Welcome aboard the Walt Disney World Monorail, our Highway in the Sky to the Magic Kingdom. For those of you standing, please hold on to the handrails throughout our journey and stay clear of the doors. For the comfort of others, no smoking, please. Thank you.
For those of you who have already made a journey a Disney monorail, those words were probably playing in your head and you could feel the excitement build! Because they mean that the Magic Kingdom is only a short ride ahead! Can you imagine getting to stay at a Disney World resort that is actually connected to this iconic Disney World transportation system? Well, it’s possible at three different hotels at Disney World.
These are some of the best hotels at Disney World and personally they are my favorite to stay at and visit. The downside is that the prime location around the Seven Seas Lagoon comes at a cost. These are also three of the most expensive hotels you can stay at Walt Disney World.
Disney World Resorts Have the Monorail Attached
Now it’s time to look at each of three Disney World resorts that put you footsteps away from Disney’s monorails system. These trains are approximately 203 feet long, consists of six cars, stands just over 10 feet and can carry 364 passengers. When you see them go zipping by that’s because they can go to speeds up to 40 mph.
The Grand Floridian
Let us start with the hotel that is considered the best of the best the Grand Floridian. It really doesn’t get more Grand than this location. This magnificent sprawling resort evokes Palm Beach’s golden era. Here you find that Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication. One of the best ways to relax is to take a seat and listen as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz, and popular Disney tunes in the lobby. If you happen to be spending an evening here be sure to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle.
The monorail stop at the Grand Floridian is located on the second floor of the lobby of this resort. Best of all you are just one monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom.
For more on staying at the Grand Floridian read Splurging for the Grand Floridian!
The Polynesian Village Resort
Get a taste of island life at the Polynesian Village Resort. This hotel holds the famed food of O’hana and a whole Dole Whip stand out by the pool area! I mean the addition of the monorail stop is just icing on the cake. The grounds boost incredibly lush tropical foliage. You can view the nightly Electrical Water Pagent from some rooms and the beach.
If you want to hop aboard the monorail at the Polynesian you will need to go to the second floor of the lobby and go outside. This is the same floor that you can dine at O’hana or Kona Cafe.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Of course, we had to end our list with the hotel that has the monorail run right through the middle of it. Yup, you read that right the a-frame hotel that is the Contemporary is actually designed to have the monorail track run right through the inside of it. When people think of a Disney monorail resort this instantly is the picture that comes to mind for most. You also have the option of walking directly to the Magic Kingdom from this resort.
You board the monorail here on the same floor as Chef Mickey’s. This is a great spot to eat if you want to soak in lots of monorails zipping by as they bring guests to the Magic Kingdom. It is, however, a spot more known as a very popular character meal where you can meet the mouse himself! The entrance is right by the elevations and the hotel’s main gift shop. I like that the monorail loading zone here is completely inside so no need to worry about dealing with any yucky Florida weather.
Have you been to all the Disney World hotels that sport a monorail stop? Let us know which Disney World monorail resort is your favorite in the comment section below.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
