Beer at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
“The Magic is strong! And so are the drinks!” -Alma ‘Abuela’ Madrigal
BEER at Disney is twice as magical and twice as expensive than anywhere else. So you must fully enjoy the magic. To help you do that, these are my favorite spots to easily grab a beer at each of the 4 main parks in Orlando. When I say easily, I mean no reservation and not a long walk between beer, and a good spot to enjoy it (I will deviate a bit from this when I get to Magic Kingdom).
Ok… (in Peter Pan’s voice) “Here We Go!!!!”
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animal Kingdom is such an underrated park in general. You truly have to stop and look around to really enjoy it. You can’t rush from one attraction to the next. I love so many spots here, from Nomad Lounge, to Dawa Bar, to Thirsty River Bar. But my personal favorite spot to enjoy a beer is right by ‘The Feathered Friends in Flight!’ show. You can grab a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from around the corner at Drinkwalla, and then find a spot right on the water across from the show. One of the few benefits of Covid, is a boat full of characters will randomly go by waving and playing music (although Meet & Greets come back this month, so that may change).
This spot has a great view of the Tree of Life as well. There are over 300 animals carved into the tree, and a good beer while looking for animals and enjoying the view, is the perfect theme park break.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is now home to Galaxy’s Edge, so I instantly wanted to pick Oga’s Cantina as my favorite spot, but reservations are not always easy to come by. However, I should mention, if you are determined to get in, stick around until closing time, and they may be able to get you in.
Since Oga’s isn’t an always visit spot when I go to Hollywood Studios, my pick here is Baseline Taphouse. They have a small area inside (which is coveted in the Summer), and an outdoor area to take a break and enjoy a California beer. They also allow Droids.
Baseline has an array of styles all from breweries in California. You can get a 16oz, 22oz, or a flight! They also have some craft type NA options, and wine. The food options are limited, but delicious. Base line is right between Star Tours, and Galaxy’s Edge, and if you get just the right table you can get a nice view of an AT-AT randomly shooting at tourists.
*Baseline usually closes an hour before the park does.
Epcot
This is my favorite park, and the hardest decision to make. So, stay tuned for my upcoming article: The Best Spots to Enjoy a Beer at each country in Epcot.
That being said, I had to pick one, so I went with the UK. You can grab a beer at the Rose & Crown Pub (or the beer cart in front, then you can avoid having to pay a tip). I usually go for a pint of Guinness. They also have Stella, Harp, Bass, and a few other beers or ciders, including options to mix them, such as a Snake Bite or a Black & Tan.
Once you have secured a beer, walk by the area selling fish and chips, and head toward the water. There are tables and chairs, but not too many. I just love this area, because it’s by the water and not near too many people. Just leaning against the railing, taking the view in, with a pint of Guinness, is Disney magic to me. And if you have kids that are incapable of sitting still, I usually go all the way to the side, so they can bounce around and not get in anyone’s way. I often pull out a few little toys as well, which also double as beer picture props.
Magic Kingdom
Before 2012 Magic Kingdom was dryer than the island that Captain Jack Sparrow couldn’t find any rum on. However, while there is alcohol now, it still wouldn’t meet the standards of Captain Jack. You can only get a drink at sit down restaurants, which often require a reservation. So I went with a spot I love, that more than once, I have made a reservation for on the same day: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen.
If you’re a fan of puns (AKA “Dad Jokes”) then this is the spot for you. It’s in Adventureland, near Jungle Cruise, and has some great food, as well as Old Elephant Foot IPA from Tampa Bay Brewing Company.
To Disney Springs & Beyond!
There are magic drinking spots all over the 25,000 acres of Disney property here in Florida, you often just have to remind yourself to stop, savor that sip, and look around. Then deal with the kids and the lines. Got questions on where else to go, or maybe a request for a future theme park article? Let us know on the socials, in the comments, or shoot me an email at [email protected] CHEERS!!!
*Beers change regularly, but you can always look up the menu options for any sit down spots, right on the Disney park app.
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