5 Best Beer Stops in Walt Disney World

If you visit Disney World as an adult who drinks alcohol, you’re going to want some drinks. It’s like 90+ degrees, very humid, lots of people, you’ve been up since 5 am to rope drop Flight of Passage, so when the heat rolls in and you’re craving a cold beer, where do you go? Disney World has serious variety for alcohol in general, but if you’re a beer person like myself and Justin, I simply cannot have you guys drinking the Heineken or Bud Light they stick at the front of the parks! Don’t do it! Instead, walk a little further and try these spots.

• Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks, Animal Kindgom

Ok, I do not take the #1 spot on my list lightly. This has been our favorite drink spot since our very first trip to Disney World. Full disclosure: they always have the Golden Monkey by Victory Brewing Company on tap… and it is 9.5%! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Usually this stop has a few excellent beers on tap though, and is always a must do for us! If you’re about to hop in to see River’s of Light or stand in line for Expedition Everest, grab a brew at this stop first! My favorite is the Old Elephant Foot IPA if I’m not going all in with the Golden Monkey. This is also one of the only full bars you’ll find as a walk-up stop, so take advantage of this amazing stop even if you’re not drinking beer.

• BaseLine Tap House, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This spot genuinely raised my experience in Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. Hollywood Studio’s has had a slow few years while it undergoes construction for both Toy Story Land (which opened June 30!) and Galaxy’s Edge (Star Wars Land) at the same time. However, this spring came with the opening of BaseLine Tap House and… it’s based on California beers! Of course these San Diegans would love it! We got a 22oz pour of a favorite local beer, the Stone Delicious IPA, and hung out on the gorgeous patio. There is plenty of seating inside and out, with lots of shade. They offer a few light snacks like a charcuterie board or a giant pretzel, which are on our list for next time! And while some of the beers were really mainstream (I see you Sierra Nevada) and took away from the craft goal of the place, overall we really loved this stop, and will absolutely be back next time we are in Hollywood Studios.

• Pongu Pongu in Pandora, Animal Kingdom

This stop is amazing since they have exclusive beers for Pandora! There is the Mo’ara High Country Ale, which is an ok hoppy amber, but the real star here is the Hawkes Grog Ale. It’s an American Wheat Pale Ale, 5.3%, lots of Apricot flavors and not too wheaty, and it is GREEN! It really adds to the mystery and intrigue of Pandora, and is a flavorful, fruity, light beer that is the *perfect* compliment to a hot Orlando day. There are also some frozen cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks at this spot that are tasty (I’d recommend the Mo’ara Margarita myself, popping balls!) and overall, it is a must do in Animal Kingdom.

• Refreshment Outpost, Epcot

It is no secret that Epcot has a beautiful variety of food and drinks from around the world, and even has several seasonal festivals dedicated to even *more* food and drinks from around the world! However, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could be hard pressed to find a good beer specifically. So much so, that even I generally default to other drinks while I’m in this park. However, the Refreshment Outpost (basically the sad excuse for any major African influence in World Showcase) has two excellent beers on tap. The Safari Amber (generally exclusive to Animal Kingdom) and the Old Elephant IPA, which already made it on this list!

As far as beer goes, Germany has a few favorites but none of them are really the style beer I personally prefer. You’ll find some Weisbeer, Beck’s Pilsner, and a very low ABV Stiegl Radler Grapefruit, tasty but 2.5% alcohol! 2.5%! Don’t spend $8 on that please! Mexico has your typical Mexican Lagers, Pacifico etc, and England leads me to the last spot on the list!

• Rose and Crown Pub, Epcot

This is a place I didn’t actually know existed until my favorite Disney blogger, Disney Food Blog, let me know! Rose and Crown is the table service restaurant in the England pavilion in World Showcase, but what I didn’t know was that there is a Pub that you do not need reservations to enjoy, and it absolutely has a pub feel! Every time I’ve been inside there has been standing room only, a lively crowd, and outstanding bartenders! Here you can get a huge variety of English pours, including mixed beers like Black & Tans or Goldens. You can still take your beer to go, however, and can walk World Showcase with your brew. Another tip about this stop is that they serve full 16oz pours, while other stops in Epcot only serve 12oz beers.

I hope this helps you scope out the best brew! Do you have someplace that isn’t on my list? I would love to know where it is! ❤