The 2019 college football and NFL football season is finally here and so is our list of best places to watch football at Walt Disney World! If you’re visiting Walt Disney World during football season, or any other season, you may have a cranky/anxious husband(or wife) looking for somewhere to watch “the big gameâ€.
As HUGE college football fans from a house divided(me: Ohio State, him: Notre Dame) we like to watch as many games as humanly possible on Saturdays. Whether it’s college football or basketball, the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB, we want to make sure you know some of the the best bars & restaurants to catch games in 2019 at Walt Disney World. Check out the list below to find the best places to watch:
1ESPN Club
Although the ESPN Club isn’t our favorite place to eat on property, it is by far the best place to catch a game…or all the games! With nearly 100 TV’s, ESPN Club takes the trophy for best place to watch college and NFL football, NBA basketball, Major League Baseball, NHL Hockey, March Madness and all other sports in general.
Tip: With ESPN Club located on Disney’s Boardwalk!, it’s just a short walk from Epcot. plan to visit the park that day and eat at ESPN Club. That way you get the best of both worlds by maximizing park time and catching the game.
2Coming Soon: City Works Eatery & Pour House
The newest addition to our list is touted as a “Sports Fan’s Dream” by Disney. Opening soon at Disney Springs’ West Side area (attached to the NBA Experience), City Works will become an instant fan favorite. In Disney’s words: “Welcome to your new go-to spot for a superb game-viewing experience, gourmet menu and a massive selection of beers.” Sounds great to me!
Offering classic American food, this new bar and restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, over 90 different beers on tap, gigantic high-definition TVs and state-of-the-art A/V. We can’t wait to try this spot on upcoming trip!
3Victoria Falls Lounge
If you find yourself at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at game time, hop on a bus and head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House. The Victoria Falls Lounge is a great place to watch a game and enjoy some food and drink in a laid back environment. At halftime, be sure to head downstairs and check out the animals on the savannah!
4Geyser Point
Geyser Point at the Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness lodge is a great outdoor option for watching sports or just hanging out in general.
Geyser Point, located at the Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, sports good food, atmosphere, drinks, and a view! With several large flat screen TV’s at the center of the bar there’s not a bad seat in the house. The scenic views from the shore of Bay Lake, mean you’re only a boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom (meaning dad can sneak out and be back in time for the 5:00 FastPass).
5Stargazers Bar
Located at the recently renovated Planet Hollywood Observatory, Stargazers Bar offers several TV’s, an outdoor bar, and nightly live music. This is a great place to grab a specialty cocktail, craft beer, wine, or other cold beverage under the central Florida stars while watching your favorite team!
6Resort Pool Bars
Most, if not all resort pool bars at Walt Disney World have TV’s for watching your favorite team! Weather permitting, these bars & lounges generally serve a full menu of specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and poolside eats.
If there’s a can’t miss game on, consider taking a break from the parks and plan ahead with a fun pool day. While the kids are entertained by the various poolside activities, you’re free to grab a beer and watch the game. They even have life jackets for the little ones so you can sit back and relax (just kidding, ALWAYS watch your kids at the pool!)
7Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Bowling may be Splitsville’s game of choice, but there’s no shortage of TV’s for watching your favorite team at this Disney Springs staple. While the family is enjoying one of America’s great pastimes, you can catch a game on one of the many TV’s around the two story Splitsville Luxury Lanes complex.
8Shula’s Lounge (Swan & Dolphin Hotel)
For an upscale place to catch a game, head over to Walt Disney World’s Dolphin hotel to Shula’s Lounge. Bearing the name of Miami Dolphins Hall-of-Fame head coach Don Shula, this lounge is attached to the award winning Shula’s Steakhouse. In their words, Shula’s Lounge is “a cozy atmosphere with leather chairs, plenty of sports channels to choose from, and a selection of fine beer, wine, and after-dinner drinks.”
NOTE: Shula’s Lounge is open evenings from 5:00pm-11:00pm.
9The Boathouse Restaurant
Located at Disney Springs, the Boathouse Restaurant offers amazing eats and multiple flat screens to catch the big game. What it lacks in number, it makes up for in quality…of food that is. With a limited number of TV’s, be sure to get there early and snag a seat at either the indoor or outdoor bar.
10Your Resort Hotel Room or Villa
If all else fails, kill two birds with one stone…Send your spouse back with your little one(s) for a nap during the game. While the kids sleep, they can (quietly) watch their favorite team take the field.
Don’t forget to plan ahead and pack your Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku or other streaming device, in case the game isn’t being televised locally. All resort TV’s now include HDMI inputs, along with in-room wifi strong enough for streaming.
Bonus: While dad has the younger kids, mom can have me time to enjoy the parks…or the spa.
Know a better place to catch a game on Disney World property? Let us know on social media or in the comments below!
