Time to address one of the more common questions (sometimes rather sheepishly) raised by my clients, or by their significant others: there’s a BIG (football / soccer / basketball / hockey / golf / baseball) game happening during our vacation, where can I go to see it without leaving the resort?
I’ll assume they already know they can stream it to a device (best with a mobile hot spot) and/or often watch it on the tv in their resort room (though games that are local to you may not be available).
These suggestions are for those who want to enjoy the game with other fans, in their natural habitat:
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
-Disney Springs-
Splitsville The bowling alley that has awesome sushi also is a great spot for catching major league sports (win-win)
Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood Nice options for indoor and outdoor seating
The Boathouse Orlando Outdoor bar on the water – great atmosphere, excellent food
City Works Eatery & Pour House Fantastic beer list and bites, kids menu is popular
– At the Resorts –
Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has 30+ tvs all tuned to sports!
Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a gorgeous setting and all open air, try the bison burger
Shula’s Lounge at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel offers the full menu of Shula’s Steak House in an upscale setting
– At Animal Kingdom Park –
Rainforest Cafe near the entrance to Animal Kingdom is the only “in park” location with a sports bar
TIP: Check out the pool bar at your on-site resort to see what’s playing: you may not need to stray very far!
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
– City Walk –
NBC Sports Grill & Brew is the obvious choice (make a reservation), but a great one with almost 100 screens
Hard Rock Cafe shows sports throughout the bar and dining room but the games are on mute
– At the Resorts –
Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is known for it’s amazing rum offerings but also an excellent spot to catch a game
Beachclub at Loews Hard Rock Hotel has just a few monitors but an awesome open air setting and good food, too
Swizzle Lounge at Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort is arguably the best themed of the lobby lounges and offers vintage cocktails
TIP: Most Universal hotels and resorts offer unique lobby bars and many also have pool bars that show major sports events
– At Universal Studios Florida –
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill is a good spot for soccer fans who love Guinness and shepherd’s pie
So … no need to panic or compromise if an important game is scheduled in the middle of the magic! Use these suggestions to find the right spot to catch the action, and remember to reach out to me for expert planning advice at no additional cost. Let’s go!