The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney’s flagship hotel, and for good reason. With its turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture, elegant lobby, and prime location just steps from Magic Kingdom, it’s one of the most iconic and luxurious places to stay on Disney property.
This is one of Disney World’s best hotels. From boat rides to the Magic Kingdom to fireworks viewed from the marina, the Grand Floridian manages to blend old-world charm with modern convenience. And while the price tag is undeniably steep, the ambiance and amenities often justify the splurge.
Where Is the Grand Floridian Resort
The Grand Floridian sits on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, directly across from Magic Kingdom. It’s part of the Magic Kingdom resort area and shares a monorail loop with Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. You can also reach the Grand Floridian by boat or walk from Magic Kingdom via a scenic path.
How Much Is the Grand Floridian Resort?
Rates fluctuate based on room type and season. Standard rooms typically range from around $650 to over $900 per night. Specialty suites and club-level rooms climb into the thousands. Disney Vacation Club villas also have their own pricing structure, based on points or cash rates. While one of the priciest resorts at Walt Disney World, its location and offerings are hard to match.
Why Is the Grand Floridian Resort So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to its luxury pricing:
- It’s the closest deluxe resort to Magic Kingdom and offers monorail, boat, and walking access.
- The resort includes multiple fine-dining restaurants and lounges.
- Rooms are spacious, elegant, and consistently being renovated.
- Guests staying here receive access to enhanced concierge services, spa amenities, and elevated décor across the entire resort.
Simply put, it’s Disney’s crown jewel, and priced accordingly.
Grand Floridian Resort Rooms
Rooms at the Grand Floridian vary in size and style, but they all carry a consistent theme of luxury. Expect plush bedding, spacious layouts, upscale finishes, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or patios with views of the gardens, lagoon, or theme park. Most standard rooms sleep up to five guests and include amenities such as a small fridge, coffee maker, and ample charging ports.
Grand Floridian Resort Studio
Studio accommodations are located in the Disney Vacation Club section of the resort. These units feature a queen bed, a pull-down Murphy bed, and a small kitchenette. Studios are ideal for couples or small families looking for a deluxe experience with added flexibility like in-room laundry access (in some units) and more privacy.
Which Grand Floridian Buildings Are DVC?
The DVC villas are primarily housed in the building to the south of the resort’s main lobby, formerly known as Big Pine Key and now reclassified as part of the DVC wing. These areas feature their own check-in, private entrance, and access to all resort amenities. Villas include studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and even grand villas for larger parties.
What Is Grand Floridian Club Level?
Club Level at the Grand Floridian offers access to exclusive lounges, personalized concierge services, and upgraded room locations. Guests enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day, including a light breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, and evening desserts. These offerings are available in the Royal Palm Club and Sugar Loaf Club, depending on which Club Level room is booked.
Are All Grand Floridian Rooms Renovated?
As of recent reports, the resort is completing a multi-phase renovation that began with the DVC villas and has extended to the main resort buildings. While many rooms have been refreshed with updated finishes and lighter color palettes, some areas are still undergoing final touches. The good news is that construction rarely impacts the guest experience directly.
Grand Floridian Resort Pool
The resort features two main pool areas. The Beach Pool is a zero-entry pool with a waterslide, cabanas, and seating areas tucked near the lagoon. The Courtyard Pool is a quieter, traditional pool that’s perfect for a relaxing swim. Both are well-maintained and offer a mix of shaded and sunny spots, as well as proximity to poolside drink and snack options.
Are Grand Floridian Pools Heated
Yes, like all Disney resort pools, both pools at the Grand Floridian are heated year-round, typically maintaining a comfortable temperature even during the cooler months.
Dining at the Grand Floridian Resort
Food is a major highlight at the Grand Floridian. Options range from casual bites to award-winning cuisine.
- Grand Floridian Café is your go-to for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed setting. It’s tucked just off the main lobby and is a favorite among guests for its affordable, high-quality dishes.
- Cítricos offers upscale Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with elegant surroundings.
- Narcoossee’s delivers waterfront dining with seafood specialties and Magic Kingdom views.
- Victoria & Albert’s is the resort’s signature dining experience—prix fixe menus, a strict dress code, and a AAA Five Diamond rating.
- 1900 Park Fare hosts princess character dining with an excellent buffet.
- Gasparilla Island Grill is the resort’s quick service restaurant, providing simple meals that everyone will enjoy.
Snack stands, lounges, and pool bars round out the resort’s food offerings, with plenty of variety for every mood.
Where Is Grand Floridian Cafe
The Grand Floridian Café is located on the ground floor just off the resort’s main lobby. It’s easily accessible and one of the resort’s best-kept dining secrets.
Is Grand Floridian Cafe a Character Breakfast
No, Grand Floridian Cafe is not a character breakfast. However, character dining is offered at 1900 Park Fare. The Grand Floridian Café does not feature character interactions; it focuses on classic American dishes in an upscale, casual atmosphere.
Grand Floridian Resort Activities
There’s always something happening at the Grand Floridian that goes beyond park-hopping. You can unwind at the Grand Floridian Spa, enjoy live music in the lobby during select evenings, or take part in seasonal decorating events and crafts. The resort also offers fishing excursions, movies under the stars, and the perfect setting for a romantic walk along Seven Seas Lagoon.
Grand Floridian Spa
Located near the main building, the Grand Floridian Spa offers a full menu of treatments including massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The atmosphere is serene and refined, matching the tone of the resort perfectly. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Grand Floridian Resort Transportation
| Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom | Boat, Monorail, Walkway |
| Grand Floridian to Epcot | Monorail (transfer lines at Transportation and Ticket Center) |
| Grand Floridian to Hollywood Studios | Bus |
| Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom | Bus |
| Grand Floridian to Disney Springs | Bus |
| Grand Floridian to Blizzard Beach | Bus |
| Grand Floridian to Typhoon Lagoon | Bus |
The Grand Floridian offers the most transportation options to the Magic Kingdom, plus you get an excellent view across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Where Is the Monorail at the Grand Floridian?
The monorail station is located on the second level of the resort’s main building. Elevators and stairs near the lobby lead directly to the station, making it one of the easiest resorts to connect with Magic Kingdom and the other monorail resorts.
Can You Walk From Grand Floridian to the Polynesian?
A walking path now connects the Grand Floridian to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The stroll takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on your pace, and it offers lovely views of the lagoon.
Can You Walk to Grand Floridian From Magic Kingdom?
You can walk to the Grand Floridian from the Magic Kingdom. The paved walking path between the Grand is one of the resort’s most underrated perks. The paved walking path takes about 10 minutes and offers scenic views across Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s especially handy at park closing when transportation lines are long.
Grand Floridian Resort Comparisons
Grand Floridian Vs. Four Seasons
The Four Seasons may be quieter and offer more non-Disney luxury, but it lacks the proximity and theming of Grand Floridian.
Grand Floridian Vs. Beach Club
Beach Club is closer to EPCOT and better for summer travelers thanks to its pool. Grand Floridian wins on elegance and Magic Kingdom access.
Grand Floridian Vs. Riviera Resort
Riviera offers modern charm and quick EPCOT access via Skyliner. Grand Floridian is better for guests focused on Magic Kingdom and classic ambiance.
Grand Floridian Vs. Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge is more rustic and cozy, but not on the monorail. Grand Floridian is brighter, formal, and easier to navigate.
Grand Floridian Vs. Contemporary
Contemporary offers walkability and a more modern aesthetic, while Grand Floridian is traditional and lush.
Grand Floridian Vs. Polynesian
Polynesian has a more laid-back vibe with themed rooms and family-style dining. Grand Floridian feels more refined and elegant.
Grand Floridian Resort Maps
A detailed map will be added to your travel site soon. Disney’s interactive map online can help in the meantime, showing room locations, pool areas, transportation points, and walking paths.
FAQs
When Will Grand Floridian Construction Be Complete?
Renovations have been progressing since early 2022, with much of the resort already refreshed. Most remaining construction is centered around 1900 Park Fare and final guest room upgrades. Disney has not shared an exact completion date, but updates have minimized guest disruption.
When Will Grand Floridian Tea Room Open?
The Garden View Tea Room is currently closed and has not been given a reopening date. It was a favorite for afternoon tea service and may return once renovations are complete.
Why Stay at Grand Floridian
Guests choose the Grand Floridian for:
- Its proximity to Magic Kingdom
- Elegant surroundings and deluxe amenities
- On-site spa and fine dining
- Convenient transportation options
- Holiday décor and seasonal experiences
Where to Watch Fireworks at the Grand Floridian?
One of the best parts of staying here is being able to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks without ever leaving the resort. Popular viewing spots include:
- The boat dock near Narcoossee’s
- Upper balconies around the resort
- Rooms facing the lagoon and theme park
Many of the restaurants dim the lights and pipe in the show’s music so guests can enjoy the full experience over dinner.
When Was Grand Floridian Built?
Disney’s Grand Floridian opened in June 1988. It was modeled after the grand resorts of Florida’s turn-of-the-century golden age, inspired by places like the Hotel del Coronado in California and Belleview Biltmore in Florida.
When Does Grand Floridian Decorate for Christmas?
Holiday decorations usually begin appearing in early to mid-November, with full transformation complete by Thanksgiving. The centerpiece is the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby, which doubles as a retail location selling gingerbread shingles, cookies, and holiday treats.
Can You Visit the Grand Floridian?
Absolutely. Even if you’re not staying there, you’re welcome to explore the lobby, shops, dining locations, and walking paths. Just note that parking may be restricted during busy periods, and you’ll typically need a dining reservation to park onsite. Otherwise, you can take a monorail, boat, or walk over from Magic Kingdom.
What Hotel Is the Grand Floridian Modeled After?
The resort draws heavy influence from Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, which opened in 1888. Disney adapted that Victorian seaside elegance into a Florida setting, complete with white exterior walls, red gabled roofing, and lush landscaping.
What Does the Grand Floridian Smell Like?
It might sound whimsical, but yes, the resort has a signature scent. Guests often describe it as a fresh mix of green tea, floral, and citrus. It’s subtle and refined, creating an atmosphere that feels both upscale and welcoming.
Can You Park at the Grand Floridian?
You can park at the Grand Floridian, but parking is limited for non-guests. If you’re staying at the resort, standard overnight parking fees apply for resort guests. If you’re visiting for dining, you can park with a reservation. Otherwise, your best bet is using the monorail, boat, or walking path from Magic Kingdom.
