Opinions on the monorail resorts?

[Cinderella]

We are taking my step children - ages 11, 13 and 16 for their first trip to Disney World. I thought it would be nice to stay the first three or four nights in a monorail resort - followed by OKW for the space.

Now, I've visited all the monorail resorts a lot but only stayed in the Poly, and I'm having a hard time choosing because I love the Poly, but I'm not sure which resort kids of that age would love. My DD thinks the Contemporary and my son thinks the Poly. Also, I have always wanted to stay in the GF.

The only thing making me lean away from the Poly is that we don't eat there that much. We had thought about trying Ohana as we haven't done it for years - but the review by the DIS on this site is abysmal, and they are usually pretty accurate.

So, I'm wondering if it would be smart to stay where we're going to eat most. We'll definitely be doing Victoria and Alberts and possibly Narcoosees. And we'll also be doing Chef Mickey's and the California Grill. And we'll definitely be swimming each afternoon.

I would love opinions from anyone who has stayed in any of these resorts. I know they'll love all of them, but I want to make it extra special for them as they've never been before. Thank you.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

It is so easy to get around to the other monorail resorts for meals that I don't think that should necessarily be a deal breaker. If you plan to swim a lot, you might look at which pool appeals most to you. I like the Poly pool, myself, but you shouldn't have much trouble finding photos of all three resort pools.

 

[tink70]

It sounds like if you do stay at the poly, you would only have to hop on the monorail to go to either the GF or Contemporary. Seems to me like that would be a cool thing for all involved.
My favorite of the 3 is the poly. I think the GF is too formal, it is beautiful but I am not a big fan. As for the contemporary,. I just saw the makeover they did to the rooms, and wow it looks real nice.
Most of the time when we stay at CSR we only eat breakfast at the pepper market, we are usually on the go to the parks or other resorts, so to me I would not worry about the restaurants, but again that is just me!

 

[spiceycat]

I have never cared for the 'Ohana - but love Kona Cafe - has it's reviews been bad too?

Since you have stayed at the Polyn - might try the CR.

remember to leave half your stuff in your car. the big complaints I have seem on the CR is no room to store stuff. especially in the bathroom.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Well you can't go wrong with any of the Monorail Resorts because they all have their major pluses. If you want to be as close as you can to the Magic Kingdom then maybe you should think of staying at the Contemporary, because it's the closest Resort to the Magic Kingdom and the only one with a walkway to get there. Also if you can afford it their Magic Kingdom view rooms are amazing, which beat the ones at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.

 

[ilovedino]

I would have to say the Poly is the best choice, not only is it beautiful but the rooms are large and comfy, the pool is awesome, and how can you beat the transportation? easy walk to monorail, easy walk to TTC for epcot monorail, (faster than switching monorails) and uncrowded buses. All around you can't find a better resort, plus what can be better than looking out your window and seeing Cinderella's Castle??

 

[I believe]

I would stay at the GF because you mentioned you have always wanted to stay there. This already seems to be your first choice. You should go with that decision and start planning the rest of your vacation! You and your family are going to have such a wonderful time there!

 

[darlak]

For a first trip, that MK view at the CR is something special. On the other hand though, if swimming is in your daily plans, the Poly had a better pool, in my opinion.

I agree that I wouldn't let restaurants be a deal breaker. Any resort on the monorail line will give you easy access to the other monorail resorts.

Then again, if you have your heart set on the GF, you should stay there. Guess I'm not really much help here, am I?

 

[momto2]

We have stayed at all three. While I like things about each, I felt that the Poly and GF are too spread out. Both times we were in buildings far away from the main building. When we were tired after a long day in the parks, we didn't want another long walk.

By comparison, the CR has the tower and the wing. They are almost connected through a walk-way. So you aren't out in the rain, etc. Also, if you choose to you can walk to the MK and as a previous poster mentioned, the MK view makes you feel like your room is right in the MK.

You can't go wrong with any of the three. They are all beautiful and each have reasons to go there. Good luck!

 

[PrincessAlways]

I just stayed at the CR in September. The rooms are beautiful & spacious. The only thing I would change is that I'd stay in a Tower Room. That way you're much closer to the monorail & restaurants. I did love the Poly. Never stayed at GF. Here are some pics of the CR.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I don't know if this has any effect on your decision but right now all rooms at the Contemporary have free internet access on the computers located in their rooms. You can see where the computer is in the pictures posted by PrincessAlways.

 

[kribit]

I just stayed at the CR in September. The rooms are beautiful & spacious. The only thing I would change is that I'd stay in a Tower Room. That way you're much closer to the monorail & restaurants. I did love the Poly. Never stayed at GF. Here are some pics of the CR.

The newly renovated rooms look so nice. Wish they had availibilty the week I'm going. Are those beds comfortable?

 

[PrincessAlways]

The newly renovated rooms look so nice. Wish they had availibilty the week I'm going. Are those beds comfortable?

Oh YES!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The newly renovated rooms look so nice. Wish they had availibilty the week I'm going. Are those beds comfortable?

Those are the most comftorable beds I have ever slept on.

 

[kribit]

Oh YES!!!

I'm going to keep calling. The new rooms are so nice!!!

I can get 5 of the 8 days, but I don't want to switch resorts. DH seems to think it would be fine, but I really want to stay in one place.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Another thing I think I would do is ask this question over on the teen board and maybe do a poll. You would get lots of opinions from young people on which resort they would stay at. Might help a little

 

[Brizite76]

I don't know if this has any effect on your decision but right now all rooms at the Contemporary have free internet access on the computers located in their rooms. You can see where the computer is in the pictures posted by PrincessAlways.

Do all the rooms at CR have computers? That would be too cool! Uh-oh, I hope I don't start rethinking my Poly ressies!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Do all the rooms at CR have computers? That would be too cool! Uh-oh, I hope I don't start rethinking my Poly ressies!

Just like I said in the paragraph you quoted me on, all rooms in the Contemporary have a computer which right now has free internet access.

 

[Cinderella]

Wow - the new rooms in the Contemporary are lovely. Thanks for sharing the pics PrincessAlways.

My daughter would love to stay there because she is an arcade and shopping junky. But my husband thinks the building should be torn down! Disney would just not be the same if the monorail did not go through the Contemp.

Both he and my younger son vote the Poly. Although my husband thinks he would prefer to stay at SSR or the OKW for the entire trip.

I suppose I could get my step children to look at some pics but it would be hard for them to choose based on just pics.

None of my family seem impressed with the GF (except me). I wonder if the theming appeals more to adult females?

 

[frdeb1999]

We love the Poly. And while Ohana was'nt our favorite resturant. The food was still very good. Although Kona is IMO even better. We love the rooms at the contemp also, although there just seems to be more conventioners there and it does'nt seem as relaxing to us. We always stay at a monorail resort though as we love the convience to everything and the views!