It’s no surprise that a trip to Walt Disney World means a lot of walking and waiting for transportation. At 43 square miles, Walt Disney World is the most popular amusement park in the world and attracts an impressive 17 million visitors per year. That’s exactly why staying at a Disney monorail hotel is the luxury end of the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World’s Resort monorail system runs around the Seven Seas Lagoon transporting guests from the Magic Kingdom, the Transport Ticket Center and three monorail resorts – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Hotel and Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort Hotel.

The Disney World Monorail Hotels are some of the most sought-after and desirable of all the resort Disney properties and each one has a different character so it’s important to review each property before you decide which one is right for your Walt Disney World vacation.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Hotel

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Hotel, also known as Poly, is a south seas themed resort that will transport you into paradise from the minute to step into the lobby. One of the two original hotels that opened on October 1, 1971, with the Magic Kingdom, this resort has undergone changes and expansions that have continued to keep it one of the most popular resorts at Walt Disney World for over 40 years.

Rooms

Standard rooms at the Poly are between 410 to 476 square feet, which is quite large by Disney deluxe hotel standards. Prices vary between the room types, view and season.

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Dining & Lounges

• Trader’s Sam’s Grog Grotto: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is conveniently located steps away from the lobby of the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the theme parks and after 8:00 PM, retreat to the 21 and better only crowd.
• Tambu Lounge: Pull up a stool at this enchanting watering hole where you’ll find tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers to Tiki your fancy—from exotic chicken wings and pulled pork nachos to island-themed specialty cocktails and a full bar menu.
• Barefoot Pool Bar: Kick off your shoes and enjoy the white sandy beach as you sip on Tiki drinks and take in views of Magic Kingdom park. Try the Captain’s Mai Tai, Samoa Sunrise or Banana Cabana! Beer, wine, and a full bar are also available.
• Captain Cook’s: Explore your options each morning as you start the day with a Mickey Waffle or banana-stuffed Tonga Toast. For lunch or dinner, discover an adventurous assortment of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and more. Beer and wine are also available.
• Kona Island: Say “aloha” to coffee and pastries in the morning and made-to-order sushi and sashimi beginning at noon. Try a California luau roll, made with fresh jumbo lump crab, or the Hawaiian-style tuna poke. Cocktails, wine, beer, and sake are available.
• Pineapple Lanai: Savor a taste of island sunshine with the legendary frozen treat known as DOLE WHIP®. Enjoy traditional soft-serve swirls and floats, which are also available in souvenir Tiki Sippers or Bowls. Located just outside the great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show: Celebrate the spirit of aloha with spellbinding dancers, drummers, and a show-stopping fire-knife performer. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• ‘Ohana: Hang loose with Stitch and friends at this lively character breakfast and enjoy games, storytelling and a Hawaiian-style feast at a character dinner. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Kona Cafe: This relaxed café infuses a bit of Asian zest into traditional American meals and features an onstage sushi kitchen. Reservations recommended and can be made here.

Recreation

• Lava and Oasis Pools: Paddle down and around the Lava Pool and its popular volcano, water slide, and newly expanded deck, or dip into the peaceful waters of the Oasis Pool.
• Movies Under the Stars: Join us for complimentary screenings of favorite Disney films, evenings on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn.
• Motorized Boat Rentals: Cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon aboard one of the motorized boats from Seven Seas Marina.
• Campfire Activities: Celebrate the great outdoors with complimentary campfire activities.
• Fishing: Experience bass fishing at its finest with a guided catch-and-release excursion.
• Volleyball: Enjoy a friendly volleyball match on a sandy court located between the Hawaii and Tahiti buildings. Complimentary volleyball may be checked out from Seven Seas Marina with your MagicBand or card.
• Jogging Trail: Jog on pathways throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Distances are approximate, and maps are available from Lobby Concierges.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is Walt Disney World’s premier hotel and is the top choice for the guest looking for elegance and luxury. Known for being the most “grown-up” friendly resort, there are still plenty of families who stay here, however, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a more adult Disney experience.

Rooms

Standard rooms at the Grand Floridian boast over 440 square feet, many of which contain a balcony with premium views. Prices vary between the room types, view and season.

Dining & Lounges

• Cítricos: Savor vibrant Mediterranean-style dishes in this lively, inviting restaurant. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Narcoossee’s: Slip away to this casual waterfront setting for coastal cuisine with spectacular views. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Victoria & Albert’s: Classic Victorian elegance meets Haute American cuisine at this AAA Five Diamond Award® recipient since 2000. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• 1900 Park Fare: Delight in breakfast and dinner buffets, plus a merry afternoon tea party, each hosted by Disney Characters. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Cítricos Lounge: Unwind within the Mediterranean ambiance at this cozy bar where you can enjoy international wines, cocktails, artisanal beers, and seasonal tapas.
• Mizner’s Lounge: Enjoy live jazz standards by the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra from this upstairs bar behind the bandstand. High-end liquors are poured into classic cocktails like Manhattans and sidecars. Port, cognac, scotch, and snacks are available.
• Grand Floridian Café: For casual American dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this elegant yet unpretentious eatery can’t be beaten. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Garden View Tea Room: Delight in an elegant morning or afternoon tea overlooking the gardens and pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
• Gasparilla Island Grill: Relax and refuel 24/7 in this casual dining restaurant serving sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, soups, salads, grab ‘n’ go items, desserts, beer, and wine are available.
• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill: Enjoy a drink in style at this gleaming white gazebo bar by the sandy beach and zero-entry pool.
• Courtyard Pool Bar: Enjoy a refreshing dip then a refreshing sip by the largest pool at the Resort. A ping-pong table and 2 TVs provide added entertainment. Specialty cocktails, beer, wine, sangria, light snacks, and poolside service are available.

Recreation

• Beach and Courtyard Pools: Soak, splash or slide in the crystal-clear Beach Pool or enjoy a more tranquil swim at the Courtyard Pool.
• Arcadia Games: Delight in arcade games both classic and contemporary, as well as quick-service snacks and meals.
• Movies Under the Stars: Join us for complimentary screenings of favorite Disney films, evenings on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn.
• Motorized Boat Rentals: Cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon aboard one of the motorized boats from Seven Seas Marina.
• Campfire Activities: Celebrate the great outdoors with complimentary campfire activities.
• Fishing: Experience bass fishing at its finest with a guided catch-and-release excursion.
• Basketball Courts: Shoot some hoops on this basketball half-court, located near the health club. Complimentary basketballs can be checked out from the health club on a first-come, first-served basis for guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
• Jogging Trail: Jog on pathways throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Distances are approximate, and maps are available from Lobby Concierges.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the two original hotels that opened with the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. Known as simply, the Contemporary, this is an exceptional Disney hotel that will please even the most high-standard adult guest, but is still family-friendly. It’s most unique feature is that the monorail runs directly through the lobby, allow quick on and off access to the monorail.

Rooms

Standard rooms at the Contemporary are the smaller of the three resorts at right around 394 square feet. Prices vary between the room types, view and season.

Dining & Lounges

• California Grill: Savor the finest in Californian cooking, as you take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Chef Mickey’s: Enjoy a lively, all-you-care-to-eat buffet with Disney Friends in a bright, happy space. As the monorail whizzes by, Disney Characters mingle with Guests for photos and autographs and periodically lead diners in song and dance. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• The Wave…of American Flavors: Dine on new American cuisine inspired by a passion for locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Reservations recommended and can be made here.
• Contempo Café: Take time out for a tasty, casual breakfast, lunch or dinner! Stave hunger with steel-cut oatmeal, eggs, French toast, bakery items, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, pasta entrées and more.
• Contemporary Grounds: There’s coffee in your future at this sleek counter featuring gourmet coffees, iced tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and assorted baked goods. It’s the perfect place to perk up real quick before hitting the parks!
• The Sand Bar: Picnic poolside with burgers, hot dogs and more. Tropical cocktails, draft beer, sangria and wine make it even more fun!
• Cove Bar: Find specialty cocktails, beer, wine, wraps and salads at this private poolside bar for Guests of Bay Lake Tower and Disney Vacation Club members.
• Outer Rim: Admire stunning views of Bay Lake with specialty cocktails before—or after—dinner.
• The Wave Lounge: Immerse yourself in a “swell” time at this stylish bar inside The Wave… of American Flavors restaurant. Serving organic beer, New World wines, and trendy cocktails, this elegant oasis promises a chic retreat for adults looking to unwind.

Recreation

• Waterslides, Whirlpool Spas and More: From a waterslide to our relaxing spas, there’s something fun for everyone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
• Movies Under the Stars: Join us for complimentary screenings of favorite Disney films, evenings on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn.
• Motorized Boat Rentals: Cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon aboard one of the motorized boats from Seven Seas Marina.
• Campfire Activities: Celebrate the great outdoors with complimentary campfire activities.
• The Game Station Arcade: Discover high-octane thrills at this arcade located on the 4th floor of the Contemporary Tower.
• Fishing: Experience bass fishing at its finest with a guided catch-and-release excursion.
• Volleyball: Enjoy a friendly volleyball match on a sandy court located between the Hawaii and Tahiti buildings. Complimentary volleyball may be checked out from Seven Seas Marina with your MagicBand or card.
• Tennis: Hit the courts! Complimentary tennis racquets and balls are available at the Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower.
• Jogging Trail: Jog on pathways throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Distances are approximate, and maps are available from Lobby Concierges.

Which Disney Monorail Hotel is Right for You?

Anytime you elect to stay on Disney property, let alone one of the beautiful resorts on the monorail, you are making an excellent choice. However, anyone who has stayed at one or more of these resorts will have a distinct favorite. Disney Adulting loves the Contemporary, which is where we honeymooned, but also enjoy the beauty of returning to the lobby of the Floridian after a long day in the parks.

Our advice is to research the hotels online to find out what each resort appeals to you the most. If it’s a return trip, try staying in a different hotel. Either way, it’s a trip to the happiest place on earth and no matter which hotel (monorail or not) it’s going to be full of magic.