Disney at a Distance: The Monorail Loop
Every week that our beloved Walt Disney World theme parks have been closed due to COVID-19, we've been taking you on a virtual visit to one specific land in Walt Disney World. And this week, we're doing something just a little bit different.
Rather than decide on one land of one theme park this week, we'd like to dive into Walt Disney World's most famous mode of transportation - that highway in the sky - the monorail. We'll get off at resorts along the way to grab a bite and drink if you like, and have a look around.
And now, ladies and gentlemen...
Please stand clear of the doors.
Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas!
We will begin our journey with the full express Magic Kingdom loop. Did you know the resort loop travels in the opposite direction from the express loop?
Since the resort loop that stops at each resort travels in the opposite direction from the express loop, if we were to stop at each monorail loop resort to explore, our stops would be in this order:
Magic Kingdom
Contemporary Resort
TTC
Polynesian Village Resort
Grand Floridian
So, from Magic Kingdom, our first stop would be the Contemporary Resort. We're going to explore this resort, but first, if you would like to indulge in a signature food and drink from this resort, consider these recipes:
Chocolate Lava Cake from California Grill
Golden Gate cocktail from California Grill
Challah French Toast from Chef Mickey's
Or put some waffles on a waffle press and try to make a mickey shape. Serve with extraordinary toppings like strawberries, whipped cream, sprinkles, gummy bears, and chocolate sauce for a do-it-yourself version of the build your own waffle at Chef Mickey's
The signature scent at the Contemporary Resort is green clover and aloe. You can find a candle that closely mimics that scent here.
Let's have a look around, shall we?
Let's hop back on the monorail and continue past the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Polynesian Village Resort.
If you want some food and drink from this resort, consider these recipes:
Ohana Bread Pudding from Ohana
Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe
A Mai Tai
Chicken with Honey Coriander Wing Sauce from Ohana
The signature scent at the Polynesian varies. Some say all deluxe resorts are using the green clover and aloe that the Contemporary uses. But last time I was at the Polynesian, it did not smell like that. Others say the signature scent is green tea, citrus, and bamboo, like this candle which I find to be a good match.
There are two things I really love about the Polynesian Village Resort that I want to share. First, the short but very cool torch lighting ceremony that happens every day at dusk.
Second, the electrical water pageant which you can sometimes catch after the Magic Kingdom fireworks. While you can see this pageant from any of the resorts along the monorail loop, the opening of the Polynesian Village Resort was the occasion for the electrical light pageant to first come into being. Quaint by today's Disney standards, it's still a cute little show to amuse without the crowds.
Hopping on the monorail, our last resort stop may just be the grandest of them all, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
If you'd like some food and drink to enjoy on this stop, we suggest these recipes:
Butternut Squash Bisque from Victoria and Albert's
Gorgonzola and Pear Tea Sandwiches from the Garden View Tea Room (may we suggest having some of your favorite tea with this?)
Strawberry Soup from 1900 Park Faire
The Grand cocktail from Mizner's Lounge (exact recipe not provided, but I think with some toying around you can find the right balance)
The signature scent of the Grand Floridian depends on the time of year. Some say it's that green clover and aloe. During Christmas, it's definitely gingerbread because of the life sized gingerbread house in the lobby serving fresh baked (you guessed it) gingerbread. Here is an approximation that people seem to like that includes the green clover and aloe, but also ylang-ylang and cedar.
While this video is long, we would be wronging you if we didn't take you during Christmas. So please enjoy this tour.
That concludes our tours of resorts, but not our monorail rides because we also have the very enjoyable EPCOT loop yet to explore. Enjoy the ride.
Wow, what a blast from the past that was! It will be interesting when the construction is completed to see how that view of Future World changes.
We hope you've enjoyed your monorail loop exploration today. Is there somewhere you want us to go virtually next? Let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments. Until then, we'll see you...
