Menu

6 Hidden Gem Resort Bars Of Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has some of the most beautiful and amazingly themed resorts in the world. Each one completely immerses its guests in a different experience. Everyone always has their favorite resort and reasons why they love it there. Maybe you like the pool, the restaurants, or the grounds but just because you have a favorite it shouldn’t stop you from exploring what the others have to offer.

Disney has a unique policy, unlike most other vacation areas you can tour any hotel on property as long as you are a guest in any Walt Disney World resort. You can dine there, shop there, and drink there. They only thing you can’t do is pool hop but that one is completely understandable. Since all of their resorts are so unique maybe you should think about taking a break from the crowded parks and exploring other places on property, it can be really fun!

While every resort has their own unique offerings and specialties there are some that have some truly amazing bars. Each one of these bars are different from the next, but I guarantee you will have a great time at all of them. So that being said, on your next trip maybe you should try a resort bar crawl or just hit a few of these stops and see why they have made this list.

6. Kimonos at The Swan Hotel

This restaurant by day and karaoke bar by night was voted the best sushi in Orlando by the Orlando Sentinel. The Swan and Dolphin hotels are often overlooked because they aren’t truly Disney owned but are on property. If you are a karaoke fan and love a great sake and cocktail menu than this place is for you. By the end of the night everyone is singing together and you have truly made some great vacation friends.

5.  Art of Animation’s Drop off Pool Bar

There is no doubt that the Drop off Pool is by far one of the best pools on property. It is the first one to offer Disney’s “sound under water” technology. Yes, you can hear songs and movie quotes while swimming underwater that you cannot hear from above. This bar also has a beautiful view that truly makes you feel like you are swimming alongside your favorite undersea characters. The Drop off makes you feel like you are having a relaxing cocktail while watching Nemo’s story unfold. Soak up the sun, have a Pina Colava, and enjoy your afternoon.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289 Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!

4. Polynesian Village Resort’s Tambu Lounge

This bar and lounge is located so closely outside of O’hana that it almost looks like it’s their waiting area. This bar has some unique qualities. First of all,  I will give a nod to their bartenders both on personality and on craft of drink. Some of these folks have been there for decades and are property favorites, not only that but they are truly masters of their craft. This bar is extremely relaxing and while you lounge out in a comfy chair enjoying a glowing (literally glowing) drink you have a great view over the lobby of the Polynesian as well as the grounds. Best part of this experience? The only resort Dole Whip stand is just a short flight of stairs away.

3. Coronado Springs’ Rix Lounge

This upscale nightlife spot is amazing. Not only is it gorgeous inside but their drink menu is to die for. Rix has that trendy lounge feel that you would expect to find at Disney Springs but because it’s at a resort you don’t need to navigate a parking a garage or walk through crowds of tired shoppers. They have some light food offerings so you can definitely have a meal there but their drink list is what will truly impress their guests.  Who wouldn’t want to spend a nice evening enjoying a spicy fiesta flatbread paired with a jalapeño margarita? If you are craving something sweet then try their toasted coconut martini with white chocolate and coconut shavings on the rim. Once you visit this place it will definitely become a permanent stop on future trips.

2. Disney’s Boardwalk’s Big River Grille & Brewing Works

This family friendly microbrewery and restaurant is the only working brewpub in Walt Disney World resort. Even as you walk up to the entrance of this place you get to observe their onsite brew master crafting their six beers through large windows. You will get to see firsthand all the work that truly goes into making their beers stand out. I highly recommend their Rocket Red Ale but all of their beers are great in their own way. The best news is that you can sample all six with a beer flight! From the family atmosphere to the classic comfort foods we all love, this is a place you shouldn’t skip.

1. Port Orleans Riverside’s River Roost

This deserves the number one spot hands down. River Roost is the home of YeHaa Bob Jackson, a fan favorite of 20 years and truly what makes this place great. River Roost offers traditional southern fare and classic southern cocktails, it really makes you feel like you are in Louisiana. Every week from Wednesday through Saturday nights Yehaa Bob hosts a hilarious piano sing along comedy show. Audience participation is strongly encouraged and its family friendly enough that you can bring the little ones. People of all ages will really enjoy this show and the adults can sit back and enjoy a drink while the kids are completely entertained. You will definitely understand the hype on your first visit and will surely return for years to come.

All of the resorts at Disney have great places to dine and drink. A resort hopping day can be just as fun as a day in the parks but with less crowds and no waiting.  This list is just a few suggestions of great places you may have yet to try. Do you have any favorite resort bars? Feel free to share them! If you have had great experiences at any of these feel free to share that too. As always “cheers” to your next drink in the happiest place on earth.

About Kelly Osterman

Kelly has been obsessed with all things Disney since her first trip at 4 years old. It's been over 30 years now and that passion has only grown. Kelly is an accomplished liquor industry employee for 13 years including things such as bartending, promotions, consulting in new openings and is also a published recipe writer. She lives on the Jersey shore and while she's not local she still visits several times a year because she wants her family to "grow up Disney" as she has herself. After 60 plus trips to Walt Disney World she always tries to make each experience different both for her children and herself. Her motto is "it's for the kids but the adults should have a little fun too".