Which Disney World Monorail Hotel Should You Stay In and Which One You Should SKIP

When it comes time to pick your Disney World Resort hotel, many guests looking for a Deluxe Resort have a tough time choosing between what are known as the “Monorail resorts.” These three hotels (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort) are among the most highly-rated Disney World hotels, and there are plenty of great things about all three.

However, there are also a few reasons why you should SKIP these resorts.

If you’re stuck trying to decide which one to pick, we’ll fill you in on why you should stay at each one and why you may want to pass!

 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Reasons to STAY 

As Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian sits at the peak of Disney luxury. If you’re looking for a resort that offers practically everything under the Disney World sun (top-rated dining, spas, and close proximity to Magic Kingdom), you really can’t do better than the Grand Floridian.

Not to mention the Grand Floridian has a walkway connecting the resort to Magic Kingdom, no Monorail ride necessary!

Reasons to SKIP

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is always a popular choice amongst guests, which can mean more people enjoying the amenities you hope to use. Pools can be especially crowded, so if that’s important to your family, you may find that you’re shelling out extra money for fewer amenities.

Speaking of amenities, keep in mind that you can enjoy MANY of the Grand Floridian’s offerings without being an overnight guest. This includes all of the restaurants, shopping, and general atmosphere of the resort.

Some of the most highly sought-after dining options are at the Grand Floridian, including Victoria & Albert’s as well as Citricos. Grand Floridian Café is a perennial favorite, and snagging an ADR here isn’t as tough as other locations.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Reasons to STAY  

Of all three Monorail resorts, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is perhaps the most unique in its theming. Its tropical vibes make you feel like you are REALLY in vacation mode, and its relaxing atmosphere, from the music to the iconic smell of its lobby make it a great choice for your family.

Like the Grand Floridian, there are lots of fun amenities here for guests of all ages, including great dining options, a really fun pool (and accompanying poolside bar), and stellar views of Magic Kingdom.

Reasons to SKIP

As of this writing, there is still construction at the Polynesian. Though recent room and Monorail refurbs are complete, Disney has announced a new building will be added to the resort to house DVC villas. Work has begun on the project, so there may be a bit of construction noise to deal with during your stay.

If travel time is paramount, you can still walk to the Magic Kingdom, but as the farthest Monorail resort from the park, it’s a bit of a hike. Your best bet is to walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center and grab a Monorail from there.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Reasons to STAY  

Last but not least, there’s Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If your goal is to be as close as possible to Magic Kingdom as possible, this will be your go-to resort option. It’s just a short walk away, and it’s the first stop along the Monorail route at the end of the evening on your way back to your room.

The Contemporary also offers dining options with perks not available at other resorts.  This includes balcony fireworks views from California Grill, and a character meal at  Chef Mickey’s.  The resort also offers a new restaurant, Steakhouse 71, or faster, more casual fare at Contempo Cafe.

While the Contemporary is still considered a Deluxe Resort (with Deluxe prices), you can often find rooms at a slightly lower cost than the Grand Floridian or Polynesian.

Reasons to SKIP

Like the Polynesian, noise may be a factor for some rooms. Guests staying in the main building may be affected by noise from Chef Mickey’s or the Monorail traffic. 

Even with a recent Incredibles-themed room refurbishment, the theming at the Contemporary seems to be the most lackluster of the three Monorail resorts. Lots of guests describe the Contemporary as having airport terminal vibes without a strong sense of “Disney.”

No matter which Monorail resort you choose, you’ll have access to some of Disney World’s best dining, and you’ll be in extremely close proximity to the Magic Kingdom. Those two factors alone make the cost well worth it for many guests, and they may make up for any temporary drawbacks like construction or certain amenities being unavailable or at reduced capacity. On the other hand, some guests will feel short-changed, getting only a portion of the Deluxe experience for the full Deluxe cost.

Click here to read about the best and worst Disney World hotels at each price point.

Which of the three Monorail resorts is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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