When purchasing apackage deal to Disney World, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Where should we stay?” If luxury and ease of access to the Magic Kingdom is what you’re looking for, you should aim to stay at one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts. The three resorts on the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon monorail line are a great choice for those who want to be just minutes away from the fun.
The Contemporary Resort and neighboring Disney Vacation Club resort Bay Lake Tower are popular options, located just to the east of the Magic Kingdom. A walking path connects this deluxe resort to the Magic Kingdom, or you can opt to take the monorail, which glides through the main atrium. Decor and rooms were recently renovated, as the Contemporary was one of two original resorts that opened along with the Magic Kingdom in 1971. The Contemporary is also known for its array of popular restaurants and boasts a 115,000-square-foot convention center.
The Polynesian Resort is the other resort original to Walt Disney World, also situated on the Seven Seas Lagoon monorail line. With a relaxing tropical flair and spread-out grounds, staying at the deluxe Polynesian can feel like an actual Hawaiian getaway. The Seven Seas Lagoon beachfront is a popular place to watch the Magic Kingdom Wishes fireworks each night after a filling dinner at ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe or the Spirit of Aloha dinner show.
The Grand Floridian Resort is what many call Walt Disney World’s premier resort. With a number of high-end restaurants, shops, spa and the feel of a turn-of-the-century Victorian Florida beach resort, it’s the complete deluxe resort package. Even if you don’t choose to stay here, it’s worth a stop to try one of their signature restaurants: Narcoossee’s, Citrico’s or the uber-swank Victoria & Albert’s.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds are popular choices for guests who want proximity to the Magic Kingdom along with a bit of seclusion! This deluxe Lodge is themed to the great forest lodges of the western U.S. It even has its own “Old Faithful”-style geyser. Fort Wilderness campgrounds offer RV and tent-style camping, along with an array of outdoor activities. If you ever had to decide between an outdoors vacation and a Disney World vacation, then either the lodge or the campgrounds would be the best choice for you.
The Shades of Green Resort is a resort that first opened in the 1970s as the Disney Golf Resort, and was later known as the Disney Inn, but was bought by the Department of Defense in 1996. The resort is available only for military families and their guests. Located just to the southwest of the Polynesian Resort, it does not sit on the monorail line, but is thought to be within walking distance of the Transportation and Ticket Center for connection to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Shades of Green also has its own fleet of buses to transport their guests. While Shades of Green guests are eligible for Disney’s Extra Magic Hour benefits, the Disney Dining Plan and Disney’s Magical Express are not currently available for guests of this resort.
No matter which Magic Kingdom area resort you choose, you’ll be close to all the action every day. Enjoy your stay!