Book Review: Drinking at Disney

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a blog post review – all opinions, as always, are honest!

Every once in awhile a book falls into your hands that sounds like it was made for you.  So when I found myself with a copy of Drinking at Disney I couldn’t imagine anything better suited for me.  After all, I run with a group once a week called the Phoenixville Beer Runners and I write blog posts such as “The Best Drinks at Disney World.”

There’s a plethora of bars and drinking spots around Disney World, and like most things there they are well themed, fun, and delicious. But even I haven’t had the privilege of visiting all (or even most) of them yet, so I was excited to read all about the options and recommendations.

Just a head’s up: this book is definitely for a certain type of person. And that would be a person who is not easily offended with a good sense of humor. If you don’t like the idea of a Disney book which involves cursing, butt jokes (and much worse) and all other things irreverent, then steer clear.

Everything is better with glow cubes – including this book!

Luckily, that’s not me! The author of the book goes by “Drunky,” so that should give you a good indication of what to expect. And he makes no apologies about his taste in alcohol (even though I strongly disagree with some things) as well as his inappropriate sense of humor. Thank goodness his writing is accompanied by interjections from his editor, Rhiannon, who gives him a hard time and describes things a little more sensibly. You feel like you get to know them and their crazy friendship through the book.

So let’s dive right in. The book starts off with a review of every single bar on Disney property. Everything from the impressive Trader Sam’s down to the smallest pool bars.  Each review includes a few ratings, whether or not they accept discounts, the location, theme, vibe, menu highlights, and pros and cons.

While the book is funny I probably could have done with a little bit less of the “in your face” opinions and a little bit more of actual descriptions of places and things.  Sadly, Drunky is a big fan of drinks like Bud Light (and if you ask me, if you’re drinking Bud Light why are you even bothering to drink at all?). So when you rate Fife and Drum Tavern (with its everyday domestic beers) higher than Block and Hans (with a great variety of craft beers)… well, I am definitely not a fan of your opinion. Luckily Rhiannon balances things out a little with her taste for craft beers and wine.

Oh, and insulting my Grand Marnier slushie?? Not cool, bro.

Grand Marnier slushies are the best. Don’t let Drunky tell you differently.

One of my favorite things in this book is the “pro tips” scattered throughout. You’ll find them in pink boxes in certain bar reviews, and they provided a surprising amount of knowledge I didn’t know (or tips I had never thought of – and for someone who as is into Disney as I am, it’s always exciting when I learn something new!). For example, the section on Tune-In Lounge suggests ordering a shot of vanilla vodka along with a PB&J milkshake and mixing them together. That sounds delicious – and brilliant! – and I can’t wait to try it.

There are a few other sections in the book after the reviews, including a number of different Drinking Touring Plans. There are some I’ve heard of or attempted before (like Drinking around the World at Epcot or doing a Monorail bar crawl), but some great ideas I hadn’t considered. I’ve already made notes to consider an Animal Kingdom/AKL crawl for my December trip, and an Old Key West/Disney Springs one for when we’re staying there in January. I’ve got big plans, people!

All in all I really enjoyed the book. It made me laugh a number of times and is good overview of every single bar in Disney. While I do wish just a little bit that he wasn’t quite as strong with his opinions on his beer tastes, it’s not only a fun read but a good resource – recommended for anyone who likes drinking and Disney! Grab your copy here.

Does Drinking at Disney sound like a book for you?