If you’re looking for the ultimate Disney World bar crawl without setting foot in a park, let me introduce you to your new favorite plan: the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl.
This unofficial (but wildly fun) crawl takes you to three of Disney’s most iconic resorts, where you can lounge-hop your way through cocktails, snacks, and some top-tier people-watching, all without needing a park ticket.
Want to know how alcohol works inside Magic Kingdom? Our full guide to alcohol at Magic Kingdom breaks it down, including the new Pirates Lounge opening soon.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl works, what you need to know to plan it, and, most importantly, what to drink at every stop. We’ll also share our latest Monorail Bar Crawl adventure so you can see how we did it (spoiler: there were Espresso Martinis and absolutely zero regrets).
Ready? Let’s ride.
Love a good Disney World Bar Crawl? After you’ve finished reading about How to Do a Monorail Bar Crawl, make sure to check out our Bar Hopping at Hollywood Studios Guide, or our Complete Guide to the mother of all drink crawls – Drinking Around the World at Epcot.
How Our Most Recent Disney Monorail Bar Crawl Went
Picture it. Disney World. April 2025.
There we were with half a day to fill and zero desire to go back into the parks. Thankfully, it had been a few months since our last crawl so we were very excited to put our livers to the test and spend some time checking out the resorts.
We started our crawl like responsible Disney adults: at Steakhouse 71 Lounge inside the Contemporary Resort. It opens early, has a real food menu (not just bar snacks), and the drinks are strong in a “we’re here for business” kind of way.
We had thought about ordering something different, but we decided to go with our favorite, the Espresso Martinis. These aren’t on the menu, but we both needed a little pick me up and the bartenders here always make a fantastic drink.
So we worked our way through those and split one of the burgers. As always, it was tasty. I truly don’t think we’ve had a bad meal here, and we’ve dined in the main dining room and at the bar many times.
This is where things got… tropical.
There’s just something about walking into the Polynesian that flips a switch. Suddenly you need a drink served in a pineapple. Suddenly Trader Sam’s waitlist feels like a challenge. Suddenly you’re chanting “Uh oa!” with all your new best friends. (We regret nothing.)
We each ordered an Uh-Oa. Yes, it’s technically meant to be shared… but the service here can be a little slow, and we weren’t about to risk having to wait for a second round. One big drink to sip on for awhile? Perfect.
Our wait for Trader Sam’s wasn’t even that bad – a little more than 50 minutes, which felt like some Disney voodoo or something.
Eventually (after a lot of rum), we made our way to the Grand Floridian.
This is our favorite way to end the crawl, pretending we’re fancy while sipping cocktails at Enchanted Rose. The lounge is gorgeous, the vibes are calm, and it makes us feel like we have our lives together (even if we 100% do not).
At this point, after several rounds of tropical drinks, we kept it simple: just a glass of white wine. Nothing fancy. Nothing expensive. Just a final drink while soaking up the piano music and the people-watching from one of Disney’s most beautiful resorts.
How the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl Works
Here’s the beauty of the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl: Disney basically built this crawl for you.
The Resort Monorail runs a loop between three Deluxe Resorts near Magic Kingdom, all of them packed with excellent lounges, signature drinks, and just enough Disney chaos to keep things interesting.
The Resorts You’ll Visit:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort (this is where we recommend starting)
This is your smart start. It opens early, has one of the best lounges (Steakhouse 71), and real food to get you through the night. - Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
This is where the chaos begins. Tiki drinks. Rum. Trader Sam’s. It gets wild in the best way. - Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
This is your wind-down spot. Fancy drinks. Chill vibes. The perfect way to end the night pretending you’re the kind of person who belongs here.
How To Get Around:
This crawl takes place on the Resort Monorail line, which runs in this order:
Magic Kingdom → Contemporary Resort → Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) → Polynesian Village Resort → Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Important: Make sure you board the Resort Monorail, not the Express or EPCOT line. Look for signage or ask a Cast Member if you’re not sure.
Do You Need a Park Ticket?
Nope! That’s what makes this crawl so great. You don’t need a park ticket to do it, and the monorail is free to ride.
How Long Does It Take?
If you’re doing drinks and food at every stop, plan for 3 to 5 hours. You can absolutely rush it, but part of the fun here is slowing down, taking your time, and enjoying the different vibes at each resort.
Stop #1: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Every single time we do the Monorail Bar Crawl, we start at the Contemporary.
Not because it’s the most fun. Not because it’s the most themed. But because it’s the responsible adult thing to do, and trust me, you’re going to want to eat.
Steakhouse 71 Lounge is our go-to. It’s got great drinks, real food (not just bar snacks), and bartenders who know their stuff. Plus, it opens early, which is clutch if you’re starting this crawl before sunset like we usually do.
Steakhouse 71 Lounge (Our Go-To)
Vibe: Mid-century modern cool. Cozy but not stuffy. Bartenders who know what they’re doing.
What We Always Order:
- Espresso Martini (not on the menu) – Not on the menu, but the bartenders will make it. (Skip the Baileys if you’re like us and just want strong coffee flavor.)
- Not a Pop – Made with Averna Amaro Liqueur, Bacardí 8 Gold Rum Essence, House-made Grenadine, Angostura Bitters, and Soda Water. Tastes like a rum and Coke.
- The 1971 Sunset – Herradura Reposado Tequila, POG Juice, Rosemary Simple Syrup, House-made Grenadine, aka the perfect way to start this crawl.
- Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger – We always split one (with waffle fries) because we are adults who have learned things.
Option 2: California Grill Lounge
Vibe: Sophisticated, incredible Magic Kingdom views, very “let’s drink a cocktail and watch fireworks” energy.
Why It’s Worth a Stop:
- No reservation needed for lounge seating (first come, first served).
- Signature cocktails you won’t find elsewhere.
- Sushi and appetizers available.
Favorite Drinks:
- California Grill Sour – A whiskey sour with a twist, bourbon, amaretto, and a splash of port give this one rich, nutty, and slightly sweet vibes.
- Old Fashioned – A fruity, tart, and just-sweet-enough twist on the classic. Blueberry vodka, lemon, and pomegranate make it bright and refreshing.
- Ancho Rancho Spicy Margarita – A smoky, spicy take on a margarita. Añejo tequila, chile liqueur, lime, and agave come together for a slow burn in the best way.
Pro Tip: If you’re here right before the fireworks, don’t rush to the next stop. Take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the moment. The monorail isn’t going anywhere.
Other Drink Spots at the Contemporary Resort (If Things Are Crowded)
If those spots are too busy, here are a couple others you might like:
- Outer Rim – Chill concourse spot with Bay Lake views and beers, wines, and lots of mixed drink options.
- Cove Bar – Pool bar with pre-mixed frozen drinks and pool-vibe cocktails like Piña Coladas and Mai Tais.
Once you’ve soaked up the Magic Kingdom skyline views (or downed that burger), it’s time to board the monorail and head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for tropical drinks and tiki bar vibes.
Stop #2: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
If the Contemporary is where we pretend to be responsible adults, the Polynesian is where that all completely falls apart.
We get off the monorail, catch that first whiff of the Poly lobby (you know the one), and instantly forget every smart decision we made at Steakhouse 71. This is the chaos stop. The fun stop. The “oh no, we ordered another round” stop.
This is always the most chaotic (and honestly, the most fun) stop on our crawl.
It’s loud. It’s tropical. It’s where every drink is just sweet enough to trick you into forgetting there’s three kinds of rum in it. And it’s where we have definitely spent way longer than planned waiting for a table at Trader Sam’s… while accidentally ordering a second round at Tambu Lounge.
We regret nothing.
Step 1: Trader Sam’s Waitlist – (Do This First)
We always head straight to Trader Sam’s to get on the waitlist . You have to physically check in with a Cast Member outside the bar, and the line moves fast. Do not pass go. Do not grab a drink first. Get. On. The. List.
We’ve seen this waitlist fill up in minutes, especially on weekends. Get your name on the list, give them your number, and be ready for the text.
Step 2: Head to Tambu Lounge to Wait (and Drink)
Once that’s handled, we roll over to Tambu Lounge, which is basically our holding zone while we wait. It’s right next to ‘Ohana, it’s got a chill vibe, and more importantly: they serve the famous ‘Ohana noodles. (Do we order them every single time? Absolutely.)
What We Always Order:
- Lapu Lapu: The iconic drink served inside a pineapple. It’s the Monorail Bar Crawl rite of passage.
- Backscratcher: Rum + tropical juice + an actual backscratcher as a garnish. Because Disney is wild like that.
- ‘Ohana Noodles or Pot Stickers: Carbs are the perfect pairing for all the drinking we’re doing.
Pro Tip:
We’ve definitely killed an hour (or two) here waiting for Trader Sam’s. It’s not a bad life.
Step 3: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – If (When?) We Get In
Look, this place is tiny, loud, chaotic, and a little unhinged… which is exactly why we love it.
It’s a blast. Drinks come with chants, flashing lights, and sometimes water spraying at your face. This is not the chill end-of-night stop.
What We Usually Order (And Sometimes Regret Later):
- Uh-Oa!: A sharable drink set on fire. The whole bar chants when you order it. It’s a scene.
- Nautilus: A giant, blue, rum-filled drink served in a submarine mug that costs more than it should and somehow comes home with us every time.
- Zombie: Strong. Dangerous. Proceed with caution.
Step 4: Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace – Plan B
If we don’t get into Trader Sam’s (or don’t want to wait forever), we’ll grab drinks outside at the Tiki Terrace. Same drink menu, less chaos, more chill.
Heads up: It can get hot out here during the day. But at night? Lovely.
Other Drink Spots at the Polynesian Village (And Polynesian Villas) Resorts
If our top picks are too busy, here are some other solid options:
- Barefoot Pool Bar – Typical pool bar drinks and snacks
- Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace – Outdoor version of the Grog Grotto. No antics, and even though there are patio umbrellas, it can be H-O-T.
- Wailulu Bar & Grill – Sips, scenery, and serious island vibes. Wailulu Bar & Grill serves up tropical drinks with stunning Seven Seas Lagoon views.
Ready to pretend you’re classy again? (LOL.)
Next stop: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where the drinks are fancy, the vibe is chill, and your pineapple-drinking self will feel just a tiny bit out of place (in the best way).
Stop #3: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
By the time we get to the Grand Floridian on a Monorail Bar Crawl, we are not exactly blending in.
We’ve probably chanted for a flaming drink at Trader Sam’s. We’ve definitely had rum out of a pineapple. And now we’re rolling into the fanciest resort at Disney World looking like the human embodiment of “one drink too many.”
But honestly? That’s part of the charm.
We love ending our crawl here because the Grand Floridian is calm, classy, and exactly the vibe shift we need before calling it a night (or at least before panic-ordering fries).
Enchanted Rose (Our Favorite Final Stop)
This lounge is straight-up stunning with cozy spaces and drinks with ingredients I have absolutely Googled before ordering.
This is a lounge, so it’s slower-paced and more sit-down-and-savor. Perfect for debriefing the night, checking your phone for blurry pictures, and pretending like you didn’t almost buy a $40 tiki mug.
What We Always Order:
- Lavender Fog – Gin, crème de violette, English breakfast tea, and vanilla. It’s floral, delicate, and tastes like a rich person’s afternoon tea.
- Island Rose – Grapefruit & rose vodka, lime, orgeat, pineapple, bitters. Refreshing but sneakily strong.
- Manhattan – Whistle Pig 10yr Straight Rye Whiskey, Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Orange Bitters. Bold, smooth, and guaranteed to make you feel like a classic cocktail connoisseur.
Pro Tip:
- If you want food, get the truffle fries. They’re crispy, salty, and pair perfectly with a cocktail.
Citricos Lounge (If Enchanted Rose Is Packed)
If Enchanted Rose is slammed (it happens), we slide over to Citricos Lounge – bright, airy, and just as fancy.
What We Recommend:
- Pineapple Daiquiri – Ron Zacapa 23 Rum, Aperol, pineapple & lime juice, bitters. A tropical getaway in a glass. Smooth, citrusy, and just the right amount of boozy.
- La Rosa – 7 Misterios Mezcal, Aperol. Smoky, sultry, and dangerously sippable. This one’s for the mezcal lovers.
Pro Tip: If you’re ending your crawl here, you can also grab a glass of wine and take it to the Grand Floridian lobby. Find a comfy chair, sip slowly, and let the live piano music make you feel fancy before heading out.
Other Bars at the Grand Floridian
If those spots are too busy, there is one other spot that might work:
- Courtyard Pool Bar – Standard Disney pool bar with a little bit more sophistication.
- NEW! Lobby Bar (Coming soon!)
Wrapping It Up: How We End Our Monorail Bar Crawl
By this point, we’re full of rum, slightly sun-kissed (aka sweaty), and probably clutching some ridiculous souvenir mug we didn’t need but absolutely wanted.
Our nights here have ended a lot of different ways:
- Sitting in the Grand Floridian lobby, people-watching like we live here.
- Monorailing back to Magic Kingdom for one last castle selfie (if the park’s still open). Wondering if you can grab a drink while you’re there? Here’s everything to know about alcohol at Magic Kingdom.
- Grabbing a Minnie Van back to our resort while ordering mobile snacks like our lives depend on it.
However you end it, congrats. You just did Disney World exactly right.
Our Quick & Easy Monorail Bar Crawl Itinerary
Here’s how we usually time it out (assuming a late afternoon / early evening start).
Time | Stop | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
3:00 PM | Contemporary | Steakhouse 71 Lounge – Drinks + Food (Burger or Onion Rings) |
4:30 PM | Polynesian | Trader Sam’s Waitlist → Tambu Lounge for Lapu Lapu + ‘Ohana Noodles |
5:30 PM | Trader Sam’s | If we get in, order Uh-Oa! or Zombie |
7:00 PM | Grand Floridian | Enchanted Rose – Drinks + Truffle Fries |
8:00 PM | Wrap It Up | Wine in the lobby, monorail to MK, or rideshare home |
Tips for Conquering the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl
We’ve done this crawl more times than we should probably admit. Here’s what we’ve learned along the way (so you don’t have to learn the hard way like we did).
Start Early
Lounges like Steakhouse 71 open around noon, and Trader Sam’s waitlist can start forming long before it opens at 3:00 PM. The earlier you start, the more relaxed (and less crowded) your crawl will feel.
Eat Real Food (Early & Often)
This is not the time to “just snack.” Grab a real meal at your first stop (Steakhouse 71 is perfect for this) so you’re not surviving on tropical juice and regret.
Be Flexible
Lines happen. Waitlists happen. Drinks happen. Sometimes your dream of sipping a tiki drink while chanting “Uh-Oa!” with strangers has to wait a little longer. It’s fine. This is Disney; there’s always another bar.
Drink Water Between Stops
Hydration is not a myth. Especially in Florida.
This isn’t a race (unless you want it to be, but that sounds dangerous). Spread out your drinks. Drink water between stops. Order snacks. Be a pro.
Budget for Splurges
If you think you’re walking out of Trader Sam’s without a ridiculous tiki mug… bless your heart. Budget accordingly.
Be Nice to Cast Members
Seriously. Tip well. Be patient. They’re the unsung heroes of every good Disney drinking story.
Know Your Exit Plan
When you’re done, you’ve got options:
- Monorail back to Magic Kingdom (if it’s open)
- Walk to Magic Kingdom and catch a bus
- Rideshare or Minnie Van from your resort
- Or, our personal favorite: stumble into the Grand Floridian lobby with a final glass of wine like the classy Disney adult you are
FAQs About the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl
Do You Need Reservations for the Monorail Bar Crawl?
Most of the bars and lounges on the Monorail Bar Crawl are first-come, first-served. The only exception is California Grill (dining reservations only), but the California Grill Lounge is open for walk-ups if space allows.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto uses an in-person waitlist and you’ll want to arrive early to secure your spot.
What’s the Best Order for the Monorail Bar Crawl?
We recommend starting at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, then heading to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and ending at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
This gives you easy access to food early in the crawl and lets you end with a more relaxed, upscale vibe.
Can You Do the Monorail Bar Crawl with Kids?
Technically, yes. Kids are allowed in most lounges before 8:00 PM (Trader Sam’s becomes 21+ after 8 PM). But keep in mind this is a drinking-focused activity, so it’s really best as an adults-only night.
How Much Does the Disney Monorail Bar Crawl Cost?
It totally depends on how many drinks (and snacks) you order. On average:
- Cocktails: $14–$22 each
- Food: $12–$25 per item
- Souvenir mugs at Trader Sam’s: $30+
A realistic budget is around $100 per person for drinks and food if you plan to stop at multiple lounges.
What’s the Best Drink at Each Stop?
This is totally subjective (and we have Opinions™), but here are our personal favorites:
- Contemporary Resort: Espresso Martini at Steakhouse 71 Lounge
- Polynesian Resort: Lapu Lapu at Tambu Lounge or Uh-Oa! at Trader Sam’s
- Grand Floridian: Lavender Fog at Enchanted Rose
Final Thoughts: The Disney Monorail Bar Crawl is Peak Disney Adult Energy
This is one of our absolute favorite things to do at Walt Disney World, especially if you’re looking for a way to experience the Deluxe resorts without a park ticket.
It’s fun. It’s low-pressure. It’s very “we planned this for the vibes and the cocktails.” It’s perfect for solo travelers. Here’s the full Disney solo trip breakdown.
And whether you’re sipping an Espresso Martini at Steakhouse 71 or chanting with strangers over a flaming rum drink at Trader Sam’s, you’re doing Disney World exactly right.
Want More Disney Drinking Adventures?
Want More Disney Bar Crawl Ideas?
If you loved this Monorail Bar Crawl, we’ve got plenty more Disney drinking adventures to help you plan your next night out:
- Drinking Around the World at EPCOT: The Ultimate Guide
- Hollywood Studios Bar Crawl: Best Drinks and Lounges at Every Stop
Or check out all of our Disney World for Adults guides for more ways to plan your perfect grown-up Disney trip.