When it comes to staying on Disney property, the monorail loop resorts are some of the most iconic resorts available. These three Disney Vacation Club resorts – Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian - are some of the most sought-after accommodations in all of Disney World. These three resorts are connected by the monorail, making it easy to travel between them and to Magic Kingdom Park as well as to transfer for the EPCOT monorail.
Each of these resorts offers its own unique theming, dining options, and amenities, making them perfect for a variety of guests. From the sleek design of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the laid-back island vibes of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, there's a monorail loop resort to suit every taste.
The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian at Disney World is widely regarded as one of the most elegant resorts in the entire Disney property and is frequently referred to as Disney’s flagship resort. Located just a few minutes away from Magic Kingdom, this resort is known for its classic Victorian architecture, deluxe amenities, and top-notch services that make it one of the most popular destinations for families, honeymooners, and anyone looking to experience the magic of Disney in style.
One of the most impressive features of the Grand Floridian is its range of accommodations. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the resort's gardens, or the Magic Kingdom fireworks. For guests who require more space, the resort offers one- and two-bedroom suites that are perfect for families or groups of friends. These suites often feature a separate living room, dining area, and kitchenette, as well as an additional bathroom and a large balcony or patio. From the Standard Rooms to the Grand Villas, each room is designed to provide guests with a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Beyond the accommodations, the Grand Floridian is home to a wide range of dining options, each of which offers a unique culinary experience. Citricos is a fine dining restaurant that offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while Narcoossee's is a seafood restaurant that offers stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. For a more casual meal, guests can visit the Grand Floridian Cafe, which serves American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And for a truly unforgettable experience, guests can book a reservation at Victoria & Albert's, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant that serves a 10-course meal in a private dining room.
In addition to the dining options, the Grand Floridian offers a range of recreational activities for guests of all ages. The resort features two swimming pools, including a children's water play area, as well as a white-sand beach where guests can relax and soak up the Florida sunshine. The Grand Floridian also has a marina, where guests can rent boats or take a private cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon. For those who want to stay active, the resort has a fitness center, tennis courts, and a jogging trail that winds through the property's lush gardens. For those looking to truly unwind and relax, the Grand Floridian Spa is a full-service spa offers a range of treatments and services, including massages, facials, body wraps, and more. Guests can also book a private treatment room for a couples' massage or other special occasion.
Finally, the Grand Floridian is also known for its special events and celebrations. The resort hosts a range of seasonal and holiday-themed events, such as the Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display and the Gingerbread House during the winter holiday season. These events provide guests with an extra touch of magic and enchantment, making their stay at the Grand Floridian even more memorable.
Overall, the Grand Floridian at Disney World is a resort that truly lives up to its name ‘Grand’. From the classic Victorian architecture and deluxe amenities to its top-notch dining options, every aspect of this resort is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience that they will treasure for years to come. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just a chance to indulge in the magic of Disney in style, the Grand Floridian is the perfect destination.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower is a modern Disney Vacation Club resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This sleek tower, which opened in 2009, offers stunning views of Bay Lake and easy access to the Magic Kingdom, making it a popular choice for families and couples looking to experience the magic of Disney as close as possible to the original Disney World Park. It is connected via a Skyway Bridge to the Contemporary Resort which has the monorail run directly through the heart of the resort. This provides access to a range of amenities at the Contemporary, including additional dining options and shops.
While all of the resorts on the monorail loop are close to the Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower wins this competition handily. The resort is just a short 5-10 minute walk away from the park, making it easy for guests to enjoy all the rides and attractions the park has to offer. This also makes it a great option for families with young children who need to take breaks throughout the day and for those who guests who are planning to center their trip around spending time at the Magic Kingdom.
Another standout feature of Bay Lake Tower is its modern design. The resort features clean lines and contemporary decor, creating a sleek and sophisticated atmosphere that sets it apart from many of the other Disney resorts. This coupled with the soaring ceiling, glass walls, and sleek furnishings of the connected Contemporary Resort make for a resort that feels unlike any other on Disney property.
In addition to its stunning views, Bay Lake Tower, along with the connecting Contemporary Resort, offers a range of other amenities for guests to enjoy. The resort features a large outdoor pool with a waterslide and a hot tub, as well as a poolside bar and grill. There is also a fitness center and a game room on-site, providing guests with plenty of opportunities to stay active and entertained during their stay.
Bay Lake Tower and the connecting Contemporary Resort offer a variety of dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual cafes. Bay Lake Tower's Cove Bar offers light bites and cocktails, while the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort is a fine dining restaurant with stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. Chef Mickey's is a buffet-style restaurant featuring appearances by Disney characters. Casual dining options at the Contemporary Resort include the Contemporary Cafe and Steakhouse 71, which serve a variety of American dishes, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Whether you're looking for a romantic fine dining experience, a fun character breakfast, or a casual meal with friends and family, there is something for everyone.
Overall, Bay Lake Tower is a great option for guests looking to experience the magic of Disney in modern style. With its stunning views and convenient location, it's no wonder that this resort is a popular choice for those looking to stay as close as possible to the magic. Whether you're looking to enjoy the excitement of the rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom or just unwind and appreciate the picturesque Bay Lake views, Bay Lake Tower is an excellent option to consider.
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
The Polynesian Resort is a tropical oasis located in the heart of Walt Disney World. This luxurious resort is known for its lush landscaping, stunning views, and authentic South Pacific theming. From the moment guests arrive, they are transported to a world of tropical tranquility and island-inspired hospitality.
The Polynesian Resort features a variety of room types, ranging from standard rooms to overwater Bungalows. Guests can choose from Standard View or Lake View rooms, all of which offer different levels of privacy and scenic views. The Lake View Deluxe Studios are in particular convenient though as they are located a short walk away to the ticket and transportation center where you can catch the monorail to EPCOT directly from there instead of transferring. At this time, there are only either Deluxe Studios or Bungalows available at the Polynesian, however there is a new DVC Tower being built that may offer more room size options to Guests.
One of the most iconic features of the Polynesian Resort is the Great Ceremonial House, which serves as the resort's main building. This grand entrance is decorated with hand-carved tiki statues, tropical plants, and water features, all of which set the tone for the resort's South Pacific theme.
The Polynesian Resort offers a variety of dining options that are sure to please any palate. One of the most popular dining options is 'Ohana, which serves up an all-you-can-eat feast of Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as grilled meats, noodles, and stir-fried vegetables. Another popular dining option is the Kona Cafe, which serves up a variety of American and Asian-inspired dishes, as well as a variety of specialty coffees and teas.
For a quick service dining experience, the Polynesian Resort also features Capt. Cook's restaurant, which serves up a variety of the usual meals such as sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads and also some unique offerings such as pulled pork nachos, Asian-style noodle salad, and the Thai coconut meatballs. For breakfast, both Capt. Cook’s and Kona Café offers the banana stuffed Tonga Toast. Guests can also grab the world famous Dole Whip snack at the nearby Pineapple Lanai.
The Polynesian Resort is also home to several lounges and bars, including the Tambu Lounge, the Barefoot Pool Bar, and the famous Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace which serves up a variety of tropical cocktails and appetizers in a fun environment.
The Polynesian Resort also features a variety of recreational activities, including a white-sand beach, rental boats, and two pools. The resort also offers nightly entertainment, including live ukulele music on the Tiki Terrace.
In conclusion, the Polynesian Resort is a tropical paradise that offers a variety of luxurious amenities and authentic South Pacific theming. From its lush landscaping to its world-class dining options and unique overwater bungalows, the Polynesian Resort is the perfect choice for guests seeking a tropical escape in the heart of Walt Disney World.
Do you have a favorite resort on the monorail loop? Let us know down below in the comments!
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