Monorail Resort Loop Dining at Walt Disney World Resort!

Dining is a large part of the vacation experience for many Walt Disney World Resort Guests. Whether you’re dependent upon Disney transportation or just like having Disney do the driving for you, one of the best ways to experience some fabulous restaurants is via the Resort Monorail.

Monorail Resort Loop Dining at Walt Disney World

It is important to note that reservations are highly recommended for all Walt Disney World Resort table service restaurants. Reservations are made online in advance or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Stop One: Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Guests can retreat to this ultra-modern Disney Resort hotel and dine in one of their three table service restaurants or two counter service locations! The monorail breezes right through the main building of the resort and makes its stop almost directly above the famous Chef Mickey’s.

Table Service

Chef Mickey’s:

Enjoy a lively, all-you-care-to-eat buffet with Disney friends at Chef Mickey’s.   Guests dining at Chef Mickey’s are in for a good time! The characters mix and mingle with the Guests, sign autographs, and lead Guests in the famous napkin waving dance!  Chef Mickey’s serves up American fare for breakfast, brunch and dinner.

The Wave … of American Flavors:

Guests dine in casual elegance at The Wave … of American Flavors located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here, you’ll enjoy fresh, healthful dishes made with an international flare and inspired by a passion for locally and regionally sourced ingredients.  Breakfast items include eggs Benedict, french toast and signature sweet potato pancakes. Lunch offerings include sandwiches like the popular Reuben, or if you want something light, you can order a fresh salad. Grilled lamb chops, fettuccine carbonaro, and pan-seared sustainable fish are just a few of the items on the dinner menu.

California Grill:

California Grill is a fine/signature dining restaurant. California Grill is located on the very top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort on the 15th floor.  The only way to get to the restaurant is by a private elevator only accessed by those with dining reservations. California Grill provides its Guests with an amazing panoramic view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom. This award winning restaurant has amazing food and outstanding service.

DIStracted Tips:

• Check In: Check in at the podium located on the 2nd floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
• Dress Code: At this signature dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to a dress code. You’ll find a list of the requirements here.

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Counter Service

Contempo Cafe:

Guests dining at the Contempo Cafe’ order their meals using a high-tech touch screen. Your order goes straight to the kitchen and your items are made to order.  Contempo Cafe’ serves hot breakfasts, yogurt parfait, fresh salads, hot and cold sandwiches, flatbread and pasta entrées. Can you get something quick to go?  Absolutely! Simply choose something from the grab ‘n’ go section.

Contempo Cafe’ is known for its specialty cupcakes which change from season to season.

Contemporary Grounds:

There’s coffee in your future at Contemporary Grounds, the sleek counter service outlet featuring gourmet coffees, iced tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and assorted baked goods.

Stop Two: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this oasis of tropical palms, lush vegetation and the exotic tastes of world-class restaurants!  Boasting two table service restaurants, a dinner show, a counter service location, and lounges that serve appetizers, sushi and entrees, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a great stop on the monorail loop.

Table Service

Kona Cafe:

This casual cafe serves such breakfast items as cinnamon and banana-stuffed Tonga Toast, a variety of egg dishes, and macadamia-pineapple pancakes.  Midday, Guests can satisfy their hunger with an Island Chicken sandwich, Kona surf and turf burger deluxe, grilled teriyaki steak with pineapple salsa, or other tasty entrees. For dinner, feast on such delicacies as fresh fish, grilled lamb chops or oven-roasted Taal chicken — served amidst the relaxed atmosphere of this Polynesian restaurant.

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‘Ohana:

‘Ohana is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  At ‘Ohana, you hang loose with Stitch and friends at breakfast, and enjoy games, storytelling and a Hawaiian-style feast at dinner!

Breakfast:

‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch is a family style feast. Lilo & Stitch are accompanied by Mickey and Pluto. The characters walk around, sign autographs and pose for photos. Breakfast selections include scrambled eggs, island-style fried potatoes, Mickey (and Stitch) waffles, Hawaiian pork sausages, and smoked bacon. A variety of fresh fruits and breads round out the menu.

Dinner:

Dinner at ‘Ohana is an all-you-care-to-eat meal and your server keeps the food coming! Servers dash between tikis and tropical greenery to bring skewers of sweet and sour chicken, oak-grilled shrimp and steak to your table. Side dishes include pork dumplings, stir-fried vegetables, lo mein noodles and salad. Go ahead! Eat with your fingers! Hot hand towels are brought to your table.

Dessert is a warm banana bread pudding. It is one of the best desserts that I’ve ever eaten. That’s saying a lot coming  from a gal that hails from the South where bread pudding is a staple on the dessert table.

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Monorail Resort Loop Dining: Dinner Show

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show:

Auntie Wini hosts the celebration of the spirit of aloha! Guests are treated to performances by dancers, drummers, and a show-stopping fire-knife performer! Spirit of Aloha takes place in an open-air theater in Luau Cove.

Platters of authentic aloha pulled pork, Polynesian beef ribs, roasted chicken and a vegetable medley are brought right to your table. Fresh mixed greens, along with the mango dressing, makes this a stand-out dish.The pineapple-coconut guava cake with chocolate crunch is a great way to end your meal!

DIStracted Tip: Information on reservations, payment, Dining Plan requirements, and more is found in the Know Before You Go section on the Walt Disney World website.

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Counter Service

Capt. Cook’s:

Explore your options each morning as you start the day with a Mickey Waffle or banana-stuffed Tonga Toast served at Capt. Cook’s in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. For lunch or dinner, discover an adventurous assortment of Polynesian-style sandwiches, salads, flatbread and more. Beer and wine are also available for Guests 21 and older.

Kona Island:

Say aloha to coffee and pastries in the morning and made-to-order sushi and sashimi in the evening at Kona Island.  Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort while dining on a California luau roll, made with fresh jumbo lump crab, or the Hawaiian-style tuna poke. Guests 21 and older can order from a list of cocktails, wine, beer and sake.

Pineapple Lanai:

While Pineapple Lanai isn’t really a counter service restaurant, I couldn’t leave it out of the “loop” when it came to this article. Pineapple Lanai is one of the few locations outside of the Magic Kingdom that serves Dole Whips. In addition to the Dole Whips, Pineapple Lanai serves the traditional soft serve swirls and floats, which are also available in souvenir Tiki Sippers or Bowls.

Stop Three: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This deluxe resort offers the opulence of days gone by and is home to award-winning restaurants. Don’t be surprised if you are entertained by a live orchestra playing ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes.

Of all of the monorail resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian has the most fine/signature dining options. Citricos, Narcoossee’s, and Victoria & Albert’s offer exceptional food and service. In addition to the fine dining restaurants, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is home to character, table service, and counter service restaurants.

Fine/Signature Dining

Citricos:

Fresh, seasonal ingredients influence Citricos menu. Begin your meal with crispy risotto, sautéed shrimp, and a sharply dressed charcuterie plate. Citricos specialties include  scallop risotto, quinoa and provençale ratatouille, and oak-grilled filet of beef.

Save room for the dessert! The menu includes such delicacies as warm chocolate-banana torte, cheesecake and tropical fruit crème brûlée.

Guests 21 and over can select from the award-winning wine list which includes a host of wines. Many wines are available by the glass, and sommeliers are on hand to suggest wine pairings.

At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to a dress code which can be found here.

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Narcoossee’s:

Escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks with a reservation at Narcoossee’s. Narcoossee’s offers delicious dining options and spectacular waterfront views!

Fresh seafood, including main lobster, is on the menu but that’s not all that’s offered. Narcoossee’s menu has filet mignon, steak and a duo of duck, or on the other hand you can have the best of both worlds and order the steak and butter-poached lobster tail pairing.

Guests at this Signature Dining experience are asked to adhere to a business casual dress code. Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jackets are optional. Women may wear dresses, skirts or dress shorts with blouses or sweaters. More on the dress code can be found here.

 

Victoria & Albert’s:

Classic Victorian elegance meets haute American cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s, a AAA Five Diamond Award® recipient since 2000.  Innovative cooking, impeccable service and opulent decor captivate the senses at this intimate, award-winning oasis.  Guests dining at Victoria & Albert’s will enjoy soft melodies from the harpist as well as beautiful fresh flowers, warm candlelight and gorgeous tableware.   The knowledgeable wait staff welcomes Guests and caters to their dining needs.

Victoria & Albert’s avant-garde menu is inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients available on the global market. Whether you enjoy up to 7 prix fixe courses in the Dining Room, 10 in Queen Victoria’s Room or 10 at the Chef’s Table, each bite is artfully displayed haute cuisine at its finest.

As with all fine/signature dining, there is a dress code. You can find more about the dress code here.

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Table Service

Character Dining

1900 Park Fare:

This table service restaurant offers its Guest both breakfast and dinner buffets, plus a merry afternoon tea party. Both are hosted by Disney characters!

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast – Mary Poppins is the “hostess” of this character meal. Other characters include Alice & the Mad Hatter and Pooh & Tigger. This breakfast buffet includes a custom-made omelet and carving station, fluffy mini pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, and more.

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Wonderland Tea Party:

Children ages 4-12 can enjoy an Afternoon Tea with characters from Wonderland! “Tea” (or should we say apple juice?) is served along with a cupcake. Children will make a craft to remember the event as well as pose with their merry hosts for photos.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner :

Cinderella and Prince Charming invite you to a lovely evening with her stepmother and step-sisters. Anastasia and Drizella make Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner one with plenty of laughs, and if you are lucky, Prince Charming may just give you a whirl!

The Princess’ storybook friends join in the festivities as you have a ball dining on delectable seafood, salad, pasta and beef specialties. The culinary selections are representative of several “kingdoms” from around the globe.

Table Service

Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room:

Experience a traditional afternoon tea, served in grand British style. Tour the globe as you sip from a collection of international teas, all while indulging in a delightful selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries and other delicacies. The children in the group will enjoy  Mrs. Potts Tea which is brewed just for them.

 

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Grand Floridian Café:

If casual American dining is what you desire, book a reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe! This elegant yet unpretentious eatery simply can’t be beat. Located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Grand Floridian Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch or an impromptu dinner. The restaurant is a hidden gem that offers moderately priced cuisine with maximum flavor!

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Counter Service

Gasparilla Island Grill:

Pick up breakfast, lunch or dinner at Gasparilla Island Grill in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Gasparilla Island Grill’s breakfast menu includes Mickey waffles, croissant sandwiches, french toast sticks and more. The lunch and dinner menus include hearty sandwiches, pizzas, create-your-own salad and healthy options as well.  The outdoor patio affords Guests a view of the marina. You may even catch a glimpse of Cinderella Castle in the distance.

The Ultimate Monorail Resort Loop Dining Experience!

Highway in the Sky Dine Around

In November 2016, Disney released details about the new Highway in the Sky Dine Around.  This experience is, by and large, the piece de resistance when it comes to monorail resort loop dining.  Guests receive priority boarding aboard the Walt Disney World Monorail for a culinary journey where each destination offers a distinctively delicious experience. This is a progressive dinner like no other! Guests experience five courses at three different Disney Monorail Resort hotels.

Where your experience begins and ends

Your experience starts when you check into The Wave … of American Flavors, and it’s here that you will relax and mingle with your fellow diners, all the while  enjoying a welcoming appetizer and specialty cocktail before setting off on your epicurean odyssey. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is your next destination, and it’s where you’ll celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific while trying a variety of island-inspired drinks and appetizers.

Your next destination is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Guests are treated to a special Chef’s main course selection at the award-winning Citricos. You will soak in the ambience of the gorgeous Victorian design of the resort as you sip champagne and enjoy an artisanal selection of cheeses.

Your culinary journey ends right back where you started … at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. “Here, you and your Dine Around companions will retire to a private patio to enjoy an indulgent assortment of desserts, cordials and coffee.” (Excerpt from Walt Disney World website) The evening culminates with a spectacular view of the evening fireworks at the Magic Kingdom park.

Cost & Other Information

Price: $150 per person plus tax; gratuity included. *Price is subject to change.

• Reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the full price of the experience.
• Check-in takes place at The Wave … of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at the time of your reservation.
• Valet parking included.
• Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age.
• Please alert the host at check-in regarding food allergies. Wherever possible, alternative dining selections will be offered.
• Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
• Discounts and promotions are not valid for this event.

Monorail Resort Loop Dining Wrap Up

No matter if you want to pick up a quick sandwich, sip on some tea, dine with the characters, or experience a 10 course meal, you’ll find it all when you take the Monorail Resort Loop! What’s your favorite restaurant in the monorail resorts? Have you added a new restaurant to your “must eat here” list now that you’ve read my article? Keep us in the loop by sharing your thoughts in the comment section below.