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Disney World Resort Bar Crawl Part 2: Monorail Resorts

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Ready to unwind after your Disney day? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new way to do Walt Disney World. Why not do it bar crawl style? There are loads of options for a nice cocktail, craft brew, or full-blown bar experience at Walt Disney World. You’ll find everything from beachfront watering holes to lounges with rooftop views to quirky themed bars – enough to satisfy everyone’s happy hour goals.

Today, I’m offering up the second in a series of bar crawls, this time hitting the Disney Monorail resorts. (You can read part 1, Skyliner Resorts, here.)

The Monorail

This resort bar crawl route utilizes the Disney Monorail,  a classic Walt Disney World icon since the opening of Magic Kingdom and its nearby resorts back in the 1970s, with great views of Cinderella’s castle and quick access to some of the Magic Kingdom area’s most popular spots. This Monorail resort bar crawl route features four bars at three classic Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts teeming with history, personality, and of course great drinks.

Note: Due to construction, the Polynesian Monorail Station is currently unavailable. 

The Monorail Bar Crawl

Stop #1: California Grill Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
California Grill’s lounge is a great walk-in spot for drinks found nowhere else on Disney World property. Do your best to saddle up to a spot at the bar with a view of Cindy’s Castle, and then get ordering! With a HUGE selection of wines, hard liquors, and cordials, your biggest problem just might be figuring out what to order. You may want to order some sushi or tasty appetizers paired with a selection of the restaurant’s wonderful sakes, or perhaps indulge in a top shelf cocktail or spirit. You really can’t go wrong here.

©Disney
(Kent Phillips, photographer)

Stop #2: Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Looking for a tropical vibe and appetizers with a Hawaiian flare? Then Tambu Lounge is the place for you! Brightly colored Polynesian carpeting and South Pacific wooden accents set the stage for a great bar experience. Start with something from the small but tasty appetizer menu and then try out the Polynesian Mai Tai, the Hawaiian Mule, or the Puka Punch.

Stop #3: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
True lovers of Disneyana will appreciate the Disney history embedded into every corner of this lesser-known Disney World institution. Arguably the best bar experience on Walt Disney World property, Trader Sam’s is a drink and a show all in one. By ordering certain beverages from this eclectic menu, guests will be treated to sights, sounds, and rituals tied into the rich storytelling of some of the oldest Disney parks lore. Grab a spot at the bar, order some yummy eats and a couple of cocktails, and await some amazing surprises! *At the time of this writing, this location is temporarily unavailable. Please check the Walt Disney World website for updates.

Trader Sam's drinks - Natalie Reiner
The Shipwreck on the Rocks and the Polynesian Punch in their souvenir mugs at Trader Sam’s. The Navy Grog, being off-menu, doesn’t have a souvenir option.

Stop #4: The Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
The recently transformed Enchanted Rose emotes the magic and mystery of Beauty and the Beast in its decor as well as its bar menu. Another spot chock-full of details, you’ll enjoy looking around this space as much as you will sipping the high quality drinks. Themed selections Amour and Envie are pricey but involve some memorable fanfare, while martinis, classic French cocktails, and a nice wine selection round out this menu alongside some savory eats. 

Tips for Using the Monorail

  • Guests should take the local Resort Monorail rather than the Express for this itinerary
  • The Monorail gets very crowded around park closing times, so plan accordingly
  • As of this writing, the Monorail station at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is not available
  • Semi-casual, comfortable attire works for most of the stops included in this route, however California Grill does have a dress code which can be viewed here
  • Por favor, mantangense alejado de las puertas

You’ll glide through your evening on the beloved Disney Monorail with this bar crawl itinerary fit for even the most seasoned bar hopper.

Does this sound like a bar crawl that you’d be interested in trying? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for our next resort bar crawl here on the blog.

 

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4 thoughts on “Disney World Resort Bar Crawl Part 2: Monorail Resorts

  • Where do you stay for these bar crawls? If not in Disney property how do you get to and from the monorail? I did see in the comments that you can park at Disney Village for free and then take the bus to the resorts that offer monorail. Am I reading this correctly?

    Reply
  • Where would you recommend we park for the monorail bar crawls?

    Reply
    • You could either park at any of the Disney resorts along the monorail (Poly/Contempo/Grand Flo – for a fee) or at Disney Springs (free) and then take the bus from there to any of those resorts. Alternatively, you could make a dining reservation at one of the restaurants at the Poly/Contempo/Grand Flo to park there at no charge.

      Reply
  • Just a diction-related comment from the discussion of the California Grill lounge: you “sidle” up to a bar rather than “saddling” up to it! Unless you’re at an old-timey cowboy bar, perhaps…

    Reply

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