Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, represent the pinnacle of luxury accommodations within Walt Disney World Resort, combining Victorian elegance with modern amenities and Disney’s legendary attention to detail. Since its initial DVC opening in 2013, the Grand Floridian’s Disney Vacation Club presence has grown to include both the original villa building and, as of 2022, the converted Big Pine Key building with its Resort Studios, offering members and guests an even more extensive range of ways to experience the magic of Disney’s flagship resort. The Grand Floridian Villas are always in high demand, and is one of the most popular Walt Disney World Deluxe Villas.

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Summary

• The DVC property features two locations: the original villa building (opened 2013) and the Big Pine Key building with Resort Studios (added 2022), offering Victorian elegance in Disney’s flagship resort
• Accommodations range from Resort Studios sleeping five guests to luxurious three-bedroom Grand Villas sleeping twelve, with options for full kitchens and split bathroom configurations in most room types
• Prime location on the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail loop with multiple transportation options including boat service, walking path to Magic Kingdom, and bus service to other Disney destinations
• Exceptional dining experiences including Victoria & Albert’s (AAA Five Diamond Award winner), Narcoossee’s, Citricos, and the Enchanted Rose lounge, along with casual options and character dining
• Direct access to all Grand Floridian Resort amenities including two pools, full-service spa, marina rentals, and world-class shopping, plus views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from select villa rooms

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Location and Architecture

Situated along the picturesque shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa enjoy one of the most coveted locations in all of Walt Disney World. The original villa building’s exterior seamlessly integrates with the resort’s existing Victorian style architecture, featuring the signature white clapboard siding, red gabled roofs, and ornate trim work that has made the Grand Floridian an iconic symbol of Disney luxury since its opening in 1988.

The six-story villa building connects to the main resort via a covered walkway, while the Big Pine Key building (Building 9) enjoys an even more convenient location closer to the main building, offering quick access to the resort’s central amenities, including the main lobby, restaurants, and monorail station. Both buildings maintain the resort’s architectural cohesion while providing their own distinct experiences.

The structures’ design pays homage to the golden age of Palm Beach’s luxury hotels, with intricate lattice work, detailed cornices, and wraparound verandas that capture the essence of Florida’s Victorian-era coastal resorts.

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Accommodations

The Grand Floridian DVC offerings now encompass two distinct styles of accommodations across its two buildings:

Original Villa Building

The original DVC building offers several room configurations to accommodate different party sizes and vacation styles:

• Deluxe studios sleep up to five guests and feature a queen-size bed, a queen-size sleeper sofa bed, and a single pull-down bunk-size bed. These rooms include a kitchenette with a microwave, small refrigerator, sink, and coffee maker.
• One-bedroom villas accommodate up to five guests and offer a full kitchen, separate living room with a queen-size pull-down bed, and a spacious master bedroom with a king-size bed. The full bathroom features both a freestanding Victorian-style tub and a walk-in shower.
• Two-bedroom villas host up to nine guests and come in two configurations:
  • Dedicated two-bedroom villas combine all the amenities of a one-bedroom villa with an additional bedroom featuring two queen size beds and a separate bathroom
  • Two-bedroom Lock-off villas combine a one-bedroom villa with a connecting deluxe studio, offering more flexible booking options as they can be reserved as a full two-bedroom villa or split into separate one-bedroom and deluxe studio reservations
• Three-bedroom grand villas, the most luxurious option, sleep up to twelve guests and feature a stunning two-story design with a grand staircase, formal dining room, and multiple balconies.

Big Pine Key Resort Studios

Added in 2022, the Resort Studios in the Big Pine Key building offer a different take on the DVC experience:

• Each Resort Studio spans approximately 440 square feet and accommodates up to five guests. These rooms are old Grand Floridian resort rooms, and are exactly the same size of room as if you stayed at the Grand Floridian in a normal resort room.
• Rooms feature two queen-size beds and a pull-down day bed
• Includes a beverage center with microwave, mini-refrigerator, and Keurig coffee maker
• Features a marble-accented bathroom with dual sinks in most rooms
• Provides a furnished porch or balcony
• Offers a more traditional hotel room layout while maintaining DVC amenities

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Room Views

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers several view categories, with options varying between the original villa building and Big Pine Key building:

Original Villa Building Views

• Lake View: These rooms offer stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon, with many providing partial views of Magic Kingdom and its fireworks
• Standard View: These rooms typically overlook the resort grounds, courtyards, marina, or parking areas
• Theme Park View: Select rooms offer direct views of Magic Kingdom and its nightly fireworks displays, particularly from higher floors

Big Pine Key Building Views

• Theme Park View: Offers views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon, with excellent fireworks viewing opportunities
• Lagoon View: Provides views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the resort marina
• Standard View: Overlooks the resort grounds, pools, or garden areas
• Resort View: Views of the resort’s courtyards, fountains, or other buildings

For both buildings, higher floor rooms generally offer more expansive views, with the best fireworks viewing typically available from the upper floors facing Magic Kingdom. View categories affect point requirements for DVC members and room rates for cash reservations, with Theme Park and Lake Views typically requiring more points or commanding higher prices than Standard Views.

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Interior Design and Amenities

The interior design across both DVC buildings masterfully blends Victorian elegance with contemporary comfort and subtle Disney touches. The color palette features soft creams, rich burgundies, and gentle blues, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Custom artwork throughout depicts scenes from Mary Poppins, with the Resort Studios specifically incorporating delicate butterfly and cherry blossom motifs that complement this theme.

Original Villas Amenities

• Full kitchens in one-bedroom and larger villas
• Stainless steel appliances
• Marble countertops
• Custom cabinetry
• Multiple flat-screen TVs
• Blu-ray players
• In-room washer and dryer (one-bedroom and larger)

Resort Studios Amenities

• Smart TV
• Beverage center
• Spacious wardrobe storage
• Premium bathroom fixtures
• Refined lighting design with multiple options
• Victorian-inspired styling with contemporary touches

Grand Floridian Resort Amenities and Activities

All DVC guests, regardless of building, enjoy access to the Grand Floridian’s world-class amenities:

The Beach Pool complex features a natural springs theme with a 181,000-gallon pool, a 181-foot-long water slide, and a children’s water play area. The Courtyard Pool offers a more serene swimming experience, complemented by private cabanas available for rental.

The Grand Floridian Spa provides a full menu of treatments in an elegant setting, from traditional massages and facials to couples’ experiences and specialty treatments. The resort’s health club features state-of-the-art equipment and personal training options, while the nearby marina offers watercraft rentals for adventures on Seven Seas Lagoon.

Grand Floridian Dining

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa stands as a culinary destination within Walt Disney World, offering some of the most sophisticated and varied dining experiences on property. Each restaurant provides its own unique atmosphere and cuisine, creating a diverse collection of dining options for guests.

Victoria & Albert’s represents the pinnacle of fine dining at Walt Disney World, holding the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. This signature restaurant offers an elegant prix fixe menu that changes regularly based on market-fresh ingredients. The intimate dining room provides an adults-only experience, with optional wine pairings and a dress code that maintains the refined atmosphere. The Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s offers an even more exclusive experience, allowing guests to interact with the culinary team while enjoying up to 13 courses.

Narcoossee’s provides waterfront dining with spectacular views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. Recently reimagined, the restaurant offers a refined seafood-centric menu featuring sustainable coastal cuisine. The circular dining room with its panoramic windows makes it an ideal location for viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks, accompanied by the synchronized music piped into the restaurant. The restaurant’s atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upscale dining and family-friendly comfort.

Citricos brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to the Grand Floridian, featuring a menu that blends southern European cuisine with modern American techniques. The restaurant’s recent refurbishment added subtle Mary Poppins Returns theming while maintaining its sophisticated atmosphere. The wine list is particularly noteworthy, offering an extensive selection of old and new world vintages. The restaurant’s private dining room, the Chef’s Domain, provides an intimate space for special occasions.

The Grand Floridian Café serves as the resort’s casual yet elegant table-service restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a light-filled setting. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with some unique twists on classic dishes. Breakfast options range from traditional favorites to unique offerings like their popular Lobster Benedict. The restaurant’s location near the resort’s main entrance makes it conveniently accessible for guests starting or ending their day at the parks.

1900 Park Fare hosts character dining experiences that vary throughout the day. The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast features Mary Poppins and other beloved characters, while the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner includes appearances by Cinderella, Prince Charming, and members of Cinderella’s family. The restaurant offers buffet-style dining with an impressive selection of dishes that appeal to both children and adults, all served in a whimsical Victorian setting decorated with vintage carousel horses and colorful murals.

Gasparilla Island Grill serves as the resort’s quick-service dining location, operating 24 hours a day. Despite its casual nature, the restaurant maintains the Grand Floridian’s high standards with made-to-order items and grab-and-go options that exceed typical counter service fare. The location offers indoor seating with views of the marina and outdoor tables perfect for enjoying Florida’s pleasant weather.

Garden View Tea Room presents a unique dining experience with its traditional afternoon tea service. Guests can enjoy a selection of international teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries in an elegant setting overlooking the resort’s gardens. Special seasonal offerings and holiday events make this a particularly popular venue for special occasions.

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill and Courtyard Pool Bar provide casual dining and refreshments near the resort’s two pool areas. These locations offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks, along with an array of tropical beverages perfect for a day by the pool.

The Grand Floridian’s signature lounge space has its own fascinating history. Originally, Mizner’s Lounge occupied the second-floor space, named after Addison Mizner, a celebrated Florida architect known for defining the state’s architectural aesthetic in the early 20th century through his Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. Mizner’s was beloved for its sophisticated atmosphere, live jazz performances, and impressive selection of spirits, particularly its extensive scotch and bourbon collection. The lounge’s elevated position offered guests beautiful views of the resort’s magnificent lobby while they enjoyed evening cocktails.

In 2019, Disney transformed this space into the Enchanted Rose Lounge, bringing an elegant Beauty and the Beast theme to the location while maintaining the sophisticated atmosphere that made Mizner’s a favorite among guests

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Transportation

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers one of the most comprehensive and convenient transportation networks within Walt Disney World Resort, providing guests with multiple options for reaching all Disney destinations.

Monorail Service

The Grand Floridian is served by Disney’s renowned monorail system, with the station conveniently located on the second floor of the main building. The resort is the final stop on the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail loop, which operates in a clockwise direction from Magic Kingdom. The Resort Monorail travels from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, then to the Transportation and Ticket Center, continuing to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and finally arriving at the Grand Floridian before returning to Magic Kingdom. Guests can transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center to access the Express Monorail to Magic Kingdom or the Epcot Monorail line. The Resort Monorail operates daily, beginning approximately one hour before Magic Kingdom opens and continuing until about two hours after the park closes.

Water Transportation

The resort’s boat launch offers guests a scenic and relaxing journey across Seven Seas Lagoon. Water launches operate on two distinct routes, providing direct service to Magic Kingdom Park as well as a resort loop service that includes stops at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The boats offer a particularly magical experience during fireworks cruises, where guests can view the nighttime spectacular from the water. This complimentary service typically begins operating 30 minutes before Magic Kingdom opens and continues until about an hour after the park closes, weather permitting.

Walking Path

Added in late 2020, the walking path to Magic Kingdom provides guests with a picturesque route along Seven Seas Lagoon. This well-maintained paved pathway offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resorts throughout the journey. The path features well-lit sections for nighttime walking and convenient rest areas with benches along the way. Guests can also use this path to access Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center, making it easy to enjoy dining and entertainment options at the neighboring property.

Bus Service

The resort provides complimentary Disney bus transportation to numerous Walt Disney World destinations. Regular service is available to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs, with seasonal service to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Bus service begins approximately 45 minutes before destinations open and continues until about an hour after closing. During peak times, guests can expect buses to arrive approximately every 20 minutes, though timing may vary based on traffic and park conditions.

Private Transportation

The Grand Floridian accommodates various private transportation needs with a range of options. Ride share services operate from a designated pickup and drop-off area near the main entrance, making it convenient for guests to use these services. Disney’s Minnie Van service, powered by Lyft, offers personalized transportation anywhere on Disney property with drivers who are also Disney cast members. The resort welcomes private car services and taxis, which can pick up and drop off guests at the main entrance. For those traveling with personal vehicles, valet parking service is available.

Transportation Tips and Parking

Guests staying at the Villas can maximize their transportation experience by understanding the strategic advantages of each option. When heading to Magic Kingdom in the morning, the walking path often proves to be the quickest and most reliable option, especially during peak times when monorail stations can become crowded. The resort boat launch provides a more relaxed journey option and is particularly enjoyable during fireworks cruises.

For returning from Magic Kingdom, the Resort Monorail can be an excellent choice as the Grand Floridian is the final resort stop before returning to the park. This means guests won’t have to wait through multiple resort stops before reaching their destination. However, during peak return times after fireworks or park closing, the resort launch boat or walking path might offer shorter overall transit times as they provide direct routes back to the resort.

When traveling to Epcot, many guests find it convenient to take the Resort Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and transfer to the Epcot Monorail line. During off-peak times, this route often proves faster than waiting for bus transportation. For other destinations such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the direct bus service from the resort’s main entrance provides the most efficient option.

For guests with personal vehicles, the resort offers several parking options to accommodate different needs and preferences. Standard self-parking is available for resort guests in lots conveniently located near both the original villa building and Big Pine Key. Valet parking service is offered at the main entrance for an additional fee, providing extra convenience for guests who prefer this option. Disney Vacation Club members staying on points enjoy complimentary self-parking throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including at all theme parks and Disney Springs. For guests with electric vehicles, charging stations are available in designated parking areas, though it’s recommended to inquire at the front desk about current availability and locations.

Disney Vacation Club Membership

The addition of the Resort Studios in Big Pine Key significantly expanded the room inventory available to DVC members at the Grand Floridian, creating a two-tier DVC experience:

• The original villa building offers more extensive in-room amenities and kitchen facilities, ideal for longer stays or guests preferring more home-like accommodations
• The Resort Studios provide a luxurious but more traditional hotel-style experience, perfect for shorter stays or guests who plan to dine out frequently

The point charts for Resort Studios generally require fewer vacation points than Deluxe Studios, providing members with a more economical way to stay at the Grand Floridian while still enjoying its premium location and amenities.

Grand Floridian Special Events

Throughout the year, the resort hosts various special events and seasonal celebrations. During the winter holidays, the resort becomes a destination in itself, featuring a life-size gingerbread house in the main building’s lobby and elaborate Victorian-themed Christmas decorations throughout the property.

Other seasonal offerings include:

• Special afternoon teas at the Garden View Tea Room
• Holiday overlay menus at restaurants
• Live orchestra performances in the grand lobby
• Premium fireworks viewing locations

The service level matches the grand surroundings, with cast members trained to provide attentive yet unobtrusive assistance to guests. From the moment of arrival, when guests are greeted with “Welcome home,” the staff strives to create a personalized experience for each visitor.

Services include:

• Valet parking
• Bell services
• Housekeeping
• Concierge assistance
• Dining reservation support
• Special occasion planning

Tips for Enhancing Your Stay

• Request a Theme Park view room for optimal fireworks viewing, particularly in Big Pine Key building’s higher floors. Be aware that these rooms typically command higher point values or rates.
• Consider booking a one-bedroom villa or larger if traveling with family, as the full kitchen and laundry facilities can significantly enhance the comfort and convenience of an extended stay.
• For shorter stays or more economical point usage, consider the Resort Studios in Big Pine Key, which offer the same premium location with a more traditional hotel room setup.
• Take advantage of the resort’s proximity to Magic Kingdom by planning split days, where you can easily return to your villa for afternoon breaks before heading back to the park for evening entertainment.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, including both the original villa building and the Big Pine Key Resort Studios, represent the ultimate combination of Disney magic and Victorian luxury. Whether visitors are Disney Vacation Club members or cash guests, the property offers an unparalleled resort experience that sets the standard for deluxe accommodations at Walt Disney World. The attention to detail in design, premium location, extensive amenities, and exceptional service create a truly memorable stay for guests seeking the very best in Disney resort experiences.