The Grand Floridian is an experience I think that every Disney World visitor should have. My husband I stayed there during our honeymoon and I look forward to our next opportunity. But for now, let me tell you about the Grand Floridian. It’s a beautiful hotel and extremely clean. It’s right off the Monorail so you’re a one-hop stop away from the Magic Kingdom. You can also take the boat over if you want and both are great ways to arrive at the Magic Kingdom.
The main building of the Grand Floridian is all about great service and beautiful entertainment. There is a baby grand piano in the lobby. There is often someone playing it in the afternoons and evening. There are often and food and snacks set out and no matter how busy it is outside of the hotel – inside it’s beautiful and slow and quiet.
Worried About The Expense?
If you’re an annual pass holder, you’re eligible for a room discount. You can always book ahead of time in order to take advantage of the potential discounts. Combine the annual pass with the value season and you may actually book a room at the Grand Floridian for far less than during the busy season. You can always ask for an upgrade to a better view when you check in. Often times, the hotel will offer it to you when you are checking in and the increase in cost may be minimal to none at all.
What’s the Best View?
For my tastes, I loved the view of the Seven Seas Lagoon. It was great to spend our wedding night sitting out on the balcony, eating shrimp cocktail and watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. But there are no bad views at the Disney World Resorts, at least none that I’ve stayed at. They are all different, true – but different does not equal bad.
Can kids stay at the Grand Floridian?
If you don’t like kids, don’t go to Disney World. Kids are going to be present at all of the resorts, including the Grand Floridian. The hotel is pretty quiet during the afternoons though – it seems like most of the family visitors are at the theme parks or the pools in the afternoon. There are also plenty of higher end restaurants where reservations can often get you a quiet table.
Don’t hesitate to take your kids though, there are some great opportunities at the Grand Floridian that are perfectly charming and great fun. For example there is a Pirate Cruise, Wonderland Tea Party and Kid Adventures in Cooking. There is Adventure Time at the swimming pool every afternoon during the week and there’s a Lady Bug Release, Mouse Craft at the Mercantile and there is Mouseketeer Clubhouse where kids can enjoy supervised activities in the evening if parents want to go out for a quiet couple of hours to themselves. Many of these require reservations or additional cost, check with the hotel or travel agent when booking your reservations.
Are there Characters at the Grand Floridian?
Oh yeah and plenty of opportunities. There is a hosted Character Breakfast and Dinner at the 1900 Park Fare. You can see the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Pinocchio and Geppetto at breakfast and you can see Cinderella and friends at dinner. There is also a My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party that’s held in the Garden View Lounge. You’ll need to make reservations but it’s a fantastic experience for any little girl.
Have you ever stayed at the Grand Floridian?
*Come back tomorrow and I’ll tell you about the different restaurants available at the Grand Floridian.
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