MVT Resort Showcase – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Walt Disney World is home to some of the most interesting, luxurious and detailed accommodations you’ll ever find. So many wonderful options can make trip planning exciting, but for others… also quite overwhelming.

We’re diving into a showcase of Orlando resorts to give you the details you want and need to pick a home base for your Walt Disney World vacation.

First on deck, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Originally opened in June of 1988, the Grand Floridian was designed to reflect the Victorian styling of early 1900s ocean resorts. The Deluxe resort’s red roofs, white siding and opulent interiors pay homage to similar hotels from the turn of the century. 

Hailed as Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian’s main building boasts a five-story lobby with stained glass domes, elegant chandeliers and marble floors. The lobby alone is its own attraction, luring guests on their way to the Magic Kingdom or resort-hopping along the monorail. 

While the Victorian style has been an exemplar for the WDW resorts, 2022 has seen the first rounds of refurbishments to bring a sleek, modern look to the Grand Floridian. Disney has begun trading heavier, dark or floral linens and paint for lighter, sleeker colorscapes and furniture. With the upgrades, expect to see brighter rooms, as well as more character and branding injected into the resort’s theming. 

Six buildings house 867 rooms, ranging from Resort and Deluxe studios, to suites, to one, two or three-bedroom villas. There are also 31 handicapped-accessible rooms, if you need accommodations.

Choose from Standard, Theme Park, Garden or Lagoon View rooms, depending on what you’d like to see when you look out of your window or step onto your verandah. 

As a Deluxe resort, the Grand Floridian has some of the largest standard rooms across Walt Disney World. They’ll set you back more than a Value or Moderate room, but come with a lot of benefits that attract new and returning guests year-round.

Walt Disney World resorts offer similar amenities to those you’d expect – including complimentary internet and WiFi access, a business center, laundry facilities, concierge and turndown services, among others. 

All rooms also have some form of coffee maker, with unlimited coffee and tea for the duration of your stay. 

If you opt for a standard room, you can expect at least a small beverage cooler to keep a few drinks or snacks chilled.

When upgrading to a Deluxe studio, your room will also include a toaster, microwave, utensils and paper goods and a DVD player, in addition to all Standard-room amenities.

If you want to treat yourself to more space, or have a larger number of people to accommodate, the Villas at the Grand Floridian may be your best bet. These rooms come equipped with a full refrigerator, flatware and dishware, a dishwasher, stove and oven, pots and pans, a Blu Ray player, and even have mirror TVs in each bathroom. 

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Club-level service is also available, giving you access to the Royal Palm Club, complimentary newspapers and Disney Signature Services. 

Guests can also take advantage of these additional resort amenities:

• Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club
• Boat Rentals, Cruises, Fishing
• Campfire smores and Movies Under the Stars 
• Beach Pool & Courtyard Pool, including a hot tub, kiddie pool and water play area.
• Views of the Electrical Water Pageant along the Seven Seas Lagoon

One of the greatest draws to the Grand Floridian is not only its immediate proximity to the Magic Kingdom, but its transportation options. 

The Grand lives on the monorail loop, just one quick stop from the Magic Kingdom. The monorail can also bring guests to the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian, the Ticket and Transportation Center, and Epcot. 

Guests also have the option to hop on a boat to get to the other Magic Kingdom resorts, or take an easy walk over to the park via the pedestrian walkway.

Looking to get to other parks or Disney Springs? Bus service is available right outside of the resort. 

For those who choose to rent or bring their own cars to the resort, expect to pay about $25 per night to park at the Grand Floridian. Valet parking is also an option, and will run you around $33 per night.

As you’d expect, Walt Disney World’s flagship resort is also home to some of the most popular dining experiences on property. 

Guests can eat or drink at nearly a dozen restaurants, ranging from quick service, to award-winning signature dining. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, don’t forget to consider dress codes for the restaurant you choose.

*Please note certain dining options are currently unavailable, as WDW continues its phased reopening due to COVID-19. 

Counter & Quick Service

Gasparilla Island Grill – Casual American 

Beaches Pool Bar and Grill – Casual American 

Courtyard Pool Bar – Casual American 

Table Service & Lounges

Grand Floridian Cafe– Casual American Table Service

Garden View Tea Room – Themed British dining (Currently Unavailable)

Fine & Signature Dining 

Victoria & Albert’s – AAA Five Diamond rated Signature Dining experience, including Chef’s choice tasting menus (Reopening July 28th, 2022. Reservations open for booking June 20th.) 

Narcoossee’s – Waterfront American & Seafood Fine Dining

Citricos – American Signature Dining inspired by Mary Poppins

Enchanted Rose Bar Service – Creative bar service and small plates inspired by Beauty and the Beast.

1900 Park Fare – American Buffet & Character Dining with tea party-themed decor. (Currently Unavailable)