By: Katie Taylor, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Bucket List.....It seems we hear these words every day. Someone is always talking about checking off items on their Bucket List. Do you have a Bucket List? I do! The Grand Floridian was on my bucket list. Fortunately, I was able to check off this item in February 2021. I highly recommend adding the luxurious Grand Floridian Resort in Walt Disney World to your list. Follow along with me as I tell you what I experienced staying in this Grand Hotel!!
All I can say is “WOW!” Talk about “GRAND”!! The first thing you see when you drive up to the entrance is a 1929 Cadillac!! And this is just the beginning of the decor that makes this resort resemble the good days of the 1920’s!! Once you walk through the doors you will experience a breathtaking moment.
Filled with details to whisk you back to a time when everything was bright and fun. A baby grand piano sits in the middle of the lobby (with a pianist playing at night) along with an extraordinary birdcage which increases the awe-inspiring appearance of this gorgeous resort. There are little touches of elegance, from the velvet covered couches to the paintings on the wall to the grand staircase leading upstairs, that make you feel like you have been transported back in time to a simpler yet elegant time.
Each room here is a reflection of the turn of the century by the decor-spacious, elegant and luxurious. The bathroom's split style allows everyone privacy with the sink area separate from the shower. Disney’s H2O signature amenities, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, facial soap, are provided in each room. Although housekeeping is optional during this time, the hotel cast members will efficiently pick up any trash and bring towels plus any other necessities for your family as often as needed.
Now, let’s look at all of the dining options. The Grand Floridian offers a variety of choices to please every palate. First, there is the signature dining experience at Victoria & Albert’s. This restaurant has a menu that is regarded as one of the best in the United States!! Unfortunately, this restaurant is temporarily closed due to the pandemic protocols. (Bummer!!) Our second option is Narcoossee’s. This is a waterfront restaurant located at the boat dock. You can savor delectable choices such as Surf & Turf with Lobster Tail, Grilled Line Caught Swordfish or Pan Seared Scallops, all while looking across the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon. A third delectable option is the Grand Floridian Cafe- one of my favorite restaurants on property! This is a table service option open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu has everything from Eggs Benedict at breakfast to Lobster Thermidor for lunch and dinner. And for dessert? How about Neapolitan Cheesecake! Yumm!!! Finally but definitely no last, for that quick meal you need to get when heading out to the parks or just coming back from the parks, you can visit Gasparrilla’s! From fan- favorite Mickey Waffles for breakfast to Burgers and Mickey Shaped Cake Pops, you can find something for everyone in your family! Don’t forget the refillable resort mugs here as well. All you can drink from the Coca-Cola Freestyle drink machine for your entire stay!!
Looking for a robust glass of Merlot or a traditional Old-Fashioned or a Manhattan cocktail? Then you should definitely check out the Enchanted Rose, located on the second level of the lobby. They also serve a “small bites” menu here. They offer Crab Macaroni & Cheese and Smoked Brisket Sliders. Who is ready to try one of these amazing restaurants?
Amenities-so many.... First and foremost, the Grand Floridian pool ( heated in the winter months) open to all guests staying on property. In addition, a splash pad with so many water activities, your children will never be bored in the pool areas!! A surplus of lounge chairs arranged around the pool with social distancing between the groups of chairs. Soft, fluffy beach towels are also provided at the pool!
The Grand Floridian also has a fitness center and many recreational activities taking place throughout the property. One such awesome activity is a big screen showing of Wishes-A Firework Spectacular on the lawn each night. Since the live fireworks show is not operational right now, what a great way to let the kids have some fun after visiting the parks!
How about some “me” relaxation time? Senses Spa is where you need to be.. Services here include facials, massages, body treatments as well as any salon service to help you get ready for a romantic dinner at Narcoossee’s or Victoria and Albert’s. Oh yes-and don’t forget one of the famous Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is located here also. Although closed at the present time due to protocols, the boutique should open soon and will offer the young princess in your family the opportunity to get all “dolled” up to see the princesses in the parks!
Ready to go to the parks? Let's look at the transportation options offered at this fabulous resort. To get to Magic Kingdom, you have several options to choose from. First is the infamous Monorail-it will take you directly to the Kingdom!! Another option is the boat ferry. This came in really handy while we were there. If the Monorail line is long, just hop on the ferry. It was a short 5 minute ride and we were “home”. The last option is the brand new walking path that will take you to the front gate!! It is a lovely 20 minute walk
around Seven Seas Lagoon. Ready for Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studio? Just hop on a bus to get to these parks. The same goes for Disney Springs and the water parks. (Once fully operational, the Monorail will be taking guests to Epcot again!) Check your My Disney Experience App on your phone for the bus schedules.
Ready to add the Grand Floridian to your Bucket List? I did and I highly recommend visiting this glorious resort. It is a true reflection of the turn of the century era it portrays. You will enjoy stepping back in time when things were "Grand and Elegant" and everything was right in the world.
Please reach out to Katie, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to learn more or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
