Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – A “Must Stay”

A recent stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort was nothing short of fabulous for our family!  This was our second stay at a Deluxe tier resort {Animal Kingdom Lodge being the first one}, but our first stay at a monorail resort.  From the second we walked into the Grand Floridian, we knew we were in for a great treat on our Disney vacation.  When we arrived, the live jazz band was playing from the second floor of the lobby, a bride was being photographed on the steps, and families were eagerly awaiting dinner at 1900 Park Fare.  We never felt as if the resort wasn’t child friendly, and the cast members were more than happy to help us with whatever we needed.  Every evening, upon returning from the parks, we found our beds turned down with a sweet piece of chocolate waiting for us.  The Mousekeepers even filled our ice bucket so it was ready for a cool drink.  I could go on and on about how much we loved this magical, classic Disney resort.

1.  When considering transportation to the parks, resort guests from the GF are the first stop at Magic Kingdom on the monorail.  To return from Magic Kingdom in a timely fashion, consider taking the ferry boat that runs to the Grand Floridian.  On the ferry boat, the first stop from Magic Kingdom is the Grand Floridian.  Also, only buses for Downtown Disney, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom run from the Grand Floridian.

2.  When making your room reservation, ask to be located in Conch Key or Sugar Loaf buildings.  These are great locations where you are close to the boat dock and a very short walk to the monorail station.  You can easily see Wishes from the boat dock, as well as the Electrical Water Pageant which passes by nightly.  Another perk to these buildings is the Quick Service Dining option, Gasparilla Grill and Games, is very close to both of these.

3.  Since it’s a monorail resort, you are very close to great dining at Walt Disney World.  Have a reservation at Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary?  Hop the monorail and you are there in no time.  You can also take it to the Polynesian to enjoy the luau or O’Hana.  Being on the monorail allows for relaxing, easy rides to and from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

4.  The rooms are extremely spacious.  We are a family of five, and we had plenty of room in our resort room.  It was two queen beds, a pack and play, and a very nice “junior” day bed.  Basically it was a couch that pulled out into a twin size bed.  It was extremely comfortable, too.  The vanity/sink area is separate from the toilet/shower area as well.  Many of the rooms, like ours, have a nice balcony equipped with two chairs and a small table.

5.  The Grand Floridian has two very large pools for your family to enjoy as well.  The “quiet” pool is located across from the main building.  This pool is where they host some fun pool side games, it’s equipped with a fooseball table, and a small baby pool.  The main pool is a short walk away.  Here is where you’ll find the waterslide, zero depth entry pool, and cabanas for rent.

As I said, Disney’s Grand Floridian is a “must stay” resort as far as I’m concerned.  You won’t go wrong with location, dining, customer service, and atmosphere at this classic Disney resort. Have you stayed at a Deluxe Disney Resort?  I’d love to hear about it!

Magically Yours,

Carrie

Carrie writes here on Chip & Co., and on My Favorite Finds.  Stop by My Favorite Finds, where you’ll find recipes, tutorials, organization inspiration, and Disney travel tips.  She hopes you’ll find some joy in your everyday when you visit My Favorite Finds!

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