In all of my trips to Walt Disney World, I’ve stayed at all the varied levels of hotels – Value, Moderate and Deluxe. In all my trips, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa wasn’t ever my first choice. Sure it’s a gorgeous hotel but I just wasn’t sure how kid friendly it was. I mean, I know it’s Disney and everything is kid friendly but I always felt this resort was more for older kids and adults versus loud, rambumctious kids. After our trip in November, I couldn’t have been proved more wrong. Not only is it an exquisite resort but in my opinion, it’s the perfect resort for younger ones. Read on to see our 7 Reasons Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the Perfect Resort for Preschoolers.
I attended an all expenses paid media FAM trip in partnership with Walt Disney World. All opinions are my own.
SPACIOUS ACCOMODATIONS
The larger rooms have plenty of room for your preschooler to unwind after a long day in the park without the feeling of a small room. From the larger bathrooms to the extra large balcony, there was plenty of room for all of us to feel like we had our own space.
CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MAGIC KINGDOM
Let’s be honest, if you’re traveling with preschoolers then you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in the Magic Kingdom. This park is a preschoolers dream come true and one you’ll probably be spending quite a bit of time at. The bus transportation is great way to get around and you can even use a Minnie Van but with a stay at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort you’ll have access to not one but two easy ways to get to the November via the Monorail and by boat.
MONORAIL ACCESS
Having access to the Monorail to get back to your hotel at the end of a long day is priceless. Prior to our holiday stay in November, the busses did a great job of getting us to and from the parks. The monorail was always fun to ride on but staying at a monorail resort was never a priority of mine. Plus, let’s be honest, they are expensive.
Fast forward a few years where I now have a toddler who does’t like to wait especially after a long day in the parks, the monorail is my only choice! You can’t put a price on that kind of convenience.
TURN DOWN SERVICE
Now it may not seem like a lot, but the turn down service at The Grand Floridian is a BIG deal to a preschooler. At least mine anyway! The turn down services includes delicious Ghirardelli chocolates on the pillow each night and my preschooler just though that this was beyond exciting. It made her day to come back each night and find a piece of chocolate just for her.
CHARACTER DINING RIGHT AT THE RESORT
At 1900 Park Fare, you can indulge in a delicious meal anytime of day complete with character experiences. For breakfast, the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast package offers a festive, all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with dishes like omelets, mini pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, carved ham and more.
Guests may even meet characters as Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh. You can use the regular or deluxe dining plan here as well.
While the restaurant is closed for lunch, you can book the Wonderland Tea Party Monday thru Friday. Held in the afternoon between 2:00 – 3:00 pm, guests can dine with characters from Alice in Wonderland for an hour-long “unbirthday party.”
Guests will sip on “tea”, decorate cupcakes, make a take-home craft and have their photos taken. Dining plans are not accepted for this special activity.
For dinner, you can book Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner for a chance to meet some the Princess’ storybook friends as the honored guest of Cinderella and Prince Charming!
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AT DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT
One of my favorite features of The Grand Floridian Resort was the amount of things to do that didn’t involve the parks. This was the first resort that I’ve stayed where it felt like it was it’s own destination, somewhere I didn’t have to leave to have fun!
From the pools and jogging trails to basketball courts and arcade, there plenty for older kids to do. The movies under the stars and campfire activities are great for the whole family to relax and unwind with and I found myself not wanted to leave the resort.
With the Seven Seas Lagoon right outside your door, there are plenty of water activities like boat rentals and even fishing.
The Grand Floridian Resort has a partnership with Take Me Fishing where you can experience a day on the lake fishing! If you’re anything like my family and love fishing, then this is great news for you!
Teaching your child to fish is a great hobby and I can’t wait to go back with my kids for some fishing!
OTHER DISNEY HOTELS YOU’LL LOVE
- Art of Animation Resort
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
COOL OFF IN THE POOL
For lazy days when you want to just spend time at the pool, The Grand Floridian Resort has two pools perfect for your needs.
BEACH POOL
The larger of the two is the Beach Pool. This 111,261-gallon pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon has a 181-foot-long waterslide complete with cascading waterfalls and is a zero-depth entry pool.
There’s even a walking bridge that provides an amazing view of the pool so you can snap plenty of pictures of your little ones splashing around! There’s also a lounge and bar offering refreshments and snacks.
For the tiniest guests, little ones will love to splash it up in the adjacent aquatic play area. For added privacy,cabanas are available for rent.
COURTYARD POOL
Conveniently located behind the main building, the Courtyard Pool is a zero-entry leisure pool. The pool is heated and offers a calm and peaceful place to swim and relax. It has a maximum depth of nearly 5 feet, and features an adjacent whirlpool spa.
Lifejackets and towels are available at the pools.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa makes you feel like you are a world away but still in the center of all the magic. No matter what your reason is for staying here, you will not be disappointed!
Have you stayed in The Grand Floridian before?
Dawn
Cathy Mini
Friday 22nd of February 2019
This is a perfect hotel to have stayed after a whole day of fun at Disney.
Cathy Mini
Friday 22nd of February 2019
This is a perfect place to stay and move to another awesome day to the Disney world.
Ruth I
Friday 22nd of February 2019
Oh what a fabulous resort. Looks like everyone will have an amazing experience here.
Catalina
Friday 22nd of February 2019
OMG! What a beautiful place! You definitely feel like a princess staying there! And those pools are fantastic!
Pam
Thursday 21st of February 2019
The tea with Alice in Wonderland in the afternoon seems like fun for any age. My granddaughter, who is nearly three, would love it.