Hop on the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort monorail for a scenic journey to some of the coolest themed bars in Orlando (DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN Resort & Spa pictured, ©Disney).
Adored for their incredible theme parks and groundbreaking attractions, Walt Disney World® Resort also has a knack for immersive storytelling beyond the park gates. Score a round-trip ticket to some of the most elaborately themed bars and lounges on property simply by boarding the Resort Monorail for a sky-high resort crawl.
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The iconic “highway in the sky” can safely transport you to the Victorian era, the South Seas and even into the future, with plenty to eat, drink and see at every stop. You don’t even need a theme park ticket to explore, making this a fantastic way to extend the magic of your next Orlando trip. So climb aboard, and remember to drink responsibly as we circle the Seven Seas Lagoon.
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Monorail Tips & Tricks
The Resort Monorail route makes five stops, traveling in a clockwise direction. I typically pay to park near Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center (or TTC, accessible via the Magic Kingdom® Park parking lot) and go from there. Standard parking is $30 per day. (Note that Walt Disney World also operates the EPCOT® Monorail and Express Monorail, which directly service EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Park, respectively.)
You can also enjoy complimentary self-parking at each resort on this list. Just be aware that you may get redirected to paid TTC parking during peak periods if you do not have a confirmed room or dining reservation. Hotel guests can also enjoy free parking and bus transportation from Disney Springs, as well as complimentary transportation from the theme parks and water parks.
If you do not have a reservation, you may still be able to park at the resorts for free. The Resort Monorail stops at the following locations in this order.
- Transportation & Ticket Center (Magic Kingdom Parking)
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Magic Kingdom® Park
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Stop number one from the Transportation & Ticket Center is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, a South Seas-inspired hideaway with several tropical bars. One of the most noteworthy is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, an interactive tiki lounge with a whimsical speakeasy feel. It’s named after a famous Jungle Cruise® resident, Adventureland explorer Trader Sam.
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Inside, you’ll find a rum-heavy menu of cocktails with unforgettable names like the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum, many of which are served in collectible tiki mugs. And that’s only half the fun — several drink orders also trigger special effects, are served with a side of chanting, or even call for sparks and flame. Be sure to arrive early, as this popular spot remains packed all night long.
If you’re put on the waiting list — it happens to the best of us — Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace outside also serves the full grog grotto menu sans tiki cups or special effects. Another option is to head upstairs to Tambu Lounge, where you can snag cocktails and appetizers directly from the ‘Ohana menu. Or, add your name to the Trader Sam’s waiting list and get back on the monorail to hit the next spot while you wait.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Next up is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a timeless Victorian getaway steeped in elegance and charm. My top pick here is The Enchanted Rose Lounge. The space is subtly themed after the live-action Beauty and the Beast film, with four distinct areas where you can delight in gourmet appetizers and handcrafted drinks.
This sophisticated spot has something for everyone, from whimsical floral libations and espresso martinis to classic Manhattans, old fashioneds and sparkling champagne. The food is fantastic as well, with options like charcuterie, smoked trout and crab dip (my favorite), truffle fries, seasonal flatbreads, and fennel sausage croquettes. They also offer caviar, if you’re feeling extra fancy on your next visit.
Another great option at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is MICHELIN Recommended Citricos, where you can enjoy Florida cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. You don’t need a reservation to sip in the lounge, and you can even order off the full Citricos dinner menu if you’re hungry.
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Additional full-service dinner options at the resort include Narcoossee’s and One MICHELIN Star, AAA Five Diamond Victoria & Albert’s for an extra-special meal. No matter where you go, take a moment to soak up the atmosphere and share an appetizer or two before heading to your next stop.
Magic Kingdom® Park
The next monorail stop is at Magic Kingdom Park. If you don’t have a park ticket, stay put when the doors open and enjoy the enchanting views of Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. before heading to your final destination.
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If you do have a valid park ticket, feel free to exit the monorail and grab a drink in one of the park’s themed restaurants. Dining reservations are always strongly recommended, but you may be able to score a last-minute booking or join the walk-up list at places like Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen or Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Finish off strong at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where three unique bars offer plenty of variety for every craving. One of my favorites is the Steakhouse 71 lounge on the first floor. This spacious hangout is lined with vintage Walt Disney World photos and features cocktails inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney, the 1970s, and the resort’s early days.
The Heron Gimlet, for example, pays tribute to Florida wetlands, while the Citrus Blossom Groves recalls Central Florida’s once-thriving citrus industry. Or get the ultra-shareable 1971 Sunset, a supersized blend of tequila, pineapple orange guava juice (lovingly nicknamed POG), rosemary simple syrup, and house-made grenadine.
For an altogether different experience, head up the Outer Rim lounge on the fourth floor for classic resort cocktails and serene views over Bay Lake. Or, take the elevator all the way up to the top floor and try to snag a seat in the California Grill lounge. The eatery features fresh California cuisine and an extensive collection of cocktails and hand-picked wines, all of which you can enjoy without a reservation if lounge seating is available. Be sure to stay and watch the nightly fireworks over Magic Kingdom from the restaurant’s exclusive outdoor viewing area.
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Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center
Our tour concludes at Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center, where you can catch a rideshare, head back to your car or hop aboard another monorail to EPCOT to end the night in style. Of course, you could also stay onboard and head back to the Polynesian for round two — we certainly won’t tell.
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