Just over a week ago, the Enchanted Rose Lounge opened at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
When Mizner’s closed for refurbishment earlier this year and news came out that they were retheming to a Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge, truth told I was hesitant. IP-related theming is pretty rampant – and while Disney pretty much always hits the mark, I was nervous that a movie-inspired lounge at the Grand Floridian would be too much.
But now it’s open and I’ve visited a couple of times in the name of research and all I can say is that my concerns were wholly unwarranted. It’s wonderful. It’s like if your most stylish friend was doing the loveliest and most subtle of BATB-inspired Disney bounds. If your best friend was a bar. (And really…..whose isn’t…….?)
The Space
To start, the space is gorgeous. There are three rooms: The main bar space… (Did you know that the chandelier over the bar was inspired by Belle’s dress?)
And do you see the subtle nod to beast over this loveseat?
A large room to the left of the main bar…
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And a slightly darker, sort of West Wing-inspired, smaller room to the right of the main bar.
And, out a door of this West Wing-esque space, a lovely veranda area with a beautiful view of the rest of the Grand Floridian, Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Polynesian.
This veranda area is so relaxing and will be a prime spot as the weather continues to cool off.
The Food
The menu is very limited and still sort of settling in. We’ve had very different versions of some of the menu items at different visits. This is part of why it’s unfair to review a spot this early. That said – the food, overall, is excellent – though definitely geared toward a more adult palate.
- Crab and Gnocchetti Gratin – Jumbo Lump Crab, Gnocchetti Sardi, Robiola Bosina, Mornay, and Citrus Breadcrumbs
This is a lovely dish and the presentation is beautiful. The amount of crab in it seems to still be settling in – once a friend had it and it was overflowing with chunks of lump crab, while it was more sparse in this serving, but it’s delicious either way.
- Artisanal Cheese Selection – Artisanal Cheeses, Pine Nut Bread, and Raisins on the vine
This was lovely. Wonderful cheeses, a sort of apple chutney, sticks of ground apricots… I could eat this all day.
- Espelette Pepper-spiced Shrimp – Lime Gelée, Piquillo Pepper Purée, and Serrano Ham
Other than the lime gelée, which was a bit bitter and out of place, this was PHENOMENAL. Absolutely incredible blend of flavors. I’ll be getting it often even if they do keep the weird lime in the mix.
- House-made Flatbread – Charred Broccolini, Seasonal Mushrooms, Fennel Sausage, Ricotta Salata, and Tomato Confit
The crust on this was a little soft but if they can eventually nail it it will be wonderful. Though be warned – it’s covered in roasted garlic. So bring a mint or three if you don’t want to be breathing fire for the rest of the night!
- Truffle Fries – Shaved black truffles and 18-month shaved parmesan
These are without question the best fries I’ve ever eaten on property. They are criminally good and the aioli dipping sauce that accompanies them could be illegal in 36 states. Please just eat them.
- Mini Smoked Short-Rib Sliders – Glacier Blue Cheese and Onion Marmalade, on Split-top Buns
::Moans softly into doughy bun::
Um. Yeah. Just get these.
The Drinks
This is a seriously extensive and inventive drink menu. I’m not going to give to a full critique of every one, but here’s a quick run down and lots of pictures. (And no even I haven’t had 57 drinks in the last 3 days. I was with groups who were kind enough to share. 😉 )
- Tableside Cocktails – Love and Envy
These are lovely drinks that are prepared tableside as the server tells a tale about the theming and how it relates to the story of Beauty and the Beast. Both resulting drinks are lovely and complex.
- Featured Cocktails
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- Island Rose
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- Floral Bitter Beauty
I must have gotten a botched version of this. It’s the only drink on property that I’ve ever sent back – because it literally just tasted like a large glass of pink gin. I’m curious to hear other people’s experiences with it because I assume that what I got was not mixed as intended.
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- Lavender Fog – Easily my favorite drink here and also one of my new favorites on property.
- More Featured Cocktails
- Garden Daisy
- Seasonal Old Fashioned
- Grand Cocktails
- Featured Martinis
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- Aura in Me – If you love cardamom as much as I do, do not miss this drink.
- And lots more…
The Details
Enchanted Rose is currently open from 1 p.m. (earlier than most lounges on property) to midnight. As of the time of this post, they accept annual passholder and DVC discounts – as well as Tables in Wonderland! So go get your 20% off those drinks if you have the latter!!
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And that’s a wrap on the new Enchanted Rose lounge. From Geyser Point to Nomad Lounge, when done right these spaces are far and away some of the most relaxing spots on property with some of the best food and drinks. I’m so very happy to say that Enchanted Rose is right up there and easily one of my new favorite spots.
