Disney's Grand Floridian is one of three monorail resorts that dot the seven seas lagoon next to the Magic Kingdom. Its white walls and red roofs are iconic, inspired by late 19th- and early 20th-century Victorian-era seaside beach resorts, specifically the Hotel del Coronado in California and the Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire. Known for its famous wedding pavillion, it has long been known as the top of all Disney stays.

The Disney Vacation Club expanded to the Grand Floridian in two phases, starting with a dedicated DVC building and later taking over the existing Big Pine Key building in its entirely. The terminology for rooms in each building can be a little confusing with studios in the DVC building being dubbed deluxe and Big Pine rooms using the resort room designation.

Both options include world-class dining, pools, and convenient monorail access to Magic Kingdom, but they provide distinctly different vacation experiences. The Big Pine rooms are hotel style and work especially well for shorter vacations, couples, and families who plan to spend most of their time enjoying the theme parks rather than preparing meals or relaxing in their room. The DVC building is designed with extended stays and larger families in mind. Studio Villas there include a kitchenette, while one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and Grand Villas feature full kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, washers and dryers, and additional storage that make longer vacations far more comfortable. Typically the Big Pine hotel rooms are easier to get.

As to not be confused here is a summary of the two buildings:

Big Pine (resort)
Hotel room experience
No larger room types
No Kitchenette
Mary Poppins color scheme

DVC Building (deluxe)
DVC Studios and larger configurations
Kitchenettes in studios
Full kitchen, living rooms and laundry rooms in larger units

If you are still confused, you are not alone. We recommend this fantastic video that compares the two room types in detail:



Food experiences at the Grand Floridian are extensive, using its iconic multi-level lobby as a gateway to several fanstastic offerings. We recommend making advanced reservations with our staff favorite buffet at 1900 Park Fare. The Grand Floridian Cafe also a fantastic choice which can be used for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. Here is a great rundown of all of GF's food locations.

With so many food choices, weddings and conventions, we do find the Grand Floridian to be one of the busiest spots in all of Disney with a lot of people going in and out constantly. As such, if you are looking for a quieter vacation, select the DVC building, as it is off to the south away from the majority of traffic.

Transportation options are impressive. You can walk directly to the Magic Kingdom and get some steps in or hop on the monorail near the lobby. Although the Monorail does link into Epcot through a line transfer, it may be quicker on most days to take the bus to Epcot if you can time it right.


Value and availability: Although pricey, DVC costs are not outragious, Studio and resort hotel rooms are a great value when you factor in the quick access to the Magic Kingdom. Avoid holiday periods to keep costs low. Availability is surprisingly good with the Big Pine rooms being the most likely to show up. Definitely try to book over 7 months out when possible.

Stay recommendations:  If you are a family or 4 or 5, do not second guess yourself when grabbing a deluxe or resort studio. If one is available, get it. Higher level view types go up in price drastically, so do not fixate as you will have a great time in any view. Book all food locations at GF early as they are WDW favorites.