Disney's Grand Floridian: Magic Awaits (Orlando's BEST Resort?)
Disney's Grand Floridian: Magic Awaits (Orlando's BEST Resort?) - My Honest, Rambling Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glistening, somewhat intimidating, world of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Is it Orlando's BEST? Well, that's a loaded question, like asking a parent to pick their favorite kid. But let's just say…it definitely makes a strong argument. This isn't going to be some sterile, corporate review. This is my experience – the good, the slightly frustrating, and the downright magical.
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(Okay, now that's out of the way, let's get messy…)
First Impressions: The 'Wow' Factor (and a Tiny Freak-Out)
Walking into the Grand Floridian… oh, you breathe differently. It's like stepping into a Victorian fantasy, all polished mahogany, soaring ceilings, and the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers. Seriously, the lobby smells divine. This place is gorgeous. But honestly? My first thought was, "Am I fancy enough for this?" It is grand, bordering on ostentatious, and you kinda feel the pressure to wear something… well, grand.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
Okay, let's get real. Disney generally does a good job with accessibility, and the Grand Floridian is no exception. However, the devil's in the details, isn't it?
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! The majority of the resort is accessible, with ramps, elevators (thank goodness!), and accessible rooms available. BUT, and this is a big but, navigating the sprawling grounds can be a logistical marathon. You'll need to plan your routes.
- Elevator: Yes! Thank goodness. Those grand buildings have high ceilings!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Disney has a strong history of meeting these needs.
- The "minor details" I encountered? Well, some doorways felt a little tight for a larger wheelchair, and while the elevators are plentiful, sometimes you wait a beat for one during peak hours.
- Room Accessibility: The accessible rooms are generally well-equipped.
- Getting Around: Wheelchair transport is available.
- Services and conveniences: A lot of services are made available.
Internet Access & Techy Stuff: The Modern World's Crutch
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: Praise the mouse gods! This is essential for streaming your favorite shows (and maybe sneaking in some work, shhh!). The connection was generally solid, though sometimes, the signal dipped a little in that one corner of the room.
- Internet access - LAN: Yes (if you must!).
- Internet services: Available.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Spotty sometimes, I swear the connection is stronger in the monorail.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: They definitely have it, which is important for the seminars,
- Business facilities: If you must work on vacation (shame on you!), they have a business center with the usual suspects: Xerox/fax machines, etc.
- Projector/LED displays: Yup, available.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, seminars: More meeting spaces than I have friends.
The Glorious, Glorious Spa: My Personal Sanctuary
This is where the Grand Floridian truly shines. The Spa! Sigh. I spent a morning there and it was the closest I've gotten to nirvana while still wearing a robe.
- Spa/Sauna, Massage, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Oh, the choices! I went for the "Grand Indulgence" massage, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The masseuse (bless her hands) worked out knots I didn't even know I had. I felt like a completely relaxed noodle afterwards.
- Pool with a View: Not sure if it's what the spa had, but a view of the resort!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Well equipped but I preferred the spa!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just Spa, Though…
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Multiple pools, one with a splash-tastic slide (for the kids, of course… cough). They get crowded. Get there early!
- Terrace: Perfect for sipping coffee.
- Bicycle parking: A nice touch for those into biking.
- Babysitting service: (see: For the kids).
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal
Disney’s gone all out with safety protocols, and I appreciated it.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sterilizing equipment, Staff trained in safety protocol: They’re serious about cleanliness. The place gleams.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Individually-wrapped food options: A nice touch.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Feel reassured when it comes to safety!
- Cashless payment service
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Indulge (And Maybe Gain a Pound)
This is where the Grand Floridian REALLY shows off. The dining options are diverse, upscale, and frankly, a little overwhelming (in the best way!).
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: The variety is incredible.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast: Grand Floridian does breakfast right.
- Room service [24-hour], Coffee shop, Snack bar: Perfect after a long day.
- Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Breakfast takeaway service, Essential condiments, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: The standard fare, and all that is good!
- Happy hour: Worth it!
My Dining Lowdown:
- Cinderella's Royal Table (in the Magic Kingdom, but bookable through the resort): Worth it, for the experience. Seeing my inner child be absolutely delighted was its own reward. Also, the food is surprisingly good for a character dining experience.
- Narcoossee's (waterfront dining): Stunning views and fantastic seafood. Slightly pretentious? Yes, maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
- Grand Floridian Cafe: Relaxed, delicious, can't really go wrong.
- Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom): Worth the hype.
Services and Conveniences: Because You’re On Vacation… or Are You?
- Concierge, Doorman, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: The usual luxury touches.
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator: Yay!
- Daily housekeeping: My room was like new every day.
- Contactless check-in/out: (Because, you know, pandemic).
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking, Taxi service, Airport transfer, Car power charging station, Bicycle parking: Convenient for getting around.
For the Kids: Mouse Ears and Magical Memories
- Babysitting service, Kids facilities: Disney specializes in this.
- Family/child friendly, Kids meal: They've nailed this.
Rooms: The Details That Matter (and Annoy)
- Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Additional Toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All the basics, and THEN some.
- Room decorations: They are Disney, after all.
The Nitty Gritty (and My Minor Gripes):
- The Price: Let's be honest, it's expensive. Very expensive. You're paying for the experience, the convenience, and the Disney magic.
- The Crowds: Even with the added expense, there are still people.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get a front-row seat to my totally-unfiltered escapade at Disney's Grand Floridian. Forget those picture-perfect itineraries – this is the real, slightly-chaotic, and utterly delightful deal.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pretzel Debacle
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown in Orlando! Already buzzing with excitement, which might have morphed into a touch of mania after a red-eye flight. The airport chaos was predictable, but the sheer volume of Mickey Mouse ears was… well, it was Disney. Grabbed a Minnie Mouse pretzel at the airport, which, let's be honest, was a soggy little disappointment. Lesson learned: airport food is NEVER the answer.
- 11:30 AM: Transportation to Grand Floridian. The Magical Express was, blessedly, smooth sailing (unlike those darn airport pretzels). The sight of the Grand Floridian… it was actually breathtaking. That lobby! The chandeliers! The sheer opulent ness of it all. Instantly knew I was going to love this place.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in. Successfully navigated the check-in process. The cast member was ridiculously cheerful, which I appreciated, though it was probably because I was so exhausted. The room was a dream. Balcony, comfy bed, and a view of the courtyard. Life was good.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at Gasparilla Island Grill. Okay, here's where things slightly unravel. I was RAVENOUS. Ordered a flatbread and a salad. The flatbread was fine, but the salad? Oh, the salad. It arrived with what I can only describe as a swamp of dressing. I tried to be polite, I really did, but after three bites, I had to admit defeat. Defeated salad.
- 2:30 PM: Pool Time! Needed to decompress and escape the swamp of dressing. The pool was heavenly – warm, quiet, with the perfect amount of sun. Spent a good few hours soaking up the rays and pretending I was a glamorous millionaire heiress.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt one at the monorail. I thought the monorail would be a simple adventure, a lovely hop and skip over to the Magic Kingdom. It turns out that I am apparently too good at the "standing still looking dazed" part, and was promptly yelled at, not once, but TWICE, to get up off the ground and follow the line. Note to self: learn how to monorail.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at 1900 Park Fare. This was supposed to be the highlight! Dinner with the characters…and then it did become a highlight! Met Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the Evil Stepmother. The Stepmother was hilariously sassy, and I actually had a moment where I knew she was giving me side-eye. The food was decent - the meat was a little dry I'll admit - but the atmosphere was so much fun.
Day 2: Magic Kingdom Mayhem and the Pursuit of the Perfect Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The hotel bed was pure cloud. I was ready for a full day of adventuring, but first, I needed coffee. This is where things go awry. Not really awry, but I spent way too much time searching for the perfect coffee. Grand Floridian wasn't exactly blessed in the coffee department. Found a passable cup at Gasparilla Island Grill, which was a relief.
- 9:00 AM: Magic Kingdom bound! This time, I mastered the monorail, by holding onto the hand rails and not looking dazed.
- 9:30 AM- 4:00 PM: Magic Kingdom. Got my FastPasses (thank goodness!), rode Space Mountain (terrifying but exhilarating!), and ate a Dole Whip (pure bliss). Spent hours wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere, and feeling like a giant kid. The sheer volume of people was overwhelming at times, but the magic of the place just pulls you in. Got caught in a downpour near Splash Mountain. I was drenched, but honestly, I didn't even care.
- 4:30 PM: Back to the Grand Floridian for a much-needed nap. That Magic Kingdom, they tire you out!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Citricos. Fancy pants time! This restaurant was ridiculously elegant. The food was incredible, and the wine list was even better. But for real, the service was exemplary. I felt like a queen.
- 8:00 PM: Fireworks! Watched the fireworks from the beach at the Grand Floridian. Absolutely stunning. Pure, unadulterated Disney magic.
Day 3: Spa Day and the Farewell Feast
- 9:00 AM: Spa Day (finally!). The Grand Floridian Spa was the epitome of relaxation. I had a massage and a facial. Pure bliss. Definitely needed it after all that walking around and character experiences.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a quick-service restaurant, and actually, the food was surprisingly good!
- 1:00 PM: Shopping! Wandered around the resort shops, purchased way too many Disney-themed souvenirs (including a very questionable Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream maker.)
- 4:00 PM: Enjoying the Grand Floridian Tea. This was the true show stopper. I went solo - a bit of a romantic and sad adventure.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell Dinner at Narcoossee's! The final hurrah. This restaurant is on the water with a view of the Magic Kingdom. Stunning. The food was excellent, the service impeccable. The entire meal was perfect (even the crab cakes!)
- 9:30 PM: Stroll around the Grand Floridian, savoring the last moments. Saying goodbye to this place was bittersweet. I was ready to go home, but a part of me wanted to stay forever in that beautiful bubble.
Day 4: Departure and the Unforgettable Memories
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. One last croissant. One last latte.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The tears were held back, but there was a genuine pang of sadness as I left.
- 10:00 AM: Transportation to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight Home.
Reflections:
Now, looking back, it wasn't perfect. There were soggy pretzels and swampy salads, moments of disorientation and exhaustion. But that's the beautiful thing about real life, right? It's those imperfections, those little mishaps, that make the memories so much richer. The Grand Floridian was magical, and with a little bit of grit and willingness to get a little dirty, I created memories that I'll cherish forever. I can't wait to go again. Okay, maybe I should go get a pedicure before that.
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Grand Floridian: Magic Awaits… or Does It? My Messy, Honest Take!
Okay, is the Grand Floridian *really* the best resort at Walt Disney World? Seriously?
Ugh, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, the Grand Floridian *looks* the part. That lobby? Stunning. You walk in, and BAM! Crystal chandelier, live orchestra… it’s a total visual feast. **But best?** That’s where things get tricky. It’s… *expensive*, let's just say that. Like, you’re basically paying for the privilege of feeling fancy. Sometimes, the "magic" feels... manufactured. Like the Imagineers said, "Okay, let's make it *super* fancy! And charge accordingly!" My take? It's definitely NOT for everyone. I'd give it a solid... 7.5/10, maybe? That's me being generous, mind you.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they worth the price tag? Or should I just stay at Pop Century and eat ramen?
Alright, the rooms. They’re... nice. Really nice. Spacious, well-appointed, the whole shebang. That said, they *still* feel like a fancy hotel room. You're not exactly transported to a whole *new* world, you know? The theming is… subtle, shall we say? It's Victorian, which, let's be honest, can feel a little stuffy. My biggest gripe? The bathrooms. They’re lovely, sure, but for the price, I’d expect GOLDEN faucets. Like, I want to wash my hands in pure luxury. Also, they're kinda small. One time, I was trying to apply mascara in the bathroom and, CLANG!, I bumped my elbow on the mirror. My mascara ended up *everywhere*. So, NO, the room alone is not worth the price. Ramen (and maybe a nice bathtub that can hold a whole family) is starting to sound pretty tempting, right?
The dining! Cinderella's Royal Table or Citricos? Or are they even *good*?
Ah, the food! Okay, let's break this down, because this is where things get REALLY interesting.
* **Cinderella's Royal Table:** UGH. Okay, yes, it's in the Magic Kingdom. AND yes, you get to meet princesses. But for the price? The food is... well, it's not *bad*. It's just… *meh*. And the dining room is cramped. The whole experience felt like a gilded cage of screaming children and frantic parents. Also, the wait times are astronomical. You're basically paying for the *experience* more than the food. If you have small children who are obsessed with princesses, suck it up and do it. Otherwise, skip it. Seriously. My wallet and sanity thank me.
* **Citricos:** Now, *this* is where things get better. Citricos is actually *good*. Chef's tasting menu? Yes, please. And the atmosphere? Much more adult, but still Disney-esque, which is a win. I had the *best* scallops there last trip. The wine list? Divine. It’s an actual *fine dining* experience. The service is impeccable. It's pricey, of course, but you're actually getting what you pay for.
* **Narcoossee's:** Okay, this is the one I'm REALLY conflicted about. The location is GORGEOUS. Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, prime fireworks viewing spot. Food? It's... hit or miss. Sometimes it's *amazing*, sometimes it's just… okay. It's a gamble. But the view? WORTH IT. I’ve seen (and almost cried at) the fireworks from here, multiple times. It's a truly magical experience -- when things go right. But the food, the inconsistent food... oh, the drama!
What about the transportation? Is the monorail really as convenient as it seems?
The monorail IS convenient... *when it works*. It’s direct to the Magic Kingdom, which is a HUGE win. But the lines can be insane, especially in the morning and at park closing. I've spent what felt like eons waiting for a monorail. Once, stuck on the monorail in the extreme heat of Orlando with a toddler who was determined to have a meltdown. Let me tell you, that was… a *moment*. And then, when it *does* work, you get these epic views of the lagoon. So, it's a double edged sword. Convenient, until it’s not. The boat service to the Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian is also a great option, though, providing a slower, more scenic, and more reliable experience (generally).
The pools! Are they worth a dip?
The pools are… fine. They're nice pools. They're clean. They're a good escape from the Florida heat. The Beach Pool is lovely, with a waterslide. The quiet pool is... quiet. Not a groundbreaking pool experience, but decent. But honestly, I'm not a huge pool person. I'd rather be in a park *doing* something, than lounging. They fit the bill, really. The water is clean, the scenery is nice. The main issue? Often crowded. And sometimes, I don't believe there's enough shade.
What's the *best* part of staying at the Grand Floridian, in your very humble opinion?
Okay, honestly, and this is going to sound trite, but… the *overall* theming. When the Grand Floridian is "on," it really leans into the Victorian aesthetic. The music, the lighting, the floral arrangements... It really feels like you've stepped into a different era. Sure, it can feel a little… stiff, at times. But *that* feeling of being transported, of feeling a little bit of old-school elegance, that can't be denied. Walking through the lobby… it’s a mood. However, sometimes, I think they try too hard. But when they do it right, it CAN feel wonderful!
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Hmm… that's a tough one. Probably. *Eventually*. The price is a big factor. If money were no object? Absolutely. Because the convenience is top-notch, and the atmosphere, even with its flaws, is special. But for the price I can find better experiences! If I got an amazing deal? Sure, I'd jump at it. But I'm not going to sell my kidney to afford it. It's a wonderful experience, just... well, there's room for improvement. But, like I said, that restaurant experience really makes it worth a trip. Even with its flaws, I would recommend it to someone willing to splurge.
