Contrary to popular belief, Walt Disney World isn’t just a place to take the kids. Sure, the attractions, live entertainment, and character meet and greets speak to the young - and the young at heart. But Walt Disney World has SO MUCH MORE to offer adults. Fine dining. Exceptional shopping. Luxury hotels. And ridiculously good libations. Surprised? You shouldn’t be! After all, Walt Disney World presents an annual festival dedicated to food + wine tasting. Today on the blog, we’re sharing a list of our five favorite cocktails featured at Walt Disney World. Yes, the majority can be found at Epcot’s (Drink Around the) World Showcase….
Orange Slush
One of the most beautiful and detailed of all the pavilions in Epcot’s World Showcase, France is home to a boulangerie and patisserie serving magnificent French breads and baked goods, gourmet French cuisine at two different table-service restaurants, and an authentic shop serving artisan ice cream. You can’t leave, however, without making a stop at Les Vins des Chefs de France, a kiosk serving liquid snacks including French wine, champagne and beer. But the star on the menu is the Orange Slush. This is not a slushy for kids. It’s a delicious, frozen concoction of Grand Marnier, rum, orange-flavored vodka and orange juice. Not too sweet. Not too boozy. Simply magnifique!
Mon ami, you will adore the Orange Slush at Les Vins de Chefs de France
Mexican Margarita(s)
Vamonos a Mexico - another of the World Showcase’s best pavilions. Our favorite parts of Epcot’s rendering of our neighbor to the south include live mariachi music as you stroll the shops in the pavilion’s iconic pyramid, meeting Donald Duck in his colorful poncho and sombrero, and the liveliest boat ride in all of Disney, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. But what’s a visit to Mexico without enjoying a festive margarita, or two? If you’re looking for a refreshing marg on the go, stop by Choza de Margarita, an outdoor bar serving frozen versions with prickly pear puree and wild passion fruit, as well as signature on-the-rocks varieties elevated up with unique ingredients like elderflower, cardamom bitters and rose wine. Connoisseurs of Mexico’s most famous distilled spirit will want to linger in the Mexico pavilion a little longer and visit La Cava del Tequila. The lounge features more than 200 tequilas, offers tequila tastings, and of course, cocktails featuring the sweet juice derived from the blue agave plant.
Margarita Madness - Fiesta, Fuego Verde and Mango Loco
Frozen Brown Elephant
When walking quickly between the China and German pavilions in Epcot’s World Showcase, you may miss the Outpost. The small African-themed area features an outdoor market where you can buy wood-carved animal figurines, a shaded drumming station which offers a nice reprieve from the scorching Florida sun, and a kiosk serving standard theme park food like hot dogs and soft-service ice cream in a waffle cone. NOT very African. But don’t keep walking without trying the unbelievably delicious Frozen Brown Elephant. It’s a simple drink with two ingredients - frozen Coca-Cola and Amarula, a velvety, fruity, sweet African liquer made from the fruit of the marula tree. Trust us. This is the next drink you need to sample in Epcot. It’s pricey at $12.25 considering the small serving size, but totally worth the cost.
Don’t miss the uncelebrated Frozen Brown Elephant at the Outpost
Dole Whip WITH RUM
Unbelievably, we’re leaving Epcot as we continue our cocktail countdown. This selection might be controversial as it’s technically not a cocktail. But when you combine one of Walt Disney World’s most popular snacks with alcohol, you’ve landed on our list. When you find yourself in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom Park, visit Tamu Tamu Refreshments for a delightfully cold Dole Whip served with rum. YUM! We prefer our Dole Whip with coconut over dark rum. The latter was a bit too strong for a hot day in the parks, while the coconut mixed with the pineapple soft serve was just right. Bonus - while you enjoy the boozy version, your kiddos can order the non-alcoholic variety.
If Dole Whips aren’t your thing, Animal Kingdom Park is home to one of the best bars on property, Nomad Lounge. Adjacent to the table-service Tiffins Restaurant, Nomad Lounge serves small plates, wines from the Western Cape, specialty cocktails and mocktails for the kids.
Disclaimer: this is a Dole Whip Float from Magic Kingdom; we eat the boozy version too quickly for picture-taking
Lapu Lapu
Perhaps saving the best for last, we’re leaving the parks entirely and heading to one of our favorite hotels, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. When we can’t make it to the tropics, the Polynesian is the next best thing with lush vegetation, a beach to lounge during the day or view the Happily Ever After fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant at night, and tropical theming. On arrival day, you’ll probably find us sitting on a stool at Tambu Lounge drinking the signature Lapu Lapu. An island adventure disguised as a cocktail, the drink features rum, more rum and tropical fruit juices served in a pineapple. Not in plastic pineapple- shaped drinkware. A fresh, giant pineapple. There’s no better way to kick start your vacation at Walt Disney World. On departure day, the Lapu Lapu might be the cure to help you cope with the end-of-vacation Disney blues.
The Lapu Lapu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
What’s your must-drink cocktail at Walt Disney World? Do you agree with our list? We’d love to hear what you think!