Ladies and Gentlemen! Join me in saying the Magic Word…
And, NO, it’s not “Abracadabra.” It’s “AbracadaBAR,” the newest, most magical-est lounge in all of Disney World!
Located on Disney World’s Boardwalk, you’ll find that AbracadaBar has magically appeared in the space formerly occupied by Seashore Sweets right in between the Flying Fish — which is currently closed for refurbishment — and Trattoria al Forno. PRESTO!!
We are BEYOND excited to say that AbracadaBar is no longer an illusion… it’s HERE, and its presence recalls a night over 70 years ago when something strange took place at this very lounge.
Something very unusual, indeed…
Atmosphere
When Disney first introduced the backstory for AbracadaBar, it whet our appetites for this new watering hole right from the get-go.
You see, one mysterious night in the year 1940 (as noted by The Boardwalk Bugle hanging on a wall in the bar, dated November 13, 1940), a group of Boardwalk illusionists and entertainers vanished into thin air from their secret magicians’ hideout, never to be heard from again.
Rich, dark colors and ornate decor transport you to a bygone era in the Golden Age of the BoardWalk. Everything is left as it was on that mysterious night, and even the magic is said to still linger in the air.
Tributes to those vanished Magicians remain, from visual references with magicians’ tricks and props…
…to posters and prints on the wall.
There are more details in the decor than you could shake a Magic Wand at… including Magic Wands!
Even more details are tucked into the wallpaper behind the props — keep your eyes peeled for interlocking rings, doves, rabbits, card suits, handcuffs and more.
Look very closely, and you may even spy a magician!
And speaking of hidden things…
Don’t forget to spot the hidden Mickeys!
Once you think you’ve seen it all (though you probably haven’t — there’s a LOT to take in!), you can grab a seat at a high top table or circular low top coupled with one of the booths lining the walls.
Then again, you could make yourself right at home here.
But one day I’m totally staking out this spot for myself!
Oh, and even if you don’t have to stop by the restroom…
…well, just trust me when I say that you HAVE to stop by the restroom! If for no other reason than to check out some more of the props, details, and even a few sight gags in the area!
And don’t forget to keep an EAR out, too! You may be able to hear what sounds like a magician’s show — complete with applause — by the Stage Door.
(I love that this looks like New York City subway walls with the words in tiling.)
In fact, why don’t we head back to the main stage, while we’re at it…
Eats (Or — Voilà! — Drinks!)
As the sign outside promises, it’s all Enchanting Elixirs and Curious Concoctions on the menu at AbracadaBar! Let’s start with a look at the Curious Cocktails. Prices aren’t listed directly next to each drink; instead, a simple note on the top of the menu informs that Cocktails are $12 each, while Non-Alcoholic Drinks are $5.
The top four listings include The Conjurita, a Coney Negroni, the Elixir 13, and the Parlor Trick.
The two non-alcoholic options include a lovely nod to the store formerly located in the same spot with the Seashore Sweet, as well as the Magic Mirror.
The final four (ha!) include the Magic Hattan, Collin’s Double, Pepper’s Ghost, and The Sour Assistant.
Here’s a look, too, at the Worldly Wines and Baffling Beers (along with the Hard Cider and Soda options).
The Baffling Beers offer a selection of bottles and cans along with four on tap, including the Blue Point Hoptical Illusion IPA.
Sooo… what did the modern day Magicians (otherwise known as bartenders 😉 ) conjure up for us?
We’re quite happy to say… ALL of the Curious Cocktails!
We’ll start with The Conjurita — a “colorful Margarita that never reveals its secrets!” It’s poured at the table and magically changes from the deep purple you see in the photo above, to the light purple you see below!
Made with Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, Cointreau, simple syrup and lime juice, The Conjurita tastes quite strong for a margarita — very citrusy, and really enjoyable.
We also tried the Pepper’s Ghost. It’s a mix of Ciroc Pineapple Vodka and Habanero Lime, which is, fittingly, transparent! As the menu reads, “Don’t be surprised if you detect spirits and flavors that aren’t meant to be seen.”
Oh. MY. We LOVED this super strong blend of sweet and spiciness! Cheers!
The Sour Assistant (“This daring cocktail does all of the work, but gets none of the credit!”) is made with Breuckelen Distilling 77 Whiskey and house-made Sweet-and-Sour. Check out the Magician’s Swords for the garnish skewer!
The Sweet-and-Sour is remarkably fresh and tasty, and so smooth that we really didn’t experience any bite from the alcohol.
We couldn’t resist sampling the Seashore Sweet, of course. Not only because it’s a nice tribute to the former Seashore Sweets shop “dedicated to two BoardWalk beauty queens,” but also because it’s made with Odwalla Lemonade and COTTON CANDY!
In regards to ingredients, it’s just like the Cotton Candy Lemonade they serve at the Cove Bar in Disney California Adventure over Disneyland way. But the presentation here differs in that the drink is poured at the table so you get to see the Cotton Candy magically disappear (or dissolve — whatevs), and extra cotton candy is brought to you on the side!
As you’d anticipate, it’s INCREDIBLY sweet, and super fun to boot!
We also tried the Magic Mirror, the other non-alcoholic mocktail with soda water, Honey Mango, Sprite, and lime juice.
This gorgeous mango-limeade is, likewise, very sweet. And, as you can see, it lives up to its reputation of being “the fairest drink of them all.”
Back to the Adults Only drinks, we also tried the Coney Negroni — “A Boulevardier inspired by the piers of Coney Island.”
This Boulevardier is what you might call an “acquired taste” 😉 . Very strong, and very bitter.
The Elixir 13 starts with the Lucid Absinthe in the glass, then water is slowly poured over a sugar cube to mix in.
The presentation — can you see the eyes etched in the glass?! — is terrific!
The beverage itself has a VERY pronounced black licorice flavor — which is definitely not for everyone, but for those of us that love it, this is great news! Only remember, THIS is the “mysterious cocktail that may have made a room full of magicians vanish into thin air.” So, there’s THAT to consider 😉 .
Fans of the classic Manhattan will want to take note of the Magic Hattan (“rabbits not included!”).
The Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey is paired with the high-end Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, resulting in a really smooth drink.
The Collin’s Double — the “secret look-alike of Tom Collins” — is Hayman’s Old Tom Gin and the house-made Sweet-and-Sour topped with soda water.
It tastes a lot like straight lemonade. This is a great option for those wanting to enjoy a cocktail, but prefer a less pronounced taste of alcohol to their beverage (worth noting, since most of the drinks at AbracadaBar taste quite strong).
And finally, the Parlor Trick is your typical Old Fashioned “that celebrates cocktail magic.”
Composed of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water, it’s heavy on the bourbon with a hint of sweetness.
Overall, if I had to choose, I’d say my favorites were the Pepper’s Ghost, The Conjurita, and the Collin’s Double. Oh, and before we vanish ourselves, check out the complimentary serving of Curry-dusted popcorn with Chickpeas that comes to your table!
Yep — something complimentary at Disney World (with purchase of a beverage). It seems AbracadaBar truly is magical in more ways than one 😉 .
Overall
Okay. WOW. You gotta hand this one to Disney, seriously. AbracadaBar serves up an eclectic, clever drink menu with something to suit every palate… all served up in a super fun atmosphere. I LOVE IT HERE!!
While no Grand Opening is set at this time (one of the Cast Member’s thinks that will likely wait until the reopening of the Flying Fish), AbracadaBar is currently open to the public daily at 4:00 pm. Our server, by the way, was great and even had some fun with the magic theme. (There is no official magic show, per se, though occasionally some of the BoardWalk performers may stop in!)
There are no discounts offered at the current time. And you may want to know that drinks can be served in plastic cups for to-go orders. But as good as the drinks are, I can’t imagine anyone stepping inside and not wanting to stay awhile to soak in the atmosphere, the story, and the MAGIC that is alive and well at AbracadaBar!
Are you hoping to stop in at AbracadaBar? Please let us know with a comment below!
Lori says
Wow, the theming here looks like it’s off the charts and really immersive. I can’t wait to try it.
Frank says
This looks very nice!!!!
Frank
Joe says
A little of the Adventurer’s Club, Trader Sam’s, and the Fireworks Factory rolled into one. Sounds great.
Mike V says
Your first picture of inside had me laughing, cause all I can picture are all the trolls out there that will comment about kids in the bar.
Just chill people….
We’re at the Boardwalk starting Wednesdaycannot wait to check this place out!!!
Frank says
Had a few thoughts.
1) Will this bar have any effect on the Belle Vue Lounge.. as in will it be closing?? Hopefully NOT.
2) Any news on when Flying Fish will be opening… at least when will ADR’s be available???
Thx.
Frank
Lynne says
This place looks wonderfully small and intimate. What is the max occupancy, did you notice? Seashore Sweets wasn’t a big shop, did they use the same footprint ? I hope there isn’t the crazy wait times like the Polynesian.
Kristina says
Any food other than the popcorn?
Gilly says
This looks great, we’re hoping to try it on our next trip in November! One question — do they have any food items available? I’m hoping for a little something (aside from the popcorn) to balance out those strong drinks!
Melanie says
It looks so cool in there! I love the wallpaper with so many magical props – lock & key, bird, rope, rings, magician, rabbits, etc!
Essie says
It looks like a very fun place for a rest and a cold drink!
Joni says
Looks great, I was hoping for some cool effect though, like the bar stools at the adventures club or faces appearing in the mirrors etc something fun maybe some cool souvineer glasses , who knows maybe in time.
And some great themed snacks I’m with you Gilly .
MissBianca says
Sounds like a place that will be deservedly packed. A Pepper’s Ghost for me and a Seashore Sweet for my sweetie.
RC says
There is no food other than the popcorn (this is basically the bar for the updated Flying Fish).
Also, the posters are indeed magical (just keep looking, and you’ll see (or rather, not see…)
Frank says
Went today. Great, great venue.
Love what they did what the place as they say.
My wife had a whisky sour. She liked it!!
I had a glass of wine. Very chintzy pour for $14. Slightly more than a “tasting” pour imho. It was poured from bottle, not measured.
Estela says
Definitely going to stop in over this weekend! Thanks for the write up! Love the pictures!
Frank says
Went back last nite. My wife and I had mixed drinks. They were excellent.
Did observe wine pours around the bar to be very small.
I definitely would not order wine again myself.
Went to STK for a lunch cocktail today. Wine pour was more than double the volume than I received at Abracadabar.
Also neither Abracadabar or STK took my Tables in Wonderland card.
Abracadabar said it would be at least 6 months and then they’d “re-access ???”
BTW, we had our lunch cocktail at the upstairs bar at STK. Downstairs seemed closed. This was at noon and there was only one diner at the bar and one table occupied. It was empty to say the least. With this, I have to wonder how long they’ll be open for lunch???
WE had lunch at D-Lux Burgers. Oh my goodness……FANTASTIC!!!! imho…
Kimberly says
We went Saturday night and got a table right away, although it was the only table available. Almost no one had the popcorn snack on their table, and we didn’t get one until we asked for it, way after our drinks were served. We got the Magic Mirror and the Cotton Candy Lemonade. They were good, but there was no extra glass of cotton candy on the side, which was disappointing. I don’t know if it was a fluke that you got extra cotton candy or we just got the shaft. I thought about asking for it, but after having to ask for the popcorn, I felt bad asking for the cotton candy too. Our server was nice, but we won’t go back.
Kristen says
Any news on if they will be turning this into a 21+ only after a certain time? I understand during the day it should be open to all ages, but perhaps after 9 it would be better to have it 21+, especially if they are only serving drinks. And I know, I know, Disney World is for kids, but it’s also for adults too!! Sometimes when my husband and I go without our son, we like to find places that aren’t full of children, just to get a break!
Shannon says
There isn’t any cocktail that appeals to me except maybe the pepper’s ghost (I like vodka but not spicy). Can you order the mocktails, with alcohol? I’d love to try either mocktail with vodka but I’m not sure if this is like Trader Sam’s which will not put alcohol in the non-alcoholic drinks.
Also, can you request the popcorn plain?….Can you tell I’m picky 🙂
If there is no response at this time I’ll ask in September on my next trip and let you know my findings!
Carol D says
Where is my ice cream. I thought they were putting in a new ice cream shop more like Cold Stone creamery or Marble Slab. I used to go in to Seashore treats almost every night. There are enough places to get drinks around there. And POPCORN really! I’ll be passing on by. I can get all kinds of drinks at Epcot but no hard ice cream there since they made the ice cream shop there a coffee shop.
Brooke says
Carol D — A new ice cream parlor has opened on the BoardWalk. It’s called Ample Hills Creamery. You can read more about it in our First Look and Review. 🙂
Michael Moulden says
The mystery and excitement found in the world of magic has always captured my attention since my early days of childhood. The art of magic is a lost art that is finding a generations of fans every day. Just look at movies, television shows, books and even every day commercials and you will see it. I travel often and find myself searching for the local magic shops globally which sadly are disappearing due to the internet. I was so happy to see this information on Abracadabar and hope to visit it later this year. What an interesting concept. I love it.
ross morley says
My wife and daughter visited the bar on the 22/8/16 for a drink as we were early for our Flying Fish reservation we were only glad that we did great atmosphere and excellent and very friendly service in particular by Annie who in particular l very much admired even though l was with my wife.
l must admit my wife also enjoyed the service that Annie gave as my wife gave her some Australian currency as a thank you.
Thank you to all in particular Annie a very memorable time we had we have talked about it on several times since we have been back to Australia if any one we know who is visiting that area we will suggest to them to go for a relaxing drink.
A big thank you
Ross