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Grand
Floridian Resort & Spa
(more photos below)
Okay,
if I “had” to move to
Walt Disney World, this resort is where I’d want to live.
It’s the epitome of elegance and self-indulgence! I’ve
been lucky enough to stay here three times—once while on the
Grand Plan (no longer offered) and
on the concierge level. I tell you, it was heavenly to be
awakened by coffee, pastries, and breakfast cuts of fillet
mignon delivered right to my room. But alas, that was a
splurge that occurred long ago, and now that I’m a member of
the Disney Vacation Club
(see also DVC
"Perks"), not something that I’m likely to
do again soon.
This panoramic shot of
the Grand Floridian was taken from the Top of the World Lounge
at Bay Lake Tower.
The
resort’s exterior is pristine white with a red-shingled
roof. I don’t know my
colors well, but those on
the inside trend toward peach, red and
blue. The lobby is five stories tall, with a jazz band and
pianist that alternate sets in the afternoon. Sometimes,
servers take your orders for cocktails as you relax in the
lobby—though this
hasn’t happened to me the last couple of times. Instead, I
had to arise from my comfortable lobby seat and traipse on
over to Mizner’s.
The
rooms at the Grand Floridian are spacious and
well-appointed—though the
appointments are more detailed in the lobby rooms than in the
buildings sprinkled throughout the resort’s property. I can
honestly say that, besides Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lodge,
these rooms are perhaps the most comfortable on property—and
you have to pay dearly for that comfort, too!
I’m
a big shopper, and shopping here is a treat, as well—unlike some of Disney’s other hotels,
where you’ll find the “same-old-same-old”
around every turn. Here, along with the customary Disney
items, you’ll also find unique stuff, too. There are men’s
and women’s clothing shops, along with a Basin
store (where the Bally store used to be).
You’re likely to find fine china teacups, a variety of
potpourri, soaps and candles, and purses and swimwear, too.
The character shop on the second level is one of the best hotel character shops
on
property, in my opinion.
And
let’s not forget the restaurants! Victoria & Albert’s
is WDW’s most elegant, refined dining experience, which
requires reservations and a willingness to spend about one
hundred bucks per meal. Citrico’s serves French cuisine with
a twist, and has some of the best views on property—from
many seats, you can view the Magic Kingdom. I personally enjoy
the Grand Floridian Café, which provides an atmosphere of
casual elegance, and an excellent menu. (If you’re
vegetarian, try the restaurant’s veggie burger—it’s to
die for!) Gasparilla’s is the resort’s 24-hour snack bar,
which also houses video games. Narcoossee’s—the only
restaurant not located inside the main building—requires a
walk down to the resort’s dock. Here you’ll enjoy (mostly)
morsels of the sea. I haven’t eaten there lately, but I
remember a meal I had several years ago very fondly.
At
the Grand Floridian’s dock, you’re able to rent boats
ranging from the sporty little Sea
Raycers to pontoons to sailboats. Though
you aren’t allowed to swim in the Seven Seas Lagoon, the
Grand Floridan offers two pools—the feature pool (including
a water fall and a great monorail view) and the quiet pool.
And
while you’re here, don’t forget to book High Tea at the
Garden View Lounge. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
You’ll choose from a wide variety of teas, served with
pastries, scones, finger sandwiches (including smoked salmon),
and more.
Gargantuan
chandeliers adorn the Grand Lobby.
Stained
glass skylights add to the majesty of the Grand Lobby.
Relaxing
conversation area in the Grand Lobby.
Antique
car at the ground level entrance to the Grand Lobby.
Pianist
entertains hotel guests in the afternoon and evening.
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