Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: An Operational Review

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World, and one of the premiere resorts among Disney owned hotels. Nearing its 40th year of operation in 2028, and having been through a number of major remodeling changes, how does this signature property compare? I’ve invited former Disney resort leader, Vance Morris, to spend some time with me on site where we look at the many offerings of this unique hotel, so proximate to Magic Kingdom. We take the time to consider the performance and challenges of its Cast, its grand Victorian setting, the processes which support a Disney-owned resort operation, as well as its many services and amenities. Is it worth the price? Let’s discuss as we provide you an operational review of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

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Let’s chat with Vance, hear a little bit about his history, and talk shop about Disney’s Grand Floridian. Below are notes that we used in reference to our discussion:

Description: Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication.

• Is it still meeting the Victorian elegance?
• Does it still stand to modern sophistication?

Does it stand as Disney’s flagship hotel?

A flagship hotel constitutes a chain’s most prestigious, iconic, and centrally located property, acting as the ultimate brand benchmark for luxury, service, and design. Included:

• Prime Location: 
• Highest Standards in service, design, guest experience
• Enhanced Amenities
• Design & Innovation
• Iconic Status

Comparative Points: 

• Marriott’s Orlando World is in terms of scale a flagship hotel or their Marquis in terms of design
• Waldorf Astoria is a flagship hotel in the Hilton brand. 
• Hotel Del Coronado “The Del” architecturally comparable/1888-1988 a Century apart

Overview

Rooms: 860 with 156 concierge-level and 25 suites. 202 Resort DVC Studios at VGF

Would this be the best hotel to stay at on property if I didn’t have access to the parks?

Consider each of the following:

Promise: You’ll stay at Disney’s Flagship hotel—It will be the best on property

People: Is there something of a higher quality among Cast Members here?

Place: What about the physical setting and environment that stands out?

Process: Are there policies, rules & guidelines that make it easier to do business here (particularly weddings or conventions)?

Product: Rooms, Restaurants, Retail, Recreation, Meeting Space, Entertainment—What stands out above the rest?

Price: Is it worth the tangible price (Cheapest rate for this upcoming week is north of $900 for a standard room. $700 to over $1,000 with peak seasonal weeks going to around $1200) and the intangible price? (parking, access, location, etc.)?

My sincere thanks to Vance Morris who shared his insights. His services can be found at vancemorris.com

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Thanks for joining us for this podcast. Know that as in the title of Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!