Top Reasons to Love Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

The Grand Floridian is one of the most well-appointed and upscale Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World.  This Disney Vacation Club location invites guests to relax in the lap of Victorian luxury.

The iconic, red-topped buildings with their imposing white walls, steeply pitched roofing and spire-like accents are purely Victorian, and visually stunning.

There are many reasons why the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian would be a great Resort choice.  For my family, we love how the architecture, grounds, and amenities surrounds us in extravagance.  

In a nutshell, this resort offers so many features to love.  The theming is spot-on with an impressive lobby, multiple shops, lush gardens, water everywhere, and more dining options than any other Deluxe Resort.  The pool and water play area are fantastic, and the location means you have convenient options for getting to your destinations.

Enjoy feeling pampered? Want multiple modes of transportation?  How about exemplary on-site food options?  The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort may be the option for you! 

Top 5 Reasons I Love Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa…

#5 – Shopping

This resort has more in-resort shopping and service opportunities than any other Disney Deluxe Resort!  From general trinkets, toys, and Disney paraphernalia to niche men’s and women’s shops.  There is even a Salon if you care to get your hair done!

I don’t know about you, but I quite enjoy puttering about the resort and checking out the merchandise.  It’s especially fun on those poor-weather days when you just want to stay inside. I love the shirts, hats and fragrances at Curiouser Clothiers. My wife and son love the wonderful soaps and fresh smelling bath salts found at Basin White.

#4 – Lobby and Ambiance

An elegant embodiment of grandeur…From marble tile flooring to the pineapple ‘welcoming’ chandelier hanging from high above, you will be impressed by the visual appeal of this majestic ballroom styled lobby. Speaking of ballrooms, be sure to catch the famous Cinderella’s waltz. Even the floor tiles depict magical scenes from timeless Disney film classics, such as Peter Pan.

The ambiance of this resort goes beyond the lobby and the villas, extending to the grounds, the beach, the water views, and the accents of Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and Winnie the Pooh.

#3 – Feature Pool and Mad Hatter Kids’ Water Play Area

The feature pool has a great slide, a view of the lake, and a rock-faced waterfall.   

While the feature pool is great, it’s the kids’ water play area, themed after the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, that gets us excited.  Our son loves it!

So many fun slides and water features for the kids, but also lots of space to play. Our favorite part is the huge Hat that fills with water and then topples over!

#2 – Dining Options

The food options available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are diverse and excellent! The experience starts at their quick service style on-site eatery, Gasparilla Island Grill for those times where a quick meal is preferred.  Quick does not mean less enjoyable at Gasparilla Island Grill.  They always have plenty of fresh food options from the grill or the panini press.  

There is also some really good food served up poolside at Beaches Pool Bar & Grill. In fact, the Grand Floridian has more dining options and lounges than any other Disney Resort!  They even have a tea room and the much-loved 1900 Park Fare for enchanted tea parties and buffets with beloved Disney Characters.

We always enjoy eating at the Grand Floridian Café where you can enjoy beautiful, spacious surroundings while enjoying a full menu of great food options.

Then, there are the higher-end dining experiences that can be had at multiple on-site restaurants such as Citricos, Narcoossee’s, or Victoria and Albert’s. And of course we can’t forget about the Enchanted Rose Lounge.

For a foodie, this resort has you covered all under one roof.

#1 – Location and Transport Options

Well, here we are at our favourite reason for loving Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.  The resort’s location, on the Monorail loop, gives you direct access to the comfy, fast transportation to the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort, and the Polynesian Resort.  This convenience opens up your available opportunities.

Further, you are a short walk away from the Polynesian and the nearby Ticket and Transportation Centre where you can then easily access other modes of transport, including the Epcot line of the Monorail.  

Additionally, the new walkway from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom means you are never fully reliant upon bus, boat or train.

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious places to stay at Disney World.  It offers great shops and restaurants, as well as pools and a relaxing beach area; you can literally enjoy a week here without ever leaving the resort.  

The iconic white buildings against contrasting red roofs creates a breathtaking visual experience that sets the stage for a truly upscale, relaxing, and fun experience.  This resort justly lives up to its name in every sense of being ‘Grand’.

Posted By:

Jason Swain