The Deal Mommy

On a recent trip to Disney World I stumbled across a new tour option: Highway in the Sky. Highway in the Sky is a progressive dining experience unlike any other meal at Disney World (or anywhere else, for that matter). I know my description is still nebulous, so I will break it down as we experienced it then share some thoughts. I hope my Disney World Highway in the Sky Review helps you determine if it is worth the hefty price tag. 

Mai Tai from the Polynesian Resort.

Disney World Highway in the Sky Review

• A group of diners, which is limited to 30, met at The Wave restaurant in the Contemporary resort. Three Disney chaperones greeted the group and explained the evening’s events.
• The Wave’s chef told us a little about the restaurant and its theming while the group enjoyed a bourbon-spiked peach iced tea and a seafood bisque. We reflected that the seafood bisque was one of the evening’s highlights.
• We boarded a private monorail car to the Polynesian resort. At the Polynesian we enjoyed a Mai Tai and a selection of three amuse-bouches accompanied by a ukulele performance.
• We then reboarded the monorail and journeyed to Citrico’s restaurant at Grand Floridian.
• At Citrico’s we dined on short ribs and flounder, accompanied by a glass of wine. The entrees will vary according to the season.
• After dinner we adjourned to the Garden Tea Room for a charcuterie and champagne. The charcuterie was top notch and another highlight.
• We rode the private monorail one more time back to the Contemporary for dessert, coffee, and liqueurs on a private terrace. The terrace provided a perfect vantage point for the Magic Kingdom fireworks, which we enjoyed while the soundtrack played along. Note that the fireworks center around Space Mountain, not the Magic Kingdom, which makes for really interesting photos. 

Conclusion

Now that I have explained the experience, I will add some thoughts.  My first is that Highway in the Sky has an exclusive vibe, which is hard to get at Disney World. The group of diners self-selects as people who enjoy both Disney and top-notch experiences. The Disney representatives did a great job of mixing the group at every stop in order to encourage conversation.

My second is Disney feeds you well and alcohol pours freely (if anything too freely). We reveived five full drinks in three and a half hours. The drinks were not watered down in any way.

A few days before the experience I got a call from Disney to discuss food allergies and to disclose any special needs. At that time my rep explained that valet parking at the Contemporary is included for the event. I can not imagine attempting to drive after five drinks, and neither should you.  

I absolutely recommend the event for adults who enjoy a libation. Kids as young as 12 and teetotalers are certainly welcome, but the value equation changes. Disney did make an effort to serve a special non-alcoholic drink to group members who did not drink alcohol, but the experience would cost less a la carte than if alcohol is served.  

Highway in the Sky costs $180/person including tax and gratuity. I know the price seems steep and I blanched before paying it.  However, once I attended the event I determined that the price is worth every penny. Consider that a fireworks dessert party for hundreds of people (without alcohol) is $84 on its own.

Highway in the Sky can be booked online as a dining option. Note that payment is non-refundable so be sure in your plans before booking. Highway in the Sky is not yet well known, but I predict once the word gets out the tour will become much more difficult to experience.

Looking for more Disney World tips and tricks? Check out my Disney World Hacks book on Amazon! 

Do you have any questions? Have you tried Highway in the Sky? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.