Disney Resort Bars & Restaurants You'll Love as Much as the Parks

After years of Disney trips, I've discovered some of the most magical moments happen outside the parks! These resort bars and restaurants have become my favorite discoveries, perfect for girls' trips, date nights, or those precious solo moments when you need a break from the crowds.

From Mediterranean-style cocktails at Bar Riva to the legendary bread service at Sanaa, these spots offer something special you won't find inside the parks. Whether you're planning a mom's getaway or looking for date night ideas, here are the resort gems that'll make your Disney trip even more magical. While the focus of this article is adult trips, the majority of these locations are also great places to take your family!

Bar Riva at Riviera Resort: My Afternoon Escape Plan

This Mediterranean paradise has quickly become one of my favorite Disney discoveries. Just hop off the Skyliner and within 60 seconds you're sitting at this gorgeous bar with a lovely breeze, comfortable seating, and attentive bartenders.

The Aperol Spritz here is perfection, especially on those hot afternoons when you need a civilized break. During girls' trips, we love starting our Hollywood Studios days with mimosas here while watching the Skyliner glide by. For date nights, the atmosphere is romantic without trying too hard.

The whole vibe is relaxed European elegance where you can wear your park clothes and still feel fancy. It's become my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to add a little sophistication to their Disney day.

Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Where Bread Service Is Everything

Sanaa's bread service might just be the best thing at Disney World. This Indian-African fusion restaurant serves five different types of naan and bread with nine accompaniments! The tamarind chutney is incredible, and the garlic-ginger naan is perfection. You can actually order just the bread service if you want a lighter option or quick snack without the full meal commitment. Often on family trips, we will order a the naan via quick service and take it back to the room for a late night snack.

The setting at Sanaa is magical. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the savanna where zebras and giraffes roam right outside. If you're dining with kids, they'll love counting the different animals while you enjoy amazing food. The butter chicken is delicious, and there's something special about dining with that view.

Special drink to try: For those with a sweet tooth (like my husband), the Tembo Tini combines Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey with Amarula Cream Liqueur and chocolate syrup. It's like dessert in a glass. At $15.50, it's a nice treat when you want something different.

Gurgling Suitcase at Old Key West: Where Time Forgot to Move Forward

This hidden gem at Old Key West Resort feels like a vintage Florida Keys dive bar with Disney-level cocktail skills. It might be the most "un-Disney" spot on property, which is exactly what makes it special.

The Turtle Krawl is their signature with three kinds of rum, but every cocktail I've tried here has been excellent. The atmosphere is all vintage Florida kitsch with nautical wheels, old suitcases, and that beachy vibe that instantly puts you in vacation mode.

If you're staying at Old Key West, the Gurgling Suitcase is close enough you can grab drinks and walk straight to the pool. During solo afternoons or girls' trips, this becomes the perfect hideaway. The intimate setting makes it ideal for catching up with friends, reading a book on a nearby table, or just enjoying a quiet moment away from the parks.

The vibe: It's quirky and cozy, like discovering a secret spot only locals know about. Perfect when you need a change of pace from theme park energy.

Steakhouse 71 at Contemporary: Where Contemporary Meets Classic

Contemporary Resort's location alone makes it special (walking distance to Magic Kingdom!), but Steakhouse 71 takes it to another level. The bar seating is perfect for spontaneous visits and has same menu as the dining room but with better people-watching.

Their Stack Burger is absolutely incredible. This signature blend of beef and pork belly with American cheese, lemon aioli, red onion, and house-made pickles on a brioche bun makes it a standout, and many Disney fans consider it the best burger on property. The whole restaurant has this swanky '70s vibe that makes you want to order a martini and stay awhile.

For date nights or girls' dinners, the cocktail menu offers creative options that complement the retro atmosphere perfectly. The blackberry-orange spritz is my particular favorite, and always hits the spot.

Enchanted Rose at Grand Floridian: A Touch of Elegance

This Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge at the Grand Floridian is absolutely stunning. With cascading roses, gold accents, and cocktails that look like works of art, it's the perfect spot when you want to feel fancy.

The Island Rose cocktail, based off Kettle One Grapefruit and Rose, is as beautiful as it is delicious, definitely Instagram-worthy! The Truffle Fries are a must-try appetizer, featuring house-made fries with shaved black truffles and aged Parmesan that create an amazing earthy flavor. The sophisticated shareable plates make this an ideal spot for a girls' night out or special celebration. The atmosphere here makes you feel like you're in a fairy tale.

Perfect for: Mom's night out, celebrating special occasions, or any time you want to add a touch of luxury to your Disney trip. The service is impeccable and the whole experience feels special from start to finish.

Trader Sam's at Polynesian: The One That Got Away

I have to confess, I haven't made it (inside) Trader Sam's yet! Every time I try, the wait is time is through the roof, but from everything I've heard, it's worth planning for. This tiki bar features drinks that smoke and bubble, with special effects throughout the bar that react to certain drink orders.

Friends who've been successful suggest arriving right when it opens or very late in the evening. It's definitely on my list for the next adults-only evening, and I'd love to hear your strategies if you've conquered the Trader Sam's wait!

If you can't make it inside, there's still hope! There is an outside bar (that I have visited) with the same drinks, just not the same atmosphere. If you go this route, you can take your drinks (I recommend the Tahitian Torch!) to the beach and relax in the Adirondack chairs.

Planning Your Resort Bar Adventure

Here are some ways to incorporate these spots into your Disney trip:

For a girls' getaway: Start with morning mimosas at Bar Riva, afternoon appetizers at Enchanted Rose, and end with tiki drinks at Trader Sam's (if you can get in!).

Date night options: Sanaa offers romantic savanna views, while Steakhouse 71 provides a fun retro vibe with excellent food.

Solo recharge: Gurgling Suitcase is perfect for a quiet afternoon with a good book and a tropical drink.

Family-friendly timing: Most of these spots are great for families as well! Bar Riva and Steakhouse 71 work especially well with kids.

The beauty of these resort spots is the flexibility. You can pop in for one drink, stay for a full meal, or make an entire evening of resort hopping. No park ticket required!

These discoveries have added so much to our Disney trips. There's something special about slowing down, trying a new cocktail, and soaking in the unique atmosphere each resort offers. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a fun girls' trip, or just need a break from the parks, these spots deliver Disney magic in a whole new way.