Which of the three Disney World monorail resorts is the best for you?
Choosing a Disney resort hotel can be challenging, especially when there are so many options.
But three of my favorite resorts are right on the monorail loop that travels around Seven Seas Lagoon and to Magic Kingdom:
- Contemporary Resort
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
There are some pros and cons to staying at any of the three resorts, and each resort has its own unique feel and offerings for guests staying there.
If you’re thinking about staying at one of the Disney World monorail resorts you’re going to want to keep reading.
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Pros of Staying in one of Disney World’s Monorail Resorts
There are some definite pros to staying at any of the monorail resorts, the first being the actual monorail.
This transportation system will take you to Magic Kingdom or Epcot (after a swap at the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Epcot line), and to the other two monorail resorts.
The proximity to the parks makes these three resorts desirable for families with small kids, or families traveling in a large group.
The monorail resorts typically also have a second or third way to get to and from the Magic Kingdom.
Because all three of the resorts are considered part of Disney’s Deluxe level of resorts, there is a lot to do at the resort, including dining and extra amenities.
Cons of Staying in a Disney World Monorail Resort
Since the three resorts are so close to Magic Kingdom, they are expensive!
Rooms typically run over $450 a night during the “slow” season and over $800 during peak season like Christmas.
The three monorail resorts can also be very loud even when you’re inside your room thanks to the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom and the monorail that could be passing by depending on where your room is located at the resort.
Recommended: 5 Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts to Stay at Right Now
The Three Disney World Monorail Resorts
Now that we know the pros and cons of the hotel options, let’s go through what you can expect at each monorail resort.
1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel to Magic Kingdom and the first stop on the monorail after it leaves Magic Kingdom. This makes it more desirable for families with small kids than the other two resorts.
In fact, it’s so close that you can walk to Magic Kingdom in about 5-10 minutes.
The Rooms
The rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are large and give sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake.
All of the rooms come with a balcony, which is great for sitting out on in the early morning or late at night.
Dining Options
The resort boasts four restaurants to please any palate or budget. California Grill is the signature dining restaurant at the top of the resort and is great for a date night.
Chef Mickey’s is a character dining experience with Mickey and the gang, and is very popular with families that have small children.
Steakhouse 71 is the table service restaurant that is nice for families with older kids for breakfast or dinner.
Contempo Cafe is a quick service option that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and makes for a great in-room meal, especially if you choose to use the mobile ordering service.
Book Your Room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort TODAY!
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village is the technically the third stop on the monorail loop coming from Magic Kingdom after Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Ticket and Transportation Center.
This resort has a laid-back vibe and is great for families, couples, or solo travelers.
To get to Magic Kingdom you could either take the monorail or take a boat from the beachside dock. Either way is about 10-15 minutes long.
The Rooms
The rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offer views of the main pool, Magic Kingdom, or the surrounding area. They all come with a balcony, making it the perfect spot to watch the fireworks if you can.
Another nice spot to watch the fireworks is right from the beach at the resort, and they even pump the music in for the show!
Hipster Power Tip: You can get the same Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe here for way less money!
Dining Options
This resort offers three unique restaurants. ‘Ohana is the signature restaurant of the resort and reservations can be hard to get.
The service is family-buffet style, and breakfast is a character meal with Lilo and Stitch.
Kona Cafe is a table service restaurant with food inspired by the islands. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at an affordable price.
The last spot of the Polynesian Resort is Capt. Cooks which is the quick service location that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Don’t forget to grab one of the best drinks on Disney World property at Trader Sam’s!
Book Your Room at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort TODAY!
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the last stop on the monorail loop coming back from Magic Kingdom. The resort is themed elegantly with clean lines and an inviting lobby area.
The Rooms
The rooms at the resort are large and offer either a garden or theme park view.
All rooms come with a balcony and is a nice spot to enjoy a cup of coffee before or after the parks.
This resort has smaller buildings that rooms are located at instead of one large building like Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The Dining Options
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa offers six AMAZING restaurants!
Citricos and Narcoossee’s are the two signature restaurants, both offering a variety of seafood and steaks for guests.
1900 Park Fare is a character buffet with characters from Princess Tiana to Aladdin.
Grand Floridian Cafe is a table service restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m., and dinner shortly after.
Gasparilla Island Grill is the main quick service spot where guests can find sandwiches and bakery items throughout the day.
Lastly, Victoria and Albert’s is an outstanding dining experience at Walt Disney World, boasting the AAA Five Diamond rating since 2000.
Don’t forget to schedule a half-day at their spa. It’s one of my favorite things to do on property!
Book Your Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa TODAY!
My Thoughts and Review of the Disney Monorail Resorts
Here’s the thing with monorail resorts, they sure are close to Magic Kingdom.
You can even get to Epcot via the monorail after a quick swap at the Ticket and Transportation Center, but if all you’re going to do is sleep and take a shower there, I suggest looking at one of the other more moderately priced Disney resorts.
If you plan on going back to your resort in the middle of the day for a break to swim, nap, or just hang out at the bar for a while, the monorail resorts are the best options, even with the elevated price tag.
Basically, if you’re a parks all day type of person, choose a value resort, if you’re a parks part of the day and resort part of the day person choose a monorail resort.
My personal favorite monorail resort is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and would pick to stay here over the other monorail resorts as a solo traveler or a trip with my friends.
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
Why the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is My Favorite?
The resort has an elevated luxury feel over the other two monorail resorts, and you’re only one monorail stop from the Magic Kingdom!
I also really love the dining options here, especially The Grand Floridian Cafe, which is serving up a fantastic brunch all day where reservations are easy to come by.
Later in the afternoon, the Enchanted Rose is the spot to be for a drink and relaxing in a Beauty and The Beast themed bar with table side cocktail service.
But no matter which monorail resort you choose, it’s sure to enhance your vacation staying as close to the magic as possible.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
(Original Article Date: April 19, 2020/Updated by Editor on August 19, 2024)