Diehard Disney fans know there is much to do outside of the theme parks at Disney World. With so many resorts, restaurants, and lounges to explore, Disney World is the perfect place to get lost in your favorite hobby. If you’ve followed me for a while now, you know that I enjoy writing—which is the main reason I started this blog nearly two years ago—and I am making it a point to be more open about my writing goals and ambitions this year. As part of that goal, I’m sharing the best places to write at Disney World. Because inspiration sometimes strikes when you’re at the most magical place on earth.
Voyageurs’ Lounge
Voyageurs’ Lounge is a library-inspired lounge and all out ode to Walt Disney. Located just off the lobby at Disney’s Riviera Resort—one of my favorites and home to the best character dining (see my review of Topolino’s Terrace here) at Disney World—it’s close to a coffee source (Le Petit Cafe) but also tucked away enough to feel secluded. Look closely at the artifacts and replicas of books that adorn the walls; many are inspired by the very books Walt brought back from his European travels. Those books became the reference points for Disney movies and attractions. Photos of Walt on his travels adorn the walls leading to Voyageurs’ Lounge, resulting in a decidedly Disney alcove that is truly one of the best places to write in Disney World.
River Roost Lounge
As a super fan of Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside (see my guide to the resort here) this one holds a special place in my heart. The River Roost Lounge is southern-themed and located between Boatwright’s Dining Hall and the main lobby. There is a full bar and occasional piano and singing performances by Yehaa Bob Jackson. This gem of a lounge is especially lively after the theme parks close. While I usually enjoy the quiet when writing, something about a lively atmosphere can really get the gears going; this place is perfect for that.
Speaking of crowds, because the bar is closed during the day, the lounge seating area is pretty empty for most of the day. Tons of seating options, outlets to charge your laptop, restrooms nearby, and walking distance to the Riverside Mill Food Court (one of my favorite quick service spots at Disney World) make this lounge the perfect place to get work done.
Victoria Falls Lounge
Victoria Falls Lounge is a quaint escape within the bustling Animal Kingdom Lodge resort (see my review of Sanaa, the delicious restaurant over at Kidani Village). Boasting cozy seating in an intimate setting, the lounge is practically made for typing away at your work in progress!
Blink and you may miss it. Located in the space between the Jambo House lobby and overlooking Boma, Victoria Falls Lounge offers a juxtaposition between typical lounge fare and with a unique selection of South African wines.
Tip: because this is an open air lounge that is sandwiched on a level between the grand lobby and Boma (a large restaurant) below, it can be a little noisy. Consider taking your noise-canceling headphones for deeper focus sessions.
Enchanted Rose
Enchanted Rose is an upscale, Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge located on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The lounge features fanciful decor across four spaces: a bar (featuring an eye-catching chandelier), the formal library, the garden room, and an outdoor space.
Though the entire lounge is worth exploring, my focus here is on the outdoor space. Tables and chairs overlook the grand lobby, giving you space to breathe while maintaining access to the libations and food served in the lounge. In my experience, Cast Members frequently check on this outdoor space, so no need to worry about not getting service.
The outdoor space also offers quick access to a nearby restroom—noticing a trend here? Once you’re done hitting your daily word count, walk on over to the Magic Kingdom, or take the monorail to Bay Lake Tower, The Contemporary, or The Polynesian Village Resort. You just can’t beat that!
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a rustic, pool-side bar at the center of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. It’s open for lunch and dinner and features outdoor, covered seating either at the bar or in cozy chairs. Best of all? No advanced dining reservation required.
Set against the shores of Bay Lake, the vibe here is decidedly relaxed, the food, delicious, and the drinks are even better. My favorite thing to do is order a margarita and enjoy the view of Bay Lake as I get lost in my current writing project. Because Geyser Point is outdoors, you can take a break in between writing sessions and take a walk to relax your mind, move your body, and be further inspired. The ability to get a quick change in scenery as you write makes this one of the contenders for the best place to write at Disney World.
The Drawing Room
I hesitated sharing this one, because it really is a hidden gem. It’s hard to find places that are your own, places that haven’t been visited by many and then shared online by countless others. But, this blog is about sharing all things Disney, and to my fellow Disney writers, I present you with The Drawing Room.
Hidden deep with the Beach Club Resort—an oft overlooked resort that sits quietly m between EPCOT, the BoardWalk Inn & Villas, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort—is The Drawing Room, a quaint space so quiet you forget your in the middle of Disney World. Lush chairs, interesting decor, a pool table, and a few tables provide the perfect space to get away from the hustle and bustle of theme parks and enjoy the solace. Any writer knows that a quiet space within a larger, louder space, is the perfect place to be inspired while feeling connected with your surroundings.
The Drawing Room is unique in that it seems to be consistently quiet. The Beach Club doesn’t boast as many must-see dining options, and it also feels quieter compared to the neighboring resorts. If you happen to be in the area and have the time, consider checking it out on your next visit.
There you have it. The best places to write at Disney World—for now, at least. I have a few other locations I frequent that could make another list—let me know if you’d like another article—and with each each visit, I tend to wander into a new space to hit my writing goals.
Are you a writer and a Disney Parks fan? Have you visited any of these places? Let me know in the comments.
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