Guide to Disney World Monorail Hotels

What are the Disney World monorail hotels? In this guide we will go into details about the monorail hotels at Disney World to see if they are a good choice for your Disney vacation.

Staying on-site at Walt Disney World is a great option for your Disney World vacation. We prefer it because of the perks and the feeling of being “inside the Disney bubble”.

If you are looking for a beautiful resort that has a bit of luxury, and offers access to the Disney theme parks, you should consider a stay at one of the Disney World monorail resorts.

These resorts offer guests great amenities and perks as well as great views of the Magic Kingdom over the Seven Seas Lagoon.

disney world monorail hotels guide

What are the Disney Monorail Hotels?

The monorail hotels are Disney resorts along the monorail line. They are in the Disney deluxe resorts category and are in close proximity to the Magic Kingdom park.

Each of the Disney monorail hotels have a monorail station on-site and offer guests a quick way to get to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

I have a full review of Magic Kingdom vs. Epcot if you are looking to learn more about each park.

The Disney World monorail hotels are: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

These are the only Disney World resorts on the monorail line. There are also Disney World resorts along the Disney Skyliner Transportation system if you are looking for an alternative to buses.

What is the Walt Disney World Monorail System?

The Walt Disney World monorail system is a monorail transportation option that takes guests from one of the Disney World hotels to the theme parks.

Where are the Disney Monorail Resorts Located?

They are located at the Walt Disney World Resort on the seven seas lagoon. Being on Disney property gives you easy access to the Magic Kingdom park and Epcot.

Guests looking to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will use the bus transportation. Guests can also use water taxis to get to the Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has a modern theme and has also received updates the last few years. It is within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Rooms

  • Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 5 adults) Recently updated to the Pixar movie The Incredibles.
  • Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 8 adults)
  • Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 4 adults)
  • 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas (sleep up to 12 adults), Villas include kitchenette, washer and dryer, and more spacious accommodations.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Dining Options

  • California Grill (table service restaurant)
  • Chef Mickey (Character Dining)
  • Steakhouse 71 (table service restaurant)
  • Contempo Café (Quick Service)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Transportation

  • Magic Kingdom: Monorail, Water Taxi, or walk
  • Epcot: Monorail
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pools and Amenities

  • 2 pools
  • waterslide
  • Self-Parking is complimentary.
  • Resort campfire
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Game Station
  • Basketball, volleyball
  • Fishing
  • Boat rentals
  • Views of the Electrical Water Pageant.
  • Fitness Center

*The electrical water pageant runs nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It is a colorful parade on the water.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a South Pacific island theme and is located on the monorail route.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Rooms

  • Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 5 adults) Recently updated with a Moana theme.
  • Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 5 adults)
  • Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 5 adults)
  • Bungalows (sleep up to 8 adults) Bungalows include kitchenette, washer and dryer, and more spacious accommodations.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Dining Options

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Transportation

  • Magic Kingdom: Monorail or Water Taxi
  • Epcot: Monorail
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Pools and Amenities

  • Recently updated lava and oasis pools
  • waterslide
  • Self-Parking is complimentary.
  • Resort campfire
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • volleyball
  • Fishing
  • Boat rentals
  • Views of the Electrical Water Pageant.
  • Fitness Center, Spa, Jogging Trail

*The electrical water pageant runs nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It is a colorful parade on the water.

Want to learn more about this resort? Check out this review of the Polynesian Resort from our friends at Everyday Eyecandy.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has a Victorian elegant theme. Out of the three Disney monorail resorts it is the least updated. Although it is receiving room refurbishments in 2023.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Rooms

  • Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 5 adults)
  • Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 8 adults)
  • Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 4 adults)
  • 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas (sleep up to 12 adults), Villas include kitchenette, washer and dryer, and more spacious accommodations.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Dining Options

  • Citricos (table service restaurant)
  • Narcoossee’s (table service restaurant)
  • Grand Floridian Café (table service restaurant)
  • 1900 Park Fare (Character Dining)
  • Gasparilla Island Grill (Quick Service)
  • Victoria’s & Alberts (table service restaurant)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Transportation

  • Magic Kingdom: Monorail, Water Taxi, or Walking Path
  • Epcot: Monorail
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Bus
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bus

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Pools and Amenities

  • Pools
  • waterslide
  • Self-Parking is complimentary.
  • Resort campfire
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Arcade
  • Fishing
  • Boat rentals
  • Views of the Electrical Water Pageant.
  • Fitness Center, Spa

*The electrical water pageant runs nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It is a colorful parade on the water.

Learn more in our review of the Grand Floridian.

Cost of the Disney World Monorail Hotels

Rooms rates at the Disney World resorts vary depending on season and the deals offered. Be sure to check the Walt Disney World resort rates (and their current special offers) and compare with Undercover Tourist room rates to find the best deal.

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort: $500.00+ a night. If you are looking for a villa expect prices to be $1000.00+/night.
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Room rates start at $600.00+/night.
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: Rates starting at around $600+/night.

FAQ’s About the Monorail Resorts at Disney World

How do you get to the Disney Theme Parks from the Disney World monorail resorts?

Guests can use the monorail to get from Magic Kingdom and Epcot to the monorail resorts. To get to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios bus transportation is available.

How do you get to Disney Springs from the Disney World hotels on the monorail?

Guests wanting to visit Disney Springs can take the bus from their resort.

How do you get to other resorts from the Disney monorail resorts?

If you would like to visit other resorts when staying at a Disney monorail resort you have a few options. Often on a non-park day guests make dining reservations at a different resort.

The best way to get to another resort is to take the monorail to the resort, if it is a monorail hotel, or take the monorail to Magic Kingdom and then the bus from Magic Kingdom to the resort.

When you return you will take the bus from the resort to Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail back to your resort.

If you are researching other Disney resort accommodations I suggest our resort reviews:

How do you get to the Disney water parks from the Disney resort hotels on the monorail?

To get to the Disney World water parks, there are 2: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, guests will take the bus from their resort.

Does my reservation at a Disney World monorail resort include tickets?

Your reservation does not include tickets unless you book a package.

Can you view fireworks from the Disney hotels on the monorail?

Yes! Guests staying at the Disney monorail resorts can see the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort.

fireworks from the disney world monorail resorts grand floridian
Fireworks from Disney’s Grand Floridian.

Can you walk to the theme parks from the Disney monorail resorts?

Yes. Guests can walk from the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian Village resort. The walk from the Polynesian is the longest.

Do you have to stay at a Disney Monorail resort to visit?

No. You can visit the Disney monorail resorts or make dining reservations without being a hotel guest.

Can you park at a monorail resort at Disney and go to the parks?

You can only park at a monorail resort if you have a dining reservation. You will not be allowed to park to visit or go to the theme parks.

If you want to visit a resort to walk around take a bus from Disney Springs or a Disney theme park.

Can you use the monorail resorts pools?

Pool hopping is not allowed at Walt Disney World.

Can the Disney World monorail resorts fit a family of five?

Yes! The Disney World monorail resorts do accommodate a family of five.

Are the Disney resorts with monorail access expensive?

The Disney monorail resorts are in the Deluxe category for Disney hotel accommodations. This means they are priced higher than the moderate resorts or value resorts.

The Disney World monorail resorts are a great place to stay during your Disney World vacation. They offer easy access to the parks and comfort for your family during your stay.

Read Next: Disney Vacation Cost for a Family of Five

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