The iconic Disney monorail loop connects three of Walt Disney World’s most luxurious resorts – the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian Village. While many guests only visit these resorts for dining reservations, there’s so much more to discover! This scavenger hunt guide will help you explore these magnificent properties, appreciate their unique theming, and enjoy their amenities without needing to be a resort guest or having a dining reservation.
So hop aboard the “highway in the sky” and prepare for a day of discovery as we turn resort hopping into an exciting adventure!
How to Use This Guide
This scavenger hunt is designed to be flexible:
- Complete all challenges at all three resorts for the full experience
- Focus on just one resort if you’re short on time
- Mix and match challenges based on your interests
- Use it as a general guide for exploring even if you don’t want to track points
Scoring: Each find is worth between 1-5 points based on difficulty. Keep track of your score and see how you compare at the end!
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Hunt
The elegant Grand Floridian welcomes you with Victorian splendor and refined charm. Here’s what to find:
Ground Floor Treasures (Main Building)
- Find the grand piano in the lobby (1 point) – Is someone playing? Bonus point if you hear a Disney tune!
- Locate the beautiful floral displays (2 points) – These change seasonally but are always impressive
- Spot at least 3 different bird cages (3 points) – They’re decorative and spread throughout
- Find a specialty shop (2 points) – The resort has several unique boutiques beyond the main gift shop
- Discover the wedding pavilion viewpoint (3 points) – There’s a perfect spot to see it across the water
Second Floor Discoveries
- Find the Cinderella-themed display (2 points) – The princess inspiration is visible throughout
- Find a Michelin Star (4 points) – Look carefully for the only one at Disney World!
- Locate the specialty bath products shop (1 point) – What’s the most unusual soap scent they offer?
Outdoor Exploration
- Find the walking path to the Magic Kingdom (2 points) – It’s a beautiful stroll many guests don’t know about
- Locate the marina boat rental area (2 points) – What types of watercraft do you see?
- Discover a photogenic garden feature (3 points) – Perfect for pictures!
- Find the sandy beach area (1 point) – No swimming allowed, but it offers a great view
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The Contemporary Resort Hunt
With its iconic A-frame design and monorail running through the center, the Contemporary offers a completely different experience:
Grand Concourse (4th Floor)
- Find the Mary Blair mural (1 point) – Can’t miss it, but can you spot the 5-legged animal? (3 bonus points)
- Locate the hidden Mickey in the mural (5 points) – This one’s tricky!
- Find an information display (2 points) – Where can guests learn about resort activities?
- Find the spot where you can see both Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle (4 points) – It exists!
- Discover a store that has trivia (2 points) – Try to get at least 3 questions correct.
Lobby Level Challenges
- Find the model of Bay Lake Tower (2 points) – It shows how the buildings connect
- Locate the Contemporary’s original opening day display (3 points) – A piece of history!
- Discover themed elements in the restaurant entrance areas (3 points) – What eras or themes do you notice?
Outdoor Adventures
- Find the observation deck (3 points) – Great views of Bay Lake
- Discover the jogging trail marker (3 points) – How long is the full trail?
- Locate the water launch dock (1 point) – Where do the boats go?
- Take a selfie with Mickey (4 points) – It’s one of my favourite spots at Disney World, as you can get a photo without asking anyone for help with the photo stand.
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The Polynesian Village Resort Hunt
Aloha! The tropical paradise of the Polynesian awaits with its South Pacific charm:
Great Ceremonial House
- Find the central lobby feature (2 points) – The heart of the resort’s theming
- Locate the Tiki statues in the lobby (2 points) – How many can you count?
- Discover ‘Ohana’s entrance without going inside (1 point) – What character greets you there?
- Find BouTiki shop’s largest item for sale (3 points) – It’s impressive!
- Spot a hidden Mickey in the carpet or floor design (4 points) – Look down as you explore
Outdoor Exploration
- Find the torch lighting ceremony location (2 points) – Bonus if you know what time it happens!
- Locate the Lava Pool’s volcano slide (1 point) – No sliding unless you’re a resort guest
- Discover a hammock or relaxation spot (2 points) – Would you dare to try one?
- Find the perfect castle view spot (3 points) – Hint: it’s near the water
- Locate the Dole Whip service location (2 points) – You don’t need to be a resort guest to enjoy this treat!
- Find a significant Disney Vacation Club area (2 points) – DVC has a strong presence here
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Bonus Multi-Resort Challenges
- Collect a resort map from each location (1 point each)
- Find a Cast Member from each resort’s namesake location (5 points each) – Someone from England/UK at Grand Floridian, someone from a Pacific Island at Polynesian
- Spot the monorail from 3 different viewing locations (2 points each)
- Find a water feature at each resort (1 point each)
- Take a creative photo that captures the essence of each resort (2 points each)
Timing Your Adventure
This entire scavenger hunt can take 3-4 hours if you’re thorough, but you can always split it up:
- Morning: Best for photography with fewer crowds
- Midday: Enjoy air conditioning during hot hours
- Evening: Experience the resorts’ beautiful lighting and potential nighttime activities
Transportation Tips
- Monorail: The most iconic way to travel between these resorts
- Walking: There are beautiful walking paths connecting the Polynesian to both the Grand Floridian and the Transportation & Ticket Center
- Water Launch: Boats connect these resorts to Magic Kingdom and each other
- Bus: Available to get to the resorts from Disney Springs or the parks
Final Thoughts
Resort hopping is one of Walt Disney World’s best-kept “free” secrets. These beautiful hotels are designed to be experienced and enjoyed, even if you’re not staying there. This scavenger hunt gives you purpose and direction while exploring, ensuring you don’t miss the most interesting details.
How many points did you score? Share your adventures in the comments below or tag us in your resort hopping photos!
- Beginner Explorer: 0-20 points
- Resort Adventurer: 21-40 points
- Monorail Master: 41-60 points
- Disney Detective: 61+ points
Happy hunting, and remember – the joy is in the journey!