A Definitive Ranking of the Disney World Monorail Resorts in 2024 -

Are you thinking of staying at one of the Disney World Monorail Resorts, but can’t decide which one? This list is for you!

There are 3 Disney World Monorail Resorts, so it can be difficult to decide which is best for you.

From the Contemporary Resort – where the Monorail literally goes through the Main Tower, to the vacation vibes at the Polynesian Village Resort, to the luxurious atmosphere at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – there’s a lot to choose from!

Today, we’re going to rank these Resorts to make it easier for you to choose which Resort you would like to stay at!

This post is a definitive ranking of the Disney World Monorail Resorts in 2024.

Ranking the Disney World Monorail Resorts From Worst to Best

Disclaimer: we are including the DVC villas as part of the “main” resort. So, for example, if we say that Grand Floridian is good/bad at something, we are including the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian in this – unless stated otherwise.

Which Disney Resorts Have Monorail Access?

There are three Deluxe Disney World Resorts which will provide Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. They are:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Now, let’s find out more about these Resorts, and why they are better/worse than one another …

3) Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort was an Opening Day Disney World Resort (October 1st, 1971). The name suggests that its theming is modern – but we’ll get to that misleading name later …

Luxury at Disney’s Contemporary Resort?

This is where Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Despite being a Deluxe Resort with some steep prices (see the category below for more), it isn’t all that luxurious.

It feels a little like a train station. Of course, this is part of the appeal of the Contemporary – but it hardly feels elegant.

Additionally, the Main Tower and Garden Wing buildings are arguably ugly, 1970s buildings – which are not appealing to many guests in the 2020s.

Even Bay Lake Tower (the DVC building – which opened in 2009) looks like a visually unattractive 1970s building – though at least it fits well with the other buildings.

The Price of Staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Luckily, Disney’s Contemporary Resort has a few notable saving graces. One of these is the price.

Now, I’m not going to pretend staying here is great value for money; quite honestly, it’s not.

However, this is the least expensive of the Monorail Resorts – especially if you’re opting to stay in a Garden Wing room.

Here are the prices of rooms/suites currently offered at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Please note that this is based on 2024 pricing (including tax and not including any potential discount):

Garden Wing – Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $572/night – $1,043/night
Garden Wing – Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $578/night – $1,134/night
Garden Wing – King (sleeps up to 3 guests): $681/night – $1,140/night
Garden Wing – Deluxe Room (sleeps up to 4 guests): $688/night – $1,190/night
Main Tower – Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $804/night – $1,284/night
Main Tower – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $903/night – $1,423/night
Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,043/night – $1,665/night
Resort View – King – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $1,045/night – $1,709/night
Theme Park View – Atrium Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,100/night – $1,897/night
Garden Wing – 1 Bedroom Suite Access (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,512/night – $2,818/night
Garden Wing -1 Bedroom Hospitality Ste Access (sleeps up to 7 guests): $1,603/night – $3,004/night
Water View – 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,972/night – $3,457/night
Theme Park View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $2,091/night – $3,879/night
Water View – 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,879/night – $5,399/night
Theme Park View 2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 10 guests): $3,003/night – $5,523/night
Theme Park View Presidential Suite Club Level (sleeps up to 10 guests): $3,405/night – $5,905/night

Pricing at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

As Bay Lake Tower is a Disney Vacation Club Property, here are the number of points (based on the 2024 points chart) it costs per night to stay at Bay Lake Tower:

Deluxe Studio – Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests): 13-29 points per night
Deluxe Studio – Lake View (sleeps up to 4 guests): 16-32 points per night
Deluxe Studio – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 4 guests): 18-38 points per night
One-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 24-56 points per night
One-Bedroom Villa – Lake View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 29-62 points per night
One-Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 35-75 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 9 guests): 35-77 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Lake View (sleeps up to 9 guests): 38-84 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 9 guests): 48-98 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Lake View (sleeps up to 12 guests): 82-171 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 12 guests): 101-207 points per night

The Location of Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Another huge pro of this Resort is its location. It is about a 5-10 minute walk to Magic Kingdom.

Although you can also walk to Magic Kingdom from the other Disney World Monorail Resorts (though you can’t at the moment – thanks to the construction of the Polynesian’s new DVC tower), the Contemporary offers a faster, more efficient route to walk.

In addition, if you’re taking the Monorail back from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the next stop.

On the other hand, this can be annoying, as it means you have to stop at every Disney World Monorail Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center first.

Accommodation at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This is another area where the Contemporary needs some serious help.

Despite recent room/suite renovations, they do not look good – according to most Disney fans.

For some reason, it was decided that they should be “Incredibles” themed …

Not only does this theming feel totally out of place at the Contemporary, but it cheapens it (though the Deluxe prices do not reflect this).

If anything, the accommodation here now feels Value/Moderate – not at all Deluxe.

The issues with the room theming is covered in this video:

The DVC Studios and Villas at Bay Lake Tower are very dated, and are being refurbished in 2025 (which is pretty late considering the state of them).

Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

There are lots of dining options at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – from quick service to table service, character dining to bar/lounges.

Here are the dining locations here:

Steakhouse 71 – Table Service
Steakhouse 71 Lounge – Bar/Lounge Service
California Grill – Table Service
California Grill Lounge – Bar/Lounge Service
Chef Mickey’s – Character Dining Buffet
Contempo Café – Quick Service
Contemporary Grounds – Quick Service
Cove Bar – Bar Service
Outer Rim – Bar Service
The Sand Bar – Bar Service

Amenities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has plenty of amenities, including:

2 pools for guests staying at the Contemporary Resort: The Feature Pool and the Bay Lake Pool (the leisure pool).
There is also another pool, The Bay Cove Pool: The Feature Pool, which is exclusive to guests staying at Bay Lake Tower.
Contemporary Resort Campfire – where you can roast marshmallows every night.
Movies Under The Stars by the Contemporary Courtyard (on the lawn) on select nights.
The Game Station – the arcade at this Resort.
A Basketball Court at Bay Lake Tower – for guests staying at the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower.
Cabana rentals – a private cabana around the Bay Pool.
Fishing
Motorized Boat Rentals (around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon).
Volleyball
Tennis court
Jogging Trails
Specialty Cruises – to watch the fireworks!
Views of the Electrical Water Pageant (from the beach or boat pier).
Olympiad Fitness Center

Theming at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Resort is very lost when it comes to theming. If it’s meant to be “contemporary”, it fails spectacularly.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort probably was modern when it opened in 1971 – but for the last few decades, it has been pretty dated. And the recent recent room renovations just accentuate this. The new rooms are arguably modern – in a bland way – when you focus on the furniture and decor – and not just the Incredibles theming.

But most other areas of the Resort feel old (an not in a cool vintage way – like you can find at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn – though this Resort is slowly losing its original charm – with its somewhat unfortunate renovations).

Compared to the theming at Polynesian and Grand Floridian, the Contemporary feels very lacklustre.

Without the Mary Blair mural and Monorail going through the Main Tower, this would be a very uninteresting Resort.

2) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

I hate that this Resort is only second on this list – as it is one of the best Disney World Resorts in general.

However, despite not being at the top of this list, it has a lot of incredible qualities.

Luxury at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Uh, kind of.

This Resort does provide a more elevated experience than Disney’s Contemporary Resort, although they are both 4-star Resorts.

I wouldn’t say that it feels extremely luxurious (especially compared to the best Resort on this list), however it is very well-themed (more on this later).

The Price of Staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The prices are … high. Very high. Especially because this is a 4-star Hotel – with prices that feel more 5-star.

The room rates at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are higher than the Contemporary, but a little lower than the Grand Floridian.

The discounts on the Polynesian can be lower than the other Disney World Moderate Resorts, as this is a very popular Resort – without issues of reaching capacity.

Here are all the rooms/suites currently offered at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Please note that this is based on 2024 pricing (including tax and not including any potential discount):

Resort View Room (sleeps up to 5 guests): $691/night – $1,256/night
Water View Room (sleeps up to 5 guests): $799/night – $1,346/night
Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $944/night – $1,591/night
Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $979/night – $1,645/night
Water View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,152/night – $1,924/night
Honeymoon Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 2 guests): $1,195/night – $1,997/night
Theme Park View – Club Level(sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,276/night – $2,068/night
1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,659/night – $2,750/night
Ambassador VP Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,773/night – $4,647/night
King Kamehameha Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $3,593/night – $5,825/night

Pricing at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

As this is a DVC property, here are the number of points (based on the 2024 points chart) it costs per night to stay at the Polynesian (in Studios and Bungalows, as the point chart hasn’t yet been released for the new Tower):

Deluxe Studio (sleeps up to 5 guests) – Standard View: 14-36 points per night

Deluxe Studio (sleeps up to 5 guests) – Lake View: 19-43 points per night

Two-Bedroom Bungalow (sleeps up to 8 guests) – 112-226 points per night

The Location of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The location of all the Disney World Monorail Resorts is good, but Polynesian’s might be the worst.

If you’re taking the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, you will have to stop at the Grand Floridian on your way.

When going back to the Polynesian after visiting Magic Kingdom, you have to stop at the Contemporary and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

That being said, if you are staying at the Polynesian, you can walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center (it is only a 5-ish minute walk from most buildings at this Resort), which makes it very convenient if you’re going to Epcot.

When the walking path is re-opened (once the new DVC Tower has been constructed), you can walk to Magic Kingdom. But this walk takes 20-30 minutes, so it probably isn’t very convenient for a lot of guests.

You can also catch a water taxi to the Polynesian.

Accommodation at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This is a category where the Polynesian shines.

The rooms at the Polynesian have recently been renovated – and now have tasteful Moana theming. It is safe to say that they are superior to the renovated rooms at the Contemporary. Whilst I wouldn’t say that the rooms justify the crazy high prices, the theming is quite lovely.

As mentioned earlier, a new DVC Tower (which is scheduled to open in late 2024) is being constructed at the Polynesian, and will provide these Studio/Villa types:

Duo Studios (comparable to the small studios that only sleep 2 guests at the Riviera Resort and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel).
Deluxe Studios
One Bedroom Villas
Two Bedroom Villas
Lockoff Two Bedroom Villas

But, at the moment, guests can choose from Studios or Two-Bedroom Bungalows.

The Studios were also recently renovated (with a minute amount of Moana theming), and are the largest DVC Studios – at 447 feet.

Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There is no shortage of amazing food at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! I would say the highlights are Dole Whips from and Tonga Toast from Pineapple Lanai and the Tonga Toast from Capt. Cook’s (but also available with Strawberry Compote at Kona Cafe).

Here are all the dining locations at the Polynesian:

Capt. Cook’s – Quick Service

Pineapple Lanai – Quick Service

epcot to magic kingdom monorail — Lime & Vanilla Dole Whip

‘Ohana – Table Service
Kona Café – Table Service
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – Bar Service
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace – Bar Service
Kona Island – Quick Service
Barefoot Pool Bar – Bar Service
Tambu Lounge – Great Ceremonial House – Lounge Service
Oasis Bar & Grill – Bar Service

Amenities at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a number of amenities, including:

Two pools: 1) Lava Pool (the feature pool) and 2) Oasis Pool (the leisure pool).
Polynesian Village Campfire Activities – where you can roast marshmallows around the fire on select nights at the Seven Seas Lagoon Beach.
Movies Under the Stars on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn – on select nights.
Motorized Boat Rentals – at Seven Seas Lagoon.
Fishing
Volleyball
A jogging trail along the lagoon
The Electrical Water Pageant – which can be viewed from the Seven Seas Lagoon Beach.

Notably, Polynesian doesn’t have a Fitness Center. However, guests at the Polynesian are allowed to use the Grand Floridian’s Fitness Center – though this is inconvenient, if you plan on working out multiple times throughout your trip.

Theming at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The beauty of this Resort is its superb theming. Inspired by the South Pacific, this gorgeous Resort makes you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.

The wild thing about this Resort is that you’re close to two theme parks, but you really feel miles away.

That being said, I wouldn’t call this a super peaceful Resort, as its history, dining and theming attract visitors who aren’t Resort guests.

But if you’re aware of that, you probably wouldn’t regret choosing to stay here.

It is worth noting that the DVC Tower may or may not fit in with the current theming. This is a concern of many Disney fans. Hopefully, it fits in – like Bay Lake Tower does with the Contemporary and the DVC Villas do at the Grand Floridian. But, until construction is complete, we cannot be sure that this is the case.

3) Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Luxury at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa?

Absolutely!

I would confidently say that the Grand Floridian is the MOST luxurious Disney World Resort. After all, it is the only 5-star Disney-owned Resort at Walt Disney World – so this isn’t surprising.

Plenty of people think Disney is just a chaotic nightmare, but they probably haven’t visited this Resort.

This Resort is fancy – like you’d expect of an expensive, 5-star Resort – though it is still a little relaxed – thanks to it being located at Walt Disney World.

The Price of Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

As well as being the only 5-star Disney World Resort, it is also the most expensive of the Disney World Monorail Resorts (and Disney World Resorts in general).

This is why it has a reputation of being a Resort you go to when you’re celebrating (e.g. honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.).

Here are the room rates at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Please note that this is based on 2024 pricing (including tax and not including any potential discount):

Resort View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $824/night – $1,350/night
Water View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $838/night – $1,438/night
Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): $964/night – $1,721/night
Resort View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,303/night – $2,332/night
Deluxe Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,357/night – $2,523/night
Deluxe King Room – Club Level (sleeps up to 3 guests): $1,367/night – $2,535/night
Theme Park View – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests): $1,473/night – $2,662/night
1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,767/night – $3,457/night
1 BR – Theme Park View – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 4 guests): $1,785/night – $3,476/night
Sugarloaf Bldg – 1 BR Ste – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $1,920/night – $3,665/night
1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 6 guests): $2,056/night – $3,871/night
Victorian Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $2,490/night – $4,070/night
2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 8 guests): $2,796/night – $4,983/night
Sugarloaf Bldg – 2 BR Ste – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 8 guests): $3,067/night – $5,134/night
2 BR – Theme Park View – Club Level Access (sleeps up to 6 guests): $3,097/night – $5,546/night
2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 8 guests): $3,136/night – $5,604/night
Disney Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $3,267/night – $5,660/night
Grand Suite – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests): $3,470/night – $5,808/night

Pricing at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian & Spa

Pricing at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Here are the number of points (based on the 2024 points chart) it costs per night to stay per night at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

Resort Studio – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 16-37 points per night
Resort Studio – Lake View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 19-44 points per night
Resort Studio – Theme Park View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 24-54 points per night
Deluxe Studio – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 16-37 points per night
Deluxe Studio – Lake View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 19-44 points per night
One-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 31-75 points per night
One-Bedroom Villa – Lake View (sleeps up to 5 guests): 39-89 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 9 guests): 44-103 points per night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Lake View (sleeps up to 9 guests): 54-122 points per night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Lake View (sleeps up 12 guests): 111-227 points per night

The Location of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

If you’re catching the Monorail to Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian, you don’t have to stop at any other Resorts of the TTC on the way. This makes it convenient – though it can be more difficult to find a seat or get on the Monorail in general, as it can be crowded by the time it stops at the Grand Floridian.

Another issue is that you have three stops before getting back to the Grand Floridian – on the way back from Magic Kingdom.

When the walking path re-opens to Magic Kingdom, it would take guests approximately 15 minutes to arrive at the park.

You can also catch a water taxi to Magic Kingdom (but you have to stop at the Polynesian first, which makes it a lengthy journey).

Accommodation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Like the other rooms at the Disney World Moderate Resorts, Grand Floridian’s have seen a renovation – considered ‘the most beautiful of them all’ by many people.

These rooms have a subtle Mary Poppins feeling and have been modernised without compromising on elegance.

They are incredibly similar to the new Resort Studios at Grand Floridian.

I also stayed in a DVC Two Bedroom Lake View Villa here – which has been refurbished – and it was stunning.

Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Grand Floridian has a lot of dining options – from inexpensive quick service to crazy expensive table service.

Here’s the full list of dining locations:

Cítricos – Table Service
Cítricos Lounge – Table Service
Victoria & Albert’s – AAA Five-Diamond Rating Table Service (with the Prix Fixe Menu STARTING at $295 per guest).
Victoria & Albert’s Queen Victoria Room Dinner – 3-Hour Dining Experience (with the Pre Fixe Menu costing $425 per guest 😱)
Narcoossee’s – Table Service
1900 Park Fare – Character Dining Buffet – Re-opening on April 10th, 2024.
Grand Floridian Café – Casual Table Service
Gasparilla Island Grill – Quick Service
Enchanted Rose – Bar Service

Beaches Pool Bar & Grill – Bar Service

Amenities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

As expected for a 5-star Resort, Grand Floridian has an excellent array of amenities, including:

2 pools including: 1) Beach Pool (the feature pool) and 2) Courtyard Pool (the leisure pool).

disney world orlando monorail hotel — The Courtyard Pool

Grand Floridian Campfire Activities – where you can roast marshmallows on Grand Floridian Beach every evening.
Movies Under The Stars at the Summerhouse on select evenings.
The Grand Floridian Spa.
Poolside Cabanas Rentals at the Beach Pool.
Motorized Boat Rentals around the lagoon.
Fishing.
Specialty Cruises (i.e. the Fireworks Cruise).
Arcadia Games – the arcade at this Resort.
Basketball Court.
Electrical Water Pageant
Health Club (Gym/Fitness Center).

Theming at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Flagship Resort has a luxurious Victorian theming. Although this Resort is based on an era in the 19th century, it has aged well since its opening on June 28th, 1988 (the same clearly can’t be said about the Contemporary Resort).

Ta Ta For Now

Which is your favourite of the Disney World Monorail Resorts?