Review / Is Disney World’s most expensive resort really worth it? Grand Floridian is perfect for an adults-only holiday with excellent dining options, a pool bar and easy access to the theme park
As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels, I try to stay at as many Disney resorts as possible so I can speak to their quality and amenities.
Recently, my friend and I splurged on an adults-only stay at the Grand Floridian Resort for US$950 a night – and it was totally worth it.
The Grand Floridian is a gorgeous, sprawling resort
The resort is impeccably maintained with beautiful flowers throughout the grounds. It also sits on the Seven Seas Lagoon, with views of the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort and Magic Kingdom.
What services does the Grand Floridian offer?
Grand Floridian is home to four sit-down restaurants, a quick-service restaurant, a pool bar and restaurant, and two lounges.
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The resort also has a full spa, hair salon, health club and a lobby with several luxury shops.
The resort offers several different room types ranging in rates from about US$800 to US$2,000 a night. Our standard room had two queen beds and cost us US$950 a night.
What restaurants and bars are at the Grand Floridian?
Once we were settled in, we headed to the Beaches Pool Bar & Grill. We kicked off our stay with a drink and a snack there and took some time to soak up the Florida sunshine. The resort has two pools as well as a kid’s splash pad.
We chose to sit by the quieter Courtyard Pool to relax. It’s a great spot to enjoy a tropical drink and a good book.
We visited Enchanted Rose – a Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge in the Grand Floridian – for some cocktails and starters. The French martini (US$17) and croquettes (US$19) were scrumptious, and the atmosphere in the lounge was fancy and fun – a perfect way to start the evening. When the weather is mild, I suggest sitting out on the patio with your drinks.
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Then we ate dinner at Cítricos, which was also located in the hotel.
This was my first time dining at Cítricos and the high-end restaurant is now one of my favourites across the property. The service, food and atmosphere were divine.
Our waiter helped us select a gorgeous bottle of wine (menu options range from US$55 to US$120 a bottle). The short rib (US$52) was also unquestionably one of the best I’ve had and the whitefish (US$48) was perfectly prepared.
How close is Grand Floridian to Disney World?
The resort is situated on the monorail line – Disney’s free train transportation service – with easy access to the Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom. There’s also a recently refurbished walkway from the resort to Magic Kingdom, making it even easier to access the theme park.
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After a good night’s sleep, we boarded the monorail to head to breakfast at Steakhouse 71 in the Contemporary Resort. We had Walt’s prime-rib hash (US$18) and the American breakfast (US$16), which both hit the spot. The coffee was hot and flavourful, and it was overall a wonderful way to start our day at Disney.
The Grand Floridian is a luxurious resort option due to its location, amenities and dining choices. It’s the perfect spot for an adults-only stay, but I also think it’s worth it for a special family holiday.
- Grand Floridian Resort is Disney World’s most expensive resort that offers high-end dining options, a spa, salon, health club, swimming pools – and Beauty and the Beast-themed bar, writes Kari Becker
- Rooms range from US$800 to US$2,000 a night and the lobby has luxury shops for those who are looking to splurge beyond roller coaster rides with kids, making it an ideal spot for adults-only getaways