EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth Lounge Is Superb, But Is GEO-82’s Onion Martini Really a Disaster?

You eventually get to an age where you no longer feel the need to conceal or make excuses for the things you appreciate, regardless of whether they’re considered mainstream, obscure, or unpopular. For me, that moment came when I was just four years old regarding EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth – the iconic park attraction often referred to as “the big ball.” However, let me clarify that this is not its true name. Instead, I’ve always adored Spaceship Earth and continue to do so wholeheartedly. In fact, I am more than eager to share my reasons for considering this grand geodesic sphere, with its sentimental narrative of hope, awe, and outdated animatronics, as the epitome of excellence. Typing “the big ball” actually caused me some discomfort because that’s not what it should be called.

Without a doubt, my enthusiasm soared when Walt Disney World unveiled GEO-82, an exclusive adults-only lounge within Spaceship Earth. It opened during the summer months. Initially, I felt slightly let down upon viewing early photos and videos shared by guests, but the experience was quite different. Now that I’ve visited in person, it’s easy to see why reviews have consistently been glowing. GEO-82 truly has to be experienced personally to fully grasp its charm.

The lounge, adorned with an exquisite menu of premium drinks and appetizers, served with impeccable service by skilled staff, offers an experience that neither photographs nor videos can fully encapsulate – it’s a unique blend of elegance and the essence of Spaceship Earth that is seldom found in theme parks for adults.

Immediately, the GEO-82 establishment captured the heart of a longtime Spaceship Earth enthusiast. Despite this, there was still a nagging doubt about one aspect of the lounge – its menu. This menu, generally excellent, carries an item that has caused controversy since its opening day. Many who admire GEO-82 have criticized the $26 Caramelized Leek Martini cocktail, labeling it as “garbage” and even calling it the “worst drink” Walt Disney World has ever offered.

Gosh, quite a strong comment! The odd, savory onion martini…was it that terrible? Despite not being a big fan of foods heavily flavored with onions, I’m always up for trying something out of the ordinary. So, there was a tug-of-war in me-a desire to avoid tasting it and an equal desire to give it a go.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t wait to share my thoughts on the intriguing Caramelized Leek Martini! This unique cocktail, brimming with delectable caramelized leeks, truly piqued my interest. To uncover my verdict, stay tuned for more!

During my initial visit to GEO-82, I attended the Walt Disney World’s Play ‘n’ Preview media event, where I was one of several journalists selected for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the lounge. This special access occurred prior to the general public opening hours.

Now I understand.” The GEO-82, in reality, is a sight to behold. It exudes an understated grace that’s evident in every aspect. From the quality of decor, service, food, drinks, cutlery, menu design, architecture, right down to the atmosphere, everything is of exceptional quality.

At this location, you’ll find an assortment of beverages including unique cocktails and premium spirits, each served in glasses designed to reflect the distinctive geodesic style of Spaceship Earth. The space itself, adorned with artwork, decorations, and walls, mirrors this design as well. Furthermore, each cocktail is accompanied by one of four distinct types of ice cubes. Among these, my personal favorite features a Spaceship Earth logo. Given the location, it’s no surprise that this would be the case.

The nibbles at the lounge are equally delightful. We sampled a half portion of the Truffled Ahi Tuna, which came with Japanese whisky barrel-aged soy-truffle ponzu, citrus, scallion, tobiko, and black sesame seeds. It was light, flavorful, and invigorating. While it’s enjoyable, it might not be a definite must-try each time you visit.

The Cannellini Hummus is an exceptional dish that I highly recommend trying every chance you get. This unique white bean hummus features a pistou made from pumpkin seeds, accompanied by radishes, preserved lemon, Fresno peppers, and pappadam. Upon tasting it, I found myself in a mix of wonder and disbelief, feeling both astonished and slightly frustrated. Its light, delectable, and flavorful nature left me speechless, and even now, I find it hard to believe just how remarkable it was. Suffice it to say, this hummus has effectively raised the bar for regular hummus in my book.

The kitchen crew at GEO-82 mentioned that they designed each dish to complement any of their signature cocktails. The two small plates I enjoyed during breakfast paired nicely with the drinks they provided. This included the bar’s refreshing non-alcoholic concoction, A Walk Through the Garden, which is made from Seedlip Garden 108 spirit, basil, fennel, lemon, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters, The Bitter Truth celery bitters, and sparkling water.

Instead of drinking an entire bucket, I would’ve overindulged if it were appropriate at the sophisticated GEO-82 establishment. Fortunately, it’s not, which is certainly beneficial given their refined atmosphere.

I found myself pleasantly surprised by the delightful taste of the well-blended Electron cocktail. This drink is crafted with Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, carrot, cinnamon, lime, Hella Cocktail Co. orange bitters, and pink peppercorn. Although mezcal isn’t typically my preferred spirit, I appreciated the Electron because it has a subtle smokiness that doesn’t overpower its flavors. It’s an elegant, complex drink with a rich taste profile that I found quite enjoyable.

In my opinion, there’s nothing quite like savoring a GEO-82’s Brown Butter Old-Fashioned. As a devoted connoisseur of cocktails, I must say that this drink did not fall short of expectations. This unique concoction is crafted with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, brown butter, maple, and Hella Cocktail Co. Mexican Chocolate Bitters. What sets it apart from other Old-Fashioneds is its slightly sweeter twist that I found utterly delightful. The brown butter flavor shines through without being overwhelming, making it an exceptional drink to indulge in.

Wishing I could linger there for hours, leisurely enjoying sip after sip. Alas, it seems my self-control might be lacking in such matters.

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself returning to GEO-82 in the heart of the afternoon, having secured a coveted spot through my own diligent efforts and the Walt Disney World app. No behind-the-scenes assistance was enlisted for this feat – it was all about keeping a sharp eye open for those elusive cancellations that frequently pop up throughout the day. Despite being fully booked weeks in advance, I discovered that last-minute openings often materialized a week prior to my visit, making my much-anticipated trip that much sweeter. Needless to say, securing a spot during peak seasons can be an arduous task, but with patience and persistence, one can conquer even the busiest of parks!

Upon inquiring from our head chef about what dish to savor upon my return, he recommended his specialty – the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, being a native of Maryland. This delicacy features smoked cheddar, pickled mustard seed-lemon dressing, and Supreme Caviar. I was so captivated by this culinary masterpiece that I requested seventy of them! Forget about the food at Walt Disney World – GEO-82’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is among the finest dishes I have ever tasted in my entire life, hands down.

Ever since I completed my last morsel, I’ve been continually pondering and discussing it. The flavors are amazing – light, fulfilling, and rich, exploding in depth.

In the morning, I too became curious about the Brûlée Banana Highball, having heard guests rave about it. This drink combines Toki Suntory Whisky, Lustau ‘Don Nuño’ Oloroso Sherry, banana, coffee, cacao, and bubbles, resulting in a delightfully sweet cocktail that’s quite banana-forward. However, I found it to be overly sweet for my taste preference. I usually prefer cocktails that highlight the alcohol flavors more prominently. Nevertheless, I can understand why others might appreciate its unique sweetness.

After two luxurious and elegant journeys filled with exceptional service and delectable experiences, the moment had arrived. Alternatively, Following two splendid vacations marked by luxury, refinement, superior service, and exquisite cuisine, the time had come.

It wasn’t until after hearing, “Alright, let’s get started,” from my persuasive and informed bartender that I made up my mind to proceed – though his influence wasn’t exactly what he anticipated.

He was the third employee at GEO-82 to tell me the same story about the Caramelized Leek Martini. I’d already discussed it with the manager on duty and with Stephanie Dold, Beverage Director at The Walt Disney Company. All three said the first time they drank the Caramalized Leek Martini they didn’t really love it, but that it grew on them. I didn’t think any of them were lying. I just wasn’t sure I totally believed them. The way they’d each said it made me think that they had come to tolerate the drink more than they’d come to like it. That’s not exactly an endorsement.

What finally convinced me was my bartender comparing the flavor to French Onion Soup, which is one of the few onion-dominant dishes I enjoy. This suggestion led me to order the Caramelized Leek Martini, a cocktail made with Fords Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry, caramelized leek, and pickled onion.

Forget not being excited. I was prepared to have a truly awful culinary experience.

After its arrival, it appeared to be quite stunning. It’s a delightful drink served in an attractive glass that leaves one eager to take a sip, even without knowing the exact flavor. And to add to the surprise, you might even mistake the small onion for a grape – proving once again how appearances can sometimes be deceiving!

Initially, I was quite certain that I wouldn’t enjoy the taste of this beverage. Unfortunately, I didn’t capture my initial reaction on video. But let me tell you, it turns out to be… surprisingly delicious! Yes, I know, even I’m a bit taken aback by this unexpected delight.

Initially, the first taste took me by surprise, despite three individuals explaining what to anticipate. However, even without their warnings, I wouldn’t have labeled it as disgusting or unpalatable. Rather, it was an unusual experience. The taste reminded me of a luxurious French onion soup made with gin, but with an important distinction – its lack of thickness. It’s one of the thinnest cocktails I’ve ever encountered. If it had any viscosity at all, it would be like drinking gin-based onion soup, which no one desires. Instead, it was more akin to sipping gin infused with onions, with a touch of sweetness that balances out its savory profile.

While this cocktail might not be my all-time favorite, I must admit that I truly enjoyed drinking it. The more I sipped, the more the flavors grew on me, and I would certainly order it again. It’s an unusual concoction, but once you get accustomed to it, its unique taste becomes easier to appreciate. However, this cocktail is not for everyone, and no matter how many times some people try it, their opinion may never change. Even though a sophisticated cocktail may not appeal to everyone any more than an overly sweet one does, if you happen to be there when they caramelize the leeks, the aroma is definitely worth experiencing. Chris, the bar manager, told me that you can always tell when it’s onion day because the place smells incredible.

This version preserves the original meaning and tone while making the language more conversational and easier to read.

Just take note of this one caution: refrain from biting into an onion. It is said that doing so followed by taking a sip creates quite the unique experience, and I can attest to that – it’s as if you jumped into lava instead of water! Let me put it this way, it was an understatement unlike any other; needless to say, I did not relish it. While the taste of pickled onion lingered, I temporarily lost my appreciation for the martini. However, once that onion flavor subsided, I went back to enjoying the cocktail.

My initial encounter was enhanced because I approached it with low expectations and received thorough guidance from knowledgeable staff about its unusual tastes. Absolutely, this preparation might have made the experience more enjoyable. However, even with all that, I still wouldn’t necessarily grow to like something I inherently don’t enjoy.

Despite my personal preference, I must admit I’m taken aback by the degree of controversy surrounding the onion martini. While I can understand why some might find it unappealing, given that it’s not exactly a universal drink, the level of vitriolic disdain seems excessive. There’s a significant gap between saying “This isn’t my cup of tea” and declaring it an abomination.

I personally don’t believe there’s anything reprehensible about this cocktail… that is, unless you decide to bite the onion, which might change your opinion!

I’m smitten with GEO-82. It’s stunningly beautiful and exudes elegance. The entire experience is worth every penny you spend. Although it’s pricey, it never feels like a rip-off from the moment you step in until you leave. What took me by surprise was not just how much I loved this lounge inspired by EPCOT’s iconic attraction, but also that I genuinely enjoyed the Caramelized Leek Martini.

Just like Spaceship Earth, I don’t care who knows that.

Mikey Walsh, a staff writer at TopMob, is currently reminiscing about GEO’82’s crab cake. You can find him on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike or anywhere where Targaryen kings are being ranked.

By using natural and easy-to-read language, the focus remains on the content while ensuring it flows smoothly for the reader.

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2025-09-09 22:07