Whether you’re looking for deluxe accommodation or a spot to add to your resort hopping list, the Disney Resort monorail system is a game-changer. Staying at one of the Disney monorail hotels is so nice.
So far, we have three Disney resorts with monorail access in Walt Disney World: Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort.
Staying at one of these Disney World monorail resorts helps people get from their rooms to the theme parks quickly.
You cannot take the monorail to Hollywood Studios, but there are other ways to get from these Disney World resorts to that park.
It is so much fun to stay at these Disney World hotels for your Disney World vacation or before heading out on a Disney Cruise Line ship.
How do these Walt Disney Company hotels compare to each other in terms of transport, dining, and entertainment? Read on to find out!
The 3 Disney Resorts With Monorail Stations
Let’s jump right in and see what the resorts on the monorail line are all about.
1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Whenever someone mentions hotels with monorail access at Disney World, the Contemporary Resort pops to mind—the train literally passes through the building!
Interestingly, this Disney World resort wasn’t even called the Contemporary Resort from day one. Instead, it was known as the Tempo Bay Hotel in 1971. But even back then, the design had the same concept of a monorail going through the building.
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Transport Convenience
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel on the list to Magic Kingdom—it’s only a 10-minute walk away!
Alternatively, you can go to the fourth floor and follow the signs to the monorail station. You’ll find it near Fantasia Market, and it’s pretty hard to miss.
That said, the trip can take twice as long on the monorail. We know this sounds weird, but the monorail doesn’t have a direct line from the hotel to the park. Instead, it has to complete a full run through two more resorts and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
So, if you’re in a rush to start your adventure at Magic Kingdom, you can walk there. When you’re all done, take the monorail back, and the hotel will be the first stop along the way.
If you want to visit EPCOT, you’ll have to stop at the TTC and switch lines. Of course, taking the bus is still a valid option if you’re going to other parks without monorail access.
Resort Highlights
All in all, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a four-star hotel.
The dining options at this Deluxe hotel include Steakhouse 71, California Grill, and Chef Mickey’s. For entertainment, you can hit the Game Station, head to the Contemporary Courtyard for a movie night under the stars, or enjoy the 17-foot water slide.
That said, the primary appeal here is the Bay Lake view, especially if you opt to stay in a cabana!
Layout and Associated Areas: Bay Lake Tower
Next to the iconic Contemporary Resort building, you’ll find the Bay Lake Tower. It’s a new addition to the resort with a breathtaking view of the lake.
While Bay Lake Tower guests have access to the same amenities offered by the main resort, they have to walk a longer distance to get to the monorail station.
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The next stop along the way is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
You won’t find the same modern designs as the Contemporary Resort at this Disney World hotel, but you’ll be welcomed by an enchanting oasis vibe right away.
As it happens, this area is a favorite spot for resort hopping at Disney World, and for a good reason. After all, it has a serene landscape and is highly accessible.
Transport Convenience
For nearly a year, monorail transport to and from the resort was out of service. Now, the renovated station is open to visitors. So, you can hop on the monorail and get to Magic Kingdom in 10 minutes or so.
If you want to head to EPCOT, you can ride the monorail all the way to Magic Kingdom and back to the TTC and switch lines.
However, it’s also possible to walk to the TTC if you’re in a rush. Depending on where you’re staying in the resort, you can get there in 5–15 minutes on foot.
Keep in mind that the resort is also accessible by bus routes and boat rides. Those can come in handy if the monorail lines at the parks are too long, and you can’t wait to get back to your room after a long day!
Resort Highlights
Just like the Contemporary Resort, this Village Resort is a four-star accommodation.
Here, the top dining option is the iconic Capt. Cook restaurant. For entertainment, you can check out the Lava or Oasis pools. Plus, watching the Electrical Water Pageant is a highly recommended activity if you’re into whimsical sea creatures.
Layout and Associated Areas: Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
The main resort is made up of several longhouses, two or three floors high. It’s also worth mentioning that a few years back, Disney expanded the resort by building the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows area.
Since the resort isn’t one solitary building, some guests will be closer to the monorail station than others. For instance, the Aotearoa and Rarotonga longhouses are significantly closer to the station than the Moorea longhouse or the Villas and Bungalows area.
However, we don’t think you’ll mind taking a walk around the palm-lined streets, anyway!
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Did you know that Disney World was supposed to have an Asian-themed hotel next to Magic Kingdom?
Well, those plans were scratched. Instead, we now have the Grand Floridian with nifty access to the monorail system.
This Disney monorail hotel has the Seven Seas Lagoon where you can take specialty cruises.
Transport Convenience
If you’re going to Magic Kingdom, you can walk or take the monorail from this monorail resort. Either way, you can be there in a blink. After all, the resort is the last stop before the park, and the scenic walking path is less than a mile long.
However, on the way back, walking is going to be much faster than sitting through the full monorail ride. Some people opt to take the boat back to the resort, too.
To head to EPCOT, you’ll ride the monorail for about 15 minutes to the TTC. Then, you’ll hop on the line heading to EPCOT park. The entire trip should take around 40–50 minutes.
Resort Highlights
This resort has a slightly higher rating than the other two options on the list, with 4.5 stars.
Your dining options here include the Mary Poppins-themed Cítricos, the waterfront Narcoossee’s, and the casual Gasparilla Island Grill.
Of course, if you’re staying at this deluxe resort, you have to check out the Victorian-themed spa after a long day at the parks. Just make sure the spa isn’t closed for renovation during your stay.
Layout and Associated Areas: The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The monorail station sits between the main resort building and an additional building called The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Guests staying in both buildings have quick access to the monorail.
Final Thoughts
All three Disney resorts with monorail stations can be highly accessible and entertaining stops for resort hopping.
On the other hand, staying at these Disney deluxe resorts can be rather expensive. However, the top-notch amenities, extended evening hours, and transport convenience can be well worth the money!
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