For many guests, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa would at the top of the wish list. It's seen as one of Disney World's most desirable for plenty of reasons, and the classy, spacious, practically palatial accommodation is certainly one of them.
Just one monorail stop from the Magic Kingdom park, Grand Floridian has just over 1,000 rooms.
It is a 'deluxe' tier resort, which gives guests extra perks including the ability to book a Minnie Van Lyft as your airport transfer.
The accommodation options are varied, with guest given the choice of so-called standard rooms (which are a lot fancier than standard rooms at most hotels), as well as a number of suites and the Disney Vacation Club villas.
Here, we take a closer look at the room options for guests planning a stay at Grand Floridian Resort.
Room types
Grand Floridian's standard guest rooms are generous, at around 440 square feet.
Most sleep up to five, typically with two queen beds and a daybed, or with a king plus a sofa sleeper for couples who prefer one big bed.
Following a recent refresh, the rooms feel and feature bright pastels, tailored fabrics, and enough Disney touches to feel sufficiently magical without being over the top or cartoonish.
The bathrooms are also large with plenty of counter space and twin vanities, plus a spacious shower/tub combo. They have Disney toiletries in dispensers, not the smaller bottles you'll find at some other resorts.
Tech-wise, charging is easy. Guests will find outlets and USB ports by the beds and desk, then there's a large flat-screen TV for when you want to wind down.
A Keurig coffee maker is great for early starts and rope drop mornings, and there's a mini-fridge for whatever drinks and treats you may bring back after busy days in the parks.
At Grand Flordian, balconies or patios are standard and give guests the opportunity to take in some welcome sun, fresh air and contemplation.
The views are a big part of the Grand Floridian’s appeal and aesthetic - whether your room overlook the resort's beautiful landscaped gardens, the pool, marina, or if you have a view across the Seven Seas Lagoon over toward Magic Kingdom.
A night on the balcony watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks will, for sure, be an item on many Disney World fan bucket lists.
Now, this is Disney World, and guests can expect to pay extra for their room's view (so it is worth considering how much this part of your accommodation means to you).
Club Level: Concierge comfort
One way to further elevate your stay at Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort is to upgrade to 'Club level'.
It's a popular choice for guests who want to add complementary snacks, a more exclusive breakfast.
The Grand Floridian runs two club lounges.
The Main Building hosts the Royal Palm Club, perched above the lobby, or there's the Sugar Loaf Key in one of the resort's outer lodges. The club lounges serve up food and drink throughout the day, from continental breakfast in the morning, snacks through midday, and indulgent evening spreads plus wine, beer, and desserts.
Club level rooms also benefit from some concierge services and receive a nightly turn-down.
Suites
If you planning a magical stay as a larger group, or if you're a family that prioritises privacy, one of Grand Floridian's large plush suites may be a winning choice (if you have the budget for it!).
Suites offer distinct sleeping and living zones, as you'd expect, plus extra pull-out beds.
One-bedroom suits generally pair a king bedroom with a separate parlor with a sofa bed.
Two-bedroom suites add another bedroom, so can sleep eight whilst still giving everyone an abundance of space.
All suites include Club Level access, so you’re never far from coffee or an evening nightcap.
Perhaps one of the top room upgrades across all of Disney World would be the Grand Flordian's Signature Suites, and especially the Grand Suite, the Walt Disney Suite, the Roy O. Disney Suite, and the Victorian Suite.
These are showpiece suites with large terraces, unrivalled views, and interiors for the grandest celebrations.
The signature suites are definitely not cheap, generally pricing between $4,000 to $5,000 per night.
Villas and studios
Another way to elevate your stay at Grand Floridian is to book a villa or studio.
Ordinarily, these are part of Disney Vacation Club properties but regular guests can also book them too, via the Disney World website - or, alternatively, by 'renting points' from DVC members or DVC rental agencies.
Whichever way you book, these accomodations offer a more flexible stay at Grand Floridian with extra home-from-home facilities like laundry and full kitchens.
The studios are most like a regular hotel room, with two queens and a daybed, but, also a kitchenette including microwave, sink, fridge.
One-Bedroom Villas, meanwhile, come with a king bedroom, a living room with a pull-out bed, a full kitchen plus a washer and dryer.
Two-Bedroom Villas are larger and can sleep up to nine guests, pairing a king master with a second bedroom of two queens and a shared living/kitchen space.
The Three-Bedroom Grand Villas are much grander, with an extra bedroom plus a dedicated dining area, a media area, four bathrooms, and wide balconies.
You’ll want to Know
Check-in runs from 3:00pm, and checkout is at 11:00am. You can request early arrival or late departure; approval depends on occupancy - its recommended you enquire early.
In all room types, the tech is sensibly placed. There are USB ports by the bed and desk mean everyone’s devices can recharge at once, whilst leaving outlets free for whatever other gadgets or essentials you've brought with you.
Families can request cribs, bed rails, and high chairs, and villa kitchens make bottle-warming effortless. Coin-op laundry rooms are dotted around for standard-room guests, and villas have their own machines.
Thoughts ...
Grand Floridian always ranks highly in most people's Disney World fantasy wishlists, but it is an expensive resort.
The deluxe resort has a lot to offer, and the rooms are certainly premium.
Perhaps, the question for most Disney World guests will be about your priorities and your budget - there are plenty of more affordable resorts that deliver magic Disney experiences without breaking the bank.
That said, it is easy to see why the rooms at Grand Floridian are so attractive, and that's before you start picturing yourself on a balcony watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the comfort of your own room.
