My Honest Grand Floridian Review: Disney’s Most Luxurious Resort

When I planned my trip to Disney World, I wanted the most luxurious experience possible. That meant staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa—the crown jewel of Disney resorts. I hadn’t been to Disney in nine years, and while I’m not a Disney fanatic, I do love exceptional service and upscale accommodations. This Grand Floridian review will cover everything from Club Level perks to dining, transportation, and overall experience.

The Room: Classic Disney Elegance

Walking into our room, we were greeted with a breathtaking theme park view, overlooking Magic Kingdom and the serene lake. Watching the evening fireworks from our private balcony was a highlight of the trip.

The decor was Mary Poppins-themed, featuring soft blue and pink hues with whimsical yet elegant Disney details, including an intricate chandelier. The room was crisp and clean, with plush bedding, a comfortable sofa, and outdoor seating. While the size was that of a standard hotel room, the view and ambiance made it feel special. If you’re booking, I highly recommend requesting a theme park view for an unforgettable stay.

Plush King Bed with Disney Touches – A crisp, clean bed with high-end linens, decorative pillows, and subtle Disney-inspired accents.

A well-lit vanity, marble countertops, and premium Disney bath products create a spa-like experience.

Elegant Mary Poppins-Themed Décor – Soft blue and pink hues, intricate Disney details, and a whimsical chandelier add charm to the luxurious room.

Private Balcony Overlooking Magic Kingdom – A serene outdoor space with seating, perfect for watching the evening fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.

Grand Floridian Theme Park View Room – A beautifully decorated room with a private balcony overlooking Magic Kingdom and the serene Seven Seas Lagoon.

Cozy Seating Area with a View – A comfortable sofa and lounge chair positioned near floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of the resort.

Room Tour

Club Level: Worth It?

We stayed on Club Level, and from the moment we arrived, the elevated service was apparent. As we pulled up, a club level concierge host was waiting for us, ready to escort us directly to the Club Level lounge for check-in—a seamless, VIP experience. No waiting in the main lobby, no long lines. This Grand Floridian review wouldn’t be complete without discussing this incredible perk.

One of the biggest advantages of Club Level was access to the exclusive lounge, which provided breakfast, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. Having breakfast here every morning meant we were full until dinner, eliminating the need to deal with crowded restaurants during the day. During the busy dining hours at the resort, knowing we had Club Level access was a game changer. The staff was attentive, always ready to help with dining reservations, Disney app navigation, and lightning lane strategies.

concierge team welcomes guests with private check-in at the exclusive Club Level lounge, offering a seamless VIP experience.

A beautifully designed lounge with plush seating and elegant décor, providing complimentary breakfast, snacks, and beverages throughout the day.

A selection of fresh pastries, fruits, and hot breakfast items served in the Grand Floridian’s Club Level lounge each morning.

A plate of golden, fluffy Mickey-shaped waffles served with syrup and fresh fruit, a classic Disney breakfast favorite.

A beautifully arranged mimosa bar featuring champagne, fresh orange juice, and other fruit mixers for a refreshing morning treat.

Elegant glasses of bubbly mimosas served in the Club Level lounge, perfect for a luxurious Disney morning.

One unexpected perk? Christmas-time guests don’t have to wait in line for the famous gingerbread house treats—they take orders directly on Club Level and deliver them to your room the next day.

Another bonus of Club Level? Signature Services can arrange a private airport transfer for $199 one way or $398 round trip for up to six people. If you want to avoid the hassle of rental cars and shuttles, this is a luxury worth considering.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Delivery – A festive holiday perk where Club Level guests can order famous gingerbread house treats and have them delivered to their room. — 2024 Gingerbread House

Dining at The Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian offers several signature dining options, including:

Victoria & Albert’s (a world-renowned fine dining experience)
Narcoossee’s (seafood and waterfront views)
1900 Park Fare (character dining)
Citricos (Mediterranean-inspired cuisine)
Grand Floridian Café (casual but elevated)
Enchanted Rose (a gorgeous lounge inspired by Beauty and the Beast)

Since these restaurants are always busy, staying on Club Level relieved a lot of the stress of making last-minute reservations. We also used a Disney travel agent, which I highly recommend if you’re not a Disney expert. They secured all of our reservations in advance, including hard-to-book spots like Yachtsman Steakhouse, Le Cellier, Via Napoli, and California Grill.

Enchanted Rose Lounge at Grand Floridian – A Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge featuring elegant décor, craft cocktails, and an upscale ambiance. — Enchanted Rose Lounge

Luxury Amenities: Spa, Pools & Cabanas

The Grand Floridian Spa is a beautiful retreat offering massages, facials, and a tranquil atmosphere. If relaxation is a priority, this is a must-visit. The 24/7 fitness center is also located here.

Grand Floridian Spa & Fitness Center – A serene retreat offering massages, facials, and a 24/7 fitness center for relaxation and wellness.

For pool lovers, the resort features:

Beach Pool: A lively pool with a 181-foot-long waterslide, zero-depth entry, cabanas, and a restaurant/bar.
Alice in Wonderland Splash Play Area: A fun water playground for kids.
Courtyard Pool: A quieter, serene escape with a whirlpool spa.
Cabanas are available for $300/day at Beach Pool and Courtyard Pool, with premium cushioned lounge chairs for $150/day on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beach Pool at Grand Floridian – A lively pool with a 181-foot waterslide, zero-depth entry, and private cabanas for a luxurious poolside experience. — Adult Pool

Alice in Wonderland Splash Play Area – A whimsical water playground designed for kids, featuring fun fountains and interactive water elements. — Kids Splash Pool

Courtyard Pool at Grand Floridian – A quiet and serene pool area featuring a whirlpool spa, perfect for relaxation away from the crowds. — Rentable Cabanas

Proximity to Magic Kingdom

Since Magic Kingdom is my favorite park, the location of the Grand Floridian was ideal. There are multiple ways to get there:

Walking path (10-15 minutes along a beautiful trail)
Monorail (Magic Kingdom is the first stop)
Ferry (Grand Floridian is the first stop when leaving Magic Kingdom)

Walkway from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom – A scenic, beautifully landscaped path providing a peaceful 10-15 minute walk to Magic Kingdom. — Walkway from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom

Grand Floridian Ferry to Magic Kingdom – A scenic boat ride across Seven Seas Lagoon, offering a relaxing and convenient way to reach Magic Kingdom. — Ferry from Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian

For other parks:

Epcot: Take the monorail and transfer at the Transportation & Ticket Center or Minnie Van service.
Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom: Take a bus or use the Minnie Van service through Lyft.

What is the “Minnie Van” Service?

The Minnie Van service is one of the best to get around Disney World. These Disney-owned, cast-member-driven SUVs provide direct drop-off to the front entrance of each park—something no other rideshare or taxi can do. It’s convenient, private, and exclusive, making it a true VIP experience.

VIP Disney Experience: Is It Worth It?

For guests seeking ultimate luxury, Disney offers a VIP private tour where a guide will personally escort you through the parks with minimal wait times. Prices range from $450 – $900 per hour for up to 10 guests, with a 20% discount for Club Level guests. This is the fastest and most seamless way to experience Disney, though it comes at a steep price.

If you want a more affordable way to bypass lines, consider the Premier Pass, which lets you enter each Lightning Lane attraction once per day without a reserved time.

Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 per person
Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 per person
Epcot: $169-$249 per person
Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 per person

Final Thoughts: Is the Grand Floridian Worth It?

Without a doubt, the Grand Floridian is the most luxurious resort at Disney World. It’s opulent yet magical, sophisticated yet family-friendly. The landscaping is impeccable, the service is top-tier, and the proximity to Magic Kingdom is unbeatable.

For a stress-free, luxury Disney experience, I highly recommend staying on Club Level—it made all the difference in our trip. While Disney can be overwhelming, having personalized service, a peaceful retreat, and easy access to everything made it feel more like a vacation and less like a theme park marathon.This Grand Floridian review is based on my personal experience, and I can confidently say that Disney World isn’t just about the rides—it’s about the experience and the memories you make. At the Grand Floridian, every moment felt special.

Luxury. Service. Passion. Rating

Luxury: 7 – There was details in the chandeliers and hints of luxury but the best, linens, shampoo, and conditioner were basic to me.

Service: 6 – They are there to support you with good service but not amazing service that anticipates your needs and wants.

Passion 6: I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else and the fireworks from your balcony is a truly special – magical feeling.

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