No alcohol at the MK...is Disney leaving $$ on the table?

I think we're having conversations about different things as well. I'm not talking about "boozing it up" anywhere or making alcohol a significant part of any experience at any park (although I would like to try that Epcot tradition of a drink in each country when we do not have the kids with us sometime...sounds fun).

I'm simply talking about the ability to grab a brew or two throughout the day, not drink around the Kingdom. In that regard, yes, they are leaving money on the table in the name of tradition. Like I posted above, there's no envelope of money (real or imagined) reserved for booze money, nor does our ability to not purchase a beer or two at MK impacting any other decision; it's simply a choice one can't make there.

I can't imagine the sale of beer at MK impacting one's choice to go to Epcot. If the drinking really is that big of a deal, then the types of drinks you can get at Epcot (the different countries) would be vastly different than say, a nice selection of brews on tap at the MK.

Obviously I'm using my family as the example in my posts, but am I out of bounds in thinking that our demographic (two parents with kids) is not the most common visiting the parks? Tekwardo seems to be talking about childless couples, single people, or college students on spring break.

I suspect that they have a per capita spending target, and they have no problem hitting it at any of the parks. I don't buy the idea that because they aren't selling a beer that the guest isn't instead buying a Coke, a DoleWhip or an ice cream novelty, or all of the above.

That said, I do suspect that per caps at Epcot, especially during Food & Wine, are astronomical.

Chitown said:

I have said this before. Sick of the politically correct crap. Chuck E. Cheese sells beer and wine in alot of locations and that is as kid friendly as it gets. I believe Legoland Florida sells beer now but not sure. I know they were pushing for it.

I don't think they're being politically correct at all here. I just don't think they *need* to have alcohol sales all thru the park. Maybe they're testing it out to see if it is even worth it with Be Our Guest. What if they just rolled it all out to the Magic Kingdom, and people didn't buy it? I have a feeling it's more about making money where they know they can, and not worrying when they know they won't.

I'm a huge beer and whiskey fan - talk to anyone who knows me... But I just don't see the need for it at MK or Disneyland.

Not because I think it's "PC" or taboo, but when I think of DL or MK, I think of sweet treats and fudge and popcorn, and the smell of sugar in the shops. I want Dole Whips and a Casey's Corner hot dog with a Coca-Cola. If I'm going to have the calories at MK, I'm going to have the classics.

EPCOT is the place I go to experience better cuisine, and drinks from all over. It's just how it is.

It can't really be "PC" run amok if it has always been this way.

Jetsetter said:

My suspicion is that Disney will never admit it but internally they must know alcohol at Epcot is a significant part of the experience for many guests and an attendance driver for the park, almost an attraction in its own right

I'd say it's hardly a secret. They admit freely to installing a tequila bar in Mexico, (one of the best I've ever seen), when you walk in the restaurants at World Showcase the first thing you hit is a bar (like everywhere), and I'm quite sure the return of the Food and Booze festival each year is no accident. For me it's an "attraction", anyway.

Magic Kingdom has always been a "clean" place, which is the way Walt wanted it. By not serving alcohol there the image of a wholesome family environment remains intact, and anyone who opposes drinking will have at least one nice place to go to. And those who can't sit 8 hours without a drink can go elsewhere. If the Be Our Guest "experiment" turns into a slow rollout for other locations in the park I'll be somewhat disappointed. (not to sound like one of those Disney purist nuts, I'm ok with change there) But my guess is since the BOG evening experience is considered fine dining, and the only one that I know of, they're accommodating folks that would like a glass of wine or something with dinner. And I could be wrong, but I bet that's as far as it goes.

I say they start with the rum option for Dole Whip. It's fantastic.

Oh, man. A little coconut rum and a little spiced rum in with that, and I'd be in heaven.

And next up kids, the Intoxicated Tiki Room!

They have that. It's called Trader Sams.

I peeked in there this week... I need to spend some time in there, because it appears amazing.

I haven't been to Sam's yet, but I do often stop in a resort bar for a couple of cocktails on my way into MK for the evening. Territory Lounge in the Wilderness Lodge might be my favorite, then take the boat to the park.

Disneyland has been serving alcohol for years. Two not very easy ways to get it: you need to be a guest of a Club 33 member and order it at that restaurant. They also have an alcohol license for special events. So yes, if you rent out say Tomorrowland for some Space Mountain time with your friends, you could have a full bar waiting for you after your rides.

Tokyo Disneyland does not serve alcohol as well, but Kirin, one of their drink partners, provides a lot of non alcohol premium drinks in the restaurants. Kirin Orange is amazing!

Comments I heard about the Florida Trader's Sam is that while the decor is amazing, the drinks are the same weak things you have elsewhere on property. The drinks simply can't touch the original in their potency.

So really, Disneyland is not selling alcohol.

Absimilliard said:
Disneyland has been serving alcohol for years...They also have an alcohol license for special events.

Same thing applies to MK in Orlando. I've been to an after hours IAAPA event that served beer and wine.