Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
83
reach. Public areas were updated and renovated in 2008. Notable changes include the
addition of the Wave, a new full-service restaurant; and a new high-tech (think touch-
screen ordering) quick-service eatery. The pool is far less spectacular than most (it is,
however, large and has a wading pool for toddlers with a small beach area). On the plus
side, the rooms can fit up to five people instead of the usual four (though space will be
tight). Kid-friendly facilities include a playground with a good-size sandbox and a pretty
decent arcade (now located on the main concourse). The best views are from the upper
floors of the tower (9th floor and up), where the rooms are a tad quieter than those on
the lower floors, which are exposed to noisy public areas and the monorail (which runs
right through the hotel). Come here for dinner at
Chef Mickey's
(p. 178) or the
Cali-
fornia Grill
(p. 151), but if you have only very young kids, you may be better off check-
ing into accommodations elsewhere.
Note:
At press time, construction was wrapping up on the
Bay Lake Tower
—the
newest member of the Disney Vacation Club resorts and sibling to the Contemporary.
Connected by sky bridge to the existing resort (its restaurants, shops, and the monorail),
the Bay Lake Tower sports a swanky rooftop lounge, a viewing deck (think fireworks), a
full-service restaurant (yet to be named), and lakeside pool and water play area. Spacious
public areas, accents of modern artwork, trendy suite-style rooms, and an innovative
contemporary design add up to Disney chic from top to bottom.
4600 N. World Dr. (P.O. Box 10000), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000.
&
407/939-6244
or 407/824-1000.
Fax 407/824-3539. www.disneyworld.com. 1,008 units. $280-$835 double; $910-$2,030 suite. Extra per-
son $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $10;
self-parking free.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; grill; 4 lounges; babysitting; concierge; concierge-level
rooms; golf course (nearby); small health club & spa; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor heated pools; kids' pool; water-
sports equipment rentals; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee;
limited Wi-Fi (fee).
In room:
A/C, TV, CD/DVD (concierge-level), fridge, hair dryer, microwave (concierge-
level), Wi-Fi (fee).
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Moments
From the moment you
step into the opulent five-story domed lobby, you'll feel as if you've slipped back to an
era that started with the late 19th century and lasted through the Roaring Twenties, when
a guy named Gatsby was at the top of his game. Expect tea to be served in the afternoon
(3-6pm daily), while a piano runs the spectrum from lullabies to ragtime; then, as the
evening arrives, a small, '40s-style band takes the helm upstairs. The Floridian has
become the romantic choice for couples, especially honeymooners, who like luxuriating
in the first-class spa and health club—one of the top two in WDW (the other is the one
at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort; see below). Families, however, will appreciate the
extensive recreational facilities, including the large children's pool and play area, as well
as the children's programs (including a nightly campfire and movies under the stars) and
4
Moments
A Piece of Yesterday, Today
The
Grand 1,
the Grand Floridian's 52-foot Sea Ray yacht, is available for hire for
groups of up to 18. It cruises Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, where in the eve-
nings you can see the Magic Kingdom's Fantasy in the Sky fireworks or arrange a
gourmet-dinner cruise. Voyages cost $480 per hour (dinner and a personal butler
at an additional cost), including a captain and deck hand (
&
407/824-2439
or
407/824-2682).
