Disney World’s Flagship Resort Should Be A LOT Better

Introduction

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is proudly marketed as the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World Resort, aiming to provide the pinnacle of luxury and service. To evaluate this claim, I stayed in one of their newly renovated Club Level rooms. Here’s my experience and whether it truly lives up to its prestigious title.

A Brief History of the Grand Floridian

Originally intended as Disney's Asian Resort, the property shifted direction in the late 20th century under CEO Michael Eisner, who aimed for a premium offering. The Victorian theme, inspired by classic Florida hotels, took shape with a grand lobby and elegant architecture. Upon its opening in June 1988, the resort transitioned from a four-star to a five-star designation, cementing its status as Disney's only true luxury hotel.

Room Review: Club Level Accommodations

We booked a Deluxe two-queen bed Club Level room, which turned out to be spacious—almost twice the size of a standard Club Level room. The recent renovation aimed to move away from bland aesthetics and add color, with some whimsical touches like Mary Poppins decor.

While the spaciousness is a plus, the room lacks unique decor or luxurious amenities beyond its size. The comfortable beds and linens resemble those found at moderate Disney hotels, and while there's ample seating, other factors diminish the luxury experience. An Amazon voice-activated device, which I promptly tucked away, accompanied standard amenities like a mini fridge, coffee maker, and a well-sized TV.

The balcony offers partial views of the Magic Kingdom, where you can catch fireworks—though the noise from outside is a noticeable downside, thanks to a poorly fitting door. On a positive note, the room did come with luxurious soft bathrobes.

The Downside of Luxury Expectations

However, as I delved deeper into the room's features, I found significant drawbacks. The switch from carpet to laminate flooring made the space feel uncomfortable and echoey. Bright, non-dimmable lighting only heightened this formality, lacking the coziness characteristic of upscale hotels. The fixtures appeared to be standard home improvement store items, sacrificing quality for cost-saving measures.

The bathroom was nothing special, offering a shower curtain in what is allegedly a premium space. The overall design truthfully did not reflect a luxury experience, as evidenced by overlooked design flaws and small maintenance issues.

Dining and Club Level Perks

We were keen to explore the Royal Palm Club and its perks. A personal concierge welcomed us with a non-alcoholic drink and directed us to our room, reinforcing the sense of exclusivity.

The Club Lounge itself recently underwent a transformation, providing breakfast and snack options throughout the day, along with evening offerings that attempted to meet luxury standards but often fell short. While complimentary wine and beer stabilized the beverage offerings, the overall selection lacked the variety found in competing luxury hotels.

Amenities and Activities

Guests benefit from the sprawling grounds, trails, and beautiful architecture at the Grand Floridian. There are two pools and Beach area, but neither compares favorably to rival resorts, such as the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. While nighttime fireworks provide a picturesque scene, the hotel underwhelms in luxury amenities and ambiance.

Dining options are plentiful, with ten bars and restaurants. Signature dining experiences like Victoria & Albert's represent the hotel’s premium offerings, starting at $ 300 per person, but service levels often struggle to match price expectations.

Lobby Splendor vs. Recent Changes

The lobby is undoubtedly impressive, boasting a stunning 85-foot height adorned with exquisite chandeliers. Live music used to fill the air from an orchestra, creating a truly luxurious atmosphere. Unfortunately, recent renovations led to the replacement of this musical tradition with a themed bar, detracting from the unique character that made the Grand Floridian special.

Moreover, poor maintenance has been visibly apparent in areas, undermining the reputation of a luxury establishment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?

Staying at the Grand Floridian is undoubtedly a unique experience, but my overall evaluation leans towards disappointment. At the price point of $ 1,221 for a Club Level room, I expected a level of luxury and comfort that was largely absent.

Scorecard:

• Location: 8/10
• Amenities: 9/10
• Luxury: 5/10
• Service: 6/10
• Value: 2/10

Total Score: 30/50

While I believe staying here can be worthwhile for a visit, I wouldn't recommend it as a long-term stay option given the price and overall experience. Better options exist both within and outside of Disney property.

Keywords

Disney Grand Floridian, Flagship hotel, luxury accommodations, Club Level, renovation, amenities, location, dining options.

FAQ

Q: Is the Grand Floridian really worth the money?
A: While it offers unique experiences, the value compared to other luxury hotels is questionable, especially considering the high prices and lack of certain luxury features.

Q: What amenities does the Grand Floridian offer?
A: Amenities include multiple pools, dining options, and beautiful grounds, but they don't necessarily match the expectations for a luxury hotel.

Q: How does the Club Level compare to other luxury options?
A: Club Level offers private concierge service and lounge access, but its food selection and service may not be on par with other luxury hotels.

Q: How much can you expect to pay for a room?
A: Prices vary widely, starting around $ 585 for standard rooms and can go up to several thousand for premium suites.

Q: What dining options are available at the Grand Floridian?
A: The resort has multiple dining experiences, including casual eateries and fine dining establishments, but many are expensive.