As guests walk past Spaceship Earth, gaze across the rest of the park, and take a moment to ponder at Dreamers Point, they are reminded of the heart of Epcot’s concept. Past, present, and future come together to inspire everyone to follow their imagination. At the new Geo-82, the Disney beverage team embraced the opportunity to surprise and delight guests, and the results are breathtaking.
Certain food and beverages are part of the Disney Parks identity. From Dole Whip floats to Mickey Pretzels, those iconic treats will always be captured and shared with friends and family.
Today’s theme park guest craves more. Whether it is a flavor trend or a stunning visual, people expect the Disney team to go above and beyond with their offerings. At Geo-82, they achieved that and more.
During a special preview event, I spoke with Stephanie Dold – Beverage Director, Food and Beverage Concept Development about the Geo-82’s offerings. From refreshing mocktails to celebrated, exclusive spirits, this bar menu stands up to the offerings on the World’s 50 Best List.
Specifically, Dold shared, that curating the menu celebrates “the different stories and passions” and that they wanted to “bring those concepts to life for guests across the space.” While there are always classic options available, many of the concepts were designed to “push a guest’s pallet” as well as offer “items that are more approachable for all guests to enjoy.”
Looking at the cocktail menu, one item is a first for Disney Parks. The specialty bourbon flight is an instant draw for that particular spirit lover, but also, it invites everyone to explore the complexities of flavor, proof, and storytelling of the particular distillers.
This exclusive Disney Select Bourbon Flight includes: Uncle Nearest Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve Single Barrel, Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel, and Stagg Private Barrel. As the list shows, this flight brings together approachable proofs, new entrants into the bourbon scene, and celebrated distillers that whiskey lovers adore.
Speaking about the bourbon and whiskey offerings, Dold commented, “it is a great way for Disney to offer both different entry points and levels. It gives everyone an opportunity to try. We have a lot of different bourbons, whiskeys, and other spirits. Our team takes a lot of pride and joy in curating this menu.”
From the bourbon flight to the Brown Butter Old Fashioned, the Disney team showcases both the complexity and the approachability that America’s spirit offers. From Old Forester’s sweetness that has been nurtured by Master Taster Melissa Rift to the Uncle Nearest whose CEO Fawn Weaver celebrates the history and tradition of the first-known African American master distiller, the spirits’ stories combined with their flavors captivate guests.
While the bourbons are a unique draw, Geo-82 celebrates all spirits, creative cocktails, and marvelous mocktails. Additionally, the menu embraces a beverage trend, specifically savory flavors.
Evan Rosenthal – Beverage Manager, Food and Beverage Concept Development, commented on the savory trend. While he agreed that using vegetables and vegetable juices are definitely having a moment, the Geo-82 cocktails are more than just vegetables.
Specifically, Rosenthal said, “these cocktails are designed to be bright, refreshing, and adventurous.” It is more than just a bunch of herbs or just juiced vegetables in a glass. Each offering builds layers of flavors that require guests to sip, stop, and savor the moment.
Speaking about the visually stunning Electron cocktail, it is the keen flavor balance that makes it a must order. The Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezal adds a slightly smoky note that brings out the sense memory of roasted carrots.
Rosenthal's detailed description of how the team used carrot, cinnamon, ginger, and mezcal to take guests on a flavor journey that bounces from note to note captures the movement of a high energy electron in an atom. While his analogy of an earthy tea as merit, the Electron is more like a slightly sweeter sour cocktail that has a burst of brightness and a touch of spice which delights the palate with almost a comfort food vibe.
Even the mocktails take on that complexity. The Walk in the Garden is the pick-me up elixir which is a must on a hot Florida day. Using the zero-proof Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic spirit, its takes a Collins cocktail in a totally different direction. For people who love a gin and tonic or other lighter cocktail on a summer day, this zero-proof choice is a must try.
Overall, the beverage and food offerings at Geo-82 are superb. For the adult Disney theme park guest who has been craving a space to relax, unwind, and savor the moment, this Epcot restaurant is a must book reservation.
Rosenthal’s sentiment captures the concept perfect, “my favorite thing when I got into a bar is to have something amazing and I learn something through the experience. At Geo-82, you will have a great cocktail, some amazing food, and guests will want to come back. That concept has been our goal, and guests will feel that commitment every time they walk through the door.”
Geo-82 is located within Epcot. It is an adults only space that requires reservations.