When it comes to staying at a Disney World hotel, resorts with monorail access to the parks are some of the best! With that said, there are still downsides to staying at one of these hotels…

There are so many Disney hotels to choose from that the choice can be overwhelming. Of course, the best thing you can do when selecting your perfect resort is to learn as much about it as you can! Know the theming, the vibes, the amenities, the perks, the location, and — of course — the free transportation options that are available to you. In the case of the Disney World Monorail Resorts, these locations usually check all the boxes and can be considered in a class above the rest. With that said, there are a few downsides to staying at a monorail hotel that aren’t talked about enough

Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — also known as the Monorail Resorts — are all elite and worth looking at regardless of the monorail situation. It’s true that the monorail having a station at each of these resorts can be an absolute lifesaver, but there are a few realities you should consider before completing your next booking.

The Location Is Deceiving

Each of these resort hotels is located fairly close to the Magic Kingdom. That’s a pretty massive appeal for folks looking to visit the MOST POPULAR THEME PARK IN THE WORLD. Heck, you can even walk to the park if you’d like.

It’s also great that EPCOT is just a monorail ride away, as well.

The other two parks and everywhere else? Okay, now there’s a problem. Disney World is so large that it prioritizes accessibility — but that doesn’t mean the monorail will take you everywhere you want to go. Places like Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs will require bus transportation — so all that extra money you’re paying for monorail access means nothing.

If neither Magic Kingdom nor EPCOT is a park you plan to spend most of your vacation at, we recommend staying at a hotel closer to a park or location you intend to visit FREQUENTLY.

The other issue with these Monorail Resorts is how they’re situated. These hotels are BIG — which means their offerings can be spaced out. You might find yourself walking longer than anticipated to get to a shop, restaurant, or the monorail station.

You can request a specific room location before your stay, but keep in mind that this is simply a request. You could still be placed somewhere else if Cast Members simply can’t accommodate you.

You’re At The Mercy Of The Monorail

Like all modern-day technology, the monorail still has its kinks. 

While infrequent, instances of the monorail getting stuck have happened, and it can totally ruin your day. When it needs help moving, a little tugboat pulls it along so that it can be removed from the track to allow other Monorail trains to start moving as soon as possible.

The monorail was needing a little assistance this evening 🤨 pic.twitter.com/LHAkRmaJqF

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) January 31, 2026

Of course, evacuations are always possible, as well. The monorail works as intended almost always, but it’s important to keep in mind that any transportation that you don’t control can always be subject to unexpected stoppages.

Monorail Resorts Can Be Uncomfortably Busy

Pretty much every Disney World hotel gets busy, but Monorail Resorts are something special. They’re packed with guests and Disney fans staying elsewhere who are trying to catch a dining reservation at a beloved restaurant or experience the resort without needing a stay. It’s very likely that you’ll step out of your room into some wild foot traffic — especially during the holidays.

You also need to consider that since the monorail is convenient, it’s also popular. Too popular…

At the end of a park day, crowds flood the monorail stations, and the traffic — and monorail wait — can be annoying to say the least. We advise letting the crowds die down before heading to the monorail — or any other form of Disney World transportation, for that matter.  While most folks will fight their way into a long line, you can get some extra shopping done or just sit and take in the Disney atmosphere. With that said, if you do join the mass exodus, at least you only have to deal with one more long line before you can simply head up to your room and peacefully crash for the evening.

Even though the Monorail Resorts present these issues, we have no intention of never staying at them again. THESE ARE INCREDIBLE RESORTS, and you should absolutely book a stay at any one of them if they’re your favorite or if it’s been a dream! We just want you to have as much information as possible.

What is your experience with the Monorail Resorts? Let us know in the comments below, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World hotel updates and tips!

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