TL;DR: Nomad Lounge is Rickey’s go-to respite from the chaos, especially around the 2PM Meltdown Hour. Rick’s top 3 cocktail picks are:
Overview
At around 2PM, when most park-goers are busy fighting and/or sobbing due to sheer exhaustion, you’ll find Rickey calmly sipping cocktails, or napping, at Nomad Lounge.
While you’ll need a reservation if you visit the adjoining Tiffin’s Restaurant, Nomad Lounge is first come, first served.
The lounge opens at 11AM. To be the first in, you’ll want to physically get in line between 10:15 and 10:45, depending on the size of your party and how crowded the park is that day.
However, after opening you can also join the Walk-Up List via the My Disney Experience App. Just find Nomad Lounge on your map and it should tell you how long the wait is for your party. Then click “Join Walk-Up List” and follow the prompts.
Be aware that the Walk-Up List sometimes reaches capacity. If this happens, keep checking back because it opens up regularly.
Additionally, the estimated wait time they give you is not terribly accurate. Most of the time the wait is shorter, so stay somewhat close by to avoid a cross-park sprint.
Rickey cannot stress enough how peaceful this spot is. Really, the most intense action you’ll experience is when the flotillas drift by. And Rickey never complains about a little face time with Donald and Daisy.
Cocktails
For the most part, the drinks at Nomad Lounge are as lovely as the surroundings. And while Rickey tends to order cocktails off the menu, he’s also been known to grab an Old Fashioned or Manhattan when the mood strikes. The Nomad Lounge bartenders are well equipped to make you many of the classic cocktails.
For example, the Manhattan is well balanced, made with Russell’s Reserve and Dolin Vermouth Rouge. The garnish is appropriate, with one Luxardo Cherry placed at the bottom of the glass.
Rick’s Top 3 Picks
The specialty cocktails range from sweet and fruity to boozy. There’s really something for everyone on the menu. But Rickey is particularly fond of these three:
#1: Lamu Libation
Rickey was not expecting to love the Lamu Libation as much as he does. It gets Rick’s top pick at Nomad Lounge because it’s complex, boozy and well balanced without any one ingredient stealing the show.
#2: Tempting Tigress
The Tempting Tigress is the best drink on the menu for fans of a 3 ingredient, boozy cocktail. It’s bourbon forward, but well balanced with citrus, sugar and spice. However, it suffers from Nomad Lounge’s biggest downfall: bad ice. If you are a cocktail snob like Rickey you really want a big cube that melts slowly in your stirred drinks. You will not find such a commodity at Nomad Lounge.
#3: Spice Trader Classic
The Spice Trader Classic is a great choice for gin lovers who like a fresh cocktail where the booze doesn’t get lost. It’s clean and well balanced, though a bit watered down from the soda water (and aforementioned bad ice).
Rickey’s Reject
Boto-Rita
Nomad Lounge’s take on a mezcal margarita leaves Rickey a bit befuddled. If you really like mezcal and grapefruit, you probably won’t hate the Boto-Rita. But you have to REALLY like them. Oh, and whole pink peppercorns are pretty but not so tasty.
Non-Cocktail Related Items
Beer: Nomad Lounge has a well rounded beer list with with a variety styles. Notable on the menu is the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft which is exclusive to Walt Disney World. As far as Rickey knows it can only be found at Nomad Lounge and Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom.
The Kungaloosh is lighter than expected with a brown ale with a nice complexity coming from the cinnamon and cardamom.
Wine: They have it.
Food: Rickey thinks the food at Nomad Lounge is exceptional. In addition, you can often order off the Tiffins Restaurant menu next door. Do yourself a favor and get the Lobster Macaroni & Cheese from Tiffins and the Churros. And, pro tip, get lost in the churro sauce by mixing them together.
More Info
Rick’s Tricks: If you are having trouble getting in, or you just don’t want to sit, you can take drinks to go. Just tell the hosts and they’ll direct you to the bar.
Location: Nomad Lounge, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom
Reservations: Reservations are not accepted. Join the Walk-Up List at the podium or on the My Disney Experience App
Menus: Check out the full Nomad Lounge Menu.
Have you visited Nomad Lounge? Let Rickey know your thoughts in the comments.
2 responses to “Bar Review: Nomad Lounge”
Great post, Rickey! Gonna be heading here for a drink or two this August. If you had to pick two drinks from their menu above all others, which would they be?
Thanks
-Zack
Hey Zack! Rickey would go with the Lamu Libation if you want a fruity, rum punch style drink. If you like a more booze forward cocktail, go with the Tempting Tigress. It’s basically their take on an Old Fashioned. Nomad Lounge is a great choice for a relaxing time away from the mayhem. We hope you have fun in August. ChEARS!!