Disney4me Posted April 4 Report Share Posted April 4 Do you have a dream resort at Disney World where you’ve always wanted to stay? Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort So many of us have deluxe resort dreams on an All-Stars Resorts budgets, but sometimes, you can score a deal (or even rent DVC points) and grab a room at one of Disney’s more luxurious hotels. We had an opportunity to stay at what is probably THE most luxurious hotel on Disney World property, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and there are some things we wished we’d done differently. Live and learn, right? A longer stay Because this hotel IS so expensive, you might lean toward having a shorter stay here. That, however, is a mistake — we did that, and we regret it. One day is not enough to really enjoy this magnificent resort that offers tons of great dining, activities, great views, and more. One night is not enough here So if you’ve got the money to splurge for a long stay, DO IT. You won’t regret it. This is one of those cases where the hotel is as much a destination as the parks. The Pros and Cons of Staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort Stay on a night with extended evening hours There’s one BIG perk that staying at a deluxe hotel can offer that you can’t get at any of Disney World’s other hotels. That’s Extended Evening Hours, which happen on specific nights at Disney World’s theme parks. So if you stay at the Grand Floridian and your stay doesn’t coincide with one of those specific Extended Evening Hours nights, you’ll end up missing out on the best perk deluxe hotels offer. Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours! Before you book that stay, be sure to check the Disney World calendar on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. Make sure you have at least one night at the Grand Floridian when Extended Evening Hours are offered. There’s One Hotel Perk You Can ONLY Get at DELUXE Resorts — Is It Worth It? Only eating at one restaurant There are some AMAZING restaurants at the Grand Floridian and if you’re just dining at one, you’re missing out on a whole culinary experience. You’ve got Citricos, which is a fresh upscale restaurant themed around Mary Poppins Returns with a menu by Chef Andres Mendoza plus a 2022 mention in the Michelin Guide. Desserts at Citricos 1900 Park Fare offers character buffet dining for breakfast and dinner. We’ve got two words for you: Strawberry Soup (this dish is famous for a reason). Beauty and the Beast fans will love the Enchanted Rose Bar and Lounge, which offers gourmet bites and crafted cocktails in a setting that includes a glowing bar with a golden chandelier, a figure of the iconic rose from Beauty and the Beast, a Cogsworth-inspired clock, a Lumiere-inspired candelabra, and a Mrs. Potts-inspired teapot. Enchanted Rose Lounge Of course, who can forget about the AAA five-diamond rated Victoria & Albert’s, which is fine dining at its…well…finest. This is another restaurant that’s been recognized by the Michelin Guide. Is it pricey? Yes? Is it worth it? Also, yes! If you love seafood, you’ll want to visit Narcoossee’s, which also has amazing views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Appetizers from Narcoosee’s If you want casual, American fare, there’s Grand Floridian Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also grab a quick meal at Gasparilla Island Grill, the Grand Floridian’s counter service restaurant. Plus, there are two pool bars where you can get some great cocktails and snacks. Full Guide to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Restaurants Having a resort day If you’re staying somewhere as nice as the Grand Floridian, we suggest you skip a day in the parks and have a day where you just spend some time at the hotel. Trust us on this one. There’s plenty to see AND do. We could spend a DAY alone just wandering around the grounds of this gorgeous resort, enjoying some pool time, and indulging in some fun activities (more on that later). There’s so much to see and do at the hotel! You’re paying a LOT of money to stay there, after all. Might as well take some time to enjoy everything the hotel offers. We LOVE This Hidden SECRET in Disney World’s Newest Grand Floridian Hotel Rooms Skipping the spa Speaking of a resort day, we wish we had visited the spa to relax, recharge, and get some much-needed pampering. Get a body treatment, massage, manicure, or one of the spa’s many other treatments, and spend some time hanging out in the relaxation room. Welcome to the Grand Floridian Spa You can book an appointment here. It’s a vacation, after all — you should enjoy some chill time when you’re not running all over the parks. 12 Disney Loungefly Bags You’ll LOVE if Your Favorite Hotel Is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Get photos of the glass slipper Okay, so there are a TON of great photo opportunities at this hotel, but one you cannot miss is the glass slipper. This is a PhotoPass location where you can get a professional photo of you holding Cinderella’s iconic glass slipper. Fun photo op! You’ll find the PhotoPass location near the main staircase on the second floor of the lobby. It’s available most of the day, so don’t miss it! 20,000 Fans Rank EVERY Deluxe Resort in Disney World! Get an exclusive Grand Floridian scent Did you know that the Grand Floridian has its own Basin location? If you’re not familiar with Basin, it’s a shop that sells scented soaps, candles, bath bombs, and more! Well, Basin has an EXCLUSIVE sent at its location in the Grand Floridian — it’s the Isn’t it Grand. Isn’t it Grand soap You can get this as a soap, bath bomb, candle, and more — and we’re just going to tell you that it smells DIVINE. STOP Paying Full Price to Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel Watch the Electrical Water Pageant If you’ve never stayed at any of the Magic Kingdom-area hotels, you may not even know about the Electrical Water Pageant. This is a parade that takes place on Seven Seas Lagoon, and you’ll have a great view of it if you’re staying at the Grand Floridian. It includes a lot of fun creatures, too. Electrical Water Pageant Creatures So what’s it like? It’s a sparkling pageant of light and lit-up floats that’s a lot like the Main Street Electrical Parade but on water. 49 Free Things To Do in Disney World in 2024 Enjoy resort-exclusive activities Remember us mentioning activities for that resort day you should take? Well, we regret not doing these things and there is SO much to do at the Grand Floridian. Not only does the hotel have some fun pools, but you can also participate in campfire activities, Movies under the Stars, fishing, boat and pontoon rentals, specialty cruises, and so much more. Always check the hotel’s schedule for activities We told you there’s so MUCH to do at the Grand Floridian, and we weren’t lying! Disney World Hotel Activities For The Whole Family! So there you have it. Don’t make the mistakes we did and not make time for everything this incredible hotel offers. It’s a vacation in and of itself! Stay tuned to DFB for more. I Was a Disney World Cast Member, and I’m Letting You In On a HOTEL SECRET Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite thing about the Grand Floridian? Share with us in the comments!The post I Stayed at the Most Expensive Disney World Hotel. Here Are 9 Things I Wish I’d Done Differently. first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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