Grand Floridian with Kids: Ultimate Parents’ Guide (2024)

When it came time to choose where we’d stay for our next family Disney World trip, the Grand Floridian Resort caught my eye. 

It’s known as Disney’s flagship resort, and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is this too upscale for a family trip? 

Will my kids actually enjoy it, or is it more suited for adults?” 

These doubts had me second-guessing. But, as it turns out, staying at the Grand Floridian with kids was one of the best decisions we made! 

In this blog post, I’m going to share why the Grand Floridian is actually a fantastic spot for families with kids. 

Plus, I’ve got some great tips for making the most of your stay at the Grand Floridian with your little ones. 

Stay tuned to find out how this “fancy” hotel surprised us by being the perfect family getaway!

Reasons to Stay at Walt Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort With Kids

1. Spacious Rooms

• Just Right for Families: First off, the rooms at the Grand Floridian are designed with families in mind. They’re spacious, which means everyone has enough room to spread out and relax without feeling cramped. This was great for my family of four; we never felt like we were on top of each other.

• Sleeps Five Comfortably: One of the best features? The rooms come with a pull-down sleeper, perfect for accommodating a family of five. This extra sleeping space is a lifesaver, especially when you’ve got kids who need their own bed.

• Fresh and New: The rooms have been recently renovated, adding a fresh, modern touch to the classic Mary Poppins theming the Grand Floridian is known for. 

• Room with a View: Each room also comes with its own balcony.  You can book a garden view or a theme park view.  It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the parks or to catch a bit of the fireworks if you have a park view.

2. Kid-friendly Restaurants

• Character Dining is Back: Let’s start with the exciting news—character dining at 1900 Park Fare is making a grand return following a 4-year closure from Covid! Imagine the sparkle in your kids’ eyes as they meet characters from “Encanto,” “Aladdin,” “Cinderella,” and “Tiana.” And yes, you absolutely must try the strawberry soup; it’s as delightful as it sounds.

• Gasparilla Island Grill: For those moments when you need something convenient (and isn’t this always, with kids?), Gasparilla Grill comes to the rescue. This spot is perfect for grabbing something quick yet utterly delicious. The mac and cheese? My kids couldn’t get enough of it. 

• Grand Floridian Cafe: Now, let me tell you about an underrated gem—the Grand Floridian Cafe. If you’re looking for a place to grab breakfast, this is it. The ambiance is relaxed, the food is superb, and its usually pretty easy to get a dining reservation.  

• Other Dining Options: While the Grand Floridian boasts other dining venues like Narcoosees and Citricos, they may not always hit the mark for families with young children. They’re great spots for adults to enjoy a meal, but you might find them less accommodating to the little ones’ tastes and patience levels.

3. Pools

• Beach Pool: This pool is awesome for kids because it has a zero-depth entry, making it easy for your little swimmers to enter.  It has a water slide that’s a hit with the kids and, let’s be honest, adults, too. 

• Alice’s Splash Pad: Got little ones? They’re going to love the Alice in Wonderland splash area. My toddlers couldn’t get enough of the water sprays and all the fun water buckets. 

• Quiet Pool: The courtyard pool is more laid-back than the beach pool and is perfect for your family if you just want to relax or swim without too much noise.

• Towels and Life Jackets: No need to worry about bringing towels or life jackets; they have them right there at the pools. It makes everything so much easier, so you can just focus on having fun

4. Beach Area:

• Real Sand Beach: First off, the beach is a real sand beach right by the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can build sandcastles, relax in a beach chair, and just enjoy the view.

• Games on the Beach: Love playing games? There’s volleyball and cornhole set up on the beach for some friendly family competition. It’s a great way to spend time together when not at the theme parks.

• Heads Up: While the beach is fantastic, it’s important to know that swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon is prohibited. However, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of fun to be had on the sand.

5. Proximity to Magic Kingdom Theme Park

• Just a Hop, Skip, and a Jump Away: The Grand Floridian is practically neighbors with Magic Kingdom. This means less time traveling and more time enjoying the magic.  You can see the fireworks and the iconic castle from the hotel grounds. 

• Walk to Magic Kingdom: One of the best perks of staying at the Grand Floridian with your kids is the walking path directly to Magic Kingdom. My family utilized this daily. It’s a game-changer. Not only is the walking path pleasant, but it’s also super convenient, especially at the end of a long, fun-filled day.

• Skip the Post-Fireworks Rush: Speaking of convenience, imagine watching the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom and then walking back to your room, bypassing the crowds scrambling for buses or monorails.

6. Convenient Transportation Options to the Theme Parks:

• Monorail: First up, the monorail. With its own monorail station at the hotel, you can head straight to Magic Kingdom.  Bonus: with a quick transfer, you can head over to Epcot too. My kids loved riding the monorail as much as any ride at the parks. It’s fast, fun, and gives you a great view of the Disney grounds.

• Boat to the Kingdom: Want to travel to the Magic Kingdom via boat? The Grand Floridian offers its own boat dock, where you can ride directly to the Magic Kingdom. There’s something special about arriving at the theme park by water.

• Bus Rides: Heading to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom? No problem! The bus system has you covered. Buses from the Grand Floridian are frequent, making it easy to explore all that Disney World has to offer. It’s straightforward and efficient and gets you right to action without worrying about parking.

7. Kid-Friendly Activities:

• Daily Activity Schedule: To make the most out of your stay, keep an eye on the daily activity schedule. The Grand Floridian offers a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the day. From arts and crafts to Disney trivia, there’s always something happening to keep your family entertained and engaged while not at the theme parks. 

• Courtyard Games: The courtyard at the Grand Floridian is like a playground of fun for kids.  Here, you can find giant versions of your favorite games all set up and ready to play. There’s Jenga and Connect 4.  Don’t forget about lawn bowling and if you are in the mood for a quick ping pong match, tables are available for a family tournament. 

• Sports and More: For the kids who love a bit of sporty action, the Grand Floridian has its own basketball court where they can use the complimentary basketballs provided by the resort. And for gamers, the arcade is a hit. Filled with a variety of games, it’s a cool spot for kids to enjoy some video game action.

8. Access to water sports on Seven Seas Lagoon. 

• Boat Rentals: How cool would it be to drive a boat around with your family? You can rent different kinds of boats right there at the Grand Floridian Marina.  Your kids will have a blast cruising around the water. 

• Go Fishing: Ever tried fishing at Walt Disney World? You can here, and it’s pretty awesome. They have guided fishing excursions where someone shows you the ropes.  Each excursion let’s you catch and release the fish and comes with all the equipment you will need.

• Awesome Views: Even if you decide to stay on dry land, the views of the Seven Seas Lagoon are really beautiful. You can see the Magic Kingdom right from the shore. It’s a great spot to snap family photos or just chill and relax.

9. Fireworks Viewing

• Prime Spots: The best places to catch the fireworks without even having to step into the park? Head over to the Gasparilla Island Grill patio or Narcoossee’s deck. These spots are the best Grand Floridian viewing spots.

• Fireworks Soundtrack: And guess what makes it even better? They play the soundtrack to the fireworks right there. It’s like being in the park but without the crowds.

• A Special Experience:  If you want to splurge, you can book a theme park view hotel room and watch the fireworks right from your balcony. Your kids will love making an evening out of it, grabbing a snack, and cozying up for the show.

10. Electric Water Pageant:

• What is it? The Electric Water Pageant is a glowing, floating parade that lights up the Seven Seas Lagoo. It’s not something you see every day. The parade features sea creatures, mythical beasts, and even iconic Disney characters, all lit up and moving to the music. 

• Nightly schedule: The cool part? This parade happens every night, so you have plenty of chances to see it. It’s a wonderful way to cap off your day at Disney. My son was absolutely thrilled by the Electrical Water Parade. It became a nightly ritual for him to dash outside our hotel room to catch a glimpse of the parade.

• Where to Watch: For the best views, make your way to the boat dock near Narcoossee’s. It’s a prime spot for watching the parade float by. You get a clear, up-close look at all the illuminated figures. 

11. Evening Activities for the Family

• Campfire Nights: Every night, on the beach of the Grand Floridian, families gather around a warm campfire. It’s a lovely time to relax, chat with other families, and enjoy the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows. And yes, you get marshmallows to roast right there, and you can even buy s’more packages to make the experience sweeter. 

• Movie Under the Stars: Then, on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, the night gets even more magical with an outdoor movie. They show a Disney movie.  Its the perfect end to your Disney Day and was a highlight to our Disney World vacation.  

• Check the Schedule: These activities are a must-do, so make sure to check the activity schedule when you arrive. It’ll give you all the details you need about what movie is playing, showtimes, and any other special activities that might be happening.

12. Size of the Resort:

• Not Too Big: Unlike some of the bigger Disney resorts, the Grand Floridian’s size means you won’t have to walk a ton to get to your room, the pool, or anywhere else you want to go. It’s really handy, especially after a long day at the parks. Because it’s not too big, kids can have a little freedom to explore without getting lost.

• Stroller Friendly: Because of its manageable size, you won’t wear your body out dragging your stroller from your room to the lobby and back again. This was definitely a plus for my family, as we had a double stroller. Compared to our stay at some other larger Disney resorts, we definitely appreciated this perk. 

Tips for Staying at the Grand Floridian with Kids:

Staying at the Grand Floridian with kids is bound to be a magical experience, but a few insider Grand Floridian Resort tips can make your Walt Disney World trip even more enjoyable. 

1. Book Early: Secure your room as far in advance as possible for the best rates and availability, especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons.

2. Download the My Disney Experience App: Before you arrive, download the app to manage dining reservations and Genie+ selections and check wait times for rides.

3. Bring or Rent a Stroller: Even if your kids are good walkers, a stroller can be a lifesaver for long days at the parks and getting around the resort.

4. Request a Room Strategically: If you prefer convenience, request a room close to the main building or monorail for easier access to dining and transportation.

5. Take Advantage of Morning Hours: Resort guests can use early entry to enjoy the parks when they’re less crowded.  Also, because the Grand Floridian is considered a Deluxe resort, you will have access to extra magic hours on select evenings of your stay. This is an excellent perk that lets you enjoy the parks without massive crowds. 

6. Use the In-Room Refrigerator: Stock up on snacks and drinks for early mornings or late-night munchies, especially since kids can get hungry at unpredictable times.

7. Take Midday Breaks: Head back to the resort in the afternoon for a rest or pool time. It can help recharge everyone for evening activities.  

8. Explore the Grounds: Take a leisurely walk around the resort’s beautiful grounds. It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

9. Ask the Concierge for Help: Whether you need dining recommendations or help planning your day, the resort’s concierge service is there to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions for Families Staying at the Grand Floridian

Final Thoughts: 

I have to say, my initial worries were completely unfounded. This place is absolutely fantastic for families looking for a great hotel on their disney vacation. 

It’s got all the Disney magic you could want plus some convenient perks that will make your stay special. 

We had a blast doing everything from watching movies under the stars to chilling at the pools.  

It was the perfect retreat after long days at the theme parks. 

So, to all the families out there wondering if the Grand Floridian is the right choice for you and your kiddos, I say go for it.  

You won’t be disappointed. 

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