Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Orange Loop. Today we are reviewing Walt Disney World deluxe resorts.
In July of 2013, my family was able to take advantage of a special rate and stay at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I was a new Pixie Vacations travel agent, and they were having an agent get together, so we were able to get a good rate to stay at the resort. We had been here once before, but just for a dinner, and had never imagined that we would be able to actually stay here. My wife and I, after that first visit for dinner, had made a resolution that we would stay here to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We were actually able to stay here just before our 13th wedding anniversary, cutting that time in half!
The Grand Floridian is the flagship resort of Walt Disney World, but oddly enough, it isn’t an original Walt Disney World resort! It didn’t actually open for business until June 28, 1988, nearly 17 years after the Magic Kingdom opened! When I learned that, it astonished me. This resort isn’t even 30 years old yet.
However, this isn’t about the facts and figures of the resort. This story is the story of how the resort reached out, grabbed Cindy and I by the heart, and pulled us in. As I said, we were able to stay here much more quickly than we thought we would, and we were instantly impressed with the Victorian charm of this classic resort. It’s the flagship resort for Walt Disney World for a reason, and we quickly found out why when we walked into the opulent lobby of the resort.
As we entered, I kept thinking to myself, we wouldn’t be able to stay here if we didn’t have that special rate. It’s almost like the Disney Magic had been cranked up on high for us, not just for our trip, but so we could stay at this resort. The room fit Sophie, Cindy and myself perfectly — we had no issue with space or anything like that. We had a small balcony that we could go out on, but we spent most of our time away from the room to enjoy that feature.
The amenities are incredible at the resort, from signature restaurants to incredible views, great perks such as taking the boat or the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom.
This trip, though, and the appeal of this resort, wasn’t in the room, or the lobby, or the amenities, or even so much the location. The beauty of this resort is that it captured my imagination, it offered me a taste of what it would be like to stay here, and it did so in such a way that it welcomed us with open arms, and invited us to stay there again. Next month is our 15th wedding anniversary, and ten years after that — we’ll be back at the Grand Floridian, staying there for our anniversary, unless we get back there before then.
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Orange | Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Reviews Loop:
- 1st Stop – Family Travel Escapades | Bay Lake Tower
- 2nd Stop – The Delightful Life | Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
- 3rd Stop – Rolling with the Magic | Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- 4th Stop – My Dreams of Disney | Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- 5th Stop – Disney Mamas | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Kidani Village
Mike,
We have never been lucky enough to stay at the resort, but have stayed just a couple of nights at the DVC villas. It is so beautiful. I didn’t know it wasn’t one of the original resorts either. I thought it probably was.
It’s so beautiful there. It’s just so charming and calming. I love just sitting in the lobby and listening to the live music. We are staying in the Villas for the first time this November and I cannot wait.
Karen and I visit this Resort when we go but, like you, never expect to stay there. We feel it is a bit too posh for our taste. Did you ever feel out of place?
Grand Floridian is definitely on our bucket list. We love visiting and eating at their world class restaurants. Did you eat anywhere at the resort while you were there?
We have never been able to stay at Grand Floridian, but every trip we make it a point to at least hop the monorail and spend some time exploring the resort. It is just so gorgeous!
I love your story! :) We visit the Grand Floridian a lot for dinner, etc but have never stayed there. I’m really anxious to stay in the Villas with that adorable Alice in Wonderland water area!
This resort is on my to-do list. It always looks so wonderful anytime we go there but we always forget about it when we book. Hoping to get at least a night there on our next trip.