The crown jewel hotel of Walt Disney World Resorts sits right next to Magic Kingdom Park. This top tier, luxury property is often thought about as one of the original hotels at the most magical place on earth. But when did the Grand Floridian open? What resort is the Grand Floridian themed after? What was filmed at the Grand Floridian? We have the answers to these and more in our overview of Grand Floridian history.

Grand Floridian History: When did the Grand Floridian open?

The crisp, white hotel next to Magic Kingdom opened in 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort.

The name was later changed in 1997.

When did Grand Floridian DVC open?

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is one of seventeen, as of 2025, Disney Vacation Club home resorts. The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opened in 2013 many years after the original hotel was built. The Grand Floridian DVC addition brought a brand new building in between the main lobby and the wedding pavilion.

How many rooms are there at the Grand Floridian?

The D23 website says there are more than 800 rooms at the Grand Floridian. It looks like this information was written before the DVC home resort took some of those rooms. Based on information Disney has shared, it looks like the Grand Floridian may now have 600 rooms not including the DVC accommodations.

How many DVC rooms at Grand Floridian?

The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has a DVC building that has 106 units. The Big Pine Key DVC addition has 200 rooms. 

What is the theme of the Grand Floridian? What is the Grand Floridian themed after?

Disney says "Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication" at this deluxe tier resort. Disney World has many resorts. Each property is classified based on its accommodations. Disney also notes the resort's "timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era."

The Victorian Era, or Victorian Age, is from 1837 to 1901 when Queen Victoria ruled over England. This represents the time period of her time on the throne, not her lifespan, as she was actually born in 1819. Architecturally, Victorian actually combines a few different looks.

One of the Grand Floridian restaurants, Victoria and Albert's, is named after the queen and her prince.

Is the band still at the Grand Floridian?

For many years, a draw of the Grand Floridian hotel was a jazz band that played each night in the lobby.

The group was sadly let go in 2020 when entertainment was slimmed down across Walt Disney World Resort.

What was filmed at the Grand Floridian? What music video was filmed at Grand Floridian?

Thunder in Paradise starring Hulk Hogan was filmed at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. 

The music video for Kokomo by The Beach Boys was filmed on the beach at the Grand Floridian. Look closely and you'll see long time Disney fan and actor John Stamos playing the drums. Where was the Kokomo video filmed? Right on the beach at the Grand Floridian next to the main lobby building. 

When was Grand Floridian refurbished?

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has been undergoing a massive refurbishment for most of the early 2020s. Each building was completely redone on the inside and outside. The rooms feature a brightly colored Mary Poppins Returns theme. In 2025, the lobby is receiving its final touches.

Did Princess Diana stay at the Grand Floridian?

The late Princess Diana took Prince William and Prince Harry to Walt Disney World Resort in 1993. The family stayed in a multi-room, club level suite that is now unofficially known as the Princess Diana suite.

How long is the walk from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom? When did the Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom open?

The Grand Floridian has always been a beloved monorail resort. Since it opened in 2020, guests can also use a walkway from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom. This walk is lengthier than it looks and can take 15-20 minutes depending on how fast you walk. 

When did Disney's Wedding Pavilion open next to the Grand Floridian?

A magical and romantic part of Grand Floridian history is the addition of Disney's Wedding Pavilion. This charming structure sits right next to the Grand along with the Disney's wedding planning studio Franck's. The Disney Wedding Pavilion opened in 1995. There are many venues couples can get married in at Walt Disney World Resort but this is the only chapel like building there and meant specifically for wedding ceremonies. The window behind the altar has a magnified feature that makes Cinderella Castle appear bigger to guests. There are subtle hidden Mickeys and Cinderella touches throughout the venue. The light blue and white interiors are graced with a stunning gold and crystal chandelier.

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