Many visitors to Walt Disney World are familiar with the idea of eating or drinking around EPCOT’s World Showcase, where they can enjoy the various cuisines at each pavilion. While there’s often debate about whether to start with Mexico or Canada (I personally like entering through France at the International Gateway), there’s a more affordable option that doesn’t involve as much walking and no need for park tickets.

The Disney monorail crawl is a fun way to experience the magic of Disney on your arrival days, rainy days, or rest days in between visits to the parks. Plus, you can enjoy it without consuming alcohol.

Here’s how you can join in the fun.

What is the Disney monorail crawl?

The monorail crawl is an informal bar hopping experience through three well-known hotels near Magic Kingdom; rather than walking, guests ride the monorail to each location.

While many choose to enjoy a cocktail, wine, or beer at each stop, it’s not a requirement. Disney World has greatly improved its selection of non-alcoholic drinks over recent years.

You could also turn your crawl into a snack tour or a progressive meal, starting with appetizers at one hotel, main courses at another, and finishing with dessert at the third stop.

If you’re not interested in dining, simply exploring the various resorts to enjoy their unique themes can be a rewarding experience, especially during the holiday season when lobbies are beautifully decorated. The three resorts along the monorail provide excellent views of the Electrical Water Pageant and nighttime fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

Origins of the Disney monorail crawl

The monorail crawl concept was discussed by Disney Legend and former Imagineer Bob Gurr in a YouTube interview in 2013. He recounted that during the early days of Disneyland, visitors would take the monorail to the Disneyland Hotel’s previous Monorail Bar for afternoon drinks.

“Around two in the afternoon, while children were napping, fathers could ride the monorail to the hotel, grab a martini, and return 30 minutes later,” Gurr explained. “It was convenient; you just needed to step out of the exit turnstile, turn right, and you were at the bar.”

Though that bar no longer exists, and such crawls aren’t common at Disneyland, they thrive at Disney World.

Non-Alcoholic drink options at Disney World

Many lounges now feature a range of non-alcoholic options. In cases where these are not available, bartenders can whip something up on the spot.

Evan Rosenthal, the Food and Beverage Concept Development Manager at Disney Experiences, notes that bartenders at the Florida resort take pleasure in crafting zero-proof cocktails with the same passion and creativity as traditional drinks.

“Offering non-alcoholic cocktails at Walt Disney World Resort has allowed us to connect with guests from diverse backgrounds,” he told YSL News. “We’ve received many heartfelt messages from guests who are unable (or prefer not) to drink alcohol.”

Some guests might enjoy non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic ones rather than as replacements.

“The rise of non-alcoholic cocktails coincides with contemporary wellness trends, including mindful consumption,” he added.

How many resorts are along the monorail route?

There are three hotels located along the monorail’s Magic Kingdom route. The order of stops is as follows:

From the Transportation and Ticket Center, the resorts include:

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Is the Disney Monorail Free to Ride?

Yes, riding the Disney resort transportation is complimentary. To enjoy a ‘monorail crawl,’ you’ll want to use the Resort Monorail instead of the Express Monorail, which only travels between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom.

If you are staying at a Disney hotel that is not on the monorail, take a bus from your hotel to Magic Kingdom, then board the Resort Monorail or walk to the Contemporary to begin your crawl there.

For those staying off-property, you can park or be dropped off at Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, then hop on the Resort Monorail or walk to the Polynesian to kick off your adventure. Standard theme park parking is $30 per day for regular vehicles. Note that parking at monorail hotels requires a dining reservation at a table-service restaurant.

If you’re coming from EPCOT, you can take the EPCOT Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Coming from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs? Use a resort bus to reach one of the monorail hotels.

Activities at the Polynesian

The standout bar at the Polynesian is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Normally, you must join a waitlist on-site and be prepared for a wait to enjoy this immersive tiki bar featuring charming servers and decor that reacts to certain drink orders. Alternatively, you can enjoy similar tropical beverages and live entertainment in the outdoor Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, weather permitting.

Trader Sam’s offers two fruity alcohol-free beverages at $6 each, as well as a zero-proof Polynesian Punch priced at $12, made with Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, orange, pineapple, passionfruit, guava, soda water, and a hint of hibiscus ginger beer. “Guests appreciate the unique flavors and presentation that reflect the lounge’s special vibe,” says Rosenthal. Keep in mind, hibiscus ginger beer can be quite strong.

Another choice is the Tambu Lounge. Available after 4 p.m., it serves a selection of popular dishes from the more expensive prix fixe menu of ‘Ohana next door. Seating is limited.

The Pineapple Lanai, located just outside the lobby, offers the classic Dole Whip, including options with rum. Counter-service Kona Island satisfies coffee cravings with 100% Kona coffee and various snacks, like chocolate-dipped strawberries and seasonal delights like the Vampire Stitch Cake around Halloween. Depending on the time, quick-service Capt. Cook’s may feature the popular Tonga toast for breakfast and pulled pork nachos for lunch and dinner.

Activities at the Grand Floridian

Make sure to visit Enchanted Rose, a refined lounge at the Grand Floridian with a subtle Beauty and the Beast theme, for sophisticated drinks and bites crafted by the culinary team from nearby Citricos. “Many cocktails and signature non-alcoholic drinks include garnishes, syrups, and ingredients created by Chef Andres Mendoza and his team,” says Rosenthal. Highlights include the velvety Espresso Martini and the complex Lavender Fog, but don’t overlook the refreshing $7.50 non-alcoholic Rosemary Cooler, made with lemonade, rosemary, and vanilla—think of it as an adult lemon creamsicle.

Equally refined, Citricos and Narcoosee’s offer lounges where guests can grab drinks, small bites, or full meals.

Gaspirillia Island Grill provides quick-service meals and snacks, along with seasonal goodies like the Halloween Mummy Cupcake. During the holidays and Easter, you can also find special treats in the Grand Floridian lobby, alongside the impressive Gingerbread house and intricately decorated Easter eggs.

Activities at the Contemporary

You don’t need a reservation to enjoy the California Grill.

Located at the top of the Contemporary Resort, the lounge offers a great spot to unwind. To check for bar availability, simply visit the host stand on the second floor. If space is open, you will be guided to an express elevator taking you to the 15^th floor. Alongside drinks, you can savor à la carte items from the California Grill, which usually has a prix-fixe menu.