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The Best Disney Bar That No One Talks About

turtle-crawl-gurgling-suitcase
Credit: DisneyTips

Exploring Walt Disney World Resort is no small feat. With four theme parks, two Water Parks, Disney Springs, 25 plus Resorts, and roughly 400 dining options… the massive Disney bubble is an explorer’s dream come true. Hidden gems are our favorite which leads us to share the secret of our pick for the best Disney bar that no one seems to talk about.

While much of the focus of a Disney vacation surrounds singing along to “it’s a small world” at Magic Kingdom, strolling around the World Showcase at EPCOT, screaming on Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and being in awe of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom… there are moments we find ourselves needing to take a moment to detach from the Disney Park “go, go, go” mentality.

Disney’s lounges and bars are plentiful. Even alcoholic beverages at the once dry Magic Kingdom Park are in full swing. And while we have found favorites like Disney’s hidden underground lounge and popular picks such as Trader Sam’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, our legs take us to one cozy bar that spells out vacation with every sip.

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Credit: Disney

Time to head with us over to Disney’s Old Key West Resort, where the calming Florida Keys greet Guests daily. Just a boat ride away from Disney Springs, a bus ride from the Disney Parks, or an easy stop-off with your own vehicle – the swaying palm trees, lush golf fairways, and shimmering waterways welcome thirsty travelers.

While the once quiet Olivia’s Cafe restaurant is now seeing additions such as a regular brunch option and growth in popularity, one of the very best bars at Walt Disney World often goes unnoticed right next door. That’s right, we’re talking about the cozy little Key West-style bar… Gurgling Suitcase.

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Credit: Disney

With room inside for roughly six stools, drinks here are easy to order but finding a seat inside the bar isn’t always possible. No worries – the best seats in the house are actually just outside of the bar at the picnic-style tables and high-tops with shade umbrellas that overlook the beautiful Disney Resort lighthouse and waterway.

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Credit: kenwoodtravel

The best of the best drinks to order is the Turtle Krawl! The Turtle Krawl is Gurgling Suitcase’s signature drink, as each sip makes it feel like the tropical destination of the Florida Keys has come right to Central Florida. The Siesta Key White Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum with Grenadine, Pineapple, Orange, and Key Lime Juices is a vacation in a glass.

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Turtle Crawl (Credit: DisneyTips)

Other popular cocktail favorites include Olivia’s Strawberry Lemonade (with Patrón Silver Tequila), the Key West Loaded Bloody Mary (comes with bacon!), the Key West Freeze (SVEDKA Vodka and Bols Melon Liqueur blended with flavors of Coconut, Pineapple, and Strawberry), and Slappy Joe’s Bourbon Berry Lemonade (Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Bols Blackberry Brandy, and Lemonade).

View from Gurgling Suitcase (Credit: DisneyTips)

The list of cocktails is endless, with more favorites such as Spicy Poblano Margarita, Whiskey Breeze, Walk the Plank, Godiva Chocolate Martini, and so much more. There really isn’t a drink we haven’t enjoyed at Gurgling Suitcase. Plus, the bar is full service, so if your heart is content with a Long Island Iced Tea, premium wines, or beer… you’ll have a wide selection to choose from.

Bringing the family with you? Our kiddos enjoy mocktail selections such as Watermelon Lemonade, virgin Piña CoLavas, and virgin Strawberry Daiquiris. The kids may spot the Surrey Bike rentals nearby, and before you know it, you’ll be biking around Old Key West Resort with a Turtle Crawl in your hand and happy kids along for the ride!

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Credit: DVCRentals

Working up an appetite? Gurgling Suitcase offers up appetizers such as Shrimp Fritters and Deep-fried Pickle Chips. You can also order entrees such as the Barbecued Pulled Pork Nachos and Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken.

In all honesty, the looks of the Gurgling Suitcase bar aren’t impressive, but the drinks are some of the BEST we’ve ever had on Disney property. The unmatched, calming atmosphere is the perfect way to top off a Disney day. Cheers!

About Jamie Sylvester

I'm a Disney nerd! A kid at heart who loves the magic and memories of Walt Disney World. I follow all things Disney and enjoy the vacations, day trips, and weekend getaways, and geek out over the planning of such events. My goal is to experience as many Disney desserts and cocktails as possible! Married to another Disney nerd and blessed with a daughter and son, we thoroughly enjoy the magic at Disney and are here to help others experience the magic as well.