Grand Floridian with Kids: Ultimate Parents’ Guide (2025)

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? 

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 for families. 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 is that the rooms come with a pull-down sleeper, perfect for accommodating a family of five. This extra sleeping space is a lifesaver, especially when kids need their own beds.

• 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: 1900 Park Fare is the perfect place to go if you want to dine with popular characters like Mirabel from Encanto, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Tiana.” And yes, you absolutely must try the strawberry soup. Sooo yummy.

• 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 and tasty. 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 great, and it’s 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: Your little ones will 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 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 focus on having fun

4. Beach Area:

• Real Sand Beach: First off, the beach has real sand and is 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.

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.

• 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 other ride at the parks. It’s fast, fun, and gives a great view of the Disney.

• Boat to the Kingdom: Want to travel to the Magic Kingdom via boat? The Grand Floridian offers its boat dock, where you can ride directly to Magic Kingdom.

• Bus Rides: Heading to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom? No problem! Buses depart from the Grand Floridian and are frequent at both. It’s straightforward and efficient, and you won’t have to worry about parking.

7. Kid-Friendly Activities:

• Daily Activity Schedule: Check the daily activity schedule. The Grand Floridian offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, games, and other activities throughout the day.

• 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 are Jenga and Connect 4.  Don’t forget about lawn bowling; 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: Have you 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 lets 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 stunning. You can see 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.

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. You will appreciate this 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. We definitely appreciated this perk compared to our stay at some other larger Disney resorts. 

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 soon as possible for the best rates and availability, especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons. I can help you book a room as well as any vacation package through Fantastical Vacations Travel Agency.

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. This excellent perk 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.

If booking your Disney Vacation Seems Overwhelming. I can help.

Frequently Asked Questions for Families Staying at the Grand Floridian

Final Thoughts: 

I have to say that 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.  

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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