Top 10 Disney Bars & Lounges
Sometimes, you just need a drink. At Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or the other parks, sometimes you really need a drink. These are the top 10 Disney bars & lounges in the world…although the list skews heavily towards Walt Disney World, probably due to sheer quantity.
This list considers both ambiance and drink quality, but skews heavily towards ambiance since so many bars and lounges have drinks primarily from the Generic DisneyParks® Drink Menu®, a menu of sugar-water and vibrantly colored concoctions aimed at vacationers. Plus, theming is what Disney does best, and I think choosing a Disney bar and lounge based on that basis rather than the quality of its drinks just makes sense.
With that said, let’s take a look at the best Disney Parks bars & lounges in the world!
10. Redwood Bar & Lounge – Located in Disneyland Paris’ Sequoia Lodge, Redwood Bar & Lounge is reminiscent of a modern take on a US National Parks lodge bar. It transports you right out of Paris and into the Ahwahee at Yosemite, warming up fireside after a winter hike. The furniture is large and luxurious, the lights are low and lit by white strands of Christmas lights in a window that looked through to the lobby. Oh, back to that fireplace; in the center of Redwood Bar is a beautiful pass-through fireplace that is unquestionably the centerpiece (literally and figuratively) of the lounge.
9. Raglan Road Pub – The bar here is literally made of wood imported from Ireland, but the real selling point here is the entertainment and pub ambiance, making it one of the best options for adult nightlife at Walt Disney World. Raglan Road perhaps deserves an asterisks here, as it’s more a restaurant and less a bar, but there is a bar, and it has more of that pub & bar vibe than other restaurants at Walt Disney World, which simply have a bar in the restaurant as a de facto waiting area or afterthought. The drinks here are good, but it’s the food that’s really amazing. Do not miss the Bread & Butter Pudding. You can read and see more in our Raglan Road Review.
8. Cove Bar – This is the only outdoor bar making the list, and thematically, it might seem like a tough sell for an outside location to rank highly. That’s until you spend a sunny afternoon here gazing out onto Paradise Bay or an evening here watching World of Color. Beyond that, its details really make it feel like a bygone-era Victorian boardwalk bar. The drinks are mostly from the generic menu, but there are a few unique ones, including the eye-catching “Fun Wheel.” More importantly, this is the home of the legendary Lobster Nachos, one of the greatest foods at Disney California Adventure. You can read and see more in our Cove Bar Review.
7. Jellyrolls – Located on Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk, Jellyrolls is somewhat divisive. I know a lot of people don’t like it, and I don’t have the slightest idea why…besides maybe that they hate fun. Yeah, it does feel a bit 90’s, and it can get really loud, but you really cannot go wrong with dueling pianos. The inherent thematic details of the bar are basic and the drink menu is unimpressive, but those dueling pianos performing mostly classic rock is just too fun to pass up. It’s one of my personal favorites at Walt Disney World, so perhaps I’m a bit biased to this one.
6. Territory Lounge – This spot in Wilderness Lodge is probably one of the unheralded gems of Walt Disney World. Bearing some similarities to Redwood Bar & Lounge, this is a more rustic and Pacific Northwest-inspired lounge. What elevates Territory Lounge is that it has more detail, including shadowboxes with sportsman memorabilia and other items of Americana. Carved bears gracing the bar and a beautiful ceiling mural are among the highlights, and the decadent pub grub is the icing on the cake.
5. Rose & Crown – I can’t say for certain, but I’m guessing Rose & Crown in Epcot’s World Showcase is the liveliest and maybe most popular bar at Walt Disney World. Go here pretty much any evening, and crowds are spilling out into the walkways. This is for good reason, as the kitchen serves up some authentic, homestyle (or is it pubstyle?) foods and the bartenders can mix up some delicious blended draughts, among other drinks.. It is transportive in that it feels like it takes you from Walt Disney World to a real pub in the UK (albeit idealized). On top of that, its outdoor seating offers great views of IllumiNations.
4. La Cava del Tequila – La Cava has taken the Walt Disney World fan community by storm with its interesting margaritas, but I like it for a different reason: what better place to drink than a cave? The menu is unique, there are a variety of tequilas from affordable to “high roller” level, and the staff is knowledgeable. I’d say the margaritas are unique and good but not amazing. However, the environment and service are both exceptional, making this a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World. This is especially true in the early afternoon (and much less so in evenings).
3. Carthay Circle Lounge – Carthay Circle Lounge made Straight Outta Compton’s Ice Cube the second most awesome ice cube in Southern California. The reigning champion? The ‘cubes produced by Carthay’s custom pressed ice machine. The excellence of Carthay goes well beyond the ice cubes, to the unique and stylish drink menu, and the lavish and old Hollywood level of class. I don’t know much about old Hollywood, but imagine the bar in the Hollywood Tower Hotel before it became Tower of Terror. Yeah, it’s that elegant, and the nicest place to get a drink at Disney California Adventure. Read and see more in our Carthay Circle Review.
2. Trader Sam’s – I’m lumping both Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Hotel together, which is probably a crime. Although they unquestionably share the same thematic bloodlines, they are so different in style and execution that they really each deserve slots on this list. (They’d be 2-3, with Grog Grotto just a hair better than the original, for what it’s worth.) What makes these bars so special is their intimate environments, embrace of tiki culture, self-referential and strong details, and interactive fun. These bars are both packed with detail, and are unabashed, kitschy fun. They are Disney’s take on tiki bars, complete with Imagineered effects and Disney backstories. We’ll have a Grog Grotto Review soon, but for now, you can get more of an idea of the “magic” of these bars in our Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Review.
1. Teddy Roosevelt Lounge – A bar in Tokyo DisneySea. Honoring an American President. On a classic American ocean liner. That’s just the tip of the iceberg with Teddy Roosevelt Lounge, a bar the very existence of defies explanation. It doesn’t stop there, with painted murals of key points of Roosevelt’s life, antiques and memorabilia showcasing his rise to power, and photos depicting some of his accomplishments. It doesn’t stop there, either. The lounge abounds with rich, masculine woods that are detailed and textured, the booths are beautifully upholstered, there are overstuffed leather couches sit under a painted ceiling rotunda around a fireplace, and the light fixtures are all detailed. This lounge is lavish–far moreso than the Club 33 members-only 1901 Lounge. Add to that a 6 or so page sophisticated drink menu and some nice, light snacks, and Teddy Roosevelt Lounge surpasses every other entry on this list. It really must be seen to be believed, but you can get an idea of its excellence from the photos in our Teddy Roosevelt Lounge Review.
Now, some honorable mentions. Even though none of the resorts around the world have a lot of offerings that can be described as nightlife, the parks do have a lot of nice bars. Some of those include Mizner’s (one of the classier joints), Tune-In Lounge (a kitschy throwback), Dawa Bar (a relaxed, open air locale in the heart of Animal Kingdom), Top of the World Lounge (great views of the Magic Kingdom), and Crew Cup Lounge (think of it as a classy place for yacht owners to unwind). There are many other great options, and everyone seems to have their bar of choice–even in the Disney Parks!
Looking for Disney trip planning tips to plan your next Disney Parks Bar Crawl? 😉 Make sure to read our Disney Parks Vacation Planning Guides, including our popular Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide and Disneyland Trip Planning Guide.
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YOUR THOUGHTS…
Any Disney bars you think got snubbed from this list? Any choices here that you think don’t belong? Share some of your favorites, and if you think I mis-ranked any bars, or made any poor choices? If you have any other questions or comments, please leave them below.
The Wine Bar in Italy, Epcot is amazing. We’ve spent many hazy, boozy evenings there. Wine flights, lemoncello and espresso martinis, adorable Italian bartenders. Add in the food and desserts! I have four favorites in Disney, Rose and Crown, Wine Bar, Jellyrolls and Trader Sams. There are so many I love though. Maybe it’s because the kids are grown and we’re making it a hobby now!
” A bar in Tokyo DisneySea. Honoring an American President. ”
Yeah, but Teddy did broker the Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War, so it kind of makes sense.
Do you recommend reservations at Ragland Road? I’m interested in going for drinks, an appetizer, and that fantastic bread pudding!
If you’re able, I’d recommend ADRs at *any* Disney restaurant. Last time we did walk up at Raglan Road, it was about a 30 minute wait.
So happy to see Jellyrolls on the list. I don’t know how anyone dislikes that place!? Those guys are SO talented!
This is a really great list that I can’t argue with with one exception. Re: Jellyrolls – I don’t hate fun; I hate paying $10 cover for a bar that only has one beer on tap – especially when that beer is Budweiser. As fun as the atmosphere is, it’s just not worth it. If I was a Cast Member and could get in without cover charge I would probably go there more frequently, but IMHO they *really* need to either improve their drink selection, decrease their cover charge, or both.
I am a big fan of your alternate suggestion of River Roost Lounge though – Yehaa Bob is at least as fun as Jellyrolls IMHO, and even better – there’s no cover and a much better drink selection!
This is a really good point. When I put together the list, I wasn’t really thinking about that asinine cover charge at Jellyrolls, which has irritated me (to put it mildly) on multiple occasions. Perhaps I should swap River Roost and Jellyrolls to make River Roost the prominent location there…
Hi Tom,
Firstly I’d like to say that I have followed you for a while, but never left a comment 🙂 And I am a photographer that has been inspired by your work on so many occasions.
This is a great list and I have just added Territory Lounge to the list , for when me and my girlfriend go back to DisneyWorld 🙂
Also, the Rose & Crown was awesome. I wouldn’t say it depicts our (UK) pubs perfectly though, but the fish and chips were spot on!!!
Thanks for leaving a comment! 🙂
I don’t think anything in World Showcase is a *perfect* depiction, but Rose & Crown is more or less accurate to what I’ve experienced in some UK pubs.
Very true!
May I ask, where does this page get my little avatar picture from? It is confusing me as I do not know of any page I have that uses it?
Wine Cellar @epcot is The best
Great list.
Isn’t it fun doing “research” for articles like this?
The only one I’ll add is the only bar/lounge on Disney property (I think?) that has it’s own private floor level.
VICTORIA FALLS at the AKL is Magical to me.
Victoria Falls is good, but its openness detracts a bit. It could be great, but for that. I dunno, maybe others like that–or it bugs them less, though.
Cava del Tequila is amazing. We did the after hours there and I actually like tequila straight now. Tom the picture you have is right where my husband and I sat that night and we got to sign the barrel. We were both excited to see it’s still there!
While I love the Redwood Bar as well Cafe Fantasia and Billy Bobs win out, Fantasia for the piano player and Billy Bobs for people watching.
WDW I’m also partial to an avocado margarita from Cava del Tequila, though as a Londoner I really can’t endorse Rose and Crown. Surprisingly I love the poolside bar at AoA and The Margarita Flight at the Brown Derby.
Completely off the wall question. What is the possiblity of doing a “boat” pub crawl around the lagoon? Start at the poly, walk to the Floridian, boat to MK, boat to contemporary, boat to wilderness lodge? Would that be an insane waste of times waiting for boats? Got a trip coming up in October and I’m trying to get creative.
No, I think you’d be quite fine doing that. Unless it’s a really busy time, the boats are fairly efficient. Plus, they are fun rides, and the wind on your face when you’re a tad buzzed feels great. Not that I have experience or anything. 😉
I actually think the boats are very under appreciated. Old retired whitty captains DDing you around a resort lake sounds like a blast haha I’ll document the experience for the worlds benefit 😉
What time at night do the boats stop transporting people? And what time does all the other transportation stop? We’re thinking of not renting a car and staying at one of the Disney hotels but we want to go out and have fun at night, so I need to know when (and how) we can get home from the bars. Also, what’s your best hotel pick for a couple who wants to not rent a car, do all the parks, and still go out at night to have fun? Thanks for all your advice and insight!
I have a soft spot for the Tambu Lounge at the Poly, gotta love the Lapu Lapus!! The Cove bar should be number based solely on the Lobster Nachos, they aren’t just the best food in DCA, they are they best thing in all of the domestic parks! Unless you don’t like amazing things in which you would rank them a tad lower. Last DLR trip we were there for 6 days and had those nachos for lunch 3 times. It is a cheap lunch compared to ordering to QS meals!
Dang, now you have me wanting to go get some Lobster Nachos! They are truly one of the gems of Disney dining.
I am very partial to the Belle View Lounge at Boardwalk, and Martha’s Vineyard at Beach Club. Both are very understated, with good drink/beer selections, and they both offer an “off the beaten path” vibe.
I view these both as “get the job done” type of bars. They are both well appointed, but don’t offer anything to make them really stand out. Nothing wrong with that, though!
Interesting that my #2 (I agree entirely with your #1!) Isn’t on the list at all.
My #2 is Café Fantasia in the Disneyland Hotel, Disneyland Paris. You could make the argument that it’s diminished because it shares some seating/atmosphere with the common “central restaurant” area, but I don’t personally mind that… and even if you do, the bar itself, while small, is fabulously decorated with numerous little homages and unique design features. A cocktail and a crêpe platter there is one of my absolute must do experiences at DLP.
I fully agree with this! I’m also partial to sitting at the top of Billy Bobs and people watching.
Okay, so in complete fairness, I’ve spent a grand total of maybe 5 minutes in Cafe Fantasia. Each time I’ve gone there, the place has been packed, with seating spilling out into the lobby area (which I believe is called Main Street Lounge?). That lobby didn’t really appeal to me.
That’s a way of saying that I guess I haven’t given Cafe Fantasia appropriate consideration. Next time we are there, I’ll make more of an effort to get in! 🙂
On our next WDW holiday we are planning a drink and snack tour around the monorail (plus Wilderness Lodge) resorts so this is a great post to see. Very excited to experience the Grog Grotto, I think that may get a couple of visits over the holiday. We are also planning a visit to JellyRolls which we didn’t make it to before – well we made it in the door but blanched at the cover charge as it was late and we weren’t planning on staying that long. Our go to is the Crew Cup Lounge, we love the Yacht Club but also just the little bar tucked into the lobby at the Yacht Club which I think is nameless. We spent some happy evenings there on honeymoon! We just call it “Our Bar”! We’ve never really tried out Rose&Crown, I think because we are from the UK. It did make me smile that you called it an “idealized version” – what? You don’t think British pubs are actually that welcoming, fun and clean? Tsk. 😉
That cover charge at Jellyrolls is one of the most absurd things ever…especially when it’s really late, and virtually no one is in the bar. You’d think they would *want* more guests in the door, buying drinks, in those situations.
Maybe they had issues with people wanting free entertainment and not ordering drinks in the past?
I also am a fan of Crew Cup Lounge. I’ll just say Rose & Crown is idealized in the same way New Orleans Square is idealized. No further comment. 😉
Yes, I was surprised by the cover charge, it just didn’t seem very “Disney resort-esque” I can understand at Downtown Disney/Springs as that’s more open to the public but the Boardwalk seems quite resort-guest centric and we’re already paying a premium! I guess your reasoning on the not buying drinks thing is probably right!
Ale and Compass is the lounge tucked away in the lobby at the Yacht Club. Have you been there Tom? Last I was there was OCT 16′ and they had Founders All Day IPA – a treat for anyone who appreciates craft beer! You should definitely check it out on your next trip.
No love for Magellan’s at Tokyo DisneySea? Come on Tom….
Wow. I totally forgot about it when putting together the list. I can’t believe that.
It obviously would make the list, so I guess the question is where. On the one hand, it’s a restaurant bar, but on the other, it has its own level, and isn’t an afterthought like most restaurant bars. It lacks the level of design of the restaurant itself (aside from the rotunda), but is still very good. I guess I’d put it middle of the pack? Maybe after Cove Bar?
You are driving me nuts with all these Tokyo Disneyland top picks! It’s making me want to go so bad and I don’t see how I can afford it! But keep writing them so I can live vicariously through you. Also I love this blog I’ve been reading for a year but was always to afraid to post a comment.
Well…if it makes you feel better, at least the Tokyo parks only have one entry on the list!
Thanks for taking the time to comment; glad you’re enjoying the blog!
Hearthstone Lounge? 🙁
Hearthstone would definitely crack the top 20, but not the top 10 for me. Plus, having 3 of the same style (Redwood, Territory, and it) on the top 10 seemed excessive.
Mine would be:
Raglan Road
Tutto Gusto
Trader Sams (both)
The Cove
Rose and Crown
Dawa Bar
The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
The BOATHOUSE dock bar
Territory Lounge
Muddy Rivers
I’m hoping that Jock Lindsay’s will break into the top ten. Huge Indiana Jones fan and huge beer fan, so put the two together, and I’m sold!
Interesting list! In fairness, I haven’t been to the Brown Derby Lounge or BOATHOUSE bar yet, so those could very well make the list. I’m also hopeful Jock Lindsay’s will crack the list.
I know that you don’t spend a ton of time visiting or reviewing the Swan and Dolphin dining options, and that you may not consider them Disney Resort “canon” for lists like this even if you did. However, I really do think you would greatly enjoy the lounge at Todd English’s bluezoo. Even when the bar is stuffed with smarmy conventioneers, it’s impossible to not enjoy yourself because the cocktails and pub food are that good.
Yeah, they weren’t included for consideration because they’re non-Disney. If they were, Kiminos would’ve made my list. There are a few good bars there!