Craving a cold alcoholic drink at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Here are our top four bars and lounges you can visit to quench your thirst (or your appetite.)
PHOTO Disney WorldWhen people think of drinking alcoholic beverages at Disney World, the first park that comes to mind is usually EPCOT. What if we told you that Animal Kingdom had some amazing bars and lounges where adults can enjoy their Disney vacation? We’re sure this list will get you through some of those long, hot days in the park.
Nomad Lounge & Cocktail Bar
Nomad Lounge. Photo: @myfavoritethemeparkNomad Lounge is a themed bar that takes on numerous styles of cuisine, including African, Asian and Latin. Its menu offers a broad selection of alcoholic beverages like wines, beers and cocktails. Taking a look at the extensive list of specialty cocktails, we can conclude that there is certainly something for everyone, ranging from tangy margaritas, coffee-based drinks, to fruity sangrias. Moving onto the other alcoholic drinks, it has a wide selection of IPA’s and lagers to choose from, for those beer-loving Disney adults! Not to worry, this place is kid-friendly! Not only does it serve non-alcoholic beverages like “mocktails,” but it also has plenty of items on the kid’s menu. The ambience of Nomad Lounge emanates a “travel the world” vibe, which is totally the place for us. There are festive banners hanging everywhere, and “tag chandeliers” – its signature decoration. There is a lot of natural lighting, and the couches all around the room make this place somewhere you just don’t want to leave.
Dawa Bar
Dawa Bar. Photo: @britt_disneyoutpostDawa Bar is located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom, and features a selection of delicious South African wines and beers, as well as a few specialty cocktails. Its lounge menu is quite small consisting of six beers, six wines, and five specialty cocktails, but in this case, less is more. Its attention to detail on these drinks is just stellar. The bright colors of the cocktails make them inviting, and the convenient location is a win for everyone. Located right in Harambe Village, Disney-goers can sip on their drinks while watching live entertainment, viewing animals, and more! Its most popular beverage would likely be the “Lost on Safari” cocktail, containing Starr African Rum and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, mixed into its signature Pangani Punch with flavors of pineapple, orange, strawberry and cranberry. For a quick stop, you’ll want to visit Dawa Bar.
Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages
Yak Attack. Photo: @yakandyeti_disneyThis is not to get confused with the Yak & Yeti restaurant, as it is its own entity. While this menu is definitely on the smaller side, it contains drinks and small plates, so you can sit back and enjoy your beverage, while also fueling your body for a long day in the park. Its menu ranges from specialty drinks, to draft beers, to sangria. Although the menu is limited, there’s something for everyone. Its food menu is outstanding as well. If you read our previous article, “5 Snacks In Animal Kingdom You Won’t Want To Miss,” you might recall its delicious fried rice being included. Of all the snacks in the park, this took a spot in our top five. Getting a small snack with your beverage here is highly recommended and we suggest the “Yak Attack,” a delicious mango daiquiri. You can find this walk-up window adjacent to Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café. The atmosphere is festive and colorful, which creates a buzz around this area of the park, making it a perfect pit-stop for those exploring the Asia section of Animal Kingdom.
Thirsty River Bar
Thirsty River Bar. Photo: @disneyscocktailsAnother location in which a variety of alcoholic beverages can be found is the Thirsty River Bar, in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. This is an open-air bar offering specialty drinks, beers and frozen beverages. Out of its six specialty beverages, three are margaritas, all with unique twists. Right next to the Expedition Everest rollercoaster, this is the perfect bar for those who aren’t big on thrill rides. When the rest of their party goes off, it’s time for some drinks and fun! This location might be easy to miss, as it blends in with the scenery, but if you spot it, it’s definitely worth the trip. For those who’d rather a mocktail, we recommend the Pink Lotus, which contains Monin wild strawberry syrup, Lychee, and Minute Maid lemonade.
Now that you have a list of the top bars and lounges in Animal Kingdom, your 21+ party will have a lot to add to their itinerary! These locations are all highly recommended by us and we hope you will sit back, sip on a beverage, and have a magical day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
