The Grand Floridian Resort of Disney by Dealing with Disney

The Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World
is The preeminent Disney resort epitomizing the combination of Florida and Disney Magic.

This exquisite resort has hosted presidents, celebrities and many guests that want that picture perfect Disney experience.

It is designed with the southern plantation style mixed with the Victorian sea-side resorts of the old days. Each guest is provided a white luxury robe to use during
.their stay!

FYI, this blog has quite a few links for more details within this resort or Disney.

You can’t beat the views and service it provides!

This resort is one of the 3 Disney resorts connected to the Monorail for easy access to Magic Kingdom or the Disney transportation station. It also has ferry boats (which I prefer) for transportation to/from Magic Kingdom.

One issue for the monorail part is that it is the last resort pick up before you get to the Magic Kingdom so sometimes it can be full from the other resort loads. This also means it is the last resort drop off when returning to your resort from Magic Kingdom. These are Just things to keep in mind. I never find these things an issue but it is always good to be aware when trying to time transportation needs or for proper expectations. BOAT TRANSPORTATION LINK

One thing I also love about taking Monorail or boats into parks, the security screening is SO much easier. Way less crowds this way, makes for easier and calmer experience.

I do prefer the boats over monorail. It is a peaceful & more direct transportation service. The breeze always feels nice! If you time it right you can watch fireworks while on route.

From this resort you can rent boats; pontoon, yacht, or the small two seat racers(they have limited speeds—slow) don’t underestimate the fun of the boats to sail around the 7 seas lagoon! Here is more info on Disney Boat Rentals in this LINK

This resort does host a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) section. The DVC member section is where the famous Mary Poppins themed fountain is home to. I recommend heading there for a look-see.

And pay attention to the marble flooring, make sure to find all the characters hidden around it.

This resort is where the wedding chapel resides, in case you want to get married or renew your vows!!

This resort hosts the Disney Confectionary Egg display that is held annually during Easter. It is only on display for around 10 days. This is an amazing art display that I adore!! Some of the creations will remain on display in select locations around the resort. They can be easily overlooked since usually placed in off shoots of resort. TAKE A LITTLE TOUR WITH THIS VIDEO

The Christmas Gingerbread is also created and displayed here annually. A definite must see. It is absolutely gorgeous! Link for GINGER BREAD TOUR

A live band plays at this resort along with a pianist that you can catch many times playing melodic tunes! Everything about this resort is just lovely. TAKE A LISTEN
or enjoy a melody from their famous pianist! here is one of my favorite experiences! click this link

Around 4pm daily, you can usually catch a princess promenade –Cinderella and Prince Charming will grace the lobby with a waltz. Little princes and princesses are allowed to participate in this occasion! What a wonderful experience to have! TAKE A PEAK HERE

Better YET!!! Book yourself and your little one at Ivy Trellis, a salon specializing in hair, makeup and nails! They also offer Coulture makeovers! Get a makeover of your favorite villain! (future review to come)

You can have the service done prior to a special dining experience or special event ticket held at a park (villain party or Halloween party)! See my review of these events HERE

As all their hotels, they offer room categories from standard, pool view, water view, park view and garden view. Each level is at a different rate as well -I am sure you can imagine.

I usually see this resort available when promos are released, I would always try for a promo rate with this resort. Should be pretty attainable. Some resorts are harder to come by under promos like the Poly.

One thing I love about this resort is the view. Just looking over the lagoon to see the Magic Kingdom. I love sitting at the waterfront and watching the fireworks as the music is piped in. I can’t explain the feeling it provides. It is a mixture of being really Disney spoiled and just comfort! click here to see the view of the fireworks!

One thing I noticed about this resort over some others, I saw many guests taking advantage of the available amenities such as The lawn games that are around or the entertainment provided within the grand lobby.

Many people were enjoying the options available. I don’t see this as much at other resorts.

The Wonderland Tea Party is held here. Review my blog on this event!

Senses Spa is available here. If you wanted to be spoiled, this is where you can go!

Restaurants available here are as follows:

*Victoria and Alberts which offers –fine dining, more private dining experience since tables are limited. 6-10 course dining experience.

If you are lucky enough to secure a chef table-this is truly a one of a kind experience. Only 10 guests per night sit in a private table next to a specialty kitchen where you watch the chef perfect your planned meal. (children under 10 are not permitted) This is my one day Disney bucket list dream!!!

*Citricos – a hidden gem of a restaurant. Quiet and a little more secluded than other options. The food is raved about and usually easily available to book.

*Grand Floridian Café – Basic restaurant, food is good and usually busy but also easy to get in
*Enchanted Rose - Lounge -serving cocktails and appetizers

*Narcoossee’s- finer restaurant that also offers a chefs table. Fine dining experience that is highly recommended.

*1900 Park Fair- a buffet with character experience opportunities -great fun for kids, basic buffet options. Reservations here can fill up quickly.

*Garden View Tea Room-have a tea party with princess experience or a basic tea experience. This can be tricky to get reservations for. It is very small and provides a more personal experience.

*Gasparilla Island Grill—this is a quick service -they have great sandwiches -salads here and other quick service items. This is one of the locations that also offers the seasonal specialty cupcakes. There are only a handful of these locations! You can get a specialty cupcake anywhere but they do offer specialty seasonal themed ones at certain locations, I wanted to clarify that!

If driving and wanting to visit this resort, don’t count on being able to park here for the day!

Only way you can park at this resort is IF you have a reservation for resort stay, dining, a service offered or party to an event being hosted here.

If you don’t have any of these things, you may have to park at Disney Springs and take a bus over to the resort. Cheapest solution to getting over to the resort for a day visit.. It will cost you time however.. I would say to count on at least 1.5 hour round trip (at worst) and maybe only 40 min at best round trip..

OR you can make a reservation for a service at the resort? Make a single person service reservation, a no show fee is $10.00. You can think of it as a $10.00 parking fee..

The resort parking gets full from events hosted here which is why they are a little more strict with parking options. It is Disney policy anyway technically to only allow resort guests to park at their resorts.