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Ongoing construction of the new DVC Tower throughout 2024 may result in noise throughout the day and other inconveniences due to traffic. This includes closing the walkway to the Grand Floridian, making the (rather long) walk to the Magic Kingdom impossible, and also impacting guests' ability to easily access the Grand Floridian's great dining options.
Combine high average room costs with construction that disrupts the generally serene atmosphere of this resort, and you're bound to be disappointed. And the results are so shocking that the Polynesian is now the second-lowest rated resort in all of Walt Disney World. The only resort that scores worse is All-Star Movies. So statistically, you're better off staying almost anywhere else this year compared to the Polynesian. These results are expected to last at least until the end of the year when the new tower opens.
modern resort
Contemporary resorts had the second largest decline in satisfaction this year. 4.66 in 2023 to April 24, 2024It decreased by 0.42 points.
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In the survey, many guests noted the 'conscientious' re-imagining of the resort's rooms, adding a few Incredibles-inspired elements. But this theme is nothing new in 2024. The cabin has had this feature since 2021. Instead, new comments appearing in 2024 call for more frequent monorail breakdowns, crowds surrounding gingerbread displays during the winter holiday season, and expensive but disappointing on-site restaurants and lounges.
Nonetheless, Contemporary is the resort with the easiest walk to the Magic Kingdom if the monorail is discontinued. And it is also the resort furthest away from construction of the new Polynesian Tower. However, some of the most expensive rooms are classified as theme park views but most boast spacious parking lots.
Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Polynesian Villas & Bungalows have slightly less architectural impact than the Deluxe Rooms. The satisfaction scores for DVC Villas are as follows: 4.74 in 2023 to 4.45 in 2024It decreased by 0.29 points.
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Similar to Polynesian resorts, villas and bungalows are still close to construction noise and traffic due to the construction of new towers. But fortunately, most of the villas are located on the other side of the resort, on the other side of the construction site, so the noise is less noticeable. Still, it has some impact. Guests of the bungalows also note an increase in maintenance problems, especially air conditioning and some malfunctioning fixtures. For the amount of money they spend on a bungalow, guests expect perfection, and this year's experience was far from perfect.
Villa at the Grand Floridian
Grand Floridian's villas experienced a decline in overall satisfaction for the following reasons: 4.66 in 2023 to 4.37 in 2024It decreased by 0.29 points. In 2022, the Grand Floridian's villas were the highest-rated rooms in all of Walt Disney World. Things started to slip in 2023, but the resort still received pretty good reviews. However, as of 2024, the villas are in the bottom third of WDW resorts.
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What are the main causes of score drops? Same Polynesian tower construction. In fact, the new tower is closer to the original Grand Floridian Villas building than to many Polynesian buildings. So you can hear the sounds of moving traffic and active construction while you relax and enjoy the stunning penguin fountain in the lobby. Additionally, these villas are some of the most expensive accommodations you will find on the property. We don't expect that price to cover the construction of the new building, additional construction around the resort, and the inability to access some of the restaurants.
bay lake tower
Bay Lake Tower's satisfaction score decreased slightly compared to the previous year, but was still a statistically significant decrease. 4.63 in 2023 to 4.49 in 2024It fell 0.14 points.
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Fortunately, Bay Lake Tower is an easy walk to the Magic Kingdom, so monorail breakdowns or traffic delays don't affect it as much as other monorail loop resorts. And it is the furthest away from the construction of the Polynesian Tower. However, there is a growing number of comments that Bay Lake Tower's rooms feel dated due to outdated furniture and décor. Bay Lake Tower will begin renovations this September, with renovations scheduled to progress throughout the resort by September 2025. This means updating rooms, but it may also result in increased noise and other inconveniences within the resort.
Grand Floridian Resort
Lastly, Grand Floridian Resort is the only monorail loop resort with consistent satisfaction scores. 4.44 in both 2023 and 2024.
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As Disney's flagship resort, the Grand Floridian's reputation continues to attract guests who appreciate its theme and upscale amenities and dining options. Fortunately, we have been able to maintain a consistent level of service and quality that meets our customers' expectations. Rooms were being renovated in 2023, but some restaurants were still closed. Fortunately, most of these projects will be completed and your satisfaction scores will increase. Unfortunately, increased crowds in the lobbies and restaurants, and utilization of the monorail station have taken some of that benefit away so far this year and have resulted in steady scores.
2024 Overall WDW Resort Scores
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The chart above shows the average overall satisfaction across Walt Disney World Resorts in February as of early June. Monorail Loop Resort is highlighted in gold. There are currently 16 resorts that score better than the Monorail Loop option, including Deluxe, DVC, and Moderate resorts.
If you want to stay near the Magic Kingdom, both the Wilderness Lodge and DVC's two properties (Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge) will get high marks. Although it is accessible by boat from the Magic Kingdom, it is not subject to construction or crowds at the Monorail Loop Resort.
The only monorail loop resort to rank in the bottom 2023 overall satisfaction score was the Grand Floridian. This year, almost all Monorail Loop resorts ranked in the bottom half. Polynesian Resorts had the third highest overall satisfaction rating in 2023, falling to the second lowest in 2024.
What does this mean to you?
Should you avoid the monorail loop resort this year? The answer depends on your priorities and what you value most in a Disney resort stay. Here are some practical tips based on data:
- Consider timing. If you're planning to stay at the Polynesian Resort or Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, be aware of ongoing construction and how it may affect your experience for the remainder of 2024. Check reviews of other stays during construction to see if they would be OK. Similar experience.
- Service Expectations: With service issues reported at several resorts, it may be a good idea to manage expectations or choose a time when staffing levels may be more stable compared to higher guest numbers, such as off-peak season.
- Value for money: If you're concerned about cost, compare prices at this premium resort to other Disney accommodations. If you decide to stick with the monorail loop, save on room costs by renting a DVC location.
- Stay informed: Check regularly for reviews and updates from recent guests. Resort conditions and service levels may change, and staying informed will help you choose the best option for your stay.
Have you stayed on the monorail loop this year? Or do you prefer another WDW resort? Let us know in the comments!