Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Review and Guide

Let’s talk about the “crown jewel” of Disney resorts—Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I mean, if you’ve ever flipped through a Disney planning guide or walked past it on the monorail, you’ve probably thought, “One day, I’m going to stay there.”

It’s that resort.

The one with the massive white buildings, the grand staircase, and the live pianist playing Disney tunes like it’s no big deal.

So… is it actually worth all the hype (and money)? We finally stayed here, and I’ve got opinions—some expected, some surprising.

Jump to Section

🏨 Resort Overview

Theming and Atmosphere

The Grand Floridian is Disney’s flagship resort, themed after the Victorian seaside resorts of the early 20th century—think polished marble floors, turn-of-the-century chandeliers, and cast members in crisp white and pastel uniforms. It’s sophisticated, but still unmistakably Disney.

The details throughout the resort, but especially in the lobby, are exquisite. Check out the Cinderella and Prince marble tiling. Or the stained glass ceiling dome.

What surprised me was how peaceful it felt despite the grandeur. Yes, there’s elegance—but it’s not stuffy. I felt just as welcome walking through the lobby in my Minnie ears as I did sipping a cocktail at Enchanted Rose.

You will definitely want to spend some time in the lobby. There are some unique boutique stores that are pretty fun to check out (I still have my bougie soap from Basin.

And check out this incredibly whimsical photo op where you can hold Cinderella’s glass slipper!

Resort Category and Location

This is a Deluxe Resort and one of the closest resorts to Magic Kingdom Park. You can take the monorail, a boat, or even walk to Magic Kingdom in under 10 minutes now thanks to the walking path. That proximity alone makes it incredibly convenient for families with little ones.

Let’s be honest though, after a long day at the parks, there is something really nice about just letting the monorail do all the hard work.

🚪 Room Types and Amenities

Room Configurations

Guest rooms at the Grand Floridian are among the most spacious on Disney property. Most standard rooms are about 440 square feet and come with two queen beds and a daybed, which works well for families of five. There are also King rooms and club level rooms (if you want to splurge), and then the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas in a separate building.

We stayed in a DVC villa, which helped us justify the cost a bit—it didn’t totally wreck our credit card. Okay, it still stung a little, but not in a “cancel next month’s groceries” kind of way.

In-Room Features

Our room had all the upgraded touches you’d hope for: a Keurig (bless it), a small fridge, enough outlets and USB ports for everyone’s devices, and a bathroom setup with double sinks—game-changer for families.

It felt fresh and updated without losing that subtle nod to its old-school Victorian style. I really loved the Mary Poppins theming. The artwork inside the room was actually quite lovely. And check out the light fixture! Those are glass birds.

Views and Upgrades

There are Garden, Lagoon, Pool, and Theme Park View options. We had a Pool or Resort View and could almost see Cinderella Castle sparkle at night. If you can snag a Theme Park View, you’ll catch fireworks from your balcony—a major perk.

But if you don’t have a room with a view, that’s fine too. A lot of folks meander over to the dock area in front of Gasparilla Island Grill to watch fireworks nightly. During the main Magic Kingdom fireworks, the lights are dimmed and the music from Happily Ever After is piped into the area.

🏊 Pools and Recreation

Main Pool Features

The Courtyard Pool is the quiet one—great for relaxing. But the real fun is at the Beach Pool, which features a 181-foot waterslide and zero-entry access that’s perfect for younger kids. There’s also a water play area themed to Alice in Wonderland, complete with teacup features and mini slides.

Other Recreation Options

You’ll find movies under the stars, campfire activities, the Grand Floridian Spa, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a surprisingly robust arcade tucked away near the pool area. For something extra special, the Grand Floridian also hosts seasonal events and live music in the lobby—often featuring a jazz ensemble or piano player.

Holiday Season at the Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian during the holidays is something else. That giant gingerbread house in the lobby? It’s not just for show—you can actually walk up and buy gingerbread shingles right out of it.

Between the twinkling lights, the soft scent of sugar and spice in the air, and the live music (often Christmas carols played on the grand piano), it feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie with a Disney twist.

🍴 Dining at Grand Floridian

Quick-Service Options

Gasparilla Island Grill is where you’ll go for a quick bite. It’s open until midnight, which was so handy after we left Magic Kingdom at 11 p.m. and needed second dinner. The food was decent—nothing fancy, but solid.

I had loved the Caprese sandwhich that hit the spot, and the Mickey waffles for breakfast were absolutely delicious. Bonus: mobile order actually worked without a glitch here.

When you head to Gasparilla, don’t discount the bakery case. Everything featured looked so incredibly amazing. I opted for a marshmallow s’mores brownie that looked like a ghost. It was super yummy.

Table-Service or Lounge Options

This is where the Grand Floridian shines. You’ve got:

Cítricos – Beautifully reimagined with Mary Poppins theming.

Narcoossee’s – Right on the water, ideal for seafood and fireworks view

Grand Floridian Café – A hidden gem with great breakfasts. Actually, the Grand Floridian Cafe is famous for the Mickey Chicken and Waffles. They definitely lived up to the hype!

Victoria & Albert’s – This is fine dining at it’s best. A MICHELIN star rated experience and the most elevated (and most expensive) restaurant on Disney properties.

Enchanted Rose Lounge – Elegant Beauty and the Beast vibes with small plates and craft cocktails. For a lounge experience, this was definitely elevated. I had the truffle fries and they were basically perfect!

And of course…

Character Dining

1900 Park Fare is back! The newly refreshed character dining experience is one of the best for families. Right now, it features characters like Tiana in her new outfit from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Aladdin in royal gear, Cinderella, and Mirabel from Encanto.

The buffet has improved too—solid options for picky kids and foodies alike. I have to say, the buffet at 1900 Park Fare is one of the best buffets on property. And the strawberry soup is legendary!

🚍 Transportation and Park Access

Distance and Travel Time to Each Park

Magic Kingdom: <10-minute walk or 1 stop on monorail
EPCOT: Monorail transfer at the TTC, ~20–25 mins
Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom: Disney bus, ~20–30 mins

Modes of Transportation

You have all the deluxe transport perks: monorail, walking path, boat, and bus. We loved taking the boat to Magic Kingdom in the morning and walking back at night. No stroller folding needed!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Makes Grand Floridian Great for Families?

Kid-Friendly Features

Despite the upscale feel, kids are absolutely welcome here. The Alice-themed splash pad, character dining, and proximity to Magic Kingdom make it easy to relax and enjoy the magic without stress. You’ll also find fun lawn games, a sandy beach area, and cast members who go out of their way to engage little ones.

Room Options for Larger Families

Rooms sleep up to 5 with the daybed, and the villas have options for larger families or those wanting kitchen/laundry access. Club level rooms also cater well to families with perks like snacks, drinks, and dedicated concierge help.

💰 Pricing and Value for Money

Typical Price Range

Let’s not sugarcoat it—this place is expensive. Standard rooms run anywhere from $750 to over $1,000 per night depending on the season, and that’s not even club level. It’s a lot.

When we stayed using DVC points, it came out to around $589 per night, which still made my wallet whimper, but didn’t make me question my life choices. Honestly, this is one of those “splurge or special occasion” resorts unless you’re blessed with a serious travel budget.

Best Time to Stay for Value

For the lowest prices, look at late August, early January, or weekdays in early May. Renting DVC points can also significantly reduce the cost if you’re flexible.

🤔 Pros and Cons of Staying at Grand Floridian

Pros:

Closest resort to Magic Kingdom
Stunning architecture and atmosphere
Top-tier dining and character meals
Excellent pools and recreation
Walkable + monorail access

Cons:

Expensive (like… really expensive)
Feels less “themed” compared to resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge
Can feel a little formal if you prefer laid-back vibes

🎯 Final Verdict: Who Should Stay Here?

If this is your once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip or a big celebration—yes, the Grand Floridian absolutely delivers. It’s beautiful, convenient, and packed with little Disney details that make it feel special. Families who rope drop Magic Kingdom, enjoy luxurious downtime, or want great food will love it.

But if you’re more about mid-day pool breaks, whimsical theming, or value for cost—resorts like Wilderness Lodge or Polynesian might suit you better.

Either way, the Grand Floridian truly is a bucket list stay—and one I’m so glad we got to experience.