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Spend a Day on the Walt Disney World Monorail!

epcot monorail yellow
Credit: World of Disney

One of the most recognizable things at the Walt Disney World Resort is the iconic Monorail which serves not only as a functional and convenient form of complimentary Disney transportation but its own experience that Guests love to enjoy. The Monorail has been whisking Guests around Seven Seas Lagoon on the Resort Monorail Loop and Express Monorail Loop and to and from Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center on the EPCOT Monorail Loop for years and many consider it to be a quintessential part of any Walt Disney World vacation.

Monorail

Credit: World of Disney

A wonderful and unique way to enjoy the Monorail is its routes to build an entire day of leisure around, including dining, shopping, exploring, and more. To do this, we’re going to focus explicitly on the Resort Monorail Loop, which connects the Magic Kingdom with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Let’s check out the perfect day to spend riding high in the sky on the unforgettable Monorail at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Breakfast at ‘Ohana

Dining Room at Ohana Restaurant

Credit: Disney

To kick off a day on the Monorail, Guests should use the Disney Transportation to arrive at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This Monorail station whisks Guests into the Disney Resort on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, where a serene and immersive tropical environment is waiting for them.

Found there on the second floor is ‘Ohana, a table service restaurant that is perfect for enjoying breakfast. The interior of ‘Ohana features a large open space with carved wooden details and large windows that offer beautiful views of the Disney Resort’s grounds, Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Magic Kingdom in the distance. Breakfast is served family style, and Guests can dig into delicious platters of scrambled eggs, Mickey Waffles, Hawaiian-style ham, biscuits, bacon, and more.

Explore Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Polynesian Village Resort

Credit: Disney

After enjoying a filling and delicious breakfast at ‘Ohana, Guests should take full advantage of being at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and check out all that there is to enjoy there! Inside the Great Ceremonial House, Guests can grab a cup of hot Kona Coffee from Kona Island, stroll through Moana Mercantile and BouTiki to find unique merchandise, and soak in the serene atmosphere featuring a massive chandelier and lush tropical greenery below.

After enjoying the interior of the Great Ceremonial House, Guests can head out to the grounds and check out the Lava Pool, beautifully designed Guests buildings, white sand beaches, winding pathways, lush vegetation, and beautiful views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom.

Enjoy A Loop Around Seven Seas Lagoon

monorail

Credit: Disney

Next up is a return to the Monorail station at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to enjoy a scenic ride over Seven Seas Lagoon to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Along the way, Guests can check out elevated and beautiful views of the water and surrounding areas and a unique glimpse down Main Street, U.S.A., towards Cinderella Castle.

Arriving at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on the Monorail is always a treat as well as the trains literally enter the building seamlessly and drop Guests off in the middle of the action.

Explore Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Credit: Disney

After disembarking the Monorail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Guests find themselves in the center of the Grand Canyon Concourse underneath a stunning and towering mural created by Imagineer Mary Blair. Guests can then explore the architecture of the Grand Canyon Concourse, stroll through stores like Fantasia and Bayview Gifts, and check out beautiful artwork and detailing found throughout the area.

The outside grounds are also absolutely worth checking out at the Disney Resort as one side faces Seven Seas Lagoon with beach areas, and the other looks out across Bay Lake towards Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in the distance.

Lunch at Steakhouse 71

steakhouse 71 restaurant

Credit: Disney Dining

After checking out all of the sights and ambiance at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, they’re sure to have worked up an appetite for lunch, and Steakhouse 71 is the perfect location. Found on the first level of the Disney Resort, this table service restaurant serves up American favorites both in the main dining room and at a small bar for those looking for a more relaxed option.

The interior of the restaurant celebrates the history of the Walt Disney World Resort with retro artwork and photographs that Guests can enjoy while digging into menu options including the Stack Burger, Prime Rib Sandwich, Fennel and Citrus-crusted Salmon, Steak “Frites,” and Salisbury Steak.

Enjoy A Second Loop Around Seven Seas Lagoon

Exterior view of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Credit: Disney

Once full from lunch, Guests can continue their wonderful day on the Monorail by jumping back on board and enjoying another loop around Seven Seas Lagoon over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. As the afternoon progresses, the lighting changes on Seven Seas Lagoon offering up new unique views each time, and Guests are sure to love continuing to look all around them on both sides of the Monorail to enjoy the unique views.

Explore Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Is Disney too expensive

Credit: Jill Bivins

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a stunning Deluxe Disney Resort that celebrates the opulence and beauty of the Victoria era with intricate and crisp architecture, sprawling manicured grounds, a massive lobby often featuring live music, and much more.

Guests can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds of the Disney Resort to enjoy all of the wonderful ambiance and views of Seven Seas Lagoon before heading into the main lobby to shop at locations like Basin White, M. Mouse Mercantile, and Curiouser Clothiers and check out wonderful details like the birdcage elevator and stunning glass ceiling.

Drinks & Small Plates at Enchanted Rose

Enchanted Rose

Credit: Disney

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is home to the perfect lounge location where Guests can kick back and relax while nibbling on elegant small plates and sipping on specialty cocktails. Enchanted Rose pays homage to Beauty and the Beast by featuring an opulent setting with subtle nods to the film, including the enchanted rose itself behind the bar.

Guests can relax amongst comfortable seats inside and on a charming patio overlooking the Disney Resort’s grounds while indulging in specialty cocktails like the Side Car, Lavender Fog, Garden Daisy, Negroni, French Rose Martini, and Grand Cosmopolitan. Check out the Lavender Fog in the video below:

@disneydining

The Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian Resort is one of our favorite cocktail bars on property! This Lavender Fog was delicious! Have you dropped by yet- what was your drink of choice? . . Like and follow for more Disney content. Find full reviews at DisneyDining.com. . #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #grandfloridian #grandfloridianresort #enchantedrose #cocktails #disneycocktails #disneydining #disneydrinks

♬ original sound – DisneyDining.com

In addition to the drinks, Guests can enjoy opulent appetizer options served each evening at Enchanted Rose, including Caviar, Smoked Trout and Crab Dip, Charcuterie, Croquettes, and House-made Truffle Fries.

Head Back to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for Drinks at Trader Sam’s

Credit: Disney

After indulging at Enchanted Rose, Guests can enjoy their final loop on the Monorail back to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for one last stop. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is an immersive and fun lounge located on the lower level of the Great Ceremonial House, where the tiki theme is really reinforced by special happenings and Cast Member interactions triggered by the ordering of specific cocktails.

Guests can enjoy the fun with specialty cocktail options, including the HippopotoMai-Tai, Polynesian Pearl, Mosquito Mojito, and Nautilus while sampling wonderful appetizer options like the Kalua Pork Tacos, Pan-fried Dumplings, Chicken Lettuce Cups, and Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the perfect way to enjoy a day spent whisking around Seven Seas Lagoon on the Monorail!

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying seeing the magic through the eyes of her children. When not in WDW, Caitlin can be found at home in New York dreaming of a ride on Living with the Land and counting down the days until her next trip.