Victorian elegance and luxury at its finest – that sums up Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!
This is the crème de la crème of the Deluxe on-property resorts at Walt Disney World. Admittedly its price point is not for the faint of heart, but my husband and I decided to treat ourselves for our anniversary last fall. Even after just a brief one-night, two-day stay, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa immediately went to the top of the list of our favorite Disney resorts.
We will book another longer stay in the future for sure – here are 5 reasons why:
1) Location!
The Magic Kingdom is just one monorail stop away or a quick water taxi ride on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Epcot can be accessed by monorail with a transfer at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Bus transportation will get you to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks. Have a dining reservation at the Contemporary or Polynesian Village resorts? Just hop on the monorail!
2) Theming!
A turn of the 20th century Victorian motif complete with its exterior red gabled roofs and intricate lattice work and the charm of the magnificent 5 story open lobby makes the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reminiscent of its 19th century counterparts. You may recognize that The Grand Floridian Resort shares a lot of similarity with the Hotel Del Coronado in California.
3) Accommodations!
The rooms are elegant and comfortable and are appointed with the same Victorian charm that is evident around the resort. Accommodations are located in the main building and in the outer lying lodge buildings. Most standard rooms average more than 400 square feet with a terrace and can accommodate up to 5 people. There are Deluxe King rooms; Club Level rooms; and one, two, or three bedroom Villa suites as well. Bathrooms have marble countertops and double sinks. The bedding is among the most luxurious and comfortable I have ever slept in. Robes, a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and a blow dryer are among the standard amenities found in each room.
Our room was in one of the lodge buildings on the ground floor and had an awesome view of the marina and its connection to the Seven Seas Lagoon. It was quiet and peaceful and I so enjoyed sitting on our verandah.
4) Restaurants, Shopping, and Lounges!
There is no shortage of dining venues, from very casual to very formal. Choose quick service snacks, sandwiches, and salads from Gasparilla Island Grill – open 24 hours in case you need that midnight snack!
Table service meals are available at Citrico’s, the Grand Floridian Café, and Narcoossee’s. Enjoy a character buffet style meal with your favorite Princesses at 1900 Park Fare. For the ultimate dining experience, enjoy an upscale 7 – 10 course dinner at Victoria & Albert’s (ages 10 & up; cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit for women, dinner jackets for men, and reservations are required).
There is a nice selection of shops for specialty boutique items and a character mercantile as well as a sundries and gift shop.
Afternoon Tea, complete with finger sandwiches and small deserts, is served daily in the Garden View Tea Room. Relax with an afternoon or evening beverage at lounges in Citricos, Narcoossees, or the new Beauty and the Beast inspired lounge, Enchanted Rose. Better yet, enjoy your beverage of choice to go and take in the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra performing in the grand lobby daily until 9 PM.
5) Activities!
There is plenty to do at the Resort for adults and families alike. Plan a free day and enjoy all the recreational activities available to you. Indulge in a Spa treatment (or two!) at Senses; make an appointment for a royal makeover for your own little princess at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
.
Visit the health club; go bass fishing; choose from a variety of water boats available for rent; take a dip at either of two large pools.
In the evening sit by the waterfront on the Seven Seas Lagoon and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant as it passes by the resort. Gather ‘round a campfire and roast marshmallows or catch a Disney Movie Under the Stars.
And if you keep your eyes open, you may spot a happy couple or two as they exchange their vows at the Wedding Chapel!
No matter what you choose to do, you will be planning your next stay before you even leave!!
Sandy Fardie is a Vacation Specialist with Coasters and Castles Travel. She loves planning vacations for her clients as much as she loves planning her own at Disney Destinations as well as with a variety of cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts. She has experience planning honeymoons; single family; and multi-generational family vacations.
You can learn more about Sandy at https://www.coastersandcastlestravel.com/sandy
Contact Sandy at sfardie@coastersandcastlestravel.com and follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sfardietravel/