Tag: disney

This is the second part of my series about tips for non park Disney trip.  I’m not planning to write anymore unless, it is highly requested for other ideas.

When you get to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), you have 3 options.  Take a monorail to EPCOT, take a monorail to the Magic Kingdom and monorail resorts, or take a ferry to the Magic Kingdom.

If you decide to take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and monorail resorts, make sure you are getting on the right monorail.  There will be plenty of signs.

1. Polynesian
   The first stop on the monorail after the TTC is the Polynesian.  Here are my tips about the Polynesian.
   1. Go down to the check in area.  Ask for a lei.  They will give you a lei.
   2. Head to Captain Cook’s, the quick service restaurant on the first floor of the Polynesian.  If it breakfast time, Hubby’s suggestion is that you get Tonga Toast.  My suggestion for lunch / dinner time is the Hawaiian flatbread.  Yum!
      After you order, they’ll give you a pager type thing.  One of the quick service hostesses will bring your food to you so head outside to eat your treat.
   3. Head to the Pineapple Lanai for Dole Whip.  The Dole Whip float is delicious!
   4. Check out the decor of the resort.
   5. Take a walk on the beach.  Swing on the swings on the beach.
2. The Grand Floridian
   There are 3 ways to get to the Grand Floridian from the Polynesian.
   1. Walk on the beach – There is a pathway.  I highly suggest this way because you will walk past the Wedding Pavilion.
   2. Take a ferry.
   3. Ride on the monorail.
      1. Enjoy the decor.  There is so much to see while you are in the Grand Floridian.
      2. Head over to the Disney Vacation Club building to see the Mary Poppins fountain.  Ask a cast member to direct you to the DVC building.  It’s a must see.
      3. Listen to the Big Band.  There music is fantastic.
      4. If it is Christmas time, the gingerbread house is a must see.
      5. Go outside the front doors.  If Richard the door greeter is there, take a photo with him.  He is a legend at the Grand Floridian.
3. The Magic Kingdom Entrance area
   There are 3 ways to get to the Magic Kingdom Entrance area.
   1. Follow the path – We did not do that.
   2. Take a ferry.
   3. Ride on the monorail.
      1. You cannot get past security, etc. . . unless you have a ticket so there is not much to do there.  You can try to get a photo of the entrance area.  If it decorated for Christmas, take photos of the tree.
4. The Contemporary
   You can either walk to the Contemporary or ride the monorail to the Contemporary.  My suggestion is walk because you will get to see Space Mountain as you are walking to the Contemporary.  It’s totally different walking up to the Contemporary instead of riding the monorail.
   1. Once you get there, there is a coffee stand on the first floor.  The smoothies they sell there are delicious!
   2. Head to the fourth floor.  Chef Mickey’s is there and other shopping.  Head to the balcony.  You will be under the monorail.  It is cool to stand there while the monorail is going over your head.
   3. While you are at the balcony, cross the bridge to Bay Tower.  You will get a wonderful view of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon.  So totally worth it.
   4. Go up to the highest non Disney Vacation Club floor.  Look down onto the fourth floor and the fifth floor where the monorail station is.  So neat.
   5. Head back to the first floor.  Go outside to find the Mickey Statue.  It is a perfect photo opportunity.
5. Ticket and Transportation Center
   Ride back to the Ticket and Transportation Center on the monorail.

Here are my blog posts from the monorail resorts:
Entrance to the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary, Polynesian, Wedding Chapel and the Grand Floridian

Have a magical day,
Traci