Sunday Showcase: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is described as:

“Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Unwind outdoors, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.”

Brief History

Although the Disney’ Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is considered Walt Disney World’s Flagship resort, it did not open until June 28, 1988. Inspired by the Victorian era beach resorts, the Grand Floridian was modeled after a few prominent resorts from across the county. These include:

1. Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH
2. Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, CA
3. Belleview-Bitmore Hotel in Belleair, FL

Additionally, The Grand Floridan Resort & Spa was build and located as to reflect Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom, as the Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts reflect Tomorrowland and Adventureland respectively.

The hotel has completed some major renovations in recent years. Since

• 2007, all guest rooms, restaurants, retail shops, and common areas of the resort have been updated.
• 2011, the Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club underwent an extensive 18 month remodel.
• 2013, the hotel completed a remodel of all pool areas along with the installation of a beachside fire pit and children’s water area themed to Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Also in 2013, Disney Vacation Club added a building consisting of 147 Villas and Studios

Rooms and Facilities

This resort currently consists of over 850 guest rooms, over 100 Villas and 24 Suites. These rooms range from standard guest rooms all the way up to a 3 Bedroom Grand Villa. Included in the counts above, guests choosing Club Level accommodations at the Royal Palm Club receive personalized concierge service and lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, hors d’oeuvres, cordials and desserts. Unfortunately, at the time ow writing this article, Club Level is unavailable due to the ongoing Pandemic.

Standard Guest Rooms

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Standard Guest rooms consist of Garden, Pool and Marina Views, with two queen beds and one single day bed, one king bed and one queen sleeper sofa or one king bed, and a private patio or balcony. 448 sq. ft. Accommodates up to five Guests plus one child under age 3 in a crib.

Deluxe Villas – Disney Vacation Club

Deluxe Studios

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Deluxe studios can accommodate up to five Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a kitchenette, one queen bed, one queen sleep sofa, and one single pull-down bed and private porch or balcony.

One Bedroom Villas

These spacious one bedroom villas accommodate up to eight Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, living room, washer & dryer, and a private porch or balcony.

Two Bedroom Villas

Moving up with even more space, two bedroom villas accommodate up to nine Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, living room, washer & dryer, and a private porch or balcony.

Three Bedroom Villas

These enormous and luxurious Three Bedroom villas accommodate up to twelve Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, third bedroom, media room, washer & dryer, and a private porch or balcony.

DINING

TABLE-SERVICE DINING

• 1900 Park Fare — Enchant your little ones with a tea party or buffet in a carousel-themed dining room – hosted by Disney Characters!
• Cítricos — Experience a gastronomic indulgence of Mediterranean- inspired cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list.
• Grand Floridian Café — Enjoy the airy ambiance of a Victorian manor serving up American classics in the English countryside.
• Narcoossee’s — Dine in a waterfront setting with freshly caught seafood and fabulous views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Victoria & Albert’s — Enjoy award-winning haute cuisine with classic elegance, including fine china, sterling silverware and crystal stemware.

QUICK-SERVICE DINING

• Gasparilla Island Grill — Choose from an array of salads, soups, sandwiches and more – including late-night pizza offerings.

OTHER DINING OPTIONS

• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill — Sip a refreshing signature cocktail and enjoy classic American snacks at this laid-back bar on the beach.
• Cítricos Lounge — Stop by the lounge for a glass of wine or snifter of scotch before dinner at their namesake restaurant.
• Garden View Tea Room — Give props to your pinky finger with dainty teacups and darling tea cozies at this traditional tea room.
• Enchanted Rose Lounge — Please your palate with delectable dishing and shimmering sips when you visit this newly imagined lounge inspired by Beauty and the Beast.

RECREATION

• Beach Pool — Cool off in this 111,261-gallon pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon.
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• Courtyard Pool — Escape to a serene environment at this zero- entry leisure pool, conveniently located behind the main building.
• Poolside Cabanas Motorized Boat Rentals
• Pirate Adventure Cruise — Scallywags 4 to 12 years of age can set sail on a pirate adventure, following clues to discover hidden treasure.
• Specialty Cruises
• Movies Under the Stars

TRANSPORTATION

• Bus Service to Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs®
• Monorail service to Magic Kingdom Park and select Disney Resort hotels
• Water Launch service to Magic Kingdom Park and select Disney Resort hotels
• Walking path directly to Magic Kingdom Park.

Parking

Standard overnight self-parking is available to registered Guests for a fee that will be applied to their hotel folio upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax.

• Parking for Disney Deluxe Resorts is $25 per night.
• Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available while you enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation experiences at this Resort.

In conclusion, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a beautiful and luxurious resort and has been welcoming guest for almost 32 years. This resort continues to be Walt Disney World’s Flagship resort, and rightfully so.

Thank you for checking out this week’s iteration of Sunday Showcase. Have you stayed at this resort? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

Finally, if you are looking at traveling to Walt Disney World, contact Far Beyond Infinity Travel. They will help you navigate the inns and outs of Walt Disney World. While their services are always free and they will help as much or as little as you’d like. Contact them today at info@farbeyondinfinitytravel.com or visit them online.

[Source and Images: Walt Disney World]