Disney World Hotels with Monorail

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What are the Disney World Monorail Resorts?

So what are the Disney hotels on the monorail? There are three resorts that are on the monorail and thus considered the Disney World Monorail Resorts. They are Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

What is the Walt Disney World Monorail?

The monorail is an electronic transportation method used at Walt Disney World. It’s an easy way for Disney to quickly transport a lot of people at one time. The monorail has been a Disney World staple since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, and is often called Disney’s “highway in the sky.” The Disney monorail hotels are all along the track.

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Overview of the three Monorail hotels Disney World

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Due to Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s iconic A-frame structure with the monorail running through the hotel, this Disney monorail hotel is the one most Disney enthusiasts think of when they think about a Disney World monorail resort.

With its array of wonderful restaurants, nice selection of shops, and super close location next to the Magic Kingdom, it’s an excellent choice for someone who wants to stay at a Disney World hotel with monorail transportation.

There are actually several buildings that make up the Contemporary resort. First, the original A-frame where most of the restaurants and shops are located (as well as the monorail stop). Next door is the newer DVC building (Bay Lake Tower) with villas ranging from studios on up, and finally the nearby Garden Wing.

👉 Click here to book your stay at The Contemporary!

Along with comfortable accommodations, some of the popular Disney restaurants are located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort including Chef Mickey (the best character breakfast in my book), and the delicious California Grill to name a few.

The resort has two pools along with a variety of fun outdoor games and other resort activities.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Full of tropical touches, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was one of the original hotels at the Magic Kingdom, opening up in 1971 along with the park.

If you love a relaxing, tropical-themed hotel, this is your property. The resort actually consists of a number of buildings with all kinds of accommodation available. You can even stay in a bungalow over the Seven Seas Lagoon – talk about indulgence!

Depending upon which building you are in, it might be more convenient to pick up the monorail at the ticketing & transportation stop versus the monorail stop inside the main Polynesian entrance.

👉 Click here to book your stay at The Polynesian

The restaurants and bars inside the main building also have a tropical flair and here you’ll find the world-famous Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This resort is also one of the few places you can enjoy Dole Whip outside of the Magic Kingdom.

It’s lovely to stay at the resort, relax by the pool in the afternoon with a fruity drink in hand and then end your evening with a walk over to the main building for a Dole Whip. Yum!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The final Disney World Hotel with monorail access is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The most elegant of the Disney World Hotels with monorail transportation, the Grand Floridian has an upscale Victorian feel. Although it is a bit “fancy”, it IS still a Disney hotel, so of course, it’s family-friendly.

A Disney World Hotel with monorail transportation, the Grand Floridian

👉 Click here to book your stay at The Grand Floridian

With a fun pool – and a waterslide – and a terrific location on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, it’s a relaxing and unique hotel option. It’s also incredibly close to the Magic Kingdom – a very easy walk.

During the holidays, this resort goes all out with a life-size gingerbread house and over-the-top decorating, so even if you don’t stay here, hop on the monorail and check out the decor.

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Why would you want to stay at one of the Disney World Hotels on monorail?

There are a variety of excellent reasons for staying at one of the Disney World Hotels with monorail transportation including location, the luxuriousness of the resorts, and some other extras that make them really special.

Location

If you love the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, then a monorail resort is an extra treat. You’ll be able to view the Magic Kingdom – and even the fireworks from all three of the resorts.

The Grand Floridian and The Contemporary are closer to the park than the Polynesian and in fact, it might be faster at times to walk back to those two resorts versus taking the monorail. Especially if you are leaving the parks at a busy hour (i.e. when the Magic Kingdom is about to open or close).

All three resorts also offer boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom, and you can transfer monorails at the ticket & transportation center and ride the monorail over to Epcot too.

It’s certainly a treat to get to take a quick monorail ride back to your room after a long day at the Magic Kingdom. No worries about waiting for buses, parking, rental cars, etc.

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Luxury

The three Disney World hotels with monorail are some of the most luxurious of the Walt Disney World resorts. All three are well-themed and have excellent restaurants and comfortable lodging.

As soon as you enter any of the three resorts you are immersed in the Disney “bubble” – it is a great way to extend the feel of your Disney vacation throughout the trip.

Extras

Trust Disney to not just offer a regular old hotel room to their guests. All three of the resorts have something a little extra.

One fun extra is the Electrical Water Pageant – it runs through the Seven Seas Lagoon every night and you can view it easily from all three resorts.

The resorts have really special pools (with waterslides), hot tubs, and most nights movies under the stars and campfires. If you plan on staying at one of these resorts, give yourself at least one day to just enjoy the resort!

👉 Related post: Disney Resort Fun

Which is the BEST Disney World Hotel with Monorail Transportation?

All three of the Disney monorail resorts are special and lovely, but most people do have a strong preference for one of them.

The Best Walt Disney World Hotel with monorail for families

For families, the laid-back atmosphere of the Polynesian is often a favorite. It almost feels like in addition to your Disney vacation you’re also enjoying a tropical getaway.

The other family favorite is typically the Contemporary – not so much for the theming but for the fact that the monorail runs right through the main building. That’s a big draw for little ones – and less walking for tired families!

Disney's monorail runs through the Contemporary

The Best Walt Disney World Hotel with monorail for couples

The Grand Floridian’s elegant decor and sumptuous feel make it a favorite for couples – especially honeymooners. This resort even has a wedding pavilion. You will see families staying here, but it does have a bit more of an adult feel than some of the other Disney Resorts.

There are also several of the most exclusive and expensive restaurants on Disney property located at the Grand Floridian, along with several lounges including the newest The Enchanted Rose.

What is the cheapest Disney World Hotel on the monorail?

All of these hotels are pretty darn expensive, with rooms ranging from $400 to well over $1000 a night. Once in a while, you can get a great sale, but in general, it’s Disney, so prices will be high for these desirable locations.

The cheapest of the three is typically The Contemporary, but not by much. The most expensive is definitely The Grand Floridian.

How to save money on Disney World Hotels with monorail

There are a few ways to save money on a Disney World monorail resort, the biggest one is to visit in the off-season. If Disney is going to run a sale on these rooms it will be during a quieter time.

Another option is to rent points from a DVC member – all three of these resorts have DVC (Disney Vacation Club) villas and renting points is a terrific way to enjoy the lodging at a lower price. There are several reputable companies that will rent points to you if you prefer to use a 3rd party.

👉 If you can’t get into one of these hotels (and they book up quickly), check out the BRAND NEW Disney Swan Reserve – it’s just as luxurious and still on Disney property!

Frequently asked questions about the Disney World Monorail

Curious about the monorail? Read on for frequently asked questions.

Where does the Monorail go?

The monorail has 5 total stops. The main hub is the Ticket & Transportation Center, and from there you can take a monorail straight to Epcot or to the Magic Kingdom.

The resort monorail stops at the Magic Kingdom, The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, the Ticket & Transportation Center, and The Contemporary.

Insider tip: If the main monorail that runs straight to the Ticket & Transportation Center is really backed up, take the resort monorail – you’ll make more stops but will end up at the same place.

How fast does the monorail go?

The monorail runs on electricity up to 40 mph – so it’s a pretty fast method of transportation!

Can you park at a Disney Hotel and ride the monorail?

If you have a dinner reservation at one of the hotels you can definitely park at that hotel and then ride the monorail before or after your meal.

In fact, if parking isn’t full, most cast members will let you park at one of the monorail resorts and then enjoy shopping or quick-service dining (or watching the Electrical Pageant).

A fun activity for adults to enjoy is a “monorail crawl”. Start at one of the monorail resorts for a drink, then head to each of the other two for a drink at one of the fun bars. You could even do this with treats for the kiddos.

Do you have to pay to ride the monorail?

The monorail is 100% free for everyone.

How many hotels are on the monorail at Disney World?

There are three total hotels on the monorail at Walt Disney World – The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Contemporary.

What is the hotel that the monorail goes through?

The monorail goes right through the middle of the A-frame Contemporary building. Even if you aren’t staying at this hotel, it’s pretty cool to ride through the building, so give it a try!

Conclusion: Disney World Hotels with Monorail

Staying at a Disney World Hotel with monorail transportation is a unique and fun way to extend your Disney fun AND enjoy the can’t be beat proximity to the Magic Kingdom.