Frommer's Review
From the moment you step into the opulent five-story domed lobby, you'll feel as if you've slipped back to an era that started with the late 19th century and lasted through the Roaring '20s, when a guy named Gatsby was at the top of his game. Expect tea to be served in the afternoon (3-6pm daily) while a piano runs the spectrum from lullabies to ragtime; then, as the evening arrives, a small, '40s-style band takes the helm upstairs. The Floridian has become the romantic choice for couples, especially honeymooners, who like luxuriating in the first-class spa and health club -- one of the top two in WDW (the other is the one at the Saratoga Springs Resort). Families, however, will appreciate the extensive recreational facilities, including the large children's pool and play area, as well as the children's programs and character dining offered here. Virtually all of the inviting Victorian-style rooms overlook a garden, pool, courtyard, or the Seven Seas Lagoon; many have balconies, and the "dormer rooms" have vaulted ceilings (though they're smaller than standard rooms). It's one of three resorts located directly on the monorail system and near the Magic Kingdom.
Don't miss the reviews of its top-end restaurants, Victoria & Albert's and Citricos, as well as some special programs for pint-sized princesses and young aspiring cooks.
The Grand 1, the Grand Floridian's 44-foot yacht, is available for hire for groups of 2 to 13. It cruises Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, where in the evenings you can see the Magic Kingdom's Fantasy in the Sky fireworks or arrange a gourmet-dinner cruise. Voyages cost $400 per hour (dinner at an additional cost), including a captain and deck hand (tel. 407/824-2439 or 407/824-2682).
Cooking for Kids -- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers two special cooking programs for children. Grand Adventures in Cooking invites up to 12 youngsters, 4 to 10 years old, to make dessert in a 2-hour decorating class ($29 per child). The Wonderland Tea Party gives kids the same age a 1-hour primer in cupcake decorating -- with their fingers! They also feast on heart-shaped PB and Js and sip apple juice "tea" while they play with Alice and the Mad Hatter ($29 per child). Call tel. 407/824-3000 or 407/939-3463 for details on both programs.
Facilities:5 restaurants; grill; 3 lounges; character meals; heated outdoor pool; kids' pool; beach; 2 lighted tennis courts; health club; spa; watersports equipment; children's club; arcade; concierge; car-rental desk; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee; business center; limited Wi-Fi access (fee); shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; guest laundry; concierge-level rooms; valet.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
