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First Look AND Review! The New AbracadaBar on Disney World’s Boardwalk


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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.

AbracadaBar

AbracadaBar

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.

AbracadaBar window

AbracadaBar window

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.

The Boardwalk Bugle

The Boardwalk Bugle

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.

Inside AbracadaBar

Inside AbracadaBar

Inside AbracadaBar

Inside AbracadaBar

Wall of Mirrors

Wall of Mirrors

Inside AbracadaBar

Inside AbracadaBar

Tributes to those vanished Magicians remain, from visual references with magicians’ tricks and props

Cabinet full of props

Cabinet full of props

Magician Props

Magician Props

…to posters and prints on the wall.

The Great Nyokaa

The Great Nyokaa

Encantadora de Toros

Encantadora de Toros

There are more details in the decor than you could shake a Magic Wand at… including Magic Wands!

Magic Wands

Magic Wands

Magician Props

Magician Props

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.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper

Look very closely, and you may even spy a magician!

Wallpaper detail

Wallpaper detail

And speaking of hidden things…

Hidden Mickey in Stained Glass

Hidden Mickey in Stained Glass

And don’t forget to spot the hidden Mickeys!

Closeup on Hidden Mickey

Closeup on Hidden Mickey

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.

Seating

Seating

Seating

Seating

Seating

Seating

Then again, you could make yourself right at home here.

Bar Seating

Bar Seating

But one day I’m totally staking out this spot for myself!

Couch by the window

Couch by the window

Oh, and even if you don’t have to stop by the restroom…

Hallway with Restrooms

Restroom Hallway

Photograph in Restroom Hallway

Photograph in Restroom Hallway

Photograph in Restroom Hallway

Photograph in Restroom Hallway

…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!

Cards in Restroom Hallway

Cards in Restroom Hallway

Hidden Mickey!

Hidden Mickey!

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

Changing Table sign

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

Restroom sign

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.)

"To Stage"

“To Stage”

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.

Curious Cocktail Menu -- click to enlarge

Curious Cocktail Menu — click to enlarge

The top four listings include The Conjurita, a Coney Negroni, the Elixir 13, and the Parlor Trick. 

Curious Cocktails Menu closeup

Curious Cocktails Menu closeup

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. 

Curious Cocktails Non-Alcoholic menu closeup

Curious Cocktails Non-Alcoholic menu closeup

The final four (ha!) include the Magic Hattan, Collin’s Double, Pepper’s Ghost, and The Sour Assistant. 

Curious Cocktails menu closeup

Curious Cocktails menu closeup

Here’s a look, too, at the Worldly Wines and Baffling Beers (along with the Hard Cider and Soda options).

Worldly Wines and Baffling Beers Menu -- click to enlarge

Worldly Wines and Baffling Beers Menu — click to enlarge

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?

Bartender performing a trick

Bartender performing a trick

Bartender performing the "Flying Coaster"

Bartender performing the “Flying Coaster”

We’re quite happy to say… ALL of the Curious Cocktails!

Bartender with a Conjurita

Bartender with a Conjurita

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!

The Conjurita

The Conjurita

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.” 

Pepper's Ghost

Pepper’s Ghost

Oh. MY. We LOVED this super strong blend of sweet and spiciness! Cheers!

Pepper's Ghost

Pepper’s Ghost

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 Sour Assistant

The Sour Assistant

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!

Seashore Sweet

Seashore Sweet

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.

Magic Mirror

Magic Mirror

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.”

Coney Negroni

Coney Negroni

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.

Elixir 13

Elixir 13

The presentation – can you see the eyes etched in the glass?! – is terrific!

Elixir 13

Elixir 13

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!”).

Magic Hattan

Magic Hattan

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.

Collin's Double

Collin’s Double

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.”

Parlor Trick

Parlor Trick

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!

Curry-dusted Popcorn with Chickpeas

Curry-dusted Popcorn with Chickpeas

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!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and:


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