The Holiday Monorail Loop Lounge Crawl
Lounge hopping from resort to resort on the famous Monorail loop is a rite of Disney passage. The Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian Resorts are the most famous on property. Even if you aren’t paying the hefty price for an overnight stay, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t experience all the splendor these Resorts have to offer! And during the Holidays is the best time to do a holiday monorail loop lounge crawl!
When the late afternoon sun gets hot my weary feet need a break from walking through Magic Kingdom, I hop on the monorail! The three Resorts boast fantastic lounges with awe-inspiring views. The themes range from classy to crazy. There is something for everyone on the lounge loop! Plus, a visit to one of these lounges during the Holidays not only guarantees great libations, but special seasonal touches you won’t find any other time of the year. Let’s go!
The Contemporary
If you’ve got time to spare, certainly wait for a spot at California Grill Lounge. If you’re looking to grab a quick drink and get back to Magic Kingdom, Outer Rim Lounge is your best play! The theme here can be best described as ‘1970’s futuristic chic’…and I mean that in the BEST way!
On your way to the fourth floor lounge, be sure to stop off and check out the Mary Blair-inspired gingerbread display that’s currently gracing the concourse level! Then, make your way to Outer Rim and order the seasonally appropriate Godiva Chocolate Martini.
TIP: The rich chocolate in the martini is greatly enhanced by the aromas and spices of the gingerbread cookies they’re selling near the giant display- in case you needed me to give you a reason to get one!
Polynesian Village
Next up on our tour is the Hawaiian Island-inspired retreat in the heart of Central Florida, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! The tropical vibes will have you forgetting the Holidays and wishing you could fast-forward to summer…but there are drinks to be had and a take on the Polynesian-style Holidays that can’t be missed!
Tambu Lounge is open for business, and coming off its lengthy refurb, the Cast Members mixing up your drinks are likely to be more excited than ever to serve you a holiday spirit (get it?)! Christmas, Easter, Halloween, whatever the holiday, you’ve just got to order a Lapu Lapu. The combo of rum and fruit juices is the perfect light and refreshing pick-me-up after that rich chocolate martini.
Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Even if you don’t go to the lounge and enjoy a drink, you’ve got to make sure you disembark the Monorail here. The life size gingerbread house is Walt Disney World Resort’s most impressive and most awe-inspiring edible creation, and you don’t want to miss it! The dough is for this monstrosity beginning in the summer. It takes the pastry chefs in the bakery until the house’s November debut to complete. It’s THAT huge! You can search for hidden Mickeys while you drink in the splendor of the gingerbread house. You can also purchase sweets, because this is a working pastry shop!
Don’t miss your chance to order a drink at each of the lounges on the loop. Head to Misner’s Lounge! A great finisher to the Holiday lounge crawl (and one that pairs beautifully with any of the cookies you may have definitely purchased from the gingerbread house) is the Solerno Prosecco drink. I like it not only because it’s a letter away from spelling out my surname, but because it’s a light and refreshing finisher to any lounge crawl!
The sweet, lightly bubbly essence of this drink will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for a fantastic evening at Magic Kingdom. What are you waiting for? Have you tried any of these Holiday drinks or activities? Which would you order if you visited? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re ready to book your Walt Disney World vacation, get in touch below.
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