There are many rites of passage at Disney World—from getting a Dole Whip to growing old enough to ride Space Mountain for the first time. But there’s another milestone that anyone can take part in, and it’s already happening external One of the theme parks: Disney World Monorail Crawl.
If you’ve been involved in #DisneyTok, you’ve probably seen this unofficial event, which is a favorite pastime of many eared mouse lovers. Unlike Epcot’s World Showcase Crawl (often called the “Drink Around the World”), it doesn’t require theme park admission.
I have been visiting Walt Disney World for over thirty years and have visited more than 500 times. Still, the singletrack crawl remains a personal favorite of mine, whether visiting with family, my husband, or on a girls-only trip. With faith, trust, fairy dust, and our expert-approved tips, you’ll have a night you won’t forget.
From alcohol-filled tiki drinks to classic cocktails of yesteryear, here’s the ultimate guide to your Disney Monorail crawl.
basic knowledge
The monorail is Disney’s most iconic mode of transportation. This “highway in the sky” connects the Magic Kingdom to nearby resorts. It’s completely free and quickly whisks passengers around the Seven Seas Lagoon, with stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The best part? No theme park tickets required.
Each resort features an exciting array of lounges and bars, from the beachfront Narcoossee’s for premium cocktails to the tiki bar Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, which adds a whimsical touch to the drinking experience.
While you can enjoy adult beverages on the monorail, Disney has gone to great lengths to create a Disney-wide mocktail program that’s a far cry from soda with lime. Crawls can also be snack-based. Bars and lounges on the list do not accept advance reservations and space may be limited.
disney contemporary resort
- Top drink recommendations: Cocoa Boulevardier at Steakhouse 71 Lounge
- Popular food recommendations: Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at California Grill Lounge
Steakhouse 71 Lounge
Steakhouse 71 is located off the main lobby and pays homage to the opening year of Disney World. After you’ve gawked at the hallway of black-and-white photos depicting historical images, you’ll discover a spacious lounge. It has a more premium feel than many other strips of mouse, but it’s still casual enough if you want to rock your ears.
Classic cocktails are the star here, and the particularly delicious Cocoa Boulevardier is made with Knob Creek Disney Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon, specially blended for Disney. It’s also home to Disney’s most famous burger, the Stacked Burger, a meal fit for a crawl.
California Grill and Lounge
California Grill, perched high above the Contemporary, offers some of the best views in the kingdom. While making a reservation here can be a feat, its attached lounge is first come, first served. The menu is California fusion, and a must-try is the Sonoma goat cheese ravioli appetizer, which is a giant pasta dish topped with a delicious tomato soup. Although there is a full bar, this romantic spot is a special treat for wine lovers. California Grill offers an impressive selection of Golden State grape vines, and an in-house sommelier is on hand to help you create the perfect drink.
Space is extremely limited, so hopeful visitors line up as early as an hour before the evening opening to grab a seat. And don’t forget to save your receipts! Later in the evening, guests can retreat to the lounge as the restaurant dims its lights and pipes to a soundtrack of fireworks from the nearby Magic Kingdom. Its floor-to-ceiling windows provide the perfect vantage point.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Top drink recommendations: HippopotoMai-Tai by Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
- Popular food recommendations: Ohana Noodles and Tambu Lounge
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar
Disney’s mastery of storytelling is on full display at this coveted tiki bar. An attraction in itself, this cozy bar is renowned for its perfectly crafted cocktails, heralding the golden age of the famous drinking sport. Here, bustle comes with spectacle, with many well-crafted cocktails accompanied by skits performed by the energetic staff. You could spend hours exploring every detail of this space, filled with Disney Easter eggs among its intricate décor.
Thirsty customers often queue up to get in more than an hour before opening. If you can’t get in, though, not all hope is lost: You can sip famous drinks like the Hippopoto Mai-Tai on the beachfront outdoor terrace, which also features live music and a takeout bar.
tag lounge
For decades, this quaint lounge has been serving fruity, tropical cocktails that perfectly blend with the hotel’s South Sea vibe. Among its Hawaiian-style drinks, none is more famous than its signature Lapu Lapu, a drink served with a hollowed-out fresh pineapple. The lounge’s food menu is limited, but it does offer some of the famous Disney favorites from “Ohana” next door, including bread pudding and the now-iconic Ohana noodles.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Top drink recommendations: Narcoosse’s Salty Mascarpone Espresso Martini
- Popular food recommendations: Truffle fries at Enchanted Rose
magic rose
Classic cocktails are the focus of this upscale restaurant, with an elegant setting that cleverly references animated classics beauty and the Beastwhich included a giant gold chandelier that paid homage to Bella’s iconic dress. It’s also a great place to share a treat, such as homemade truffle fries or a cheese platter. The lounge is divided into several themed rooms, the most popular of which is the library, modeled after the Beast’s magnificent library. With comfy couches, it’s the ultimate place to relax after a day at Marathon Park.
Nakusi’s
This beachfront restaurant is a true sleeper. While the bar itself is small, if you’re lucky enough to find a seat, you can partake in one of Disney’s most exciting cocktail programs. The menu changes seasonally and the team doesn’t hold back, like the Salty Mascarpone Espresso Martini, which is an innovative (and delicious!) take on the ever-popular cocktail. It’s time for the fireworks, and as the music plays and the lights dim, tasters are treated to a perfect view of Cinderella Castle looming nearby in the distance.
