This list of Walt Disney World’s best bars and lounges ranks the top spots where you can relax and unwind in the old-fashioned way. Alcohol is the solution and cause of all of your problems. The list is based on theme and atmosphere, but drink quality is largely ignored. November 24, 2023.
Walt Disney World is known for its attention to detail and design. We’ve moved past the days of drinking to win and are now more concerned about relaxing in the lounges at Walt Disney World. We’re more interested in a relaxing atmosphere and decompressing from a long day of racing through the parks.
In that regard, I suppose we have become “part the problem” and are the reason WDW’s bars & lounges offer a surgery muddle of colourful concoctions in the Generic DisneyParks Drink Menu(r). We’ve found that the best choices for stiff drinks are the least interesting ones. The bars that are just there to be bars. Often, these are the ones outside the Deluxe Resorts lobby.
Only stand-alone lounges and bars are eligible for the other “rules”. Table service restaurants may offer lounge or bar seating, but this does not make them bars. This rules out a number of great locations, including Steakhouse 71 Lounge and other fan favourites such as the Tune-In Lounge located at 50’s Prime Time Cafe or even the Space 220 Lounge located in Epcot.
Others cannot make it due to space constraints. Some of these are tried-and-true favourites, like Tambu Lounge at Poly or Outer Rim at Contemporary. There are also a lot of pool bars with cult-like followings, such as Oasis and Hurricane Hanna’s. Petals is another popular choice. There are a lot of excellent bars at Disney Springs that are not mentioned. They are enough to fill another list.
With our update for 2023, we have expanded the list from 10 to 23 bars, as we felt we were missing out on too many great bars by limiting it only to a Top 10. Walt Disney World has been criticized on many fronts in recent years, but holy cow, have they improved their bar game?
In the last five years alone, at least 12 new bars have opened in Walt Disney World. This is why we doubled the list’s length! Walt Disney World’s proliferation of bars may cause some to criticize the company for focusing too heavily on alcohol. We’d like to point out that most of the newer additions cater to families, and those that don’t tend to be located at Disney Springs or the convention resort.
Let’s get straight to the point and see the best Walt Disney World lounges & bars…
1. Territory Lounge—This lounge is located in Wilderness Lodge and is probably one of Walt Disney World’s lesser-known gems. It is a waiting area for Artist Point and has the same Pacific Northwest theme. This lounge has a rustic, relaxed feel that makes it perfect for a laid-back evening.
The Territory Lounge is very detailed. There are shadow boxes filled with sportsman memorabilia and other Americana items. The bar features carved bears and a ceiling mural. The pub food is also delicious.
2. Enchanted Rose Lounge—Also known as the Beauty and the Beast Bar in the Grand Floridian Resort, Enchanted Rose is a reimagining and expansion of Mizner’s Lounge, which was once the best place to drink “seriously” at Walt Disney World. Enchanted Rose, on the other hand, specializes in Instagrammable backdrops and photogenic drinks.
Enchanted Rose Lounge is not on this list because we find it attractive. We are not fans. It is undeniably popular, and many guests find it appealing. The upscale environment is good, with some well-done details and design. It’s not what we would call a destination bar, and the Beauty and the Beast décor isn’t very good, but the bar was still good enough to be included on this list.
3. Crew’s Cup Lounge: Let me begin by saying we love Crew’s Cup Lounge and regret it wasn’t included in previous entries on this list before its expansion to more than 20 locations. My only/best defence is that Crew’s Cup has changed since it used to have its menu and did not simply serve up a handful of options from Yachtsman Steakhouse or Ale & Compass. I’m still angry that I can’t order the once-famous burger served with truffle fries.
Crew’s Cup Lounge, however, is a pleasant place. The woods are masculine, and it reminds me that Teddy Roosevelt might come here for a whisky after a long day of sculling. It’s a great place to take a break from World Showcase and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, even if you’re not into rowing. Crew’s Cup ranking #21 shows the strength of Walt Disney World’s lounges, not its quality.
4. Dockside Bar: If you know, then you know. Dockside Bar is an underrated bar at the Boathouse and deserves to be in the top five of this list. The Boathouse, with its powerhouse menu, is undoubtedly one of the most popular restaurants at Disney Springs and perhaps even Walt Disney World.
Dockside Bar’s over-the-water dining experience is also perfect. The pier is surrounded by nautical décor and boats and offers a view of amphibians or watercraft making their way between Disney Springs resorts. The Boathouse is a great place to eat, no matter what your budget or taste. We highly recommend having dinner at the Boathouse following the park closing.
5. Victoria Falls Lounge: This lounge is located on the lower level of Animal Kingdom Lodge between the lobby and the Boma Buffet. It is adjacent to the high-traffic stairway. Victoria Falls, therefore, is not particularly quiet. It’s not particularly loud, but it isn’t silent either. It’s noisy and consistent, but it’s also sufficiently far away to make it sound like white noise.
Victoria Falls Lounge is a nice place. Victoria Falls is a great place to be. It has a great wine list from South Africa, moody lighting, and light snacks (the flatbread and the burger we had last time were fantastic).
6. AbracadaBar is located on the Walt Disney World Boardwalk, next to Flying Fish. This is a relatively new addition to Walt Disney World. This would usually mean a lot of hype before guests moved on to something else. Abracadabra, however, has been a complete absence of hype.
It’s probably because of expectations. The bar for this concept was raised after Trader Sam’s & Jock Lindsay’s. This, combined with an intriguing premise, could make the final result a little underwhelming. It’s a good movie. Although it is more restrained than the previous two, it still has a lot to say about the magicians who disappeared from this sophisticated club.
7. Jellyrolls – Located at Walt Disney World BoardWalk, Jellyrolls has caused some controversy. I’m not sure why people dislike it. Maybe they hate fun. It can be a little loud, and it feels a bit like the 90’s. But you cannot go wrong when it comes to duelling pianos.
It’s a shame that the drink menu is so disappointing, but it’s hard to ignore those duelling pianists playing mostly classic rock. This is one of my favourite places at Walt Disney World. I may be a little biased, but it’s a great place.
8. Bar Riva is located along the promenade of Disney’s Riviera resort. It’s a great option for those who want to avoid the chaos and crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT.
Bar Riva is not a bar. It is another family-friendly lounge in Walt Disney World, similar to the style of several bar and grill entries below. There are many tables outside and undercover. We wouldn’t recommend bringing children to the bar, but Bar Riva is a fantastic place to enjoy a healthy and refreshing meal.
9. Banana Cabana is located at Caribbean Beach Resort, a short distance (5 minutes) from Disney’s Riviera Resort. This is a similar setup, a covered pool bar with an open-air that’s family-friendly.
Banana Cabana’s superpower is the ability to order many of our favourite menu items at Sebastian’s Bistro, one of our favourite restaurants in Walt Disney World. As of late 2023, there are also some new dishes that are exclusive to the “bar”—like the Banana Cabana Burger.
10. Scat Cat’s Club, a New Orleans-style lounge in Port Orleans French Quarter, pays homage to jazz music and offers the best sounds of the French Quarter at weekends with live musicians. Scat Cat’s Club is a great place to enjoy live music on weekends.
Scat Cat’s Club’s main attraction is its low-key, affordable pricing. Even if the food court nearby is crowded, Scat Cat’s Club may be empty if there is no live entertainment on the day you go. If you’re staying in Port Orleans’ French Quarter, Scat Cat’s Club will be your closest option. Bonfamille’s Cafe was the French Quarter’s restaurant until it closed in 2011 due to the consolidation between the two Port Orleans Resorts and the operational changes that followed 9/11.
11. River Roost Lounge is located in Port Orleans Riverside, the sister resort to the French Quarter. You can enjoy the boogie-woogie music and comedy of a local legend at River Roost Lounge. He plays Disney standards, classic songbooks, and kid-friendly songs.
Yeah, Jackson is a Walt Disney World favourite. He rocks the River Roost on certain nights each week with his crazy piano playing and singing. See his schedule at DisneyWorld.com. The Port Orleans Resorts are normally not “destination“ restaurants or nightlife. However, we recommend taking the Disney Springs boat to one of these resorts and then strolling (it is a lovely 10-15-minute walk to catch both bars and entertainment acts in the same evening).
12. Geyser Point Bar & Grill – Thematically, Geyser Point is really just an open-air picnic shelter. There are no real details unless you count the bricks and wood. However, I believe that we can also diminish other areas at Walt Disney World if we parse their merits. Such reductio-ad-absurdum arguments are false and ultimately self-defeating.
Geyser Point’s genius is that it doesn’t get in its way. It’s not necessary to have a lot of Imagined gags or details. Geyser Point is a beautiful place because of the Bay Lake setting. Disney made a great decision by letting them be the stars. This was a great decision. We love sitting on the dock and taking in the natural Beauty. It’s pure bliss at sunset or during the Electrical Water Pageant.
Three Bridges Bar & Grill is Located in Coronado Springs Resort. It is similar to Geyser Point above, as both are hidden gems. Neither accepts Advance Dining Reservations. Three Bridges is the restaurant we have visited more often than any other at Walt Disney World.
Three Bridges is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere since it’s located at the intersection of three different bridges on the Lago Dorado. If you plan your visit correctly, the majority of its waterfront seating provides a great view of Coronado Springs buildings, Gran Destino Tower, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios fireworks. The menu is fantastic, with the Best Burger at Walt Disney World, Warm Churros, and more. It’s impossible to go wrong.
13. BaseLine Tap House—This area, added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is part of the Grand Avenue extension, which is essentially overflow for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. It is not special. The area is supposed to be themed after current-day Los Angeles, but it fails to make a lasting impact.
BaseLine Tap House makes an exception. BaseLine Tap House has it all: a great selection of beer, underrated food, an outdoor seating area with a relaxed atmosphere, and countless people to watch. I’m not sure why BaseLine Tap House has such a great reputation. It’s not special on paper or in pictures. It is a gem that has not been widely advertised. It’s the kind of thing that “if you know you know”.
14. Dahlia Lounge, located in the Gran Destino Tower of Coronado Springs Resort and inspired by Spanish Surrealism, is one of Walt Disney World’s most “adult“ lounges. Kids are welcome, but they’re not as common due to the convention crowds and the adjacent Toledo Restaurant.
Dahlia Lounge’s rooftop location is one of its biggest selling points. It also has a nice atmosphere with moody lighting. If you have ever been to Disney Cruise Line, you’ll find that the atmosphere is similar to the adult areas on DCL ships.
15. Rose & Crown – I would guess that Rose & Crown, located in Epcot’s World Showcase, is the most lively and popular bar at Walt Disney World. I’d say the restrooms across the street are the busiest in Walt Disney World. You can go to Rose & Crown at any time of the day and see a raucous crowd spilling into Epcot’s pathways.
Rose & Crown is popular for a reason, and it goes beyond the fact that its location in Walt Disney World’s 2nd most popular park makes it a very busy place. The bartenders are able to mix delicious drinks and serve authentic pub food. The atmosphere is both familiar and transporting, taking guests away from Walt Disney World into an intimate pub in the United Kingdom. Its outdoor seating also offers excellent views of Epcot fireworks.
16. Raglan Road Pub—Raglan Road is a pub, not a restaurant. The bar is made from wood imported directly from Ireland. However, the main attractions are the pub atmosphere and entertainment. This is one of the top options for adults at Walt Disney World.
Raglan Road has the atmosphere you would expect of an Irish pub. However, it is a little more family-friendly, as this is Walt Disney World. Actually, it’s not just family-friendly… there’s a bit of a familial sense to the bar, as if you’re part of an intimate community, even if 90% of the other guests here are also tourists.
17. La Cava del Tequila – La Cava is a Walt Disney World favourite for its margaritas. But I love it because of a different reason. What better place to drink in than a cave? A “tequila“ cave with low lighting would be the perfect thing after a hot day at Epcot.
The margaritas are still tasty and satisfying but don’t live up to all the hype. La Cava del Tequila is a great place to enjoy a drink. The service and atmosphere are more than the makeup for it. If you want to experience the same ambience as La Cava but without the crowds, try Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in the Italy Pavilion. They serve more than wine. Tutto Gusto deserves to be on the list just as much as La Cava.
18. Nomad Lounge: Nomad Lounge, which is attached to Tiffins Restaurant (which we laud as the best dining in the park at Walt Disney World), pays tribute to the adventures of Imagineers. The décor pays homage to the real-world locations that inspired Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Nomad Lounge is successful not because it transports you to another place but rather because it celebrates travelling. The atmosphere is one of a global nature, with a palpable excitement that encourages you to travel. Nomad Lounge feels like an adventure before Pandora – World of Avatar opens. It may sound strange, but it’s the same as an airport lounge. It welcomes guests before they leave for an exotic destination or, in this instance, far away. It may not seem like the best of compliments, but that’s what it is.
19. Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar: Don’t worry if you can’t remember the name of the pilot in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Even though I have visited this bar and written about it several times, I still need to Google the Indiana Jones movie he is from. Imagineering has never been accused of not being able to make deep in-jokes or obscure references. So I suppose Jock Lindsay is the perfect example.
Jock Lindsey’s is generally praised for its Indiana Jones reference, atmosphere, as well as deep thematic details. It’s similar to Trader Sam’s Disney Springs Outpost in many ways. There are numerous layers of references, jokes, and details. There are Easter eggs beyond the Indiana Jones “universe“ that make this a fun place to explore. Jock Lindsay’s has a great atmosphere, and I don’t believe it’s ever dominated by fan service. The service is hit-and-miss. However, it is still worth checking out.
20. The Edison – With its moody atmosphere that gave the impression of being inside a converted power station and a constant lineup of unique entertainment acts, Edison was a clear winner. The food was also a pleasant surprise, surpassing other bars that are high on the list.
Unfortunately (and not surprisingly), The Edison has declined a little since its opening. The entertainment acts are less varied, but that’s understandable because they’re costly to hire. And the venue has never been very busy. It’s still a beautiful setting with an amazing vibe. The entertainment is unique and adds to the experience.
T1. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – The second outpost follows the success and deliverance of the original Enchanted Tiki bar at Disneyland Hotel. The Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney’s Polynesian Village Hotel has been a Walt Disney World favourite bar for years.
The intimate environments, the embrace of tiki cultures, the self-referential details and interactive fun are what make Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto special. The atmosphere at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is always relaxed and convivial. This is just plain kitschy, unabashed fun. The Imagineered effects, Disney stories, and cool environment are all nice touches. Although they may repeat a bit too much if you stay here, it’s still cool to see. It’s not necessary to drink to enjoy this place. It’s a Disney-themed experience.
T1. Oga’s Cantina – In a dream world, this watering hole of scoundrels from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would be Walt Disney World’s number-one bar. Fans of the Star Wars universe want to step foot into the Mos Eisley Cantina, where they can mingle with the intergalactic crew.
Oga’s Cantina does not quite deliver. It lacks the same energy and eclecticism, the only chaos being the way the tourists are arranged to go through the place. Oga’s Cantina is a themed bar with amazing details and immersive design. It feels like the dive bar of scoundrels, thugs and other notorious customers straight out of Star Wars. DJ R-3X, too, is awesome. REX, the old Starspeeder 3000 Pilot from Star Tours, is a great way to provide interesting music for travellers on the edge of the galaxy. He does this admirably while energizing the atmosphere at the outpost. Oga’s Cantina is not Mos Eisley, but it’s very good.
Are you planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Visit our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews to learn more about the hotels. Read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews to find out where you can eat. Read our post Tips for Saving Money On Walt Disney World Tickets to learn how you can save money or which ticket type is best. What to Pack for Disney Trips is a post that looks at some of the best items to bring. Our Walt Disney World Ride guides will tell you what to do, when to do it and how to get there. Our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide is the perfect place to begin for comprehensive advice.
Your thoughts
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