Grand Floridian Resort Sunset Photo
When we stayed at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for New Year’s Eve, my sleep hours were very odd. I typically stayed up until 4 or 5 am since the parks were open until 3 am or so, then would head back to the room to sleep for a couple hours, then would head back to the Magic Kingdom for 7 am opening for a few hours before doing the bulk of my sleeping during the middle of the day. One afternoon when I woke up, I saw this gorgeous sunset developing. I knew I needed to head to the Magic Kingdom to photograph it. We were staying on the top floor of Bay Lake Tower, so before I headed to the Magic Kingdom, I know sunsets are fleeting, so I hedged my bets by peaking outside to grab this shot. I then rushed downstairs, planning to race to the Magic Kingdom. By the time I made my way through the parking lot of the Contemporary, I noticed that the sunset was gone. I should have just stayed upstairs, capturing the sunset from my high vantage for a few more minutes! Luckily, at least I captured this shot. Can you spot the three monorails in this frame? Don’t the two heading towards the Grand Floridian look awfully close together?
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, admittedly, is not my favorite resort on property. We’ve never stayed there, mostly because during its most beautiful time of year, Christmas, it feels like a mall food court with so many visiting guests in the main lobby. If I were a guest staying in that main building during the Christmas season, I would not be thrilled about that!
During other times of year, it just doesn’t seem that impressive to me for the price. I love the Hotel del Coronado styling of the exterior, but something about the interior color palette just doesn’t strike my fancy. I know a lot of people love the Grand Floridian, so this is probably just me. I’m sure we’ll stay there someday and I’ll come back appreciating the true beauty of the resort. For now, I’ll get my fill of the place when we dine there or visit during the Christmas season (adding to the chaos for other guests staying there!).
Technical details: Nikon D7000 and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens. See our Disney Photography Guide for more photography equipment recommendations.
I have visited The Grand Floridian on several occasions; not my favorite resort. However my wife has always wanted to stay there, so in July ’14 off we go for a stay at GF. Fingers crossed, let you know our experience.
Awesome–please report back! 🙂
Personally I think we may have the same opinion of the Grand Floridian. I personally think its a little to bland for me. I love the Poly and the richness of the environment in the lobby and around the entire resort. When I walk into the Floridian it just seems to sterile and stuck up. I feel that I don’t belong when I go in there like I am a second class citizen. I don’t know if you get this vibe but it just puts it off for me.