kingdom back to the Grand Floridian can be a nightmare. Why? Because it’s the last stop on the loop.

You’ll watch it go to the Contemporary and the Polynesian first before you ever get off. And that’s if you manage to get on — because the line can get really long, really fast when the park closes. If you’ve got kids falling asleep or you’re carrying souvenirs, the wait can feel endless. And in the morning, you’re also the last stop before Magic Kingdom, meaning it might be harder to find a seat if the train is already half full by the time it gets to you.

It Gets Overrun With Non-Guests During Holiday Seasons

This one might surprise people, but if you’re staying here around Christmas or Easter, you should absolutely expect crowds — and not just the usual park ones.

The Grand Floridian has become the destination for visitors to see the life-size gingerbread house in December and the springtime Easter egg displays. They’re beautiful, yes. But it also means the lobby and main areas of the hotel are packed with people who aren’t even staying there. It can be chaotic, loud, and honestly a little annoying when you’re paying top dollar to relax in a “deluxe” setting that’s constantly swarmed with tourists snapping photos.

The Grand Floridian looks like a dream stay, and for some, it might be. But for others, these downsides are enough to make them think twice — especially when there are other Deluxe resorts that feel more convenient, better connected, and honestly a little less stressful.

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If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Your Next Trip to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Will Look TOTALLY Different

Have you stayed at the Grand Floridian before? Tell us your thoughts about your stay in the comments.

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