Did you know there are so many things to do at Disney World outside of the parks? One of the growing popular activities is doing a Monorail Bar Crawl across the monorail resorts around Magic Kingdom. I recently put a twist on it and I think it’s now one of my favorite ways to spend an evening. Not feeling up to drinking around the resorts? Make your way around the monorail resort line for dinner and a special treat. This great for date nights, bachelorette parties, friends hang out, or even a solo day.
Stop 1: Drinks At Contemporary
The newly opened Steakhouse 71 inside of the Contemporary Resort is where we begin our fun night out. Located in the lobby of the resort, where The Wave used to be. You can visit Steakhouse 71 with a reservation or hang out in the Lounge for a quicker experience. Head to the Lounge area to grab a quick drink. I recommend ordering the Magical Beacon Cocktail in honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Head up to the monorail station and it’s time to hop over to stop # 2.
Stop 2: Appetizers At Polynesian Village
Located on the same level as the monorail, you can find Kona Cafe. Reservations are highly recommended, but you can also join the walk-up list or order to-go. Kona has three delicious appetizer options: Seafood Cocont-Curry Soup, Glazed Chicken Wings, and Crispy Pork-Vegetable Pot Sticker. I personally love the pot sticker. Grab your appetizer and have a seat enjoying the wonderful ambience and views of the Great Ceremonial House, overlook the lobby area or enjoy the sweeping views of the Seven Seas Lagoon out over the water.
From here, you can either hop back onto the monorail for the ride over to stop # 3, or you can take the walking path along the beach for a leisurely walk to the next stop for dinner.
Stop 3: Dinner At Grand Floridian
Located in the main building, Grand Floridian Cafe is an elegant and welcoming restaurant with gorgeous surroundings. Reservations are highly recommended, but if you aren’t able to grab one you can join the walk-up list. If possible, try to time dinner right around sunset. The views from this spot are absolutely breathtaking as the sun sets. With various menu options, there is something for everyone here. My favorites are their salads. Enjoy you delicious dinner in this classic resort before heading over to your final stop on this fun night out.
Head up to the top level to the monorail station, or take the new walking path to Magic Kingdom to reach your final destination.
Stop 4: Dessert & Fireworks At Magic Kingdom
There is no better way to end a magical evening than eating a dole whip while watching the fireworks in front of the castle. Not a fan of dole whip? No worries, grab your dessert of choice and find a spot to settle in to watch the fireworks. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get your dessert and find a spot to watch as spaces fill up quick around fireworks time approaches. Once the fireworks are over, you can either join the mass exodus out of the park or relax in the post-firework calm as the day comes to a close.
If you parked at TTC (Ticket & Transportation Center) or took a Disney bus over at the start of this adventure, I recommend waiting out the post-fireworks crowds. Driving over? You can make a reservation at one of the three monorail resorts and park at the resort before beginning your monorail tour. At the end of the day, it will be easier to get back than chasing the crowds since these resorts are a quick walk, boat, or monorail away from Magic Kingdom.
Doing a tour like this is a great way to break up the busyness of the parks while experiencing something new and exciting. Have you ever done a Monorail Crawl? Let me know in the comments what you would try on yours.
Written by
Gracie Waldrop
Contributing Writer
Gracie is a South Carolina native who loves to share the magic of Disney. In 2015 she began her Disney journey as a Cast Member and never looked back. She loves to put her knowledge and love of Disney to use by creating fun content and sharing helpful information. Helping others discover the magic of Walt’s dream come alive in the eyes of children of all ages is what keeps her motivated. When she’s not inside the parks you can most likely find her planning her next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
