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Opening on June 28, 1988 as Grand Floridian Beach Resort at 4401 Floridian Way, the Walt Disney World deluxe resort was later renamed Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in October 1997.
The Grand Floridian is categorized as a deluxe resort, one of four types of accommodations at WDW.
The hotel was inspired by the Victorian era beach resorts built along Florida's east coast during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
The resort's outer lodge buildings - Sago Cay, Sugarloaf Key, Conch Key, Boca Chica and Big Pine Key - are named for islands in the Florida Keys.
The Grand Floridian sits on the shores of the man-made Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom.
The resort offers two pools, a jacuzzi, and a white sand beach.
The hotel occupies land that had originally been earmarked for an Asian themed resort during the initial development of Walt Disney World Resort in the late 1960s.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 23, 1986.
The resort was inspired by the Victorian era beach resorts built along Florida's east coast during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its exterior is modeled after the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California, with red gabled roofs and white walls.
All of the rooms on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the main building are either suites or concierge rooms.
The breathtaking 5 story high atrium lobby is capped with light filtering stained glass domes.
The hotel's impressive style extends to the monorail stop which is designed to resemble a Victorian train station.
The Grand Lobby is often filled with the sound of live music, ranging from solo pianists to full dance bands.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is nestled on 40 acres of picturesque shore-front on the west side of Seven Seas Lagoon.
An open-cage elevator, aviary, palms and ferns set the mood in the sitting area of the 5,800-square-foot Grand Lobby.
In early Victorian design, the parlor was the most important showcase of an owner’s home. Such is the case for the Grand Floridian main lobby with over 5-stories of space, stained glass dome ceilings, circular marble tables with large floral displays, a large grand piano, and exquisite white wood.
With its gleaming white exterior, intricate gingerbread trim and gorgeous stained-glass domes, the Resort is an architectural marvel.
Principal architect for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo of Newport Beach, California.
The two large chandeliers in the lobby are 16 feet tall and 14 feet wide at the base. Each weighs approximately one ton and has 44 candelabras.
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This Day in Disney History - THE FIRST - THE ORIGINAL
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