Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Hidden Happy Hour Heaven

In the eyes of the mainstream, The Walt Disney World Resort has become known as the Most Magical Place On Earth to have a drink. But let’s be honest: not all Disney drinking spots are created equal–in matters of quality and also accessibility.

Since the secret about Trader Sam’s got out, the overall quality of the subtropical speakeasy’s experience remained the same, but it has gotten increasingly harder to get a table. Contrarywise, there are alcohol vendors scattered around EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but the experience adds to the overall quality of Theme Park experience rather than become an experience all its own.

For those Walt Disney World Guests who are looking for a way to have that perfect sunset cocktail or happy hour drink on at the apex of chill and elegant, then I have the place for you: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, specifically Gran Destino Tower.

Read More: Honest Review: Disney’s Gran Destino Tower

In the midst of the Gaudi-inspired castle of a hotel, you will find three bars perfect for a quick aperitif. One sits on top, one sits on the bottom, and one sits on a lake.

Dahlia Lounge

Starting on the roof, Dahlia perhaps the most strategically placed rooftop bar on Walt Disney World Property. While the Top of the World Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort boasts about its views of Magic Kingdom Park, Dahlia sits atop Gran Destino Tower and lets its Guests look out over THREE Theme Parks and one Water Park! From the outside terrace, Resort Guests can easily spot EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth to the North, The Forbidden Mountain and Floating Mountains of Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the South, and all of Disney’s Hollywood Studios–from the Tower or Terror to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge–sits front and center. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park’s snow-capped Summit Plummet is also clearly visible. Yes, this also means that the fireworks shows from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are visible, but the audio is not played from the impromptu viewing area.

In proper Spanish Colonial fashion, Dahlia offers a full bar with wines and specialty cocktails inspired by the old and new world, offering a range of drinks from Riojas to Tequilas. The lounge is connected to the rooftop restaurant Toledo, and offers a range of small tapas-style plates. I personally recommend the Spanish Charceuterie board that not only comes with a quality amount of meats, but also Jamon Iberico–a Spanish delicacy and arguably the best ham in the world that is nearly impossible to get in the States.

Related: Let’s Talk About Disney World’s “Monorail Crawl”

The bar is open from 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m., and Guests of Toledo are allowed to transition over to the outdoor area to finish their wine and contemplate a proper night cap.

Barcelona

16 floors below, in the Lower Lobby, sits Barcelona. An expansive bar decorated as if it was carved from a corner of Sagrada Familia herself sits tucked away beneath the main lobby, and offers almost exactly the same wine list and beverage options as you would find in Dahlia. Some might think this is lazy, but I disagree. Because Barcelona has a different atmosphere than its sister spot. Giant windows allow Guests to look out over an expansive lawn and the rest of the Coronado Springs Resort. And being on the ground floor means that this is a more popular spot for families–namely parents who are looking to take the edge off.

All drinks are available in to-go cups so you and your party can close the tab and savor your drinks on an evening stroll around the lagoon.

This bar is open 3:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m. and also offers some breakfast options available from 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago

The third bar option is just a short walk away from the Tower, in the heart of the Resort Lagoon. While Three Bridges is a full-service restaurant, I would personally not spend my money on anything here but the drinks, the smoked paprika fries, and maybe the queso.

Tables here are reservation only, but the bar seating and ledge seating are first come, first served. The earlier into the cocktail hour you get there, the better. There was somethign magical and peaceful about watching my hotel glow in the setting sun while I relaxed with a sangria. Speaking of which, this is also the location of Disney’s Sangria University.

It should also be noted that this location, as well as the other two, also offer a collection of delicious mocktails to include anyone who isn’t drinking, whether due to age or preference.

Some people may think that drinking has gotten out of hand at Walt Disney World, but I say otherwise, and for those who can handle and appreciate a good drink, these three spots that are clearly off the beaten path should not be overlooked.

But, as always, please drink responsibly, dear readers, never drink and drive, and don’t do anything that will make you viral on TikTok.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.