Disney's 'fanciest hotel', the Grand Floridian, grand once more with new rooms — here's how to book
Editor’s note: Disney World provided the room for this first-look media stay. All opinions are the author's and were not reviewed by Disney.
It's a big day at Walt Disney World as the House of Mouse has debuted some brand-new, fancy rooms at one of its most famous properties. And, after a first look, I can say they appear to be absolutely fabulous.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is not only a crown jewel in the Disney World lineup of resorts in terms of being one of the most expensive and well-appointed options, but also one of the most visually recognizable properties.
Just about every kid who has been to Walt Disney World since the property opened right next to the Magic Kingdom in 1988 has spotted the sprawling resort with its Victorian-era design, white exterior and red roof.
But what you'd only know if you've been lucky enough to stay in the rooms that often start at $500-$1,000 per night is that ... it was (past) time for a refresh.
Disney must have agreed — and it did something a little differently this time with 200 of the rooms.
Instead of just getting some new furniture and flooring, Disney took some existing space in the Grand Floridian's Big Pine Key building, otherwise known as Building 9, and converted all of the existing Grand Floridian hotel rooms in that building into 200 all-new Disney Vacation Club resort studio rooms.
These brand-new studios sleep up to five and look very modern and posh, but in a way that blends with the resort's timeless aesthetic. Here's what you need to know about the brand-new Disney Grand Floridian resort studio rooms.
Related: These are the best hotels at Disney World
Style blends 'Mary Poppins' with a modern look
You'll find "Mary Poppins"-inspired touches throughout the room, which makes sense given that it's housed in the Victorian-styled resort. The touches are easy to spot but, if you aren't looking for them, they also blend into the color palette of golds, greens, blues and pinks set against the wood-tone flooring in an on-trend herringbone pattern.
A Walt Disney Imagineer at the media preview event told me that the inspiration for the style of the new rooms was to bring the gardens of the Grand Floridian into the studios.
It's pretty clear that they accomplished that goal with the use of jewel-toned floral touches that often conceal a bit of "Mary Poppins" whimsy.
For example, the green pillows below not only bring in the greenery of the outside, but they have a nod to the penguins from "Mary Poppins" that also adorn the Disney Vacation Club lobby fountain.
My favorite touch in the room is unquestionably the chandelier flanked by some clear, glass birds.
If you look closely, you'll notice ... one bird is different. Think of it as a "Hidden Mickey," penguin-style. (But yes, the room is also home to some Hidden Mickeys, so happy hunting. I won't completely spoil the surprise.)
Related: These are the best suites at Disney World
New Grand Floridian rooms sleep a family
Enough about style — what about function?
There is a variety of room and suite sizes at the Grand Floridian, but the new resort studio rooms are all the same: two queen beds and a sofa daybed.
This makes them a potential option for families of up to four or five people, as long as one is small enough for a daybed.
Unlike the DVC studios at the Polynesian Village Resort, this studio's bathroom is not a split design, but it is certainly spacious enough for a few folks to get ready at once. There is a large vanity consisting of two sinks and a tub-shower combo that is great for those with kiddos not old enough for a shower.
For prep and planning purposes, note that the tub and shower are in the same part of the bathroom in these room types.
Also note that unlike in many other DVC studios, you won't find a full kitchen in this room, though there is a minifridge and microwave. It's far more like a hotel room in design than the traditional DVC room. This is likely not a problem if you like to eat out and enjoy the best restaurants at Disney World on your trips, but it may be a drawback if you like to order groceries and cook some basic items in your room.
Other Grand Floridian DVC rooms are refreshed
Only the 200 Grand Floridian DVC resort studios have this all-new look and design, but the other DVC rooms are also refreshed.
We got to take a peek at a larger suite and it has a similar color scheme to the new rooms, but not in the same totally new way.
If you stay in a different DVC room type at the Grand Floridian, you can expect these rooms to have just had their seven-year refresh, but think of that more as some Botox rather than a total face-lift. Those larger overhauls of Disney resort rooms are on a 14-year cycle.
Regular Grand Floridian hotel rooms aren't redone
So far we have been talking about the Disney Vacation Club rooms at the Grand Floridian — and not technically the traditional hotel rooms.
Logic would state that those hotel rooms (and perhaps even some additional hotel common areas) are up next for a new look. I was unable to get any specific, hard answers from Disney other than references to "expanding magic" and similar.
All that said, I would expect work to turn to other areas of the Grand Floridian in the relatively near term, but if you book a standard hotel room right now, don't go in expecting this new look.
As a refresher, here's what the hotel rooms look like based off of two stays I had here in 2021.
Related: Things to know about the Grand Floridian at Disney World
For the price, they really aren't as grand as they could be. Hopefully, that changes soon, but for now, go in with appropriate expectations for those non-updated room types.
How to book a new Grand Floridian resort studio room
These 200 new resort studios are Disney Vacation Club rooms, but as we've covered before, you don't have to be a DVC owner to stay in a DVC room.
First, you can rent points from an owner — either on a 1:1 basis via an individual or through a larger company like David's Vacation Club Rentals. Studio rooms at the Grand Floridian start at 16 points per night and it's common for DVC points to rent close to $20 per point these days. Frankly, getting these studios for anywhere close to that rate could be a great deal compared to cash rates.
Here's a guide on how to rent DVC points to stay here or wherever you like at Disney World, and potentially save some real money in the process.
But you don't have to own or rent DVC points to stay in the new Grand Floridian resort studios — you can also book directly with Disney like you would for regular hotel rooms.
The two tricks here are to make sure you are booking this exact room type and to note that availability is limited.
In my spot checks, I'm seeing availability for the new resort studios both very close-in to the travel date and many months in advance. Rates seem to start around $700 per night, which is usually about the same as the standard hotel rooms at this resort. If given the chance with the same pricing, I'd certainly pick the new rooms.
To be sure you get the right room type (and have someone help with all the other intricacies of a modern-day trip to Disney), I'd recommend booking via a free Disney vacation planner, such as TPG's partner, Mouse Counselors.
Related: What it's like to go to Disney World right now
Bottom line
The new resort studios at Disney's Grand Floridian are beautiful, functional and modern in every way.
There are outlets everywhere, the styling is lovely and it's a room that lives up to the Grand Floridian name in a way the other rooms are struggling to do.
If you get to stay here in a new room, you're in for a treat both when you get to take the monorail directly to Magic Kingdom and when you have a fresh space to return to at the end of a long park day.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.