Disney World’s Monorail Shake-Up Could Totally Transform Your Entire Trip
Ask almost any Disney fan, and they’ll tell you the monorail is more than just a ride. It’s tradition. For years, guests have treated it as the backbone of a “Monorail Crawl,” hopping between deluxe resorts and sampling drinks, lounges, and quick bites along the way.
But Disney’s newest transformation will change how this fan-favorite monorail tradition unfolds. What used to be a breezy loop with a handful of must-stop lounges could soon feel very different.
The Magic of the Monorail
Since 1971, the monorail has carried guests across Disney property, linking Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian and Contemporary, before adding EPCOT and eventually the Grand Floridian. It’s become as iconic as Cinderella Castle, gliding past the lagoon and through hotel lobbies.
While it’s always been practical, Disney adults know the monorail offers something even better—direct access to some of the resort’s best bars and restaurants.
Why the Crawl Caught On
The Monorail Crawl quickly became a must-do for those looking to enjoy Disney after dark. Each hotel offers its own signature vibe:
Polynesian Village Resort brings the tiki flair with Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tambu Lounge.
Contemporary Resort delivers casual cocktails at Outer Rim, upscale dining at California Grill, and a cozy stop at Steakhouse 71 Lounge.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the most elegant of the three, has Enchanted Rose, Citricos, and Narcoossee’s—but seating has always been tough to come by.
That balance is about to shift.
Grand Floridian Takes the Spotlight
Long considered Disney’s flagship hotel, the Grand Floridian is already the most luxurious stop on the loop. But for crawl enthusiasts, it’s often been the hardest place to linger, with limited lounge seating and restaurants that require planning far in advance. That’s changing with the arrival of the Birdcage Bar, a brand-new lounge being added during the resort’s ambitious lobby refurbishment.
The bar will celebrate the resort’s Victorian charm with ornate woodwork, shimmering stained glass, and polished brass details designed to match the grandeur of the iconic lobby. Though Disney hasn’t revealed the menu, it’s safe to assume it will feature creative cocktails, elegant small plates, and other touches worthy of the Grand Floridian’s reputation.
What It Means for the Crawl
Once the Birdcage Bar opens, the Grand Floridian won’t just be a stop—it will be the destination. Expect longer lines, crowded lounges, and guests rethinking how they structure the crawl. Some may start there early to secure a table, while others will make it the night’s grand finale, treating it as the crown jewel of their evening.
It could also mean guests spend more time at fewer resorts, putting the spotlight squarely on the Grand Floridian and reshaping the rhythm of the crawl itself. What was once a quick hop from place to place may soon feel like a whole evening centered on one resort experience.
A New Era on the Monorail
This shift reflects Disney’s effort to keep its deluxe resorts fresh and competitive. The Birdcage Bar will almost certainly attract new crowds, giving the monorail loop an updated rhythm. Families may notice fuller trains in the evenings, while seasoned crawlers must plan with more strategy.
Either way, the Monorail Crawl is evolving. The Birdcage Bar is about to redefine how guests sip, savor, and glide through Disney’s most iconic transportation system.
