Disney's Magic Kingdom Resorts

The Monorail Resorts
Location, Location, Location

These three Deluxe Disney Resorts that are nestled around Seven Seas Lagoon have as part of their transportation the Walt Disney World Monorail system, which allows guests direct transportation by monorail to the Magic Kingdom. When guests want to head to World Showcase, Test Track, Illuminations and everything else that Disney’s Epcot has to offer they simply transfer to the Epcot monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Other transportation options include a leisurely boat trip to the Magic Kingdom from The Grand Floridian and The Polynesian Resort, while buses can be boarded in front of each of the resorts for all other destinations.

So despite this obvious convenience and way coolness is there anything else special about these resorts?

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Best in Elegance and Convenience

The flagship of Walt Disney World Resorts, with it’s immaculate grounds and white framed buildings, is situated on a forty acre site on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon.
The 900 guest rooms carry the Victorian theme and are found in a combination of four and five story buildings situated throughout 40 acres of immaculate landscaping and sandy white beaches.

Guests can enjoy a character breakfast in the morning at 1900Park Fare and dine that evening at Victoria & Albert's Disney’s most elegant restaurant. Victoria & Albert’s offers an intimate dining experience matched only by the food, which is prepared by some of the best culinary talent found anywhere. The resort's other restaurants include Citricos, Grand Floridian Café and Narcoossee’s each offering a great dining experience with its own special ambiance and style.

Disney Comments
Although I have stayed at this resort only once in 1989 just after it opened, I manage to find my way there at least once or twice each trip to dine at its great restaurants. In fact the Grand Floridian Café for lunch has become a must.

There is something undeniably special about this resort, after all, it is Disney's flagship resort. Maybe that is why I have decided to stay here this December with my family for our annual holiday vacation.
 

Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Over twenty-five years of Magic and counting

Lush tropical plants, winding paths and white sandy beaches nestled along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon all help to create this island paradise.

The two and three story buildings called longhouses are scattered throughout this tropical resort like the islands of the South Pacific from which they are named.
While some guests enjoy a character “family style” breakfast at Ohana’s with Minnie, Chip & Dale other guests may treat themselves to a Native Polynesian Island dinner show displaying authentic Polynesian dancing, which highlights a dancer with twirling flaming batons all presented in a PG Disney fashion.
Ohana’s also offers a dinner buffet, while breakfast, lunch and dinner can be found at the Kona Café.
Although the dining options are more limited than the other two “Monorail Resorts” with the convenience of the monorail that easily transports guests to The Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resort this should not be a deal breaker.

Disney Comments
This resort boasts the best return rate of Walt Disney World Resort guests. Their concierge level continually rates at the top of all the Walt Disney World resorts.
Kids and families love this place. It is home to probably the best Kids Club, The Neverland Club.
I stayed there last February and my only two complaints were the dining options seemed a little thin and no hot tub. I guess we all have our priorities.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
What kid wouldn’t like a hotel with a train running through it?

This icon of Walt Disney World with it’s A-framed design and monorail service that passes directly through the resorts fifteen story atrium sets it apart from the other “Magic Kingdom” resorts.

Dining at this deluxe resort is as contemporary and exciting as the resort itself. Starting with a character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s known for it’s reputation for a “celebration of fun” and finishing with a late night meal at the California Grill with it’s combination of fine food and excellent service, dining here will have guests talking about their vacation long after they return home. Other dining options include the Concourse Steakhouse open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even when I stay at other Walt Disney World resorts I will often find myself making a priority seating at either Chef Mickey’s or the California Grill.

Disney Comments
I am probably the only one in my family, extended family and among my close friends and acquaintances that puts this resort at the top of the “which resort would you like to stay at list”. Everyone’s rebuttal when I pitch it is that it is too “busy” and that there are so many other better themed Walt Disney Resorts to choose from.

I have managed despite the threat of mutiny from my family to stay here several times over the years. The most memorable of which was a July Fourth holiday we enjoyed here as a family. Wait a minute I did honeymoon here so make the July Fourth visit the second most memorable.

It is home to two of my families’ favorite restaurants, Chef Mickey’s and California Grill, so even if I don’t get my wish I do get to stop by at least once every trip.

Tell Me A Little More
Recreation at all three of these “Monorail” resorts is abundant and wet. With Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon as assets water sports are king. Of the three the leader in this form of aquatic relaxation and fun is The Contemporary Resort.

Each resort is family friendly with on site children’s activity centers and clubs that afford parents a night out.

So with the Magic Kingdom always in site and a transportation system that is possibly the best at Walt Disney World, it is no wonder why for some guests, staying at one of the “Monorail Resorts” is staying at Disney.

Far from everything but only minutes from the Magic?

The two remaining Magic Kingdom Resorts are to be found on the shores of Bay Lake. Both are connected by watercraft to the Magic Kingdom and by bus transportation to all other Disney destinations.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Possibly the best themed of all the Walt Disney World Resorts

The Wilderness Lodge sits comfortably among the evergreen pines and other natural vegetation that surrounds it. Here Disney pays tribute to the U.S. National Park lodges built and patronized at the turn of the century.

Although character dining was discontinued at Artist Point characters of another kind dressed as cast members can be found at the Whispering Canyon. Here a family style all you care to eat wild and fun filled breakfast, lunch and dinner can be found. An al carte menu for those not wanting to stuff themselves silly is also available.
The Northwest Lodge setting of this resort is continued in their top of the line restaurant Artist Point.
The Wilderness Lodge is also home to one of the best counter service restaurants, the Roaring Fork, to be found at any of Disney’s resorts. A little crowded at peak meal times, but that is only because the food here is so good.

Recreation is plentiful with Bay Lake making itself available to everything from boating to fishing and the near by Fort Wilderness trails are easily accessible for bikers and joggers.
The Wilderness Lodge is at the entry level of the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts, which along with the bunk beds found in some rooms makes it a great “family friendly” deluxe Disney Resort.

Disney Comments
This is my favorite of all the Walt Disney World resorts. I would live here if I could. The family friendly atmosphere and staff make it a pleasure to stay here each visit.
After a day at the parks the warm, comfortable and spacious lobby seems to welcome us home each time. The lower end deluxe room rate also helps.

 

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Camping Disney Style

The over 700 hundred acres found on the edge of Bay Lake is centrally located with easy access to all the action. After a day at the theme parks guests can relax among the pine and cypress trees with only an occasional visit from one of the many rabbits, ducks, deer or peacocks that roam throughout the resort.

Although I have driven by it, taken buses through it and even ridden bikes all around it I have yet to stay in this neck of the Walt Disney World woods.
Despite my annual pledge to our two sons, "that as soon as the weather gets a little cooler  we will load the bikes onto the back of the mini van and go camping” we have yet to do so. With a first class dinner show, horseback riding, biking, “swimmin' holes”, petting zoo, cookouts with Mickey, outdoor movies, popcorn with Goofy and a good old fashion campfire sing along, it is a shame we haven’t taken advantage of this first class outdoor resort. And with the fully equipped one bedroom cabins even a city slicker like me can “rough it” in style.

I have eaten at the Trails End Buffeteria for lunch on the way back from horse back riding one year and enjoyed the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, which I found to be pure Disney fun. We also will ride bikes over from the Wilderness Lodge and enjoy spotting the deer along the trails and find it a great break from the theme parks.

Disney Comments
One of the obvious draws is the relatively low cost of a one-bedroom cabin and the ability to accommodate a family comfortably. Also with the fully equipped kitchen you can save some vacation dollars having drinks available and not eating every meal out.

What’s the price tag for such convenience, location and magic?

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Standard Room
Value Season - $339.00 per night + tax
Regular Season - $384.00 per night + tax

The Polynesian Resort – Standard Room
Value Season - $299.00 per night + tax
Regular Season - $334.00 per night +tax

The Polynesian Resort – Standard Room Wing
Value Season - $239.00 per night + tax
Regular Season - $264.00 per night + tax

The Wilderness Lodge – Woods View
Value Season - $199.00 per night + tax
Regular Season - $239.00 per night + tax

Fort Wilderness Cabins
Value Season - $229.00 per night + tax
Regular Season - $269.00 per night + tax

Fort Wilderness Campground Sites – Full Hook-Up
All Season - $40.00 per night + tax

In our next issue we will take a look at the “Epcot Resorts”.
With room rates starting as low $99.00 a night what’s not to like.