Karen,
The benefits of the
Grand Floridian (GF) are numerous and definitely include the monorail access to the Magic Kingdom.
You will enjoy plush bathrobes and maids that deliver linens in wicker baskets not carts. On some mornings, they carry parasols through the courtyard. It’s beautiful!
The breath-taking lobby leads to shops and
fine dining restaurants, including the award-winning Victoria & Albert's. It’s very large but the Victorian architecture and furniture is comforting. Orchestra and piano music adds to the elegance.
I enjoy watching the fireworks from the boat dock. Dining outside the Gasparilla Grill and looking directly at the Castle is magical. The beach is a nice place to read a book and there are two pools for swimming. The marina and tennis courts add to your recreational choices.
The guestrooms are large and have mini-bars. The balconies are a nice place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the resort. The “attic” rooms are a bit smaller with enclosed balconies but they are very quaint and offer cathedral ceilings. You will enjoy marble tile bathrooms and pillow-top mattresses.
Disadvantages of the GF are harder to think of because I love it so much. But, I can tell you the bus transportation doesn’t seem as efficient as it is at other resorts. I also find the self-parking to be completely inconvenient as you actually have to cross a road to get to the parking lot. We’ve never been able to get in to our room early at this resort. At other resorts, we frequently get in to our room much earlier than the official check in time of 3 p.m. The lack of a food court with many counter service items is sometimes an inconvenience as well.
Overall, I think you’ll be quite pleased with your stay at the Grand Floridian!