The Best Pool Bars at Walt Disney World

A Disney World trip can be a little overwhelming, and there is SO much going on at the parks that sometimes you just need to stop, take a breath, and relax.

This is why we always recommend taking a resort day — you can spend some time at your resort’s pool, take time to relax on a lounge chair, and indulge in some of Disney World’s best pool cocktails.

Of course, just like Stormalong Bay is arguably the best Resort pool in the World, not all pool bars are created equal.

We’re ranking the pool bars of Walt Disney World.

1. Bar Riva

Almost everyone on our team voted Bar Riva as the best pool bar at Disney World. Located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, this bar will make you believe you’re vacationing on the French Riviera. And unlike most other Disney World pool bars, this one has actual seating that includes tables and chairs. The atmosphere will put you in a vacation state of mind; check out the gorgeous tiling on the floors. Did we mention the drinks and food here are second to none?

2. Barefoot Pool Bar

Coming in a close second, though, is the Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. This is THE place to go to sip on a tropical drink while sitting under palm trees. We recommend the Lava Flow, which is Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum blended with Strawberry Puree and Pina Colada Mix. But you can also get a variety of other cocktails here, along with Hawai’i-brewed beer on draft. Aloha!

3. Banana Cabana

Speaking of tropical getaways, how about sipping on some island-style drinks in a place that makes you feel like you are staying on an actual Caribbean island? If that sounds good, you can head to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and hit up Banana Cabana, where you can sip on a variety of yummy Pina Coladas and its signature Banana Cabana drink.

4. Petals

You’ll find the grooviest pool bar over by the Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. What we really love about Petals are the bartenders — seriously, these Cast Members know their stuff! The cocktails here aren’t always unique, but this pool bar often mixes up some unique seasonal cocktails that you won’t want to miss out on.

5. Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill

Part of the reason behind our love for Hurricane Hanna’s is that it’s at one of our favorite pools at Disney World, Stormalong Bay, which is shared by Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts. This bar offers up some pretty cool concoctions, including the Category “5”  (Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Bols Creme Banana, Peach Schnapps, Orange and pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine with a float of rum).

6. Uzima Springs Watering Hole

This one is about location because Uzima Springs Watering Hole is found at one of Disney World’s most beautiful resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Although you can grab eats like flatbreads and salads here, the drinks are what bring us back. Try the Cucumber and Mint Vojito  (Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint Vodka, Lime Juice, and Pure Cane Sugar topped with Soda Water) and the Frosé (Featuring Meiomi Rosé and Tito’s Handmade Vodka). Or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out one of the many African beers available here.

7. Gurgling Suitcase

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is so seriously underrated, as are many of its restaurants and bars. That’s why we love recommending the Gurgling Suitcase, a cozy little Key West-type bar that oozes charm. And don’t miss the signature drink here, the Turtle Krawl (Siesta Key White Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Grenadine, and Juices of Key Lime, Orange, and Pineapple). Plus, you can get some nice small bites here, too!

8. Drop Off Pool Bar

We’re often drawn (get it?!) to the Drop Off Bar at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The one thing we love is the huge menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including smoothies) as well as some snacks. But if you’re 21 and older, we’ll tell you to get the Sunken Treasure (Malibu Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, Tropical Juice, and Sprite® with a float of Bols Blue Curaçao).

9. Courtyard Pool Bar

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to chill and have a drink, check out the Courtyard Pool Bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It’s over by the quiet pool at the resort, which means fewer kids and less traffic. Here you can grab some snacks and drink a Poolside Iced Tea (Absolut Vodka, Bacardi Superior Rum, Beefeater Gin, Corazón Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, and Sweet-and-Sour topped with Coca-Cola) without a care in the world.

Ranking Walt Disney World Resort Hotels By Their Pools

What’s your favorite pool bar? Let us know in the comments!

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