The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa represent the pinnacle of luxury accommodation within Walt Disney World. As part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offering, these villas provide guests with both the splendour of the Grand Floridian and the flexibility of villa-style lodging. This resort has a reputation for being the “crown jewel” of Disney’s on-site resorts, offering timeless elegance, proximity to the Magic Kingdom, and a host of premium amenities.
Key Features of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1. Luxury and Elegance
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is synonymous with luxury. The villas maintain the resort’s Victorian elegance, while incorporating modern amenities to enhance the experience for guests. Whether staying in a Studio or a Three-Bedroom Grand Villa, the décor is refined, the spaces are expansive, and the attention to detail is unparalleled.
- Victorian Charm: The architecture and interior design of the villas are reminiscent of the Gilded Age, with ornate fixtures, elegant fabrics, and a refined colour palette. Some of the rooms, especially after recent refurbishments, feature a Mary Poppins theme, which adds a touch of whimsy without detracting from the resort’s grandeur.
- Villas Layout: The villas range from Studios that sleep five to Three-Bedroom Grand Villas designed for larger groups. These Grand Villas offer full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and spacious living areas, making them ideal for extended family vacations.
Key Tip: If you’re looking for comfort, luxury, and extra space, the Grand Villas are a fantastic option. Plus, these villas are equipped with in-room washers and dryers, making them ideal for longer stays.
2. Close Proximity to Magic Kingdom
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian is the close proximity to Magic Kingdom. It is part of the Monorail Resort loop, offering multiple transportation options to the parks.
- Monorail Access: Guests can quickly hop on the Monorail at the Grand Floridian to reach Magic Kingdom in just a few minutes. This also provides access to EPCOT via a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
- Walking Path: Recently, Disney added a walking path connecting the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom. For those who enjoy a peaceful stroll, this path offers an alternative to waiting for transportation. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes and is a beautiful, scenic route.
Key Tip: The Monorail system makes park-hopping convenient, but the walking path is ideal for avoiding crowds during busy park closing times.
3. Dining Excellence
The Villas benefit from the resort’s world-class dining options, including some of the most prestigious restaurants on Disney property. From casual meals to fine dining, there’s a vast selection.
- Victoria & Albert’s: This award-winning fine dining restaurant offers a world-class culinary experience. With its formal atmosphere, exquisite cuisine, and AAA Five Diamond Award, it’s perfect for special occasions.
- Narcoossee’s: Located on the waterfront, Narcoossee’s provides stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, along with a menu focused on seafood and other elevated dishes.
- Grand Floridian Café: For more casual meals, the Grand Floridian Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a relaxed atmosphere but still maintains the resort’s elegant touch.
- Character Dining: The resort’s 1900 Park Fare offers a lively character dining experience, ideal for families who want to interact with their favourite Disney characters while enjoying a buffet.
Key Tip: Victoria & Albert’s is the ultimate dining experience at Walt Disney World. Reservations are a must, and if you want to make the evening truly memorable, consider booking one of the private dining rooms.
4. Exclusive Pool and Recreation
Guests staying at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian have access to both the main resort’s pools and the exclusive pool designated for villa guests.
- Beach Pool: The Beach Pool features a waterfall, zero-entry design, and a waterslide, making it popular with both families and couples.
- Courtyard Pool: This quiet pool is perfect for those who prefer a more serene experience. Surrounded by lush landscaping, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
- Splash Pad: The Alice in Wonderland-themed splash pad is perfect for younger guests and a unique feature not found at other Disney resorts.
Key Tip: For a more relaxing day, lounge by the Courtyard Pool where the atmosphere is quieter, and enjoy poolside drinks and food service.
5. Amenities and Services
Staying at The Villas means access to a plethora of amenities that cater to both adults and families.
- Senses Spa: The Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian offers a full range of luxury treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the parks.
- Recreation: There are plenty of activities, including yoga on the lawn, movie nights under the stars, and boat rentals on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Transportation: Beyond the Monorail and walking path to Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian offers bus transportation to all Disney parks, ensuring seamless travel to any destination within Walt Disney World.
Key Tip: Book a spa treatment early, as appointments can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons.
Benefits of Staying at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1. Elegant and Luxurious Atmosphere
The Grand Floridian is known for its classic Victorian design, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and polished marble floors. The Villas carry this theme while offering a homey feel with modern touches. Staying here feels like being in a luxury resort with all the magic of Disney.
2. Convenience and Proximity to Magic Kingdom
Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom or take a short Monorail ride makes this resort one of the most convenient options for park-goers. It’s ideal for families with young children or anyone who prefers easy access to Disney’s flagship park.
3. World-Class Dining
Dining at the Grand Floridian is an experience in itself. The variety of dining options from fine dining to casual character meals ensures there’s something for every guest.
4. Staying at the Villas by Renting DVC Points
Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points is a fantastic way to experience the luxury of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa without the steep price of booking directly through Disney. By renting points from DVC members, you can enjoy all the benefits of staying at one of Disney’s most iconic resorts, including spacious villas, proximity to the parks, and world-class amenities, at a fraction of the cost. This option allows non-DVC members to take advantage of the perks, like extra space, full kitchens, and even access to exclusive areas such as the Top of the World Lounge in Bay Lake Tower. It’s a great way to upgrade your Disney vacation experience while staying within budget. Be sure to plan ahead, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Downsides of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1. Price
As one of Disney’s most luxurious and iconic resorts, the cost of staying at The Villas is steep. It is one of the most expensive options in Disney World, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
2. Quiet, Less Themed for Kids
While the elegance of the Grand Floridian is appealing to adults, some families with young children may find the Victorian theme a bit too formal or subdued compared to other resorts with more kid-friendly theming.
Final Thoughts: Is The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Worth It?
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa provide a perfect balance of luxury, elegance, and proximity to the magic of Disney. The monorail access, stunning views of Magic Kingdom, and top-notch dining options make it an outstanding choice for those looking for a more refined Disney experience.
While it may come with a high price tag, the combination of beautifully appointed villas, proximity to the parks, and resort amenities make it worth considering, especially for families or couples looking to splurge on a truly magical stay. For those looking to experience the very best that Disney has to offer, this resort is hard to beat.
Disney From Ireland 