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Tips from the DFB Guide: Off-The-Radar Disney World Bars and Lounges


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Walt Disney World is supa fun, but it’s also go-go-go-go. Sometimes ya just gotta relax.

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Of course, there’re all kinds of ways to accomplish that. But after a long, hard day of Disney touring, I love to head to one of my favorite Disney Bars and Lounges.

“Bar” might not be the first word you think of when you picture Mickey Ears and Pixie Dust. But actually, these are some of my favorite spots on property for a number of reasons.

And I know you agree, because when I first published the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, a comprehensive Index of Disney World’s Bars and Lounges was one of our readers’ top requests.

Well — we heard you! And I’m happy to let you know that the DFB Guide includes reviews of every Bar and Lounge in Walt Disney World!

Let’s dive into the Index and take a closer look at a few. You know my favorites, like Territory Lounge and the Dawa Bar. But today, I want to take you on a tour of a few places you may not have discovered yet.

And if you find this information helpful, then be sure to pick up your copy of the Guide today for $4 off using code “2015” right here!

Ready to grab a drink?

A Niche Menu and Free Beer: The Wave Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary resort is a great place to take in a relaxing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Seldom crowded, the restaurant, located in the quiet back corner of the hotel’s lobby offers a market-inspired menu at a much lower price point than you’ll find at Disney’s suite of signature restaurants. You’ll also find some delicious breakfast options.

But in addition to interesting eats, you’ll also find a pretty cool bar and lounge area.

The Bar at Disney's The Wave Restaurant

The Bar at Disney’s The Wave Restaurant

While the food menu is market-driven, the drink menu features some specialties, too. The Wave’s wine list features New World Wines, primarily from the Southern Hemisphere. And nearly all of the wines featured have one thing in common — screwcaps! Sealing wines with screwcaps is a way to battle cork taint, an unfortunate chemical reaction that can ruin a good bottle of wine. So don’t be put off by screwcaps the next time you see one; many quality New World wines, especially those from New Zealand and Australia, are sealed this way.

Wines at the Wave

Wines at the Wave

Do your tastes run to beer rather than wine? The Wave also features a nice selection of Organic Beers. In fact, if you’re a guest staying at the Contemporary or Bay Lake Towers, you can enjoy a Complimentary Organic Beer Tasting on Saturdays from 3-4PM. (Remember, this is JUST if you’re staying at the resort.)

Beer Flight at The Wave

Beer Flight at The Wave

Just stopping in for a drink? Try the Beer Flight. The presentation is pretty impressive.

A Bar That Switches Things Up: Kona Island Coffee/Sushi Bar

Another favorite stop of mine certainly lives up to the name “bar” — but for completely different reasons. In this case, we’re (mostly) trading cocktails for java and some interesting eats.

New Tiki Statue in Lobby at the Polynesian!

New Tiki Statue in Lobby at the Polynesian!

The Polynesian Village Resort has just undergone a major facelift. We’ve welcomed new spots, like the Pineapple Lanai (the resort’s purveyor of Dole Whips these days) as well as the crazy popular Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (waiting times have been up to 6 hours during its soft opening!)

Trader Sam's door sign

Trader Sam’s Door Sign

But with all of the changes, the resort has maintained most of its beloved eateries, including Kona Island Coffee and Sushi Bar.

Kona Island Coffee and Sushi Bar

Kona Island Coffee and Sushi Bar

It may seem like an odd combo — and it is! But don’t be put off; coffee and sushi aren’t available at the same time. Enjoy delicious coffee and pastries during morning hours. But for the evening hours, this is a great option if sushi is your thing.

Kona Island Bakery Case

Kona Island Bakery Case

Enjoy made to order sushi, including both rolls and Nigiri-style. And while you can also enjoy a cocktail, wine, or beer here, I love to stop by for another refreshing treat — Hawaiian Shave Ice.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice, cherry and pina colada

Hawaiian Shave Ice

It’s so refreshing that I feel like I’m back in the islands when I enjoy it!

A Place with Old World Charm: Mizner’s Lounge

Finally, let’s look in at one of my favorite spots for refined elegance — Mizner’s Lounge. You’ll find Mizner’s tucked into one end of the Grand Floridian’s second floor.

Potted palms and richly decorated carpets hint at the Victorian vibe that the resort is known for.

Mizner's Lounge at the Grand Floridian

Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian

But don’t expect to hear chamber music as you sit for a spell. When the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra fires up, they’ll be playing jazz! And that’s one reason to love Mizner’s; the draw of live music is so fun and, well, posh.

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra

I love to meet friends here for a drink and some conversation. But they also offer some delicious dishes, which makes Mizner’s the perfect spot for some interesting appetizers. If you decide to check it out, I definitely recommend the Pork Belly!

Pork Belly

Pork Belly

The preparation may change a bit now and then, but it’s been absolutely delicious every time I’ve visited.

Ready for All of Our Best Tips?

We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including descriptions of every single bar and lounge in Walt Disney World — in our big, bold, 490-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet!

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The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan the best vacation ever. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 E-book — and use code 2015 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time!

Now let’s hear from all of you! Tell us all about your favorite bar or lounge in Walt Disney World, and what makes it so special!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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