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Location
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Magic Kingdom Resort Area
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Category
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Deluxe Resort
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Theme
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Turn-of-the-(last)-Century Seaside resort. Beautiful Victorian buildings – gleaming white with red tiled roofs. The Crown Jewel of Disney Resorts and home to the only 5 diamond restaurant in Orlando – Victoria & Albert’s. White sandy beaches, yachts berthed at the docks – yes it oozes sophistication and luxury.
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Central Building
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The Main Building has Registration, shopping and most of the dining.
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Resort Layout
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Five other buildings have the guest rooms: Big Pine Key, Boca Chica, Sugarloaf Key, Conch Key and Sago Cay.
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There is also a Convention Center outside the Main Building
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Facts & History
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Opening Year
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1988
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| History |
Built on the Site originally planned for the "Asian Resort". A roughly square piece of land that jutted into the Seven Seas lagoon was intended for Walt Disney World's Fifth resort. Alas, it sat untouched for 17 years before becoming the crown jewel of all WDW resorts. For more information about the Asian Resort, please visit Widen Your World |
| In 2001 a new pool opened along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Beach pool added a much needed place for the little ones to play with a water slide, pop jets and waterfalls. For the adults, cabanas were built that are available for rent with varying degrees of services. |
| Originally known as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort until 1997. |
| Rooms renovated in 2007. |
| Design |
Designed in the tradition of America's "Grand Hotels," based on such 19th Century hotels as the Del Coronado in San Diego, Calif., and the now-demolished Ormond Beach Hotel in Ormond Beach, Fla. |
| Tidbits |
Just south of the Grand Floridian is the Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion - A lovely Victorian building for wedding ceremonies. Around the backside of the building, you will find an archway that frames Cinderella's Castle in the distance - for that perfect, romantic picture. Next to the circle driveway is Frank's (named for the Wedding Planner from "Father of the Bride"), a Wedding boutique with everything you'll need for your Fairytale wedding - from The Dress to Flowers to Cake to place cards. When there is no wedding scheduled, you are welcome to wander the Pavilion Island and buildings. The Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion opened in July 1995. |
| Christmastime |
For the Holidays, the Grand Atrium is home to a three story tall Christmas Tree decked with Victorian ornaments. A life-sized Gingerbread house is constructed every year. It is sided and shingled with real gingerbread and decorated with fondant and marzipan flowers, Santa's and holly. Inside is a little shop that sells gingerbread. Around the resort are gardens of poinsettias, white 'tree-branch' reindeer that twinkle at night and Christmas trees covered in Victorian antique-style ornaments. |
Types of rooms
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Garden
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448 Sq ft. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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448 Sq ft. King bed, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed.
Accommodate 3 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Lagoon
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448 Sq ft. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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448 Sq ft. King bed, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, bench, daybed.
Accommodate 3 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Magic Kingdom view
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448 Sq ft. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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448 Sq ft. King bed, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, bench, daybed.
Accommodate 3 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Sugar Loaf Club
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448 Sq ft. Club Level room. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV/DVD, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed. Concierge amenities available.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Royal Palm Club
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448 Sq ft. Club level room. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV/DVD, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed. Concierge amenities available.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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?? Sq ft. Club level, Deluxe room. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV/DVD, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed. Concierge amenities available.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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?? Sq ft. Club level, Deluxe room. King bed, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with plasma TV/DVD, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed. Concierge amenities available.
Accommodate 3 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Suites
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Several suites are available. Inquire for more information.
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Handicapped
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Sq ft. King, Roll-in shower & toilet, double vanity, desk with chair, dresser with TV, nightstand, bench, fold-down daybed.
Accommodate 3 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Additional fee for each person over 2 people per room. No charge for children under 17 staying with adults.
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All Disney resorts are smoke free. Smoking allowed in designated locations.
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All rooms have private balconies or patios.
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Room amenities
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Mini-refrigerator, Hair dryer, in-wall safe, coffee maker & coffee/tea packets, refrigerator, TV with limited cable, alarm clock radio/CD player, iron & board, phone with voicemail and ceiling fan. Newspaper on weekdays. Grand Floridian logo toiletries.
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| Club Level amenities include Club Level check in & assistance 7:00am-10:00pm; Secured key access to club level; nightly turndown service, upgraded bathroom toiletries, free fax service, Refreshments in Concierge Lounge, library of Disney movies at Concierge desk. |
| Club Level guests can request a 'Private Pantry' - stocked refrigerator and snacks in their room for a fee. |
| Resort ‘newsletter’, ??, includes dining, shopping, and recreation info for the resort. Also has other important resort information and phone numbers. Updated daily. |
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Robes, turn-down service standard
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Grand Floridian specific toiletries
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High-speed internet for a fee
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| Microwave available by request |
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Full size Crib and bed boards/rails available by request
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Connecting rooms available. Put in your request when booking your room; they are not guaranteed.
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Registration
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Check in
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room guaranteed by 3:00pm
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Check out
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by 11:00am
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Late check out
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can be requested the night before check-out
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Early arrival
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Be sure to Check-in at the Registration desk upon arrival, the room may be ready early, or at the very least they'll give a phone number you can call from any house phone in WDW to get you're room number - therefore you don’t have to go back to the registration desk.
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Express Check out
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Upon arrival you can leave a credit card on your room account. It can then be used to make charges to your room during your stay. And then, the morning you leave, an itemized bill will be on your door handle. If there are any problems, then you can contact the Front Desk - otherwise you're all set and can leave without going back to Registration.
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Magical Express
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For those of you flying into Orlando Intl Airport, Disney is making it even easier to get to their World. You’re given special tags to put on your luggage. Then when you arrive in Orlando, just get on the Magical Express bus – they’ll take you to your resort to check in. You go off and have fun, and you’re bags show up in your room later that day. Before your departure, you'll get a letter saying when you should be at the lobby to check your bags and catch your bus to the airport.
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What you get at check in
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Resort Map: Shows Grand Floridian resort, spa and wedding pavilion.
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"Your Guide to the Magic" with dining, shopping, recreation and WDW property map
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WDW Theme Park times Guide
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Key to the World -- your room key not only opens your room, but is also your early entry ID, charge-to-room card, and perhaps your theme park ticket – Don’t Loose It
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If you drove, then you’ll get a parking pass – use it or your room key to park for free at the theme parks, and also to get through the security gate back at your resort.
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What to ask for
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Wild About Safety coloring book for kids (or big kids)
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Theme Park maps
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Any special activities at the resort, or kids activities
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Resort amenities
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Lobby Concierge
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your source for tickets, dining priority seating, dinner shows, recreation reservations, fishing or fireworks cruises, and other information
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Business Services
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full services available in the Convention Center
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Bell Services
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Valet, luggage service, taxi & limo
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Valet Parking
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Available for a daily fee
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Airline Check-in
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On the day of your flight you can print out your boarding passes for select airlines. Located inside Registration lobby.
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Laundry
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Laundry facilities are in each building. Laundry services also available for pick-up/drop-off in your room.
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Fitness Center
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Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club. Located south of Main Building. No additional fee for resort guests.
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Salon
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Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club. Full Spa Treatments. Located south of Main Building. Call 407-824-2332
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Ivy Trellis Beauty & Barber Shop – located on the 2nd floor of the Main Building
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Child Care
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Mouseketeer Club available from 4:30pm to midnight. Located across from Marina in Main Building. Access from outside only. Call 407-824-2985 for reservations.
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Misc Services
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ATM, Pre-paid phone cards, Stamps & postal box are located inside Main Building.
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Wifi
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Main Building lobby, Convention Center lobby and 4th Floor Concierge lobby.
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Ice & Vending Machines
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Located near the elevators in each building.
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Wheelchair rental
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As a guest of the resort, you can request a length-of-stay wheelchair rental. A refundable deposit is given at Lobby Concierge and you are given use of a push-style wheelchair for the length of your stay. Available on a first-come first-serve basis.
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Recreation
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Pools
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Beach Pool has slide and zero-entry.
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Courtyard Pool, spa and kiddie pool
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Towels available at each pool
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| Life jackets available free of charge. Located at Courtyard Pool. |
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Beach
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There is no swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon.
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Arcade
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Gasparilla Grill & games arcade – located in Main Building. Access from outside, near Marina
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Rentals & Sports
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Captain’s Shipyard Marina -
Powered boats
sail boats
surrey bikes/bicycles
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Cruises available from Captains Shipyard Marina
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Tennis Courts – located South of Main Building by Spa & Health Club
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Volleyball & Croquet – check out equipment by Courtyard Pool
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Fishing – available at the Marina
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Playground
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Not available at this resort
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Jogging trails
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Pathways follow along the Lagoon to the Polynesian and continuing on to the Ticket & Transportation Center. Also a sidewalk follows the roadway to the Polynesian. Inquire at Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club.
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Children’s activities
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Arts & crafts by the pool. Inquire at check in or with Pool Staff
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Wonderland Tea Party, Pirate Adventure Cruise and Kid Adventures in Cooking for additional fee
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Lady Bug Release every Thursday at 11am in the 1900 Park Fare herb garden
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Story time and crafts at M. Mouse Mercantile – inquire at store.
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| Hair wraps |
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| Pressed penny machines |
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Temporary tattoos
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Located at Beach Pool
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Portrait artist
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Located at rear of Main Building.
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Disney movies
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Playing near Registration Desk.
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Other Entertainment
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The Electrical Water Pageant can be seen off the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon nightly at 9:15pm
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Piano Player and brass band play nightly in the Grand Atrium lobby.
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Dining
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1900 Park Fare
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Buffet style – character dining for breakfast and dinner. Priority seating highly suggested for character dining. Sitting in the middle of the restaurant is ‘Big Bertha’, a 100 year old band organ that will still strike up a tune. Located on 1st floor of Main Building
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Breakfast 8:00am-11:00am
Dinner 4:30pm-8:20pm
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Grand Floridian Café
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Table Service. Classic American fare. Located on 1st floor of Main Building
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Breakfast 7:00am-11:30am
Lunch 11:30am-2:00pm
Dinner 5:00pm-9:00pm
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Victoria & Alberts
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5-diamond Table Service. Jacket for men, dress for ladies. Located on 2nd floor of Main Building.
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2 seating times for dinner
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Citricos
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Fine Dining. Mediterranean flavors. Located on 2nd floor of Main Building
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Dinner 5:30pm-9:30pm. Closed select nights.
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Narcoossee’s
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Fine Dining. Primarily seafood. Located outside near Marina on shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
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Dinner 5:30pm-10:00pm
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Gasparilla Grill & Games
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Counter-service. Typical fast food, desert & snacks. Located across from marina in Main Building. Access from outside only.
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Breakfast 6:30am-11:00am
Lunch/Dinner 11:00am-11:30pm
Open 24 hours a day
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The Garden View Lounge
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Serving High Tea. Located on 1st floor of Main Building
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Afternoon High Tea from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
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My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Sun, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10:30am to noon.
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Mizner’s Lounge
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Full service bar. Located on 2nd floor of Main Building.
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5:00pm-midnight
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Citricos Lounge
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Full service bar. Located on 2nd floor of Main Building in Citricos Restaurant
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5:30pm-9:30pm. Closed select nights
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Narcoossee’s Lounge
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Full service bar. Located outside at Narcoossee’s Restaurant on shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon
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5:30pm-10:00pm
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Courtyard Pool Bar
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Full service bar. Located outside by Courtyard Pool
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Beach Pool Bar
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Full service bar, Ice Cream and snacks. Located outside by Beach pool
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In room Dining
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Full selection of entrees, deserts and beverages.
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Breakfast 6:00am-11:00am
Lunch 11:00am-5:00pm
Dinner 5:00pm-10:00pm
Late Night 10:00pm-6:00am
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Refillable Mug
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Available for purchase and use at Gasparilla Grill & Games.
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Shopping
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Summer Lace
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Women’s resort wear. Located on 1st floor of Main Building
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Commander Porter’s
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Men’s resort wear. Located on 2nd floor of Main Building
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Basin
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Bath & body soaps and lotions. Located on 2nd floor of Main Building
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M. Mouse Mercantile
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Usual assortment of WDW souvenirs, clothes for all ages, nick-nacks, housewares, etc.
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Sandy Cove Gift & Sundry Shop
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Grand Floridian logo items/clothes. Food, drinks and various sundries available
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Poolside Cabana
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Swim gear and toys. Located by beach pool
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Disney’s Photopass
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Photopass desk on second floor next to M. Mouse Merchantile
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Package Pick-up
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Packages sent to the resort from the Theme Parks can be picked up in ???.
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Transportation
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Monorail
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Monorail station located on 2nd floor of Main Building
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This monorail goes to the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, TTC, Polynesian and Grand Floridian.
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To get to Epcot, take the monorail to the TTC, and transfer to the Epcot Monorail
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Buses
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Bus Stop is outside Main Building, to the North of the entrance
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Bus Transportation to Disney Studios, Animal Kingdom, Water Parks and Downtown Disney.
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Boat
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Dock located past Captain Shipyard Marina
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Boat transportation available to the Polynesian and Magic Kingdom.
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Walkway
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A Walkway follows the shore of the Seven Seas lagoon to the Polynesian and continues to the TTC
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Pros
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If you can swing it, staying here is sheer elegance. From the fresh flower arrangements to the piano player to the stained glass ceiling.
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If you’re gonna splurge, this is the resort to do it on.
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The Monorail!
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| The attention you receive here is outstanding – that mythical Disney treatment you’ve heard so much about. |
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Cons
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Crown Jewel resort at crown jewel prices
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I find some of the clientele to be a bit on the stuffy side – but the Cast won’t make you feel inferior.
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Other info
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My last stay was
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May 6-7, 1995
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Number of times I’ve stayed here
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1
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Address & phone
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4401 Grand Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Main: (407) 824-3000
Fax: (407) 824-3186
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