Disney Monorail Resorts vs Disney Skyliner Resorts: Which is Best for You?

Disney Monorail resorts or Disney Skyliner resorts – where should you stay?

Both categories of Disney resorts offer super convenient transportation to two parks.

With their unique perks (from price to extra convenience to certain locations), which is the best choice for you on your next Disney World trip?

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each option, so you can come to your own conclusion and book the right resort for you!

This post is all about Disney Monorail resorts VS Disney Skyliner resorts.

Disney Monorail Resorts VS Disney Skyliner Resorts

Overview of Disney Monorail Resorts

The Monorail connects three Disney resorts, providing access to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).

Where Does the Monorail Go Today?

These days, the Walt Disney World Monorail operates two main routes, each designed to make getting around the resort as seamless as possible.

The first route makes stops at:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort (AKA ‘the Disney resort monorail goes through’)
• Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Magic Kingdom

The second route focuses on connecting:

• Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
• Epcot

How Many Monorail Lines Are There?

There are 3 distinct monorail lines at Disney World, each offering a slightly different route:

• Resort Monorail: This one loops around the monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian), the TTC, and Magic Kingdom.
• Express Monorail: Designed for efficiency, this line goes directly between the TTC and Magic Kingdom without stopping at the resorts.
• Epcot Monorail: This route connects the TTC to Epcot, giving guests a convenient way to hop between parks.

Disney’s monorail system has existed for over 50 years, and it remains one of the most popular forms of transportation at Disney World.

What Disney World resorts have Monorail access?

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

RELATED POST: A Definitive Ranking of the Disney World Monorail Resorts in 2025

Overview of Disney Skyliner Resorts

The Disney Skyliner is a gondola transportation system that connects several Disney World resorts to two of its parks—Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Disney Skyliner Routes

The Disney Skyliner makes traveling between certain resorts and parks super easy, with three separate routes to choose from:

• One route links Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Hollywood Studios.
• Another connects Caribbean Beach with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century Resort.

• The third route takes you from Caribbean Beach to Epcot, stopping briefly at Disney’s Riviera Resort along the way.

What hotels is the Skyliner connected to?

• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

RELATED POST: Ranking the Disney Skyliner Resorts from Worst to Best (the cheapest resort isn’t the worst)

Why Staying at Disney Monorail Resorts is Better Than Disney Skyliner Resorts

1) Unbeatable Convenience to Magic Kingdom

• The Monorail literally takes you straight to the gates of Magic Kingdom. No transfers, no waiting in long bus lines—just hop on and go.
• You go through security before you get on the monorail, which almost always means shorter waits!
• If you’re staying at a monorail resort, you’re just a quick walk away, which is perfect after a long day. The easiest resort to walk to and from is Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which is about a 5-minute walk!

2) Table Service Dining Options

• Monorail Resorts boast some of the most iconic, table service restaurants on Disney property. Think California Grill at the Contemporary, ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian’s Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s (if you feel like dropping at least a few hundred dollars on dinner 😱😂) and more!
• You can easily hop on the Monorail for a dining reservation without worrying about logistics.

Only two of the four Disney Skyliner resorts have table service restaurants.

RELATED POST: 9 Reasons Why Disney World Table Service Dining Is Better Than Quick Service

Why Staying at Disney Monorail Resorts is Better Than Disney Skyliner Resorts

1) Unbeatable Convenience to Magic Kingdom

• The Monorail literally takes you straight to the gates of Magic Kingdom. No transfers, no waiting in long bus lines—just hop on and go.
• You go through security before you get on the monorail, which almost always means shorter waits!
• If you’re staying at a monorail resort, you’re just a quick walk away, which is perfect after a long day. The easiest resort to walk to and from is Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which is about a 5-minute walk!

2) Table Service Dining Options

• Monorail Resorts boast some of the most iconic, table service restaurants on Disney property. Think California Grill at the Contemporary, ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian’s Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s (if you feel like dropping at least a few hundred dollars on dinner 😱😂) and more!
• You can easily hop on the Monorail for a dining reservation without worrying about logistics.

Only two of the four Disney Skyliner resorts have table service restaurants.

3) Prime Views of Magic Kingdom Fireworks

• The Monorail resorts offer incredible views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks in communal areas. They also offer rooms with views of Magic Kingdom, so you can see the fireworks.

• Many Monorail Resorts even synchronize the music for a full experience.

If you’re staying on the Skyliner, you may see some fireworks from the Epcot area.

4) Easy Resort Hopping

• With the Monorail connecting all three resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian), it’s effortless to explore them.
• Want to grab drinks at Trader Sam’s or check out the Grand Floridian lobby? It’s pretty simple!

5) Historical and Iconic Disney Status

• Monorail Resorts are classic Disney. From the opening of Walt Disney World, the Polynesian and Contemporary hotels have been part of the magic.

Why Staying at Disney Monorail Resorts is Worse Than Disney Skyliner Resorts

1) Price vs. Value

• All Monorail resorts like the Contemporary or Polynesian are crazy expensive. The most expensive resorts at Disney World are the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. You can save money by renting DVC points, but they will still be the most costly options. The Contemporary is a cheaper option, but it still comes with a deluxe price tag.
• Skyliner resorts, like Pop Century or Art of Animation, cost significantly less. And yet, they still offer quick, efficient transportation to two parks – Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
• Paying more doesn’t guarantee a better experience, especially when potential transportation hiccups or other factors come into play.

2) Monorail Maintenance Issues

• The monorail is aging—it’s no secret. Delays, breakdowns, and overcrowding aren’t the most uncommon complaints (as someone who’s been stuck on the monorail in the last couple years, I can attest to that). Sure, it’s iconic, but that doesn’t help when you’re stuck waiting for a train.
• The Skyliner is newer and can be more reliable. Gondolas run continuously, avoiding those long gaps you often encounter with the monorail.

3) Skyliner’s Scenic and Relaxing Experience

• Let’s be real: riding the monorail can feel more like public transit than a magical perk. It’s often packed, noisy, and lacks any real vibe.
• The Skyliner offers a serene ride with beautiful views. Floating above the resort areas and parks feels much more in line with Disney’s magic.

4) Transportation to Hollywood Studios

• Skyliner resorts give you seamless access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you’re more interested in visiting Hollywood Studios than Magic Kingdom, this is a great perk.

5) Crowds and Chaos

• Monorail resorts tend to attract crowds beyond just hotel guests. Between dining, bars, and the infamous Magic Kingdom rush, they can feel more like a theme park themselves.
• Skyliner resorts avoid a lot of this chaos. The gondola system keeps things moving, and you don’t have the same influx of non-guests hanging around.

Why Staying at Disney Skyliner Resorts Is Better Than Disney Monorail Resorts

1) Ease of Transportation

• The Disney Skyliner is a game-changer for getting to the parks, especially EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
• Forget dealing with crowded buses or long monorail transfers. Skyliner gondolas run continuously, meaning shorter waits and steady movement.

2) Faster Access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

• Skyliner resorts minimize travel time to two of Disney World’s most popular parks.
• If you stay on the Monorail, you’ll need to take two Monorails to Epcot (unless you’re staying at the Polynesian and walk straight to the TTC). To get to Hollywood Studios, you’d need to take a bus.

3) Better Resort Price Range

• Skyliner resorts cover a range of budgets, from value to deluxe. Want to book a hotel on a budget? You’ve got value options like Art of Animation or Pop Century and a moderate option – Caribbean Beach. Sure, you can splurge on a stay at Riviera, but it’s not your only option.
• Monorail resorts? They’re all firmly in the expensive, deluxe category, with no budget- or even moderate-priced alternatives.

Why Staying at Disney Skyliner Resorts Is Worse Than Disney Monorail Resorts

1) Slower Access to Magic Kingdom

• Skyliner Resorts are great for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, but accessing Magic Kingdom (and Animal Kingdom)? That’s where things get worse. You’ll need to rely on buses.

2) Potential Skyliner Breakdowns = Big Delays

• Unsurprisingly, the Disney Skyliner can breakdown. Being stuck in a hot, stationary gondola with up to 9 other people isn’t ideal (especially if you’re a little unsettled by heights).
• Of course, the Monorail can breakdown too – however, it may be less frightening if you’re scared of heights.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Disney Monorail Resorts VS Disney Skyliner Resorts

Are Monorail resorts more expensive than Skyliner resorts?

Yes, Monorail resorts are generally more expensive. They fall under Disney’s “Deluxe” category, whereas Skyliner resorts include Moderate (Caribbean Beach) and Value (Pop Century, Art of Animation) options. Riviera Resort is an exception as it’s a Deluxe Skyliner resort.

Which resort is easiest to get to Magic Kingdom?

If you’re walking, the Contemporary. If you’re catching the Monorail, the Grand Floridian, as it takes you straight there (however, you’ll have to stop at the Contemporary, the TTC and Polynesian on the way back).

Do the Skyliner and Monorail overlap in destinations?

Yes, a little. Both systems allow access to Epcot. However, the Monorail connects Epcot to Magic Kingdom, while the Skyliner links Epcot with Hollywood Studios. Think about which parks you’ll visit the most when deciding.

Can you use both the Monorail and Skyliner during one trip?

Absolutely. You can stay at one type of resort but still utilize the other transportation system. For example, guests at Skyliner resorts can drive or shuttle to Magic Kingdom and hop on the Monorail, and vice versa.

Are Monorail resorts worth the higher cost?

If you plan to spend a lot of time at Magic Kingdom, enjoy easy access to Epcot, or want premium amenities, yes, they can be worth it.

But if you’re more budget-conscious or focusing on Hollywood Studios and Epcot, a Skyliner resort could give you better value.

Does the Skyliner operate in bad weather?

Unfortunately, no. If there’s lightning or high winds, the Skyliner will shut down for safety reasons.

In these cases, Disney usually provides buses as an alternative, but this can increase travel time.

Are the Monorail trains air-conditioned?

Yes, the Monorail trains are air-conditioned (though it’s not always reliable).

The Skyliner gondolas are not air-conditioned, but they have a airflow system, which may be less effective during peak heat.

Which is better for strollers and wheelchairs?

Both systems accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

The Skyliner has dedicated boarding areas for larger strollers and ECVs, which can make the process smoother.

The Monorail also handles these well but often has longer waits due to higher passenger volume. \You can find more information here.

Ta Ta For Now

Both Disney Monorail Resorts and Disney Skyliner Resorts bring their own unique convenience and perks to your Disney vacation.

Have you stayed at any Disney Monorail or Skyliner resorts? What did you think about them?

Please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

This post was all about Disney Monorail resorts VS Disney Skyliner resorts.

Other Related Posts You May Like

Are Disney Hotels Bad if they Only/Mainly Have Disney World Buses for Transportation? (unpopular opinions & best underrated resorts)

Disney Skyliner Hotels – A Comprehensive Guide (best & worst & budget tips!)

6 Worst Disney World Resorts to Stay at in 2025 [these are the ones to avoid]