Why Staying At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Is Worth It!

Our stay at the Grand Floridian was part of a press trip however all opinions are my own and are sincere. #DisneyFamilia

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, view from the gardens. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt -Diaz.

There’s no way around it, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is one of the most beautiful luxury resorts in Orlando and Disney’s flagship hotel but with so many accommodations options in the area you might ask yourself: is the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort worth the splurge?  As with anything else related to travel it depends on what you are looking for but I will share with you the reasons why our family believes that the magical experience at the Grand Floridian is well worth the price tag.  Additionally I will also share some tips to save so that you can book your vacation at the Grand Floridian without breaking the bank!

Right Out Of A Fairy Tale

The 5-story-high atrium lobby is simply breathtaking. Huge, glistening chandeliers hang front he ceiling where 3 stained-glass domes filter the warm Florida sunlight.  An inmense aviary is the focal point and on the lobby’s marble floors you can find designs of some of Disney’s favorite characters including Mickey and Tinker Bell.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: at night
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort view from the gardens at night. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

As we entered the hotel I could hear my kids gasp, eyes glistening with excitement they looked up at the ceilings awed at the gorgeous decorations; they where literally jumping up and down with joy. My daughter looked at me and said: “Mommy this must be where the Princesses stay when they come to Disney” and I’m sure that she is right!

Grand Floridian Resort Interior
Grand Floridian Resort lobby interior. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

I love that although the Grand Floridian is elegant and grandiose it is not pretentious and the kids feel at home immediately.

Awesome Pools And Water Fun 

Disney’s Grand Floridian has two pools and a water play area as well as a beach.  Our kids where immediately drawn to the fun and whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed water play area where the Mad Hatter’s hat dumps water when it fills up. My kids had so much fun playing under sprinklers and water spouts, or sliding down one of the area’s two mini watersides.  I love the water play area since my kids can not swim very well so this was a fun activity that they loved but did not require me to jump in the pool with them.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: water park
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort water play area. Photo: Paula Bedfeldt-Diaz.

The the Beach Pool is the main pool and it overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon. With more than 100,000 gallons of water and a 181 food long waterside and cascading waterfalls this is the perfect place for everyone in the family to have a fun time in the water.  My kids loved the slide and I really like that this pool has a zero-depth entry similar to that of a beach which makes it easy and safe for kids to come in and out of the pool.

Grand Floridian Pool
Grand Floridian Beach Pool. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

The Beach Pool is located right next to a white sand beach on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon where the kids can build sand castles while you get your tan on.

Beach at the Grand Floridian Resort
Beach at the Grand Floridian Resort. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt Diaz

Elegant Kid Friendly Decor

The elegance and beauty of the lobby and the hotel’s architecture is also reflected in the decor of it’s rooms: the beds are fit for a princess but at the same time the room feels comfortable and cozy and has a homey feeling.  The beds where some of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept on.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort rooms are elegant and fun. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

The rooms are spacious and at 440 square feet, they are some of the largest in all of Walt Disney World Resort. A small refrigerator is available for each room at no additional charge which is very convenient to keep drinks, snacks and milk for the kids and babies.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: private balcony in room.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s private balcony. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

Our room enjoyed a gorgeous view of the property. The private balcony was the ideal place to enjoy a snack and we could even see the fireworks from Disney’s Magic Kingdom right from our room!

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: view from room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: view from room. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

Great Location

Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Grand Floridian is one of the most conveniently located hotels in Walt Disney World Resort. Take the Monorail and is just a few minutes you will find yourself at the  Magic Kingdom. The same Monorail can be also be used to ride to the Transportation And Ticket Center, where you can tranfer to another Monorail and ride to the front gate of Epcot.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort dock to get on the boats that take you to the Magic Kingdom. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

Character Dining at 1900 Park Fare

1900 Park Fare is a whimsical and fun restaurant where a turn of the century organ French organ known as “Big Bertha”, takes center stage. Here you can enjoy different character meal experience.

1900 Park Fare
1900 Park Fare’s Big Bertha organ. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

In the morning experience a Supercalifragilistic breakfast accompanied by Mary Poppins, Alice, The Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh and Tiger from from 8am-11am. The all you can eat breakfast buffet features kid favorites like Mickey Mouse waffles and while also catering to the adults with a huge variety of offerings.  In the evening, Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner is served from 4:30pm-8:20pm where children will get to meet not only Cinderella but also some of her friends and family.

Character Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
Character Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. Photos: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

One of my favorite character dining experiences the Wonderland Tea Party features Alice and her friends, who entertain the little princesses and princes on a very special tea party.  Little ones enjoy a special tea (that taste just like apple juice, imagine that!) along with turkey and cheese sandwiches, chicken nuggets, heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fruit. I love that kids can also decorate and eat their own cupcakes.

Other Awesome Experiences

During the night you can see the beautiful Electric Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Grand Floridian, where sea creatures light up the lagoon along with flashing American flags with twinkling stars! The Electric Water Pageant starts at 9:15pm and a great place to watch it is Narcossee’s restaurant.

Watching the water pageant from a pontoon boat! So much fun! #disneyfamilia #disneyside #disney

A video posted by Paula Bendfeldt (@paulabendfeldt) on

For en even more amazing experience you can take a pontoon boat cruise along the Seven Seas Lagoon during which you will not only be able to enjoy the Electric Water Pageant from up close but you can also view the Disney’s Wishe’s Fireworks from the pontoon boat!  You can also rent your own speedboat or pontoon if you have a larger group.

Disney Wishes fireworks from Seven Seas Lagoon
Disney Wishes fireworks from Seven Seas Lagoon. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

How to save when staying at the Grand Floridian

Try booking during Value Season, annual Pass Holders are also eligible for room discounts, although they are usually announced only a month or two in advance and are very limited.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

I believe that family vacations are all about the experiences and the memories and the Grand Floridian created such a wonderful impression on all of us that it truly changed our experience and just took this Disney vacation to a whole new level.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz.

You can check out the DisneyGo.Com website to learn more about the Grand Floridian and everything it has to offer and to check out prices and availability.

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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