PHOTOS: First Look at the NEW Rooftop Bar Opening Near Disney World!

While you can normally find us exploring all the Disney World parks and resorts, every once in a while we head off-property to check out any new offerings for those staying at the surrounding hotels.

Just a few minutes away from Disney World, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa opened up last year and now there’s something brand new coming to the hotel — a rooftop bar! The new location, illume, will open up on May 27th, but we were invited to a preview of the new spot — so let’s check it out!

Atmosphere

You’ll find illume on the ninth floor (aka the rooftop) of the JW Marriott and after May 27th it will open from 6PM to 12AM on Wednesdays through Sundays with adults-only hours starting at 9:30PM.

Inside, the space is pretty open and there are quite a few different seating options both indoors, where you can sit at the bar…

…or at tables…

…and outdoors where you’ll find couches and lounge chairs with a great view of Disney World fireworks when they resume.

The indoor bar is huge, with lots of space for seating (and drink making).

Plus, the rooftop bar is inspired by Japanese culture so you’ll find an open sushi kitchen in the main lounge area.

And, if you’re choosing to enjoy the Florida weather, there’s an outdoor bar as well.

Now onto the food and drink!

Menu

There are quite a few menu items to choose from at illume, including both small Japanese-inspired dishes and drinks.

The cocktail menu includes specialty cocktails, beer, whisky, and, of course, sake.

And, there are even some sushi specials that are highlighted on a menu near the sushi bar.

So, let’s give a few of these things a try!

Drinks

One of our favorite drinks that we tried came in the form of a bird (literally!). The Firebird is a Suntory Haku Vodka, Tozai Saki, and Cantelop drink served in a glass shaped like a bird and is even topped with a feather!

We also gave the Hibiki Suntory Whiskey a try…

…which was served from some pretty unique decanters!

And we even tried some of the a la carte menu items including the edamame, Damani Poke with tuna, soya sauce, and sesame oil, and some Fresh-Rolled Sushi and, we must say, it was all delicious!

Overall

We enjoyed having the chance to check out this new rooftop bar and really liked how fresh and tasty all the eats and drinks were! You’ll be able to visit for yourself beginning May 27th, so stop by if you’d like to give that drink served out of a bird glass a try! And, stay tuned for more Disney news and updates!

Check out the Best Off-Site Hotels for Your Walt Disney World Trip

Have you ever stayed at the JW Marriott near Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

 

Disclosure: We were invited by the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa to attend a media preview of the new location. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.

 

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