Teresa Michael

Recommendation #1: Before you go – Print off the two-sided Walt Disney World Monorail Bar Crawl Tickets so they are on one sheet of paper. This is optional, but it’s fun and helpful to keep track of what you order at each location, and you can rate the beverages from 1 Mickey ears to 5 Mickey ears. You can get the printables here for $6.99.  Disney World Monorail Bar Crawl - Souvenir PDF Printable — Our Departure Board

We started the day with a hearty breakfast and a visit to our hotel’s spa, where we enjoyed all the amenities. After a quick snack and a short rest, we were ready to embark on our adventure. I scheduled the Uber for the destination of the Walt Disney World Transportation Center.

Our Uber driver had a cute British accent and liked to chat, but he missed a turn during our conversation. We ended up at Disney Springs for a turnaround, and then he missed another turn; all the while, we learned a lot about his family and his upcoming Christmas holiday. Finally, I saw the sign for Epcot and said, “Just drop us there.”   

Boarding the monorail at Epcot required us to stop at the Transportation Center, our original destination, to change trains for the Resort-Only line. Unfortunately, crowds were pouring out of Magic Kingdom as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was that evening. So, there was quite the wait, and we were packed into the car like sardines. But finally, we were on our way. This brings us to recommendation #2.

Recommendation #2: Uber to the Walt Disney World Transportation Center. If you start at the Transportation Center, there is a direct monorail to the resorts. If you catch the monorail from Epcot or Magic Kingdom, you must change trains to the Resort-Only monorail line at the Transportation Center. If you lack a designated driver or are not staying at a Disney World hotel along the monorail line, consider using Uber or Lyft between your hotel and the Transportation Center. For your return, you can get an Uber or Lyft from whatever resort you end your tour.

 

Our first stop was the Polynesian Resort. Exit off the monorail and follow the signs to the Tambu Lounge. When we arrived, people were queued up to place drink orders. But, our mojo appeared to be improving as two seats at the bar became available just as we reached the head of the line.

Our seats were perfect for watching the bartenders make the famous Lapu-Lapu, a delicious rum drink served in a fresh pineapple. The potstickers we ordered were a nice addition. I highly recommend this drink—easily 5 Mickey ears! Appetizer service starts at 4:00 PM, and the Tambu Lounge closes at 11:00 PM.

Tambu Lounge | Walt Disney World Resort

Our next stop was the Grand Floridian, decked out in its holiday finery. There’s nothing like the Grand Floridian at Christmas. 


We stopped to snap photos of the massive tree and the gingerbread house and then proceeded to the Enchanted Rose. Due to the 30+ minute wait, we put our name on the list and walked across the hall to Citricos. Sue grabbed a seat while I went to the bar and ordered an Espresso martini for me and a Cucumber Vodka martini for Sue (both 5 Mickey ears).


We had barely taken the first sips when we were paged for the Enchanted Rose. If you love Beauty and the Beast, the Enchanted Rose is for you. I love the décor.  We were led to a seat at the bar, where Sue ordered a French 75, a beautiful purple drink with Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne and Hendricks Gin. I had a Sunny Margarita, a delightful concoction of Patron Silver tequila, Grand Marnier Rouge, orange and lime juices, and agave. The truffle fries were delicious and tangy, with aged Parmesan, black truffle, and truffle aioli. The Enchanted Rose opens at 3:30, but the appetizer menu doesn’t start until 5:00. They close at 11:00 PM.
              
         

Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort | Walt Disney World Resort

Cítricos | Walt Disney World Resort


 

Our last stop on the bar crawl was the Contemporary Resort. We had hoped to go up to the 15^th floor to the California Grill, but it had reached its capacity for the evening. Be sure to check in with the information desk by the elevators. A private elevator with a code whisks patrons up to the 15^th floor.  The California Grill offers an excellent view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. 

Recommendation #3: If the California Grill is your destination, make a reservation well in advance or make this your first stop and hope you can get a seat in the lounge.  California cuisine dinner service is from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

California Grill | Walt Disney World Resort

We ended up at Steakhouse 71 on the lower level, named for the year it opened. The décor and menu are reminiscent of the seventies. By the time we arrived, the parks were closing, and the bar was quite full, but we waited only a few minutes for two seats to become available. We heard lots of chatter as the patrons recounted their day at the parks. One couple came from Texas, aiming to hit all four parks in one day. I was exhausted just hearing about it.  We ordered crab cakes, Caesar salad, and shrimp cocktail. Sue had a French 71 (5 Mickey ears), and I had a Cosmopolitan (4 Mickey ears)—an excellent way to end a fantastic evening.


Recommendation #4: Remember to eat before you embark on this adventure, and remember to have a bit to eat along the way. The small plates at each destination are very good. 

We scheduled an Uber from the Contemporary lobby and enjoyed a more relaxed ride back to our hotel. Do you see Mickey?


This was definitely a 5-Mickey ears adventure! 

Steakhouse 71 - Disney’s Contemporary Resort | Walt Disney World Resort