On our last trip to the World we decided to explore more of the resorts and do some activities outside of the parks. We love the hotels close to the Magic Kingdom and how the Monorail connects them all. Because really who doesn't love riding the monorail? We decided it would be fun to bar hop and sample something from each spot. So we planned a night of circling the Seven Seas Lagoon by monorail and picked a spot at each resort to grab a drink and a bite. The rules were to order a drink and a food item at every stop.
1. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort:
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
The original Trader Sam's is located at the Disneyland Hotel in California. When we heard that they were opening a location in the Florida resort we knew we had to experience it. The bar is tucked away a bit with a somewhat hidden door. When you go inside it's an eccentric little tropical themed room. The best part of this bar was the theatrics. The servers had the same personality as a Jungle Cruise cast member and told weird jokes. Each drink was very thematic in crazy souvenir cups. Every time a drink was delivered to a guest some kind of mini show was be performed in theme with the drink. We saw fish dances and zombie walks, needless to say it was very entertaining. Here is what we ordered:
DRINK: Uh-Oa!
Myers’s Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice. Recommended for Two or more Guests. Served in a souvenir Tiki Bowl
So this drink was crazy! It was huge and potent so we decided to share. When our server brought it out she set it on fire and praised the volcano gods. There was powder on the edges of the tiki cup that she tossed inside the drink to make the fire spark. Seriously nuts. (The price of the souvenir cup was pretty nuts too, but now we have a cute guacamole server.)
FOOD: Kalua Pork Tacos with Cabbage and Pickled Vegetables
These were a great little bar snack. The flavor of the pork was delicious and the accompaniments added a good balance.
2. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Narcoossee's
Next on the list was our favorite resort: The Grand Floridian where our wedding was held. We went out of the main hotel to a little building on the water where a restaurant sits called Narcoossee's. This turned out to be our favorite spot of the night. We met a bartender named Charlie who was amazing. He suggested great menu items and chatted with us. He even gave us a free champagne toast with Fairy Tale Curvee (a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding exclusive). He also helped Andrew pick his new favorite rum of choice.
DRINKS
Sidecar: Courvoisier VSOP, Cointreau and sweet & sour with a sugared rim.
Zacapa Rum, straight (and a lot of it)
FOOD: Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
Torchio Pasta, Butter-poached Lobster, Fennel, Sweet Onion, and Manchebo Cheese
(Um this was DELICIOUS.)
3. Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Top of the World Lounge
Our last stop on the tour was a somewhat exclusive spot. There is a section at the Contemporary called Bay Lake Tower which is a Disney Vacation Club location. At the top of the building is a lounge that can only be frequented by DVC members. The best part about this bar is the view. We timed our arrival so that we could enjoy an aerial view of the Wishes fireworks show as well. This was an awesome way to end the night.
DRINKS: Bay Lake Sunset
Stoli Vanil vodka, Parrot Bay coconut rum, and pineapple juice with a splash of grenadine
(and water for someone who had too much Zacapa)
FOOD: Pulled Pork Sliders with Cole Slaw, BBQ Sauce & Fresh Potato Chips
We had a really fun night and recommend this little tour. There are many other bars and lounges at each resort to try as well. This is best if you are staying on property to take advantage of Disney transportation so you don't have to worry about driving back to your hotel either. Cheers!
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What will crowds be like? Will they comply with rules?
Will Disney still feel magical?
At the end of the day is paying for a ticket to Disney still worth it?
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