Victorian Dreams and Disney Magic: Inside The Villas at the Grand Floridian

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My first stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was in December 2024, and it definitely won’t be my last. As Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian is perfectly located near Magic Kingdom, with tons of dining options and stunning views of the fireworks. It’s easy to see why this hotel is so beloved. The guest service here is also a step above other Disney resorts.

During the holidays, the resort becomes extra magical with thoughtfully placed garland, a huge Christmas tree, and the iconic gingerbread house—where you can buy edible roof tiles! The resort is so gorgeous both inside and out that you can easily spend an afternoon just strolling through the shops, grabbing a bite, or taking in the atmosphere.

There’s also a convenient 10-minute walk to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, making it easy to grab dinner or drinks at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. The monorail station is located on the third floor of the lobby, offering a fast and fun way to travel around the resort. It connects to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the Ticket and Transport Center (TTC).

Another great transportation option is the boats, which take you to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and even Disney’s Wilderness Lodge—the only Magic Kingdom resort not on the monorail. If you feel like stretching your legs, there’s a walking path to Magic Kingdom, but after a day in the parks, it might not be your first choice.

The outdoor areas between the resort’s buildings are spacious and beautifully landscaped in a Victorian style. Modeled after the iconic Hotel del Coronado, with its red roof and white paint, it’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll. I loved grabbing coffee and walking through the lush grounds, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the resort’s charm.

The Main Lobby

The lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian is renowned throughout Walt Disney World for its luxury, immaculate cleanliness, and subtle Disney charm. During the holidays, it becomes even more iconic with the addition of a life-sized gingerbread house, which is a must-see attraction in itself.

Near the entrance to the monorail stop, you’ll find the wonderful bath boutique called Basin, which many, including myself, consider a highlight of the Grand Floridian. The store offers a variety of luxurious products like scrubs, soaps, chapsticks, and accessories, all of which smell incredible. My personal favorite is their mint chapstick, which also doubles as a sunblock—a must-have in the Florida sun! I also love their hand scrubs, which leave my hands feeling as soft as silk every time.

Spending time in the lobby and walking around truly captures the Disney quality, magic, and ambiance of the Grand Floridian. During certain hours, a piano player fills the air with Disney songs or holiday tunes around December, adding an extra layer of luxury and charm to the experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian.

The Room

We stayed in two connected resort studios located on the second floor of the Big Pine Key building—an ideal location near the lobby and between the two pools. The room setup was perfect, with two connecting rooms, each featuring two queen beds and a twin couch bed. Disney is known for having the most comfortable beds and pillows, making each night’s rest feel truly magical and much-needed after long days of exploration. I always look forward to that first sleep on a Disney vacation, knowing the bedding will be nothing short of amazing. The beds at Disney’s Grand Floridian even exceeded my expectations. 

The bathroom setup was spacious and well-organized, with two sinks outside the room housing the toilet and shower. There was also a desk that doubled as a vanity—ideal for our large group getting ready at the same time. One feature I particularly enjoyed was the hardwood flooring, complemented by the colorful carpet beneath the bedding area. It offered a nice contrast of cleanliness and coziness—perfect for winding down at bedtime.

The room was subtly Mary Poppins-themed, and as you can see in the photos, the Disney touches were tastefully understated. To me, luxury is about subtle Disney—something this room nailed perfectly. If you look closely, the photos above the couch nod to Mary Poppins, with the house style and a silhouette of Mary herself blending seamlessly into the artwork. The chandelier, too, alludes to Mary Poppins, with bird-shaped bulbs referencing the iconic “Feed the Birds” scene from the movie. This room strikes the perfect balance, offering just the right amount of Disney magic while maintaining a refined, luxurious atmosphere. It’s a style I also love about Disney Cruise Line and their first four ships—the Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy—where luxury and subtle Disney go hand in hand. For more Disney inspiration, check out my previous blog on my cruise aboard the Disney Treasure’s Maiden Voyage. 

The Pool

This pool area at Disney’s Grand Floridian is intimate, dreamy, and timeless. The waterfall and waterslide add a fun element, while still maintaining the luxurious atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed lounging by the water, with the soothing sound of the waterfall in the background. The pools were pleasantly warm, even though we visited in December, and the hot tubs were perfectly heated. One thing Disney consistently excels at is cleanliness, and this was no exception during our stay. The pool area was impeccably clean and well-maintained, with lush botany and well-kept bushes adding to the overall charm.

Dining

1900 Park Fare is one of my favorite character dining experiences, and it’s also a buffet. I had the privilege of enjoying their breakfast buffet, which my dad and I both agree was our favorite breakfast buffet to date. The characters you can meet include Tiana, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Maribel. The food spread had everything from sweet to savory and everything in between. A standout for me was Disney’s Grand Floridian’s iconic Strawberry Soup, which is usually only available in the club level lounge—and I’m definitely itching to experience that! While the characters added a fun element, they never overshadowed the experience; the breakfast spread itself was the true highlight of the morning.

The Enchanted Rose is a lounge inspired by the iconic rose from Beauty and the Beast. The decor perfectly captures the essence of its name—floral and enchanted. The venue is intimate in size, which enhances the sense of exclusivity and coziness. The views of the property are stunning, especially at night when all the lights come to life. Though located in the lobby, it remains peaceful, making it a perfect spot to relax before dinner or unwind after a busy day at the parks. The luxury of the space shines through in their thoughtfully curated drink menu and impeccable service.

Having visited Walt Disney World over 25 times, I’m highly qualified—both from personal experience and professional training—to ensure that every aspect of your journey is seamless, luxurious, and truly magical. I’d love to assist you in making your next Walt Disney World experience even more elevated, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

📩 Email Becca at be***@*******ta.com today to start planning your dream Disney vacation!

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