Which Walt Disney World Monorail Resort Should You Pick?

Walt Disney World has a large number of on-property resort hotels. These hotels fall within the categories of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The Deluxe Resorts are the most luxurious resorts on property with pristine decor and theming, exclusive perks and amenities, the finest dining selections, and in some cases, advanced transportation options.

There are only three Walt Disney World hotels that are on the monorail route, all of which are Deluxe Resorts. These are Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. All three of these resorts are very different, and it’s often difficult for Guests to decide which they’d like to stay at. This article is going to take a look at these differences, as well as similarities, to help you decide which monorail resort is the best choice for you.

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All Three Resorts Have Monorail Access

Of course, one similarity that these resorts have, and one of their most appealing aspects, is that they’re all on the monorail route. Many Guests enjoy hopping on the monorail and exploring each of these resorts. With their varying themes, architecture, landscaping, dining options, and shopping locations, Guests can easily make a day out of visiting the monorail resorts.

The monorail not only takes Guests to each of these resorts, it also transports Guests to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Bus transportation is also available for Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks.

Since all three of these resorts essentially have the same transportation options, it’s difficult to pick a winner in this category.

Polynesian Has the Easiest Monorail Access to EPCOT

Even though these three resorts do offer the same transportation options to the same destinations, there is one that’s slightly more convenient.

Guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have an easier time getting to the EPCOT-bound monorail. In order to get to EPCOT via the monorail, Guests need to board the monorail at the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC). From Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Guests would need to first take the resort monorail to the TTC and then transfer over to the EPCOT monorail. However, Guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have a much quicker option.

Rather than taking the resort monorail to the TTC, they can simply walk there. The TTC is about a 5 minute walk from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can walk to the TTC and board the monorail to EPCOT, rather than having to go through the process of transferring monorails.

Similar Room Types and Prices, But One Resort's Cheaper

The room offerings are another similarity between the monorail resorts. All three of these resorts offer the same room types, which include Standard Rooms, Suites, Club-Level Rooms and Suites, Deluxe Studios, and Villas.

Additionally, they’re all similar in price. It can be noted that none of the monorail resorts are inexpensive, but there is one that generally always comes in lower on the price scale. For reference, here’s a look at the average cost of Standard Rooms at each of these resorts.

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort: $550 – $1,348 per night
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: $691 – $1,645 per night
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: $824 – $1,773 per night

If nightly costs are a factor in your decision making, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is your best option out of all of the monorail resorts.

Grand Floridian Has the Largest Standard Rooms

On the flip side, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa always has the highest nightly costs. That being said, this elegant resort is arguably worth the higher price tag.

Simply looking at the Standard Rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Guests shouldn’t expect the same as they would at the Value or Moderate Resorts. The Standard Rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are the largest Standard Rooms on Walt Disney World property, coming in at 440 square feet. These rooms sleep up to 5 adults, while most other Standard Rooms on property only sleep up to 4 adults.

Amenities that Guests will receive in Standard Rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa include bathrobes, a beverage cooler, coffee and tea setup, coffee maker, flat-panel television, in-room safe, patio or balcony, triple-sheet bedding, telephone with voicemail, pool towels, toiletries, and a hairdryer.

Polynesian Has Unique Lodging

While all three of the monorail resorts offer the same room types, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort does offer one additional type of lodging that isn’t found at any other resort on Walt Disney World property. At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Guests have the option to stay in overwater bungalows, giving the true feeling of a tropical excursion.

These bungalows give a whole new meaning to “Water View Room”. Not only will you have an amazing view of Seven Seas Lagoon, your bungalow is located right on the water. This amazing location gives Guests wonderful access to views of the Electrical Water Pageant and the Magic Kingdom fireworks show.

The bungalows sleep up to 8 adults with 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 1 Queen-Size Pull-Down Bed, and 2 Single Pull-Down Beds. Amenities include a flat-panel television, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, toiletries, and a hairdryer. Each bungalow includes a private deck, which includes a plunge pool and deck furniture. They also include a kitchen, which is equipped with a coffee and tea setup, coffee maker, dishes, glasses, utensils, pots, pans, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, stove, oven, and a toaster. Additionally, each bungalow also has a washer and dryer.

For an in-depth look at these amazing bungalows, check out our Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review, which includes a tour of the bungalows.

Contemporary is Closer to Magic Kingdom

All three of these resorts are extremely close to Magic Kingdom and have multiple ways to get to the park. With options to take the monorail, bus, or a boat to the park, there’s also the option to walk. Guests staying at all of the monorail resorts have the option to walk to Magic Kingdom. However, it is a much shorter walk for those at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. 

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The distance from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom is about a half mile, which is roughly a 10 minute walk for most Guests. This is the shortest distance between any resort and theme park at Walt Disney World.

While Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are also both close to Magic Kingdom, they’re not quite as close as the Contemporary, which results in longer walks for those Guests. The walking path between Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is about .9 miles while the walking path between Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is about 1.4 miles.

Grand Floridian is the Only Monorail Resort with a Spa

Even though all three of the monorail resorts are Deluxe Resorts, and therefore, more upscale than other Disney Resort hotels, the Grand Floridian is the only resort on the monorail loop with the luxury of a spa.

The Grand Floridian Spa is a full-service salon, spa, and health club. Before entering the spa, each Guest will visit the dressing room, where robes, slippers, and a locker are provided. 

With calming music and dim lighting, Guests can relax as they’re pampered with therapies and services such as body treatments, massages, manicures, and more. The spa also includes a relaxation room, which is stocked with light refreshments.

This area of the resort also includes a 24-hour fitness center, where Guests can work out with cardio machines, weights, and more. On the topic of fitness, it’s important to note that a fitness center is also available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. However, there isn’t one at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. If working out during vacation is important to you, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort shouldn’t be your top choice.

Polynesian Offers the Best Pool Experience

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has the best pool experience, offering something for everyone to enjoy. The main pool of the resort, the Lava Pool, surrounds a large volcano, has a waterfall, and features a 142-foot-long waterslide. This zero-entry pool is also close to both a lounge and bar, which makes it easy to quickly get a snack or refreshing drink during your pool time.

Little ones will also enjoy splashing around at Moana’s Voyage. This is the newest splash zone at the resort, which includes life-size statues of Moana and her canoe within the spouting fountains of water.

Guests who are looking for a more relaxing time during their pool day can head to Cove Pool or Oasis Pool, the leisure pool of the resort. Guests can enjoy a quieter atmosphere at these pools as well as more tranquil and private landscaping.

Polynesian Transports Guests to a Tropical Oasis

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is themed to the South Pacific. When arriving at the resort, each Guest is greeted with a warm “Aloha!” and a lei. The resort itself has endless amounts of tiki-inspired decor, lush tropical plants, and beautiful landscaping. Guests truly feel as though they’re on a tropical island with the swaying palm trees, white sandy beach, and lapping waters of Seven Seas Lagoon.

Contemporary Has Modern Theming with Nods to The Incredibles

Ever since it was built, Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been known for its modern and somewhat futuristic look. Its unique A-frame shape is one of its biggest standout features, along with being the only resort on property that the monorail directly travels through.

The decor at this resort is simple, yet sleek. Recently, the Guest rooms were refurbished and given a light touch of Disney•Pixar with small nods to The Incredibles.

Grand Floridian Has an Elegant Victorian Theme

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is extremely elegant and sophisticated. The outside design is inspired by the golden era of Palm Beach. A Victorian style can also be noticed both outside and indoors. Inside, the hotel features a beautiful, towering lobby, where Guests can enjoy live music from The Grand Floridian Pianist.

Fine Dining Options are Available at Grand Floridian

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also extends its class and sophistication over to the restaurants that are at the resort.

Victoria & Albert’s offers one of the finest dining experiences at Walt Disney World. This restaurant, which has one seating per evening, has won the AAA Five Diamond Award every year since 2020. It’s also the winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.

Guests wishing to dine at Victoria & Albert’s are expected to dress in semi-formal or formal attire. The upscale dining experience is also only available to those ages 10 years of age and older.

Other notable restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa include Narcoossee’s and Cítricos.

Character Dining is Available at All Three Resorts

For those who enjoy character experiences, you’ll be pleased to know that all three of the monorail resorts have Character Dining Experiences.

At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner buffets at 1990 Park Fare with characters such as Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Princess Tiana. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a lively family-style breakfast at ‘Ohana with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. Mickey and his pals can also be found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort serving delicious breakfast and dinner buffets at Chef Mickey's.

While all three resorts offer character dining, it’s important to think about which characters you want to meet as well as what type of dining experience you’re interested in. If you want to sit and enjoy your meal while being served, the character breakfast at ‘Ohana would be the best choice for you. However, if you’re ok with getting up and serving yourself at a buffet, Chef Mickey’s or 1990 Park Fare are both options to consider.

If someone in your party loves face characters, 1990 Park Fare would be ideal. Those who are interested in meeting classic Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto, would have a more enjoyable experience at Chef Mickey’s.

It is also important to think about your day when picking the best character meal for you and your party. The character experience at ‘Ohana is only available at breakfast time. However, these experiences are available for breakfast and dinner at both Chef Mickey’s and 1990 Park Fare.

Which Monorail Resort is the Best?

As I stated at the beginning of this article, all three of these resorts are quite different, which tends to make it hard to pick between them. However, their differences could be what makes it easy for you to decide.

I feel like the biggest factors, when deciding between these three resorts, generally come down to theming and price. The themes of these three resorts are vastly different. Are you looking to escape to a tropical paradise, enjoy the elegance of an upscale Victorian-style hotel, or have a modern/futuristic stay? Is price something that your party needs to consider or are you capable and willing to splurge for the extra luxuries?

The biggest perk about these resorts is that even if you wish to dine, shop, or simply visit one of the others that you didn’t choose to stay at, they’re only a short monorail ride away.

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