I like a good bar crawl as much as the next person. In fact, I’d argue I like it more than the next person. When you throw Disney World into the mix, suddenly we’ve welcomed a Whole New World (hah). My Disney Springs bar crawl is guaranteed to be a good time whether you’re sticking with virgin drinks or going all-in.
Disney Springs has recently become one of the Disney World drinking destinations. While Downtown Disney would have been dead empty after midnight just a few years, it’s definitely undergone a rebranding. Disney has been encouraging people try their Disney Springs After Dark events with late-night hours at the many Disney Springs bars and restaurants.
But where should you go on your Disney Springs bar crawl? Where do you find the best drinks and entertainment without the younger crowd? It takes a bit of know-how, and that’s where I come in. I’ll be your tour guide for your official Disney Springs bar crawl. Your drinking skipper, if you will. So raise your glass and let’s get started!
Important note: I’m definitely not condoning unsafe drinking practices. Always be safe and responsible when you’re going on a bar crawl. Disney is not the place to be reckless! Be safe, guys!
Drinking at Disney Springs: What to Know
First, there are a few things you should know about drinking at Disney Springs if you want to have a good time. Here’s a quick breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
Steer clear of families!
Families are just trying to have a nice, fun time. Sometimes families are out pretty late, so don’t assume that just cause you’re drinking at midnight that you won’t find other families. Many of the Disney Springs bars are 21+ after 10 pm, but this isn’t the rule. Be considerate of other families having a nice vacation.
Know the Uber locations.
Another tip is to realize that the Uber spot is different than the parking garages. If you don’t have a designated driver, realize that Disney doesn’t allow parking past 3am. They’ll tow your car and that’s no fun! There also are limited buses back to the resorts from Disney Springs in the late-night hours. I highly recommend taking an Uber or Lyft if you can, and these will pick you up by the valet parking locations.
Bars close around 1:30 am.
While Disney advertises that their bars are open until 2 am, a more realistic time is actually 1:15 / 1:30 am. This is when last call happens, and it’s when you should start leaving. I take it this is because the cast members and staff are trying to close up shop by 2 am.
It’s pricey (duh).
It comes as no surprise that a Disney Springs bar crawl is a big more pricey than your average dive bar. If you want to stay on the cheaper end, definitely stick with beer or wine (there are a lot of great options). I also highly recommend only having one drink per location or sharing between friends/family.
If you’re planning to go to all of the bars in my bar crawl guide to Disney Springs, I’d make sure you have around $30-40 per person. Each drink will be in the $7-14 range depending on what you choose. Check out my full guide for more information on saving money on dining at Disney World.
Disney Springs Bar Crawl Pre-Game: STK
Okay, this part is optional. If you’re planning to start your bar crawl early in the day, I highly recommend visiting STK for the happy hour. While you can find great happy hour deals across Disney Springs, STK really has some awesome options.
As of June 2019, during Happy Hour they offer half priced cocktails. There’s also deals on certain liquors, beers, and wines, but those cocktails are really where the fun’s at! They have a really upscale bar, and you can snag a luxury cocktail for around $8 which is quite the score.
Happy hour info: Weekdays 3:30 pm – 6 pm or Thursday – Saturday 10 pm to close
Recommended drink: Flawless (Grey Goose Vodka, lemon, raspberry, prosecco)
Jock Lindsey Hanger Bar
This is the only Disney-owned bar on this list, but it’s a must-visit. Jack Lindsey is an aviation-themed bar modeled after the pilot from Indiana Jones, Jock Lindsey. This place has some fabulous theming, and it’s really a sight to behold.
The story goes that Jock made a home at this location in the 1940s after he discovered the town when flying with Indiana Jones over Florida looking for the Fountain of Youth. Since Jock is a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, he often welcomes all of his globetrotting friends (aka you) in for a drink and fun.
You’ll find a lot of really fun cocktails and beer on this menu, most of which are “adventure” inspired. You’ll also notice some appetizers that are perfect when you get those mid-drink munchies. I highly recommend the massive pretzel! This is a seating room only restaurant, so just walk in and seat yourself. You can sit at the bar or a server will help you if you choose one of the indoor or outdoor seats.
Because this bar is a bit more laid-back, it’s a great place to start your bar crawl. Head this way after you’ve had a fabulous happy hour drink at STK and you’re in need of some more libations. If it’s a nice evening, there’s nothing better than sitting out on the “floating” boat.
Drink recommendations: German Mechanic (beer and lemonade) or Fountain of Youth (St. Augustine Florida Cane Vodka, Bois Blue Curacao, white cranberry juice, and sweet-and-sour)
Wine Bar George
I’ve a bit of a wine fan, so I might be biased, but this is one of the swankiest places at Disney Springs. They have an impressive variety of wines on tap, but don’t let that intimidate you. All of the servers and bartenders are very helpful and willing to walk you through your choices to find something you absolutely love.
Going to this place always makes me feel very “adult,” and that’s a fun thing. You can’t go wrong with any of the suggestions here, but I’d recommend going with one of the wines on tap or a custom cocktail. They’ve also got beer options as well!
Pro tip: If the bottom floor has no seating at the bar, head upstairs. There’s a second bar and a great view of Disney Springs.
Recommended drink: Literally any of the wine on tap, but I like the Vezzie Barbera from Italy
Outdoor Bar at the Boathouse
The Boathouse is one of the most hyped restaurants in Disney Springs, and with good reason. I’ve eaten there a few times and it always impresses those I’m dining with! As a vegetarian, it doesn’t really do much for me. The drinks, however, are well-worth a visit.
I really like the indoor bar for a quick experience, but the outdoor bar is really a cool place. If you hit this bar at the right time (usually just after 11), you’ll have an easier time finding space. There’s limited seating in this deck bar that’s over the water, but it’s worth waiting for.
Once you’re seated, you’ll have a great view of the entire lake as well as the amphicars launching into the water. This is the best way to spend a Florida evening.
Recommended drink: Strawberry Gin Fizz (Hendrick’s Gin, strawberries, mint, lime juice, soda water)
The Edison
The Edison is the closest thing Disney Springs has to a dance club, and it’s a great time. I definitely wouldn’t call myself a very good dancer, but this is always the highlight of my night. There’s a lot happening at The Edison beyond the drinks! This 1920’s themed bar is like stepping back in time, from the flapper outfits to the trapeze performers.
If you come on the weekend, there’s always a live band performing after 10 pm. This is the only Disney Springs bar that is 21+ after midnight, so it definitely has a more mature vibe. Grab a drink at the bar and hit the dance floor! The band is always great, and you’ll be a little too tipsy at this point to care about your dance moves!
Recommended drink: French 75 (St. George Botanivore Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, domaine chandron)
Final Stop: Raglan Road
Where would any Disney Springs bar crawl be without Raglan Road? It’s a Disney Springs classic. This Irish-themed restaurant and bar is the perfect last stop. In the late-night hours, it’s usually winding down with good music and drinks.
Head here for an Irish coffee to get some energy to keep you awake on the journey home. Or, just get another beer! Whatever floats your boat!
Recommended drink: Iced Irish (Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, Bailey’s Salted Caramel, iced coffee, and whipped cream)
Drink Your Way Around Disney Springs
You’ve heard of drinking around the World Showcase in Epcot, but what about drinking around Disney Springs? It’s just as fun, and there’s so much to see, do, and taste.
I hope you try this Disney Springs bar crawl or some version of it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed! Cheers, let’s head to Disney Springs!
