It celebrates the seaside resorts of Victorian-era Florida, and it is a visual tribute to the elegant architecture and style of the era as well as the stunning natural beauty of the Sunshine State.
On the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Grand Floridian is a sight to behold even from a distance. The white five-story buildings topped with orange-red roofs and gables presents an impressively beautiful contrast, especially surrounded by bright green palms. Up close, where the delicate white trim and gingerbread railings become visible, the Grand Floridian is even more impressive.
The opulence of this Disney Deluxe Resort continues as guests enter the hotel. The Grand Lobby is five stories of chandeliers, bird-cage elevators, and more gingerbread trim decorating the railings of each floor. The rooms feature such touches as balconies overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon and four poster king-sized beds.
The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club
The spa component of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a place to pamper yourself from head to toe. From skin care and massage to full body treatments, nothing melts your cares away like a world class spa experience. The Grand Floridian Spa even offers treatments designed for children as young as four years old.
For the fitness side of personal care, the Grand Floridian Health Club provides guests with access to strength and cardiovascular equipment from 6am until 9pm daily.
Dining at the Grand Floridian
The design and décor of each and every corner of the Grand Floridian makes every meal feel like an occasion, even when it is just a quick bite. From excusive fine dining to quick service, meals at the Grand Floridian are worth savoring.
Nestled along the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
is an architectural beauty to behold.
Victoria & Albert’s
Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant is the ultimate fine dining experience. Award-winning cuisine in immaculate Victorian-style surroundings makes this an experience no guest at the Grand Floridian should do without. No guest over the age of 10 that is – the mature atmosphere and food of this restaurant is not appropriate for young children. This age limit and a semi-formal dress code are both strictly enforced.
Guests looking for an even more exclusive experience at this exceptional restaurant can reserve a table in the pristine Queen Victoria’s Room. This room will seat parties of two to four people and offers a multi-course prix fixe menu served French gueridon style by a wait staff in Victorian dress. This is an unbeatable dining choice for a romantic night out.
Finally, the signature dining experience at this signature restaurant is the Chef’s Table. This prix fixe, 10 course meal is served at a grand table located in the kitchen itself. Groups of up to 10 people will have personal attention from the chef and enjoy taste-tests and exclusive insight into the mind of a world class chef.
Citricos
While it may be slightly less sumptuous than Victoria & Albert’s, Citricos is certainly not to be dismissed. This elegant, Mediterranean inspired restaurant has more contemporary décor and an exciting menu that features seasonal seafood.
Not to be outdone, Citricos also offers its own Chef’s Table experience with seating for up to 12 people. This is a terrific option for true foodies, who can have their tasty seasonal entrée with a side of culinary wisdom.
The main entrance to the Grand Floridian sets the stage for luxury.
1900 Park Fare
Younger children distressed at being excluded from the Victoria & Albert’s experience need not worry – the Grand Floridian also offers signature dining designed just for them. 1900 Park Fare has not one but three character dining experiences from which guests can choose. You can join Alice and the Wonderland characters for breakfast or a mad tea party, or come in the evening for a Happily Ever After Dinner starring Cinderella.
Narcoossee’s
Narcoossee’s has two main selling points: a terrific seafood menu (non-seafood alternative options are available) and views across the Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom. It’s a perfect place to view the Wishes Fireworks show. This is a marvelous way to take advantage of the Grand Floridian’s enviable location.
Garden View Tea Room
This beautiful Victorian team room offers an afternoon tea for adults, and a princess-themed tea party for children who prefer a tea experience of the non-mad variety. Scones, sandwiches, and a variety of sweet treats (including sweet tea and other beverages for younger guests) make this a classic experience in old English style.
The expansive lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is beautiful
anytime, but especially at Christmas.
Grand Floridian Café
The Grand Floridian Café is casual dining by this resort’s standards, but by most other standards it features a truly exceptional dining room with elegant picture windows overlooking the resort grounds. Come here for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner that won’t break the bank while enjoying the open and airy surroundings.
The Beach Pool and Courtyard Pool
The large Beach Pool may not be as elaborately decorated as many of the signature pools across Disney World, but the buildings and grounds that surround it are enough to make it one of the most beautiful places to swim. It features a water slide and a Jacuzzi, in addition to delicately arching bridges and hidden waterfalls. The second, smaller Courtyard Pool also has a nearby kiddie pool.
Other Recreation Opportunities
When they are not eating, spa-ing, or swimming, Grand Floridian guests can relax on the beach, play at the Gasparilla Grill & Games Arcade, tee-off at one of the five Disney World golf courses, jog around the Seven Seas Lagoon, or take a Pirate Adventure and search the Lagoon and Bay Lake for buried treasure.
Pros and Cons
The only downside to the Grand Floridian may be what it costs to stay there. If your budget allows, this resort has something to offer everyone. The beauty and elegance of the resort appeals to adults, while being a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom is perfect for families with young children.
A Disney World Landmark
From the opulence of Victoria & Albert’s to the madcap fun of a pirate adventure along the Seven Seas Lagoon, The Grand Floridian exemplifies everything that Disney does best. It truly deserves its place as the flagship Disney World resort.