A couple basic questions about Jelly Rolls

[aboveH20]

After years of reading about Jelly Rolls I’m thinking I might actually make it there next week. I’ll be staying at the Boardwalk so I’m thinking it’s now or never. I have a couple questions.

From what I’ve read, going solo is no big deal, “Try it, and if you don’t like it, leave,” so that’s my philosophy. Sounds like the place gets crowded, although I’ll be going earlier rather than later. How does it work? I pay the cover charge at the door and hope there’s a seat when I get inside? I don’t mind going alone, but I think I’d feel awkward -- and like I stick out -- if I have to stand (I’ll stick out enough with my white hair).

Also, I read that they collect credit cards for the charges. I don’t usually carry a credit card with me. Can I use cash or a Disney gift card or my Magic Band? I can grab a credit card if need be, but would prefer not to carry one.

And, most importantly -- what drink do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[mrswillson]

Following. Never been to Jelly Rolls or Atlantic Dance and have it on my to-do list this year.

 

[Lady Marie]

I can't speak to the credit card issue, but as for seating, it's first come first serve (aka hope for a seat). Earlier is better on that front.

I have been by myself before. DH is not a night owl and left me there since I was having a good time. It was a week night and I felt awkward since it wasn't super crowded (I am a generally awkward person as it is though! Haha!) But, had it been a busy weekend night, I doubt I would have felt as awkward.

It's one of my absolute favorite places on property, so I say its worth it to check it out for sure!!!

 

[aboveH20]

I can't speak to the credit card issue, but as for seating, it's first come first serve (aka hope for a seat). Earlier is better on that front.

I have been by myself before. DH is not a night owl and left me there since I was having a good time. It was a week night and I felt awkward since it wasn't super crowded (I am a generally awkward person as it is though! Haha!) But, had it been a busy weekend night, I doubt I would have felt as awkward.

It's one of my absolute favorite places on property, so I say its worth it to check it out for sure!!!

Thanks for the encouragement.

I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've gone to a bar. If you can't get a seat do you "belly up to the bar," order a drink, and then just walk around with it? I'm trying to figure out the protocol.

 

[Lady Marie]

I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've gone to a bar. If you can't get a seat do you "belly up to the bar," order a drink, and then just walk around with it? I'm trying to figure out the protocol.

There is kind of like a pit that is down a few steps which is right in front of the stage. There are (I don't know maybe 20?) tables down there. There is a waitress that brings you drinks (and popcorn!) from the bar if you are sitting there. There are seats that line the back of that area as well (you get your own drinks if you are back here). On the upper level there are seats lining the edge as well. Again you're on your own up there. (It's really only like 3-5 steps up-- nothing huge). I hope that makes sense. I don't know how to describe it. Haha! But if there are no seats, then yes, grab your drink and find a place to stand where you can see. Hope that helps

 

[beesly]

I went to Jellyrolls for the first time, also solo, on a recent trip. I had such a blast that I went back again by myself a second time during the same trip. I generally don't mind doing things alone - I'll also go to parks solo while my family hangs back at the pool.

@Lady Marie described the setup well. The first night I went (a Thursday), it wasn't terribly crowded so I had my pick of seats. I sat in the back and just walked up to the bar when I wanted a drink. The second night (a Friday) was busier. I stood for a while and eventually got a seat near the bar when another party left. Both nights, I arrived around 11-12 (they close promptly at 1:45). If you plan to arrive early, keep in mind that they open at 7 but the music doesn't start until 8, so that first hour could feel more awkward going solo.

The piano players are so entertaining that I honestly didn't mind being by myself. I was mostly content to sip my drink and sing along, but I did chat with a few people around me occasionally.

For the cover charge and at the bar, you can use cash. I've read mixed reports on whether they'll accept a MagicBand, but more reports were negative - I personally wouldn't try it. I took cash myself, which also came in handy for requesting songs. To request a song, just write your request on a napkin and place it on one of the pianos with a tip. I left $2-3 per song and had all of my requests played, but a higher tip will get your song played sooner.

And on the subject of what to drink - I had a strawberry margarita first, and then the bartender recommended a drink called the "Leg Spreader" (I hope that's okay to write on the DIS, haha!), which consisted of coconut rum, melon liqueur, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice. It was pretty tasty. The second night I stuck with wine, though (they had cab sav and I'm not terribly picky - it was good enough).

I hope you have a great time! Report back and let us know what you think of the place.

 

[thepicklebee]

I love jellyrolls! We went on a busy night and had a great time. I have been alone too and just made friends with people around me. After a few drinks it was much easier.

As far as what to drink, I'm no help as I just drank bourbon and coke when I was there.

 

[aboveH20]

There is kind of like a pit that is down a few steps which is right in front of the stage. There are (I don't know maybe 20?) tables down there. There is a waitress that brings you drinks (and popcorn!) from the bar if you are sitting there. There are seats that line the back of that area as well (you get your own drinks if you are back here). On the upper level there are seats lining the edge as well. Again you're on your own up there. (It's really only like 3-5 steps up-- nothing huge). I hope that makes sense. I don't know how to describe it. Haha! But if there are no seats, then yes, grab your drink and find a place to stand where you can see. Hope that helps

Thank you. It's helpful to get the "lay of the land". One year I purposely stayed at POR to see Yee Ha Bob (solo, of course) but the way it's set up there I could see ahead of time that seats were available.

I went to Jellyrolls for the first time, also solo, on a recent trip. I had such a blast that I went back again by myself a second time during the same trip. I generally don't mind doing things alone - I'll also go to parks solo while my family hangs back at the pool.

@Lady Marie described the setup well. The first night I went (a Thursday), it wasn't terribly crowded so I had my pick of seats. I sat in the back and just walked up to the bar when I wanted a drink. The second night (a Friday) was busier. I stood for a while and eventually got a seat near the bar when another party left. Both nights, I arrived around 11-12 (they close promptly at 1:45). If you plan to arrive early, keep in mind that they open at 7 but the music doesn't start until 8, so that first hour could feel more awkward going solo.

The piano players are so entertaining that I honestly didn't mind being by myself. I was mostly content to sip my drink and sing along, but I did chat with a few people around me occasionally.

For the cover charge and at the bar, you can use cash. I've read mixed reports on whether they'll accept a MagicBand, but more reports were negative - I personally wouldn't try it. I took cash myself, which also came in handy for requesting songs. To request a song, just write your request on a napkin and place it on one of the pianos with a tip. I left $2-3 per song and had all of my requests played, but a higher tip will get your song played sooner.

And on the subject of what to drink - I had a strawberry margarita first, and then the bartender recommended a drink called the "Leg Spreader" (I hope that's okay to write on the DIS, haha!), which consisted of coconut rum, melon liqueur, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice. It was pretty tasty. The second night I stuck with wine, though (they had cab sav and I'm not terribly picky - it was good enough).

I hope you have a great time! Report back and let us know what you think of the place.

You shared some good info. Thanks. Cash sounds good and I appreciate knowing that they don't start the music until 8. I plan to go early and I can see how standing around would be awkward.

I promise to report back. Pet peeve: people who ask a question and then never tell how it went.

I love jellyrolls! We went on a busy night and had a great time. I have been alone too and just made friends with people around me. After a few drinks it was much easier.

As far as what to drink, I'm no help as I just drank bourbon and coke when I was there.

Thanks for chiming in. It's surprising how many people have gone to Jelly Rolls solo. I LOVE my solo trips to WDW!!!

 

[aboveH20]

Okay, here's my report . . .

I went last night, arriving just after 8. There were only six tables taken when I got there so I sat "downstairs". The first 45 minutes I was there they didn't play a single thing I knew. That made me feel older than my white hair . After the piano players changed I knew a lot more songs. I had two premium margaritas ($17 + $3 tip) plus $12 to get it, so for $52 I don't expect to go again, but was glad I finally tried it and appreciate those who chimed in on this thread. Thank you

PS By the time I left there were more people and I can see how a fuller crowd and the selection of songs can make a big difference in the experience.

 

[beesly]

Okay, here's my report . . .

I went last night, arriving just after 8. There were only six tables taken when I got there so I sat "downstairs". The first 45 minutes I was there they didn't play a single thing I knew. That made me feel older than my white hair . After the piano players changed I knew a lot more songs. I had two premium margaritas ($17 + $3 tip) plus $12 to get it, so for $52 I don't expect to go again, but was glad I finally tried it and appreciate those who chimed in on this thread. Thank you

PS By the time I left there were more people and I can see how a fuller crowd and the selection of songs can make a big difference in the experience.

Thanks for reporting back! Sorry to hear the night didn't start well, but I'm glad they eventually started to play more songs that you knew!