The Monorail system at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida was originally opened in 1971 as a means to transport guests from Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom theme park. Since its inception, the Monorail has shuttled around 50 million guests in air-conditioned comfort from the Florida heat.
There are three resort hotels along the “Monorail Loop” are deluxe Disney resorts which are among among the finest of the on-site Disney hotels. All three of these magnificent properties surround the calm waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake and include a monorail stop for guests to board or disembark. Two of the three resort hotels were part of the original opening of Walt Disney World with the third added in 1988.
In addition to the stops at the three hotels, the Monorail makes a stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center where guests can transfer to a different Monorail line for a 10 to 15 minute ride to EPCOT at Walt Disney World.
Click here to learn more about the Walt Disney World Monorail
The Walt Disney World hotels along the Monorail Loop are:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resorts
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort was one of the first two on-site hotels to open at the Walt Disney World Resort. This 655 room hotel features a 15-story “A” frame tower building as well as three, three-story garden style buildings. Disney just finished renovating the rooms and lobby of the tower building as by mid-2022, work on the garden buildings will be complete.
Amenities include two outdoor pools with a 17-foot waterslide and children’s water playground, organized activities, the Olympiad fitness center, motor boat rentals and an on-site arcade. There are multiple dining options including the top floor California Grill (with is sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon) and the fairly new Steakhouse 71. The tower rooms facing the Magic Kingdom are the most popular as guests can watch the nighttime fireworks from their private balcony.
What makes the Contemporary unique is that the Monorail literally goes through the center of the building. Guests dining at Chef Mickey’s or the Contempo Cafe will see the monorail trains pass by quite regularly which makes for a very interesting dining experience.
Guests can board the the Monorail from the inside of the hotel via an entrance on the second level of the hotel. Since the Contemporary is the first stop when leaving the Magic Kingdom, guests will arrive back at the hotel very quickly. When heading to the Magic Kingdom from the hotel, the Monorail will makes stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort before it arrives at the Magic Kingdom.
Of all three-hotels along the “Monorail Loop”, the Contemporary is the closest in proximity to the front gate of the Magic Kingdom so typically it is quicker to walk to and from the hotel rather than ride the Monorail. There is also water taxi service to and from the Magic Kingdom which is a very pleasant ride on days with good weather.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The second of the two on-site hotels that originally opened in 1971 is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This 847-room hotel features a Tahitian theme and is located opposite the Magic Kingdom along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon with a number of rooms facing the Magic Kingdom. During 2020/21, the resort underwent a comprehensive renovation including the lobby area and guests rooms and has a more relaxed “vibe” that the other hotels along the “Monorail Loop”.
Amenities at the Polynesian include two outdoor pools (one with a towering volcano and water slide), organized activities, an on-site fitness center, motor boat rentals and a full service spa. There are multiple dining options including Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show which is an all-you-can-eat feast featuring Polynesian music and dancing.
Guests can board the the Monorail from the second level on the outside of the hotel – but don’t worry, the entire area is covered and shielded from the elements. The Polynesian is the third stop when leaving the Magic Kingdom, guests will arrive back at the hotel in approximately 15 minutes. When heading to the Magic Kingdom from the hotel, the Monorail will makes stops at the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort before arriving at the Magic Kingdom.
In addition to the Monorail, there is water taxi service to and from the Magic Kingdom. While it is possible to walk, it is quite a distance as guests could have to walk around the Seven Seas Lagoon, passing by the Grand Floridian.
Click here to learn more about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the pinnacle of the Disney owned on-site resorts. This amazing 867-room hotel is also located along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon with a number of rooms facing the Magic Kingdom.
Amenities at the Grand Floridian include two outdoor pools, organized activities, an on-site fitness center, motor boat rentals and a full service spa. There are multiple dining options including Victoria & Albert’s which is a AAA Five Diamond Award winning restaurant and the most elegant dining experience at Walt Disney World.
Similar to the Polynesian, guests can board the the Monorail from the second level on the outside of the hotel (which is fully covered). The Grand Floridian is the final stop when leaving the Magic Kingdom, guests will arrive back at the hotel in approximately 20 minutes. However, it’s a less than 5-minute ride when heading to the Magic Kingdom.
In addition to the Monorail, there is water taxi service to and from the Magic Kingdom along with a walking pathway that takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Click here to learn more about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Why stay at one of the hotels on the “Monorail Loop”?
Although the three Deluxe resort hotels along the Monorail Loop are among the most expensive at Walt Disney World, they provide a great deal of value for the money. There are a number of advantages in staying these properties which include:
Convenient Transportation Options
Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts have convenient transportation and easy access to the Magic Kingdom via the Walt Disney World Monorail. Guests can also take the Monorail to the EPCOT theme park by transferring to the Epcot Monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to Epcot from the Transportation and Ticket Center.
In addition to the Monorail system, guests can take a water taxi to and from the Magic Kingdom.
Luxurious Amenities & Dining Experiences
The three hotels along the “Monorail Loop” offer outstanding amenities include resort pools, organized activities and character dining experiences & live shows as well as amazing fine dining venues.
Unique Entertainment Opportunities
Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts have direct views of Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake so guests can watch the nightly electrical water pageant as well as the evening fireworks from the Magic Kingdom.
“Club Level” Rooms
Each of the three resorts offer “club level” room which provide light food and beverages throughout the day, dedicated concierge staff and additional Disney “perks”.