Disney Vacation Club Tips

Why I love The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

When Disney Vacation Club announced the opening of the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in 2013, I jumped at the chance to make a reservation. I had been dreaming of staying in the “fancy hotel” since meeting my favorite character, Mary Poppins, at 1900 Park Fare at six years old and my Disney Vacation Club Membership could finally grant that wish. As luck would have it, we were planning a family Walt Disney World Resort vacation just weeks after the Resort’s Grand Opening, and with the quick click of a mouse, my Disney Resort dream was coming true –– we were ready to call a brand-new 2-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa “home” during our visit.

 

That week was filled with magic for my family –– we cooked a Thanksgiving dinner together in our Villa’s kitchen, celebrated my dad’s birthday, and got to share the news that a new baby boy was on the way –– but it was just the beginning of our Grand adventures. In fact, in the eight years since that first incredible visit, our family has returned to the Grand Floridian more than any other Disney Vacation Club Resort. With its charming combination of Victorian details, fantastic amenities, and world-class Disney Vacation Club accommodations (not to mention that magical view of Cinderella Castle!), it continues to enchant us each time we visit.

 

So what makes our jolly holidays at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa practically perfect in every way? For us, it’s the effortless way the Resort blends elegance and sophistication with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, so even my traveling circus feels right at home. For our family of six, the Grand Floridian’s 2-Bedroom Dedicated Villa accommodations are ideal –– the convenience of having a fully-equipped kitchen, along with three showers and separate soaking tub (plus enough space to separate everyone after a long day) is a recipe for vacation magic.

 

We also enjoy the range of dining and recreation options just steps from our door –– we can grab a quick bite at Gasparilla Island Grill, have a relaxing meal at Grand Floridian Cafe, or enjoy an upscale dinner at Citricos or Narcoose’s. The Resort is also home to two of my all-time favorite Walt Disney World Dining experiences –– the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s and character dining at 1900 Park Fare. While both of these restaurants are currently unavailable, I’m crossing my fingers for their return before our next visit. And for those days when we just want to lounge around the Resort, nothing beats using our DVC discount to reserve a poolside Cabana for an extra dose of relaxation, followed by an evening of s’mores on the beach and a movie under the stars.

 

Beyond the beautiful setting and fantastic accommodations, the thing that really makes the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa stand out for us is the ease of getting to and from Magic Kingdom Park, especially with twin toddlers in tow. We can jump on the Monorail without unloading kids and folding our double stroller –– which is a huge win in my book –– and when it’s time to head back “home”, we love using the walking path that leads directly from Magic Kingdom to the Resort. For us, skipping the wait for a bus, boat, or monorail and winding down with a peaceful stroll always feels like its own sprinkle of pixie dust after all the excitement of a long park day.

 

As crazy as it sounds, though, I think what I love most about the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is that as Disney Vacation Club Members, we can also choose not to stay there when we visit Walt Disney World Resort. With 15 Disney Vacation Club Resorts across the country, our Vacation Points allow us the flexibility to create completely unique adventures each time we vacation. After a sophisticated Grand Floridian stay, our next trip might include exploring the African Savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House or wandering through a 1940s seaside retreat at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (two of my other favorite Resorts). And now, with the stunning expansion of the Grand Floridian Villas and its all-new Resort Studio accommodations, we have a whole new piece of a Disney Vacation Club magic ready to welcome us home –– I can’t wait to see where our Membership takes us next!

 

Discounts are part of Membership Extras, which is an incidental benefit – these offers are subject to availability, change or termination and may require a fee.

 

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