For decades, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been the crown jewel of Walt Disney World’s hotel lineup. Its iconic Victorian design, elegant atmosphere, and location just one stop away from Magic Kingdom on the monorail made it the dream stay for many Disney fans. But in 2025, that dream is harder to reach than ever before.
From Expensive to Out of Reach
Back in 2008, a Resort View room at the Grand Floridian cost about $435 per night. Fast forward to today, and the same type of room has ballooned to $1,122. That’s a jaw-dropping 158% increase in less than two decades. While the hotel has always been pricey, it has now entered a category that many families consider completely unattainable.
Upgraded rooms and suites drive the costs even higher, with Theme Park Views and club-level accommodations easily pushing into several thousand dollars per night. For most guests, the Grand Floridian is no longer just a splurge—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime stay, if it’s even on the table at all.
Price Hike Meets Construction Chaos
Ironically, this surge in rates coincides with major construction at the resort. In 2025, guests have been greeted by scaffolding, blocked-off areas, and the steady hum of drills. The lobby is being refreshed, guest rooms are redesigned, and even the entrance roads are being rerouted with a new roundabout.
While these updates promise a polished new look in the long term, the timing hasn’t sat well with many visitors. Paying over $1,000 a night only to walk through construction zones is far from the luxury experience most people imagine.
Disney’s Premium Strategy
So why the huge spike in cost? Much of it comes down to Disney’s shift toward positioning deluxe resorts as true luxury properties. The Grand Floridian’s prime location and iconic reputation make it a cornerstone of this strategy. Disney knows that, despite complaints, the hotel will continue to attract guests willing to pay for the prestige of staying at its flagship resort.
The Jewel With a Steep Price
Looking forward, once the construction wraps up, it’s unlikely that prices will come back down. Instead, Disney seems to be betting that the Grand Floridian will stand as a high-end experience reserved for those who can afford the premium.
For guests who remember paying hundreds rather than thousands, the nearly tripled rates are a tough pill to swallow. The Grand Floridian may still sparkle, but its price tag now shines brightest of all.
