Public Areas

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is probably best known for its magnificent lobby. Framed by more than 60 miles of fanciful, white-painted millwork, it soars five stories to a ceiling inset with intricate stained-glass domes.

It is a favorite destination of both resort guests and the visiting public who come to explore, take photographs, and pass the time.

Enormous floral arrangements lend their color and scent to the happy atmosphere.  Elaborate sofas with ornate cushions are an invitation to linger.  Bridal parties array themselves along the grand staircase for the photographs that will commemorate their magical Disney weddings.

Visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants located on the first and second floors, commission a portrait, or relax and enjoy the sounds of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

Areas beyond the second floor of the Main Building are reserved for Concierge guests.  While not open to the general public, these floors do provide lovely shared spaces for those in Royal Palm accommodations.  The Royal Palm Club lounge on the fourth floor has wonderful views of the activity below and there are pleasant seating areas scattered throughout the top three floors, both inside, and on large exterior verandahs overlooking the grounds.  In Sugar Loaf Key, the small lobby of the ground floor has been transformed from the relatively open and empty area found in the other Keys to a pleasant, well-furnished lounge.

Guest Rooms

The Grand Floridian’s 867 guest rooms offer a variety of configurations and views; nearly twenty different categories are available.  Room types include the standard with two queen beds, many with a daybed which sleeps an additional guest; dormer rooms on the top floors of the lodge buildings which are slightly smaller with vaulted ceilings and enclosed balconies; lodge tower rooms with their semi-circular window bays and seating areas; several types of deluxe and king-bed rooms in the main building; and a variety of suites throughout the property.  Views may be of the gardens and manicured grounds, lagoon, pool or beach, marina, or the Magic Kingdom.  Garden, lagoon, and Magic Kingdom views can be reserved at varying rates.

Expect the usual amenities with the addition of robes, a keypad rather than keyed safe, upgraded bath amenities, turndown service, and numerous Private Dining options.

The “Garden View” can encompass anything from a view of the pool, a partial lagoon view, a room overlooking the marina, or a sweep of beautifully-manicured grounds.  For much less than the cost of the other rooms, you can still enjoy all the beauty that this lovely resort has to offer.

“Lagoon View” denotes a room that looks out over the Seven Seas Lagoon; choosing a “Theme Park View” guarantees that your lagoon vista also includes the Magic Kingdom with premier seating for the fireworks right from your own balcony.

It’s difficult to come by a bad view at the Grand Floridian but some views are only available from specific keys.  Sugar Loaf Key, for example, has both garden and marina views, while certain rooms at Sago and Conch Keys offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom.

Each newly-refurbished unit features soft pastel colors and light pine woodwork, with heavy draperies and padded cornices, lace undercurtains, comforters and bedskirts, daybed and accent pillows, all in crisp fabrics with floral motifs.   There are various combinations of tables and chairs, daybeds, sofas, benches and footstools, depending upon the room.  Most offer a split bathroom with marble-topped double sinks outside of a separate room containing the tub and toilet.

Some of the most interesting rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are the “deluxe” rooms.  Most are larger and inclusive of a sitting area and a wet bar; many also have interesting floor plans that depart from the typical hotel-room rectangle.  For a modest additional cost over a standard club-level room, they are a great value.

Guests have a choice of two different Concierge Level categories – Lodge and Royal Palm.  Many guests are unaware of this when selecting their rooms and are disappointed upon arrival to learn that they have booked a room that is located in Sugar Loaf Key rather than the Main Building.  Royal Palm is certainly the more indulgent of the two, with a substantially higher price.

There are also a range of suites.  All units on the fifth floor of the Main Building are suites, including some which can be combined to provide a large unit for bigger families and groups.  There are also suites located in the Keys including a number of “hospitality suites.”

As with all hotels around the world, there are more- and less-desirable rooms.  Turn to your Whimsical World Travel Concierge for guidance in choosing the best accommodations for your next visit.