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Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide

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Main Building  |  Shopping  |  Restaurants  |  Pool & Recreation

Slightly to the right, as you exit the Main Building into the Courtyard area, you'll see the pool area.  The pool itself is relatively simple in its' design.  There is no great water slide or any intricate themeing here.  Of course, some folks would say that that is ok since the Grand doesn't cater to families with children.  On the other hand, all of Walt Disney World caters to families with kids.  If you're expecting a Storm along Bay (like at the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) or a Doubloon Lagoon (Like at Port Orleans), you'll be disappointed here.  Even so, it's nicely sized and remains a great place to cool off and relax in the hot hours of the afternoon.  (Note: A new pool has recently been constructed at the Grand Floridian.  I'll add pictures of that new swimming complex as soon as possible.)

The pool in the central courtyard

The building right behind the pool in the picture above is Big Pine Key.  The rooms in this building that are on the side opposite the pool have a great view of the Wedding Pavilion and the Polynesian Resort across one part of Seven Seas Lagoon. 

The Grand Floridian's beach area before the new pool was constructed

I was standing right between Big Pine Key and the Main Building when I took this picture of the beach area and the Polynesian Resort beyond.  Immediately to the left is the Summerhouse, which serves beverages and snacks during the busier parts of the year. Summerhouse is also the location of many group events, so this area is often pretty busy in the early evening hours. 

Back in that U-shaped area between the Main Building, Sugar  Loaf Key, and Sago Cay, is the marina.  In this picture, Sugar Loaf is the building on the right, Sago Cay is to the left, out of the picture and the Main Building is directly behind.

The marina

Located in the Main Building, behind us, is Gasparilla Grill and Games.  Across from the snack bar area is the arcade.  Being in the same room, it makes for quite a bit of noise when a lot of kids are in there playing.  When we were here in the mid-afternoon, though, the place was almost deserted.  The game selection isn't great, but there's enough here to provide a diversion for a few minutes.

Gasparilla Grill arcade

For the record, the Mouseketeer Club is located on this side of the Main Building, too.  It's a bit further down, across from Sago Cay.

Main Building  |  Shopping  |  Restaurants  |  Pool & Recreation

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