EPCOT’s GEO-82 Lounge Is a Nostalgic Yes!

EPCOT’s newest bar and lounge opened today, and we were fortunate enough to spend some time in GEO-82 before its debut! Read on for our review of the food, the drinks, and the space itself. Important to note – as always, we were not hosted by Disney. Len shelled out $213.00 plus tip for all of the food and drinks we sampled.

GEO-82: The Name, The Space, The Legend

The name GEO-82 pays homage to Spaceship Earth as the icon of hope, imagination, and engineering. I’m not being whimsical here – this is literally what it says in the opening page of the menu. I dare you not to get a wee weepy over the sentiment. Especially if you’re old enough to have bone density tests and you get text reminders for your second shingles vaccine. If you remember Tapestry of Nations and have napped in Universe of Energy, I implore you to visit GEO-82 once and take your time.

Location

If the queue for Spaceship Earth is the front of the 180-foot-tall geodesic sphere (I learned a lot on our visit before the drinks were served, so buckle up), then GEO-82 is located at the back of the structure with views of World Celebration and World Showcase. As of June 1st, there was no permanent external signage to identify the main entrance, but we were assured it was coming.

There are 25 stairs from the ground floor to the Lounge, or you may use the elevator just past the host stand. The entryway is small but offers some nifty photo opportunities, as shown here by our lovely model, Leonard.

Once you make your way upstairs, it’s likely you’ll be held in the exterior lounge for at least a few moments. Take that time to ask about the art and the lighting around the room. The Cast Members are very proud of the space and are as educated as any docent in their favorite gallery. The picture below, for example, shows a rendering of the original gold tiles that Imagineers were planning to use on Spaceship Earth until they realized that 11,324 of them would be costly and far too hot.

The detail that had us feeling all “Walter-Cronkite-is-saying-the-Illuminations-Christmas-tag” weepy was that the lighter tiles in the front are leading our path to the future of EPCOT, Spaceship Earth, and all of the wonderful things our imaginations can conjure. Also, and in aid of our new SSE fact database, did you know that there were 11,324 parking spots in the EPCOT parking lot when it opened?!? Well, now you do.

Reservations and Hours

The general GEO-82 bar/lounge is open for lunch and dinner hours for guests age 21 and older only. No exceptions. While there is no official time limit – we asked several times – you will likely be presented with your bill right around the 75-minute mark unless you’re still ordering. Tips on that to come. Keep reading.

Beyond the a la carte bar and small bites menu, GEO-82 has a Fireworks Experience that also requires reservations and is only for guests 21 years of age or older. The Fireworks Experience is $179 per person + tax and tip. This entitles you to a window seat for Luminous The Symphony of Us, savory nibbles, champagne or event-exclusive cocktails, and a selection of sweets. This reservation allows you to enter GEO-82 60 minutes prior to Luminous to enjoy a few bites and some cocktails before the show begins. Just like the Fireworks Dessert Parties in the Magic Kingdom, you’re paying for the food, drinks, and location. You will not receive a refund if Luminous is delayed or cancelled due to weather or other issues.

We asked about how folks with standard reservations would be handled if they were not ready to leave when the Fireworks Experience set up began. The tables closest to the window have been designated for this event, and anyone seated in these spots will be moved to open tables or a spot at the bar if it is time to transition. According to the CMs we asked, guests will not be asked to leave as long as they are eating or drinking. We’re betting this may change in the near future, but for now, take your time and enjoy your visit.

GEO-82 Drinks

Brown Butter Old-Fashioned – $28
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, Brown Butter, Maple, Hella Cocktail Co. Mexican Chocolate Bitters

Our favorite of the alcoholic beverages, but it may only appeal to real bourbon fans. Small sips here because she’s strong. The pressed ice cube is a sweet touch.

Clarified New York Sour – $26
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Yuzu, Lemon, Red Wine Float

If we aren’t at La Cava enjoying anything they throw in front of us, we’re always going to pick a bourbon base.

Electron – $23
Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, Carrot, Cinnamon, Lime, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters, Pink Peppercorn

The “Electron” here is the rim, so try to get a bit as you sip. This one was interesting, but we probably wouldn’t order it again.

Zero-Proof Cocktails

A Walk Through the Garden – $17
Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Basil, Fennel, Lemon, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters, The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters, Bubbles

The table was divided. In short, Len didn’t love it, and I was impressed at how different and refreshing it was. I don’t know that I would spend $17 on it again, but I’m happy I tried it once. You know the pulp in your Breville Bluicer that piles up after you’ve prepared your old people elixir of green and orange healthy things? That’s what this tastes like, but way, way better.

Manhattan in the Morning – $17
Seedlip Spice 94 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, Maple, Verjus Blanc, Tart Cherry, Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters

Love, love, love. If you like a Manhattan, this is going to be your non-boozy bestie. It tastes like a rich plum pudding and has the most wonderful, lingering smolder, just like the alcoholic version. Maybe it’s the really excellent cherries or the Black Walnut Bitters, but this tastes like it should be thick and chewy. A truly lovely drink that is just as special as the setting.

GEO-82 Food

Before starting on the food, it must be said that we do not recommend ordering multiple plates at once.  The tables are small. If you’re at a table for two and you’ve both ordered drinks, you won’t have room for more than one selection, your plates, drinks, and utensils. At least not comfortably and without some juggling.

The other reason you may want to pace your food is simply to enjoy your experience more. As mentioned earlier, there is no official time limit, but we did get some firm and unusual pressure to get our check quickly after our last bites. This isn’t meant to imply that our server was rude or impolite! She was helpful and kind throughout the entire experience. It was just very obvious that we were being helped along more boldly than the average lounge experience in Walt Disney World.  Interestingly, this was precisely at the 70-minute mark.

Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments – $29

Far and away our favorite item on the Small Bites menu. Every single bite was delicious, but the standout items were the brittle and the cheeses. And the house-made pickles and the soppressata. We will absolutely get this again.

Cannellini Hummus – $14
Plant-based, Pumpkin Seed Pistou, Radish, Preserved Lemon, Fresno Peppers, Pappadam

While this was truly bright and creamy, it lost a bit of shine when stacked against the other four really special food items on the menu. For that reason, we would call this plate a skip.

Funghi Flatbread – $15
Roasted Mushrooms, Miso-Mascarpone, Mozzarella, Fontina, Pickled Red Onion, Black Garlic Molasses 

Oooohhhhhhhhwwweeee! Get this in one hand and the Manhattan in the Morning in the other, and you have a happy pair! The mushrooms are so roasted that they’re ultra sweet, the miso-mascarpone is deep and creamy, the fontina has a zip of salt, you get pucker from the onions, and the black garlic molasses is a crime because they don’t have it bottled and ready to sell as you leave. Unless you’re anti-mushroom for some reason, this is a must-get when you visit. So, so wonderful.

Truffled Ahi Tuna – $23
Japanese Whisky Barrel-aged Soy-Truffle Ponzu, Citrus, Scallion, Tobiko, Black Sesame Seeds. 

This plate was food art, and it tasted even better than it looks. It was outrageous and decadent! The salmon roe ikura and the caviar lend a visual cue to how beautiful this buttery, salty nibble will be. This is a hard yes for us.

Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau – $25
Smoked Cheddar, Pickled Mustard Seed-Lemon Vinaigrette, Supreme Caviar. 

There were firm opinions on this dish. The crab was perfection, but as someone who proudly spent many summers shelling Maryland blue crabs, the only thing I want near my plate is butter and a full shaker of Old Bay. The smoked cheddar threw me, and I didn’t even want to go back for a second bite. Fear not, the pile of crab did not go to waste, as the rest of the table did not share my aversion to any type of cheese with crab meat. If you don’t carry a small tin of Old Bay on your person, then this might be delightful.

The Verdict

Go. Take your time to ask questions and linger over your drinks. Ponder the menu before you order the Charcuterie, and then the Flatbread, and a while later the Ahi. Take in the Spaceship Earth-shaped lights that have two layers – the bold, beautiful exterior, and the inner rim symbolizing the path that carries us to thank the Phoenicians. Delight in the lightweight, perfectly balanced cutlery. Covet the outstanding glassware – many cut to resemble EPCOT’s symbol. This isn’t going to be a cheap break from the heat, but it’s worth the time it takes and the money we spent. We will be back.

Are you planning to visit GEO-82? Are you going for a few drinks and a plate or two of food, or are you shelling out the big bucks for the Fireworks Experience? Either way, I want to know what you think! Leave me a note about what you loved, what you’d skip, and if you’ll go back.