Good Beer In Disney World: A Myth Or Reality?

Disney World is a magical place, and it's even more magical now that you can get a drink there. Alcohol is available throughout the parks, resorts, and other locations, though it's a little harder to come by in the Magic Kingdom. If you're looking for a beer, you'll have better luck at the table service restaurants, though you can also find them at some carts and stands. And if you're a real beer snob, you might want to download an app to help you find the good stuff. So yes, you can buy good beer at Disney World—you just need to know where to look.

Where to find good beer in Disney World

Beer lovers, rejoice! You can find good beer at Disney World, though it may be a bit of a challenge. Here's a guide to help you find your way to the best brews in the Magic Kingdom and beyond.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom maintained a strict no-alcohol policy from its opening in 1971 until a few years ago. Today, you can find beer and other alcoholic beverages at select table service restaurants, including Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella's Royal Table, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, The Plaza Restaurant, and Tony's Town Square Restaurant. These restaurants offer a range of beers, wines, and cocktails, but you must be dining there to enjoy a drink. You won't find alcohol at Quick Service restaurants or outdoor vending carts in the Magic Kingdom.

Epcot

Epcot is widely regarded as the best park for beer enthusiasts. The World Showcase offers a variety of beers from different countries, and the Drinking Around the World pastime is popular among guests. Each country pavilion typically has several stand-out options, and the many festivals hosted by Epcot, such as the International Food & Wine Festival, also feature a diverse range of beers. Canada's Unibroue and Block & Hans in the American Adventure are highly recommended.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is considered a hidden gem for beer lovers. While some find the exclusive Safari Amber underwhelming, the Dawa Bar offers a unique selection of African beers, and the Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks provide refreshing options after a trek to see the Yeti.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

This park may not be the best for beer enthusiasts, as its lounges are geared more towards cocktails. However, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater offers a decent beer menu, and the Brown Derby and Tune In lounges have some unique options.

Resort Hotels

The bars and lounges in the resort hotels are excellent spots to find good beer. The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin hotels are particularly notable. You can also find bottled beers, wines, and spirits in the gift shops or food courts of the resort hotels.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers a variety of shops and restaurants serving beer, wine, and cocktails. Raglan Road, an Irish pub with authentic fare and entertainment, is a popular spot for a pint. Other notable mentions include Baseline Tap House, Oga's Cantina, and Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

Tips for Finding Good Beer

• Use apps like Beers and Ears to locate specific beers or find good beers in different locations within Disney World.
• Avoid outdoor vending carts and Quick Service restaurants if you're seeking a wider selection of beers.
• Table service restaurants typically offer a broader range of beers, while dedicated lounges and sports bars are your best bet for the greatest variety.

Drinking rules and regulations at Disney World

Drinking at Disney World comes with a unique set of rules and regulations. Here's what you need to know:

Age and Identification Requirements:

• The minimum drinking age at Disney World, as in the rest of the USA, is 21 years. Be prepared to show valid identification, especially if you look younger than 40.
• Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license from a US state or territory, a US state or territory identification card, a Nexus Card (for Canadian guests), an original passport from any country, or a copy of a passport with another government-issued photo ID.
• Non-US ID cards or driver's licenses are not accepted on their own.

Purchasing Alcohol:

• Alcohol is available for purchase throughout Disney World, including at resorts, theme parks (except Magic Kingdom), and other locations.
• Quick-service venues and food carts may limit purchases to two alcoholic beverages per person per transaction. This is to prevent excessive drinking and the buying of drinks for others using a single ID.
• Cast members are trained to refuse service to guests who appear intoxicated.
• Alcohol cannot be brought into the Disney theme parks but can be purchased inside, except at Magic Kingdom.
• Full bottles of alcohol, mostly wine, are sold at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. While consumption within the parks is technically not allowed, there are limited controls to stop you.
• Alcohol purchased at one park cannot be taken to another. It may be stored for you at guest relations if you have a same-day purchase receipt and the item is in Disney parks packaging.

Drinking and Wandering:

• Open containers are allowed within Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios, but drinks cannot be taken out of the park.
• Magic Kingdom is a dry park, with alcohol only available at select table service restaurants. It cannot be taken outside these dining locations.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol:

• Guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol to Disney Resort hotels.
• Outside alcohol is prohibited in the theme parks and water parks.
• Glass bottles are not permitted in pool areas for safety reasons.
• Alcohol is not allowed in the pools.

Drinking and Driving:

Do not drive under the influence. Utilize free Disney transportation or services like Uber, Lyft, or taxis to get back to your hotel safely.

Remember to drink responsibly and stay hydrated, especially in the Florida heat and humidity. Enjoy your magical vacation!

The best Disney World parks for beer

If you're looking for good beer at Disney World, you'll have to know where to look. While Walt Disney World does offer a number of craft beers and microbrews across its parks and hotels, there is a limited selection at some parks. Here is a breakdown of the best Disney World parks for beer.

Epcot

Undoubtedly, Epcot is the best Disney World park for beer enthusiasts. Its World Showcase features a diverse range of beers from different countries, making it a beer lover's paradise. Each country pavilion typically offers a couple of standout options, and the Drinking Around the World at Epcot tradition is a testament to its diverse beer offerings. Canada's Unibroue and Block & Hans in the American Adventure are particularly notable. During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the park's beverage selection expands even further, although it includes a mix of excellent and less impressive options.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom had a strict no-alcohol policy until a few years ago, and even now, it has limited options. Beer is only available at select table service restaurants, and you won't find any unique or craft beers here. If you're looking for a beer, your best bet is the Be Our Guest Restaurant, which offers a few solid Belgian beers on the menu.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is considered a hidden gem for beer by some, but opinions vary. While it does offer some rare and unique options, such as the Safari Amber, brewed exclusively for the park, these beers may not be to everyone's taste. The Dawa Bar is the best option for beer here, offering a small selection of African beers.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

This park may be a bit of a disappointment for beer lovers, as its lounges are geared more towards cocktails. However, if you're looking for beer, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater has the most expansive menu, offering several good choices.

Resort Hotels & Disney Springs

The bars and lounges in the resort hotels, especially the Deluxes and Moderates, offer a wider variety of beers than the theme parks. The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin hotels are known for their excellent beer selections. At Disney Springs, Raglan Road, an Irish pub, is a popular spot for a pint, offering authentic Irish fare and a true pub atmosphere.

In summary, Epcot is the clear winner for beer enthusiasts, followed by the resort hotels and Disney Springs, which offer a wider variety than the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom may be worth exploring for its unique options, but opinions differ on the taste of its beers.

Alcohol limits at Disney World

Alcohol is available throughout Disney World, including in its theme parks, resorts, and other locations, and in many forms and at varying price points. However, there are some limits to how much alcohol you can buy and consume while at Disney World.

Firstly, many Disney World quick-service venues and food carts have a sign posted that reads, "TWO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PER PERSON WITH VALID ID." This means that one person can't buy a round for a large party, but you can buy two drinks, finish them, and then go back for more. You could also buy two drinks at one food cart and then go to a different food cart and buy two more.

Secondly, you can't take open containers of alcohol out of a Disney World park. You won't be allowed through the tapstiles to head back to your hotel, Disney transportation, or the parking lot if you have an open container. You'll have to finish your drink or throw it away.

Thirdly, while you can buy alcohol at Magic Kingdom, it has more restrictions on service than other Disney World locations. At the time of writing, you can only buy alcohol at select table service restaurants, and the only alcohol available at those locations is beer, wine, and hard cider – spirits are not available.

Finally, while you can bring your own alcohol to Disney Resort hotels, there are some rules around this. Glass bottles are not permitted on the pool deck, and you can't bring your drink into the pool while you swim.

Drinking in Disney hotels

Resort Hotel Bars and Lounges

The bars and lounges located within the Disney resort hotels offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. You can find everything from creative cocktails to craft beers and fine wines. These venues provide a more sophisticated atmosphere compared to the theme parks, allowing you to enjoy your drink in a relaxed setting. Some popular spots include Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at the Polynesian Village, Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian, and Baseline Taphouse at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Resort Hotel Food Courts and Gift Shops

If you're looking for convenience, the food courts and gift shops at the resort hotels sell bottled beers, wines, and even pre-mixed packaged cocktails. This option is ideal if you want to enjoy a drink in the comfort of your room or by the pool. The prices at these shops tend to be higher than average, so you may want to consider purchasing alcohol from an outside source if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option.

In-Room Dining and Room Service

If you're staying at a hotel that offers in-room dining or room service, you can also order alcoholic beverages directly to your room. This is a convenient option if you prefer to unwind in the privacy of your room after a long day at the parks. Keep in mind that room service options and availability may vary depending on the hotel you're staying at.

Alcohol Policies and Restrictions

While drinking in Disney resort hotels can be enjoyable, it's important to be mindful of the alcohol policies and restrictions. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21, and Disney takes this very seriously. Be prepared to present a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, when purchasing alcohol. Additionally, there may be limits on the number of alcoholic beverages you can buy at once, and you may be refused service if you appear intoxicated.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol

If you want to save money or have specific drink preferences, you can bring your own alcohol to the resort hotels. Outside alcohol is permitted as long as it is not carried or consumed by anyone under the age of 21. However, there are some restrictions on glass containers, especially around the pool areas for safety reasons. You can also bring your own bottle of wine to certain table-service restaurants outside the parks, but corkage fees may apply.

Drinking and Safety

While enjoying a drink at Disney resort hotels can be a pleasant part of your vacation, it's crucial to drink responsibly and prioritize safety. Always follow the guidelines set by the resort, and never drink and drive. Utilize the free transportation options available within Walt Disney World if needed. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when children are present.

Frequently asked questions