Which Monorail Resort Is Right For You?

For many Disney World fans, the iconic monorail is one of the best ways to get around. If the monorail is a must for you, the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Bay Lake Tower are the great DVC resort home resorts! If you’re doing your research and trying to figure out which one of these resorts would be the best home resort for you, here’s what to consider.

For a Great Value and Location

In general, the monorail resorts are a little more expensive than the other DVC resorts in terms of price per point as well as the number of points needed per night of your stay. However, Bay Lake Tower has consistently been one of the most economical DVC resorts to buy. Currently, Bay Lake Tower is averaging $132 per point versus $162 per point at Grand Floridian or $160 per point at the Polynesian, which makes Bay Lake Tower a great way to get the prime monorail loop location while still getting a good deal.

Beyond being a great value, Bay Lake Tower arguably has the best location since it’s the closest resort to Magic Kingdom. In fact, you can walk from Bay Lake Tower to Magic Kingdom in about 10 minutes! Between its close location and the resort’s contemporary decor that mirrors Tomorrowland, Bay Lake Tower can feel like an extension of Magic Kingdom.

For the Ambiance and Transportation 

When you are at the Polynesian, it’s sometimes easy to forget that you’re in Central Florida. Walking around the resort grounds, the lush landscaping and beachfront can really make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway! It’s a great resort to just relax with some pool time at one of the three pools (the Lava Pool, Oasis Pool, or Cove Pool) or enjoy lounging around in the hammocks.

While clearly all 3 of these resorts have access to the monorail, the Polynesian has a bit of an advantage over the Grand Floridian and Bay Lake Tower thanks to the nearby Transportation and Ticket Center. You are especially close to the Transportation and Ticket Center when staying in the Moorea, Tokelau, or Pago Pago longhouses, and sometimes it makes more sense to board the monorail from there. For example, boarding from the Transportation and Ticket Center means that you can take the express monorail that goes directly to Magic Kingdom instead of stopping at the Grand Floridian first like the resort line monorail does.  

Also, when heading to EPCOT, you can head directly to the EPCOT line by walking to the Transportation and Ticket Center instead of taking the resort line monorail where you would have to stop at the Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and Contemporary before transferring to the EPCOT line at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

For Upscale Decor, Dining, and Unique Amenities

The Grand Floridian is considered Disney World’s flagship resort, and its elegant Victorian decor throughout the lobby and rooms gives it a luxe feel. Within the villas, you’ll find details like beautiful chandeliers, ornate wallpaper, gold accents, and very subtle touches of Mary Poppins theming. It’s also one of the few, if not the only, DVC resort that provides robes in the rooms.

Further bolstering the Grand Floridian’s status as a flagship resort is its incredible fine dining that features three signature restaurants, more than any other Disney World resort. These include Citricos for Florida cuisine, Narcoosee’s for seafood specialties, and Victoria & Albert’s, an elevated culinary experience which has retained its Michelin Star in 2025.  

While at the Grand Floridian, you can indulge in two amenities that aren’t found in any other Disney resort at the moment: the spa and private dining. The Grand Floridian Spa is a full-service spa, salon, and health club. Guests can enjoy massages, manicures, pedicures, a relaxation room, and more. With private dining, you can have breakfast or dinner in the comfort of your villa.

Check out the listings for the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Bay Lake Tower, and all the available Disney Vacation Club resale listings, or learn more about buying and selling with DVC Resale Market.