Disney’s “Highway in the Sky” is an iconic staple of any Disney World trip. The Disney monorail doesn’t just transport guests directly to the Magic Kingdom entrance, however. It travels through Disney resorts, too! There are three Disney monorail resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. 

All three of these deluxe resorts offer the unique amenity of monorail access, but there is so much more to each of them. If visiting Magic Kingdom is an important part of your Disney vacation planning, you’re probably considering a Disney monorail resort. But is one better than the others? In this guide, we’re ranking all three resorts to help you decide which is right for your family.

Why the Monorail Loop Matters

The Disney monorail is a transportation system that guests from select resorts use to travel to Disney’s Magic Kingdom or the Ticket and Transportation Center, a hub where guests can switch monorails to Disney’s EPCOT. 

Magic Kingdom, while not technically a man-made island, was purposefully built to make guests feel as if they were on a secluded, magical island. This immersiveness makes the park one of the hardest to get to. Unlike the other 3 parks, Magic Kingdom has no attached parking lot.

Instead, guests staying at a Disney resort can either use the monorail if the resort is on the monorail loop or take a Disney bus. Anyone using car transportation must park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and then take the ferryboat or monorail to Magic Kingdom. 

As a consequence, Disney monorail resorts are among the highest-priced hotels on Disney property. Being on the monorail loop provides not only quick access to Magic Kingdom but also an easy out for mid-day breaks, beating the morning rush, and so much more. Plus, monorail resorts have their own security stations, meaning you can skip Magic Kingdom’s long security lines when you arrive. 

Disney Monorail Resorts: Ranked Best to Worst

Each Disney monorail resort offers different vibes, dining options, and amenities. Let’s break them down piece by piece. 

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Best for: Honeymooners or Couples, Signature Dining options 
• Price tier: $800-$3000 per night rate, eligible for Disney special offers
• Why it’s #1: Offers dining and amenities others don’t

Theming and Atmosphere

If a luxury resort is what you’re looking for, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is your spot. Victorian-style elegance and sophistication are the theme of this resort. Think tuxedos and ball gowns, high tea, and top-class grand pianists playing your favorite Disney tunes in the lobby. Mary Poppins Returns-inspired guest rooms are complete with watercolor paintings, soft blues and pinks, and chandeliers. 

Location

Grand Floridian is only one monorail stop away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It doesn’t get much closer than that! The resort grounds offer direct views of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle, making it a perfect spot to lounge with a view or watch the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular at night.

Additionally, there is a walking path leading directly to Magic Kingdom. The walk is approximately 15 minutes (0.9 miles), depending on your pace. 

Dining

Let’s start with the fact that the Grand Floridian is the only Disney World resort that still offers room service. That right there is a step above the rest. Breakfast and coffee on the balcony with views of Cinderella Castle? Yes, please! 

Guests can find quick service dining options at Gasparilla Island Grill and Beaches Pool Bar and Grill. However, the resort’s signature dining options are the stars. Narcoossee’s offers a waterfront dining experience featuring fresh seafood and coastal cuisine. Citrico’s mixes Florida cuisine with Mediterranean influences and an award-winning wine list, while Grand Floridian Cafe provides casual classics with a twist of elegance. Lastly, 1900 Park Fare is a buffet character dining option featuring Cinderella, Mirabel, Aladdin, and Tiana! 

For the true foodies out there, Victoria and Albert’s is a Michelin-star restaurant and fine dining establishment where guests choose between two different chef’s tasting menus. A strict, formal dress code and age requirements make this a perfect celebration spot. 

Always wanted to enjoy an English tea party? Garden View Lounge has you covered. Any Disney’s Beauty and the Beast fans reading this? You have to stop into the Enchanted Rose Lounge for a cocktail or small bites. 

Amenities and Recreation

There’s a trend that seems to be happening at the Grand Floridian – offering things no other resorts can! This time, it’s a full-service spa. No other Disney resort offers a spa where guests can book massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair services, and more. 

The Beach Pool is the main recreation pool, featuring waterfalls, a 181-foot-long water slide, a zero-entry area, a hot tub, and a children’s aquatic play area. For a more relaxed scene, head to the Courtyard Pool. 

Additionally, cabana rentals, boat rentals, fishing excursions, portrait sessions, an arcade, and poolside crafts are all paid activities. Free activities include movies under the stars, nightly campfires, poolside games, yoga classes, and basketball courts. 

2. Disney’s Polynesian Resort

• Best for: Families, Laid-back travelers 
• Price tier: $750-$3500 per night rate, eligible for Disney special offers
• Why it’s #2: Immersive theming, top pool and splash pad offerings

Theming and Atmosphere

Tropical islands, palm trees, and sandy beaches transport guests straight to the South Pacific at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. So much so, guests even get a Hawaiian Lei at check-in! Disney’s Lilo and Stitch and Disney’s Moana are both part of the theming throughout the grounds. Each building is named after a South Pacific island. Tiki torches line the walkways throughout the resort. The Polynesian resort is one of three original resort properties at Walt Disney World. 

Location

The Polynesian is two monorail stops away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The actual resort grounds may not be as close as the Grand Floridian’s; however, it still offers direct views of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle.

Additionally, there is a walking path leading directly to Magic Kingdom, though it is the longest walk out of the three Disney monorail resorts. The walk takes you through the Grand Floridian Resort and onto the direct walking path, which takes approximately 25 minutes (1.4 miles) depending on your pace. 

Dining

Polynesian Resort offers a mix of quick-service dining, grab-and-go options, table-service dining, and character dining. 

Capt. Cook’s quick-service is home to the famous Tonga Toast breakfast, while Kona Island offers specialty coffees and grab-and-go sushi and pastries. Interested in a poolside snack? Oasis Bar and Grill and Barefoot Pool Bar have you covered. Kona Cafe offers a casual table service option with Polynesian flair for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the main event, ‘Ohana, offers all you care to enjoy skillets for breakfast and dinner. ‘Ohana’s breakfast includes the following characters: Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto. ‘Ohana dinner does not include characters. 

The recently completed Island Tower is also home to Wailulu Bar & Grill, a table-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a large bar area. Wailulu Bar & Grill serves Polynesian cuisine with American twists. 

If you’re craving the popular Dole Whip treat outside of Magic Kingdom, head to the Pineapple Lanai walk-up window. For bar and lounge options, Tambu Lounge is located outside of Ohana and offers select Ohana menu items à la carte. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace is a fun, tropical tiki bar with indoor and outdoor seating, inspired by the popular Trader Sam Adventureland explorer. 

Amenities and Recreation

The Lava Pool is the main pool, featuring a 142-foot waterslide, a towering volcano cave, a hot tub, a zero-entry area, and a kids’ aquatic area, Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area. The Oasis pool is known as the quiet pool, and just a short walk away at the Island Tower is the Cove Pool and Moana’s voyage splash area.

Additionally, boat rentals, Oasis patio rentals, fitness center, fishing excursions, portrait sessions, and poolside crafts are all paid activities. Free activities include movies under the stars, nightly campfires, poolside games, Tai Chi classes, family fitness classes, aloha pool parties, and volleyball courts. 

3. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Best for: Convenience seekers, families with young children
• Price tier: $650-$1500 per night rate, eligible for Disney special offers
• Why it’s #3: Less theming, least amount of recreation

Theming and Atmosphere

Stepping into the iconic A-frame of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is pure nostalgia. Watching the monorail travel directly through the resort that has been around since the day Disney World opened in 1971 is a Disney dream, whether it’s your first time or the hundredth time. 

The Contemporary, however, is not known for its distinct immersive theming. Instead, the resort is designed in a 1970s minimalist aesthetic with ultra-modern touches. The main atrium features a 90-foot mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair, based on the American Southwest and the Grand Canyon. Guest rooms are sleek and futuristic, featuring nods and characters from Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles. 

Location

The Contemporary is four monorail stops away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This resort is located on the opposite side of Bay Lake from the previous two resorts, resulting in an extra stop at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Though the views are just as good, maybe better? The Contemporary overlooks the Tomorrowland side of Magic Kingdom, with direct shots of Space Mountain and Cinderella Castle. 

Additionally, there is a walking path leading directly to Magic Kingdom, making it the shortest walk of the three Disney monorail resorts. If you’d rather avoid the crowded monorail at the end of the night, this resort is unmatched. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes (0.4 miles), depending on your pace. 

Dining

Similar to the prior resorts, you’ll find a mix of quick service, table service, and character dining at the Contemporary Resort. 

Contempo Cafe offers quick service breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the monorail passing through the atrium. Poolside bites are available at The Sand Bar, and The Outer Rim is a cocktail lounge with views of Bay Lake and beyond. Plus, no morning at The Contemporary Resort is complete without grabbing a coffee from Contemporary Grounds. 

Steakhouse 71 is where guests can find all-day table service dining, while Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto are serving up breakfast and dinner at Chef Mickey’s. For a fine dining experience, don’t skip California Grill. Located on the 15th floor, California Grill is an award-winning culinary experience paying homage to California and its cuisine. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s one of the best fireworks dining experiences available! 

Amenities and Recreation

With direct views of Bay Lake, the Feature Pool is the main pool area. White sandy beaches are around the pool for sunbathing, while a 17-foot-tall waterslide is available for a little more action. Two hot tubs are also around the Feature Pool. A splash pad with fountains and waterspouts keeps the little ones occupied; however, it is not nearly as large or entertaining as Grand Floridian or Polynesian’s kids aquatic areas. You won’t find kids’ slides or dumping buckets here. 

Additionally, boat rentals, cabana rentals, fishing excursions, a fitness center, arcade, poolside crafts, and mosaic art classes are all paid activities. Free activities include movies under the stars, nightly campfires, poolside games, silent discos, family fitness classes, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.

Are Disney Monorail Resorts Worth the Premium Price?

The age-old question: are Disney monorail resorts actually worth it? Well, it depends. The monorail resorts are significantly more expensive than other deluxe resorts. For example, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is another deluxe resort that can frequently offer rates as low as $400-$500 per night. And, if you’re just sleeping in your room and don’t care as much about the resort amenities, moderate resorts are in the $250-$350 range and are just as immersive. 

But with so much to do at Disney World, you can’t discount convenience. Avoiding buses, being able to walk to and from Magic Kingdom with ease, and avoiding the busy Magic Kingdom security checkpoints are all time-saving perks that make these resorts superior to others. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa tops our list for the sheer number of extra amenities it offers, while the Contemporary lacks theming and a great resort pool area. Although you are at Disney World, after all. You can’t really go wrong with any of the three resorts!

Stay at Disney Monorail Resorts if…

• You are planning to spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom
• You have strollers you don’t want to fold up on buses
• Dining and recreation options are important to you

Skip Disney Monorail Resorts if…

• Magic Kingdom isn’t a priority
• Budget is a concern
• You don’t mind Disney bus transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Disney monorail resorts?

The Disney monorail resorts are Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. 

Can you walk to Magic Kingdom from the monorail resorts?

Yes, guests can walk from the monorail resorts to Magic Kingdom. The Contemporary offers the shortest walk, while the Polynesian’s is the longest.

Which monorail resort is cheapest?

Though pricing varies depending on room type and season, the Contemporary Resort tends to be slightly cheaper than the others. 

Is the Grand Floridian worth it over the Contemporary?

Worth it is subjective, but the Grand Floridian Resort offers more to guests than the Contemporary does.

Do monorail resorts get early access to Magic Kingdom?

Yes! All Disney resort guests can enter Magic Kingdom 30 minutes prior to park opening. 

Comments

Have you stayed at a Disney monorail resort? Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite and where you plan to stay next!