Check it off the Bucket List: Stay on the Monorail next time you visit Walt Disney World!

Quite often, when clients call about their next trip to Walt Disney World, they say, ‘We want to stay as close to the parks as possible.’ It doesn’t get any closer than the three resorts located on the monorail - Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Magic Kingdom is accessible via the monorail from all three resorts; you can even walk to the park from the Contemporary. The rooms at these resorts are larger overall, making them more appealing to families hoping for a bit more space. Multiple dining options, including table service, character dining and lounges, can be found inside each resort which gives guests the opportunity to relax with a cocktail or enjoy a meal without having to leave their hotel. The pool areas at all three resorts are extensive; they include water slides and splash pads for the littlest resort guests.

Each resort has its own unique theming and offerings for their guests. From a luau at the Polynesian, to afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, and even a fireworks voyage with Peter Pan at the Contemporary - there’s something for everyone at the monorail resorts. Last December, we were lucky enough to stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort for a few days of holiday fun. 

The smell, the decor and our spacious room made it the perfect place for us. We loved the short walk to the Magic Kingdom as well as the convenience of being able to jump over to the Polynesian or the Grand Floridian for a meal or some gifts at Kayla's favorite store, Basin. With the monorail actually running through the center of our resort, it made it very easy to get to and stay out of the chilly breezes on the mornings we were there. ​

Our standard room included a beautifully redone bathroom with separate toilet area, a small wet bar, a nice large desk, two super comfy queen size beds and a pull out twin size bed. Our view of the Mickey pool and the lagoon made the perfect backdrop at bedtime. We even got to watch The Electric Light Parade from our balcony one evening, in our jammies!

We really enjoyed the Contempo Cafe as a quick service location for both a quick breakfast and a nice lunch on arrival day. Their cheese danish and grilled cheese & tomato soup were both delicious! Chef Mickey’s was just outside our door; we did enjoy waking up to their music each morning. The Wave is an easy to access restaurant located inside and is a nice option for every meal; Kristen swears they have one of the best steaks on property. 

While we didn't get there this trip, California Grill is one of the best signature dining experiences at Walt Disney World. The restaurant is located atop The Contemporary; the view from the rooftop deck is beautiful any time of day but when they pipe in the music from the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, it's a view you can't beat. The restaurant makes a perfect spot for any celebration; Kayla says it's one of the best brunches she's had ever had, too.

Another nice perk of staying on the monorail was being able to bypass the long security lines at Magic Kingdom since we had already gone through security at the resort. Transferring monorails at the Ticket & Transportation Center to get to Epcot was easy and quick. As always, busses were available to take us to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Being there for the holidays was an extra special treat,  the smell of gingerbread floated throughout the entire resort. We would absolutely stay here with our families in the future, especially when a special event at Magic Kingdom is on the itinerary!