Fantasy on Tap: Dreaming Up 5 Disney Bars and Lounges I Wish Existed
I was coming up with a list of bars and lounges around Disney that Heidi (my wife) like to frequent, and I got to thinking about ideas and concepts that I’d like to see Disney open. Resort hoping and even park hopping to different bars and lounges is one of our favorite activities when we are at WDW without kids. Sure, some of these might be farfetched, but in my mind, they like they would be awesome and would print money. For each idea I came up with I came up with a name, location, AI generated photo, and style of food and drinks.
1. Twilight Lounge
Disney was on to something during Jollywood Nights last holiday season. The Tip Top Club they had along with the band looked great. If they actually had a bar or lounge, I’d have to imagine it would always be packed. I have no idea what goes on the second-floor terrace above the gift shop, but it seems like the perfect place. That area might house the inner workings of the ride so If that area doesn’t work, then possibly across from the gift shop where the Joffery’s is located
I imagine the bartenders wearing something like what you would expect to see in a bar in the 1930’s. Those same bartenders would craft similar cocktails to what was popular in the 1930’s. Old Fashioned, Bees Knees, and a Blood and Sand are some examples.
As far as food goes, I Twilight Lounge being cocktails only and dare I say 21+. I’d even accept 21+ after a certain time, say 6pm. I know Oga’s Cantina in Galaxies Edge stays open a bit after park close and the same would happen here. I’d like to see it stay open until 11pm or 12pm. The place would be walk up, only taking reservations for seating in the hours the park would be closed 9pm-12pm
2. Gracey’s Lounge
I know a Haunted Mansion themed bar is already happening on a cruise ship, but I think this deserves to happen at WDW. People love this attraction, and anything themed to it. I’d be happy if they just copy what they are doing for the cruise ship and put it in the Magic Kingdom.
As far as location goes, it looks like on google maps there is room where the graveyard is located just outside the exit of the attraction. I know people wouldn’t want to see Mr. Toad moved again, but they could just include him in the build of the bar.
The cast attire could match what is currently seen in the attraction and the food for a lack of a better word would be spooky. I see a lot of drinks using the dry ice effect often seen in Oga’s over in Galaxies Edge. A Graveyard Grilled cheese could be on the Kids menu, and it could have deserts themed to all the different rooms in the attraction.
3. Brother’s Lyric Lounge
The Sheman Brothers are Disney Legends that have left their mark all over the parks, and classic Disney films. Most seasoned Disney fans know this, but the average person probably doesn’t even know who they are. People may know many of the songs played in movies or attractions, but they might have no idea who came up with the music. I think a bar or lounge highlighting the Sherman brothers, would be a welcomed addition to WDW.
For the bar itself I’m imagining a classic bar or lounge with a piano in the middle, and on certain nights there would be live music. The walls would be adorned with Sherman brother’s artifacts and photos.
I see this bar being located at the Grand Floridian. The bar could take a spot of an existing shop on the second floor. I know the Enchanted Rose is already up there on the second floor, but this would be a great spot to stop for a cocktail before dinner at any of the Grand Floridian restaurants.
Drinks would be classic cocktails with a play on the names. They could use the names of songs or attractions such as Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Old fashioned or the Tiki Tiki Tiki Room Mai Tai. Since there are so many restaurants at the Grand Floridian, I don’t see this place as having food, just a cocktail lounge.
4. The Disneyland Lounge/WDW Lounge
This one is a far out there idea that popped in my head and once it got in there I couldn’t get it out. What I’d like to see is a bar featuring park the opposite coast. The bar in Disneyland would be themed to WDW and the bar in WDW would be themed to Disneyland. Many people on the east coast never make it out to Disneyland because they are closer to WDW and vice versa for people on the west coast.
Locations for the bars could be the Steakhouse 55 restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel. It’s currently sitting there empty, and there are rumblings that it is supposed to transition to a bar already. The Disneyland themed bar at WDW would be located at the Contemporary on the same floor as the check in for the California Grill. There is a lot of empty space there and it could be used by people waiting for their California Grill reservations and conventioneers.
Food and drink would be inspired by the respective park and state. I’d like to see things that you can only get at Disneyland available at the WDW bar and WDW favorites at the Disneyland bar. The Disneyland bar would feature beers from California and the WDW bar would feature beers from Florida. The grapefruit cake from the Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios could be on the menu at the Disneyland bar. This checks all the boxes as they could use grapefruit from Florida and it highlights a product from WDW.
5. Second Star Inn
Yes, I know there already is an English pub in Epcot. That pub, Rose and Crown, is often packed with a line out the door. That must mean the demand is there for another English pub. Second Star Inn would be themed to Peter Pan. It would be built in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion near the Mary Poppins meet and greet.
Food and drinks would obviously be English Pub fare. They could even do breakfast, as I don’t think Rose and Crown is open for breakfast and Les Halles in the France pavilion is always packed. What a start to you could have to Epcot with and English breakfast and a pint.
As I concluded my musings, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of these concepts coming to life. While they may only exist in the realm of imagination for now, one can’t help but wonder if someday, they might find their place among the enchanting tapestry of Disney experiences, adding yet another layer of magic to the happiest place on earth.
