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 Polynesia 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 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, there is a volcano in the lava pool, and guests have the opportunity to attend a luau at Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.
This Disney Monorail Hotel immerses you in the tropical islands of Polynesia, 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
As the first Disney World resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa immediately holds importance. This disney 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 tthe classiest of dining options at Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s. The best part? You can see Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom from this resort.
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. That being said, if this theme doesn’t appeal to you, there are other Disney monorail hotel options (as mentioned above!)
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, yo9u 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!
Our Disney Monorail Hotel Pick
Decisions, Decisions…
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! This is the only resort you can walk to Magic Kingdom from! 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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