You’ve heard of drinking around the world at Epcot, but what about the Monorail Pub Crawl? The futuristic transportation was created to take guests between different areas of the sprawling parks. But it can also be an easy way to hit a couple of watering holes in a short amount of time.
You can still do the pub crawl even if you’re not staying at one of the resorts. You can go after a day of exploring the Magic Kingdom or simply take the bus to one of the hotels from Disney Springs. The monorail runs in a loop and runs frequently until one hour after park closing, so check before you go. If you’re up for it, you can also go on foot.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Start your trip at the grandest of the hotels, the Grand Floridian. The Victorian-inspired hotel is on the western side of the lagoon and has a second-level bar called Enchanted Rose, which takes its inspiration from Beauty and the Beast.
The beautiful space has a dramatic chandelier and many nods to the film. It gets crowded so it’s best to go when they open at 3:30 pm. If you get peckish, they also have small plates and shared dishes like charcuterie and flatbreads. It’s also popular for a cocktail before dinner at Victoria and Albert’s.
What to Drink: The Garden Daisy and Old Fashioned are both great, but the bar also makes a mean espresso martini! The bar menu also has beer and an extensive wine menu.
Alternative: If you can’t grab a seat at Enchanted Rose, Citricos Lounge is another option. The bar connected to the restaurant of the same name has cocktails, beer, and wine.
Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort is a Walt Disney World icon, created in a futuristic design when the park opened. It has a number of dining outlets and bars to check out. While it may not have a bucket-list locale like the others, Outer Rim is a nice spot to watch the sunset over the lagoon.
The space sits alongside Chef Mickey’s, the hotel’s character dining restaurant. The menu includes light-up and brightly colored drinks in a futuristic setting.
What to Drink: The Magical Star Cocktail is a fun option, with mango and passion fruit spirits, coconut rum, and pineapple juice with a glow cube. The menu also has wine, beer, and bourbon. It opens at 4 pm and is usually easy to get a spot at.
Alternative: Steakhouse 71 Lounge has many of the same menu items as the restaurant as well as craft cocktails like the boozy cold brew made with Joffrey’s. California Grill Lounge is attached to the sought-after restaurant, with wine flights and the ultra-luxury (and $138!) California Grill Signature Cocktail, made with champagne and cognac.
Polynesian Village Resort
The bars of the Polynesian Village Resort are an experience in their own right, transporting visitors to the South Pacific. By far the most popular is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, which opens at 3 pm and can be at capacity for the rest of the evening.
The best way to get in is to go early and put your name in (around 1:30/2 pm) and be flexible. Smaller groups work best because you can split up. Not only are the drinks tasty, but the space and bartenders are part of the experience, with the famous rainstorm. There are also small plates to share.
What to Drink: The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum is a personal favorite, made with rum, cream of coconut, and juices. You can’t really go wrong with any and most are served in fun glasses you can purchase.
Alternative: If you don’t want to wait, fear not. Many of the same drinks are available outside at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace plus craft beer and wine, not to mention the delicious boozy Dole Whip. Tambu Lounge on the second floor is another option with tropical drinks like mai tais and snacks.
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