The list can go on and on when describing Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. This is a place where Victorian charm is seamlessly blended with modern elegance, with a touch of magic. Often referred to as Disney's flagship resort, the Grand Floridian is the perfect choice for guests who want to experience the best Disney has to offer in resort amenities.

What Disney does best is tell stories, and with this resort, the Imagineers did an amazing job of immersing guests in a world of charming details. Walking through the pathways, you'll feel lost in the turn-of-the-century hotel that celebrates the golden age of travel. The attention to detail is stunning. For example, as you're walking through the main lobby, look down; you might recognize a few friendly faces hidden throughout the marble floor!

ROOMS

The rooms at the Grand Floridian are among the largest standard rooms on property. At an average of 448 square feet, there is plenty of space for your family to spread out and relax. A typical layout includes two queen beds and a daybed or sleeper sofa. "Dormer rooms", or the rooms on the top floor, only sleep 4 (with 2 queen beds). The nice feature about these rooms are the vaulted ceilings and private balcony; these cannot be booked as a guaranteed category, although they can be requested. An "outer building: Deluxe room", formerly called a Lodge Tower room, is a located in one the turrets. These rooms have an extra rounded room with a sitting area and windows, and also sleep 4 instead of 5.

If you are looking for even more space, The Grand Floridian Villas are also available and can give your family extra space or amenities.   

When booking, you can choose a variety of views and locations. The majority of the rooms are located in outer buildings, giving you the choice of garden, lagoon, and theme park views.

Club level rooms are available in the main building (Royal Palm Club), and one outer building (Sugar Loaf). Guests in these rooms will have access to the concierge lounge, providing breakfast, snacks, and a selection of beer and wine.

The main building also boasts some deluxe rooms, king bed rooms, and suites.

The interior decor of all the rooms and lobbies were completely overhauled, and the overall effect was dramatic and beautiful. What once was a lovely resort is now stunning. Muted, fresh, and modern colors and patterns grace the walls and beds.

Resort Studio DVC Room

One great reason to stay here is its proximity to the parks. The Magic Kingdom is accessible by a quick monorail ride (it is the first stop from the resort), by boat or even by walking path. Either way is fantastic and very convenient. To get to Epcot, you take the same monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center, where you will transfer to the Epcot monorail. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Water Parks, and Disney Springs are all accessed by bus.

Being located directly next to the Magic Kingdom adds to the overall magic and ambiance of this resort.  I love taking a stroll along the lagoon, listening to the train whistle from the park.

RECREATION and RELAXATION

When not touring the parks, this is a great place to spend the day! Guests staying at the resort can take advantage of two themed pools, as well as an incredible children's splash area that will make you wish you were a kid again. For the ultimate pool and beach experience, you can rent a cabana for a few hours or the entire day.

A variety of watercraft are available to rent from the marina, allowing you explore the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Guided fishing excursions are available for the fish lover in your family. Also from the marina, kids age 4-12 can set sail on a Pirate Adventure cruise (reservations for this and the fishing excursions should be made in advance).

At night, guests can enjoy a complimentary movie under the stars. An outdoor movie screen is set up between the pool and the beach, making the perfect setting to enjoy a feature film in the night air. The schedule changes on a monthly basis, and the list of movies and other outdoor activities can be found posted in the lobby.

Senses, the full service spa, is a great way to treat yourself on a special occasion, or simply take a relaxing break from the parks. Reservations should be made in advance.

DINING

This resort offers the largest dining selection of all resorts on Walt Disney World property.

QUICK SERVICE
Gasparilla Island Grill, located in the main building, is a great location to grab a quick meal. The menus for all meals include a wide range of options: pastries, eggs, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches for breakfast, and sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, nuggets, and salads for lunch and dinner. 

The Beach Pool Bar and Courtyard Pool Bar also offer quick food options throughout the day, along with a large variety of cocktails, wine and beer. 

TABLE SERVICE
The Grand Floridian Café offers casual dining with an a la carte menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a charming Victorian dining room with sweeping views of the resort grounds.

1900 Park Fare is a character buffet but is temporarily unavailable.

• In the morning, the Supercafragilistic Breakfast allows guests to dine with a variety of characters, including Mary Poppins, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh. 
• In the evening, Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner treats guests to an enchanted evening, with special appearances by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella.
• Each afternoon, this location is host to the Wonderland Tea Party, where children age 4-12 can have "tea" (juice) and cupcakes, hear stories, and play games. Alice and the Mad Hatter make an appearance as well. This experience is limited to 25 children, so early reservations are definitely recommended!

As part of the updates to the Grand Floridian resort over the last several years, two great new lounge options have emerged.

• Enchanted Rose: inspired by Beauty and the Beast, this elegant lounge offers wonderful cocktails and tasty light bites.
• Citricos Lounge: this is a great spot to stop by for a cocktail or beverage and you can get the full dining menu as well if you are looking for dinner.  

Old Fashioned Orange Float from the Citricos Lounge

SIGNATURE DINING
Guests who would enjoy a fine dining experience have three great options at the Grand Floridian.

Citricos has a menu focusing on fresh American food with a Mediterranean flare. The décor is modern whimsical and inspired by Mary Poppins, and the open on-stage kitchen adds to the entertainment and ambiance. As a signature restaurant, a dress code is suggested. At the minimum, you may not wear tank tops, swimsuits, torn clothing, or cut offs; but you will find that most guests are dressed elegantly for a special or celebratory meal. We find the food to be just wonderful here, be sure to try the signature short ribs!

Narcoossee's, the large round building located near the dock for the Magic Kingdom boat, is the other signature restaurant at the Grand Floridian and is seafood inspired. The first draw of this restaurant are the large sweeping windows with panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom; the second is the food. This restaurant is a must-do for any seafood lover; although you can also enjoy steak and chicken here as well. (Review here)

Victoria & Albert's
For the ultimate in luxury and fine dining, Victoria & Albert's is the most elegant restaurant on property. This AAA Five Diamond award winning restaurant is the number one spot for a special evening. Guests enjoy a leisure meal with personalized menus, long stemmed roses, and a harpist playing in the background. The impeccable service will make you feel like a member of an exclusive club. The menu changes daily, focusing on fresh local and seasonal items. Reservations fill up extremely quickly, and should be made as soon as possible.

OTHER DINING

SHOPPING

Another must-do at this resort is to check out all the shopping options! From fine apparel and accessories, to pins and novelties, you'll find something that interests you. My favorite is Basin White, where you'll find luxurious bath and body care items that smell heavenly.

Soap selections at Basin White

Even if you are not staying at the Grand Floridian, I highly recommend taking some time to explore this great resort. The lobby is a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. . Throughout the day, you may catch a pianist performing on the grand piano or a glimpse of a bride getting photos before her ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion next door. If you are visiting from mid-November through December, the giant gingerbread house is an attraction of its own!

Whether you stay there for a week or an hour, be sure to make the most of your next visit to Disney's Grand Floridian!

Click here to view more pictures of this resort.

Maci Schau