Do you need a comparison and breakdown of all the Disney Monorail hotels? You came to the right place! The Disney Monorail opened in 1971 along with the rest of Walt Disney World, and is still one of the most vital parts of Disney today.
Why, you may ask? The monorail is convenient, holds plenty of Disney World guests, and is super quick transportation from one stop to the next, as opposed to waiting for busses at other resorts.
Because the monorail only makes a few select stops, guests at Disney World are ensured they can travel quickly to their destinations using this free transportation service. This is especially convenient for the those who would like the ability to go back and forth from parks to their hotel during the day to cool off and take a break, grab a snack, and get right back into the magic of Disney!
The monorail resorts are deluxe Disney resorts, meaning they are some of the best Disney hotels. With three completely different themes for the Disney monorail hotels, what better way to help you choose one than to break them down and tell you ALL you need to know before you decide!
See how they rank on our 20 Best and Worst Disney Resorts list too!
Comparing All Of The Disney Monorail Hotels
What are the Disney monorail hotels?
Walt Disney World’s Monorail System is a public transit monorail system in operation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. To start, there are three Disney Monorail Hotels: Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort sets the bar very high as one of Disney’s very first resorts to open, along with another resort we are talking about today, Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The biggest bonus to staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the ability to walk to Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park from it. This resort is your best bet if your favorite aspect of Disney World is the Magic Kingdom. This is the only resort you can walk to Magic Kingdom from!
Another Disney Monorail Hotel is Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is perfect for those who are hoping to immerse in the beautiful Florida weather with its relaxing island theme (notice the staff will be wearing leis!) Another amazing benefit of staying at this Disney Resort on the monorail is the resorts’ close proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park ensures you can get a great view of Disney’s nighttime spectacular fireworks show, Happily Every After, and hear the music without the hassle of the usual Magic Kingdom crowd!
The third and final Disney Monorail Hotel is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. One step into this Disney Monorail hotel and you’ll think you’re staying inside Cinderella’s Castle. With the luxurious interior of the building, you may not think it could look any better. That is, until you visit around Christmas time! If you have the privilege to visit during the holidays, the chefs at this Disney monorail resort create a near life-size gingerbread house, complete with a chimney that puffs out scented gingerbread.
What Perks Do You Get Staying At A Disney Deluxe Resort?
There are three types of Disney resort hotels: value, moderate, and deluxe. Disney deluxe resorts offer convenient transportation options, luxurious amenities, but, of course, a higher price. The main perk to staying at a Disney hotel on the monorail is convenience. If you are a big fan of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot parks, staying here is your best bet. You can get there in just a few short minutes!
Additionally, Disney Deluxe resorts have beautiful swimming pools for days you need to unwind and catch some rays. Though you can find pools at all of the Disney resorts, the Disney Deluxe pools are an experience within itself! The Polynesian Village Resort’s swimming pool especially stands out, as it fits the theme so well.
For more information on Disney Deluxe Resorts, check out our 9 Best and Worst Disney Deluxe Resorts!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is an “ultra-modern” resort/hotel with spectacular views and mesmerizing pools! This Disney Resort on the monorail is popular due to its modern flair and incredible food options. Since the resort was built in 1971, it’s no longer very “modern,” however, it is still a sight to see! One of the highlights is the 90-foot-tall mural created by Disney animator Mary Blair.
There are a multitude of accommodations available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, such as the small Garden Wing room that sleeps three guests to the club level two-bedroom suite that sleeps eight. Though it depends on the size of your party, we suggest you get a room that views the lake to watch the Electrical Water Pageant each night.
As far as amenities, as mentioned, the biggest benefit of staying at this Disney monorail hotel is the short walk to the Magic Kingdom. It is also in close proximity with the other Disney parks. Of course, another perk is the food. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can find the California Grill, which is one of the best restaurants in Disney World! As far as other necessities, the resort offers complimentary WiFi and overnight parking.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is another Disney monorail hotel. This resort is island-themed, as made apparent from the palm trees which line the resort and there is a volcano in the lava pool.
This Disney Monorail Hotel immerses you in the tropical islands, and is a hit for all members of your family. The resort is a great place to explore and unwind and relax afterwards. Another highlight of this resort is “Ohana,” a tropical-themed restaurant where you get amazing food and the opportunity to meet island natives Lilo and Stitch! You can also visit Pineapple Lanai (home of the iconic Dole Whip) on this property!
At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, nearly all of the rooms accommodate up to five people. The prices of rooms at this Disney Monorail resort vary widely, as the most expensive room costs nearly three times more than the most affordable room. The differences between these rooms are whether or not they are “club level” and the views. Rooms at this Disney hotel on the monorail can have views from the parking area, the pools, the marina, the Seven Seas Lagoon, or Magic Kingdom.
Additionally, you can stay at an overwater bungalow fit for up to eight adults, a full kitchen, a private deck, a washer and dryer, and a plunge pool.
As a Disney Monorail Hotel, location is an added bonus in amenities these resorts offer. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is just two stops on the monorail away from the Magic Kingdom. From there, it’s just one monorail change to Epcot and one Skyliner change to Hollywood Studios.
Other than the pervasive theming, one of the best parts of this Disney deluxe resort is the location. First, it’s just two monorail stops away from Magic Kingdom. From there, it’s just one monorail change to Epcot and one Skyliner change to Hollywood Studios. With fine-dining on property, along with cafes and gift shops, this is truly one of the best spots to stay on Disney property.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa may have opened later than the other Monorail resorts, but this resort truly lives up to its name. This hotel on the monorail has an exquisite Victorian-style theme, with elegant designs making way to live orchestra music and the smell of green clover everywhere. This resort also homes one of the classiest of dining options at Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s.
If you’re looking to feel like true royalty during your Disney World vacation, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is where you should stay! With events like afternoon tea at the Garden View Team Room and specialty cruises around the Seven Seas Lagoon, you’ll be feeling like Queen Elsa at the end of your stay.
All of the standard and deluxe rooms sleep up to five adults, the only difference in the rooms being the view options, including garden, lagoon, or theme park. If you choose a room or suite with club-level service, you can access events such as evening turndown and access to the club-level lounge. BONUS: A few of these club-level rooms and suites all have views of Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom!!
As you may have gathered, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has the highest price standard room amongst all Disney deluxe resorts.
If you choose to stay at this Disney Monorail Hotel, we suggest staying in season of a holiday! This resort celebrates and decorates for many seasonal traditions. As mentioned above, during Christmas time, they feature a near life-size gingerbread house, complete with a chimney that puffs out scented gingerbread. Additionally, at Easter, you can find sweet Easter eggs at the resort.
For dining tips at this luxurious Disney hotel on the monorail, check out the 8 Best and Worst Grand Floridian Restaurants!
Disney Hotel Bar Crawl: Visit the Monorail Hotels without Staying
If staying at the Monorail resorts isn’t in your budget or plans, that doesn’t mean you still can’t visit them! You can visit any resort and enjoy the shops and restaurants, and a great way to do this is a resort bar crawl! There are so many fantastic lounges and bars at the monorail resorts, and it’s a great way to see these resorts without staying there!
So check out our ultimate resort bar crawl, and use the monorail to see these great resorts!
Our Disney Monorail Hotel Pick
If we had to choose, our choice Disney Monorail Hotel would be Disney’s Contemporary Resort!! Though you can’t go wrong with any of the resorts and their awesome pools, amenities, and dining options, there are a few reasons we made this choice.
Number one, obviously, is its proximity to the Magic Kingdom! The walk to Magic Kingdom takes less than 10 minutes from here! Though we enjoy all aspects of this “ultra-modern” resort with outstanding views and breathtaking pools, we recommend staying in the original building, as opposed to Bay Lake Tower, for the full original Disney experience.
Additionally, you have a range of options here, meaning nearly any group can be accommodated! From the small Garden Wing room that sleeps three guests to the club level two-bedroom suite that sleeps eight, they will welcome you! Once you settle in to your room, you can enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant!!
During your stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, don’t forget to visit the California Grill! Also enjoy complimentary WiFi and overnight parking. If you have the opportunity to stay in this or any other disney monorail hotel, we hope you use our tips and tricks to make it one of the most memorable vacations of your life!
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