The Grand Floridian Hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is one of my most favorite places in the world. Either sitting in a cabana enjoying a tropical drink on the beach or sitting on the ridiculously comfy couches in the cathedral lobby listening to a live orchestra play Glenn Miller's greatest hits. It is one of the most gorgeous hotels ever and the perfect respite from a long day at the parks.
Confession - I have never actually stayed at this hotel. YET! I am a member of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) and this has been one of the greatest things I have ever done for myself. I love Disney - especially Walt Disney World and I know in my heart that will never change. I vacation there about 3-5 times a year and never tire of it. Every season has its own magic. In January, the crowds are low and you can spend a wonderful day in the parks in a hoodie and shorts. In May, you have Star Wars weekends which are AMAZING. I am a huge Star Wars geek! In October you have Halloween and the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival which I cannot even begin to describe and then there is Christmas which is simply off the charts. I still make a wish every time I say good-bye to Cinderella's Castle and I still get excited like a little girl when I see Belle and Beast. I am a Disney Princess at heart and I wouldn't have it any other way!
There are 12 resorts in total including one in Hawaii, one on Hilton Head Island and an amazing oceanside property in Vero Beach, Florida. So one doesn't have to spend every waking moment in the company of Mickey Mouse - but I can think of worse ways to spend a day! I mean when is the last time you had breakfast on the balcony watching zebras and giraffes graze on the savannah? :-)
Anyway, the Grand Floridian is currently selling DVC villas that are set to open in October 2013. This past week, I was able to get a sneak peak of the villas before they are open to the public. I must say I was completely blown away and yes, I am considering selling my house and relentlessly persuading The Walt Disney Company to let me live her permanently. (I know it will never happen but a girl can dream, right?)
So please come along with me on a journey of gorgeousness! Please excuse the quality of the photos as they were taken with my iPhone. This was a last minute treat before getting in the car for the 20 hour drive home back to Chicago. I hate going home - Post Disney Depression should be recognized by the AMA and insurance should cover treatment. LOLz.
The mock up of the studio and one bedroom units was on Display at the DVC Preview Center - the hub of all things Disney Vacation Club - at Saratoga Springs Resort. It is this building that is the inspiration for the color and design scheme of my STILL unfinished foyer. The colors and molding are amazing -
I love the sunny yellow, the thick colonial molding and the stacked stone! So pretty!
So here we go on the Grand Floridian Villas Tour ...
Here is the entrance to the studio. A very calming, soothing color palette and I love the white moldings and hardwood flooring.
In the studio, which sleeps a maximum of five people, there are now TWO showers. And they are gorgeous! Done in a bevel subway tile with a pretty ceramic border - just beautiful!
The vanities are done in a deep dark mahogany with grey granite tops. The sconces and fixtures are all done in a brushed chrome against a spa blue setting. Simply stunning!
Believe it or not - this is the REFRIGERATOR! The middle drawer is an ice drawer if you have a party! SWEET!
Are these cabinets simply divine? I mean I want these in MY house - and they are in a hotel room!
This is the sitting area which includes a pull out couch which sleeps two more people.
The decor keeps in line with the Grand Floridian Resort Hotel Victorian design inspiration! The Mickey Mouse touches here done with style is what Disney does best!
Look at the backsplash tile - it looks like a tufted chair. Bright white with white mortar - stunning!
This is a decorative window that is simply put in the middle of a wall to allow light and interest in the kitchen!
The fretwork is so pretty above the dining banquette. This mirrors the listello tile in the shower!
I LOVE the tufted headboard and the downlighting. I am ready to crawl in!
A desk work station in the one bedroom villa. A nice place to set your laptop or write post cards. :-)
A balcony off the bedroom is a nice way to welcome the sunshine for another Disney Day!
Another beautiful mirror - this was our tour guide and she was just as excited as I was during the tour!
YES - your eyes do not deceive you - that is a TELEVISION in the mirror! So you can check the weather on WESH-TV to see how you should dress for the parks as you get out of the shower! :-)
And yes that is a claw foot tub behind me - this is a better picture of the TV!
LOVE the sconces and the mirror! Now do you see why I never want to leave? *sigh*
The dining area perfect for a home cooked meal as you have a fully stocked kitchen with pots and pans and cooking utensils. This is wonderful after a long day in the parks or at the pool. Or late night card games or board game wars. Love the light - wish I had gotten one with better detail.
I love the molding header above the hotel room doors! And the downlight which is the equivalent of a front porch light. I couldn't take enough pictures and when I got in the car I wish I had taken about 100 more!
This cabinetry on the right hides the washer and dryer and more closet space. There is also a full size walk-in closet in the one-bedroom - Walt Disney World truly is the happiest place on Earth! LOL
