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DFB Challenge: The Walt Disney World Beer Crawl


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Alrighty, Guys — it’s time for another fun Disney Food Blog Challenge. And this one is definitely for the grown ups!

Everyone’s aware that craft Beer has become increasingly popular. Sure, through the years, you always had the garden variety options…

Lovely Beer!

Lovely Beer!

But these days, Craft Beers and International Selections are where it’s at. So we thought that it was high time we take a closer look at some of the interesting beer that you can get throughout Walt Disney World.

In the interest of interactive fun, we decided to come up with another DFB Food — er, Beverage — Crawl, dedicated to the world of beer, and all that it encompasses.

And we know that there are LOTS of you out there who are serious about your study and research of this important subject. We are in it for the fun. ;-)So we definitely want YOUR comments below on what you think the Can’t Miss Beers of Walt Disney World are!

Because this is a rather weighty subject, we’ll spread it out over a 3 day visit. But feel free to consolidate as your tolerance level allows.

Grab some beer nuts, and let’s go!

Day One: Explore Epcot

We’ll start our 3-day Beer Crawl in the best place for sampling a wide variety of food and drink — Epcot!

When beer is the main attraction of the day, it’s a good idea to get some sustenance first thing. We love to enter Epcot via the International Gateway Entrance and start our day with a stop in Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavilion for a petit déjeuner of French Pastries and Coffee or Chocolat Chaud.

We especially love the Frangipane Triangles!

Frangipane -- Cross Section

Frangipane — Cross Section

If you’d like a full-on breakfast platter-type situation, head to Sunshine Seasons (although the Croissant Berry Bread Pudding gets our vote).

Fueled up and ready to go, it’s time to hit World Showcase!

Moosehead in the Canada Pavilion

We all have our traditions, and one that we love to embrace is the First Beer of the Day in Epcot. And that honor almost always goes to Moosehead as we begin our Drinking Journey around the World! Find it at the Canada Beer Stand located near the entrance to Le Cellier Steakhouse.

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The beer offerings in Canada

Stroll the area, making time to check out the Totem Poles before you head to your next stop.

Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in the UK Pavilion

With a small breakfast and your first brew under your belt, it’s time to stop for lunch and more beer in one of our favorite Epcot dining spots.

The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in the UK Pavilion offers a wide array of beer and cider from the British Isles. Make your advance dining reservation ahead of time for a sit down meal, or take a gamble with finding a spot in the pub (it can get pretty crowded in there). Note that you can also get beers at a counter outside the restaurant and pub.

Sampling British beers is your goal here, so we recommend the Imperial Sampler, which normally includes pours of Bass, Harp, Strongbow, Boddington’s, and Guinness.

Imperial-Sampler-500x320.jpg

Imperial Sampler

Alternatively, you can choose from a long list of Pub Blends, which are half-and-half mixes of some of the beer on tap. You’ll never go wrong with a Black and Tan — half Bass Ale and half Guinness.

Of course, if you have a favorite beer among those on tap, enjoy a pint of that one instead. We especially love to order a Guinness, served with its famous Shamrock Head!

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Shamrock Design on Top of Guinness

And if you visit on a weekday, don’t forget to say “hello” to Carl the Bartender!

Japan

With a little lunch under your belt, it’s time to hit up the Japan Pavilion for another unique stop on your beer tour. Kirin Frozen Beer comes with a fluffy, semi-frozen head that keeps your beer cold a little longer in that warm Florida sun.

While the picture below is from Tokyo Dining, you can also get a portable version in a plastic cup at Kabuki Cafe.

Frozen Kirin Beer in Epcot's Japan

Frozen Kirin Beer in Epcot’s Japan

Take in some time listening to the drummers or checking out the koi pond, or just relax for a bit in the shade of Mitsukoshi Department Store while you sip your refreshing beer.

Tutto Gusto/Via Napoli

Once you’re finished exploring Japan, continue to circle World Showcase until you arrive in the Italy Pavilion. Plan to stop into Tutto Gusto for your next beer tasting adventure.

Craft beers are a relatively new thing in Italy, and the Italy Pavilion is working hard to import some of the most interesting of the crop. You’ll find selections change up fairly quickly here and at the neighboring Via Napoli, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Italians take the same care in brewing beer that they use when crafting wine, so you’re likely to enjoy your selection.

We’ve tried Moretti La Rossa.

Moretti La Rossa in World Showcase's Italy

Moretti La Rossa in World Showcase’s Italy

If you’re after a portable option, snag a regular Moretti or a Peroni one of the kiosks in the Pavilion.

The Moretti modeling in Italy

Moretti in the Italy Pavilion

If you happen to be visiting during the Food and Wine Festival, consider booking the Italian Food and Beer Pairing Lunch for a deeper exploration of what Italy has available when it comes to brews.

Germany

We’ve sipped and strolled and enjoyed cultures and beer from all over the world. And now we arrive at dinnertime! Of course, it makes sense that our next stop should be in a country especially celebrated for beer — Germany.

Make your advance dining reservation for dinner at Biergarten.

Dinner at Biergarten is an amazing experience. Sit at long tables and enjoy a meal of all you care to enjoy German favorites and lively entertainment. And for an authentic experience, order your beer in a liter mug!

A Liter of Beer!

A Liter of Beer!

Finish your evening by enjoying Epcot and Illuminations under the stars before tucking into bed in preparation of more awesomeness tomorrow.

Day Two: Hit Up Disney’s BoardWalk, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom

I hope you got a good night’s sleep, because we are ready to roll for Beer Crawl Day Two! Time to do some serious hopping.

Since we’re beginning our day at Animal Kingdom, we’ll start off at one of our favorite spots for breakfast — Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. Choose the Hot Breakfast Wrap for a less sugary option, or the Warm Colossal Cinnamon Roll if you have a sweet tooth and are in the mood to share. Then it’s time to head out!

Dawa Bar

Our first stop today takes us into Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a stop at the Dawa Bar in Harambe Village. This is a great place to kick back and do a little people watching while you enjoy a cold one.

If you’re looking for a draft beer, check out the Safari Amber, which is also available at Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge's Sanaa at Kidani Village

Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa at Kidani Village

You can also choose from two African Lagers — St. George and Tusker. We love St. George on a hot day in Harambe — it’s the perfect light, smooth beer for handling the heat.

St. George Beer and Tusker Lager

St. George Beer and Tusker Lager

After a little exploration of the park and maybe a ride or two, head to Disney’s BoardWalk for our next stop.

Big River Grille and Brewing Company

Plan to spend lunch at Disney’s only working microbrewery, Big River Grille and Brewing Company at the BoardWalk Inn.

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Brew Kettle, Big River Grille

Big River’s on-site, working brewery is the place to sample several handcrafted beers, including the award-winning Red Rocket Ale. Inquire about seasonal brews and check their schedule for tapping parties, too!

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Beer Flight

Of course, we’re here for the beer, but the food menu complements it nicely — and even uses beer as an ingredient at times. We love the Beer Cheese Soup especially.

Take a stroll on the BoardWalk, spend the afternoon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or take a nap!

Be Our Guest Restaurant

It’s a tough reservation to book, but if you can get it, our next recommendation is to head to Magic Kingdom for dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Walt Disney World’s original Park was dry before the expansion of Fantasyland a few years back, when Be Our Guest Restaurant exploded onto the scene. Because the spot offers traditional French fare, it only made sense to include wine and beer for the dinner hour. But even today, there are restrictions; the restaurant is the only spot in the Park where you can purchase alcohol, and it is only available for the dinner hour inside the restaurant. You won’t see anyone strolling with a beer past it’s a small world.

Our recommendation is to keep it traditional, and order a Chimay Blue. For an occasion as special as a meal in Beast’s Castle, we think it’s perfect choice.

Chimay Blue at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Chimay Blue at Be Our Guest Restaurant

Take in Wishes, and then get some sleep, because there’s more beer for tomorrow!

Day Three: Time for Downtown Disney and the Resorts

Second only to Epcot in its potential for beverage enjoyment, Downtown Disney is a Beer Lover’s Haven. We’re going to find some great choices as we make our way through this part of Disney.

Raglan Road Irish Pub

After breakfast at the resort of your choice and some time by the pool, head over to Downtown Disney for a hearty lunch at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant!

This is a great time to visit the Pub, because it’s rarely crowded in the afternoons. Choose from their extensive menu of pub favorites. The soups here are killer, and the Fish and Chips — both traditional and gluten-free versions — are tops!

To experience the most variety, we’ll once again suggest a flight. We love the Cream of the Crop Flight, because it allows you to choose from all of the draft beers available — and that’s a pretty extensive list!

Choose Your Own Beer Flight of Warsteiner, Magners, Kilkenny, and Smithwicks at Raglan Road!

Cream of the Crop Flight!

You’ll want to do a bit of walking and window shopping next! Enjoy a leisurely spin through the shops of Downtown Disney before we head to our next destination.

Bongos Cuban Cafe

When it’s time for an afternoon break, make your way to Bongos Cuban Cafe for a seat at their bar. There, you can order up some hearty appetizers if you’re inclined, or keep it simple with one of our favorite beers, Modelo Especial. Light and refreshing, we especially enjoy it with a squeeze of lime.

Modelo Beer with Lime

Modelo Beer with Lime

Portobello Country Italia Trattoria

Our final stop will be for dessert, rather than for beer!

One of the most interesting desserts that you can get in all of Walt Disney World can be found at Portobello Country Italia Trattoria. After enjoying a dinner of Italian favorites, order the Biramisu!

The classic dessert Tiramisu is reinterpreted here with the addition of a beer reduction in place of the usual coffee-liquor combo.

Biramisu

Biramisu

Biramisu - Inside

Biramisu – Inside

And don’t forget — there are tons of wonderful watering holes throughout Walt Disney World. Take time to explore lounges and pool bars at each of the resorts. You could make a vacation from these spots alone!

So that’s just about all of the beer that we can drink in three days! We hope you’ve enjoyed this fun tour via the beers of Walt Disney World. And now it’s time to hear from you!

Will you complete the challenge? What beers are your favorite to enjoy while at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

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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