REVIEW: This Disney World Lounge Is More of a Pit-Stop Than a Destination

[Charlie]

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. Want something quick and easy? You’ve got it. Something middle of the road and comforting? Yep, that too. And if you’re looking for somewhere to grab drinks, you can find that as well.

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Outer Rim


Speaking of which, we recently stopped by the Outer Rim at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here!

Atmosphere​

The Outer Rim is a great place to go for a pre-dinner drink or to have a relaxing evening right in the middle of all the action of the Contemporary Resort’s 4th Floor Grand Canyon Concourse. There’s nothing particularly special about the location, and to be honest, it kind of reminds us of an airport bar, but it’s a great spot to grab a quick drink before dinner or fireworks.

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Outer Rim


You’ll find this comfortable spot right by Chef Mickey’s and Contempo Cafe — two high-energy eateries. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy views of the activity on Bay Lake below, including the Electrical Water Pageant at night!

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Outer Rim


But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?!

Menu​

You can indulge in one of the Outer Rim’s draft beers, wines, bourbons, martinis, or specialty cocktails while you’re here, but keep in mind that there are no food items on the menu here. You’ll also find non-alcoholic drinks here, too. If you’re craving a bite to eat, stop by the nearby Contempo Cafe or make a reservation for one of the many table service restaurants at the Contemporary!

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Outer Rim menu


And now, onto the main event — the food!

Drinks​

To drink, we picked up the Blackberry-Orange Spritz for $17.50. This comes with Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, and Blackberry Purée.

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Blackberry Orange Spritz


Our first sip was pure Sauvignon Blanc — so we’d definitely recommend stirring this before you drink it. Luckily, after we stirred, this drink turned into a delightfully light, fruity spritz. You can taste the wine on the back end of every sip, while the peach and orange blossom vodka and botanical liqueur add some floral notes. We love that the blackberry lends a tartness to each sip. This would be a great cocktail for a hot day and a great alternative to sangria or an Aperol spritz. If you’re a fan of light, easy-to-drink cocktails, this is a great choice.

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Blackberry Orange Spritz


We also grabbed the Island Fusion Punch, which is available for $16.50. This is made with Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Minute Maid® Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, and Pineapple and Lime Juices.

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Island Fusion Punch


This is SO easy to sip, it could be dangerous. It’s tropical, fruity, and everything you want in a vacation-style cocktail, and the addition of the POG juice just makes it taste like it was born to be a Disney World drink. What’s a Disney vacation without a little POG juice? It was slightly sweet, so if you’re averse to sweet drinks, this might not be for you — but don’t let that scare you off. It’s not sickly sweet, and is still light and refreshing. We’d definitely order this again and again!

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The fruit means it’s healthy, right?


So, is the Outer Rim worth a stop on your trip to Disney World?

Nosh or Not​

This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if you…

• Want an easy monorail-area lounge with a view.
  Outer Rim sits right on the Contemporary’s Grand Canyon Concourse with floor-to-ceiling windows over Bay Lake—perfect for a calm pre/post-park sip without an ADR.
• Want a pre- or post–Magic Kingdom pit stop.
  Roll off the monorail, grab a drink, and decompress a few steps from Chef Mickey’s and Contempo Café. Hours typically run afternoon into late night, but do check day-of.
• Want cocktails without the fuss.
  This is a drinks-first lounge: margaritas, mules, classics, beer, and wine—think Blood Orange Margarita, Piña CoLava, Pineapple Mule and more. Simple, reliable, and close.
• Need extra seating spillover
  When Contempo Café gets busy, guests sometimes find seats in Outer Rim (especially in the evenings). Handy for a quick reset.

You should skip this Disney World spot if you…

• Want a meal with your drinks.
  The menu = beverages; food is very limited, if any. If you’re hungry, plan to go to Contempo Café or Steakhouse 71 instead.
• Are counting on the Dining Plan.
  Dining Plan credits aren’t accepted here. Bring a card or mobile wallet.
• Are chasing fireworks views or big energy.
  The lounge faces Bay Lake (not Cinderella Castle), and seating is small and first-come—great for quiet conversation, not for fireworks or large groups.

Overall​

If you think of Outer Rim as a true hotel lobby bar, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re expecting the grand theming and vibes of more exciting Disney World lounges like Trader Sam’s or Beak & Barrel, well, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. It’s not necessarily a destination, but a stop on your way to your destination — whether it be dinner, fireworks, or an evening in Magic Kingdom. The cocktails and service here are excellent, though, and if it’s just a drink with a view you’re after, we think you’ll find Outer Rim fits the bill just fine.

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Outer Rim


In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

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Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments!