Hi Vanessa, welcome to planDisney!
If Snow White is the fairest one of all, then
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is definitely the grandest one of all the Disney Resorts Collection hotels. I've stayed at this magically elegant resort twice, but make a point to visit every chance I get. Sometimes I make it a dining destination. The
Grand Floridian Cafe is my favorite place to enjoy a Mickey waffle; you can even get one topped with a hand-breaded chicken breast and sriracha-honey drizzle. Other times, I enjoy a mid-day
shopping break on a Magic Kingdom Park day. My nose knows how to find the Basin White store (located on the second floor by the monorail station) where they offer a fragrant assortment of sugar scrubs, hand-cut soaps, and other bath products. Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys!
Access to the pools at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is exclusively for Guests staying at the resort. I know this is not the answer you were hoping for, Vanessa, but I can assure you your party of three can have just as much fun experiencing this resort without bringing your bathing suits. You can put your toes in the sand at the beach area, try your hand at some lawn games, or have an impromptu photo shoot with Cinderella Castle in the background. You can also enjoy some celebratory tunes played by the
Grand Floridian Lobby Pianist as you celebrate America's birthday. Performances are currently scheduled for 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. that day. The lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is currently undergoing refurbishment, so you may even get a sneak peek at the magical things in store for this iconic space.
Since you're probably planning on driving to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Vanessa, I recommend arriving approximately 30 minutes before your reservation. This fall, my family was almost late to our reservation at
Cítricos because we were circling the parking lot looking for an open spot. I expect a busy parking lot on July 4, as well. Valet parking is available. I'll also mention that Guests with a confirmed dining reservation should plan on parking at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel for a maximum of three hours. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy your meal and explore the resort without inconveniencing incoming Guests arriving for later dining reservations.
Enjoy your Independence Day celebration at
The Grandest Resort on Earth, Vanessa.
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer