Disclaimer: this post is in partnership with Three Bridges Bar & Grill. We experienced Sangria University free of charge to be able to share our experience with others. All thoughts are our own.
This month a new adult experience has officially launched on Disney property. Introducing: Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Offered exclusively at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, this fun class is a unique opportunity to both learn, and get your drink on. So read on to hear all the details on this activity that is perfect for adults to enjoy while on Disney property.
The Location
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has recently undergone updates, most of which have been very stylish and more grown up. One of the great new additions is Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago. This open air establishment is built on what is essentially an island in the middle of the lake at the resort. Three Bridges represents a meeting place along your journey, to share stories of where you’ve been and where you are going. We thought this location was a great spot to enjoy some food and drink, especially on a day with such perfect weather.
Isn’t this the coolest looking bar?
Booking Details
As this is a brand new offering, the class is currently only offered once a week: every Saturday from 3:00-4:00pm. (UPDATE: due to popularity Sangria University is now held at 2:30pm on BOTH Saturdays and Sundays). Since the restaurant doesn’t open until 4:30 this class feels like an intimate private event. Sangria University is not booked through standard Disney Dining, but instead through the resort recreation team. Simply call 407-939-1004 to secure a reservation.
The class can hold up to approximately 14 people. While currently the team may be accepting walk up participants, we anticipate the popularity will grow. Since there is only one class a week we recommend to book in advance, especially if your party is on the larger side.
The fee for the class is $45, and includes all tax and gratuity. For that price, this is what you receive:
An instructor in a private setting
A glass of 4 different sangria offerings from the menu (we aren’t sure if these were the same size as when you order a standard drink, but we thought they looked like very generous portions, certainly way more than a taste)
Ingredients to make your own full size drink
A snack (currently this is one appetizer from the menu shared between two people)
Recipe cards to take home
A class certificate
We are ready for some Sangria!
Our table for two had a great water view.
How pretty is this Sangria flight?
Don’t forget to call to make a reservation.
The Class
A group of tables were beautifully pre-set for our arrival. The Sangria flights were poured and ready to try (the only exception was the sparkling sangria, which was poured upon being sat to have fresh bubbles.) Our instructor Jaimie led the group and shared lot of history about Sangria and explained different ingredients and recipes. In addition to the beverage knowledge we also learned interesting facts about the the Villa del Lago location as well as some Disney history. Curious where you can find Huey, Dewey and Louie here? What’s the connection between Walt Disney, Sangria, and Walt Disney World? No spoilers here, you will have to attend Sangria University to find out!
Here is a view of Jaimie leading the class.
This menu shows all of the ingredient varieties available.
Everyone received a bowl of fruit garnish to use throughout the class.
We were provided recipe cards to take home too!
The Drinks
The starter flight was a great way to try different varieties to figure out what your own personal favorite flavors may be. All four drinks are available to order at the Three Bridges bar anytime outside of class as well. Here are the four we tried:
Sparkling Sangria
Cava sparkling wine and peach liqueur
This was bubbly and light with the right amount of peach (Julie’s top pick!)
Blanco (White) Sangria
Macabeo Wine, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, St Germain Elderflower, Passion Fruit, Lemon
While we expected more of a blend of fruit flavors, it seemed more citrusy. It was certainly refreshing.
Rosado (Rosé) Sangria
Garnacha Rosé Wine, Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, Apricot Brandy, Raspberry, Apple
This pick seemed the most fruity with a large infusion of berry flavors.
Tinto (Red) Sangria
Garnacha Wine, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Orange
This was the most traditional in our book. A great balance of red wine and fruit. (Andrew’s top pick!)
The Food
Curry-Lentil Hummus
with yogurt riata, harissa, and naan bread
( $12 value)
With all the sampling it was great to have something included to snack on. This appetizer from the menu was filling and full of flavor. The curry was a great addition to the blend and not too overwhelming, while the other sauces and pumpkin seeds were a nice touch. The naan bread was warm and delicious making this item a win that we would for sure order again on a future visit.
The Final Test
Where most mixology classes teach you to mix specifc recipes, Sangria University had a slight twist. After learning and sampling, the next step was to figure out our favorites to concoct our own custom Sangria recipe. We had our choice of wine, liquor, mixer and garnish. Here are the recipes we created:
Andrew
Rosé Wine
Triple Sec
Orange Juice
Orange Garnish
Julie
Rosé Wine
Strawberry Gin
Strawberry Puree
Mint Leaves
To wrap up the class everyone was also provided an official certificate of mastery as a keepsake to take home (and prove we learned something). Super fun!
Andrew’s chosen ingredients.
Julie’s chosen ingredients.
Our final drinks and our special certificate. It’s official: we got smarter (and perhaps a bit drunker).
Overall Thoughts
We were super impressed with this new class offering. We have done mixology classes before, but Sangria University felt a little different. It was more than just “pour this” and “drink that”, the history and storytelling made for a robust experience. Being able to try so much was helpful and we discovered flavors we hadn’t thought of before, plus topping it off with a create-your-own drink was the perfect finale. Extras like the included food and takeaways were also a nice touch. The $45 price point seems really fair for all you receive. A standard glass of Sangria was listed at $13 on the menu, we aren’t sure how the first four drinks measure up, but even if they are only half the size, you still come out way ahead on value. (By the way this was plenty to drink. We advise not to pre-game beforehand and to not attend on a completely empty stomach. Those portions are legit!) Sangria University is very convenient for anyone staying on property to fit into a visit, but even if you aren’t, it is very easy to drive and park at the resort, or take Disney bus transport here. We thought it was a perfect day date activity and headed off to the parks that evening after. We could see this being really fun for a gathering of friends, or something special for a birthday or bachelorette party. The next time you are in the area, consider trying Sangria University for yourself. Until next time friends, cheers!
We wanted to give a special shout out to our instructor Jaimie for being so knowledgeable and helpful. And a huge thank you to Athena for inviting us and scheduling our visit! We can’t wait to come back soon now that we are hooked on sangria!
