Back in the day, we didn’t really associate cocktails and Disney World as a “thing”. However, in recent years, great Disney cocktails have become much more readily available, and not just in Epcot!
Of course Epcot kind of pioneered the whole thing with the annual International Food and Wine Festival that takes place each fall.
But now, there are opportunities to taste fun cocktails, beer and wine all over Disney World, and with the addition of an alcoholic beverage with sit-down meals on the Disney Dining Plan (please Disney bring these back ASAP), we have even more opportunities to have a specialty Disney cocktail with a meal!
Read on for some of my favorite spots to grab a cocktail at Disney World!
1. Tune In Lounge – Hollywood Studios:
This lounge is actually part of the 50s Prime Time Cafe, so you can either pop in for a cocktail just in the lounge, or you can have a delicious cocktail from the bar with your meal. Word to the wise – this used to be a bit of a well-kept secret at Hollywood Studios, but not so much anymore. Expect to wait in line for a few minutes at the bar – but these boozy concoctions are worth it! And they pack a good little punch. I recommend the Picnic Punch and Electric Lemonade!
2. Victoria Falls Bar – Animal Kingdom Lodge
This is a small bar that I actually found one evening while waiting for my reservation at Boma, and I’ve been back several times since! (Even when I’m not staying there – it’s worth the trip!) It’s located off the lobby in the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s main building. They have a great menu with lots of classic cocktails and even some new ones.
Pro tip: Ask for the raspberry long island – it’s not on the menu, but it’s awesome!
3. The Hangar Bar – Disney Springs
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a great place to go for a “historical” cocktail. This bar is based on the Indiana Jones movies and transports you to feel like you’re back in time, and the cocktails fit right in with the theme! There is indoor and outdoor seating, and the atmosphere is inclusive and fun.
4. La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico, Epcot
This is NOT the restaurant inside the Pyramid in Mexico (although they have some nice margaritas too!). This is the restaurant located outside the pyramid, right on the lagoon.
Not only is the food simply fantastic, but the specialty margaritas are amazing! I’ve had a Royal Berry, and also Orange Mango Fire with a Chili Powder rim.
If you’re a bit adventurous, I highly recommend trying some of them! I also highly recommend the “Del Mar” for two…a delicious platter of fish, shrimp, and scallops!
5. La Cave del Tequila – Mexico, Epcot
Another hidden gem in the Mexico Pavillion and inside the Pyramid is La Cave del Tequila. This small moody treat is perfect for a place too cool off from the heat and enjoy a drink. But careful, these margaritas are strong!
6. The Enchanted Rose – Grand Floridian Resort
The Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is fairly new in the Disney lounge line up just opening last year on the 2nd floor of the main building. The atmosphere is stunning and has nods to one of our favorite Disney movies, Beauty and the Beast. The Enchanted Rose is a perfect date night spot or even better, girls night out! Give the “Island Rose” a try.
7. AbracadaBar – Boardwalk
A fun location on Disney’s Boardwalk next to the Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno. This somewhat less known bar location is a fun spot to take in the magic (the pictures on the wall change) and a drink. It’s also one of my favorite stops on our Skyliner Bar Crawl.
8. The Wave of American Flavors – Contemporary Resort
The Wave has a fantastic lesser know brunch, ie you can almost always score a last-minute reservation, but it also has a great lunch and dinner menu complete with the Blue “Glow-Tini” aka Fish Bowl in my book beverage. This one is Instagram worthy and big enough to share. If you’d rather skip the meal and just have drinks, belly up to the bar in the Wave Lounge.
9. Trader Sams Grogg Grotto – Polynesian Resort
Every great Disney fan knows about Trader Sam’s Grogg Grotto. This one is no secret. In Disneyland, I always prefer to sit inside and soak up the fun atmosphere which can also be found at Disney World. But at Disney World, I prefer to enjoy my drinks on the patio with the live music and views of Cinderella Castle.
10. Nomad Lounge – Animal Kingdom
This is one of my favorite places to “hang around” when visiting the Animal Kingdom. If park days say nothing but attractions and snacks to you, please let me introduce the luxury of “lounging” around Disney World including great stops inside the parks.
I often stop here with friends to enjoy some air conditioning, gluten-free churros (they’re better than the gluten-filled ones – even my gluten-eating friends say so) and a variety of cocktails at Disney.
Short of lounging in one of Disney Worlds’ four Club 33 locations, these are some of the best spots to have a cocktail at Disney World. I hope you’ll be able to enjoy a few on your next Disney World vacation! And if you do, share them on Instagram and tag me in your photo so I can share the fun too!
Whatever you like to eat and drink at Disney, I can’t wait to plan your next trip!
Happy traveling!
Kristin
Instagram @kristinreyestraveladvisor
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