Hotel and monorail going by

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Review

For those looking for a luxurious place to rest your head while on your Disney World vacation, there’s no better place to stay than Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Since opening its doors in June 1988, this deluxe resort has treated guests to incredible dining, unparalleled views, elegant rooms, old-fashioned charm, and a convenient location – all with a price tag to match.

So, how does the Grand Floridian, Disney World’s premier resort, compare to other deluxe hotels? Who should stay there? Read on for everything you need to know about this sophisticated resort. (Updated September 7, 2022)

Due to the pandemic, some hotel amenities at the Disney World Grand Floridian Resort are temporarily unavailable. As the situation continues to change, refer to the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s website, or speak to a Grand Floridian cast member, for the most up-to-date information. 

Grand Floridian Hotel and pool

Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Disney Grand Floridian Resort is a refined retreat amid the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. This lavish hotel transports guests to the golden era of old Palm Beach. Relish the Victorian-inspired stylings of the 1890s to 1910s, with striking red-gabled roofs atop the resort’s glistening white buildings, fanciful gingerbread trim, and stained glass. 

Grand Floridian Suites & Guest Rooms

Like the rest of the resort, Grand Floridian rooms are inspired by Victorian elegance. Sumptuous velvet and satin in rich reds and golds, ornately patterned wallpaper and curtains, and dark woods with graceful curves all add a touch of opulence. You’ll even notice a whisper of Disney magic in the iconic Mickey silhouette that is hidden in the gilded scrollwork on the back of the room’s desk chair. 

In general, all standard rooms and suites at Disney’s Grand Floridian come with the following amenities: bathrobes, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, and free Wi-Fi. 

Villa bedroom with bed

Outer Building – Garden View Room

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 1 king bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps between 2-5 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard, pool areas, or marina 

Outer Building – Lagoon View Room

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 1 king bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps between 2-5 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon
  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps between 4-5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

Hotel villa living room

Outer Building – 1 Bedroom Suite

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper
  • Sleeps up to 6 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard pool

Outer Building – 1 Bedroom Suite with Theme Park View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom

Outer Building – 2 Bedroom Suite

  • Comes with 2 queen beds  and 1 king bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper
  • Sleeps up to 8 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon or the courtyard pool 

Grand Floridian Rooms With Club-Level Service

There are actually two different Disney club-level lounges available at the Grand Floridian: the Royal Palm Club in the main building and Sugar Loaf Club in the outer building. Club-level guestrooms at the Grand Floridian offer the same charming interiors and thoughtful amenities (see above for details) as the standard rooms, as well as the following benefits as part of the Royal Palm and Sugar Loaf Clubs: complimentary access to the health club, complimentary newspapers in the club-level lounges, and access to Disney Signature Services.

Club-level guests are also able to access the Royal Palm and Sugar Loaf Clubs with their key when refreshments – continental breakfast, midday snacks, and wine, cheese, cordials, and dessert in the evening – are served between 7am and 10pm.  

Villa Kitchen at hotel

Outer Building – Standard Room – Sugar Loaf Club Level

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 day bed or 1 king bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps between 3-5 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard pool or marina

Main Building – Standard Room – Royal Palm Club Level

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps between 2-5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, or the courtyard pool

Main Building – Deluxe King Room – Royal Palm Club Level

  • Comes with a larger room plus 1 king bed or 1 king bed and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps 2-3 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom or resort grounds

Main Building – Theme Park View Room – Royal Palm Club Level

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

Main Building – Grand Suite – Royal Palm Club Level

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 2 twin beds
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom and resort grounds

Grand Floridian Villas & Deluxe Studios

While guestrooms and suites at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort feel warm and inviting, DVC Grand Floridian villas and studios are cozy in a different kind of way. With a lived-in mix of cushy seating and light and dark woods, washed-out florals, and charming artwork that would be right at home in your grandma’s house (there are even some silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie), 1- and 2-bedroom villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian ooze granny-chic charm. 

Though decidedly not old-fashioned, mirror TVs in all villa bathrooms keep the space from feeling too outdated. Deluxe studios also channel grandmillennial style, albeit with fewer twee touches. Pull-down beds in Grand Floridian deluxe studios also feature a bit of hidden magic: a Dumbo-themed headboard. 

Looking for rooms that feel more grand than grandma? Book a stay in the Grand Floridian’s Big Pine Key building, which was recently transformed into 200 brand-new Resort Studios. Bright, airy and elegant, Grand Floridian Resort Studios feature chic details like luxurious upholstered headboards and vibrant artwork in hues of teal and icy blue.

Nighttime view of Grand Floridian Hotel

In general, all deluxe studios and villas at the Grand Floridian include a DVD player, flat-panel TV, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, refrigerator (a mini-fridge for the studios and a full-sized refrigerator for the villas), microwave, toaster, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony.  Villas specifically also come with bathrobes, a Blu-Ray Player, washer & dryer, and a fully equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, stove, and oven (studios come with a kitchenette). 

Not to be confused with the Deluxe Studios, Resort Studios at the Grand Floridian are outfitted with slightly fewer in-room conveniences. So, be prepared for no microwave, toaster or DVD player.

Deluxe Studio – Standard View

  • Comes with 1 queen bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard, landscaping, Monorail, or parking area

Deluxe Studio – Lake View

  • Comes with 1 queen bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon

Resort Studio – Standard View

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard, landscaping, Monorail, or parking area

Resort Studio – Lagoon View

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon

Resort Studio – Theme Park View

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Magic Kingdom

1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard, landscaping, Monorail, or parking area

1 Bedroom Villa – Lake View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed plus a split bathroom with 2 sink areas
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon

2 Bedroom Villa – Standard View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen bed and 2 queen-sized sofa sleepers and 1 single pull-down bed
  • Sleeps up to 9 adults 
  • Views of the courtyard, landscaping, Monorail, or parking area

2 Bedroom Villa – Lake View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen bed and 2 queen-sized sofa sleepers and 1 single pull-down bed
  • Sleeps up to 9 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon

3 Bedroom Grand Villa – Lake View

  • Comes with 4 queen beds, 1 king bed, and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper 
  • Sleeps up to 12 adults 
  • Views of Seven Seas Lagoon
  • Includes a formal dining room and a large balcony

Disney Grand Floridian Hotel Prices

Christmas Tree in lobby of hotel

As the Central Florida resort’s flagship hotel, it’s no surprise that a room at the Grand Floridian is a splurge.  We know what you’re thinking. “How much does it cost to stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian? Is the Grand Floridian expensive?” Yes, as a deluxe hotel, the Grand Floridian is one of the priciest rooms at Disney World, with the cheapest guestrooms starting out at a little over $700 per night. 

Your actual hotel rate will, however, depend on a number of factors, such as your travel dates, how close you want to be to hotel amenities, and what view you prefer. Prices skyrocket over holidays like Christmas and spring break, as well as for guestrooms boasting covetable views of Seven Seas Lagoon or Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Conversely, if you choose to visit over the slow season or don’t mind less-than-picturesque views of a parking lot, you’ll benefit from slightly lower rates.  

Basic outer building rooms and deluxe studios are the most affordable options at the Grand Floridian, with rates from the mid $700s in the low season to the low-to-mid $1,000s over the high season. The grandest of the Grand (Floridian) is, without a doubt, the 3-Bedroom Grand Villa, which is available for around $3,200 at its cheapest and tops out around a cool $5,500. 

Hotel and monorail going by

Below are some examples of room rate ranges, arranged by starting price, for each of the room types available at the Grand Floridian and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian in 2023 (2022 rates are slightly cheaper):

Grand Floridian Rooms & Suites

  • Outer Building – Garden View: $794 to $1,279
  • Outer Building – Lagoon View: $808 to $1,362
  • Outer Building – Theme Park View: $930 to $1,630
  • Main Building – Standard Room – Club Level: $1,257 to $2,210
  • Main Building – Deluxe King Room – Club Level: $1,317 to $2,401
  • Main Building – Theme Park View Room – Club Level: $1,420 to $2,521
  • Outer Building – 1 Bedroom Suite: $1,703 to $3,275
  • Outer Building – 1 Bedroom Suite with Theme Park View: $1,721 to $3,293
  • Outer Building – 2 Bedroom Suite: $2,696 to $4,720

DVC Grand Floridian Studios & Villas 

  • Resort Studio – Standard View: $794 to $1,279
  • Deluxe Studio – Standard View: $794 to $1,279
  • Resort Studio – Lagoon View: $808 to $1,362
  • Deluxe Studio – Lake View: $808 to $1,362
  • Resort Studio – Theme Park View: $930 to $1,630
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View: $1,070 to $1,809
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Lake View: $1,221 to $2,027
  • 2 Bedroom Villa – Standard View: $1,738 to $2,816
  • 2 Bedroom Villa – Lake View: $1,902 to $3,274
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa: $3,351 to $5,929

Grand Floridian Hotel Amenities

As a Disney World deluxe resort, the Grand Floridian offers hotel guests a wide range of amenities, from one of the best restaurants in all of Florida to basketball courts and a jogging path where you can work off that incredible meal. There is even an array of kid-friendly activities to make even the littlest guests happy. 

Grand Floridian Restaurants

There’s no better place for a family of foodies to stay at Walt Disney World than the Grand Floridian Hotel. This iconic Disney World resort is home to a veritable smorgasbord of dining options. In fact, a Disney dinner show is just about the only thing you won’t find at the Grand Floridian, which boasts not one, not two, but three different signature restaurants, one of the best bars at Disney World, and much more. 

1900 Park Fare

Inspired by the whimsical carousel, 1900 Park Fare is the Grand Floridian’s Disney character dining restaurant. Meet beloved British characters like Winnie the Pooh and the Mad Hatter in the AM or Cinderella and her stepsisters in the PM as you sip on Floridian Strawberry Soup. This is also where little diners can take part in the Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare. Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill

Overlooking the Beach Pool and Seven Seas Lagoon, Beaches Pool Bar & Grill is an excellent spot for a drink and something light to eat as you watch the kiddos splash around in the water. Munch on Lobster Sliders or the Grilled Portobello Sandwich, then wash it all down with The St. Augustine (made from Florida cane vodka and orange juice), a craft beer, or a smoothie. Open for lunch and drinks

Cítricos 

Fresh off its Mary Poppins Returns-inspired remodel, Citricos is one of the resort’s signature restaurants. This elegant and airy spot dishes up elevated American cuisine like Sweet Corn Bisque, Butter-poached Florida Cobia, and Orange Blossom Flan. If you can’t grab a reservation in the restaurant, pop into the no-reservations-needed Citricos Lounge instead. Open for dinner and drinks

Courtyard Pool Bar

Nestled next to the Courtyard Pool, the Courtyard Pool Bar serves up refreshing beverages, light bites, and plenty of shade. Sip on a Frosé as you nosh on a wrap or salad and catch the game on one of the bar’s TVs. There’s even a ping-pong table available for those looking to give a competitive spin to their cocktails. Open for lunch, dinner, and drinks

Enchanted Rose

Located in what used to be Mizner’s Lounge, the Enchanted Rose offers a grown-up spin on Beauty and the Beast – alcohol included. The theming is subtle – think, a room reminiscent of Belle’s library or a chandelier inspired by her golden gown. The highlight here is the cocktails, a tempting assortment of romantic, floral-forward sips and classic favorites, and sophisticated shareables are also available. Open for dinner and drinks 

Garden View Tea Room

Nothing says elegance like a gracious spot of tea. Looking out over some of the Grand Floridian’s gardens, the Garden View Tea Room is perfect for a morning or afternoon pause. Here you’ll snack on an assortment of adorable sweets while reveling in a perfectly steeped cuppa. The Grand Floridian Tea Room also hosts Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea, a unique Disney character dining experience for your little princess. Open for morning and afternoon tea

Gasparilla Island Grill

Gasparilla Island Grill is the Grand Floridian’s quick-service restaurant. The menu here is filled with American-style favorites to suit even the pickiest of eaters including Mickey waffles and breakfast sandwiches in the morning and pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches in the afternoon and evening. Be sure to check out the limited-time seasonal snacks. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Grand Floridian Café 

The resort’s table service restaurant, the Grand Floridian Café is a hidden gem when it comes to Disney World hotel restaurants. With upscale twists on everyday classics, reasonable prices, and a laidback-yet-elegant atmosphere, the Grand Floridian Café menu is worth the reservation any time of day. Tuck into the Buttermilk-fried Chicken & Waffle or Avocado Toast for some of the best brunch at Disney World, or indulge in coastal favorites like the Lobster ‘Thermidor’ Burger or Florida Key Lime Pie. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Narcoossee’s

Boasting sweeping views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park, Narcoosee’s takes its inspiration from the restaurant’s waterfront setting. Though turf-y dishes like Filet Mignon and Sweet Potato Gnocchi are available, seafood is the star of the show here, with everything from Blackened Salmon and shrimp to Grilled Line-Caught Swordfish and scallops on offer. Open for dinner

Victoria & Albert’s

Victoria & Albert’s is Disney World’s preeminent restaurant and a must for any Disney foodie, earning the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 2000. This incomparable culinary journey defines Disney luxury and features an indulgent 10-course Chef’s Tasting Menu in an opulent, exclusive setting. Enjoy your meal in The Dining Room or reserve a seat in the Queen Victoria Room or at the Chef’s Table for a more intimate dining experience. Open for dinner

Grand Floridian Pools

Pool with couple standing next to it

No trip to Florida is complete without a plunge in the pool. Fortunately, Disney’s Grand Floridian has two spacious pools to choose from. The Beach Pool is the resort’s feature pool and one of the best hotel pools at Disney World, taking its inspiration from the Sunshine State’s natural springs. 

Cool off on the slide, beneath one of the waterfalls, or in the luxuriously shaded comfort of a private cabana. An Alice in Wonderland-themed aquatic playground is also available nearby for smaller swimmers. Those looking for a more secluded swim will enjoy the Courtyard Pool. This Grand Floridian pool is great for a leisurely dip away from the crowds of the main building. 

Senses Disney Grand Floridian Spa

While the kids will love having fun in the pool, adults can enjoy pampering themselves in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Spa. The Senses Disney Spa and Salon offers an array of indulgent treatments and services like facials, massages, body treatments, hair styling, and more. A 24-hour fitness center is also available for those trying to stay fit at Disney World

Other Recreation at the Disney Grand Floridian Resort 

There are a variety of other family-friendly activities to take advantage of at the Disney Grand Floridian Hotel when you aren’t at the theme parks or in the pool. Kiddos will get a kick out of the bells and whistles at Arcadia Games, the resort’s video arcade, as well as the wholesome fun of Disney Movies Under the Stars and s’mores around the campfire.  

With panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian jogging path along the lagoon is an enchanting place for your morning run, while the basketball courts are great for a little friendly competition. Or, get out on the water for some of our favorite things to do outside the Disney World theme parks with a motorized boat rental, a guided bass fishing excursion, or a specialty fireworks cruise, each departing from the hotel’s marina. 

Of course, if you’re visiting during the winter holidays, you’ll also get to enjoy the elaborate Grand Floridian Christmas decorations. The holiday season is one of the most magical times to visit Walt Disney World and stay at one of the Disney World resorts, and the Grand Floridian is no exception. Be sure to save time to check out the Grand Floridian gingerbread house and Victorian-inspired Christmas tree. 

Grand Floridian Disney Merchandise Locations

Along with all of the Grand Floridian restaurants, this deluxe resort also has a handful of shops available for guests to peruse. Basin White is the Grand Floridian outpost of the Disney Springs favorite and an excellent place to pick up some soap or bath salts for your tub back home. Curiouser Clothiers stocks Disney-themed clothing with a refined twist, while M. Mouse Mercantile is the destination for Mickey and princess-inspired merch. 

You can also stock up on snacks, supplies, and Grand Floridian logo souvenirs at Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries. Little resort guests will love getting ready for their day in the parks at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where fairy godmothers-in-training give royal makeovers to pint-sized princesses and princes. 

Disney Grand Floridian Resort FAQs

Want to know more about the Grand Floridian Disney World Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort refurbished? 

Yes, but… Disney Grand Floridian Resort rooms last underwent refurbishment in 2007 and 2008, making them some of the older guestrooms on Disney property. However, one of the buildings at the Grand Floridian, Big Pine Key, was recently transformed from regular rooms into DVC studios in Spring 2022. Offering a refreshingly elegant design, we’re hopeful that the Resort Studios at Big Pine Key will set the tone for Grand Floridian room refurbishments moving forward. 

Can you walk from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom?

Yes! Following the opening of the new Grand Floridian walkway, guests can now walk to Magic Kingdom Park in around 10 to 15 minutes depending on your pace. 

How long is the Monorail Ride from the Grand Floridian to Epcot?

Surprisingly, not as short as you would think. When taking the Monorail from the Grand Floridian hotel to Epcot, you’ll need to plan for around a 40 to 50-minute ride, as you will need to transfer from the Resort Monorail over to the Epcot Monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center. 

Can you see fireworks from the Grand Floridian?

Yup! Thanks to its unbeatable location on Seven Seas Lagoon overlooking the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is actually one of the best places to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park. Grab something to snack or sip on and head over to the area between the boat dock and Gasparilla Grill or book a reservation for a late dinner at Narcoosee’s. Or, for a bit of magic from the comfort of your hotel room, opt for a Theme Park View Room

Well, that wraps up our whirlwind tour of the Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. With its elegant styling mixed with a splash of old-fashioned charm, some of the best dining at Disney World, and an unbeatable location along the Magic Kingdom Monorail, the Grand Floridian is well worth a stay or, at the very least, a visit. 

While you’re there, make the most of your time with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Then, make up for your hotel room splurge by booking our discounted Walt Disney World tickets

Have you ever stayed at the Grand Floridian? What do you think rooms? Which Grand Floridian restaurant is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!