This was our third stay at the Grand Floridian. The first was ten years ago when we took our son to Walt Disney World for the first time. We've been back to the "World"; nearly every year since and it is a vacation he never outgrows. We were pleased
more +to see that the Grand Floridian only improves with age as well. Our visits are always in August because the rates are less expensive and it is the month of our anniversary.
We were greeted curbside by the parking valets in their Victorian garb and checked in before we even entered the hotel. The lobby is spacious and beautiful, but kid-friendly in that there aren't actually any breakable items nearby in spite of the Victorian decor and proliferation of fresh flower arrangements. There are even smaller sofas with TVs that broadcast Disney films and cartoons to keep kids occupied while parents check in. At certain times of the day, a pianist plays Disney tunes on a grand piano in the center of the lobby. After receiving a sort of orientation from a cast member, we stored our luggage and took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. There is also boat transportation from the GF to the Magic Kingdom,
We had enjoyed a few attractions and munched on some Mickey Dove bars when we received a call, letting us know our room was ready. What a room it was! It was a parlor suite in Sugarloaf which is the club level building; this means there are meals and snacks available all day long and a concierge to help with arrangements. Our room had a cathedral ceiling with a fan, two double beds, a desk, a TV console and a darling parlor with sofa, table, TV and armchair which my son quickly made his headquarters for the duration of our visit. The parlor's view was of the Courtyard pool which is an enormous pool in the center of the buildings. It is surrounded by sun lounges and features a bar area. There is a second beach pool with zero entry and a water slide. We prefer the quieter, larger courtyard pool to the theme pool, though big kid that I am, I had to go on the slide at least once. In addition to the pools, there is a no-swimming beach area on the lagoon where cast members do things like draw Hidden Mickeys in the sand. Guests can rent boats and other water vehicles for use on the marina. There is also an evening fireworks cruise available if you want to watch the show from the lagoon. There are special cruises and water activities for kids, including some with a pirate theme. At night, the Grand Floridian shows Disney films on the beach. It is so much fun!
As we changed for dinner, there was a knock at the door. Because it was our anniversary, the GF sent us a single red rose and a split of champagne. How romantic!
The club level food was excellent. There was a continental breakfast every morning. light snacks at lunch time, high tea and before dinner hors d'oeuvres and after dinner desserts. The restaurants at the Grand Floridian are all excellent. Citrico's offers great gourmet meals, Narcoosee's has a wonderful dockside atmosphere and is a great spot from which to watch the fireworks, the Grand Floridian cafe is a lovely spot for a casual meal and 1900 Park Fare has delicious and entertaining character meals. We have enjoyed many of them from the Disney villains to Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter. Price wise, 1900 Park Fare is an excellent value for the buffet price. Gasparilla's is a good place for a quick bite and it is less expensive than similar counter service restaurants at more moderate Disney properties.
The proximity to the Magic Kingdom and the boat and monorail access make the Grand Floridian an ideal choice for a family with young children. It is just a quick trip back to the room if it is nap time or the kids want to cool off in the pool. The food is excellent and varied. Your kids will feel like they are staying at the Victorian mansion of a close relative. All of the cast members went out of their way to make sure that we had a completely magical time. We truly did.
Date of Stay: 08/26/2009
Children in Party: 1
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
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