We participate in affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon’s. As a member of these programs, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Our full advertising disclosure is available here.

Disney World has some pretty incredible hotel options. In the past two years, we’ve stayed at the Contemporary, the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Each of them has a very different theme and provides a different experience. Three of these we would recommend, and one we think doesn’t provide as much bang for your buck.

We don’t think you can go wrong with the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian. Why?  In a word, MONORAIL. These are all situated on the monorail path, impeccably maintained, and exactly what you’d expect from a magical, deluxe Disney resort.  It is worth noting that we did not go to parks that were off the monorail system (including both Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) while staying at these properties—you would need to take a bus or alternate transportation to reach those parks.

Here are a few of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) things from each to help you decide:

The Contemporary

If you’re traveling with a double stroller to the Magic Kingdom, this is your place. The Contemporary loading zone is the first on the monorail path, so you won’t struggle to find an empty car for your stroller.  Also, the monorail literally goes through the hotel, which is a big kid-pleaser.  The balcony of the theme park-view rooms is a perfect place to watch the nightly fireworks shows for those nights when the kids are too tired to stay in the park (to really make it special, check your TV guide for the accompanying music/audio). Finally, Chef Mickeys is located at this hotel, so it’s very convenient.

Bonus:  If you decided to stay in the park for the fireworks, you don’t have to wade through the mass exodus with your tired and potentially-fussy children to catch a monorail.  The hotel is only a short, well-lit walk from park.  If you have young children and value convenience, we highly recommend this hotel.

The Polynesian

The rooms are so fun in their (you guessed it!) Polynesian theme, it made us immediately research Disney’s Aulani for a future trip. The staff was fantastic, and we had an incredible view of the Electrical Water Pageant light show, as well as a direct view of Cinderella’s castle and the incomparable fireworks show at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  We didn’t attend the luau (located on site), but we hear it’s a crowd pleaser. This was Michael’s favorite hotel.

The Grand Floridian

If you are going during the holidays, this is a prime option for you, because the life-sized gingerbread house is constructed here, and it’s such a fun sight. Tip:  Come downstairs early in the morning, and take the kids’ photos in their Christmas jammies in front of the gingerbread house!  The dining options are plentiful here, the rooms are grandly appointed and spacious, and the bell staff is INCREDIBLE.  This was Shannon’s favorite hotel.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Of the four properties we’ve visited in our time at Disney, this is the only one we don’t really recommend.  Unlike the resorts located on the monorail, you have to take the bus to every park, including Animal Kingdom, which takes time away from fun (and isn’t that why you going to Disney in the first place?!).  The rooms are also smaller than all of the other deluxe resort rooms that we stayed in, and you obviously can’t see any fireworks or light shows like you can from the other properties.  We had hoped that the “cool factor” of having animals roaming outside our Savanna view room would offset these losses, but there were often few animals in view during our stay.  At a similar price point to the other deluxe Disney resorts, we just don’t think it’s as great of a deal as your other options.

Ultimately, unless you’re staying exclusively within the Animal Kingdom and/or one of the other off-monorail parks, all three of the monorail-accessible Disney properties is a great choice in our book.  All three make transportation to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom super easy (even with a double stroller because, unlike a bus or car, you don’t have to fold the stroller to get on the monorail), and all three have great service and amenities.  Deciding among them really comes down to priorities, group demographics, and preference.

We hope you’ll enjoy these hotels as much as we did!!