Today marks the 24th anniversary of the opening of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Nestled on the bay of the Seven Seas Lagoon, this 867-room resort is just a quick Monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom Park.
Back in July 1987, the resort was already well under construction. Looking towards the back of the photograph below, you’ll notice a Magic Kingdom Park without Splash Mountain.
Originally named Grand Floridian Beach Resort, the resort was renamed in July 1997 after the addition of the health club and spa in 1996.
Estimated to open in late 2013, the resort will expand to include an estimated 147 villas as part of Disney Vacation Club, further adding to the Victorian elegance for which Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is known.
Look below for more posts from the Vintage Walt Disney World series:
- Vintage Walt Disney World: Looking Back at River Country
- Vintage Walt Disney World: A Salute to Flag Day
- Vintage Walt Disney World: Mission to Mars Launches
Vintage Walt Disney World: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Opens Its Doors by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
