Credit: Frank Phillips, FlickrOn paper, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is supposed to be the top choice of Walt Disney World’s hotel lineup — an elegant, Victorian-style getaway just steps from Magic Kingdom.
The price tag reflects that prestige, too, with basic rooms often topping $700 a night or more. But talk to enough guests who’ve stayed there recently, and you’ll find a growing number who feel like the Grand Flo’s magic doesn’t quite match its marketing. Some even go so far as to say they walked away feeling “scammed.”
Price Tag Without the Payoff
Luxury hotels are supposed to make you feel like the splurge was worth it. At the Grand Floridian, though, the premium price doesn’t always translate to premium comfort. Guests expecting hushed hallways and serene nights are often surprised at how noisy it can be. The resort’s walls are noticeably thinner than what you’d typically expect from a Disney Deluxe Resort, making it easy to hear hallway chatter, neighboring rooms, and even the faint hum of boat horns from Seven Seas Lagoon.
One guest summed it up bluntly:
“I could hear the couple in the next room arguing, and honestly, they weren’t even talking that loud. For $800 a night, I don’t want to be able to hear conversations happening next door.”
Another added:
“It felt more like a mid-range hotel with fancy wallpaper.”
The “Luxury” Outdoor Trek
Many visitors are also caught off guard by just how much walking — outdoors — is required to get to their rooms. The property’s buildings are spread out, which might be fine in perfect weather, but in Florida’s reality of humidity or sudden downpours, the trek can feel exhausting.
“By the time we finally got to our building after the parks, the kids were crying, I was sweating through my shirt,” they said. “It’s like Disney’s most expensive outdoor cardio class.”
Monorail Woes Are a Problem
The Grand Floridian’s Monorail access is a big selling point — but it’s only truly convenient for Magic Kingdom. If your plans lean heavily toward EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, the location becomes a drawback. The Monorail to and from EPCOT stops at the TTC, meaning you have to change lines to get back to your resort.
That Monorail perk also loses its luster fast when the park closes. Because the Grand Floridian is the last stop on the loop after Magic Kingdom, you’ll watch the Monorail head to the Contemporary and Polynesian before you get anywhere near your room.
A frequent visitor recalled:
“It was late at night, my toddler was asleep in my arms, and I still had to stand in line for half an hour just to get on. By the time we made it back, it was close to midnight.”
Holiday Crowds That Aren’t Even Staying There
The Grand Floridian’s elaborate seasonal displays — like its massive gingerbread house at Christmas or intricate Easter egg exhibits — are tourist magnets. The problem? Many of those tourists aren’t resort guests.
One Christmas guest said, “I was excited to relax in the lobby with a hot chocolate, but it felt like I was at a mall during Black Friday. I couldn’t even find a seat.”
For some travelers, the Grand Floridian still checks all the right boxes — beautiful architecture, elegant dining, and unmatched proximity to Magic Kingdom. But for others, the thin walls, logistical headaches, and surprise inconveniences make that sky-high nightly rate feel hard to justify.
Disney Deluxe Resorts That Are Worth The Money
If you’re looking for the best Disney Deluxe Resorts that are worth spending the extra money, here’s our top list:
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Disney’s Beach Club & Yacht Club Resorts – Unbeatable location with walking access to EPCOT, plus Stormalong Bay, one of the best resort pools on property.
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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Steps from both EPCOT and the Skyliner, with lively entertainment and dining right outside your door.
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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Cozy, nature-inspired theming and a peaceful lakeside setting that still offers convenient boat access to Magic Kingdom.
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Iconic island vibes, direct Monorail access, and some of the best dining options at Disney World.
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Disney’s Riviera Resort – Elegant design with a European flair, modern rooms, and the only Deluxe Resort that has Skyliner access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.