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What makes lounging around Disney World special? The theming of course! After all no one does theming better than Disney. Each lounge used to have a specialty drink on its menu something that was consistent with the resort theme. In the recent homogenization of the menus, the specialty drinks seemed to go away, too. However, we have noticed a recent reinstatement of some of the resort-inspired specialty drinks. That makes us very happy indeed. So let’s revisit some of our favorite Disney World tips, and have a specialty beverage or two!

The lounging around Disney World begins!

Despite Wilderness Lodge being our home Disney Vacation Club resort, it is NOT our favorite lounge! The number one spot belongs to The Outer Rim at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The lounge is decorated in retro space-aged funk, with low chairs and tables and a high tech fun filled bar. The specialty drink at this bar is the Sunken Treasure, a lovely green-colored delight complete with pineapple, flag, and umbrella. Relax with your drink and watch the sunset over Bay Lake!

On to number two: Territory Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge. Here you can sit in comfy couches or around intimate tables while sipping a Northern Exposure. Surrounded by wood and dark tones complimented by images of the Northwest. Enjoy a cheese and fruit platter or some wings while you search for the hidden Mickeys in this lounge!

Next on the list is Martha’s Vineyard at The Beach Club. This lounge is off to the side of its big sister, The Cape May Café, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quaintness! It’s intimate and cozy. We sipped our Passion Fruit Mai Tai’s in a small seating area, and the bartender brought us pretzels.

We also enjoy the Gurgling Suitcase at Old Key West. This lounge is located near Olivia’s, and the specialty drinks here are available with dinner at Olivia’s as well! My husband Steve likes the Turtle Krawl, but I am partial to the Sultry Seahorse. Enjoy it with an appetizer of delicious crab cakes.

The Polynesian offers up the Tambu Lounge, while lounging around Disney World we have had the privilege of staying in until closing…twice! The Tambu Lounge is on the second floor of the Polynesian. They offer table and bar seating and they also offer a delightful concoction called the Island Sunset!

Close behind the Tambu Lounge on our list of favorites is Boardwalk’s Belle Vue Room. The Belle Vue Room is situated on the Inn side of BoardWalk which offers a cozy nook with chess boards. There is a good selection of Scotch here and the atmosphere makes you want to order a brandy or a port. I usually opt for a glass of their wonderful wines!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to Victoria Falls. This lounge is settled nicely between the main lobby and Boma tucked in a corner with lots of ambiance and culture. My first trip there was a disappointment as when I asked for a specialty drink (after finding none on the menu) the bartender offered a Pina Colada. My next adventure was a bit more successful as I had the Boma-inspired Victoria Falls Mist.  I am not sure if it was Boma or Victoria Falls had it first!

Just a few short months ago I got to try River Roost at Port Orleans Riverside and The Crew’s Cup at Yacht Club in the same trip. We went to River Roost the night that Bob Jackson was playing the piano. If you ever get a chance to catch his show don’t miss it! I actually only had a Corona that night but there is a drink there called the Sassagoula Sunset that is high on my list for my next trip. The Crew Cup lounge at the Yacht Club is set off to the side overlooking the meat locker at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. There’s no real specialty drink here so I ended up having a rum punch that was actually quite good. Unfortunately it was a bit stronger than I usually like.

Last but not least on our list is the Rix Lounge at Coronado Springs. The only reason it is last is because we haven’t tried it since it was Francisco’s. See, Francisco’s held a very special place in our hearts. In 1998, we stayed on Disney World property for the very first time at Coronado Springs and enjoyed fabulous margaritas at this lounge. That made it officially our first ever Disney World lounge. We have stopped into Rix when it wasn’t open, and it looks lovely, all done in warm Mediterranean colors. I was also happy to see that they have several specialty drinks on their menu. This is a must-do on a future trip also if you’re in need of mobility assistance contact a scooter rental service. 

We have yet to try Mizner’s (Grand Floridian), Scat Cat’s (Port Orleans French Quarter) or The Turf Club (Saratoga Springs). But we have many trips ahead of us, and as long as we continue to be adults lounging around Disney World, we will enjoy an adult beverage at one of the many wonderful lounges. If you’re planning on visiting Disney I suggest you try the aforementioned lounges.