Do you love waking up to the view of Cinderella’s Castle and heading to sleep to the sound of the Happily Ever After Fireworks show? Then you should be staying at one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts! Nestled onto Seven Seas Lagoon, these resorts are considered some of the best on Disney property. While the Magic Kingdom area is home to five resorts, this blog post is going to focus on the deluxe accommodations of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Benefits

You might be saying, ok- they are near the Magic Kingdom, great! What makes staying at these resorts so special. Well, in addition to those spectacular views, these resorts offer unique transportation options for guests. You can take the monorail, a boat or even walk from the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom. Plus, there is no need to grab a bus to Epcot; you can transfer monorails at the Ticket & Transportation Center. Each resort offers different theming and views so it’s important to know the difference between each. Keep reading to learn more.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

If Victorian, classic inspired decor is your taste, then you should visit Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This is considered the flagship resort on Disney property and offers guests a multitude of dining, shopping and recreational activities.

This resort is located on the monorail loop and is the stop before Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The Grand is also a popular area to watch Happily Ever After and the Electrical Water Pageant (a Seven Seas Lagoon exclusive water parade).

Even though elegance abounds here, this is still a family friendly resort that makes sure kids are apart of the fun. Whether they want to join Cinderella on a parade through the lobby or take a swim in the pool, your little one will have a great time. The Grand Floridian is home to a Disney Vacation Club Property, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. To learn even more about The Grand Floridian, click here.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The next stop on the monorail loop after the Magic Kingdom is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Just as it sounds, the Contemporary’s decor is modern and inspired by the monorail that runs through the resorts center.

The Contemporary is so close to the Magic Kingdom, that guests can actually walk back and forth. There is a walkway provided so if you don’t feel like fighting the crowds, just take a brisk stroll over.

The Contemporary is home to some Disney guest favorites like Chef Mickeys and the signature dining experience, California Grill. You can also dine at the Wave or Contempo Cafe. In the center of the main building are great shopping options. There is also a large pool located on the other side of the main building. Like those staying at the Grand, guests of the Contemporary can also view the Electrical Water Pageant. Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which features its own rooftop terrace with amazing views of Cinderella’s Castle.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Imagine you’ve been transported to the South Pacific. Well you can be at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is next to Disney’s Grand Floridian and across from the Magic Kingdom. The decor is inspired by the South Pacific islands and even offers guests the chance to hang out at a luau. Each building at the Polynesian is named after a different Polynesian Island, like Hawaii, Bora Bora and Samoa. Guests at the Polynesian have a ton to explore.

There are many dining options, including one of the hardest places to get reservations to, ‘Ohana. Another guest favorite at the Polynesian is the Kona Cafe, which offers guests items like Tonga Toast and Kona coffee.  If Dole Whips are your thing, head to Pineapple Lanai.

Want to take a dip? The Volcano Pool is the place to be. When your done in the pool, make sure you check out the Electrical Water Pageant which makes its way around the lagoon for guests to enjoy. Like it’s neighbors, the Polynesian has different shopping options for guests to enjoy. If living in the lap of luxury is your style, Vacation Club Guests can stay either stay in a deluxe studio or in the very special over the water bungalows. Either way, the Polynesian is a home for Vacation Club members.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Ever wonder what America’s Great Northwest looks like? Head to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for a glimpse. While this resort is not on the monorail loops, guests can take a boat back and forth from the Magic Kingdom. It is located to the side of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. While this is the case, guests can still view the Electrical Water Pageant and have limited views of the fireworks.

This resort is home to the popular Whispering Canyon Cafe, where it is funny to want more ketchup and a brand new character dining experience, Storybook Dining at Artist Point. Enjoy a dip at one of the two immense pools on property or take a bike ride around property.

There are also shopping options available for those looking for a fun souvenir. The Wilderness Lodge is home to 2 Disney Vacation Club properties, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve ever stayed at one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts. And if so, which one was your favorite?

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