The Grand Floridian Resort is my absolute favorite resort on Disney property. It is elegant yet comfortable and is reminiscent of a Victorian seaside hotel. From the chandeliers to the giant birdcage, everything about the Grand Floridian lobby is enchanting and unique.
The first thing you will notice is the sheer size of the lobby itself. If you look up, you will see the gorgeous crystal chandeliers. You will also notice the bandstand on the upper level, where the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra plays each evening. Behind the bandstand on the upper level is Mizner’s Lounge, where you can sit and relax with a glass of wine or other beverage and look out at the Grand Floridian grounds and pool.
There are two restaurants on the upper level: Citrico’s and the incredible Victoria and Albert’s. Just outside of the restaurants there is a lovely antique miniature ferris wheel with a beautiful mural on the wall behind it.
On the upper level, you will also find Basin White, a wonderful soap shop, as well as the Ivy Trellis Salon, M. Mouse Merchantile and Commander Porter’s. M. Mouse Merchantile is a cute gift shop with lots of fun things for the kids. Commander Porter’s is a gentlemen’s shop with casual clothing as well as ties and golf apparel.
The Photopass desk is also located on the upper level, if you need any help or have any questions about Memory Maker photos.
The upper level is also where you will go to ride the monorail. The Magic Kingdom is the first stop from the Grand Floridian! This monorail loop also makes stops at the Contemporary Resort, the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Polynesian Village Resort, so everything is just a short ride away!
At various times throughout each evening, there is a lobby pianist on the main level, to make your stroll through the lobby and shops quite lovely! As you walk around listening to the music, make sure you take a look at the grand staircase, as well as the marble floors. There are Disney characters inlaid in the marble flooring in different areas of the lobby.
The check in desk and concierge desk are both located on the main level.
The shops on the main level are Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries and Summer Lace, a beautiful ladies shop with clothing, swim suits and Grand Floridian merchandise. On the main level you will also find 1900 Park Fare, a buffet restaurant where you can have breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland, or have dinner with Cinderella, Lady Tremaine and the wicked step sisters. Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner with the wicked step sisters is one of the most fun character meals in Walt Disney World! The other restaurant on the main level is the Grand Floridian Café, were you can typically get a table without a very long wait on the off hours.
If you have not visited the Grand Floridian, it’s worth a stop on a busy day, just to sit down in one of the comfortable couches or oversized chairs, cool off and enjoy the orchestra or piano music for a few minutes. Take deep breath, relax and enjoy the beauty of the Grand Floridian lobby!
