Review: The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Page 6

(For the first page of this review of the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, click here.)

SERVICES AND AMENITIES AT THE VILLAS AT DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are in a smaller 5-6 story T-shaped building at the south end of the property.

See the map, where they are at the bottom right.

To get to them by car, turn right after the security gate, and park behind the spa Senses. This is much more convenient than the lousy self-parking at the main Grand Floridian Resort

The lot requires a key card or MagicBand, and has an intercom to request it be opened when you arrive for check-in and don’t yet have either.

On the walkway between the lot and the Villas building is this grill and picnic area.

There’s two paths to the main Grand Floridian–this covered path, most convenient for accessing the monorail, bus stop and main lobby…

…and a path along the shore that goes straight to the Beach Pool and beach…

…main pool…

…and the dining and shops in the Grand Floridian–newly stocked with much more food–convenient for the full kitchens in the Villas.

Inside the building itself you’ll find this lobby, with check in and concierge services at the desks–though I’ve heard from some that check-in is not always available…so if you are driving, ask at the security gate…

By the way–I’ve also seen complaints that this lobby is “too small.”

Compared to what? The majority of DVC properties have no lobby at all, and this is comparable to those at the much bigger Kidani Village and Bay Lake Tower…

Also in the first floor public area is a penguin fountain……framed by other sculpture.

This meant to be reminiscent of Mary Poppins, but is far too subtle.  Me?  It just makes me think of SeaWorld.

Much more fun is the lighting above the fountain…

…especially when shot from the sixth floor.

Other interior decoration at the Grand Floridian is fluffy, but not so fussy as at the main resort. Note the carpet and wall detailing.

One somewhat off-note comes from the wall art in the common areas–most of which celebrates the Grand Floridian itself.

The Grand Floridian is Disney World’s most expensive resort, but it’s never been among the best loved or iconic hotels there…so the self-celebratory tone doesn’t work that well…

But despite these nits, the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian is a very impressive accomplishment. The floor plans in every room type are innovative and/or break new ground among DVC options at Walt Disney World, with really only Old Key West challenging them on the livability front.

But Old Key West is much weaker on resort amenities and convenience.  Since the Villas at the Grand Floridian share in the great amenities at the Grand Floridian itself, overall it becomes a top choice for families who don’t care much about its lack of distinctive kid appeal.  

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