Think Orlando is all about mouse ears, castles and long lines? Whether you’re a Disney devotee or prefer to skip the theme parks, this Florida destination offers a lively and varied drinking scene worth exploring. From a hotel lobby with an enormous gin collection to a Japanese cocktail bar focused on technique and snacks to match, here are four distinctive spots to enjoy drinks in Orlando—after, between or instead of park days.
Wine Bar George © Visit Orlando
The Wine Bar
Wine Bar George
Surprisingly, one of the country’s finest wine bars can be found inside a resort area at Disney Springs. Run by master sommelier George Miliotes, the bar features more than 200 wines served by the bottle, the glass or even by the ounce. Using Coravin technology lets guests taste high-end bottles without committing to a full pour, and wines on tap and rare “Outstanding by the Ounce” selections elevate the list. There are curated tasting experiences such as a Champagne pairing and a First Growth tasting, plus a lineup of Portuguese discoveries from George himself.
Cocktails are thoughtfully composed—look for riffs like a milk-washed vodka take on a New York Sour—and the small plates are lively and well-suited to wine, from meatballs on polenta to saganaki set aflame. Miliotes often circulates among guests, creating a welcoming, destination-driven atmosphere. For wine lovers visiting Orlando, this unexpected gem is worth planning for whether you’re spending a day at the parks or not.
The Gin Bar
Sear + Sea Lobby Bar at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
Located in a spacious, light-filled lobby, this bar stands out not only for its design but for its gin program: roughly 150 bottles from around the globe, making it one of Florida’s most comprehensive gin selections. The menu highlights creative, juniper-forward cocktails like a Key Lime Gimlet—St. Augustine Gin with local Key lime jam, egg white and lime—and a smoked Enchanted Negroni finished with rosemary fog.
Enthusiasts can sample flights or consult a booklet that explains gin styles and suggested uses, from martinis to Old Tom recipes. A dedicated Gin & Tonic section treats the drink with Spanish-style reverence, pairing specific garnishes with the bottle’s botanicals—think star anise, cinnamon and thyme alongside a Florida-inspired gin. For added theater, the Gin on Wheels service offers tableside gin preparations as it rolls through the lobby and dining areas.
Tori Tori © Visit Orlando
The Craft Cocktail Bar
Tori Tori
In the Mills 50 neighborhood, Tori Tori brings a focused, craft-driven approach to Japanese-style cocktails and bar food. Inspired by the philosophy of “ichi-go ichi-e” (treasuring the moment), the bar emphasizes technique, fresh ingredients and precise execution. There are no reservations, so arriving early to claim a spot at the counter is recommended for watching the bartenders at work.
Standout offerings include a perfectly balanced Toki Highball dispensed from a specialized House of Suntory machine, and seasonal highballs built with Japanese tangerine or yuzu gin. The cocktail list goes beyond simple spirit-and-mixer combos: the Golden Hour blends sesame fat-washed Toki Whiskey with banana, lemon, honey and egg white for a rich, silky drink, while the Paper Crane pairs a private-select bourbon with strawberry- and sansho-infused aperitif, red miso syrup and lemon for an umami-forward sip. Pair drinks with Wagyu gyoza, yakitori or Japanese fried chicken for a complete experience.
The Dive Bar (with Games!)
Player 1 Video Game Bar
For nostalgic fun, Player 1 combines arcade gaming and a lively bar program. After paying a modest cover for unlimited play, guests have access to a wide range of classic and modern video games and pinball machines. The drink selection matches the playful vibe: a rotating list of craft canned beers—many local—alongside hard seltzers, meads and canned cocktails. Playful sake-based cocktails are often named after beloved game characters, and the menu intentionally keeps things casual so the focus stays on gaming.
Whether you’re aiming for an afternoon of laid-back day drinking or an interactive evening out with friends, Player 1 offers an entertaining alternative to traditional bar nights.
These four spots show how Orlando’s drinking scene has depth and variety beyond its theme-park reputation—from refined wine and gin programs to meticulous Japanese cocktails and unabashed arcade fun. No matter your taste, there’s a memorable drink experience waiting in the city.