As I’m writing this blog, dedicated to the pursuit of the perfect happy hour, it’s 9:30 am, and I’m drinking coffee. It’s a completely socially unacceptable time to start boozing – so instead, I’m writing about cocktails, and enjoying caffeine. In our opinion, there’s no better way to start (or mourn the ending) of a Disney vacation, than by hitting up one of our favorite Disney bars or lounges. Not all Disney cocktails are created equal, so today, we’re rounding up a list of our favorite water holes, to help you in your pursuit for the perfect drink.
-Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at The Polynesian Village Resort
If you’re looking for the most fun you can have at a bar on property, look no further than Trader Sam’s. This Jungle Cruise themed bar has both outdoor seating, with views of Seven Seas Lagoon, and indoor seating, with impeccable theming. You can read our full review here.
– AbracadaBar at Disney’s Boardwalk
AbracadaBar is a newcomer to the Disney bar scene, and has classically mixed cocktails, with a magical theme. No – literally, the bar looks like an old magic shop. With prime real estate on Disney Boardwalk, AbracadaBar is perfect for a date night.
– La Cava del Tequila. Mexico Pavilion, Epcot.
This small spot in Mexico is always crowded, by people trying to get excellent margaritas, and for good reason. I love their sangria, and chip and dip trio. If you’re lucky enough to grab one of the few tables they have inside, it’s a great place to escape the afternoon heat.
– The Brown Derby Lounge, Hollywood Studios
I LOVE The Brown Derby, and the outdoor lounge is my new go-to spot for dinner when I’m at Hollywood Studios. Most people know that Hollywood Studios is a bit of a wasteland for quick service food, and The Brown Derby Lounge has reasonable prices for excellent food, as well as great, classic cocktails.
– The Territory Lounge, The Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge is our favorite Disney Resort during the holidays, for its cozy atmosphere, and decorations. Whenever we’re there, we love to eat dinner and grab a glass of wine at The Territory Lounge. They have an excellent wine list, great ambiance, and several menu items from Artist Point (including the famous mushroom soup!).
– Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, Italy Pavilion, Epcot
I had the pleasure of having a girls night here recently, after wanting to try this small wine cellar in the Italy Pavilion for years. Grab a friend, and build your own meat and cheese board, and share a few wine flights. Everything that’s offered here is excellent.
– The Boathouse Dockside Bar, Disney Springs
The Dockside Bar is my go-to spot at Disney Springs. We love the ambiance, and the ability to look out over the water. They make incredible drinks (THAT LEMON DROP THOUGH), and serve their full menu for when you get hungry.
– The Tune In Lounge, Hollywood Studios
We are vocally not fans of The 50s Prime Time Cafe (you can direct all hate mail to [email protected]), but we LOVE the bar next door, the Tune In Lounge. The Tune In Lounge has all the atmosphere of The 50s Prime Time (and you can get the famous milk shakes!), but you won’t have to overpay for food that’s not fabulous.
We hope our guide helps make your time at Disney a little more magical (because providing guides to booze, always makes me feel more magical).