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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Review

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Often considered the premier resort for Walt Disney World, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort shines for its beautiful Victorian theming and location just next to Magic Kingdom. But is it really worth the high price tag? Read on for my review of this enchanting resort.

An aerial view of Grand Floridian Hotel

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Review

The beautiful Grand Floridian Resort sits on 40 acres of Victorian-era elegance, across the Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom. Take your pick of monorail, boat, or walkway straight to the gates of Magic Kingdom, or use the monorail lines to get to EPCOT.

Modeled after the famed Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, CA, the Grand Floridian has an air of elegance to it without feeling snobby. All guests are welcome here, and you’ll receive nothing but the best service on property.

The lobby of Grand Floridian Hotel with a chandelier

The hotel is currently in the middle of a refurbishment, with all interior and exterior spaces being renovated and updated. All of the exterior building rooms have been updated. The final phase includes the main building rooms and lobby. Refurbishment should conclude in 2024.

A large vase of flowers in the entry of Grand Floridian Hotel

Hotel Details

  • Deluxe Resort
  • 900 guest rooms (including DVC rooms)
  • Convention center
  • Two pools
  • 10 dining options
  • Check-in time is 3pm
  • Check-out time is 11am
A white building at Grand Floridian Resort with sign outside that reads Boca Chica

Hotel Grounds

The gardens of Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel are meticulously manicured. The walkways connecting all the buildings were always clean and easy to navigate (if you have ever stayed at one of the larger Walt Disney World resorts then you know this can be a challenge). I can imagine it takes a lot of upkeep to maintain the white paint on the exterior of all the buildings.

A three-tier fountain in between swan topiaries with pink flowers and green grass in the foreground and Grand Floridian Hotel in the background

Rooms

I stayed in a two queen bed standard room in the Boca Chica building. (This building and room have since been refurbished.) The room was pleasantly spacious, perhaps the largest WDW hotel room I’ve stayed it outside the Cabins. However, it felt extremely outdated, especially considering the high cost of the room.

Interior of standard Grand Floridian Hotel showing two queen beds with white bedding
Interior of two queen Grand Floridian Hotel room showing two beds, flat panel TV, and red armchair

The bathroom was surprisingly roomy, with two sinks and a separate room for the shower and toilet. The hamper was a nice amentity, helping keep the space tidy.

Interior of bathroom in hotel room of Grand Floridian Hotel showing marble countertop and two sinks below large mirror

Despite my disappointment with the furnishings, the space was very functional and clean. I loved having a balcony but with my one-night stay, I didn’t have any time to enjoy it.

A balcony with two white chairs and a view of Grand Floridian Resort

The rooms include most standard hotel amenities including:

  • Flatscreen TV (with Netflix and Hulu if you log in with your accounts)
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Mini Fridge
  • Coffee Maker (Keurig)
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • Hairdryer
  • Toiletries

Pools and Amenities

There are two pool areas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Beach Pool is the main pool area located between the main building and The Villas. This pool features a waterslide, a separate water play area, and Beach Pool Bar.

The Courtyard Pool (pictured below) serves the smaller buildings and has its own pool bar.

A pool at Grand Floridian Hotel with white building in the background and white lounge chairs alongside the pool's edge

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As far as other amenities and activities, the property also has the following available:

  • Monorail access
  • Family-friendly activities by the pool daily
  • Electrical Water Pageant at night
  • Campfire activities nightly at The Dig Site
  • Movies Under the Stars – Watch Disney movies most nights at the Sommerhouse
  • Boat rentals
  • Business Center
  • Fitness Center
  • Room Service
  • Tennis
  • Spa
  • Laundry facilities
A pier at Grand Floridian Hotel leading to a dock with Seven Seas Lagoon in the background

Dining

There are 10 dining locations to choose from at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I’ll share some of my favorites.

Citricos

I can’t say enough good things about the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Citricos. It’s one of the best meals you can get at Walt Disney World. They also have a lounge if you just want to pop in for a drink and an app.

Grand Floridian Cafe

This casual sit-down restaurant is just off the lobby and serves food all day. I’ve had both breakfast and lunch here, both were excellent.

Breakfast plate showing wheat toast, over easy egg, hashbrowns, and bacon

Victoria & Albert’s

Quite possibly the best meal you can get at Walt Disney World. I was able to dine here during my very first visit to Walt Disney World and was blown away by the 10-course meal and the doting staff.

Enchanted Rose

This Beauty and the Beast inspired lounge is located on the second floor of the main building, essentially making it the lobby bar. Everything here is quality; the downsides are the long wait times and late opening time of 3:30pm. If you want an alcohol drink prior to that, you’ll need to go to one of the pool bars.

A red glass sits on a wooden table top at Enchanted Rose

Shopping

Grand Floridian is one of the hotels with an abundance of shops in their main building. On the first floor is Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries, which sells Disney merchandise plus pharmacy items, and Curiouser Clothiers which specializes in women’s clothing and accessories.

The entrance to Sandy Cove giftshop in the lobby of Grand Floridian Hotel

On the second floor you’ll find M. Mouse Mercantile with even more Disney merch, plus Basin White (bath products).

Parking

Outdoor parking is complimentary for guests of the hotel or guests with a valid dining reservation. Valet parking is available for an upcharge.

A large white building at Grand Floridian Resort with pink blossoms in front of it.

Summary

I had a delightful stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, however I probably would not stay here again due to the high room rates. The easy access to Magic Kingdom makes this hotel a convenient choice for anyone who plans to spend a lot of time at that park. I try to visit Grand Floridian once every trip just to enjoy the atmosphere of the hotel or have a meal at one of their suburb restaurants. If the high price to stay here puts this hotel out of your budget, at least plan time to visit!

About Mindy

Mindy Marzec is a life-long Disney fan who grew up in Los Angeles. She started This Fairy Tale Life to share Disneyland travel tips for adults. When not at Disneyland, you can find Mindy at home snuggling with her cats and re-watching Thor: Ragnarok for the billionth time.