7 Things Not To Miss At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship of Disney Resort Hotels. From the moment of arrival guests are immersed in victorian themed grandeur, from the red gabled roof and white Mickey Mouse gingerbread, to the colorful marble floor inlaid with some of Disney's most beloved characters, this is the pinnacle of Disney's Resort Hotels. The motto here is to "Dream Big, Live Grand" so I'm giving you my list of 7 things not to miss at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.


7 Things Not To Miss At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa7 Things Not To Miss At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa


Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room

Tucked in the back of the Lobby at Disney's Grand Floridian is the Garden View Lounge, where they serve up a delightful afternoon tea fit for a princess. The light filled tea room has a wall full of windows that looks out onto the resort gardens. Friendly service is a leisurely affair, allowing guests to slow down and enjoy the mid-day meal. Guests can choose from a large list of world teas, and a few inspired by Disney characters.


Tea And Scones With JamTea And Scones With Jam


Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Jazz

The lobby at the Grand Floridian is always filled with music. Sometimes it may be a virtuoso at the grand piano taking requests for Disney favorites, others you will find a full Jazz Orchestra. From 4PM - 10PM the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Jazz provides live entertainment for guests and diners making their way through the elaborate lobby of this elegant resort. I highly suggest finding a cozy nook to camp out in and listen to the show.


Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra



Cinderella's Princess Promenade & Grand Waltz

On select afternoons Cinderella and her Prince Charming lead a Princess Promenade of guest princesses around the upper floor of the Grand Floridian Lobby. The strolling group of smiling and sparkling ladies descend the grand staircase and make their way to the center of the lobby where guests of all ages are invited to join them in a Grand Waltz. See the activities guide for times.


Cinderella's Grand WaltzCinderella's Grand Waltz


SENSES Spa at the Grand Floridian

Fifteen lush treatment rooms offer pampering services to spa guests such as such as water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, warm stone massage, rejuvenating citrus facial, couples' massage and much more. This is the spot for the ultimate down-time at Walt Disney World. In a world where everyone is always rushing to and fro it's important to make time for some pampering, and Senses Spa is a great place to do it.


Indulge In A Relaxing TreatmentIndulge In A Relaxing Treatment


Fine Dining at Victoria and Albert's

Disney's Victoria and Albert's Restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Florida. The restaurant is a long time holder of AAA five-diamond rating, as well as having Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. At the top of fine dining, this elegant eatery is one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Florida. Ultra exclusive, guests who indulge in this culinary experience can expect an artful 6-course prix fixe menu served over two hours that showcases ingredients culled fresh from the world market.


Fine Dining at Victoria and Albert'sFine Dining at Victoria and Albert's


The Beds

I've stayed in a lot of Disney Resorts over the years, including a few that don't even exist any more. Of all the Disney room nights I have spent with my head on a pillow, I never sleep better than at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. That goes for both the standard guest rooms and the villas. In my opinion (and yours may vary) this resort has the best beds on property. These beds just tick all the boxes if you love sleeping on a cloud, once you dive into the pillow topped mattress with ultra soft triple sheeting and feathery pillows you may never want to climb out. I love Grand Floridian Beds.


Queen Size Bed With Ample Floor Space On The SidesQueen Size Bed With Ample Floor Space On The Sides


Fireworks from the Marina or Beach

If you can't be in the Magic Kingdom to view the nightly Fireworks display, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort offers an excellent alternate location. Many families gather along the beach near the feature pool to watch the show, but I'm fond of watching from the marina. Located just outside the Gasparilla Island Grill where you can pick up a drink and something to nosh, tables dot the dockside where you can sit and watch the fireworks.


Watch Fireworks From The MarinaWatch Fireworks From The Marina


UPDATED 9/12/19 Wondering what grand new things are next in store for Disney's Flagship Resort Hotel? Currently the Lobby Bar, Mizner's, is undergoing an enchanted transformation. Once the construction is completed guests will be able to enjoy their nightcap in a brand new Enchanted Rose cocktail lounge.

Thanks so much to our friends over at the Disney Food Blog for sharing their images with us. What are your can't miss delights at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? Do you have a little something special you do there on every trip? Leave a comment and share with me the things you love most about this Disney Deluxe Resort.

wdwizbest wrote on Tue, 09/10/2019 - 18:13:

wdwizbest's picture

This is my dream resort. I've always wanted to stay at the GF ever since it was built, I just could never justify the expense. My plan is when I retire I want to stay here as a reward to myself for 50+ years of toil.

MaRY wrote on Wed, 09/11/2019 - 07:47:

MaRY's picture

We just stayed there for five nights towards the end of August, thanks to a very good returning visitor rate, and I couldn't agree more! Some more of our favorite things are: The Grand Floridian Café, motorboats for rent at the marina, taking the ferry back and forth to MK, the Electric Water Pageant, the help yourself dessert case at Gasparilla Grill, the small Photo Pass station on the second floor of the lobby and the waterpark waterslide at Beaches Pool! Seeing an older couple waltz to the orchestra one night and a staff person leading guests to an impromptu dance parade during "When the Saints Go Marching In" another night was a delight!

Kristen K. wrote on Wed, 09/11/2019 - 15:41:

Kristen K.'s picture

wdwizbest - I felt the same way, until I stayed there during a conference. I completely fell in love with the resort during that conference and have returned twice since then. I do enjoy changing up the resorts that I stay in, the Grand Floridian absolutely has a high spot in rotation though.

Mary - You mention some awesome things! Sounds like you had a wonderful stay.

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