What is the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and what sets it apart from other Disney resorts?

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 (MK). It occupies 40 acres and is styled in a turn-of-the-century Victorian theme. The red and white structure features gabled roofs and a five-story Grand Lobby, topped with a stained glass ceiling and chandeliers. The atmosphere is elegant, but in a Disney way, so as not to be overbearing. The GF opened in August 1988 as WDW's 5th resort hotel. It is considered the flagship of all WDW resorts.

This seems like an ultra-nice resort. Will I feel out of place?

Not really. Even though it is the most expensive resort at WDW, it is not filled with "ultra-rich" folk. It is filled with people like you and me, who have always wanted to stay there, and have finally saved enough money. If you are into ultra-luxury, there is plenty here. On the other hand, if you are used to the simpler things, there is plenty of that, too. Shorts and T-shirts in the lobby are more the rule than the exception. After all, in what other luxury resort could you find a mouse, and it be considered appropriate?

2009 RATES
Part 1

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Dates	Garden View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Lagoon View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Magic Kingdom View Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Lodge Tower Max Occupancy 4 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Standard Room Sugar Loaf Club Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per
Value Jan 1-15	$399	$465	$505	$485	$520
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$419	$485	$525	$505	$540
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$399	$465	$505	$485	$520
President's Day Feb 13-15	$549	$650	$705	$680	$735
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$529	$630	$685	$660	$715
	$549	$650	$705	$680	$735
Easter April 4 - 18	$549	$650	$705	$680	$735
Regular April 19 - July 2	$449	$540	$585	$550	$605
Independence Day July 3 -5	$469	$560	$605	$570	$625
Regular July 6 - July 18	$449	$540	$585	$550	$605
Value July 19 - Oct 1	$399	$465	$505	$485	$520
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$449	$540	$585	$550	$605
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$469	$560	$605	$570	$625
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$399	$465	$505	$485	$520
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$629	$735	$795	$730	$810
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$649	$755	$815	$750	$830

2009 RATES
Part 2

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Dates	Standard Room Royal Palm Club Max Occupancy 5 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Deluxe Room Royal Palm Club Max Occupancy 4 Addtl Adult Fee $25/per	Deluxe Room - King Royal Palm Club Max Occupancy 2	Outer Lodge 1 Bedroom Suite Sugar Loaf Club Max Occupancy 6	Magic Kingdom View 1 Bedroom Suite Sugar Loaf Club Max Occupancy 4
Value Jan 1-15	$690	$695	$690	$1,050	$1,060
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$710	$715	$710	$1,070	$1,080
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$690	$695	$690	$1,050	$1,060
President's Day Feb 13-15	$915	$935	$915	$1,345	$1,355
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$895	$915	$895	$1,325	$1,335
	$915	$935	$915	$1,345	$1,355
Easter April 4 - 18	$915	$935	$915	$1,345	$1,355
Regular April 19 - July 2	$775	$790	$785	$1,135	$1,155
Independence Day July 3 -5	$795	$810	$805	$1,155	$1,175
Regular July 6 - July 18	$775	$790	$785	$1,135	$1,155
Value July 19 - Oct 1	$690	$695	$690	$1,050	$1,060
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$775	$790	$785	$1,135	$1,155
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$795	$810	$805	$1,155	$1,175
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$690	$695	$690	$1,050	$1,060
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$990	$1,020	$1,000	$1,535	$1,575
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$1,010	$1,040	$1,020	$1,555	$1,595

 

2009 RATES
Part 3

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Dates	Magic Kingdom View 2 Bedroom Suite Sugar Loaf Club Max Occupancy 8	2-Bedroom Suite Royal Palm Club Max Occupancy 6	Disney Suite Royal Palm Club Max Occupancy 4	Grand Suite Royal Palm Club Max Occupancy 4 Max Occupancy 4
Value Jan 1-15	$1,845	$1,950	$2,005	$2,065
Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 16-18	$1,865	$1,970	$2,025	$2,085
Value Jan 19- Feb 12	$1,845	$1,950	$2,005	$2,065
President's Day Feb 13-15	$2,290	$2,375	$2,500	$2,595
Peak Feb 16 - April 3 Weekday Weekend
	$2,270	$2,355	$2,480	$2,575
	$2,290	$2,375	$2,500	$2,595
Easter April 4 - 18	$2,290	$2,375	$2,500	$2,595
Regular April 19 - July 2	$2,050	$2,140	$2,220	$2,305
Independence Day July 3 -5	$2,070	$2,160	$2,240	$2,325
Regular July 6 - July 18	$2,050	$2,140	$2,220	$2,305
Value July 19 - Oct 1	$1,845	$1,950	$2,005	$2,065
Regular Oct 2 - Nov 24	$2,050	$2,140	$2,220	$2,305
Thanksgiving Nov 25 - 28	$2,070	$2,160	$2,240	$2,325
Value Nov 29 - Dec 17	$1,845	$1,950	$2,005	$2,065
Holiday Dec 18 - 24	$2,515	$2,640	$2,735	$2,875
Holiday Dec 25 - 31	$2,535	$2,660	$2,755	$2,895

It seems so expensive! How can I save a few dollars?

Try booking during Value Season. Annual Pass Holders are also eligible for room discounts, although they are usually announced only a month or two in advance and are very limited. Try asking for a better view when you check in. During slow times, you will sometimes be given a room upgrade for the same price. This does not really save money, but it does give you more bang for the buck.

What are my choices for room views?

Garden View rooms feature balconies overlooking the GF's landscaped gardens. The Pool/Marina view has balconies with views of either the courtyard pool or the GF marina off Seven Seas Lagoon. Lagoon View features a view of the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon , but may or may not include a view of the MK. The Main Building also has some Magic Kingdom view/castle view rooms - the Jacuzzi honeymoon rooms for one, and some others too, that are above them. Other room choices include Lodge Tower rooms, Concierge rooms with Garden/Pool/Marina views, Deluxe and Honeymoon Concierge rooms, and a variety of Suites.

How do I let the resort know of my room preference?

We recommend you fax your request to the room controller several days before your scheduled arrival.

What is the difference between a standard room and a dormer ("attic") room?

Both types of rooms are furnished the same and contain the same features. The dormer rooms are actually a bit smaller (3 feet smaller) than the standard rooms, but seem larger, since dormer rooms feature vaulted ceilings. Standard rooms sleep 5 people, while dormer rooms sleep only 4. Dormer rooms are also the only rooms to feature a private balcony. Note the Dormer Room balconies are about half the "regular" room size. Standard rooms have balconies, but they are not private. From the outside of the resort, you can easily tell the two types apart. Rooms on the lower floors with wide balconies are the standard rooms. Rooms on the upper floors with balconies under peaked portions of the roof are the dormer rooms.

What is a lodge tower room?

The lodge tower rooms are located in the semicircular protrusions you can see on the outside of some buildings. They include all of the features of a standard room. They also have a separate sitting area, with additional furniture, TV and phone. There are views out of five windows, as well as a separate balcony.

Can I get a crib for my room?

Yes, and a highchair and playpen, too! Request cribs when you make your reservations. All are complimentary for GF guests.

Are there smoking and nonsmoking rooms?

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are now smoke free. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

Which rooms are closest to...

...the beach? - Guest rooms in the Main Building and in Big Pine Key are located just along the beach of Seven Seas Lagoon.

...the monorail? - Guest rooms in the Main Building are an elevator's ride away from the monorail station. Rooms in Sago Cay, Sugar Loaf Key, and Big Pine Key are all about equally the next closest.

The buses? - The bus stop is located just outside and below the monorail station. Room proximity to the buses is about the same as for the monorail.

The restaurants? - Guest rooms in the Main Building are located only a few floors above all restaurants, with the exception of Narcoossee's. Rooms in Conch Key are actually closest to Narcoossee's. Besides those in the Main Building, rooms in Big Pine Key and Sugar Loaf Key are quite near the main restaurants. Sugar Loaf Key is particularly convenient to both Gasparilla Grill & Games and the Grand Floridian Cafe.

The marina? - Guest rooms in Sugar Loaf Key and Conch Key are located just outside of the marina. These rooms, as well as those in Sago Cay, all have rooms that overlook the marina.

The pool? - Guest rooms in Boca Chica, Big Pine Key, and Sugar Loaf Key all are closest to the courtyard pool, as well as the kiddie pool.

Which rooms have the best Magic Kingdom view?

The majority of these rooms are in Boca Chica. You will have to reserve, and pay a premium for, a theme park view.

Which rooms are the quietest?

Which is better -- lagoon view or pool view?

Lagoon views are usually thought of as the best. They offer views of the Magic Kingdom or the Seven Seas Lagoon. However, pool views and garden views are sometimes just as good. Views of just the other buildings in the complex are actually very nice, people-watching is at a premium, and the architecture and landscaping of these views sometimes fits in better with the overall Grand Floridian Resort and Spa atmosphere.

It's my honeymoon! What is the difference between the octagon and Jacuzzi honeymoon rooms?

Octagon rooms do not have a balcony or a Jacuzzi tub. However, this room is bigger than the Jacuzzi room, has a wet bar, and has windows almost all of the way around, providing a greater view. Jacuzzi rooms do have a balcony and Jacuzzi tub, but no wet bar or walk-in closet. Jacuzzi rooms are also located on a part of the second floor with no through traffic, providing a quieter atmosphere. Both rooms include all concierge benefits.

What is on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the main building? How can I get there?

All Concierge rooms and about half of the suites are located here. Concierge desks on the third floor offer very personalized services to only those guests occupying rooms on these floors. A lounge on the fourth floor is the spot for continental breakfasts and evening refreshments, once again only for those guests on these floors. Unless you are staying in one of these special rooms, you cannot get to the third, fourth, or fifth floors of the main building. Access is by private elevator only. The "Sugar Loaf " building also offers full concierge service.

To read more about Concierge Service, Click Here!

We want some quiet, romantic time. Is the resort full of children who will spoil this?

Children are seen at the resort, but not as much as at other resorts. You are at Disney World, after all. There are places and times at the GF when there are virtually NO children around. A meal at Victoria & Albert's, or Citricos would be a good bet, as well as almost anytime during the morning or late afternoons and evenings, when families are spending their time at the theme parks. Finding quiet, romantic time for yourselves should be no problem. On the other hand...

Is this a kid-friendly environment where we will be comfortable bringing children?

Yes. Children and families with children will not feel out of place.

Besides the theme parks, there are a number of activities for children (special ticket/reservation required) including a Wonderland Tea Party, Pirate Cruise and the Kid Adventures in Cooking.

Adventure Time - weather permitting, may be a game, water balloon toss or something else, Monday-Friday at the pool 3:30 p.m.

Mousecraft - Arts and crafts in M. Mouse Mercantile Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Story Time, in M. Mouse Mercantile, is on Monday evenings at 8 p.m.

Children can enjoy the pool, boats at the marina, and the video games at Gasparilla Grill & Games.

Additionally, the Mouseketeer Clubhouse at the GF provides supervised children's activities, for kids 4-12, from 4:30 p.m. until midnight. For more information and pricing, visit our Childcare FAQ.

Are any king size beds available?

Yes. Request one when making your reservations.

Are there any in-room safes?

Each room at the GF has a small in-room safe. They are small, but large enough to hold money, jewelry, and that sort of thing.

What about a refrigerator?

A small refrigerator is available for each room at no additional charge. If your room doesn't have one, request it. The refrigerators are handy for snacks, sodas, and baby supplies.

Hey! Someone's been in my room! Who turned down my bed?

That's the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Nightly Turndown Service. Each evening between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., housekeeping will turn down your beds and leave chocolates and a Disney-themed "goodnight" note. If this service is not convenient, you may request turndown at a specific time.

Someone left some nice robes in the closet! What's up?

Two very nice robes are left in each room for your use. Some people wear them down to the pool, or just use them inside their room. If you have children in your party, you can request children's sizes. A very polite note reminds you not to take the robes home, but they do invite you to visit the Sandy Cove Gift Shop, where you can purchase them.

I know where I'm going, but how do I get there?

The monorail, located on the 2nd floor of the main building, provides direct transportation to the MK, Contemporary Resort, the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) and the Polynesian.

You can reach Epcot by transferring monorails at the TTC.

Boat service from the GF dock can take guests to the MK and the Polynesian.

Bus service, just outside the main building, provides transportation to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney (Pleasure Island, Marketplace and West Side), the Polynesian, Contemporary, and the TTC.

Can I walk from the GF to the MK?

Although geographically possible, the Disney folks might frown upon your making your own path to the park. As of now, there is no walkway between the two.

What is the monorail?

The best ride at WDW! The monorail is an elevated train that makes a loop between the Magic Kingdom and the Monorail Resorts. Its purpose is transportation, but it really makes a great ride to see all the sights, too. After boarding the monorail at the GF station, it makes stops at the MK, the Contemporary, the TTC, and the Polynesian (in that order). An extension of the monorail runs between the TTC and Epcot.

Hey! The monorail did not stop! Why?

In addition to the Local Monorail (described above), there is also an Express Monorail. However, the Express Monorail provides service only between the MK and the TTC , and actually travels in the opposite direction. It does not stop at any of the resorts. If a monorail passes the GF without stopping, it was the express. The local should be along within a few minutes, from the opposite direction, and will stop at all Monorail Resorts in this order: Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Transportation and Ticket Center, Polynesian, then back to the Grand Floridian.

I'm not used to all this luxury! How does valet parking work?

Just drive your vehicle up to the front entrance of the resort. From there, someone will park your car for you, for $10.

What are the restaurants like?

Victoria & Albert's is the dining centerpiece of GF, if not all of WDW. It is ultra-elegant, with a menu selected daily by the chef. Click here for further description

Citricos an upscale expensive restaurant.

1900 Park Fare is a character buffet restaurant and features American cuisine. At breakfast, a Supercalifraglistic time can be had with Mary Poppins and friends daily from 8am-11am. In the evening, Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner is served from 4:30pm-8:20pm.

Breakfast items include eggs, pancakes, fruit, breads, meats, etc.
Dinner items include carved meats -- including prime rib -- and a variety of other hot entrees, along with salads, vegetables, breads and dessert.

Narcoossee's features seafood, with steak and chicken entrees, in waterside setting. Allow an extra 5 minutes once you arrive at the Grand Floridian to walk to the restaurant. Open daily from 5:30 - 10:00pm

The Grand Floridian Cafe is the GF's casual restaurant, featuring Southern cooking, salads, and sandwiches. Breakfast is served from 7am-11am, lunch from 11:30am-2pm, and dinner from 5pm-9pm.

Gasparilla Grill and Games is a 24-hour take-out, self-serve establishment, with the usual assortment of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken, and ice cream.

Click here for Menus for the Grand Floridian restaurants.

Should I wear a dress or coat and tie to eat in the restaurants?

Jackets for men are required in Victoria & Albert's (neckties optional), and fancy attire is suggested for the ladies. Citricos and Narcoosee's require a "business casual" dress code, i.e., no swimwear or tank tops. At the other restaurants, casual is in. Although the surroundings may make you feel like dressing up, families in theme park wear are often the norm.

I want a no-fuss meal. What is my best choice?

Your best bet is Gasparilla Grill & Games. It is a self-serve restaurant, featuring pizza, bakery items, sandwiches, salads, snacks, ice cream, yogurt and pizza. Gasparilla is open 24 hours a day.

What is that music/noise coming from 1900 Park Fare?

That's Big Bertha, sitting 15 feet above the floor in the restaurant. It is a band organ, built in Paris by Gavoli & Co. and used from 1909 to 1955 in Ramona Park, an amusement park in Grand Rapids, MI., and almost 100 years old. Periodically through the meal, it will play a short concert, featuring pipes, drums, bells, cymbals, and a xylophone, all playing at the same time.

What and when is Afternoon Tea?

The Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea is the same as the very traditional tea time you've always heard about. This Tea features a variety of rare teas, crumpets, scones, and berries with champagne. Ultra-nice Royal Doulton china, too! It is served in the Garden View Lounge from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Check out menus and prices HERE.

Where can I meet the characters?

1900 Park Fare hosts a Character Breakfast and Dinner. Currently breakfast has Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Pinocchio and Geppetto. 

The Character Dinner features Cinderella and friends including Prince Charming, the evil Stepmother, and the Stepsisters.

Check out menus and prices HERE.

There is also a My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 - Noon in the Garden View Lounge. Little princesses have a chance to meet Princess Aurora. The event culminates with the "Grand Princess Parade" through the resorts lobby. Make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Read more about this Tea Party HERE.

What are the pools like?

Some GF rooms have an in-room Jacuzzi as part of its features. Otherwise, there is a spa (hot tub) located at the Courtyard Pool.

I have a few extra dollars (no, really!), so where can I go to shop?

All shopping is located in the main building.

Summer Lace, on the first floor, features women's' designer fashions, Grand Floridian robes and logo items, character apparel, swimwear, accessories, jewelry and fragrances. Open daily 9am-10pm.

Sandy Cove Gift and Sundry Shop, first floor, gourmet gifts, fine chocolates and candies, Grand Floridian logo merchandise and sundry items. This shop also sells CDs by musicians who perform at the Grand Floridian, as well as cold beverages and snacks. It also sells and processes media for Disney Digital cameras. This shop is open from 8am-10pm.

Commander Porter's, located on the second floor, offers men's designer clothing such as Tommy Bahama and Ralph Lauren Polo. Men's fragrances, golf apparel, and gift items are also available here. Open daily from 9am to 10pm.