Explore Magic at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – 9 Reasons to Stay

Are you looking for a magical vacation destination that will make your Disney dreams come true? Look no further than Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – the perfect paradise for your family with nine great reasons to stay. With luxurious amenities, unforgettable entertainment and delectable dining options, there’s no denying that the Grand Floridian is an unparalleled place to stay while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. From spa services to character dining experiences, there is something for everyone to make the perfect vacation. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful resorts at Disney World. Here are nine great reasons why you should stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Resort

The Grand Floridian Resort is one of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties. This means you are able to rent DVC points for a fraction of the cost to stay at this resort.

Renting points allows you to not only stay at a deluxe resort and save thousands in the process, but it also gives you access to larger rooms. The Grand Floridian has studios, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, ETC. All of the rooms above the studio will have a full kitchen, which can come in handy over a long trip.

The extra space is also very welcome vs being in a standard room for over a week. It’s also helpful for larger families to provide privacy as well.

Renting points for DVC is very simple! You can visit this post to learn more about how to rent points at Disney from David’s DVC.

For reference, if you were to book a Deluxe Resort for 3 nights in October directly from Disney, the cheapest room is $536 a night. If you rent from David’s Vacation Rentals you can book all three nights for as low as $740.

I cannot recommend renting the points enough. I have done it a few times and often its the same price as booking a moderate or even a value resort! It’s truly one of the easiest ways to save money during your Disney vacation.

Grand Floridian Dining Options

One of the nice things about a Disney Deluxe Resort is the availability of dining options. Grand Floridian has plenty of places to eat. 

Enchanted Rose is an upscale lounge that is modeled after Beauty and the Beast. The rooms are modeled after parts of the movie like the West Wing and the library. 

Citrico’s is one of the signature dining experiences at Disney World. The signature dining options mean they are a touch nicer if you are looking to splurge or have a more romantic meal. There is also a lounge where you can order the menu as well if the reservations are full.

Narcoossee’s has a beautiful view of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. They have delicious seafood but also offer great steak options as well. This is one of Disney’s signature dining restaurants so it is another upscale option for a celebration.

1900 Park Fare is a character meal! It is a buffet-style restaurant. Depending on the meal you select the characters present will vary. Some of the characters you might see are Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh! 1900 Park Fare is currently undergoing renovations, but be sure to visit Disney’s site for updates on its reopening.

Grand Floridian Café is an underrated dining location in Disney World. If you love chicken and waffles, look no further. It’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

Gasparilla Island Grill is the closest to a cafeteria or quick-service option at Grand Floridian. While quick-service style options are popular in the value and moderate resorts, they aren’t at all of the deluxe resorts. This is a great grab-n-go option if you are short on time. They also offer mobile ordering!

Monorail Access

Access to the monorail is one of the biggest perks at a Disney Resort. Partly because of the magic of Disney there, but also because of how it eases travel between locations. 

There is one monorail that will provide you with quick access to the Magic Kingdom. It also goes around to the Contemporary and the Polynesian Resort, as well as the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). 

If you get off at the TTC you can transfer to another monorail that will take you to Epcot. 

One of the reasons I enjoy the monorail is it is less of a hassle than the busses, especially out of Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. It tends to be faster and also less crowded. Truthfully the speed I was able to get back to my resort via monorail vs waiting for the bus just made my stay all the more magical…and less stressful.

Renovated Rooms 

Similar to a lot of resorts at Disney World, the Grand Floridian Resort has begun renovating rooms. 

The new rooms are absolutely stunning. They are loosely based on Cinderella but with a modern twist. The beautiful blue gives the room an elegant and luxurious feel.

This is a weird niche, but an insanely helpful update a lof the Disney rooms have in common. They added plenty of outlets equipped with USB ports. Don’t get me wrong, the decor, the bedding, the fixtures, and everything is stunning, comfortable, and welcoming. However, I truly hate having to search for somewhere to plug in electronics at the end of the park day.  

Besides this lovely technological advancement, the renovated rooms are extremely spacious. They provide ample storage which is helpful for large families and those who plan on staying multiple nights. Our room included a balcony with a stunning view of the seven seas lagoon.

Location

We already covered that monorail access is an incredible benefit to staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, but the location itself is a perk. Monorail aside, you have access to Magic Kingdom and the other monorail resorts easily. 

Disney recently added a walking path between Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian. It’s just under 1 mile and takes roughly 20 minutes. You also can walk to the Polynesian Resort (about 10 minutes and half a mile) and the TTC (around 20 minutes and 1 mile). 

Apart from walking and the monorail, you can take the boat to and from the Magic Kingdom. Truthfully, being able to visit the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge is just as big of a perk to me as access to Magic Kingdom. You are close to beautiful resorts, fun activities, and great restaurant and bar options. 

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique 

If you’re looking for a magical experience for your child while staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a must-visit destination. This salon is designed to provide young children with a princess or prince makeover experience that they’ll never forget.

With a variety of packages to choose from, your child can select their favorite Disney princess or prince and undergo a complete transformation with hairstyles, makeup, and accessories that match the chosen character. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers packages such as The Crown Package, The Courtyard Package, The Castle Package, and The Deluxe Castle Package, each with different services that can range from hairstyling to costumes.

The salon staff at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are Fairy Godmothers-in-training who are dedicated to making your child’s experience unforgettable. The salon is decorated with a magical fairy tale theme, complete with sparkling lights, glitter, and magic wands. An experience that will surely make any child’s trip more magical. 

Activities and entertainment  

The number of recreational activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is enough to entertain you even without going into the theme parks. Sure it has a lot of things that most Disney resorts have, such as movies under the stars each night and an arcade area. However, because of its proximity to water, you are able to go fishing, rent out a motorized boat, take a specialty cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and even view the Electrical Water Pageant each night!

If you’re looking to get some exercise in while on vacation they have a health club with high-tech exercise as well as basketball courts.

The beach is an incredible and relaxing perk of staying at the Grand Floridian. The beautiful white sand beach on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. You can relax on the beach, sunbathe, or enjoy the view of the Magic Kingdom across the lagoon. Disney offers campfire activities throughout the year.

Grand Floridian Spa

The Grand Floridian Spa offers a number of relaxing options to help unwind after a long park day. The spa is designed to provide guests with a serene and relaxing environment where they can unwind and rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits.

The spa offers a wide range of treatments and services that cater to the needs of every guest. These include massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and hair styling services. Guests can also indulge in unique spa experiences such as the Citrus Grove Signature Treatment, which incorporates fresh Florida citrus into the massage and body wrap.

The Grand Floridian Spa features a spacious relaxation room where guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments and take in the beautiful views of the resort’s landscaped gardens. The spa also has a steam room, sauna, and hot tubs for guests to use before or after their treatments.

Overall, the Grand Floridian Spa provides a tranquil escape for guests seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Walt Disney World.

Multiple Pool Areas

I know what you’re thinking, each Disney resort has a pool or two, what makes this so special? As you go from value to moderate to deluxe level in resorts, one of the most notable differences is the pool areas. There are not just more of them, but the design and entertainment value of each increases. Therefore, here is a list of every pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort:

1. Beach Pool – The Beach Pool is the resort’s main pool, located near the beach and offering views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. It is a zero-entry pool, meaning guests can wade in gradually instead of taking steps. The pool features a water slide, a splash area for kids, and two whirlpool spas. The pool also has a nearby bar, the Beaches Pool Bar & Grill, where guests can order drinks and snacks.
2. Courtyard Pool – The Courtyard Pool is a smaller, quieter pool located in the resort’s courtyard area. It is designed for relaxation and features a serene atmosphere, with a fountain in the center and lush landscaping around the edges. The pool also has a nearby hot tub.
3. Children’s Water Play Area – The Children’s Water Play Area is a small splash pad designed for younger children. It features a variety of interactive water features, including water spouts, fountains, and small slides.
4. Marina Pool – The Marina Pool is a smaller pool located near the resort’s marina. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the water, with comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas available. The pool also features a nearby hot tub.
5. The Villas Pool – The Villas Pool is a smaller, quiet pool exclusively for guests staying in the resort’s Disney Vacation Club villas. It features a peaceful atmosphere and comfortable lounge chairs for relaxation.

Overall, the pool areas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fun splash pad for the kids or a serene pool for relaxation. With comfortable lounge chairs, nearby bars and restaurants, and beautiful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and marina, the pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are a great place to spend a day in the Florida sun.

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At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you get the best of both worlds; an amazing family-friendly vacation coupled with the luxury of a five-star resort. From the picturesque location on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, to the full-service spa, you’ll never run out of reasons to stay at the Grand Floridian Resort. It offers a degree of entertainment and delight you won’t get anywhere else. As Disney Legend Tony Baxter once said, “It’s hard to find a better place than Disney. It’s magical, happy and a lot of fun.” So don’t miss out on this incredible experience; book a stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort today and get ready to make magical memories.