Walt Disney World Resort Review: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
They don’t call it GRAND for nothing. This place is very nice, and I will say, I was pleasantly surprised that we didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable staying here.
My expectations of staying at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa were that it was going to be a country club atmosphere. There would be rehearsal dinners, weddings, honeymooners, and people that consider themselves better than everyone else. I am very happy to say that wasn’t the case at all.
While we were there, we did see multiple wedding parties each day. That might have been everyone getting ready, the bride and groom walking by after getting married, or even watching a nice couple get married right in front of our balcony. It wasn’t anything over the top though, and we never felt like we were in the way of their big days.
When it comes to the people, they couldn’t have been nicer. It really was the same vibe you get at most resorts. Everyone is just super pumped to be at Disney World. These people even more so though because they were staying at a deluxe resort, on the monorail, and could see the fireworks from the resort every night. Who wouldn’t love that?
overview
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a deluxe resort located on the Magic Kingdom monorail. You are just one stop from Magic Kingdom after boarding. You can also take the monorail from this resort to EPCOT by simply transferring at the Ticket and Transportation Center stop.
This resort is ideal for anyone that is looking for the convenience and luxury.
Convenience that comes from staying on the monorail, and being so close to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Convenience that comes with having nine different dining locations. Convenience that comes from having three different pools, and a kids water playground.
Luxury that comes from having a spa on-site for adults, and a BippityBoppity Boutique on site for kids. Luxury that comes from having the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World dining, Victoria & Alberts, a five diamond award winning restaurant, 23 years in a row, located on property. Luxury that comes from knowing that this resort is worth every penny you are paying.
what we love
Where to even begin. Our room was beautiful. The balcony was lovely. The pools were amazing. The quick service was great and convenient. The monorail…oh the monorail. It. Was. AMAZING!
Having never stayed for fireworks (I know, blasphemy), one of the best experiences was being able to go down to the dock and watch the show. While we couldn’t see the projections on the castle, we had a great view of the fireworks, and the music was piped in, so we got a great experience, and didn’t have to fight the crowd. Showing up just 10 minutes before it starts, and you will have your pick of viewing locations.
However, if we had to pick just one things we loved, it was the service we received.
The level of service was top notch at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Many people will comment that the level of service at Disney isn’t what it used to be, and I won’t disagree with that. However, what it used to be, still can’t touch what it is at the Grand Floridian.
A great example we can give is what the housekeeping staff (yes, they had it in full force every day) did to our rooms each day when we were gone. Every day they would arrange the kids stuffed Mickeys and Minnie, and put them with a towel animal. A little touch, but it was amazing, and the kids loved it.
Everyone, no matter the request, no matter how big or how small, was happy to assist in any way that they could. Maybe it is because it was a deluxe resort. Maybe it is because they put their best employees at their best resorts. Whatever the reason, the service level was on point, and that is really just the beginning.
areas of opportunity
Honestly, this is going to be really nit picking. It was an amazing experience. Areas of opportunity that I can think of were the buses. We waited a very long time the day we had to take the bus, and it was only Animal Kingdom that had the long delay, and that was the only bus we needed. Could have just been the day though.
The other area of opportunity is the rooms. They could use to be updated, and have the carpet changed out. However, this is something that is in the works, so again, this is kind of a moot point.
overall
Honestly, just amazing. The biggest thing about Grand Floridian is the price. If you can afford it, or are willing to make the sacrifices elsewhere to pay for it, it is an amazing experience. We are very thankful for having the opportunity to be able to stay here, and cannot say enough good things about it.
If you are ever considering a Walt Disney World vacation, and you would like to know more about staying at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, feel free to reach out to DDWK Travel at ddwktravel@gmail.com.
