
Image by Gary Bogdon
After countless trips to the Walt Disney World Resort, my family and I are always eager to make new discoveries, to find the hidden gems in the Disney Parks. Well, a few years ago my husband and I stumbled on Rix Lounge, located inside Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and let’s say we were surprised, to say the least. Rix Lounge is like no other bar or lounge on Disney property. Rix oozes sophistication in an upscale setting, but is oddly located right in El Centro, the main building at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Housed near The Pepper Market and Panchito’s Gift Shop, Rix Lounge looks a little out of place, more Las Vegas or South Beach than Mickey Mouse. Trendy sofas hang from the ceiling by chains, while vibrant music and lights bring the ample dance floor to life.
My husband and I always make it a point to relax in Rix Lounge with a drink or two when we stay at the Coronado Springs Resort. After a long day of decisions about rides, transportation and dining, it is nice to grab a little “couple” time with my hubby, where our most difficult decision is whether to order the margarita flight or the martini!
Connected to Café Rix, a quick service restaurant, Rix Lounge is a unique surprise for Disney guests, conventioneers and even locals. While it is a posh and vibrant venue, admittedly Rix can be near-empty on some nights and filled to capacity on others. We have always visited in September, typically a slow time at The Walt Disney World Resort, so for me, my husband and our friends, Rix Lounge has been more of an oasis, a place to enjoy a few tasty (and generously poured) drinks and some good conversation. Admittedly, we have spoken with locals who are surprised and disappointed at the lack of patrons at Rix on some nights. Because Coronado Springs Resort is a convention hub, I definitely think the crowd at Rix is impacted directly by the number of conventioneers looking for a fun place to unwind on any given evening. And for locals who might find Rix Lounge completely empty, it is sometimes disappointing.
Rix Lounge and the adjacent event space is a perfect spot for hosting private parties, celebrations and even weddings. On Sunday, Rix Lounge is a perfect spot to watch football games on their several HD TV screens. Along with a pretty extensive selection of beer, wine, martinis, margaritas and other specialty cocktails, Rix features a menu of appetizers like flatbreads, calamari and sliders. Rix Lounge opens daily at 5:00 pm.
A DJ spins tunes and the small dance floor can sometimes be packed with people and bathed in strobe lights. The comfortable seating areas filled with pillows and the upscale décor in hues of crimson, gold and purple encourage adult Disney travelers to relax, unwind and even let loose a bit. While other Disney Resorts feature cocktail lounges, Rix Lounge is in a class by itself, a real nightclub set in the middle of one of Disney’s moderately priced resorts. And the best part is that if you are staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, no one has to drive home; your room is just a quick walk away. In that case, I recommend the margarita flight…AND the martini!
Is there a cover charge or dress code? Thanks for the info!! I have to try it out!
No cover charge (unless it is a special event like New Year’s Eve. There is no dress code on regular nights either. We have seen plenty of guests in “theme park clothes” and others dressed up a bit. Overall, dress seems pretty casual!
We have been here before and love it. Thanks for sharing this information. We cannot wait to visit again for a relaxing night after a long day in the parks!