When it comes to solo travel or traveling with your adult friends, there is no greater perk than having free rein of the best lounges at Disney World.
Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, these lounges do not require an Advanced Dining Reservation.
That means you get all the perks with none of the hassle.
Sounds pretty good to me, don’t you agree, ThemeParkHipster?
Now, I’ll be honest with you… this was NOT an easy list to make!
There are dozens of lounges on Walt Disney World property and every one of them has something unique to offer.
So, I had to narrow this list down to those that feature all of the following: quality food, unique drinks, highly themed décor, and above all else… individuality!
Just get ready to be surprised because most of there aren’t event in at Disney World park!
Are you ready to find the perfect hotspot to sit back, relax, and chill with the mouse in style?
Let’s go traveling!
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1. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is Disney World’s best kept secret, offering guests a tiki-driven patchwork of tropical cocktails and whimsical décor.
This one-of-a-kind watering hole in the wall (it’s literally just a hole in the wall) is bedecked with ancient artifacts, ridiculous relics, and tantalizing treasures.
Meanwhile, the names of the libations alone will have you feeling like a castaway on your own forbidden island; Polynesian Pearl, Hippopoto Mai-Tai, Tahitian Torch and the Dark & Tropical Stormy.
Check out our debate on the BEST Lounges at Disney World here!
Vibe of This Lounge at Disney World
Despite the alluring Adventureland that is Trader Sam’s menu and South Sea’s aesthetic, it is truly the staff that has garnered this island-clad speakeasy a cult following.
Full of hilarious hijinks, sardonic sass, and mystical mirth, the staff makes this jumping joint come to life!
Just be careful where you sit… and what you order… and watch out for that volcano — Uh-Oa, have we said too much?
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
- Kalua Pork Tacos
- Thai Chicken Flatbread
- Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum: Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Pineapple and Orange Juices dusted with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
- Polynesian Pearl: RumChata Cream Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon with Tropical Juices.
- Nautilus: Cruzan Mango Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crème de Pêche de Vigne Liqueur, Tropical Juices, and Falernum
- Uh-Oa: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice. Recommended for Two or more Guests.
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2. Nomad Lounge (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park)
There is so much to do and see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!
So, it may come as a shock when I say that Nomad Lounge is not only on our list of the 7 Best Lounges at Disney World, but it is also one of my favorite places to hang out while in the park!
Trust me, there is just as much to explore here as there is in the wild.
Vibe of This Lounge at Disney World
Neighbor to the highly celebrated Tiffins Restaurant, Nomad Lounge follows in their footsteps by paying homage to the traveling explorers of the Imagineers and animal experts who helped create Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
This praise spills into the lounge with a loud roar, as festive banners hang high above, each posing a different question about traveling the world and the thrill of discovery.
If you love the immersive side of Disney World, become a part of the story by writing down answers to these questions on decorative tags provided by Cast Members.
Next time you visit, you just may find your responses hanging on a “tag chandelier” suspended above the bar for all to see.
The lounge offers eclectic décor lit purposefully by natural lighting, as well as cozy armchairs and couches that beckon you to take a seat and rest your weary bones.
Oh – and as for the food and drink – it’s all the globetrotting flavors profiles of Tiffins without the hefty price tag!
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at Nomad Lounge
- Tuna Poke Bowl: Steamed Rice, Red Cabbage Kimchi, Edamame, Sesame-chili Glaze
- Tiffins Bread Service: Coconut-Curry Sauce, Guava Sauce, Ginger-Pear Chutney
- Lamu Libation: Starr African Rum, Cruzan Banana Rum, and Guava Purée with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Gosling’s 151 Rum
- Snow Leopard Salvation: Vusa Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, Mint, Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer
- Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft: African-inspired deep amber ale brewed exclusively for Walt Disney World® with Sorghum and a special blend of spices including Cinnamon and Cardamom
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3. Tune-In Lounge (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
50’s Prime Time Café is a family favorite and for good reason!
The waitstaff is 100% on point and in on the joke, as they put your party on the spot for resting their elbows on the table or reprimanding your family for not finishing their meal.
These kinds of escapades have kept guests in stitches since 1989.
But when you’re traveling solo, group activities such as these aren’t always on the to-do list. And that’s where the Tune-In Lounge shines.
Vibe of This Lounge at Disney World
This retro alternative to 50’s Prime Time Café allows you to skip the kitsch and sip a specialty cocktail all while watching classic TV!
While the menu focuses solely on Specialty Cocktails, Wine, and Beer, I find this the perfect place to duck inside on a hot day for a cool beverage and a touch of theming.
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at Tune-In Lounge
- Grandma’s Picnic Punch: SVEDKA Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, Sweet-and-Sour, and Sprite® served with a souvenir glow Cube
- The Tune-In PBJ Cocktail: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Bols Blackberry Brandy, and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur topped with a Maraschino Cherry
- Dad’s Electric Lemonade: SVEDKA Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, Sweet-and-Sour, and Sprite® served with a souvenir glow Cube
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
4. Dahlia Lounge (Disney’s Coronado Springs)
Now, hang onto your melting clock, ThemeParkHipster, ‘cause this next lounge can be a bit surreal. I’m talking about none other than the whimsical Dahlia Lounge, located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Vibe of This Lounge at Disney World
This mesmerizing bar is a modern as it is romantic, dripping with Salvador Dali’s influential and timeless style.
Not to mention, the bar is overflowing with options and top-notch mixologists ready to fix you the perfect concoction to pair with your idyllic surroundings.
If you’re a wine drinker or looking to expand your palate, this is the spot to indulge in an expansive variety of world-class Spanish cavas.
Why We Love the Dahlia Lounge at Disney World
Though this place has late-night cocktail bar written all over it, don’t overlook grabbing a bite here as well.
The tapas are perfectly portioned, allowing you to try an array of Spanish cuisine without getting too full. After all, you’ve got to save room for that liquid courage.
If you’re fortunate enough to snag a seat outside, the lounge features a sweeping view of Walt Disney World property, especially The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Meanwhile, the interior showcases an art gallery’s worth of paintings and photographs, many of which feature both Salvador Dali and Walt Disney, himself.
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at Dahlia Lounge
- Dahlia Sliders: Beef with Chorizo Spice, Black Garlic Aïoli, House-pickled Onions, and Manchego on a Brioche Poppy Seed Bun with Patatas Bravas Sauce
- Shrimp Pil Pil: Ají Amarillo, Garlic, Albariño
- El Pepino: Xoriguer Gin de Mahón, Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Poblano, St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Lime, Cucumber
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Valor Resposado Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Agave Nectar, and flavors of Orange and Chocolate served over Ice and garnished with an Orange
- Sangría Blanco: Viña Borgia Macabeo, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Meditterráneo Liqueur, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Passion Fruit, Lemon
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5. Enchanted Rose Lounge (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
Class with a subtle nod to Beauty and the Beast, Enchanted Rose Lounge is without a doubt one of the most elegant finds on property.
However, don’t let the opulence scare you away. After all, Miss, this is Disney!
Vibe of This Lounge at Disney World
This magical lounge contains several themed rooms, each with their own throwbacks to the film, including:
- Classical baroque design
- French furnishings
- A garden room with notes of inspiration from the forest surrounding the castle grounds
- An outdoor patio reminiscent of the Beast’s garden terrace
- Ornate table clocks
- Intricate candelabras
- Even the encased enchanted rose itself
However, most breathtaking is the luminous light installation over the main bar — designed to resemble Belle’s iconic ballgown!
Why We Love the Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney World
When it comes to food and beverage, the menu is straight out of a fairytale.
The starters offer elevated versions of familiar favorites, such as Smoked Trout and Crab Dip, and Truffle Fries.
But it’s the drinks that truly shine, especially the featured martinis – each with their own distinct backstory.
Now, the Enchanted Rose Lounge can be a bit pricy, with some cocktails starting at $18. So, be sure to plan accordingly!
If you do, I’m sure you will find it absolutely spellbinding!
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at the Enchanted Rose Lounge
- Crab Macaroni & Cheese: Crab, Gnocchetti Sardi, Mornay Sauce, Citrus Breadcrumbs
- Rye Not?: Whistle Pig 10yr Rye Whiskey, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Cinnamon, Pineapple, and Lemon
- Kir Royale: Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne and Pomegranate Pearls
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6. Rose & Crown Lounge (EPCOT – World Showcase)
Rose & Crown Dining Room is one of the best dining experience at Epcot’s World Showcase, from personable servers to authentic fare, there is just something about this quaint little pub.
But how does its lounge measure up in comparison? That depends on you!
I promised this list of the 7 Best Lounges at Walt Disney World would be eclectic, and Rose & Crown Lounge fits that promise to the tea – oops – we mean – tee!
Why We Love the Rose & Crown Lounge at Disney World
Though the food menu is one of the most limited we’ve seen, both items are off the charts.
Fish & Chips, Pimm’s Cup, and the Scotch Egg are solid! But here, ales, lagers, stouts, and ciders reign supreme!
Believe it or not, there are over twenty varieties and combinations of ale and cider on the menu, ranging from a simple Smithwick’s to a Bumblebee, which showcases a generous pour of Boddingtons English Pub Ale and Guinness Stout.
Whether you’re looking to be treated like royalty or just an average Joe, Rose & Crown Lounge is ready to deliver you a proper pour. So, cheers, mate!
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at the Rose & Crown Pub
- Golden Fox Imperial Pint: Half Boddingtons English Pub Ale and Half Bass Ale
- Black Velvet Imperial Stout: Half Cider / Half Guinness Stout
- Leaping Leaprechaun: Myers’s Platinum Rum, Skyy Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Melon Liqueur, and Sweet-and-Sour topped with Sprite®
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: Steamed Pudding ‘Cake’ served with Warm Vanilla Custard and Hot Butter-Rum Sauce
Note: If you’ve ever wanted to be a Guinness drinker but can’t get over the chewy nature of the stout, the Black Velvet Imperial Stout is a must try! The cider cuts the breadiness in half, while adding a sweetness to mellow out Guinness’ bitter yet smooth bite.
7. Belle Vue Lounge (Disney’s Boardwalk Inn)
Last on our list of the 7 Best Lounges at Disney World is one that sends you on a trip down memory lane.
I’m talking about none-other than the quaint and unassuming Belle Vue Lounge at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.
Vibe of This Lounge at Disney World
This 1930s-era lounge offers fans of yesteryear a chance to sip and savor within the warm and inviting confines of a traditional sitting room.
This area is staged masterfully with comfy chairs, steam trunk coffee tables, and a decorative study.
Additionally, you’ll find board games, and old-fashioned radios that emit classic programs and melodramas from across the airways.
You can grab a coffee and pastry in the morning, but that’s it as far as food is concerned. As for the bar, it’s everything you’d expect with few surprises.
Why We Love the Belle Vue Lounge at Disney World
So, with such a limited menu, why has the Belle Vue Lounge made it on our list? Privacy!
The Belle Vue Lounge is tucked away inside Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, making it one of the most overlooked gems within the hotel.
In addition, it is seldom packed. So, you won’t have a wait at the bar or feel rushed to relieve your table.
In the busiest vacation spot in the entire world, it is nice have somewhere to rest, relax, recharge. And dare we say… zone out!
A Few of My Favorites Dishes on the Menu at the Rose & Crown Pub
- Belle Vue Cosmopolitan: Belvedere Vodka, Grand Marnier, and Cranberry Juice
- Cold Brew Martini: SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, Tia Maria Liqueur, Joffrey’s Coffee™ Cold Brew
- Sparkling Hibiscus: Helix7 Vodka, Sorel Liqueur, Lemon, Honey, and Grapefruit Soda
- Pineapple Mule: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, Pineapple Juice, Ginger Beer, and Mint
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What to Know Before You Go to Walt Disney World
Now that you know what the best lounges and bars are at Disney World, let’s go through a few of the most commonly asked questions.
Do you need reservations for lounges at Disney World?
You do not need a reservation for the lounges at Disney World. This makes them often overlooked by guests and a great option for when you’re solo traveling.
Please remember that certain popular hotels that located the closest to the theme parks will usually have a gate attendant who ask if you have a hotel or dining reservation.
Just let them know that you would like to visit the particular lounge and that you were not able to make a reservation for it online because it didn’t offer the option to make one.
How do I get to Space 220 lounge?
Though not on our list of the best lounges at Disney World, Space 220 deserves honorable mention. Some say it is “out of this world!”
If you wish to visit the lounge lounge, you must join the walk-up queue. However, this is not a virtual queue and will require you to wait in line.
Is Nomad Lounge walk-up only?
In order to experience Nomad Lounge, you can join the walk-up list in person or on My Disney Experience.
When you arrive, be sure to request whether you would like to sit inside or out. Outside seating features views of the waterway and bridge leading into Pandora.
What are some honorable mention lounges and bar at Disney World that I must visit?
Although I had to narrow down the list to seven, below are some of our other top recommendations across the Walt Disney World Resort:
- Three Bridges Bar and Grill (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
- The BOATHOUSE Outdoor Bar Area (Disney Springs)
- La Cava del Tequila (Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT)
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy Pavilion at EPCOT)
- Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
- Martha’s Vineyard (Beach Club Resort)
- Todd English Bluezoo Lounge
- The House of Blues Outdoor Bar Area (Disney Springs)
- Jellyrolls Lounge (Boardwalk Inn)
- Territory Lounge (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge)
- Oga’s Cantina (Hollywood Studios)
- Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar (Disney Springs)
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My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Lounges at Disney World
And there you have it, the best places to enjoy a relaxing vibe along with a deliciously stiff drink at Walt Disney World.
I hope you found this list helpful. Be sure to try them all and let us know which was your favorite in the comments below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Ted Wioncek III is a professional Show Director, who specializes in developing highly themed experiences with immersive live entertainment. His work has garnered him a reputation as a “master in storytelling.”
In addition, he is also a Walt Disney World Annual Passholdin’-D23 lovin’-DVC card carryin’-theme park enthusiast, specializing in theatrical review, food critique, and double-blind Dole Whip taste testing. Ted lives in sunny Florida with his beautiful wife, daughter, and their adorable rescue beagle, affectionately named, Professor Indiana Bones.
UP NEXT: 7 Best Disney Restaurants for Adults YOU Have to Visit
(Original Article Date: July 13, 2022/Updated by Editor on May 23, 2024)