Top 5 Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges of 2016

As the usually designated driver in my friend group, I don't often drink much at home. However, thanks to the complimentary transportation at the Walt Disney World Resort I'm free to imbibe as I please. This means that most vacation days will include at least one stop to enjoy Disney's fantastic bars and lounges. Here's a look at my Top 5 Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges of 2016.


op 5 Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges of 2016


Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar in Disney Springs

Adventure awaits the weary traveler who stops in for a drink at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. The theming riffs of the blockbuster hit Indiana Jones with a cornucopia of glob trotting treasures and air circus antics. The specialty cocktail menu is glorious with notes and stories of worldly affairs tucked in the pages between unique food & beverages. My favorite thing about the Hangar Bar is that the Mocktails (those creative concoctions without alcohol) are just as fun and flamboyant as the rest of the menu, making it a welcome stop for all ages.


Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar
The Mocktails Here Are Just As Fabulous As The Rest


La Cava Tequila in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion

Tequila lovers know that the place to be congregate at Walt Disney World is La Cava del Tequila in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion. Serving up handcrafted margaritas with some of the most interesting twists of this beloved cocktail that you can get anywhere, this bar is staffed with some of the most knowledgeable tequila professionals in the country. If you've ever wanted to delve into the world of tequila but didn't know where to start - this is the place.

Let me slide an honorable mention in here as well for the bar at Frontera Cocina, the beverage program at Disney Springs restaurant was put together by those folks at La Cava, you may even run into your favorite tequila ambassador while you're there.


Experts at La Cava Tequila
Pineapple Margarita With Black Ant Salt


Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

It's not every day you can walk into a bar that seems to have a life of its own, but Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is an experience in extreme theming with erupting volcanoes, a storming goddess, and giant clam that produces the most unique and delicious pearls. Not to mention, it can easily be said that Trader Sam's offers more fun souvenir mugs than anywhere else at Disney. If tiki is your thing, or you just love retro kitsch, you do not want to miss this bit of island fun.



Awaken The Tiki Goddess Uh Oa at Trader Sam's


AbracadaBAR on Disney's BoardWALK

An entertaining back story makes the AbracadaBAR one of the new "must visit" spots to wet your whistle in the Epcot Resort Area. This truly magical destination is a straightforward bar, delivering enchanting cocktails and curious concoctions. The decadent decor compliments this bar's illusionary theme and unique specialty cocktail menu that puts a new spin on some old classics. Located between the right in between the Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno it's the perfect stop for before dinner drinks.


Elegant And Magical AbracadaBAR


The Nomad Lounge in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Nomad Lounge is an upscale environment nestled deep within Animal Kingdom. Located adjacent to Tiffin's signature dining experience, Nomad Lounge is all about the journey. In addition to the exquisite interior, Nomad Lounge has stunningly beautiful deck seating that overlooks Animal Kingdom's tropical forest. The cocktail menu here brings together flavors from around the world and highlights the magnificent cuisine presented by the Tiffin's kitchen.


The Nomad Lounge
Nomad Lounge Interior


While these are my favorites in 2016 - I'm super pumped for 2017 and the opening of The Edison in Disney Springs. This legendary LA hot spot is one of the city's most visionary spaces, a mecca for Steam Punk enthusiasts, and widely regarded as one of the best bars in America. Currently under construction, The Edison is slated to open sometime in 2017, and I'm sure it will be a spot you won't want to miss.

What were your favorite spots to get a drink at Disney in 2016? Leave a comment and let me know!