Walt Disney World Resort is known for its theme parks, hotels, and restaurants. But the resort is also home to a number of sports pubs, perfect spots to grab a drink with other fans while you watch the big game. Let’s take a closer look at the top 3 best Disney World sports bars and why they’re worth a visit.
3 Best Disney World Sports Bars
Walt Disney World Resort isn’t exactly known as a destination for sports fans. But look a little closer and you will discover resorts, rides, venues, and bars that have sports themes.
There are several excellent sports bars located around the park that provide fun gathering spots for friends, family, or strangers alike. Kick back and join in with other fans from around the world while your favorite teams battle it out on the big screen.
Disney World’s best sports bars include sports-oriented fine and casual dining spots, cozy pubs, a brewpub, and a lively and exciting entertainment complex. All of these establishments offer a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, beers, appetizers, and entrees. Overall, the food is what you’d expect in an American-style gastropub – delicious comfort food.
Below you’ll find the best sports bars at Disney World. So next time you are at Disney, grab a chair and catch the game on the big screen at one of these magical spots.
1. Shula’s Steak House
Shula’s Steak House is a classy fine dining establishment with plenty of sporty touches. Located inside Disney’s Swan and Dolphin, the star of the show is definitely the steaks and seafood. The food is out of this world! But if you love football, then you’ll appreciate all the sports memorabilia adorning the walls. Alas, there are no TVs in the fancy dining room, but there are in Shula’s Lounge.
This inviting lounge has leather chairs, wood-panel walls, and sports on the big screen. The menu is shared with Shula’s Steak House next door, and there’s a large selection of alcoholic beverages and fine cigars.
The Disney Dining Plan and reservations are NOT accepted. Seating is first-come-first-served, so get there early!
2. SPLITSVILLE
Disney Spring is known as a fun destination and Splitsville is no exception. This chic entertainment complex is known for its bowling but there’s also pool tables, TV screens galore, and a restaurant serving all your favorite comfort foods (including sushi).
Splitsville is brimming with TVs at every corner, so it’s a great spot to watch the game of the week. That said, The Patio Bar area is really the place to head if you’re looking for an authentic sports bar atmosphere. Just be sure to plan ahead and give them a call beforehand because sometimes they host private events.
3. Rix Sports Bar and Grill
Rix is known for its fine selection of draft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and classic bar food. The upscale bar and grill is also known as one of the best spots to catch the game.
Located in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Rix Sports Bar and Grill features nightly sporting events for your viewing pleasure. The games are shown on their state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment for better viewing. Rix is definitely a Disney World sports bar to check out!
Reservations are accepted and recommended during game nights.
What Happened to the ESPN CLUB and Big River Grille & Brewing Works?
Disney’s Boardwalk is a lively area with nightlife, a great atmosphere, tons of dining options, and — up until mid-2022 — a fantastic sports bar.
ESPN Club was a sports fan’s paradise, with 100 tv screens with global satellite feeds. The facility closed in 2022 to make way for a new bakery.
There is still an ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill, located (where else?) at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Its hours vary by season, and you’ll find it a bit more difficult to reach than other onsite options. Its primary mission is to serve the complex during major events.
Another great alternative was Big River Grille & Brewing Works, which at the time was the only working brewpub on Disney property. It featured beer, burgers, nachos, and plenty of TVs, with a special focus on several varieties of handcrafted microbrews (made on the premises). The facility closed in January 2024.
Final Thoughts
If you’re one of those people who prefer quiet environments to watch the game, then there’s really no better place than your own Disney World resort hotel room.
You could order pizza delivery, grab some snacks and beverages to bring back to your room, or just put the eating and drinking on hold until after the game.
Whatever the case, you are in control of the remote and you won’t miss a play or get distracted by the guy sitting next to you.
Another option is to head down to your hotel’s pool bar. Disney’s pool bars are some of the best sports bars in Disney World.
Yes, not all Disney World resort hotels have their own pool bar (and with TVs), but many do.
If yours does have one, then you are in luck. There are usually relaxing, low-key environments with just a few other guests. Plus, you’re close enough to the pool where you can just take a quick dip in the water during the commercial breaks and get back in your seat to catch the next play!
Enjoy your Trip!
If you need help planning and booking your Walt Disney World vacation package, please call the The Vacationeer! Their services are 100% free and their advice, expertise, and dedication will prove invaluable! Fill out the request form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thanks for reading and be sure to check out my latest blog posts: Is it Cheaper to Book Disney World through a Travel Agent, Are Disney Vacation Packages Worth the Money, and Cheapest Time to go to Disney World.
Thanks for sharing this list! I booked my Disney trip without realizing it was right in the middle of March Madness, so I plan on enjoying some hoops at these places whenever I get the chance.
You’re most welcome, Bill. Watching March Madness at a Disney sports bar sounds like a fantastic experience. I’m jealous! I’d just suggest calling ahead to verify that the bar will be showing the games. Have a wonderful trip!