On-Site Magical Disney Stays: The Grand Floridian

Contributed by:

Jenn Marrazzo, A Mouse and a Beach Travel Advisor

Have you ever watched the episode of Full House where the Tanner family heads to Walt Disney World to live-cast their morning show from the resort? Uncle Jesse serenades Aunt Becky on a Grand Piano at the center of a luxurious resort. Well, the Tanner’s didn’t just stay at any resort, they stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. If you are anything like me, after seeing that episode, I always longed to stay here and I’ve been fortunate enough to do so multiple times. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the flagship resort of Walt Disney World and offers some fantastic views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Keep reading to learn about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and why our AMAAB advisors think it’s a good choice for both special occasions and unique vacations. 

Nestled on the Shores of Seven Seas Lagoon…

Where did Disney locate their flagship resort? As we said, it’s nestled on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, a man-made lake in the Walt Disney World Resort.  Seven Seas Lagoon is a circle shape that also houses Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Its exact location is right next to the Magic Kingdom, being connected via a beautiful walkway, boat, and monorail. In fact, the Grand Floridian is the last stop on the monorail before arriving at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Resort Theme

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa draws inspiration from Victorian-era Florida. The various building names reflect that as does the decor in the lobby and around the resort. When you step inside, you’ll feel the grandeur that the resort wants to convey. You’ll see the Tea Room, the Enchanted Rose Lounge, Victoria and Albert’s, and much more. All of these locations set the Victorian vibe. Given the overall theme, Mary Poppins has been integrated into the resort to include the recently reimagined decor of the rooms. You’ll be saying “Supercalifragalisticexpialadocious” just like Mary Poppins after staying at this awe inspiring option. 

Room Types

When choosing room types at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa , you have quite a few options available to you... 16 to be exact. No pressure, but this actually is one of the many reasons to use a travel advisor from our crew to help narrow down the options! Keep in mind that all rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa have been renovated as of 2022 and 2023, and you really can't go wrong with the room decor.

Standard Rooms- Resort View, Water View and Theme Park View

First up are the standard rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. While the resort doesn’t necessarily specify these as standard rooms, they are considered resort view, water view and theme park view rooms. Unlike other resorts, the Grand Floridian does not have regular deluxe view rooms, only club level deluxe rooms. These rooms sleep up to 5 guests and can give you views of the courtyard, marina, pool, Seven Seas Lagoon or even Magic Kingdom park. Room configurations for this category include: 

• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

• 2 Queen Beds

• 1 King Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa 

• 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed 

Club Level Rooms- Different Rooms Available 

We love Club Level rooms! If you are lucky enough to enjoy a Club Level room at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury.  All Club Level Rooms give access to the Royal Palm Club, an exclusive lounge-like area in the main building of the Grand Floridian. If you’ve visited the Grand Floridian before, you might have heard there was a second Club in the Sugarloaf building. While that building still has Club Level rooms, everyone now uses the Royal Palm Club. Like other Club Levels at Disney, this club offers light bites, drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and relaxation. You also receive personalized concierge services, an in-room beverage cooler, coffee and tea station, patio or balcony and more. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has SO many Club Level rooms to choose from. Here are the types you can find at this flagship resort. 

Deluxe Room- Club Level

Slightly larger than a regular hotel room at the Grand Floridian, this deluxe room offers the added perk of club level and sleeps up to 3-4 guests with views of either the Courtyard Pool, Beach Pool, Magic Kingdom Park or Resort Grounds, depending on the specific deluxe room type. Configurations in this room available include:

• 2 Queen Beds 

• 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed

• 1 King Bed 

Resort or Theme Park View- Club Level

These rooms are extremely similar to the standard hotel rooms at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. With the added perk of club level, these rooms sleep up to 5 guests and offer sweeping views of Magic Kingdom Park or the Courtyard Pool or Seven Seas Lagoon. These rooms are configurated with: 

• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

• 2 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed

• 2 Queen Beds

• 1 King Bed

1 Bedroom Suite- Club Level

The spacious 1 bedroom suite offers plenty of space for the whole family with beautiful decor and club level access. These rooms sleep up to 4-6 guests and can offer beach pool views or views of Cinderella's Castle. Depending on the view, you can either be staying in the Main Building or an outer building. They offer the following configurations: 

• 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Size Sleeper Sofa

• 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Size Sleeper Sofa

2 Bedroom Suite- Club Level

With plenty of room for the whole family and offering different views of either the pool or Cinderella Castle, these rooms offer space for between 6-8 guests. These rooms can be in the main or outer buildings as well. Configurations include:

• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Size Sleeper Sofa

• 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds 

Grand Suite- Club Level

While the name sounds large and rather… Grand, these rooms offer a lot of room for just 4 guests. With Panoramic Views of the Resort Grounds or Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll get to enjoy some premium level experiences in this room. Configurations of this room include:

• 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Disney Suite- Club Level

One of the most luxurious suites at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Disney Suite sleeps up to 6 guests and offers views of the Courtyard Pool. With plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and access to club level, you’ll love this space. You can find the following configurations at the resort:

• 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Victorian Suite- Club Level

Another beautiful suite at the Grand Floridian, the Victorian suite sleeps up to 4 guests and offers views of the Courtyard Pool. Guests of the Victorian suite can enjoy club level access. The following configuration is available: 

• 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

If you are looking to take a lot of people on your trip or are a Disney Vacation Club Member, the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is for you! Located in the building closer to the Wedding Pavilion, these rooms offer a great location, walking path to the main building and more. The Villas available here include the Deluxe Studios, the all-new Resort Studios, 1 Bedroom Villas, 2 Bedroom Villas and 3 Bedroom Villas, all with varying views. 

Resort Facts

Dining

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has some of the best dining options at Walt Disney World. From character dining experiences to more formal dining options and even meals on-the-go, there’s options for every occasion. One thing to keep in mind is that there is a walking path between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where you can soak in those amenities such as dining, too. 

Citricos

Inspired by Mary Poppins herself, this reimagined restaurant makes you feel as if you are dining in London. This garden theme in London is paired with a Florida cuisine inspired menu with a touch of Mediterranean influences. Enjoy favorites like sweet corn bisque, guava barbecued short ribs, or a warm apple rose. 

Narcoosee's

This waterfront restaurant, located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, offers a touch of land and sea. Be sure to book your dinner around fireworks time since you’ll have a private deck to watch those Magic Kingdom fireworks. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy items such as the Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye, a Butter Lobster Tail, and more. 

Grand Floridian Cafe

The Grand Floridian Cafe is the perfect casual dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even brunch. Situated off the main lobby of the resort, the restaurant offers items such as Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and other delicious options. This restaurant is often considered a hidden gem, given the other big name restaurants at the resort. It is also great for families of all ages.

Gasparilla Island Grill

If you are just stopping through on your way to the parks or looking for a quick snack, Gasparilla Island Grill is the spot for you. This quick-service location offers classic breakfasts such as Mickey Waffles, burgers, sandwiches and more. 

TA Tip:  If you want to order food here after the parks close, do it in the mobile app so that you can quickly get your food and not wait a long time. This spot gets very busy once the parks close.

Beaches Pool Bar and Grill

Soaking up the sun at Beaches Pool? Well then Beaches Pool Bar and Grill offers drinks such as a Pina Colada, Sunshine Margarita and Pineapple Dream. And you can also order food too, until about 6pm, with options such as Loaded BBQ Pork Chips and Chicken Strips amongst others. 

Courtyard Pool Bar

If the Courtyard Pool Bar is your spot for soaking up the sun for the day, then the Courtyard Pool Bar is a good spot for you to enjoy. Offering food items such as a Caprese Sandwich with Chips, Gourmet All-Beef Hot Dogs and more. Plus, drink options are also available. 

1900 Park Fare

Having just recently reopened, 1900 Park Fare is a character dining experience opened for breakfast and dinner. Guests get to wish upon the wishing star and learn about Aladdin’s, Cinderella’s, Mirabel’s and Tiana’s wishes that came true. Whether breakfast is your place to start or dinner, you won’t be disappointed by the delicious menu items available. 

Victoria and Albert’s 

One of the most famous restaurants in Orlando and quite possibly the world, Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has been the winner of the AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 2000. Guests can try items from one of two tasting menus available and have over 500 wines to choose from in the restaurant. 

Pools

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is home to two pools: the Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool. The Beach Pool, overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, features a waterslide, waterfalls and has a zero entry entrance. The Courtyard Pool also offers a zero entry entrance and a calm peaceful swimming experience. 

Transportation

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located directly next door to the Magic Kingdom. With that said, there are many options available for you to get to the parks. Aside from the EPCOT area, this area is one of my favorites for the convenience and location. 

Some of the ways to get to Magic Kingdom include a boat ferry, monorail, and even a walking path directly from the resort. The walk from the Grand Floridian to MK is about 12 to 15 minutes depending on how quickly you walk. A monorail ride from these points is about 3 minutes (if the line is short), as MK is the first stop after the resort. A boat ride is typically only 10-15 minutes between the two. If you are looking to get to EPCOT, you’ll have to take the Monorail to the TTC where you can transfer to EPCOT. From there you can get to Hollywood Studios or buses are available from the Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. 

TA Tip:  The MyDisney Experience App has all the info you need for transportation and how to get to the other parks. The app can tell you when the next bus will arrive and more. 

Resort Amenities

Every resort at Disney World has its perks and amenities that make it worth a stay. Let’s see what Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has to offer. 

• Grand Floridian Campfire Activities Nightly from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

• Movies Under the Stars on Select Nights

• The Grand Floridian Spa

• Poolside Cabanas 

• Motorized Boat Rentals

• Fishing

• Fireworks Cruises

• Arcadia Games

• Basketball Courts

• Electrical Water Pageant 

• Health Club

• Complimentary WiFi

One amenity that is most popular at the Seven Seas Lagoon resorts is the Electrical Water Pageant. This water pageant is narrated by Disney tunes that you love and is a visual masterpiece of lights and sea creatures. 

TA Tip:  The best spots at the Grand Floridian to watch the Electrical Water Pageant are either near Narcoosee's on their dock, at the Resort Boat Dock down by the water or even near the beach area. Our personal pick for best spot is the Resort Boat Dock area. 

This would be an ideal resort for you if…

You are looking for a classic Disney experience where you want that ultimate flagship Disney experience. If you want direct access to Magic Kingdom Theme Park and EPCOT, this is a contender. The upscale experience here makes for such an elevated experience from the pools to the food and the transportation... guests even make a point to stop by here even if they're staying at other resorts on-site! Kids are of course welcome and encouraged. Although distinctly different in theme from resorts like Art of Animation, parents and kids alike will love the amenities and fun available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. 

Check out why Jenn Marrazzo, one of our AMAAB travel advisors, loves Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa:

“Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa offers that classic Disney experience for me and my family. From convenient transportation options, awesome dining options for every meal, and all of the amenities that the resort has to offer, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will always be a favorite resort of mine for that feeling it invokes.”

-Jenn Marrazzo

AMAAB Travel Advisor

@thehappiesttravelsonearth

You can check out an overview of all Disney resorts here, or connect with one of our travel advisors to find your perfect match! 

Let us know when you are ready to go! Start with our quote request and our crew will send you a proposal of options for your next magical WDW vacation.