Disney bar and lounge spaces can easily be overlooked with so many other great dining options around. These venues can be just as themed as the attractions people travel all those miles for. For those who like to enjoy a nice drink on vacation, a Disney monorail pub crawl can help you do so with amazing views. It’s quite nice to be chauffeured around property thanks to Disney transportation. The monorail makes it even more fun.
If you’re new to Walt Disney World Resort drink menus, know that you may see many of the same beverages offered around property. Venue specific offerings can be found as well.
A Disney monorail bar crawl can be even more exciting during the holidays. There are special food and beverage offerings available and the Magic Kingdom resort loop hotels have some of the best decorations you’ll see.
Disney Monorail Pub Crawl: Everything You Need to Know
The three resorts on the monorail loop are Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. These Magic Kingdom area hotels are each an attraction of their own. The food and beverages you’ll enjoy at deluxe resorts like these are always something memorable. Connected to, or in addition to, fabulous dining at the monorails resorts you’ll find the following lounge and bar spaces with great food and drink menus. Note there may be pool bars as well but they’re usually within pool deck limits and reserved for guests of that resort.
Disney Monorail Bars and Lounges
| Disney Monorail Resort Hotel | Bar and Lounge Name | Theme | View from the Venue | Disney Monorail Bar Crawl Tip |
| Disney’s Contemporary Resort | California Grill | California Grill has a modern interior that accentuates the rooftop setting and surrounding views. | The view from California Grill is Magic Kingdom and surrounding area. | The California Grill bar is first come, first serve and busiest around firework time. Plan to be early if you want to visit during this time. |
| Disney’s Contemporary Resort | Outer Rim | Outer Rim matches the modern and simple aesthetic of the Contemporary. | Outer Rim offers serene views of Bay Lake one direction and scenes of the busy Grand Canyon Concourse with monorails whizzing by the other way. | There are plenty of places to watch fireworks from the Contemporary but this isn’t one. Outer Rim is on the opposite side of the building. |
| Disney’s Contemporary Resort | Steakhouse 71 lounge | This restaurant celebrates the past with black and white photos of Walt Disney on the way in. The vibe of the bar and lounge is sleek and modern. | There are no outside views here, just a look into the attached restaurant. | Enjoy different seating arrangements in the lounge space. |
| Disney’s Contemporary Resort | Top of the World Lounge | Top of the World Lounge has a sleek interior that focuses on its location. There are subtle hints at Disney Villains after the 2022 reopening. | Top of the World is located right next to Magic Kingdom with great views of fireworks, sunsets, the Grand Floridian and surrounding area. | There is a popular and very large firework observation deck. Lesser known, there is a smaller observation deck behind the bar that provides a great view of the Electrical Water Pageant. |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar | Inside Trader Sam’s you’ll be delighted to an over the top interior that feels like an extension of the tiki room attraction and Jungle Cruise. | There are no windows at Trader Sam’s but there is plenty to look at inside this busily decorated establishment. | Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto does not take reservations and often has a line to get in. It’s worth it! |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace | Enjoy the sounds of a waterfall and live entertainment by a soloist in the evenings. This Hawaiian vibe escape has enchanting string lighting. | You can see the Polynesian marina and quick service restaurant Captain Cook’s. | Great firework views are just steps away. |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | Tambu Lounge | The Polynesian’s tropical theme carries through to Tambu Lounge. Placed at the entrance of ‘Ohana, you’re right in the middle of the excitement of the Polynesian lobby. Order the Lapu Lapu and you can drink out of a pineapple. | You can see the castle at Magic Kingdom from some of the seating at Tambu Lounge. The large windows overlook the Polynesian property. | You can order some items from ‘Ohana here! Ask your bartender on your visit as it has changed over the years. The noodles are very popular. |
| Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa | Enchanted Rose | Step inside the different rooms of Enchanted Rose for different feelings. One is particularly cozy and feels like the live action Beauty and the Beast film. | You may see the Grand Floridian lobby or grounds depending on where you sit. | Look for Lumiere and Cogsworth among the beautifully decorated bookshelves. |
| Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa | Citricos Lounge | This lounge is just inside Citricos restaurant which has a bright and subtle Mary Poppins Return theme. | From Citricos lounge you can see the grounds of the Grand Floridian including the pool and water fountain behind the lobby. | You can enjoy the restaurant’s full menu from the Citricos bar and lounge area. |
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bars and Lounges: Disney Monorail Pub Crawl Views
There are actually quite a few options at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for getting a nice adult beverage with a view.
California Grill bar
California Grill, the restaurant at the top of the Contemporary, offers a pricey pre-fixe menu. The restaurant is one you’ll need to book a reservation for as soon as possible. It’s also possible to enjoy a drink or food item from the menu at the bar counter in the venue without a reservation. You can enjoy the bar at the California Grill based on walk in availability. There are firework views from California Grill, including the counter, and the sunsets are just as good from up here.
Outer Rim
On the Contemporary’s fourth floor, also known as the Grand Canyon Concourse, Outer Rim offers lovely views of Bay Lake. You won’t see sunsets here as the space is on the east side of the resort. The views of Bay Lake and the surrounding wooded areas are quite nice though. What’s special about this floor of the resort is that the monorail drives through intermittently. A visit to Outer Rim is sure to result in a monorail viewing every few minutes or so. You’ll also be able to see legendary Imagineer Mary Blair’s colorful, multi-story mural that beams high in the middle of the resort.
Steakhouse 71 bar and lounge
There is a bar and lounge just inside the Steakhouse 71 restaurant just off of the lobby. There is ample space here for gathering with your party. The bar is u-shaped with lots of seating and there are televisions in case there’s a game you need to watch. There are also some neat, rounded lounge rooms with fun seating. This restaurant has some wonderful historical photos of Walt Disney and the origins of Disney World on the way in.
Top of the World Lounge
There’s a little something extra for Disney Vacation Club Members at this property. Eligible Members can enjoy a visit to Top of the World Lounge. This is a DVC Member exclusive space on the sixteenth floor of the adjacent Bay Lake Tower. Top of the World Lounge overlooks Magic Kingdom. There is a delightful menu here featuring fun drinks but also some memorable small plates. The cake is highly recommended. Firework views are stunning here. Especially for perimeter firework shows like the ones at Magic Kingdom’s Christmas and Halloween parties.
For more at this resort, see our Bay Lake tower dining guide.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Disney Monorail Pub Crawl Fun
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar
The Polynesian has the most themed bar and lounge not just on the Disney monorail pub crawl but in all of Disney World. If you’re in it for the atmosphere, you’ll love Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This small spot is filled with themed decor, interactive elements and windows with scenery that comes alive. Order a drink and you might see tricks happen. Winds blows, lights flicker and more depending on what you get.
Note that Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has no exterior windows or views outside. This means you can not see fireworks from Trader Sam’s.
If this ends up being your favorite, make sure you add Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs to your list as well. This lounge has a similar feel and nearly the same level of commitment to storytelling.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
The outdoor space at Trader Sam’s is much different than the indoor setting. This patio style area is right next to the marina. It’s less likely you’ll have to wait to enjoy food and drinks here. This tiki torch lit space is beautiful but bigger and not as popular as the inside of Trader Sam’s.
The patio here itself doesn’t have a great Magic Kingdom firework view due to many tall objects near by. If you’re here around show time, you can see fireworks from the Polynesian in a few different places nearby.
Tambu Lounge
The Tambu Lounge is on the second floor of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Your Disney monorail pub crawl will lead you right here as it’s just across from the monorail entrance. Outside the windows and across the Seven Seas Lagoon you’ll see Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom skyline.
‘Ohana is one of the most beloved restaurants at Disney. Did you know you can order some ‘Ohana favorites from the Tambu Lounge? Even if they aren’t on the menu, ask about the ‘Ohana noodles and possibly some other items. The noodles are a fan favorite and while you may not be able to order them to go, you can get them at Tambu Lounge and ask for a box if you need one. The famous ‘Ohana bread pudding may also be available at Tambu Lounge too.
Pineapple Lanai
Disney did us all a favor when the Pineapple Lanai debuted at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This isn’t a bar or lounge but a walk up window that serves Dole Whip. We had to mention it in our Disney monorail pub crawl guide because it’s such a loved treat. The Polynesian is one of the few locations where you can add rum to your Dole Whip!
For more at this resort, see our guide to all of the Polynesian resort restaurants.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Disney Monorail Pub Crawl Elegance
The Grand Floridian’s bright interiors and Victorian theme make it a favorite among many Disney visitors. The luxurious lobby has remarkable ornate ceilings and chandeliers. It also has a great lounge where you can overlook these beauties.
During the holiday season, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house can be a stop on your journey.
Enchanted Rose
This bar and lounge has a lot to offer with essentially four different atmospheres to choose from. Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney’s most beloved films. Here it finds a home in a stylish and sophisticated way. Enchanted Rose is one of the most themed bar and lounge settings at Disney World.
Then there’s the outside area that overlooks the lobby. You’ll love the view from here if people watching is a plus for you. You can also hear the piano player in the evenings.
Citricos Lounge
Just inside Citricos restaurant, you’ll find a small bar and a few lounge style tables and chairs. This area is great to order a drink from when waiting for your table. However, you can also order from the full menu here which is always a nice perk. Citricos lounge gives you the same, flowery atmosphere and practically the full experience you get when dining at the restaurant.
For more, see our guide to all of the Grand Floridian restaurants and dining.
Disney Monorail Pub Crawl FAQs
Can you park at the Grand Floridian? Can you park at the Polynesian? Is there parking at the Contemporary?
You don’t need a park ticket to ride the monorail. If you’re not staying at a Disney World resort though, you may need to park somewhere. This part can be tricky. Parking at Disney resort hotels is complimentary but typically reserved for resort guests. There is an exception if you have a dining reservation. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to park there just to visit a lounge or bar without an advance dining reservation. Bar and lounge venues don’t offer the ability to reserve, they are simply first come, first serve. It’s possible to park at Magic Kingdom and take the resort monorail over though you may have to pay for parking if you don’t have an annual pass or aren’t staying at a resort.
Is the monorail dining event back at Disney World?
Once upon a time, there was an official Disney monorail pub crawl though it was more of a dining event. Tickets were around $150 for this event that took you from resort to resort with something special to eat and drink awaiting at each location. The Highway in the Sky Dine Around is no longer offered at Disney World. It’s one of the many special experiences that did not return after the 2020 reopening of Disney Parks. Hopefully that changes. This was a unique offering and an organized way to experience the sips and bites around the monorail loop.
DVC Resale Experts Loves Monorail Loop Resorts
Can you see yourself dining and drinking around the monorail venues every year? All three of the Disney resort hotels highlighted here are Disney Vacation Club resort properties. DVC Resale Experts helps vacationers make the most of their budget with the Disney timeshare. Resale is simply buying a contract from someone who is selling theirs. While some perks, like visiting Top of the World Lounge, are not included with resale, the price alone makes it worth looking into. See current resale DVC listings and dream about the possibilities.
