You should never be bored at Walt Disney World. There’s so much to do, see, and experience that there’s no way one person could try it all in a lifetime.
But, that doesn’t mean you won’t try. And, at some point during that attempt, it’s pretty likely the adult members of any vacation party will require a brief respite – a stop-off to recharge, refuel, and refresh. Or, alternatively, maybe you’re just looking for a nice, adults-only way to relax at the end of a long day at the parks.
Thankfully, Disney’s also got you covered on both fronts.
Walt Disney World has a quite impressive spread of bars and lounges available for over-21 guests to enjoy. Many of these bars are no more than a simple hotel lobby bar, but some are very elaborately themed, doused with an extra coat of the proverbial Disney magic. These bars, if you need them, are absolute must-dos for any adult visiting Walt Disney World – either for a midday drink, a late-night brew, or an anytime relaxation.
1. Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort
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Most of the bars at Walt Disney World carry a common drink menu that is, occasionally, supplemented by a few specialty drinks unique to that location. Some locations offer more unique concoctions, while some others offer less, but most tend to have a similar base menu.
Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort isn’t particularly notable for its drink selection, but rather, its posh, comfortable ambiance and gorgeous location at the heart of Walt Disney World’s most luxurious hotel. With a beautiful view of the resort grounds, Mizner’s Lounge offers a wonderful spot to spend an evening planning the events for the next day, or reliving the exciting memories of the day gone by. As an added bonus, the lounge is perfectly located such that guests can catch a bit of the live music performed in the Grand Floridian’s cavernous atrium.
Easily accessible via the monorail from either the Magic Kingdom or the other monorail hotels, Mizner’s Lounge is as classy and comfortable a place as you’ll find on the property. Plus, it’s a convenient stop for anyone visiting Disney World for the day or for an entire vacation.
2. La Cava del Tequila at Epcot
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Unlike some of the other Disney bars, La Cava del Tequila – located in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase – definitely has a specialty: tequila. Whether it’s a specialty margarita you’re interested in or a curated tasting flight, you’d be hard pressed not to find something unique to enjoy at this cozy spot off the main plaza within the Mexico pavilion.
The bar is intimate but not too small, and is one of the more comfortable places to spend a significant amount of time at the World Showcase. Plus, its location deep inside the pavilion ensures that it remains cool on those hot summer days – making those margaritas that much more refreshing.
Top that off with some delicious chips and salsa, and you’ve got a nice start to an afternoon touring the countries of the World Showcase.
3. Crew’s Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club Resort
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Adjacent to the Yachtsman Steakhouse, the Crew’s Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club Resort is a quiet and comfortable spot that offers delicious food and drinks alongside a handsome wood-accented interior space. Upscale without being pretentious, the Crew’s Cup Lounge balances quality food with a relaxed vibe, all while keeping with the classy décor of the neighboring steakhouse.
The drink menu isn’t particularly unique, but when combined with the good food and easy-going atmosphere, the Crew’s Cup Lounge can be a great spot to either start or end a night hanging around the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Club area. Plus, it’s rarely crowded, making it a great spot to find a table when some of the other in-demand locations are completely full.
4. Tune-in Lounge at Hollywood Studios
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In terms of theming, the Tune-In Lounge at the Hollywood Studios is among the best bars on Disney property. Add in the slate of 50s-themed drinks, and you’ve got a must-see bar for fans of the 1950s Mad Men aesthetic.
Warm, retro, and themed like your grandma’s house, the Tune-In Lounge complements its next-door neighbor, the 50s Prime Time Cafe, perfectly. The two spaces fit together visually quite well, and even share a menu — perfect for a busy day when there’s a long wait at the restaurant. But while the 50s Prime Time Cafe has a kid-friendly kitsch quality to it, the Tune-In Lounge is far more mature and adult-oriented.
It’s essentially the only bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and for that reason, it can get pretty crowded at certain times of day. But if you can find a spot to unwind, you won’t find a more interesting, visually playful bar at Disney.
5. Dawa Bar at the Animal Kingdom
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If you’re looking for a unique bar experience at Disney, Dawa Bar at Animal Kingdom is about as unique as they get. Located in the middle of the Africa section of the park, Dawa Bar offers an outdoor experience complete with a few beers and drinks that are rare to find outside the continent of Africa.
Of course, there’s plenty of shade, but the bar being outdoors adds to the overall refreshing feel that comes from a drink enjoyed while battling the heat of Central Florida. Plus, the short break from the sun helps give the bar a somewhat authentic feel, while the energy of the nearby village of Harambe keeps visitors connected to the overall community Animal Kingdom tries to create.
Beyond the imported beers, there isn’t much creativity to the drink menu, but most importantly, Dawa Bar gives guests an opportunity to relax and enjoy a tiny bit of African culture while they recharge their batteries and enjoy some excelllent people-watching.
6. Raglan Road at Downtown Disney
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There are dozens of other spots that could be mentioned on this list – the Tambu Lounge, Jellyrolls, the Bellevue Lounge, or even the bar at Il Mulino – but in terms of must-visit bars on Disney property, Raglan Road deserves a special mention. The food is delicious and the beers and drinks are varied and unique, but what makes the Downtown Disney spot so beloved by returning guests is the energy contained within.
Raglan Road’s design makes it looks like something of a caricature of an Irish pub, complete with a little mock village and outdoor seating area. But while the design might come of as a bit silly, the atmosphere and attitudes of the employees create as jovial a dining experience as you’ll find at Walt Disney World. For many guests, a visit to Raglan Road is their tradition, and that energy and positive feeling is infectious.
While the food and drinks are important, it’s ultimately the feeling of a bar that is its signature quality. Even the most delicious drinks and snacks aren’t nearly as fun to enjoy unless you’re with people you care about at a spot that makes you feel comfortable. Thankfully, Disney is chock full of those places, so you shouldn’t have a difficult time finding one that makes you feel welcome and at home; where you can kick back and unwind after a long day at the parks … until it’s time to go to bed and do it all over again.
