The Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is the flagship resort in all of Walt Disney World. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (GF) is a 900-room facility located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and is located directly southwest, and one monorail stop, from the Magic Kingdom. It has Victorian style and themeing throughout and could seem a little ultra-nice at times. Disney has managed to merge this lavish style with magic and it doesn't feel too ritzy if you take the time to stop and look around. This is the most expensive resort on property and a standard garden view room starts at $399 during value season and balloons up to $649 during holiday season. This of course is rack room rates and doesn't reflect promotions or package deals. Guests with children request the Big Pine Key lodge as it is closest to the pools and beach. The rooms themselves are similar to most other deluxes with the exceptions of the suites. There are garden views, marina views, and Magic Kingdom views all with differing price tags.

There are two pools at the Grand Floridian. The original, larger of the two pools is called the Courtyard Pool and it is open all the time, weather permitting. There are no lifeguards at this pool. The other "'themed pool" is the Beach Pool which is only 4 feet at the deepest point and includes a rock waterfall and waterslide. The Beach Pool also has zero-depth entry access, which means there is no step down into the pool which means no steps for children to play or get injured on. Unlike the larger pool, there are lifeguards on duty at this pool. There are also tennis courts and a variety of recreational watercraft for rent at the marina. There are also jogging trails, croquet, and volleyball available. There is lots of great shopping which in my opinion is the best of all the resorts.

The Spa & Health Club at the offers incredible service at a top-of-the-line facility. Among the treatments offered are massage therapies, skin care, water therapies, soothing soaks, body treatments, hand and foot treatments, and lifestyle services. A variety of spa packages are available, including spa services for families. Membership at the health club is free to resort guests for the length of their stay. Guests from other Disney resorts can use the facilities for $12/day, based on availability. Guests at other resorts may also make reservations to enjoy all the spa facilities.

The dining establishments at the Grand Floridian are vast and varied. Three of the most elaborate restaurants on property are found here. Victoria and Albert's is the epitome of fine dining and requires advanced reservations as far ahead as possible. Needless to say this one is a no children place and the menu is a fixed price running a couple around $300 unless you want the wine pairing then it will be an extra $150 or so. I have never had the privilege of dining here but would love to some day when my kids are grown up. The second choice is Citricos which is another expensive meal but supposedly is spectacular as well. Then there is Narcoossee's which is similarly priced to Citricos. Both of the previous establishments offer a nice selection of appetizers, and main dishes vary from steak to seafood, and a wide range of desserts. Of course each of these places are known for their quality and the chef's individual creativeness.

The 1900 Park Fare is a character meal/buffet which is about as far away from the three previous restaurants we have discussed but it is fantastic for children. Join Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter for a breakfast which includes made to order omelets, typical breakfast fare, and yes Mickey Waffles. Regulars include Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella for the dinner buffet which includes salads, various entrees, and great desserts. We really enjoyed the characters at both meals, but the breakfast meal was better than the dinner as far as the food goes. The Grand Floridian Cafe is a less elegant and less expensive meal than Citricos but is pretty good and offers a nice selection of starters and entrees, but they have chocolate fondue for dessert which children enjoy. Gasparilla Grill & Games is a self-serve restaurant, featuring pizza, bakery items, sandwiches, salads, snacks, ice cream, yogurt and pizza. Gasparilla is open 24 hours a day and also serves as an arcade.

There are some other nice features at the Grand Floridian including various childrens programs including story time, arts and crafts, or Adventure time just ask at the front desk for a schedule of times. You can also watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the beaches or the boat dock at the Floridian. This is also a terrific place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

I have never had the opportunity to stay here but would love to some day in the future. I have explored alot of the resort and enjoyed many of the restaurants and recommend that even if you do not stay at this resort come by and check it out. Check out my next post on Disney family vacation tips and get the information you need to make a memorable trip to Disneyworld.