Comparing The DVC Monorail Line Resorts: Which Is Best For Your Family?

Staying on the monorail line at Walt Disney World is convenient, fun, and luxurious! Each resort on the monorail line is a DVC resort. The monorail gives you direct access to Magic Kingdom, and you can transfer to the Epcot monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center stop. These resorts allow you to enter Magic Kingdom and Epcot quickly, and it can be a real timesaver for your vacation! But which DVC monorail line resort is best for you family? Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Bay Lake Tower At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower is a DVC resort that is located within Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest resort to Magic Kingdom. This resort is actually within walking distance to Magic Kingdom, and there is a convenient path that takes you directly there. Of course, you can always take the monorail as well. The monorail enters through Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and it is the first stop after Magic Kingdom. You’ll have to ride the entire monorail track to get there, but you’ll be the first stop back after you leave the park!

The rooms at Bay Lake Tower are modern and luxurious. There are theme park views available which gives you the unique opportunity to watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from your own balcony.

There are several restaurants at Disney’s Contemporary Resort including Chef Mickey’s, a delightful breakfast buffet in which Mickey and friends wander the restaurant while you eat and visit your table. This is a great spot for families with small children! Contempo Café is the quick-service dining location onsite which conveniently serves grab-and-go food. If you want a more high-class dining experience then check out California Grill. This upscale restaurant is located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, boasting incredible views of Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has three pools, one of which features a whizzing waterslide 148-feet long. Boat rentals and specialty cruises are also available for purchase. Bay Lake Tower also contains a Community Hall, which features daily activities, crafts, games, and DVD rentals.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Just after the Transportation and Ticket Center stop on the monorail line is Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Themed after the enchanting islands of Hawaii and the South Pacific, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are fantastical accommodations for your family’s Disney vacation. Although this resort is in the middle of the monorail line, there is also a walking path from the Polynesian to the Transportation and Ticket Center, if you would like faster access to the Epcot monorail.

Book a stay at one of the bungalows for an incredible experience sleeping on the lake. Step outside onto your private balcony and watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks! Or, book a stay at one of the many villa options!

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is home to the highly acclaimed Ohana restaurant. Ohana is a delightful dining experience in which everyone is family. The meal is a meat-lover’s paradise and served family-style. The dining here is all-you-care-to-enjoy. If you book a breakfast reservation you will be joined by Lilo and Stitch themselves! Kona Cafe is another dining option located right next-door to Ohana. Kona Cafe is best known for their breakfast and infamous Tonga Toast, but also well-known for their extensive sushi menu during dinner. If you are interested in a quick meal, Capt. Cook’s is located on the main floor and serves up delicious grab-and-go treats. Disney’s Polynesian also has a Dole Whip stand outside near the main pool!

Disney’s Polynesian has two pools, one of which features a volcano waterslide. You can go on a guided fishing excursion, watch movies under the stars, play volleyball, lounge on one of the sandy lakeside beaches, or rent a boat at the marina.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Last on the monorail line is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you choose to stay at Grand Floridan you get quick access to Magic Kingdom; it’s the first stop after your resort!

Grand Floridian is very close to Magic Kingdom, and offers theme park views. The villas are quite grand indeed, and styled after the Victorian Era.

There are several places to dine at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. If you are looking for an upscale dining experience then you’ll be enchanted by Victoria & Albert’s. Beginning at $295.00 per guest, Victoria & Albert’s is a once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experience. Two additional fine dining experiences are also located at Disney’s Grand Floridian: Narcoossee’s and Citricos. If you are looking for a restaurant more suitable for families, 1900 Park Fare is a character buffet featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters. While 1900 Park Fare is still currently unavailable due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is expected to resume operation soon. Grand Floridan Resort also has a tea room and several quick-service dining locations.

Guests enjoy access to two pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, one of which features a 181 foot-long waterslide. Guests can play games at the arcade, watch movies under the stars, take advantage of watersports via various rentals, and of course treat themselves to Grand Floridian’s full-service spa.

As you can see, there are several advantages to staying at a DVC resort located on the monorail line. You really can’t go wrong in whatever resort you choose for your stay. Whichever resort ends up being best for your family will be a magical time!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.