A Complete Guide to Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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Beach at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

So you’ve decided to plan an amazing Walt Disney World vacation; now what? Choosing your resort is one of the most important decisions you make, and you will not be disappointed if you choose Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Located in the Magic Kingdom resort area, this Deluxe resort will transport you back to the elegance of the Victorian era. Stepping into the grand lobby of this resort will take you back over one hundred years & you will find it hard to remember you are in central Florida. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Pros and Cons

Grand Floridian Lobby from Second Floor

 

Pros:

  • Some rooms offer breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom 
  • Music for the Magic Kingdom fireworks show is piped in & can be viewed from this property
  • Accessibility to Magic Kingdom & Epcot by Monorail (can walk to Ticket & Transportation Center to get to Epcot Monorail)
  • Water taxi option to get to Magic Kingdom 
  • Popular on-site dining
  • Spacious & sophisticated rooms
  • Wide variety of room type (standard, suites, studios)
  • Great for large groups/families traveling together

Grand Floridian Elegant Decorations

Cons: 

  • Shared buses; potential long rides to Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios
  • Have to transfer monorails when traveling to Epcot
  • May not appeal to children as much as other resorts
  • Standard rooms may have you desiring a room with a lagoon or theme park view

Resort Overview

Grand Floridian Lobby Florals

Location Benefits

 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is one of the three closest resorts to Magic Kingdom; and you cannot beat staying along the Monorail route. Conveniently located minutes from Magic Kingdom, guests have a variety of complimentary transportations to choose from. Water taxis, buses, and the Monorail will take you to Magic Kingdom & buses are available for all other parks as well as Disney Springs. Catching the Monorail at the Ticket & Transportation Center will take you to Epcot.

Additionally, this gorgeous resort, which is modeled after Hotel del Coronado, will bring out all the fancy feelings. Here you can also have great views of the nightly fireworks from Magic Kingdom as well as the Electric Water Pageant. Oh, and don’t forget the world famous Disney Wedding Pavilion is located on The Grand Floridian grounds! 

Resort Category: Deluxe

Resort Area: Magic Kingdom

Guest Rooms

Grand Floridian 2 Queen Room

The Grand Floridian offers a wide range of room types; standard, suites, & Club Level Service rooms. Some rooms on property can sleep up to 8 adults. Rooms are spacious & the aesthetic is unlike any other resort on property. You will also have a wide variety of views to choose from; resort grounds, pool area, Marina/Seven Seas Lagoon, courtyards, and Cinderella’s Castle/Magic Kingdom.

Standard Amenities in each room include: 

  • Hairdryer 
  • TV
  • Free WiFi 
  • Keurig coffee maker 
  • Minifridge
  • Telephone
  • In-room safe
  • Iron & ironing board 
  • Outlets and USB ports are scattered throughout the rooms for your convenience
  • Ample storage space; closets, drawers, bathroom counter space, & under the bed storage. 

It’s worth noting that the vanity/sink area is separated by a door from the shower & toilet. A wall separates the bathroom area from the bedroom area, providing privacy.

Grand Floridian Bathroom & Vanity Area

Room Types

The Polynesian Resort offers various room types to suit your preferences & party size, including standard rooms, Deluxe Studios, & Bungalows: 

Rooms & Suites

  • Water View: Views of Seven Seas Lagoon 
  • Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park 
  • Resort View: Views of Courtyard, Marina, or Pool Areas

All Views offer:

  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
  • 1 King Bed & 1 Double Sleeper Sofa 
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Sleeps up to 5 Adults2nd View Grand Floridian Standard Room

Resort Studio

Resort Studio- Standard View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of Courtyard, Landscaping, Monorail, or Parking Area
  • 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • Patio or balcony
  • Close to main building & pools

Resort Studio- Lagoon View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon
  • 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • Patio or balcony
  • Close to main building & pools

Resort Studio- Theme Park View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of Magic Kingdom
  • 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • Patio or balcony
  • Close to main building & pools

    Deluxe Studios

    Deluxe Studio- Lake View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of the lake
  • 1 Queen Bed & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed & 1 Single Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • Kitchenette
  • Porch or balcony

    Deluxe Studio- Standard View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of Courtyard, Landscaping, Monorail, or Parking Area
  • 1 Queen Bed & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed & 1 Single Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • Kitchenette
  • Porch or balcony

    Villas
    Grand Floridian Villa Living Room

    1 Bedroom Villa- Standard View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of Courtyard, Landscaping, Monorail, or Parking Area
  • 1 King Bed & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed & 1 Single Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • 1 full bathroom & 2 sink areas
  • Full kitchen, living room, & dining room
  • Washer & dryer
  • Balcony

    1 Bedroom Villa- Lake View:
  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of the lake
  • 1 King Bed & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed & 1 Single Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults
  • 1 full bathroom & 2 sink areas
  • Full kitchen, living room, & dining room
  • Washer & dryer
  • Balcony

    2 Bedroom Villa- Lake View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of the lake
  • 1 King Bed & 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed & 1 Single Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 9 adults
  • 2 Full Bathrooms
  • Full kitchen, living room, & dining room
  • Washer & dryer
  • Balcony

    2 Bedroom Villa- Standard View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of Courtyard, Landscaping, Monorail, or Parking Area
  • 1 King Bed & 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed & 1 Single Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 9 adults
  • 2 Full Bathrooms
  • Full kitchen, living room, & dining room
  • Washer & dryer
  • Balcony

    3 Bedroom Villa- Lake View:

  • Located at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Views of the lake
  • 1 King Bed & 4 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed
  • Sleeps up to 12 adults
  • 4 Full Bathrooms
  • Full kitchen, living room, & dining room
  • Washer & dryer
  • Balcony
    Grand Floridian Villa Bedroom

Club-Level Service

Certain rooms and suites at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa come with Club-Level Service, which includes perks such as evening turndown, secured key access to the club-level lounge, complimentary fax assistance, continental breakfast, midday snacks, evening wine, cheese, cordials, dessert, access to Concierge service at the Royal Palm Club, complimentary health club access, complimentary newspapers in the Club Level lounge, and personalized Front Desk and Guest Services.  Who wouldn’t love all of these amazing amenities?!

Grand Floridian at Sunset

Rooms and Suites with Club Level Service

Deluxe Room – Club Level:

  • Views of Courtyard Pool or Beach Pool
  • 2 Queen Beds 
  • Sleeps up to 4 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Resort View – Club Level:

  • Views of Courtyard Pool, Magic Kingdom, or Resort Grounds
  • 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Deluxe King Room – Club Level:

  • Views of Magic Kingdom or Resort Grounds
  • More space than a standard room
  • 1 King Bed & 1 Day Bed or 1 King Bed
  • Sleeps up to 3 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Theme Park View – Club Level:

  • Views of Magic Kingdom
  • 2 Queen Beds & 1 Day Bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

  • Views of Courtyard Pool
  • 2 Queen Beds & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • Sleeps up to 6 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

  • Views of Beach Pool
  • 2 Queen Beds  & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • Sleeps up to 6 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Vanity Area Villas Disney's Grand Floridian

2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level:

  • Views of Courtyard Pool or Beach Pool
  • 1 King Bed & 2 Queen Beds  & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • Sleeps up to 8 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Disney Suite – Club Level:

  • Views of Courtyard Pool
  • 1 King & 2 Queen Beds
  • Sleeps up to 6 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

2 Bedroom Theme Park View – Club Level:

  • Views of Cinderella’s Castle & Magic Kingdom
  • 1 King & 2 Queen Beds
  • Sleeps up to 6 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

1 Bedroom Theme Park View – Club Level:

  • Views of Cinderella’s Castle & Magic Kingdom
  • 1 King Bed  & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • Sleeps up to 4 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Grand Suite – Club Level:

  • Views of Magic Kingdom (offers a panoramic resort view)
  • 1 King Bed & 2 Twin Beds 
  • Sleeps up to 4 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Victorian Suite – Club Level:

  • Views of Courtyard Pool
  • 1 King Bed & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • Sleeps up to 4 Adults
  • Patio or Balcony

Grand Floridian Villas Dining Area

 

Checking In and Out

There are multiple ways to check in for your stay; all being very easy. You can use the front desk, check-in online through the official Walt Disney World website, or utilize the My Disney Experience app.

After online check-in, you’ll receive a room-ready notification and can use your MagicBand or the digital key feature in the app to unlock your room door.

Grand Floridian Lobby Fountain

Using the app tends to be the quickest way to check in; it means you never have to wait in line to check in at the front desk. The MDE app can also be used virtually to chat with a cast member should you need any assistance. 

Guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms upon completion of their stay. Any unresolved charges will be put on the credit card on file & a final statement will be emailed to you. You may also visit the front desk if you wish.

Should you need assistance with your bags you’ll call bell services from your room phone and they will come to your room to assist you with your luggage.

Grand Floridian Lobby Ceiling

Resort Shops

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort offers various amenities and themed shops for your enjoyment. This is where you can pick up snacks and souvenirs.  In select shops you may also find wine, drinks, medications, and other small grocery/sundry type items.

The shops include:

  • Sandy Cove Gifts & Sundries: A shop with apparel, accessories, pins, gifts, snacks, home goods, and other supplies.
  • Curiouser Clothiers: Disney inspired designer clothing and premium souvenirs & character memorabilia.
  • M. Mouse Mercantile: Get your Mickey & Friends gear here; Princesses too! Grab stuffed animals, bags, pins, & more. 

Amenities

Grand Floridian Splash Area

  • Laundry Services: 24-hour self-service laundry facilities are available across the property.
  • Parking: Complimentary parking is available to guests. Valet parking is available at a nightly rate. 
  • “Hey Disney!”:  Stay up to date on daily park info, play games, make requests in your resort with your in-room virtual assistant. 
  • Dry Cleaning Services: Offers dry cleaning and valet laundry services.
  • Business Center: Located inside the Disney’s Grand Floridian Convention Center, you can print, fax, and even ship from here.
  • Movies Under the Stars: Enjoy complimentary Disney movies on select nights at The Summerhouse.
  • The Grand Floridian Spa: Enjoy massages, pedicures, manicures, and wide variety of body & hair treatments at this spa, salon, & health club all in one.
  • Disney PhotoPass Studio: Come snap unique  & enchanting shots that will link to your MDE App.
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Watch your children be transformed into their favorite fairytale inspired characters without stepping foot in Magic Kingdom!
  • Disney’s Wedding Pavilion: Who wouldn’t want to attend or even have their fairytale Walt Disney World Property right here on the Grand Floridian grounds?  Make it a day no one will ever forget!
    Exterior view of the Disney's Wedding Pavilion

Lounges & Entertainment

Enchanted Rose Decor Grand Floridian

 

  • Enchanted Rose: Be swept away in this Beauty & The Beast themed lounge that offers luxury cocktails & elegant appetizers.  
  • Beaches Pool Bar & Grill: This laid back pool bar offers signature cocktails and classic snacks. 
  • Courtyard Pool Bar: Grab a drink or a quick bite to eat, all while laying poolside. 
  • Citricos Lounge: This lounge will allow you to stop by for a glass of wine or a tasty spirit prior to dining at its namesake restaurant.
  • Garden View Tea Room: Enjoy a “dainty” traditional tea experience; don’t forget, pinkies up!

Entrance Sign to Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Dining Options

Disney’s Grand Floridian offers a range of dining options. Whether you want a high end meal with a view or private dining while snuggled up in bed, you’ll easily find something to enjoy. There is no shortage of amazing dining opportunities at this deluxe resort. 

Fancy Bar at Disney's Grand Floridian

Table Service

Disney World’s Table Service restaurants offer a magical dining experience, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal in a themed setting. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. Table Service options cater to a variety of tastes. Use the Mobile Dine Check-In feature via the My Disney Experience app, and make checking in for your reservation is a breeze.

  • Citricos: Indulge your taste buds in a beautiful setting that’s inspired by Mary Poppins Returns.  
  • Narcoossee’s: The views of Seven Seas Lagoon cannot be beat at this popular restaurant, serving freshly caught seafood dishes.
  • 1900 Park Fare: Comes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner & have fun being hosted by your favorite Disney characters in this carousel-themed restaurant.
  • Grand Floridian Cafe: Be transported to a cozy Victorian manor in the English countryside when you dine here.
  • Victoria & Alberts: Known as an “epicurean odyssey”, you won’t want to miss a dinner at this upscale and well known dining option. Or take it one step further and enjoy eating steps away from award winning chefs at Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner.
    Vertical view of lobby features at Grand Floridian

Quick Service

Disney World’s Quick Service restaurants provide a convenient and efficient dining option for guests on the go. Perfect for a quick bite between attractions, these restaurants offer diverse menus, from an afternoon sweet treat to an on theme small plate. 

No reservations are needed; simply order at the counter or on your My Disney Experience app and find a seat. Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app lets you skip lines and customize your meal in advance. Quick Service options ensure you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic of Disney.

Gasparilla Island Grill: No time to stop & eat? No problem! Grab a burger, salad, sandwich, and more from this convenient stop. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, & late night dining!

Bar at Disney's Grand Floridian

Recreation

For guests looking to relax and have fun, Disney’s Grand Floridian offers a selection of recreational activities:
Grand Floridian Splash Area 2

  • Swimming: Enjoy The Beach Pool, overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, complete with a long waterslide, natural settings, cascading waterfalls, and a zero-entry area. Make sure to snap some memorable pictures while standing on the walking bridge! Also be on the lookout for fun Poolside Activities. Looking for something a bit quieter? Head to The Courtyard Pool that offers a whirlpool spa as well. 
  • Fishing: Guided catch-and-release fishing excursions are available.
  • Speciality Cruises: Set sail around Seven Seas Lagoon & Bay Lake.
  • Grand Floridian Campfire Activities: Gather around for a nightly campfire at The Grand Floridian Beach between 6:00-7:00 nightly. 
  • Motorized Boat Rentals: Enjoy an afternoon of cruising around Seven Seas Lagoon.
  • Arcadia Games: Come play classic & modern arcade games and grab a quick service snack or meal while you do.
  • Electrical Water Pageant: Once the sun goes down, head to the shoreline of Seven Seas Lagoon to enjoy this nightly floating spectacular; watch as the large sparkling displays float by to your favorite Disney songs.
  • Health Club: Want to work up a sweat on vacation? Head to this high-tech facility offering state of the art training equipment.

Grand Floridian Beach Front

Transportation

Getting around from Disney’s Grand Floridian is a breeze with several transportation options:

  • Monorail: You can directly access Magic Kingdom on the Monorail & can also travel to Epcot, though you will have to transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). You can also visit The Polynesian Resort & Contemporary Resort via the Monorail. 
  • Water Transportation: Be transported across Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom.
  • Buses: Disney buses are available for transportation to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. 

How to get from The Polynesian to anywhere at Disney World
View of monorail from shops at Disney's Grand Floridian

  • Magic Kingdom – Walk, take the Monorail, water taxi, or a resort bus to Magic Kingdom. 
  • Epcot – Take the Monorail or a resort bus to Epcot; keep in mind you will have to transfer at the TTC if you take the Monorail.
  • Hollywood Studios – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Hollywood Studios. Uber/Lyft is also an option, however you will not be dropped off at the main entrance anymore. 
  • Animal Kingdom – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Animal Kingdom. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate.
  • Disney Springs – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Disney Springs. Uber/Lyft are an option but they will drop you off at the far end of Disney Springs close to the Rain Forest Cafe area.  It can be a long walk to more central locations.  The bus and Minnie Van will drop you off in a central location.

    Resorts

    Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – including Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West –

    1. Take a bus to Magic Kingdom
    2. Use Magic Kingdom transportation to the resort of choice.
      1. Walk to Contemporary or Polynesian
      2. Monorail or Ferry to Polynesian and Contemporary
      3. Water Taxi to  Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness
      4. Bus to all resorts.
    3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Grand Floridian to any Magic Kingdom area resort.

Epcot Area Resorts – including Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

  1. Boat or Monorail to Magic Kingdom.
  2. Take the bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort of choice.
  3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation The Grand Floridian to any Epcot area resort.

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts – including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort.

  1. Boat or Monorail to Magic Kingdom.
  2. Take the resort bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort of your choice.
  3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Grand Floridian to any Hollywood Studios area resort.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts – including Animal Kingdom Lodge, All Stars – Movie, Music and Sports and Coronado Springs

  1. Boat or Monorail to Magic Kingdom/
  2. Take the resort bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort of your choice.
  3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Grand Floridian to any Animal Kingdom area resort.

Water Parks

  • Typhoon Lagoon – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Typhoon Lagoon. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Disney Springs and transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus there.
  • Blizzard Beach – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus there.

Mini Golf

  • Winter Summerland – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate of Blizzard Beach.  Winter Summerland is next to Blizzard Beach.
  • Fantasia Gardens – Take a resort bus to Hollywood Studios and walk to Fantasia Gardens. Fantasia Gardens is next to the Swan Reserve. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off at Fantasia Gardens.

Tips for Your Stay

Grand Floridian Lobby Decor

  1. Make Dining Reservations Early: You’ll want to make dining reservations at the ever-popular Polynesian establishments or other Disney restaurants 60 days prior to arrival, especially for character dining experiences.  Table service dining does fill up and it’s not recommended to try to walk up to your favorite restaurant the day of.  Instructions on how to use the My Disney Experience app are here.
  2. Enjoy the Beachfront Viewings: Take advantage of the evening entertainment on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon; nightly views of the fireworks from Magic Kingdom with music piped in as well as the Electrical Water Pageant.
  3. Use Mobile Ordering: To save time and avoid lines, use the My Disney Experience app’s mobile ordering feature for quick-service meals.  Best tips on mobile ordering and some of our favorites can be found here.
  4. Watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the Resort: Some rooms and the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon offer partial views of Magic Kingdom’s nighttime fireworks, so be sure to check the schedule and plan to watch from the resort or ask about rooms with theme park views. 
  5. Plan for Rainy Days: Pack ponchos or umbrellas, as Florida weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities at the resort to keep you entertained.
  6. Use the Disney Transportation System: Take advantage of the complimentary Disney transportation options to access all the parks and Disney Springs with ease.
    Monorail Station Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Address & Phone Number

4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8451
(407) 824-3000

Conclusion

Grand Floridian Building View from Window

Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers a unique and luxurious experience for guests who want to be in close proximity to Magic Kingdom. The elegant experience of this resort and its abundant popular dining sports, it a great option for your next (or first) Disney World vacation. With its themed decor, sophisticated accommodations, and recreational offerings, you will surely have a memorable and magical stay at this Deluxe Disney Resort. Enjoy your time at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! 

Request a free, no-obligation quote from the Love of the Magic Vacations team here.

Grand Floridian Pinterest Pin

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