10 best Disney World nightlife activities for adults

Yes, Disney World has nightlife (and nightlife that doesn’t require a park ticket!). There’s live music of all kinds, karaoke, dancing, tiki bars, resort lounges and even bar crawl options.

As a bonus, you won’t be out all night as most venues close at 11 p.m. This is super helpful if you’re getting up early the next day to go to a theme park.

To start planning your night out, see the list below of the best nightlife activities at Disney World. You can use Disney transportation to travel to the below venues, but it’s easiest to get a ride with Lyft or Uber at the end of the night (it may also be your only option). Note that Disney Springs bus service currently ends at midnight, one hour after current closing time.

1. Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a large shopping, dining and entertainment district that’s accessible via free parking garages and Disney resort buses. There are a variety of walkup bars, places to eat and nightlife spots, plus you can walk around with alcoholic drinks. For free music, check out one of the multiple outdoor stages, including the Waterside Stage (across from World of Disney store), Waterview Park next to The Boathouse, and Dockside Margaritas.

2. House of Blues

In Disney Springs, the Orlando House of Blues is a concert venue with shows that require a ticket. There are fun cover bands and mainstream artists to choose from. Be sure to check the schedule during your trip dates (or plan a trip around a performance) if you’re a music fan. For a free option, next to the music hall is a restaurant of the same name that has live music in the courtyard and inside the building.

3. Raglan Road

A lively pub with entertainment and fantastic food, Raglan Road (also in Disney Springs) is a must-do. Irish dancers and musicians perform indoors, plus there’s usually live music on the patio. We highly recommend making reservations via the Disney World app if you want a table. Otherwise, there are multiple bars inside and one bar outside with walkup seating.

4. The Edison

Another nightlife option at Disney Springs, The Edison is a 1920s-themed bar and restaurant. There is an industrial speakeasy vibe, craft cocktails and a variety of live entertainment, including jazz bands, cabaret singers, DJs and aerial performers. We recommend visiting later in the evening, but arrive before 9 p.m. if you want to order food.

5. Karaoke

If you love karaoke, you’re in luck. There are two venues where you can sing (or listen to singers). The first is the Stargazers Bar in Disney Springs, which has karaoke on Wednesday nights. Or visit Kimonos (a sushi restaurant) inside the Walt Disney World Swan resort. The Swan is accessible via boat from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway near the UK Pavilion. You can also walk to the Swan from the Swan Reserve, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts.

6. Atlantic Dance Hall

We love the Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk. There’s no cover, art-deco decor, balconies with romantic lake views and fun music that spans decades. To get there, travel to the Boardwalk Resort via Disney bus (from Disney Springs or a theme park) and walk about five minutes. You can also get on a boat at Hollywood Studios or walk from EPCOT/EPCOT Skyliner station and several resorts: Swan, Swan Reserve, Dolphin, Beach Club and Yacht Club.

7. Scat Cat’s Jazz Club

Hop on a boat at Disney Springs or board a bus at one of the theme parks to reach the French Quarter Resort. There you’ll find Scat Cat’s Club, which has live jazz on the weekends. In addition to music, you can enjoy New Orleans-style food and drinks, including beignets and hurricane cocktails. Consider walking around the resort before or after visiting the club to immerse yourself in the charming French Quarter theme.

8. River Roost Lounge

For an upbeat piano show, check out the River Roost Lounge at the New Orleans Riverside Resort. Performances are typically Wednesday through Saturday nights, but this is subject to change (click the link above to check dates). There are only appetizers on the menu, so plan to eat dinner elsewhere if you want a larger meal. To reach the resort, get on a Disney bus to Riverside from any of the theme parks or use the boat transportation at Disney Springs.

9. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

For a hidden tiki bar experience with fantastic theming and theatrical moments, visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian Resort. It’s on the first level of the Ceremonial House and accessible via the resort monorail and Disney buses (board at Disney Springs or a theme park). Space is limited and there’s usually a line to get in, so you’ll want to get your name on waitlist as early as possible. The bar currently opens mid-afternoon and closes at midnight.

10. Monorail Crawl

The Magic Kingdom resort monorail is a fun option for visiting three deluxe Disney resorts: the Contemporary, Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. Even if you don’t drink, exploring the themed resorts is a wonderful way to spend the evening. As a bonus, you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from all resorts and from the monorail itself.

There are a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and lounges at each location. If you plan to eat or drink, our favorite destinations are:

Steakhouse 71 Lounge at the Contemporary (great burger and vintage photos of Walt Disney World)
California Grill at the Contemporary (rooftop restaurant with stunning views, but bar seating fills up fast so arrive at 5 p.m. for your best shot at a seat)
Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian (indoor tiki bar with limited seating)
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at the Polynesian (outdoor seating with live music and small bites)
Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian (elegant lounge with fancy snacks)
Citricos Lounge at the Grand Floridian (we love the food if you’re looking for a nice dinner option)

There are a few options for reaching the resort monorail:

Park at Disney Springs and take a Disney bus to one of the three resorts (Polynesian is easiest).
If you’re staying at Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness, get on the boat to the Contemporary.
If you’re staying at a Disney resort, get on the bus to Magic Kingdom and walk to the monorail station. Be sure to board the “resort” monorail and not the “express” one. Your first stop will be the Contemporary. You can also get on a boat at Magic Kingdom to reach the Grand Floridian if you prefer to start there.
Travel to the Ticket and Transportation Center. You can drive and park there, use rideshare or take a bus from some off-property hotels. After arriving, walk past security (don’t go through the metal detectors) to reach the tiki-torch pathway to the Polynesian Resort. Walking time is less than 10 minutes from the transportation center.

More Information

Top photo by DW for Adults (Irish dancer at Raglan Road)