Experience a tale as old as time
The Enchanted Rose, a lounge inspired by the liveaction “Beauty and the Beast” film, recently opened at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Inspired is an accurate word, as some of the four rooms are more themed than others and design elements are subtle and elegant, as are Disney influences throughout most of the Grand Floridian.
If you’re looking for more theming, head to the left of the Enchanted Rose sign and into the library room, where yellow chairs with red roses draw influence from Belle and the lounge’s namesake — as well as the Beast’s magic mirror — sit atop a romantic fireplace. While you’re there, see if you can spot Cogsworth, Lumière and Mrs. Potts on the library shelves.
To the right of the Enchanted Rose sign is the bar room, an elegant space with a chandelier reminiscent of Belle’s ball gown. In the next room over, an enchanted forest mural lines one wall, while chandeliers — that remind me of Belle’s necklace — hang above.
The patio is probably the least themed of all four rooms, but it provides a quiet space to relax and enjoy beautiful views of the Grand Floridian and Seven Seas Lagoon.
Inspiration extends to the menus, which has a “Wine Library” I’m sure Belle would approve of as well as a section called “A Tale of Tableside Cocktails” in which a drink cart is wheeled over so guests can watch as their drinks are assembled. Note: The carts are only available indoors, so guests on the patio won’t have the showy display if they order from this list.
After settling into plush seats on the patio, I opted for the Lavender Fog ($18) — Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette, English breakfast tea, vanilla and cream,
If you go
Enchanted Rose is open 1 p.m.-midnight daily on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 4401 Floridian Way in Lake Buena Vista. For more information, visit disneyworld.com.
topped with a sprig of lavender — while my companion chose the Island Rose ($15) — a mix of Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose, lime, almond, pineapple, bitters and rose water, garnished with a skewered pineapple and cherry — per the waitress’ recommendation.
Mine was a slightly sweet, creamy dessert drink, while the Island Rose was a tart, fruity concoction perfect for a mid-day refresher.
While nursing our drinks, we placed an order for the truffle fries ($14). A large serving of crispy pommes frites came out piping hot with a side of aioli, which I enjoyed, but my aioli-loving husband did not Note: Food service is only available 5-10 p.m. daily.
Leaving the Grand Floridian, it was clear the lounge gave us the chance to experience a tale as old as time. I’d return to once again be their guest, but as an avid “Beauty and the Beast” fan, I’d choose the library next time.