And the Award for BEST Menu Item at Disney World’s Newest Restaurant Goes to…

In case you missed it, Disney World just opened GEO-82, a sleek, Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge tucked behind one of EPCOT’s most iconic landmarks.

It’s for adults only, requires a reservation, and delivers a cocktail menu that’s honestly on another level. But one menu item completely stole the show — and we’re still not over it.

Let’s talk about the Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments. Yes, it’s a cheese board. But it’s also so much more than a cheese board. Between the bold flavors, creative pairings, and the relaxed-yet-refined vibe of GEO-82, this plate left us borderline speechless.

We’ve tried more Disney cheese boards than we can count (seriously, we’ve eaten our way through them at Disney Springs, hotel lounges, and the parks themselves), but not one has come close to this masterpiece. The cheeses here don’t play it safe. You’ve got bold, pungent options paired with sweet spreads and crisp, thoughtfully chosen breads that take the whole thing to another level. There’s cranberry loaf, pecan brittle, and a buttery toasted baguette — all balanced, portioned just right, and nothing too oily or overwhelming.

The cured meats? Thinly sliced and full of flavor, they’re stacked perfectly for bite-sized combos that actually make you pause to savor what you’re eating. The portion is generous enough to share between two people comfortably, though you will end up silently competing for the last bite.

We had to physically stop ourselves from licking the plate. No exaggeration. It was that good. And yes, it’s $29. Which isn’t nothing. But in this case, it’s absolutely worth it. You’re not paying for just a fancy cheese plate — you’re paying for the experience of perfect bites, a great drink pairing, and an atmosphere that makes everything taste even better.

Speaking of drinks…

If you want the perfect pairing for that cheese board, you’ve got to try the Brown Butter Old-Fashioned. Listed on the menu with the full lineup —Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, brown butter, maple, and Hella Cocktail Co. Mexican chocolate bitters — it sounds indulgent, and it is.

This drink hits you with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter right up front, but don’t worry — it still packs that classic Old-Fashioned punch. It’s smooth and strong, with just enough sweetness to round things out. And we haven’t even mentioned the Spaceship Earth ice cube. That’s right, your cocktail comes with its very own glowing ode to EPCOT, and honestly, we were in awe. At $28, this drink isn’t just about taste — it’s about vibe. And it delivers.

Even people around us who don’t usually like Old-Fashioneds were sipping this and loving it. It’s the kind of drink that makes you stop mid-conversation and say, “Wait, you HAVE to try this.”

Now, if you’re someone who likes your bourbon with a twist (literally and figuratively), there’s another drink on the GEO-82 menu worth calling out: the Clarified New York Sour. This one’s got Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Yuzu, Lemon, and a Red Wine Float. It’s $26, and it’s as complex as it sounds.

The wild part? Every sip tastes different. First, it’s red wine-forward. Then, the milk-washed bourbon kicks in and the flavor shifts. It’s like a slow reveal, and each layer is better than the last. It’s also one of the prettiest drinks we’ve seen in a Disney lounge—picture—perfect with its wine float and citrusy aroma. If you’re easing into bourbon, this is the drink to try.

Let’s talk about GEO-82 real quick, because if you haven’t been yet, it’s one of the most unique additions to EPCOT in a while. You’ll find it right behind Spaceship Earth, and yes, you do need a reservation. Everyone in your party has to be 21 or older, so this is officially a grown-up space. You can book your visit through the Disney World app, and once you’re checked in at Project Tomorrow, you’ll be guided upstairs to the lounge.

Right when you enter, you’re handed a cool towel that smells like a spa. We’re not joking — Disney pulled out all the stops here. The whole space glows with gold and copper tones, and there’s a mix of seating, from comfy lounge chairs to sleek bar stools. The bartenders were super knowledgeable and told us the menu is ordered from most spirit-forward to most beginner-friendly, which makes navigating the cocktail list so much easier.

Oh, and did we mention there’s a fireworks experience? You can book a table for Luminous: The Symphony of Us, and they’ll bring you exclusive drinks and treats while you watch. Not a bad way to end your EPCOT night.

So yes, GEO-82 has a lot going for it. But if we had to crown one food-and-drink combo as the BEST thing here? The Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments with the Brown Butter Old-Fashioned takes it without question. Go ahead and make the reservation. You’re going to want this.

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Have you visited the new lounge? Let us know in the comments!

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