Where is a cool place to hang out in DTD?

[Mycutekitties]

Just DH and I are heading down to DL next week but the first night we want to hang out and have a few drinks in DTD. Where would be a nice and relaxing place to go?

 

[bumbershoot]

Uva bar looks interesting.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

My favorite place to hang out and get a drink is definitely at the Hearthstone Lounge next to (but practically inside) the lobby of Grand Californian Hotel. I know that's not in DTD, but I really love just sitting in the lobby there and relaxing, listening to the piano (if they're playing) and looking around the lobby since it's so beautiful. Its a great way to enjoy the hotel without having to pay the expense of staying there. Also, depending on the night Downtown Disney gets really busy - not necessarily relaxing, so it might be much more relaxing in the Hearthstone lounge well. Its a few minutes out the door to Downtown Disney, if you want to continue your explorations there.

Uva Bar, looks really cool and the food looks good, but I've never been there.

 

[Mycutekitties]

Thanks .We will have to check out both. The GCH bar sounds like our style.

 

[CrazyDuck]

I'd go to ESPN Zone... it has a very nice relaxing atmosphere! Or maybe the House of Blues for the tranquil music they showcase every night!

P.S. I'm just messin with ya! If you are looking for "relaxing" then you may want to avoid the 2 places I mentioned!

 

[Gisele]

he he! that is funny, I wonder if there are any good places to go in that area, or it's vicinity, if you are single, and are not interested in being surrounded by couples, especially the kind that need to get a room! geese, not in my facial please! hellllo............ no not envious, more like, would like to keep my solids and liquids down, thank you!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

1st choice - The Napa Lounge at the Napa Rose in the GCH. They have a really lovely patio that most folks don't know about that is actually in/looks into DCA - you can't really see it too much from the walkway at the Grizzly River Rapids, but that is the part of the park that it looks out at. It is trimmed with actual grape vines, there is soothing music coming from that sector of the park, and there are firepits that they light at night and you can sit and enjoy a nice glass of excellent wine. Very romantic and you can also get any food off the Napa Menu. The cappucino's have rock candy stir sticks, too.
When you enter the restaurant, the lounge is the seating to the right. The patio is out the back doors to the far right of the bar. Of course the main lounge seating is very cozy.

We like the Hearthstone, too, but it's brighter and more casual.

Uva bar is defintely more bustling, but still nice.

Depends on the vibe you want.
Nancy

 

[Mycutekitties]

WOW Nancy that's nice.

 

[heatherleigh]

Just stay away from the Lost Bar at the DLH if you want something more low-key. That place was like a meat market when I went there. I was doing laundry w/ my mom and we just went to get an appetizer. The bartender did not appreciate that we weren't drinking, so he decided to give us lousy service. The patrons looked as if they just turned 21.

 

[Sherry E]

I don't know if it is necessarily 'relaxing,' but I think the Rain Forest Cafe has something called the Magic Mushroom Lounge, which is separate from the restaurant/dining area. You will certainly be in a cool atmosphere there (don't know if you have ever been to RFC), though it is not tranquil. I like the name Magic Mushroom Lounge, too, for some reason. It is clever and almost a little provocative to be on Disney property!

 

[Mycutekitties]

Cool! We made reservations for RFC for Friday so I will check that out!

 

[techno]

Uva bar and the little cafe attached to it.

 

[M4travels]

I truly do enjoy The Hearthstone Lounge at the GCH however I think their service is the worst of any cocktail lounge I've ever been in. The CMs are all great people and I chat them up and up and up again, but it takes forever to get a drink there. I am there frequently but I have left when it just took forever to have a drink delivered.

My suggestion: Go in, one of you find a place to sit (Friday and Saturday afternoons can be VERY busy in there) and the other place your order at the bar and bring it back to the table.

I've never been to Uva but it does catch my eye as a fun place every time I pass by.

My problem with the Napa Rose is that once in there I wouldn't stay for just a drink. I would most definitely want dinner (ask for John or Heather for your server) and that just wipes out my wallet every time!

Michael

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

My problem with the Napa Rose is that once in there I wouldn't stay for just a drink. I would most definitely want dinner (ask for John or Heather for your server) and that just wipes out my wallet every time!

Michael

The older cast knows us really well - we used to be in there at least once a month before we had the girls, but our main server peeps are Wendy, Po, and Saucy - we remember when he was a line chef - and if you love cheese, he is your man! (I recall that Pete made special mention of him, too.) Our place was the counter - seats 3 and 4 in front of the hot appetizer station. Of course, Mr. Jordan, Chef Andrew, and Chef Jeffrey are da bomb, too. We were sorry to see the Chefs Rossi and Dolly go, but we hear their restaurant, Ambrosia, in the Orange County Pavillion is the tops! Looking forward to my birthday - we still try to go for that. Early reservations, so the girls behave!

Nancy

 

[dan1964]

I have to chime in as well for the UVA bar. It's a nice place to relax with friends and have a drink outdoors. The staff has always been friendly and fun.