Are you looking for a deluxe resort near Disney’s Magic Kingdom? This Disney’s Grand Floridian review will give you all the details for staying at this deluxe Disney World resort.
Disney’s Grand Floridian is a deluxe resort located close to the Magic Kingdom. It is a high end resort that comes with a high end price tag, but if the cost is in your Disney vacation budget the Grand Floridian is a great choice for your Disney vacation.
Some of the perks of staying at the Grand Floridian are the close proximity to the Magic Kingdom, on-site character dining at 1900 Park Fare, and nightly firework viewing.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Review
Disney’s Grand Floridian resort is a Victorian themed resort with 867 rooms including deluxe villas for guests traveling with families of 5 or more.
There is a main pool with a splash pad and water slide, as well as a quiet all ages pool. There are daily activities and on-site dining options.
There is something special about walking into the Grand Floridian. As the greeter says “welcome home” as you enter the lobby, you can’t help but to feel a sense of calm over you. The resort has a calming affect and it is gorgeously maintained.
The resort is spacious but not overwhelmingly large and most people can get around fairly easy.
The Grand Floridian is home to Disney’s wedding chapel and you may see a happy couple walking the grounds. The setting on the Seven Seas Lagoon makes it a great location for relaxing and theme park days.
Is Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort Worth It
When planning your Disney vacation cost there are many factors that go into what makes a resort affordable or not. It is a personal decision and what I find worth it might not be worth it for you.
With that being said if the Grand Floridian is in your budget the proximity to the Magic Kingdom, and easy access to Epcot, is a big perk. The Victorian style may be more suited to adults but the resort is still family friendly, it is Disney World after all.
If you are not planning on spending a lot of time at the resort or you are not spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom this might not be the best choice.
If more of your park days will be at Hollywood Studios you might want to look at staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation. They offer skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Grand Floridian Resort Location
The Grand Floridian Resort is a Magic Kingdom resort. This means it is located very close to the Magic Kingdom park. Guests can take the monorail, a boat, or walk along the pedestrian bridge to the Magic Kingdom entrance.
If you are planning on spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom this might be a good choice for you. You can also easily take the monorail to transfer to the Epcot monorail.
The other Magic Kingdom resorts are: Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, and Wilderness Lodge. Each one is themed differently and at similar price points.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Transportation to the Parks
Guests that are staying at the Grand Floridian have the advantage of walking to the Magic Kingdom. There is also boat transportation and a monorail.
Guests that want to visit Epcot can take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and switch to the Epcot monorail. If you are visiting Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom you will take the on-site bus transportation.
Guests that would like to drive to the resorts can waive the theme park daily parking fee as an on-site guest. There is a daily resort parking fee starting at $25.00 a night.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Rooms
During our stay at the Grand Floridian we stayed in a standard room with a 5th person sleeper. This allowed my family of five to fit comfortably for our stay.
There are also deluxe villas which have 1 or 2 bedrooms. These offer full kitchens, washer and dryers, and more space for families.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Restaurants
There are multiple options for dining at the Grand Floridian. They are:
- Citricos (Dinner, themed to Mary Poppins Returns)
- Narcoossee’s (Dinner on the water)
- Grand Floridian Café (Casual Dining, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Gasparilla Island Grill (Quick Service, Mobile Ordering, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
- Victoria & Alberts (Fine Dining)
- 1900 Park Fare (Character Dining)
1900 Park Fare is temporarily unavailable due to covid restrictions. During normal times they have character breakfast that includes Mary Poppins, Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland and Winnie-the-Pooh. Read our full review: The Mad Hatter & Red Velvet Pancakes: Our 1900 Park Fare Breakfast Review.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Amenities and Pools
The pools at the Grand Floridian has a water slide and splash pad area for younger kids. There is also a quiet pool for guests. Disney’s Grand Floridian offers daily activities for guests. At check-in you will receive a daily/weekly list of activities.
One of the best perks of staying at the Grand Floridian is the view of the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Some rooms can even see Cinderella’s Castle.
One of the can’t miss, but less talked about entertainment options is the Electrical Water Pageant. This can be seen from the beach at the Grand Floridian and it is a really special way to end the night.
The Grand Floridian also has an arcade, basketball courts, health center and spa, nightly movies under the stars, and campfires.
Staying at the Grand Floridian will keep you close to all the Disney magic and is a bucket list resort for some Disney fans. It is classic Disney World. I hope this Grand Floridian review helps you decided if it is the right Disney resort for your trip!
