34 photos that prove Disney World's most expensive hotel is worth the hype even though it costs

August 2024 ยท 5 minute read
2023-03-17T19:24:28Z

I booked a one-night stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the most expensive hotel at Disney World.

The Grand Floridian is located just minutes away from Magic Kingdom. Jenna Clark

At the security booth, the employee asked to see my ID and confirmed our reservation before letting us in.

There's a security booth at the entrance to the resort's parking lot. Jenna Clark

We were greeted by welcoming employees who shared fun facts about the resort.

From the moment we pulled up, we were treated like royalty. Jenna Clark

There are antique cars sitting outside of the resort, which make for a great photo op.

The decor and design details around the resort are plentiful. Jenna Clark

There were so many details to take in inside the lobby.

I stayed at the resort close to Valentine's Day, and there was a themed topiary. Jenna Clark

The resort has a Victorian design, but there are plenty of Disney touches, too.

The lobby of the Grand Floridian is pretty elegant. Jenna Clark

One of the coolest design elements is the beautiful hanging chandeliers.

The chandeliers are supposed to look like pineapples. Jenna Clark

There are also Disney characters on the floor throughout the resort.

I spotted Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Chip, Mrs. Potts, Cinderella, and Prince Charming. Jenna Clark

The main lobby building had multiple shops that were selling Disney merchandise.

The Grand Floridian has gift shops with Disney merchandise. Jenna Clark

The second floor of the lobby had a spot where you could take photos with cool props, like Cinderella's glass slipper.

I got a professional photo taken while I posed with Cinderella's glass slipper. Jenna Clark

Also on the second floor, guests can find the Grand Floridian monorail station, which provides transportation to Magic Kingdom.

The Grand Floridian is only one monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom. Jenna Clark

While checking in, we found a sign listing different activities available for guests, like outdoor movie nights.

The resort offered poolside games, Disney movie trivia, and movies under the stars. Jenna Clark

I was also able to watch a pianist play Disney songs for guests in the lobby.

He played various songs from Disney films like "Alice in Wonderland." Jenna Clark

Employees offered to drive guests and their luggage to their rooms in club cars.

We didn't use the service because the resort is pretty small, but it's a nice touch. Jenna Clark

The resort is made up of several different buildings, and each one has its own mini lobby.

We stayed in the Boca Chica building at the Grand Floridian. Jenna Clark

The lobby in the Boca Chica building was filled with "Mary Poppins"-inspired paintings and decor.

Since "Mary Poppins" is one of my favorite films, I was glad to see it represented. Jenna Clark

We stayed in a standard room with two queen beds that costs around $900 a night.

I've stayed at almost every resort at Disney World, but this one had the largest standard room I've seen. Jenna Clark

Our bathroom was filled with nice toiletries.

Disney resorts stock H2O products. Jenna Clark

There were also complimentary slippers in the closet, which made for a great souvenir.

The slippers were sitting in the closet. Jenna Clark

The room had many "Mary Poppins"-themed elements, including paintings, pillows, and lampshades.

The decorative bed pillows had little umbrellas on them. Jenna Clark

It also had two TVs.

Our last name was on the TV screen when we walked in. Jenna Clark

There was an extra living area where we could relax during the day.

I was impressed by how much space there was inside the room. Jenna Clark

The attached patio offered a picturesque view of the quiet pool.

We were also able to watch a beautiful sunset from the patio. Jenna Clark

Walking around the property, I found plenty of great spots for snapping photos.

My favorite picturesque spot was by a fountain. Jenna Clark

There were a lot of amenities to check out, including a beach area stocked with games.

Guests could play chess, cornhole, and foosball by the water. Jenna Clark

The Grand Floridian also has two pool areas.

I preferred the lively main pool area. Jenna Clark

The pool had beds where guests could relax and soak up the sun.

I made use of the comfortable pool beds during my stay. Jenna Clark

There are also cabanas that can be rented out for an additional charge.

Private cabanas typically cost around $180 for half a day and $265 for a full day. Jenna Clark

Near the pool, there's an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed, kid-friendly aquatic area.

The kid-friendly play area was large. Jenna Clark

There's also a bar and grill where guests can order drinks and food to enjoy by the pool.

Beaches Pool Bar and Grill is located near the main pool at the Grand Floridian. Jenna Clark

Guests at the pool can see the monorail pass by every couple of minutes.

There's a monorail station at the Grand Floridian. Jenna Clark

Inside, guests can find refreshments at the resort's "Beauty and the Beast"-themed bar, Enchanted Rose.

The Rosemary Cooler is my favorite nonalcoholic beverage at Enchanted Rose. Jenna Clark

The Grand Floridian Cafe on the first floor of the lobby building is also a great spot to grab breakfast.

I'm a fan of the passion fruit, orange, and guava (POG) juice served at the restaurant. Jenna Clark

At night, the Grand Floridian is also a great place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show.

The music for the fireworks show is even pumped in around the Grand Floridian. Jenna Clark

Insider paid a media rate of $480 for this hotel stay. The full rate was about $900.

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