Which bars have nicest atmosphere?

[PennyW]

I would not count on the California Grill for a snack and a drink. They only allow people with reservations up to the 15th floor when it is busy. You must go to the CF Reception Area on the 2nd floor to see if they will allow you up there. IIRC, access to the 15th floor is now key operated by CMs.

I would add Prime Time Cafe to your list. I LOVE their bar and I know you can get appetizers there. I also love the Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian. They make a mean LapuLapu (fruity rum drink served in a pineapple) and they also serve appetizers.

Here is a picture of a LapuLapu taken a long time ago (look how young my DD is!):

Prime Time ... check! Tambu ... check! That drink looks tasty.

We have ADR's at CG for my birthday dinner, so I'm excited about that. The menu looks really good. From what I've read, there's a deck for Wishes viewing?

 

[Bill From PA]

Here's a second for the Tambu Lounge, assuming that's the one straight ahead when you exit the monorail. Also, we've always been able to find two stools together at Raglan Road without ADRs for a brew or three and a snack or full meal. Obvoiusly, the Rose&Crown ranks high also as does the BellVue Lounge which, unfortunately, doesn't open until 5.

Bill From PA

Bill From PA

 

[PennyW]

Does Tambu have the sticky wings I keep hearing about? Those and a cold beer of choice sound pretty good right now (even at 9:24 a.m.!).

 

[robinb]

Does Tambu have the sticky wings I keep hearing about? Those and a cold beer of choice sound pretty good right now (even at 9:24 a.m.!).

I don't know if Tambu does, but the Kona right next door does. And they are good! Maybe you can get them "to-go" and snack on them over at the Tambu.

And yes, the CG has a special balcony for viewing Wishes. If you're lucky you might be seated where you can see it from your table . Way back before they started making people go through the 2nd floor reception area we used to get to the CG about 30 minutes before Fantasy in the Sky and a get a drink to enjoy with the fireworks. Unfortunately, that made the restaurant extra crowded and on a cold or rainy night everyone would crowd in behind the tables. We almost had someone else's kids in our laps one late dinner!