Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Resort hotel in Lake Buena Vista - 4401 Floridian Way, USA

This was our first time returning to the Grand Floridian in over three decades, and it did not disappoint. We took advantage of a Disney Plus discount, which made it a little less painful to book the two rooms that we needed so as to have plenty of space for our family. ||The entire complex is just beautiful and has a ambience that does not exist at other Disney deluxe resorts. At first I was a little leery about being in an "outer" building, but it was calmer and quieter and felt more homey. The newly renovated rooms were gorgeous, so nicely appointed and we loved the poolside (resort) view. ||We were there in December, and the iconic life-sized gingerbread house had been constructed in the lobby. The essence of gingerbread was in the air. So special! The huge Christmas tree and other decorations were a joy to behold. ||Some things that helped justify the $$$: Grand Floridian had several PhotoPass photographers in the lobby of the main building, who were available for family photos. One was a mini-photo studio with special effects, props, etc. No need to wait in a line as in the theme parks. You can watch the fireworks from the boat dock, away from the Magic Kingdom crowds. Best of all: Grand Flo, like the other "monorail resorts" has its own security, so you do not need to go through the security line at the theme park. And after the Grand Floridian, the Magic Kingdom is the next stop.

This hotel is opulent but VERY pricey. I'm normally a Pop Century kind of guy. The beds are the same comfort level to the best of my observation. Grand is so quiet and well located. The quick service food choices are much more limited at the Grand. This hotel does make you feel a little bit high bar top shelf. The dress code is just like everywhere Disney, which is comfort chill and every day American. It's a huge treat to stay somewhere so nice!!! The Christmas decorations and Ginger bread house were amazing!!! Lastly, you can watch the Magic Kingdome fireworks from the hotel or your room every night. They even pipe in the music from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand outdoor sound system. Cool, huh?

Visiting the Grand Floridian several times, during our December Orlando stays, has become a holiday tradition for us.|This year we visited 5 times during our 4 week stay.|We usually began with brunch at the GF Cafe (see separate review); a raspberry colada always brings a smile. |We often follow that by exploring the resort and indulging in the Victorian aesthetic as presented by Disney (having our own 1890s Queen Anne, we gravitate toward that ambiance).|This year's renovation added an additional dimension; as we watched the roof restoration and structural face-lift progress throughout the month.|An occasional boat or monorail round-trip provides an interesting perspective to the resort's position in the Magic Kingdom's domain. |Then its back to the lobby to enjoy the magnificent Xmas tree, amazing gingerbread house, and the afternoon/evening piano music (especially when performed by the incredible Wes Hamrick). Watching the ongoing parade of young and old amazed by all this Victorian/Xmas splendor, becomes a compelling attraction in of itself. |We enjoy checking out many of the Disney resorts, cloaked in their Xmas regalia, during our Orlando stay; but our first favorite continues to be the Grand Floridian. |

We had a fantastic time at the Grand Floridian last week. The minute you walk into the lobby you see how beautiful it is especially at Christmas time with the tree and gingerbread house. We did a mobile check in, and our room was ready before 3pm. Our room had a view of the lagoon and the view of the sunrise in the morning (see picture) from our balcony was wonderful. The room was very nice size and had two comfortable queen beds. The decor was very classy, and we liked the painting that had "shadow" picture of "Mary Poppins" on it (see picture). Checkout can be done automatically so you don't have to go to the front desk.||The other benefits for staying here are the use of the monorail and being able to get to the Magic Kingdom/Epcot quickly. You go thru security at the hotel, so you don't have to do it when arriving at the Magic Kingdom/Epcot. One night, we also took the boat back from the park and it was great. When the boat stopped, we only had to walk a couple of minutes to get to our room. It is also nice being able to watch the fireworks go off at the Magic Kingdom sitting by the lagoon. The music is piped in also so the only thing missing is the projections on the castle. ||We had dinner our first evening at the Grand Floridian Cafe and it was very good. I had the "pork shank" and it was delicious. The others in my family had the "Buttermilk fried chicken" and really enjoyed it. They have a nice selection of specialty cocktails, wine and beer. Entrees were in the $25-$35 range which is not bad in these times. Our waitress was attentive and very nice. One night my wife and I went to the "Enchanted Rose" for a late-night drink, and it was lovely. Very nice and quiet atmosphere and the service was excellent. Good variety of cocktails available but it is fairly expensive.||Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The hotel is very elegant and well kept. Yes, it is high priced but if you want to experience more than just going to the parks it is a great place to stay while you are in Disneyworld. I had always wanted to stay here and now I am so glad I got to do it.

This is half a review. We didn't stay here, only dinner. The atmosphere in this place is very Southern Victorian. Beautiful inside and out. Well-appointed with timely decor and carpet. Piano playing in the veranda. We also got to see the seasonal decor and lifesize gingerbread house. Very cozy.

First off; let me start by saying that this is the GREATEST DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTEL EVER!!! This may very well my very first time staying here but I'm already loving it here! I got to swim in the pool; workout; play basketball and most importantly; I'm loving all of the hotel including the part where I'm staying at right now. I am currently writing this review from inside my hotel room right now as I get ready for bed to prepare for my BIG 22nd birthday celebration tomorrow at the Disney parks! And so far; since l arrived on Friday two days ago; l've been treated like royalty! Despite how expensive this hotel is; this is the best one near the magic kingdom. You can either walk; and/or use the monorail which is easy access. I also got to enjoy playing in the arcade as well! I totally recommend this hotel! I hope to stay here again sometime in the future!!!

We did not stay here this year when we visited Florida in October, however; we did make reservations for breakfast to celebrate my husband's birthday. The Grand Floridian is MY "happy place". We have stayed there twice . . . I LOVE IT!! My husband goes along with me (I think he loves it as much as I do). Looking forward to staying there again someday soon.

We have always wanted to stay here and did so recently|From arriving at the hotel, everything was perfect. We booked to stay in a deluxe club level room and were so glad we did. From being met by the concierge downstairs to be taken up to be shown the club lounge, to the most amazing room with a stunning view of the castle - everything was perfect.|The offerings in the club lounge were great, and every staff member went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. We wished we had longer, but we will definitely be back