New Bars/Lounges Now Open (Or Soon Coming!) To Walt Disney World

Is this the year of the adult side of Disney?

Hold on tight folks, it’s going to be a fun year. After D23 we knew there were going to be so many exciting changes coming to WDW in the upcoming few years. Of course, new rides were talked about, hotel and transportation expansions, and we said farewell to some attractions as well. It looks like there are some changes that didn’t get as much attention but can definitely make for a fun experience for adults. There are several new bars and nightlife options coming to the happiest place om earth in the next 12 months and they have us beyond excited. None of these new options are your basic neighborhood bar, they all have something that you will remember them by and that will make them unique.

The Landing at Disney Springs is slowly but surely becoming the much needed replacement for Pleasure Island so there is no surprise that there are some major nightlife changes coming to this area. The difference is that this nightlife area will class it up a bit from the original while still maintaining the idea that there should be a place for adults to have a bit of fun. While The Landing will be more family friendly than Pleasure Island ever was, it will quickly become the new nightlife mecca of Orlando. The new exciting additions coming to Disney Springs include The Edison and Wine Bar George headlining the expansion and the newly open Paddlefish Rooftop Bar completing this trio of great options.  However, it isn’t all Disney Springs that is welcoming new things. Don’t overlook the also newly open Baseline Tap House at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With all of these great choices who wouldn’t want a cocktail?

The Edison: Coming early 2018

The Edison was originally projected to open in late fall 2017 but with all the details in this incredible venue things are taking a bit longer than expected. If there is one project that will be worth the wait and live up to the hype it will definitely be this one. The buzz so far has just been about the main element to this nightlife complex but there is so much more that we have not yet heard of.  At the very beginning of this complex will be the “Trans Global Airways” airline hangar, a supposed former airline terminal that is connected to The Edison.  We were lucky enough to get the first pictures of the completed outside of this part of the project. They are basically the same building but will add to the multi-themed adult playground that Disney has spent so many years planning and developing. This is also rumored to include underground “rum-running” tunnels complete with cool craft cocktail bars along with some other unique features.

Wine Bar George: Coming early 2018:

This estate style wine bar will be the go to for Oenophiles. Wine Bar George will offer several small plate options as well as over 100 personal selections from Master Sommelier George Miliotes. This will be the first high end wine bar to hit the Walt Disney World property without an exclusive high- end restaurant reservation that has to be booked and paid for most likely 180 days in advance. Guests at Disney Springs will soon be able to enjoy the nightly experience of wandering up to the hottest place and asking for a wine suggestion based on taste preference. No worries, it’s not all wine snobbery either, they will offer carefully selected wines that fit every price- point. Wine Bar George will truly let you enhance your wine knowledge and understand your palates preferences in a sophisticated yet laid back environment.

Paddlefish Rooftop Bar: Now open

Paddlefish was not always known as Paddlefish. In fact, a lot of us remember it as Fulton’s Crab House, and before that as the Empress Lily. This new indoor/outdoor space really brings guests a fun, outdoor party atmosphere. Still, the space has an air of refinement. It will make you feel like you are at a party aboard a yacht.

Their drink menu boasts an impressive array of beverages. Paddlefish is keeping current with the alcohol trends as you will be able to see by their selection of craft beer on tap, including Florida-brewed favorites. The options don’t stop there, the wine list is mind blowing in size boasting more than 175 wines available by the bottle. So, if it’s a fun outdoor atmosphere with an air of elegance that you want then Paddlefish is for you.

Baseline Tap House at Hollywood Studios: Now open

In the newly redesigned Grand Avenue area of Hollywood Studios lies this gem. This bar has everything, the cute atmosphere of a former printing company in downtown Los Angeles, a craft beer list that will impress even the most discerning of beer drinkers, wines that boast from the famed Napa Valley and Sonoma regions, and great small plates to enjoy. It’s like all the great things from California exploded turning into one fabulous establishment. If you are overwhelmed by the vast selection consider trying a beer flight to see what you like. On a hot day in the parks there is nothing better than relaxing with a cold drink in an air conditioned and laid-back atmosphere.

With all of these great options either now open or soon to come there is no secret that Walt Disney World is trying to please its adult fan base. I say that we raise a glass with a great cocktail in it to support their new endeavors and wish them luck and success. Cheers all! Which one of these new venues are you most excited to try?