Greetings from Disney’s Old Key West Resort! This week we stopped by to check out the lunch options at The Gurgling Suitcase! The Gurgling Suitcase is a relaxing respite in Disney World, and they didn’t always serve food (though you could order from Olivia’s). But for a few years now they have their very own menu!

It’s already super hot in Florida so we were excited to swing by for a quick bite and cold drink! By the way, did you know the Gurgling Suitcase got its name from people trying to smuggle alcohol from Cuba into Key West in their luggage? Inspectors would shake the suitcases to see if the “gurgled” — hence the name The Gurgling Suitcase. Always so clever, Disney.

Atmosphere

The Gurgling Suitcase

is a quaint hole-in-the-wall in between Olivia’s Cafe and Good’s Food to Go. The walls are adorned with fire station and police department patches that have been donated by DVC members!

You’ll also see donated license plates, and it’s such a fun, personal touch to the bar. One thing’s for sure, the DVC members at Old Key West sure love their resort! 🙂

There are a few seats inside the bar, but the majority of the seating is outside. If you’re headed to the outdoor seating (or the pool) the bartenders can package your food and drinks to-go, so it’s easy and there’s no glass to worry about!

Personally, I love the picnic tables and umbrellas. Talk about a great, relaxing space for a nosh and a drink!

There isn’t a ton of seating directly near the Gurgling Suitcase. But don’t forget, you’re welcome to bring your goods to the pool — or anywhere else around the resort for that matter!

Eats

As you may expect, The Gurgling Suitcase offers bar food, but with a fun, beach-y twist.

And of course the drink menu features lots of tropical flavors, including lots of frozen delights!

We decided to try the Conch Fritters, Pickle Chips, and Pork Nachos. And to drink we sampled the popular Turtle Krawl. 

The Turtle Krawl is made with Siesta Key White Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum with Grenadine, Pineapple Orange, and Key Lime Juices.

The Turtle Krawl was definitely on the sweeter side, but it was very refreshing on a hot day! You can certainly taste the rum, and the splash of Key Lime juice is a fun twist.

The bartender also let us sample the Key West Freeze. She was making it for another guest and had some left in the blender, and asked if we wanted a sample. The answer is always “YES!”

The Key West Freeze is Vodka, Melon Liquor, Piña Colada Mix, Pineapple Juice and Strawberry Syrup. This was a wonderful surprise! Reading the description, it sounded sickly sweet but it was actually very light and refreshing. I highly recommend this if you’re in the market for a frozen cocktail.

Now for the eats. First up, the Conch Fritters.

These are Olivia’s famous recipe and are served with Key Lime Mustard and a spicy Remoulade Sauce for dipping.

These are lightly fried to perfection! They have a little bit of spice but beyond that there isn’t a very distinct flavor. However the dipping sauces are incredible.  We loved the kick of the Remoulade, and the tartness of the mustard. If you order anything at Olivia’s or the Suitcase, make sure to order these!

We also tried the Fried Pickle Chips.

These also come with the spicy Remoulade dipping sauce as well as some delicious house-made Ranch dressing. As far as Pickle Chips go, these are excellent. The pickle itself really shines through — it doesn’t just taste like a bunch of fried batter. I would absolutely order these again, with a side of that Key Lime Mustard.

Last but not least, we tried the Barbecued Pulled Pork Nachos. 

Along with the pulled pork, these housemade chips are topped with Pepper Jack and Mozzarella cheese, fresh Pico de Gallo and Jalapeños and Sour Cream.

As you can see, the toppings were plentiful! We also really liked the use of homemade chips instead of classic tortilla chips as well as the fresh jalapenos and pico. While this may not be the most unique flavor combination of all time, it really hit the spot. If you’re looking for a good (shareable!) nosh during a pool day, this will certainly fit the bill.

Before I left, a manager popped by and let me know about a SECRET. MENU. DRINK. Now those are three words that definitely pique our interest.

The drink is called the Slappy Joe’s Bourbon Berry Lemonade and it is exclusively available at The Gurgling Suitcase. Some of you may remember the now-gone massage house at Old Key West, Slappy Joe’s, which is where this cocktail’s name comes from.

The Slappy Joe’s Bourbon Berry Lemonade is Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Blackberry Brandy, Odwalla Lemonade, and a splash of grenadine. It was an awesome beverage! The Woodford comes through strong, so if you’re not a bourbon fan, this is probably not the cocktail for you. But it’s a great way to put a tropical twist on a bourbon drink, or enjoy something beach-y that’s not too sweet.

But don’t forget, this is a Secret Menu Item so you’ll have to ask for it by name! 😉

Overall

Overall, the Gurgling Suitcase remains a destination-worthy spot in Walt Disney World — and the delicious bar noshes only make it better! The drinks are refreshing and tropical and I will dream about that Key Lime Mustard until the next time I can get to Old Key West. Which will hopefully be soon because The Gurgling Suitcase is a real winner!

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Are you a fan of The Gurgling Suitcase? What is your favorite thing to eat and drink there? Let us know in the comments!