We’re sharing a complete guide to your Disney Monorail Bar Crawl, with stops at the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts.
You finally arrive at La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion, eager to order El Diablo, with its splash of cucumber-jalapeño juice, before drinking around World Showcase. You’ve already charted your course — which includes a stein of beer in Germany and a stop in Italy’s Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. And then Florida happens.
Despite the promised sunny forecast, you hear a clap of thunder, seemingly out of nowhere. The sky darkens and opens, and suddenly it seems like every park guest is escaping the rain inside Mexico Pavillion’s pyramid. So, what are you to do? If you and the members of your party are equipped with umbrellas and suitable footwear, you could attempt to continue your day as planned. Or, if you’d prefer not to feel soggy as you imbibe, you could opt to drink around the Monorail instead.
Not only will you stay dry, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore some of Walt Disney World’s most beautiful Deluxe Resort Hotels. Simply take the Monorail from EPCOT to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you’ll switch lines to go to Magic Kingdom. From here, you’ll get on the Express Monorail, which stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Polynesian Village Resort. You may so enjoy this luxurious adventure that you not only forget about the inclement weather, you make “Drinking Around the Monorail” a regular part of your itinerary for the adults in your party.
Galaxy's Edge Attraction Special Now On Sale
Disney Monorail Bar Crawl
Stop One: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Want to watch lightning dance over Bay Lake while you safely sip your cocktail? Look no further than the Outer Rim on the resort’s fourth floor. You won’t need to make a reservation to sip such specialty beverages as the “Walk the Plank” — a mix of bourbon, almond syrup, lemon and orange juices, and Maraschino Cherries. If fancy drinks, like the Magical Star Cocktail with its dazzling glow cube, aren’t exactly your thing, the menu includes wine and beer options, too.
If your group is feeling peckish, you could order bites like PB&J Chicken Wings or Lump Crab Cakes from the Steakhouse 71 Lounge. As the name suggests, this watering hole is a nostalgic nod to Walt Disney World Resort’s 1971 opening, and drink options include the “French 71,” which blends cognac and prosecco with lemon juice, pear nectar, and agave syrup. Sweet lovers may enjoy the “Curious Cold Brew,” which combines bourbon and cold brew coffee with maple and vanilla cream.
And if you happen to be dressed up, you may consider taking the elevator up to the 15th floor to grab a cocktail at the California Grill’s lounge. While dinner would cost you upwards of $60 a person, you don’t need a reservation to sit at the bar and simultaneously enjoy a cocktail and a view of Cinderella Castle.
Stop Two: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Photo by Danny Shuster
The resort’s Enchanted Rose Lounge evokes some of your favorite moments from the 2017 live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. Marvel at the chandelier (which was inspired by Belle’s ballroom dress) while you snack on croquettes and sip a “French Rose” martini. And, if you want to linger in the resort a little longer, you could always grab a glass of wine from Citricos Lounge. You don’t need a reservation to enjoy a beverage at either of these luxurious spots.
Stop Three: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Inside Trader Sam’s. Photo by Andy Sanchez
Next, you’ll want to visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, which boasts such appetizers as Kalua Pork Tacos and Tofu Lettuce Cups before 10 PM, and a variety of cocktails that are just as fun to order as they are to sip. Order the “Uh-Oa” for a blend of rums and juices (which is big enough to split with your group), or the “HippopotoMai-Tai,” which comes with a mug to commemorate your adventure. And who doesn’t want to sing their “Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum” order to the waiter?
If you’re a fan of DOLE Whip (and who isn’t?), you have to try the Spikey Pineapple, which blends this fan favorite with mango rum. If the crowds start to feel a bit excessive, you can always head over to the Tambu Lounge with its offerings of Big Kahuna’s Hot Wings, Hawaiian beers, and red sangria.
Be sure to take a glass or two of water between each beverage slowly. This way, you’ll savor the scenery around you and the delicious sips and bites each resort offers. And who knows? Your travels around the Monorail may end just as the rain stops and the fireworks start.
