Over the last year, Walt Disney World has opened several new lounge spaces across the resort. Each of these themed spots has menus chock-full of expensive cocktails and high demand from guests. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you sit down for a drink.
The first of the new lounges to open was GEO-82, the 21+ Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge located at the back of EPCOT’s iconic attraction. Next up was the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Beak and Barrel, the Magic Kingdom’s first full bar, located in Adventureland. Finally, the fall saw the opening of The Perch, the Victorian bar located in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
As you’re deciding which, if any of these new Walt Disney World lounges are worth your visit, there are some things about each of them you need to know.
Research Beforehand!
Each of these lounges offers its own comparatively pricey specialty drinks. However, we’d advise doing some research beforehand to see which drinks have the reputation of being overly sweet, overly strong, or somewhere in the middle, as expensive may not always mean good to everyone’s taste. Luckily, we have reviews for each location ready to help.
Maybe you’ll be a fan of the Sunshine State Rum Sazerac…
… the Siren’s Whisper…
… or perhaps a Caramelized Leek Martini?
The Beak and Barrel has a Time Limit
Like Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge before it, The Beak and Barrel enforces a strict 45-minute time limit on guests. While this certainly makes sense from an operations perspective, it can make it hard for guests to really take in all of the themed show elements – let alone finish their drinks or food.
The Beak and Barrel Restaurant
Services: Bar/Lounge
Speaking of Time Constraints, GEO-82 May Face Them Too
Now, EPCOT’s lounge does NOT have a strictly established, written-in-stone time limit like Beak and Barrel; there have been reports from some guests that Disney has a “soft” time limit of 75 minutes at the lounge. According to Disney’s official PlanDisney website, GEO-82 has “no set policy” that defines how long a guest is allowed to sit at their table. However, the site does specify that a guest could be asked to move based on “several factors, including how busy they are projected to be during that time.”
Fireworks Package
GEO-82 offers a fireworks package for $179 that includes a special fireworks view seat, Champagne that’s specially selected by sommeliers at Walt Disney World Resort, or event-exclusive cocktails, a tasting tower of savory light bites available before Luminous The Symphony of Us begins, and a selection of sweets during Luminous The Symphony of Us.
Lobby Location
The Perch is located in the middle of the Grand Floridian Lobby and features stools directly around the bar, as well as allowing guests to bring their drinks around the lobby and sit on the Victorian furniture scattered about.
This leads to two issues: First, the bar is directly surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the area, which can feel overwhelming during busy times.
Secondly, and maybe this is just us, but we get extra nervous about spills. After all, it would be a shame to spill red wine or a cocktail on the brand-new lobby furniture.
There Are Alternative Options
If none of these lounges are your vibe (or you can’t get a reservation/don’t want to head all the way to the Grand Floridian), there are alternative options, some cheaper or less crowded. If you’re at EPCOT, you can find countless drink options around the World Showcase as opposed to GEO-82. Trader Sam’s Grogg Grotto at the Polynesian is just a Monorail Ride away from Beak and Barrel and offers a larger menu and arguably just as intricate theming. Meanwhile, if you are at the Grand Floridian but don’t feel like sitting in the hotel lobby, you can head up to the Enchanted Rose instead of The Perch.
If you’re planning to try for reservations at GEO-82 or Beak and Barrel, or maybe going for a nightcap at the Perch, be sure to keep these things in mind. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney World’s newest additions.
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Which of these lounges is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
I am a total lounge lizard and I can’t wait to try all of these!