In October of 2013, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa became the twelfth Disney Vacation Club property. Combining the charm and allure of Victorian elegance and premium service that only Disney can provide, the Villas immerse guests in a true “Jolly Holiday” vacation. All recreation options for those staying at the Grand Floridian’s main building are available to guests of the Villas. This includes two pools, watercraft rentals, dining options, shopping, and more.
Big Pine Key (Building 9) at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is currently being turned into approximately 200 Disney Vacation Club Resort Studios, each accommodating up to five people.
Featuring the Victorian elegance and charm of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, these new villas will offer Members luxury accommodations and amenities, with some villas boasting stunning views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom. Projected to open in summer 2022, these new villas are an expansion of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and will be a part of its current condominium association.
As a part of Disney Vacation Club, guests purchase an annual allotment of points to use at vacation properties at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or select locations around the world. It is Disney’s answer to a timeshare; once known as a “best kept secret,” DVC has gained major popularity since its conception in 1991.
Upon their arrival at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, guests are typically escorted by a cast member to the front desk of the main building to check-in. Those who arrive via their own vehicle or other means such as a Minnie Van or taxi, may proceed directly to the porte-cochère at the DVC building which is located adjacent to the Wedding Pavilion and Senses Spa. There is also a separate bell services station as well. Guests who opted for “Resort-to-Room Check-In” may go directly to their villa instead after their room number has been communicated via text message or email.
The Villas are located on the left side as you exit the main building. A charming covered walkway lined with manicured vegetation leads guests to the area – look for hidden Mickeys near the tops of the awenings. It is a very peaceful 2-3 minute walk from the lobby doors. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the Beach Pool, a 111,261-gallon pool in a natural springs setting that overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Alice in Wonderland themed aquatic play area.
Once inside, guests are immediately greeted by a welcome desk and cast member. Here you can find information about the theme parks, directions to areas on the Grand Floridian grounds, and a smiling face to assist with other needs. It is not uncommon to see the same cast member at this station day after day which is a nice touch as they get to know you and your family.
The lobby itself is a perfect extension of the resort. It is most definitely “grand” in all of its glory and reflects the elegant features and ambiance of the main building. Here, the story of the original resort continues in which well-heeled vacationers of the 1890s established Florida as their winter getaway. This “golden age of travel” in which families frequented exquisite hotels around the world and populated nearby beaches is not lost at the Villas. It is instead enhanced by sprinkles of Disney magic - mostly in the form of Mary Poppins touches scattered in the lobby and guest rooms.
Sitting center stage in the lobby is a bronze fountain featuring the ever classic maître d penguins best known from the film. Over half a dozen of these friends make up the fountain as they greet guests in the early hours of the morning or after a long day of travel. Spare change is often tossed into the surrounding water which, like other “penny wishes” cast elsewhere at Walt Disney World, are collected regularly for local charities.
Throughout the atrium lobby, guests will feel welcomed and at peace. Overstuffed chairs and couches offer a great spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. It’s also a fantastic area to enjoy a few pages of your favorite book under the light of 45-foot brass and green crystal chandeliers. Complimentary coffee service is available in this lobby from 7am to 7pm and everything you need to fix the perfect cup is right there.
Be sure to take in the decor surrounding you while doing so especially the carousel horses. One is a replica of Jingles, the most ornately decorated horse on King Arthur’s Carrousel in Disneyland, which was used as the attraction’s lead horse before the ride was automated; cast members would count the number of times Jingles made it full circle and stop the carousel appropriately. Seeing its sister horse at the Villas lobby is a nice touch.
TIP: Jingles was re-dedicated in a 2008 ceremony honoring actress Julie Andrews for her contributions to both Disneyland and Disney films. Keep your eyes open when waiting for an elevator at the Villas; Andrews' Mary Poppins umbrella makes an appearance.
Elegance and sophistication are the overriding themes within the rooms. Muted pastels compliment the neutral tones that compose the very clean and comfortable accommodations. More small touches (such as beautiful murals of Dumbo hidden in a stow-away bed) lend a bit of whimsy to the otherwise classic Victorian feel found throughout the villas. There are 147 units at the resort separated into categories from studios to three bedroom villas that sleep 5 to 13 respectively. All rooms feature spacious accommodations including granite countertops, crown molding, and mirror televisions in the bathroom areas.
StudiosThree-Bedroom Grand Villa
Approximate # of Rooms
# Handicap Accessible Rooms: Deluxe Studio: 7, 1 Bedroom Villa: 7, 2 Bedroom Villa: 4, Grand Villa: 2
Note: Handicap-specific room locations differ according to the disability being accommodated. Bed boards/rails, full size crib, and international electrical available upon request.
There are several fine restaurants and dining options offered at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Lounges and Pool Bars
Quick-Service
Table-Service
Guests can meet Tiana in her new costume from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Mirabel from Encanto, Cinderella, and Aladdin in his Prince Ali look during breakfast and dinner at this dining location.
The restaurant recently reopened with returning guest favorites like the strawberry soup along with new menu offerings. Big Bertha, an antique organ at the resort since 1988, is on display in the main dining room as the grand centerpiece with new artwork all around. Carousel theming is woven throughout the restaurant and there is a new mural that serves as the focal point of the restaurant’s entrance.
Citricos
Set in a chic and sophisticated setting, this restaurant serves American seafood and Mediterranean-Florida fare. Tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, cut-offs, torn clothing, hats (men only) and clothing with offensive language or graphics are not permitted. Open 5:30 p.m. -10 p.m. (grilled and braised meats, fresh fish and chicken)
Tip: Off of the dining room is a private dining area known as the Chef’s Domain that is available and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Here you may order off the menu or allow the Chef to create something unique. Call (407) 939-7707 for more details.
Garden View Tea Room (currently closed)
Guests of all ages can indulge in the centuries-old English tradition of “afternoon tea.” This is a unique experience offered outside of the theme parks. Priority seating is recommended. Open for early tea 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m. (sing-along tea party); Open for afternoon tea 2 p.m. -5 p.m. (does not accept Disney Dining Plan)
Tip: This is event is perfectly suited for a mother/daughter experience, elegant birthday event, or otherwise special celebration.
This family restaurant overlooks the pool and courtyard in the back of the resort and provides a casual but elegant dining option. Open for breakfast 7 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (pancakes, waffles, fruit, eggs and pastries); Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (soups, salads, sandwiches, steak, pasta, seafood, and dessert); Open for dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (chicken, steak, pasta, seafood, cheese course and dessert)
This octagonal-shaped restaurant is separate from the resort and sits on the bank of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Dinner is prepared in an open kitchen. Tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, cut-offs, torn clothing, hats (men only) and clothing with offensive language or graphics are not permitted. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (specialty seafood selections, steak, salad and chicken)
As the signature restaurant of the resort, this award-winning dining experience is the definition of formality. There is a dress code that requires men to wear jackets and women to wear a dress or dressy pants. Prepare for a seven-course meal and be aware that priority seating is a must. The Chef’s Table may be reserved where the Chef personally welcomes guests into his kitchen, introduces them to the other cooks and seats them in a special area at the rear of the kitchen. First seating 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Second seating 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.; One seating July-September 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (7-course); Queen Victoria Room and Chef Table (9-course).
Tip: When a guest at the Chef’s Table, you are welcome to wander about the kitchen, talk to the chefs, ask questions and take pictures as long as you don’t interfere with the actual cooking and serving.
In-Room Dining
Guests can also walk over to the Magic Kingdom as there is a beautiful walking path that goes all the way around the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Magic Kingdom: Monorail or BoatEpcot: Monorail (take the resort monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center, then transfer to the Epcot monorail)
Hollywood Studios: Bus
Animal Kingdom: Bus
Water Parks: Bus
Disney Springs: Bus
Transportation and Ticket Center: Monorail
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Monorail
Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Monorail or Boat
Note: The bus stop is located in between the Main Building and Resort Convention Center with buses departing approximately every 20 minutes. The boat dock is located next to Narcoossee’s with boat departing approximately every 20 minutes. The monorail station is located on the second floor of the Main Building.
The Grand Floridian offers two options for swimming. The primary pool is the grotto-themed Beach Pool with its slide and waterfalls. A quieter setting can be found at the Courtyard Pool where the pool and a hot tub are nestled in the middle of the resort.
For children, there is an interactive water play area with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Teacups and teapots pour water amongst the two miniature water slides, sprinklers and spouts. And with an upside-down Mad Hatter’s hat that fills with water and then dumps onto guests when it fills, the area is widely popular with little ones.
A number of poolside activities are scheduled each afternoon. Ranging from an unbirthday pool party to ring toss, there is a broad spectrum of games and challenges for families to participate in while they enjoy the water area.
Arcadia Games: Open 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Jogging Trail: Seven Seas Lagoon (1 mile)
Campfire and Outdoor Movie: Each night there is a complimentary showing of a Disney film. Located at the resort’s beach, the feature film changes daily (consult recreation calendar given upon guest check-in for time, location and particular movie).
Guided Fishing Excursions: For a fee, an expert guide will host your group during a catch-and-release fishing trip in some of the lakes on Disney property. Available times are 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Reservations required (407) WDW-BASS or visit the Concierge desk.
Disney’s Private Adventure: For a fee, children aged 4-12 can board a water vessel at The Captain’s Shipyard Marina to hunt treasure at various “ports” amongst Disney’s lakes. Reservations required, and these can be made at the Concierge desk.
The Captain’s Shipyard Marina: Guests can rent Sea Raycers, Boston Whaler Montauks, and SunTracker pontoon boats at the resort marina. For more information and pricing click HERE. Reservations can also be made for a Specialty Fireworks Cruise for parties up to 10. (407) WDW-PLAY
Wonderland Tea Party: For a fee, children aged 4-12 can enjoy an afternoon of games, crafts and tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter at 1900 Park Fare. Reservations can be made at the Concierge desk.
Electrical Water Pageant: Viewing area located on the beach or Transportation Dock
Fitness Center
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – (currently closed)
A third Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is now open in the former Ivy Trellis Salon location. Ivy Trellis moved their services to Senses - A Disney Spa located near the Grand Floridian's Disney Vacation Club lobby. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to 180-days in advance either on the official Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) WDW-STYL.
Grand Floridian Spa
Basin White: Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (natural products for bath and body)
M. Mouse Mercantile: Open 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Disney character apparel, plush, toys, princess wear, pins, D-tech items, MagicBand accessories)
Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries: Open 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. (resort logo apparel, home décor gifts, autograph books, pens, sun essentials, grocery, snacks, beverages, wine and spirits)
Summer Lace: Open 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (ladies designer fashions, swimwear, handbags, scarves, accessories, fine watches, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances)
Grand Floridian Spa: Times vary (skin care, body care and nail care products, spa robes, candles and miscellaneous spa gift items)