Disney World Grand Floridian Resort

Step into the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort and you will enter a place of elegance and luxury. An oasis of calm in the center of Disney World. When you enter the lobby your eyes are drawn upwards to view the magnificent five story atrium. It truly is one of the most impressive hotel lobby's I have ever seen.

This is Disney World's flagship hotel and it is not difficult to see why. The location is perfect as the Floridian is set on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon overlooking Disney's Magic Kingdom. It is quick and easy to get to Magic Kingdom on the monorail. The stop is right outside the main building. Another great way to travel is to get the resort boat and sail over the Seven Seas Lagoon - the perfect and relaxing way to arrive at Magic Kingdom.

The resort covers over 40 acres and has a main building and five lodges with a wide variety of room types. Room rates at the Grand Floridian start at $399 depending on season and room type. Is it worth the money? Well really only you can decide that one. Luxury does come at a price but most people agree that if you are looking for a very special Disney hotel experience and your budget will stretch that far then the Floridian is an excellent choice.

Most of the rooms at the Grand Floridian have balconies. Some have fabulous views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle. The standard rooms at 440 square feet can sleep up to 5 guests and most have a full balcony. There are dormer rooms which sleep up to 4 people as they do not have the pull out sofa. These rooms are located on the top floors of the buildings and have enclosed balconies with limited views. The rooms do have vaulted ceilings and remain popular with some guests.

The main building is the most convenient for the restaurants and the monorail and bus stops. All the rooms in the main building are concierge rooms. For the best views of Cinderella's Castle request rooms 4401 to 4409.

Concierge rooms are also available in the Sugar Loaf Key building. The concierge staff are there to help you with any aspect of planning your stay from restaurant reservations to any special requests that you have. The Grand Floridian resort concierge cast members are amongst the most well informed in the whole of Disney World so you will be in good hands.

The concierge rooms at the Grand Floridian also offer access to the Sugar Loaf Club and Royal Palm Club which has continental breakfast, snacks and evening wine. Reviews of the concierge service are generally positive.

Concierge level guests are also have the opportunity to participate in the exclusive Wildlife Discovery Excursion. This is a very limited and extra cost private excursion of Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari. Although unfortunately I have never done this excursion but many reviewers say that this is the very best part of their Disney vacation so one day I do hope to catch this tour...

Is concierge level worth it? The design of the rooms will be the same as a standard room but you will get these extra benefits. I have stayed in many concierge level Disney resorts and personally usually do think the extra cost is worth it. Concierge level rooms start at $520 per night.

Suites are available at the Floridian with one or two bedrooms. Or you could even stay in the Disney Suite with rates starting upwards of $2000 a night. I think I can only dream of that one......

There are two pools at the Grand Floridian Resort. The courtyard pool is at the center of the resort hotel buildings.

The Floridian's best pool is located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and has a water slide, water fall and zero entry access.

The beach at The Floridian is a lovely place to relax. In the evening it is a great place from which to view the Disney Magic Kingdom fireworks.

If you want something a little more energetic than lying on the beach then the resort has tennis courts, a fitness facility and a jogging track.

The full service spa offers a vast array of excellent spa services including massage, water therapy, hand and foot treatments, facials. Whatever pampering you need you will find it at this world class spa.

If you would like a break from the kids then the Mouseketeer Club offers supervised activities for 4 to 12 year olds.

Disney World is a wonderfully romantic place to get married. There are many locations that you can marry or renew your vows at Disney World. But perhaps the most romantic location is Disney's Wedding Pavillion at The Grand Floridian.

The location is perfect. This beautiful non denominational chapel overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon and of course Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle.

There are many options for your Disney wedding. A Disney wedding planner can help you organise just about anything. How much will a Disney wedding cost? Well of course the sky is the limit, but a Disney Escape Wedding at the Floridian chapel starts at $5500 for a basic package.

Disney characters can't attend your wedding but they are available, for a charge of course, to attend your reception. So if you want Mickey Mouse to share your special day then your wish can be granted!

For the ultimate in Fairytale Weddings at Disney you can arrive in style in Cinderella's Coach. Prices start at approx $2700 so Prince Charming better be worth it..........

You will find some of Disney World's finest restaurants in the Grand Floridian Resort.

Victoria and Alberts is a truly special dining experience. Many would say it is the finest restaurant in Walt Disney World with excpetional standards of cuisine and service. This is an ideal place for a romantic dinner. This is the only restaurant in Walt Disney World which does not allow children under 10 to dine there. Perfection does come at a price though. The fixed price menu is currently $125 with wine pairings an additional $60. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

1900 Park Fare. This is one of my personal favorites. This restaurant located near the lobby in the Grand Floridian is a character buffet location for breakfast and dinner. At breakfast you will find Mary Poppins, The Mad Hatter and Alice. Cinderella and Prince Charming will be there for dinner. As will all character dining check before hand to see which characters will be appearing that day to save disappointment! The quality of the buffet food is one of the best in Disney World. The atmosphere is a lot of fun, but be prepared for a lot of noise too.

Citricos is another favorite of mine. The style of the decor is light colors with a Mediterranean feel. The cuisine is American favorites with a European influence. Seafood an steak entrees are priced in the $30 to $40 range.

The Grand Floridian Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a very pleasant dining room overlooking the resort pool. It serves traditional American favorites.

Narcoossee's is a real treat particularly if you like lobster. This restaurant is located in a separate building overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon so you get a view of Magic Kingdom.

From 2pm until 4.30 pm each day you can take tea at the Garden View Lounge. Here you can enjoy the true tradition of High Tea. Choose from the a la carte menu or from a selection of set offerings which include tea, sandwiches, scones and pastries. The youngest guests can enjoy Mrs Potts Tea which includes sandwiches,scones and pastries served with a drink of chocolate milk.

The Garden View Lounge also plays host to My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10:30am - Noon. If you wallet can stretch to the $250 charge for one adult and one child this is a truly magical experience. Aurora plays host to this special tea party. Your child will receive a special My Disney Girl collectible doll, bracelet, tiara, Princess scrapbook page and certificate. You can book this up to 180 days in advance.

This is one of my very favorite places in the whole of Walt Disney World. Imagine relaxing with a cool drink just watching the Disney World go by..........

The Grand Floridian is perhaps the most beautiful Disney World resort hotel. Step back into a time of elegance with this - the finest hotel Disney World has to offer.