The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship property of Disney World, epitomizing the elegance and charm of a Victorian seaside resort with its stunning lobby and intricate details. Known for its stately, red-gabled roofs and pristine white exterior, the resort seamlessly blends Victorian elegance with modern amenities, featuring intricate latticework and meticulously manicured gardens. The resort was inspired by the Victorian-era beach resorts built along Florida’s east coast during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as from the Belleview-Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida, the Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire, and The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The convention center opened in 1992 adjacent to the hotel with 40,000 SF of flexible meeting and event space and a business center on one contiguous level. The convention center consists of an 18,216 SF Grand Floridian ballroom ideal for banquets and receptions accommodating up to 2,000 guests, the St. Augustine Hall accommodating up to 670 guests, 16 plush conference and breakout rooms ideal for between 40 and 300 attendees, and the opulent Palm Beach Boardroom, for executive retreats or board of directors’ meetings, which is handsomely suited to accommodate up to 20 attendees. Additionally, there are outdoor venues offering views of the nightly fireworks, marina, lagoon, and garden. The resort's exterior was constructed with materials designed to resemble wood to withstand Florida's severe weather conditions, and real wood was used in areas where guests could get close to the walls. The Grand Floridian is more than just a resort; it has become a symbol of the luxury and magic associated with Walt Disney World.
