Disney Hotels on the Monorail: A Complete Guide to Disney World Monorail Resorts

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World you may hear people talk about Disney hotels on the monorail as the best resorts to stay in. But what makes them so great? And is one of these three popular Disney World resorts right for your family?

There are three Disney World resorts on the monorail:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

And one of the big draws of them is their proximity to Magic Kingdom. But there’s more to it than just that!

In this post we’re going to break down everything about Disney World monorail resorts: what they are, what makes them unique, and the pros and cons of each one.

I’ve been to all three resorts and stayed at two of them, and while I love them all, I also definitely have my favorite. So we’ll get into that here too!

What is a Disney World Monorail Resort?

A Disney World monorail resort is one of the three hotels that are directly connected to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom by the Monorail System.

(Oh wait…let me back up. If you’re a Disney World beginner (which, by the way, you should check out this post for Disney beginners) you should know that the monorail is basically a train in the sky. There are Monorail Systems for both Magic Kingdom and Epcot.)

One of the things that makes the Disney World monorail resorts so popular is their proximity to easy transportation, especially to Magic Kingdom. Each resort has its own monorail station as well as walking paths and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. And all of these things make it super easy to get from your hotel to Disney World’s most popular park.

There are three Disney hotels on the monorail:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The other thing that makes these resorts so popular is how beautiful they are. All three of these resorts are Deluxe resorts, meaning they are among the priciest of Disney World resorts. But it also means these resorts have theming, dining, and amenities that are hard to beat.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort was one of the first resorts to open at Walt Disney World. It opened in 1971 along with Magic Kingdom. It has a modern and sleek design, as well as the shortest walk to Magic Kingdom (which is a big plus!).

The Contemporary consists of a large A-frame building (this is the hotel that the monorail goes through!) along with a smaller Garden Wing. There is also a walkway to Bay Lake Tower, which is a Disney Vacation Club building at the Contemporary Resort.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Rooms

The rooms at the Contemporary have a mid-century modern vibe. Rooms in the Main Tower and the Garden Wing are themed to The Incredibles as well as some subtle nods to the monorail. And you can see some of that Incredibles detail in the hallways in the main tower too!

Rooms in Bay Lake Tower don’t have The Incredibles theming, but they do have a modern look. And in 2025 they are undergoing a refurbishment that includes update lighter woods, refreshed linens, and new artwork from my favorite current Disney artist.

In the main tower you can choose a Theme Park View (which is pricier) or a Water View.

In the Garden Wing you can choose Water View or Resort View (which means you could get a parking lot view).

In Bay Lake Tower you can choose Theme Park View, Preferred View (views of Bay Lake) or Resort View (views of the parking lot).

Choosing a Theme Park View means that you can view the fireworks from your room, plus it’s just fun to be able to look out your window and see Cinderella Castle. But this type of view is the most expensive.

Also, because this is a Deluxe Resort, the rooms have a good amount of space, with lots of space for your family to spread out.

Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary Resort has two of the most popular restaurants on property: Chef Mickey’s (which is a highly popular character meal) and California Grill (where you can watch the fireworks while dining).

I do think that Quick Service dining options are pretty limited though. The main Quick Service restaurant is Contempo Café and they can have a pretty limited menu (mostly just sandwiches and burgers).

Let’s break down all the available options here. We’ll split it up into Quick Service (where you order at a counter) and Table Service (aka your traditional sit down restaurants).

Contemporary Resort Table Service Dining and Lounges

• California Grill — California cuisine with Magic Kingdom views. This is a popular favorite and a great spot to watch the fireworks. Only open for dinner.
• Chef Mickey’s — This is a buffet of American family-friendly food with Mickey and friends. The food is okay, but it’s a fun and classic character meal. Open for breakfast and dinner.
• Steakhouse 71 — Steakhouse that has quickly become beloved. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Outer Rim — A small cocktail and wine lounge overlooking Bay Lake. It’s on the main floor next to Chef Mickey’s though, so I imagine it could get a little loud during certain times of the day.
• Steakhouse 71 Lounge — If you can’t get a reservation at Steakhouse 71, you can get some of their popular bites (like the burger) as well as drinks in their lounge.

Contemporary Resort Quick Service Dining

• Contempo Café — The main Quick Service spot in the Contemporary. They have sandwiches, burgers, and salads and are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They usually open pretty early in the morning too, so you can grab something before heading to the parks.
• Contemporary Grounds — Coffee, smoothies, and breakfast pastries.
• Cove Bar — Cocktails and a few food options at the Bay Lake Tower Pool (for Vacation Club Guests and those staying at Bay Lake Tower)
• The Sand Bar — Burgers, hot dogs, and cocktails at the Feature Pool (the main pool at the Contemporary).

More Features & Amenities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

There is a lot more fun you’ll find at the Contemporary Resort, too. Here are a few of the amenities and recreation you’ll find.

• Pools — The Feature Pool features a water slide, a splash area for younger kids, and a smaller pool right next to the bay. If you’re staying at Bay Lake Tower you can also access the Bay Cove Pool.
• The Game Station — Game rooms with arcade games.
• Sports areas — Basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, and jogging trails
• Olympiad Fitness Center — Full service gym
• Shopping — Bayview Gifts, Fantasia, and Fantasia Market
• Movies Under the Stars
• Boat Rentals

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pros & Cons

There are a lot of great reasons to stay at The Contemporary! But there also reasons why you might decide to choose another Disney Monorail Resort instead.

Contemporary Resort Pros:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort has the shortest walkway to Magic Kingdom. You can leave your hotel room and be at the gates of Magic Kingdom in a matter of minutes!
• It has great monorail access. In addition to the Magic Kingdom walkway, there is easy monorail access to both Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center (where you can change monorails to go to Epcot).
• The new Incredibles rooms look super fun and sleek!
• The monorail goes THROUGH the building. THROUGH THE BUILDING. It never gets old no matter how many times I see it.
• The atrium area of the resort has a fun and busy vibe, and you really feel like you are in the middle of the magic.
• Rooms with some of the best fireworks views.
• Chef Mickey’s and California Grill are here, which can be great if those are high dining priorities for you.

Contemporary Resort Cons:

• Cost. Because it’s a Deluxe Resort, The Contemporary is definitely on the pricier end of where you can stay at Disney World.
• Quick Service Dining options are pretty limited.
• To me, Disney’s Contemporary Resort can feel a bit more sterile and industrial than some of the other Deluxe Resorts. The theming isn’t quite as…themed…as some other resorts. But it’s a classic, and honestly I still love it.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Okay, I’m going to do my best not to let my bias show way too much here because different resorts are right for different families. But Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (aka The Poly) is my absolute favorite.

Along with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian was one of the resorts that was available when Disney World opened in 1971. It’s a classic Disney resort and a big fan favorite (with good reason).

The Polynesian has such a relaxing vibe to it. You really feel like your walking into a vacation from your vacation when you walk through the doors to the lobby.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort consists of a main building (The Great Ceremonial House) where the lobby is, and the rooms are in other smaller buildings scattered throughout the resort.

In 2024, they also opened the Polynesian Island Tower right next door. This is part of the Polynesian resort, and it has a much more chic Hawaii feel (it reminded me a lot of our stay at the Andaz Maui). And this is a new DVC section.

Disney’s Polynesian Village and Island Tower Resort Rooms

Polynesian Village

Recently, the rooms the Polynesian have been updated to a Moana theme. But because this is a Deluxe Resort, of course Disney has kept it classy: an accent wall with Maui’s tattoos, updated color schemes, and new art. (Nothing too extreme.)

However, if you book a room in the DVC section of the Polynesian Village, those rooms did not get the full Moana update. (DVC rooms are typically on a different refurb schedule and get decorated differently than main rooms.) Instead they got a “soft goods” update in 2021 with new carpet, artwork, and linens.

Because the rooms at the Polynesian are spread out in different buildings, there are a variety of views you can get: Theme Park, Lagoon, Pool or Marina, and Standard.

And while it’s great to have a Theme Park View, one awesome thing about The Poly is that you can also watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks (and the nightly Electrical Water Pageant) from the Polynesian’s beach.

There are also options for one-bedroom and two-bedroom rooms. Or you can choose to stay in overwater bungalow (THE DREAM!).

Because the Polynesian is so spread out, one thing to consider is what building you want to be in. While Disney can’t always grant requests, you can make them.

So check out a map of the resort property and think about where you might want to be. (When we stayed there, we were in the Rarotonga building and loved being right next to The Great Ceremonial House.)

Polynesian Island Tower

The rooms at the new Island Tower are entirely different from what you’ll find at the main resort. Here you’ll find more neutral colors, light woods, and a beachy vibe.

At the island tower you can get Resort View (parking view), Preferred View (the golf course), or Theme Park View.

At the Island Tower they also have Duo Studios which sleep just two people. And of course there are also one-bedroom and two-room options.

Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian has some great restaurants and some of the most popular dining in Walt Disney World. I’m telling you, people go crazy over ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. If you want to eat at their more popular table service restaurants, you’ll definitely need a reservation in advance.

One thing to note is that although restaurants at The Poly tends to serve Polynesian and Asian inspired dishes, each meal (especially breakfast) also has foods that will look very familiar to you. So don’t stress if you have picky eaters in your family.

Table Service Dining and Lounges at The Polynesian

• ‘Ohana — One of the most popular restaurants at Disney World and definitely a hard-to-get reservation. Breakfast is a Lilo and Stitch character meal, while dinner is tradition dinner. They are known for their ‘Ohana Noodles and Bread Pudding especially.
• Kona Café — Polynesian and Asian inspired dishes at a more reasonable price than some of the other Table Service restaurants.
• Wailulu Bar & Grill — New restaurant in the Polynesian Island Tower with Polynesian and Asian inspired dishes. Lunch and dinner are Table Service, while breakfast is Quick Service.
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — Popular tiki bar with lots of hijinks to enjoy. Kid’s are allowed until 8:00 p.m. And there are no reservations, so expect a wait to get in.
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace — Outdoor option for Trader Sam’s
• Tambu Lounge — Cocktail lounge/bar next to ‘Ohana. They also have a few food items like chicken wings and pot stickers.

Quick Service Dining at The Polynesian

• Capt. Cook’s — The main Quick Service restaurant at the Polynesian. They have Polyesian inspired dishes (don’t miss the Tonga Toast for breakfast).
• Kona Island — Grab and go breakfast pastries (a.m.) and sushi (p.m.). It’s upstairs next to the monorail stop, so perfect for grabbing something before you head to the park in the morning!
• Pineapple Lanai — The place where you can get Dole whip outside of Magic Kingdom!
• Barefoot Pool Bar — Burgers, seafood, and cocktails by the Lava Pool
• Oasis Bar & Grill — Burgers, seafood, and cocktails by the Oasis Pool

More Features & Amenities at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian is truly just a gorgeous property to relax on. And there are some other features and amenities that make this a great stay.

• Cove Pools — Lava Pool with a slide and splash area, the Oasis Pool (aka the quiet pool), and the Cove Pool with a Moana splash pad
• The Beach — The Poly has a great beach area where you can relax and watch the fireworks. I think this is the best off-property fireworks spot! (It’s important to note that you can’t swim at the beach though!)
• Shopping at BouTiki and Moana Mercantile
• Movies Under the Stars — Free nightly movies outside!
• Boat rentals
• Jogging trail and volleyball court

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Pros & Cons

Polynesian Resort Pros

• Disney transportation is great here. Take the monorail to Magic Kingdom (with just one stop at the Grand Floridian before you get there). Or you can walk right to the Transportation and Ticket Center to take the monorail to Epcot. There’s also a boat to Magic Kingdom, or if you really want to walk you can walk from the Poly to the Grand Floridian and then on to Magic Kingdom.
• Watching the fireworks on the beach is such a great time and it’s a fantastic view.
• The whole resort has such a relaxing and chill feel.
• The Polynesian has really fantastic dining options. And although there is still only one real Quick Service restaurant, it has some really good food.
• The Moana themed rooms are newly updated!

Polynesian Resort Cons

• Definitely one of the priciest Disney resorts.
• Because the rooms are in different buildings, you have to walk outside to get to your room from the lobby (which can be a bit of a bummer if it is raining).

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Perhaps the *ahem* grandest of all the Disney resorts (even among the Disney hotels on the monorail) is the Grand Floridian. This guest favorite is fancy schmancy, with all kinds of amenities and luxury that fit its Victorian Era theme.

The Grand Floridian opened in 1988. So while it’s not one of the original hotels, it’s been there for a VERY long time and is definitely a Disney classic. If you want to stay at Disney in splendor, then this is the place for you.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Rooms

The rooms at The Grand Floridian are decorated to the resort’s Victorian theme with subtle nods to Mary Poppins. The rooms in the main resort were fully updated in 2024. And the DVC rooms got a soft refresh in 2022.

Like the Polynesian, the rooms are spread out in various buildings, so you may have to walk outside to get to your room. This also means there are a variety of views you could have: Lake View, Theme Park View, or Resort View (aka the parking lot).

This means you may also want to consider which building, which are all named after Florida Keys, you want to be in. Perhaps you want to be close to Lobby with the dining options and monorail station (choose Sago Key or Sugarloaf Key). Or perhaps you want to be closer to the boat dock and away from some of the activity (choose Conch Key or Boca Chica).

Again, because this is a Deluxe Resort, you will have plenty of space in both your room and bathroom.

Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Most of the food served at The Grand Floridian will be American style, so it should be pretty easy to please everyone in your party food-wise.

The Grand Floridian also houses the most expensive restaurant on Disney World property: Victoria & Albert’s, which is the only MICHELIN Star rated restaurant at Disney World. And several of the Table Service dining options have a dress code, so you probably can’t just waltz in with whatever you wore to the theme park that day.

Grand Floridian Table Service Dining

• Cítricos — American food + seafood options with a tasteful Mary Poppins theme. There’s a dress code here!
• Grand Floridian Cafe — American cuisine that’s a little more casual than the other Grand Floridian Table Service restaurants. I think the food is delicious here though and it’s an underrated spot!
• Narcoossee’s — All about seafood, and also a favorite restaurant to watch fireworks from. There’s a dress code here!
• 1900 Park Fare — A character meal with a full buffet or favorite American food. You’ll meet Cinderella, Aladdin, Tiana, and Mirabel.
• Victoria & Albert’s — American fine dining. This is the fanciest and most expensive restaurant at Disney World, so of course there is also a dress code.
• Enchanted Rose — Beauty and the Beast inspired cocktail lounge
• Citricos Lounge — Lounge next to Citricos that serves a lot of the same food.

Grand Floridian Quick Service Dining

• Gasparilla Island Grill — The main Quick Service restaurant at the Grand Floridian. They have sandwiches, a burger, and flatbreads. And they’re also open for breakfast with pretty standard fare.
• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill — Burgers, sandwiches, and drinks at the Beach Pool
• Courtyard Pool Bar — Wraps, salads, and drinks at the Courtyard Pool

More Features & Amenities at The Grand Floridian

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa may have the most extras on property (I mean, its name does include spa so…). Here’s a good idea of what you can expect there.

• Two Pools — The Beach Pool with waterslide and kid’s splash area and the quieter Courtyard Pool
• Arcadia Games — Game room
• The Grand Floridian Spa — A full-service spa and salon.
• Health Club — Workout facility
• Shopping at Basin White, Curiouser Clothiers, M. Mouse Mercantile, and Sandy Cove Gifts & Sundries
• Movies Under the Stars — Nightly outdoor movies
• Boat Rentals from the marina
• Jogging trail and basketball courts

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Pros & Cons

Grand Floridian Pros:

• The fanciest resort on property with tons of amenities.
• The last stop on the resort monorail before you get to Magic Kingdom. Plus there is now a walking path from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom! There is also boat transportation.
• SUCH a pretty lobby.
• A plethora of fine dining options.

Grand Floridian Cons:

• One of the priciest resorts on property.
• Limited quick service dining options.
• If you want to feel relaxed and chill on your vacation, this resort *might* feel a little more uptight.
• Not the best transportation to Epcot out of all the monorail resorts.

How to Save Money on a Disney Monorail Resort

Let’s talk about one question that so many people have: How can you save money on a Disney Deluxe Resort? (Which…all three of the monorail resorts are.)

I have two options for you to help make the possibility of staying at a monorail resort more manageable:

1. Book through a travel agent. Using the services of a Disney travel agent is completely free, and many travel agents have rooms they can book at discounted prices.
2. Rent Disney Vacation Club (DVC) point. This is like renting a timeshare. DVC members don’t always use all of their points and put them up for other people to rent. Each of the three monorail resorts has DVC rooms available, and you can rent points through a reputable site like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. This can make a stay at a Deluxe Resort significantly cheaper, even up to half off the regular price! We’ve used David’s Vacation Club Rentals several times before and been super happy with the process!

Another thing to note: if you love the Monorail Resorts but can’t justify the cost of staying there, you can definitely still visit! Even if you aren’t staying at the resort you can enjoy the dining, the lobby, and other public spaces (you mostly just can’t use the pool).

Which Resort Should You Choose?

Each of the three Disney hotels on the monorail have unique offerings and theming…and I wouldn’t complain about staying at any of them! Weighing the options for each one may help you make a decision about with Monorail Resort to stay in. But just to break it down a little more simply:

• Stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort if you want a family-friendly stay that is SUPER close to Magic Kingdom.

• Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort if you want a more laid-back vibe, with easy monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

• Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa if you want luxury and lots of amenities.

We hope that helps you make a decision! But I promise you this: if you’re staying at a Disney Monorail Resort, not matter which choice you make you can’t go wrong!

What’s Next?

• Get the Full Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip
• Find Ways to Save Money at Disney World
• Learn How to Rent DVC Points For Your Monorail Resort Stay
• Learn How to do a Split Stay to Save Money
• Read My Grand Floridian Review
• Plan Your Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Like this post? Save it for your next Disney World trip!