Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has quite an interesting list of fun facts!
Before and during our stays on Disney property, we enjoy learning new information about our resort. It enables us to appreciate all the little details when we’re there even more!
From its history to its designs to its themes, the Grand Floridian has a lot of things to learn. Below, you will discover these fun facts, along with some activities to enjoy around the resort.
24 Facts About Grand Floridian Resort:
Fact #1: The Grand Floridian is themed to the Victorian style of Palm Beach’s golden era.
Disney’s Grand Floridian is themed to Victorian-style beach resorts that Florida’s Palm Beach area was known for in the late 19th and early 20th century. You can find details of this theme all over the resort, from its striking architecture to its Victorian decor and furnishings.
Fact #2: Grand Floridian opened on June 28, 1988.
The Grand Floridian officially opened as “Grand Floridian Beach Resort” with 867 rooms on June 28, 1988. In 1997, the name was changed to “Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.”
Fact #3: The exterior of the resort was modeled after several different properties.
The Grand Floridian Resort’s exterior features, like its red gabled roofs and white walls, were inspired by the Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire and Hotel del Coronado in California. Additional design aspects were modeled from Belleair, Florida’s Belleview-Biltmore Hotel.
Fact #4: The Grand Floridian is one of eight Deluxe resorts on Walt Disney World property.
Disney has four categories for its resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. The Grand Floridian has both Deluxe and Deluxe Villas options (The Villas at Disney’s Grand Florida Resort & Spa). Disney DELUXE Resorts are considered the BEST that Disney World has to offer.
Fact #5: The main lobby building is the central hub of the Grand Floridian.
When guests walk into the main entrance of the Grand Floridian, they are entering the lobby of this resort. The main lobby is full of Victorian décor. It is home to a variety of shops and dining options, such as M. Mouse Mercantile and Grand Floridian Café, making it the property’s central hub.
Fact #6: Some of the resort’s buildings are named after the Florida Keys’ islands.
Five of the guest buildings at the Grand Floridian are named after islands in the Florida Keys: Sago Cay, Sugar Loaf Key, Conch Key, Boca Chica, and Big Pine Key.
Fact #7: The Grand Floridian is one of three resorts that offer transportation on the monorail.
The Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort are all located on the Walt Disney World Monorail System. The monorail takes guests between the resorts, Magic Kingdom Park, and Epcot quickly and conveniently, with monorails arriving at stations often within minutes.
Fact #8: There are at least 15 hidden Mickeys on Grand Floridian property.
This is one of the most FUN facts about Grand Floridian Resort!
From the main entrance to the lobby to the hallways and more, this resort is chock-full of hidden Mickeys.
Fact #9: You can take a boat from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom.
You can travel across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom Park via water taxi from the Grand Floridian Resort. The water taxis typically arrive every 20 minutes.
- Learn more! 3 Ways from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom
Fact #10: Guests can walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian.
The Grand Floridian is one of three resorts where guests can walk directly to the Magic Kingdom Park. The distance is approximately 0.8 mi (1.3 km), following along the Seven Seas Lagoon. This is a relaxing option if you are looking to escape the long lines after fireworks on your way back to the Grand Floridian Resort from Magic Kingdom Park.
Fact #11: There are two themed pools located at the resort.
Grand Floridian guests can enjoy two themed pools during their stays at the resort. The Beach Pool, which features a water slide and a kids’ splash area nearby, and the Courtyard Pool, which features a zero-entry pool and a hot tub.
Fact #12: The Beach Pool has a thrilling 181-foot-long water slide.
The tall waterslide is nestled around the pool area’s rocks, fitting right in with its natural springs theme.
Fact #13: Victoria & Albert’s offers the most elegant dining experience on Walt Disney World property.
Victoria & Albert’s is described by Disney as “the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World.” The award-winning, premiere restaurant at Grand Floridian Resort serves contemporary American cuisine with world-class service. Choose from three different dining experiences: The Dining Room, Chef’s Table, and Queen Victoria’s Room.
- Reservations are required to dine here – make sure to book far in advance!
- The restaurant has a semi-formal/formal dress code.
Fact #14: Grand Floridian offers a spectacular view of the Electrical Water Pageant.
From the shores along Grand Floridian property, you can treat yourself to a great view of the Electrical Water Pageant, a 15-minute-long floating nighttime parade that cruises the Seven Seas Lagoon playing classic medleys.
Fact #15: The resort’s marina provides a great spot to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show.
Grand Floridian Resort’s marina faces Magic Kingdom Park, making it an excellent option for catching the fireworks show outside of the park.
Fact #16: The Grand Floridian hosts complimentary campfire activities.
The resort offers free campfire activities. Roast marshmallows and swap stories at this fun outdoor experience. Afterward, on select nights, you can enjoy Movies Under the Stars, a nighttime program of outdoor Disney movie screenings.
Fact #17: The Grand Floridian Spa offers a variety of therapies and services.
The Grand Floridian Spa is a full-service spa, salon, and health club located on the resort property. Book services like massages, facials, manicures, haircuts, and more at this serene and luxurious spot.
Fact #18: Boats are available to rent at the Grand Floridian.
You can rent pontoon boats from the Grand Floridian Resort’s marina. It’s a great way to see unique views of Magic Kingdom and explore different bodies of water on Disney property.
Fact #19: Guided fishing excursions are available from the resort’s marina.
Guided fishing excursions are a cool experience to plan during a stay at Grand Floridian Resort. These catch-and-release outings take up to five guests on a pontoon boat across Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, and more.
Fact #20: The Enchanted Rose at Grand Floridian offers an elegant Beauty and the Beast lounge.
The Enchanted Rose is a Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge located in the main building of Grand Floridian Resort. Enjoy fairytale décor that includes whimsical details like a library and a garden room.
- Here, you can find an array of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as nonalcoholic beverages like coffee and tea.
- They also offer an appetizer selection with options like charcuterie and artisanal cheeses.
Fact #21: Every year during the holidays, a GIANT gingerbread house is in the lobby.
For more than 20 years, the Grand Floridian Resort has been displaying an iconic gingerbread house in its lobby. The life-size creation is built from over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread that take nearly 1,000 hours to bake, assemble, and decorate. During the holidays, guests can purchase a variety of gingerbread treats while they visit this masterpiece!
Fact #22: The Beach Boys filmed the music video for “Kokomo” at Grand Floridian.
The Beach Boys filmed the music video for their song “Kokomo” outside on Grand Floridian property. In different shots, you can see the resort’s Victorian-style buildings and the Seven Seas Lagoon in the background. The music video was released in 1988, the same year the resort opened.
Fact #23: The Grand Floridian Convention Center opened in 1992.
The 40,000-foot facility serves as a flexible meeting space and has a full-service business center.
Fact #24: The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian opened in 2013 and expanded in 2022.
The Villas are the resort’s Disney Vacation Club accommodations, with 147 villas and studios in its main building. In 2022, the Grand Floridian’s Big Pine Key building underwent a conversion that added about 200 DVC studios. The DVC accommodations share the resort’s Victorian look and have a subtle Mary Poppins Returns theme.
Do you know any fun facts about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?
If we missed any of your favorite fun facts, please let us know below. In addition, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer! 🙂
