Three Delicious Restaurants, One Incredible Evening. This is Highway in the Sky.

If you’re looking for a chance to have a truly elevated dining experience,
Highway in the Sky Dine Around is for you.

As a mom who has had her fair share of character meals at Disney World with my kids and husband, I was all in to experience the Highway in the Sky Dine Around, a progressive dining experience that takes place along the Monorail loop at Walt Disney World. In fact, the thought of having a grown-up night out at not just one, but three of Disney’s finest resorts seemed like my own Cinderella moment!

Our evening began at The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where we checked-in and received our invitation to the ball, in this case – our very official lanyard! We also met the cast members that would be accompanying us for the evening, who encouraged us to socialize with our fellow guests.

Our meal started with a corn chowder we all agreed was one of the most delicious soups we had ever tasted.  We learned that this chowder was not usually on the menu at The Wave, which made it all the more special!  The soup course was paired with a Hendricks gin cocktail made with St. Germaine, strawberries and cucumber.  I would never have selected this cocktail from a drink menu, but it was unexpectedly delicious and refreshing. What a start to the evening!

We were escorted, like royalty, to our OWN cars at the front of the monorail. The next stop was Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where we were greeted with traditional Hawaiian hospitality and style – leis and a serenade by their ukulele player.  Staff members and the chef came out to tell us about our island-inspired trio plate of appetizers which consisted of fish, tuna poke and a filet.  For those in our party who had specified an allergy or special dining needs, the raw fish was substituted.  Our drink was a mai tai, adorned with a tropical flower. Yeah, the island life was definitely for me!  

Next stop was Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for the main course, where we dined at the award-winning restaurant, Citricos. After a delicious entree of beef short ribs, fish and a sumptuous glass of wine, our fairytale continued as we took a moment to enjoy the Victorian-style and elegance of the Grand Floridian. We were able to enjoy a few minutes of the band performing in the lobby…. and okay, maybe a few selfies and group shots! We then moved downstairs to the tea room where we sipped champagne and enjoyed a charcuterie plate.

As in the fairy tale, our carriage awaited and it was one more trip on the monorail back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where we were treated to after dinner drinks and desserts on our own private patio viewing area.  We watched the Happily Ever After fireworks show over my, er, um, I mean, Cinderella’s Castle. What a meal! What a night! A girl could get used to this!

What you should know:

• Cost is $170 plus tax, with gratuity included.  Considering all of the drinks and food we had, plus the exclusive spot for the fireworks show, this seemed reasonable. (Note that Dining Plan entitlements cannot be used for this event.)

• Reservations are required and can be made online up to 180 days in advance. The group maxes out at around 25 participants and children must be 12+ to attend, but there’s no age discount.

• The menu is seasonal and subject to change.  You may not be served the same meal as I described, but chances are it will be similar.  Accommodations can be made for food allergies, but be sure to alert the cast member that calls to confirm your reservation and also the host at time of check-in.

• Check-in takes place at The Wave… of American Flavors.  Arrive 15 minutes in advance of the check-in time. Guests are asked to adhere to the minimum dress code requirements at this Signature Dining experience.

• Be sure to check with Disney for more details.

Your ET Family Travel Agent can tell you more about this exclusive experience and others that might just fit you like a glass slipper!

by Karli Keene – An Affiliate of ET Family Travel