Where to Find the Best Spots for an Adult Beverage in Walt Disney World
You may think that “drinking around the world” has always been commonplace at Disney, but did you know that Walt Disney himself wanted all parks to be “dry” (alcohol free)? Walt envisioned his parks to be a place where adults and children alike could come and enjoy entertainment, but didn’t think serving alcohol was acceptable at a place that was geared for families. Over the years, this has changed of course, and alcohol is served in all four Walt Disney World parks. Disneyland, Walt’s original park, is still alcohol free for the most part with the exception of Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
When people question why we go to Disney all the time or constantly say that Disney is just for kids, they are clearly unaware of all of the adult entertainment that Disney has to offer. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite places to stop, take a break, and enjoy a cold beer or cocktail in Walt Disney World.
BASELINE TAP HOUSE – LOCATED IN DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
When you are walking around in the parks all day, sometimes all you want is an ice cold beer to help cool you down. Baseline Tap House has become increasingly popular, but still a hidden gem inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here you will find craft beer and wine on tap with a California pub vibe. They also have some small bites including a Bavarian pretzel that is big enough for the whole family and a California Cheese and Charcuterie plate that pairs perfectly with those wines on tap. Baseline is located right outside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on Grand Avenue.
ENCHANTED ROSE – LOCATED IN DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT
If you are looking for a date night spot or a fancy cocktail, I would suggest checking out Enchanted Rose in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This lounge is themed after the live action Beauty and the Beast film and features different areas including Belle’s Library and Beast’s Garden. Here you will find (expensive) cocktails including a seasonal old fashioned for $25. The food menu includes small plates like truffle fries and crab mac and cheese. This is a great spot to check out before heading over to Victoria and Alberts for dinner, or if you are looking for a nightcap before bed!
TRADER SAM’S – LOCATED IN DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN RESORT
Nothing says vacation like a tiki bar and festive cocktails with mini umbrellas. Trader Sams is located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort where you can head into the grog grotto or enjoy your drinks on the tiki terrace outside. This watering hole is a Disney fan favorite where you will find ancient tiki decor and themed drinks like the “Uh-Oa,” “Dark and Tropical Stormy,” and “Krakatoa Punch.” If you are looking for some snacks to accompany your fruity cocktail, they have Polynesian flavored dishes like poke and potstickers. This is a must if you are staying on the monorail loop or a great after dinner drink post Ohana or Kona Cafe.
NOMAD LOUNGE – LOCATED IN DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
I am such a fan of everything Animal Kingdom when it comes to food and beverage. I think it’s because the flavors are so different from what I cook at home. If you are an adventurous eater, I highly recommend fully embracing every dining experience you can at Animal Kingdom Park and Resort. Nomad Lounge is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park on the walkway between Discovery Island and Pandora: The World of Avatar. One of the best things about Nomad Lounge is the serene landscape and unique menu items. You will see appetizers like kimchi rice bowls, naan bread service, and falafel with greek yogurt sauce on the menu. For your drinking pleasure, you can order some African rum concoctions or even a South American sangria. Currently, Animal Kingdom is running “floatillas” in lieu of character meet and greets. This means characters are floating around on pontoon boats throughout the park. Nomad lounge is a great front row seat to watch these floats go by while enjoying specialty drinks and snacks.
OGA’S CANTINA – LOCATED IN DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
You have heard me rave about Oga’s Cantina before – but if you are a Star Wars fan at all (even if you don’t drink) you HAVE to try and get a reservation for Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At Oga’s you enter a fully immersive Star Wars cantina experience where droid DJ R-3X is spinning music for you and your family to enjoy. The drinks are just as themed as the cantina itself. Some of our favorites are the Outer Rim (tequila based), the Fuzzy Taun Taun (vodka based with tingling ‘buzz button foam’ – it really does make your mouth tingly numb!) and the Carbon Freeze (non-alcoholic for the kids). One thing to note about Oga’s is that the food selection isn’t the best here, so don’t come here hungry. You are here strictly for the fun drinks and atmosphere. It’s also important to know that you are given a 45 minute reservation window and a 2 drink maximum.
JOCK LINDSEY’S HANGER BAR – LOCATED IN DISNEY SPRINGS
I have a confession. I’ve never watched the Indiana Jones movies the whole way through. I say this because I probably don’t have enough appreciation for this 1940’s themed hanger bar named after Indiana Jones’ sidekick and pilot. There is a whole back story on Jock and how he actually arrived in Disney Springs. If you are interested, you can read about it here but I’m here to tell you about the food and drinks you can find at this really fun themed watering hole. Located in The Landing section of Disney Springs, you will find famous appetizers like snakebite sliders and Air Pirate’s Cargo Loaded Pretzel which is essentially a charcuterie board surrounded by a huge pretzel. The drink options here are plentiful where you can find fun themed cocktails and many beers to choose from. If you have any Indy fans in your traveling party, I highly suggest checking this place out. Pro tip – ask if you can sit in the diving bell booth which is the best seat in the house!
WORLD SHOWCASE – LOCATED IN EPCOT
Last but certainly not least, the pinnacle of drinking experiences at Disney is drinking around Epcot’s World Showcase. World Showcase is made up of eleven different country pavilions including Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. If you are visiting during a festival (which seems like there is always a festival going on!) there are even more country booths throughout the showcase. Some must do drinks include a margarita from Cava del Tequila in Mexico, Schofferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen beer in Germany (beer cart), Sake in Japan, any frozen martini in France, and top it off with a beer at Rose and Crown Pub in the UK pavilion.
Talking about all of these bars and lounges really makes me wish I was sitting on a patio with a cold one right now! What are your go to places for an adult beverage at Disney? Do you have a favorite that I missed? Let me know where your favorites are in the comments below! As always, when indulging in adult beverages at any of the parks, please drink responsibly and be aware that Disney is a place for families so please behave appropriately.
