Grand Floridian
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
What does the Grand Floridian have to offer teen visitors?
The highlights:
✔ Resort Pools
✔ Arcade
✔ Watercraft Rentals
✔ Grand Floridian Spa
✔ Tennis Courts
✔ Sandy Beach
✔ Campfire and Outdoor movies on the Poly Beach
✔ Fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant
✔ Walking path to the Polynesian
Resort Pools
The feature pool at the Grand Floridian is called the Beach Pool. It has waterfalls, a waterslide and a zero depth entry. The pool provides a “beachy” feel, because there is a long stretch of sandy beach next to the pool, great for an afternoon of swimming and sunning.
The quiet pool at Grand Floridian is called the Courtyard pool. It’s a large pool without a lot of crowds, and it’s got a hot tub.
Arcade
The Grand Floridian is known for its refined public spaces, but it’s also got great recreational options for the whole family. The arcade is open 24 hours, and contains the same mix of the newest games and old classics that you’ll find anywhere else on property. Gasparilla Grill and Games is also a quick service restaurant, which means you can easily fill your refillable mug and buy a snack!
Have a blast on Bay Lake
Rent a Sea Raycer or pontoon boat from the Marina at the Grand Floridian. If you are 16 years old, you can drive your own Sea Raycer, but your parent needs to sign a waiver if you are under 18. (Guests 12- 16, don’t worry – if you can travel to a lake elsewhere on Disney Property you’ll still be able to drive your own Sea Raycer. Lakes in the Epcot and Downtown Disney areas, or near the Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness Resort are a short distance away, and linked by Disney transportation.) A driver’s license is needed to rent a Sea Raycer at the Grand Floridian, because this marina’s watercraft are faster.)
Get pampered
The Grand Floridian Spa offers packages for teens, like the Mother and Daughter Spa Collection, or the “My First Spa Experience.”
Play some tennis or get in a workout
Hit the clay courts for a game or two, or reserve a private tennis lesson. (Don’t forget to bring a racquet! The hotel does not provide them.) You can also get in a workout in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
Watch the fireworks
There are great viewing spots for the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks around the grounds of the Grand Floridian. You can see the show from the boat dock, the deck outside of Narcoossee’s restaurant and the patio outside of Gasparilla Grill that overlooks the marina. The music that accompanies the show is piped in to these viewing areas, too.
Catch the Electric Water Pageant
From the beach at the Grand Floridian you should be able to see the floating parade of lighted barges around 9:15PM. Grab a hammock and relax while you wait!
Go for a run
Or you can walk if that’s more your speed. There is a scenic 1-mile path that leads from the Grand Floridian to the Polynesian. You’ll pass the Disney Wedding Pavilion along the way. For a more relaxing trip over, hop on the water taxi to the Polynesian. If you run out of things to do at your hotel, you can easily go explore another!
Snacks around the resort
The Grand Floridian Resort offers a refillable mug. Once you purchase the mug, you can enjoy unlimited free refills from the restaurant at the Arcade, for the rest of your stay. Whether you’re on a dining plan, or have a little bit of spending money, there are great snacking opportunities around the resort in the $1 – $4 price range. Grab some fruit, or a famous Mickey shaped rice krispie treat.
Ride the ‘rail
The monorail will take you to the Magic Kingdom, or you can visit the Contemporary or Polynesian resorts. If you ride to the Transportation and Ticket Center, you can even catch the Epcot monorail.
