Beer in Animal Kingdom

[Mardi Grogs]

Hey all, this might be a little more appropriate for the Theme Parks Strategies board, but I figured the Adult Travelers might be a little more informed about this sort of thing.

I've heard about Disney's Safari Amber beer (I say 'Disney's' because as far as I know it's unique to WDW) and that it's only available at AK. For anyone in the know, could you tell me

(a) Is it any good? I think it's made by Anheiser-Busch so maybe it's nothing special.

(b) Where in the heck do you buy beer at Animal Kingdom? Maybe I'm blind but I've never seen a stand... I suppose it may be available at Pizzafari or other counter service places but I'd rather not have to worry about the crowds that gather there.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[dauser]

I can't comment on the quality, but I think you can find it pretty easily. Dawa Bar is a full service bar next to Tusker House that will probably sell it. I believe that the counter service windows for Yak and Yeti also sell it, as do many of the stands that sell soft drinks. I don't know that I've ever seen a separate stand just for beer, but if you keep your eyes peeled you can find it without much difficulty.

Cheers!

 

[Brocktoon]

I'm not 100% sure, but I'd put money on the Safari amber just being a re-label of Michelob Amber Bock for Disney. It tasted like Sam Adam Lager with less hops and malt. It's not up to snuff compared with all the great microbrews, but for WDW, it's definately drinkable compared to the generic brews.

They should have Safari on tap at the Dawa Bar, which is an open air bar area in the AK. I can't remember the exact location, but I think it's near the Tusker House?

Edit: Just read duaser's response ... looks like Dawa bar is near Tusker House

 

[Mardi Grogs]

I'm not 100% sure, but I'd put money on the Safari amber just being a re-label of Michelob Amber Bock for Disney. It tasted like Sam Adam Lager with less hops and malt. It's not up to snuff compared with all the great microbrews, but for WDW, it's definately drinkable compared to the generic brews.

Thanks to all, I didn't even know about the Dawa Bar. So where are the finest brews in WDW? Big River? Raglan Road?

One would think World Showcase, and they do have some interesting international choices but what I would often see is:
Italy: Bud Light and one Italian Beer
Norway: Bud Light and one Norwegian Beer

Anywhere else I could go for some quality brews? (Maybe this is new thread worthy)

EDIT: I forgot about Rose & Crown at WS, which has a good selection.

 

[BigRedGoat]

Anywhere else I could go for some quality brews? (Maybe this is new thread worthy)

If you feel like heading over to Port Orleans, their bar has Abita on tap. Probably the closest you're going to get to "good beer" outside of Epcot.

 

[BunsenH]

Beer enthusiast checking in:

Big River - Good brewpub beers at reasonable (for Disney) prices.

Raglan Road - Good selection of Irish imports. Fresh due to turnover.

Rose & Crown - Good selection of British imports. Fresh due to turnover.

AK - I agree that the Safari Amber is a re-branded Michelob. Not great, but improves due to the surroundings and lack of other choices.

Be prepared to pay $7 - $8 per serving (pint or imperial pint). Big River may still be $5.50 - $6.00.

 

[colorado snowchick]

Yes, it is a good beer. I wish they had stone brewing company. I enjoy the new Tequila bar at the Mexico pavilion. TheGrand Floridian and the Polynesian are nice as well. I will drink just about any beer they offer as long as it is cold.

 

[Uno Mas]

You can also go to the Yak and Yeti - inside there's a bar with limited seating, but if you get there at like 11:30 a.m. before the lunch crowds, you can get a seat. The bar stools are so comfortable, and they have a nice selection of Asian beers to go with the theme. The Safari Amber is an AB product and it's bad.

The only craft beers I've found outside of the Big River beers is Dogfish 60 minute - they are selling it in most resort bars now. Also, Todd English's Blue Zoo in the Dolphin is touting that they carry a selection of craft beers. Can't remember any now from my last trip except Oskar Blues Little Yellow Pils. I'm a beer snob but will drink anything when I"m in Disney for the "experience" of being there!

 

[Jason71]

There's a persistent rumor that Safari Amber and the Hogs Head Ale found in Harry Potter Land are the same thing. Also used as the "house" beer in Darden restaurants (like Bahama Breeze).

 

[DummbGiRL]

Yes, it is a good beer. I wish they had stone brewing company. I enjoy the new Tequila bar at the Mexico pavilion. TheGrand Floridian and the Polynesian are nice as well. I will drink just about any beer they offer as long as it is cold.

The Tequila bar at Mexico pavillion is wonderful and the staff really helps out to find something you've never had before, yet can handle. Tequila is pretty hard for me, but I had something very smooth there I didn't even need to chase it. For the life of me I can't remember - it was probably something I could only get in Mexico anyway.

For me I also love trying the Saki in Japan. They give you sample sizes (4-8$) in the gift shop area. I made some great friends there. The last time I was there they went from really nice souvenior cups to these dingy plastic things and are now charging for the other cups that you can get them to write your names on. When I was there that wasn't an option, I just asked the nice young woman to do this for me and she did. Apparently they figured out that was a great idea and they can charge for it. Oh to make a buck. Still love you Disney.

 

[DefLepard]

A few Animal Kingdom beer places =

Flame Tree BBQ
Yak and Yeti & Yak and Yeti Counter Service
Pizzafari
Restaurantosaurus
There is also an open stand across from Royal Anandapur Tea Company in Asia

 

[Brocktoon]

For me I also love trying the Saki in Japan. They give you sample sizes (4-8$) in the gift shop area. I made some great friends there. The last time I was there they went from really nice souvenior cups to these dingy plastic things and are now charging for the other cups that you can get them to write your names on. When I was there that wasn't an option, I just asked the nice young woman to do this for me and she did. Apparently they figured out that was a great idea and they can charge for it. Oh to make a buck. Still love you Disney.

When drinking around the world, I always skip the Japan outside kiosk for a seat at the saki bar. Last time I was there was probably ~ 2 yrs ago and they had thick white plastic cups with a blue floral trim which I didn't think were too bad. I still have a few at home. Have they since gone to a thinner/cheaper plastic?

 

[ahoff]

You can also go to the Yak and Yeti - inside there's a bar with limited seating, but if you get there at like 11:30 a.m. before the lunch crowds, you can get a seat. The bar stools are so comfortable, and they have a nice selection of Asian beers to go with the theme. The Safari Amber is an AB product and it's bad.

The only craft beers I've found outside of the Big River beers is Dogfish 60 minute - they are selling it in most resort bars now. Also, Todd English's Blue Zoo in the Dolphin is touting that they carry a selection of craft beers. Can't remember any now from my last trip except Oskar Blues Little Yellow Pils. I'm a beer snob but will drink anything when I"m in Disney for the "experience" of being there!

ESPN at BW has some craft beers available. Not sure how often they change, but last time I was there they had Southampron Double White, as well as the aforementioned Dogfish.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Tune Inn Lounge at Hollywood Studios carries Dogfish and Abita as well. Love sitting at the bar there. . .

 

[Brocktoon]

Tune Inn Lounge at Hollywood Studios carries Dogfish and Abita as well. Love sitting at the bar there. . .

Yep, I try to hit Tune-Inn at opening at least once per trip. Beer + onion rings = lunch of champions!

 

[ahoff]

Funny how this thread has been sidetracked from beer at AK to beer (amd tequila and saki) anywhere at WDW....

 

[Uncleromulus]

Brocktoon is right--Safari Amber is a dead ringer for Michelob Amber Bock.

And Uno Mas is right-Yak and Yeti Bar is an EXCELLENT spot for an appetizer and a beer.
They have Tiger, Kirin and Kingfisher, among others.

And "limited" seating is right--I believe there are only 8 chairs at the bar. They are HEAVY and quite comfortable!!

 

[DCTooTall]

Tune Inn Lounge at Hollywood Studios carries Dogfish and Abita as well. Love sitting at the bar there. . .

Which reminds me....


Have they put your name on the stool/bar yet?

 

[DefLepard]

Which reminds me....


Have they put your name on the stool/bar yet?

Didn't they name a drink in her honor "Glowing Character Punch"


OP-(b) When you are at Animal Kingdom sitting at the Yak and Yeti order a Fosters Oil Can <-- it is that big and yummy

 

[nurse.darcy]

Which reminds me....


Have they put your name on the stool/bar yet?

Didn't they name a drink in her honor "Glowing Character Punch"


OP-(b) When you are at Animal Kingdom sitting at the Yak and Yeti order a Fosters Oil Can <-- it is that big and yummy

As much as I love both of you. . .screw you both. . .No I do not have an honorary bar stool. I should but I don't.