It’s been waaaaay too long since I’ve stopped by one of my very favorite pool bars in all of Walt Disney World…

But now I’m back at long last. Welcome to the Banana Cabana Pool Bar at Disney World’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

Banana Cabana may not be new and flashy like some of the more recent watering holes to arrive in Disney World like AbracadaBar or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. And the still relatively new Oasis Pool Bar is delivering some brag-worthy eats to guests at Polynesian Village Resort.

But Banana Cabana has long held a place in my heart because of its tropical vacation vibe and terrific bartenders. Banana Cabana is a mini-getaway in and of itself, even within the Vacation Kingdom.

So join me in kickin’ back with a few drinks by the pool at Banana Cabana!

Like most pool bars at Disney, Banana Cabana is made to blend in with its surroundings, situated by the pool and right along Barefoot Bay. The bar itself is fairly simple, allowing the Fuentes del Morro Pool to take center stage.

The tables located just steps away from the bar are covered with the same huge, colorful umbrellas that you might be able to snag by the pool if you’re lucky!

These surroundings just beg for a tropical drink… or FIVE!

And it doesn’t get much beachier than a Sunken Treasure.

Well-themed to the Fuentes del Morro Pool (which is better known as the “Pirate Pool”), the Sunken Treasure (yep — it’s back!) is Malibu Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, tropical juices and Sprite with a float of Blue Curaçao. It’s VERY sweet, and a lot of fun with its bright green hue!

Staying with the tropical vibe, the Banana Cabana is — despite the name — not unique to the Caribbean Beach pool bar. You’ll find it at pool bars all around property.

It’s made of Cruzan Mango Rum, Coruba Coconut Rum, Bols Crème de Banana, and orange and pineapple juices with a splash of grenadine. The orange juice specifically helps to bring a bit of tart to temper the overall sweetness of this drink.

One of my very favorite pool bar drinks anywhere around Disney World is actually a non-alcoholic beverage. I happily recommend the Lava Smoothie to Disney pool guests of all ages!

A Lava Smoothie is a frozen blend of raspberry puree and pina colada mix (so, basically a Pina CoLava without the rum). Honestly, the Lava Smoothie is so yummy and refreshing on its own that I really don’t miss the alcohol.

Now, despite what you’ve seen so far, if tropical drinks aren’t your thing, you won’t be left high and dry. Lynchburg Limeade, for example, is Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with fresh lime juice, sweet-and-sour, and just a bit of peach flavor.

I really like how the lime gives this one a bit of a sour edge, while the Jack Daniel’s lends a more pronounced alcohol taste than the fruitier beverages.

Finally, I wanted to sample the white sangria on the menu. This one didn’t come with too much in the way of fruit — just a few orange wedges — but it was refreshing and simple. Which might be just what you need for a day by the pool or an evening after a long day at the parks.

In all seriousness, though, it’s worth taking time at your Resort to check out the pool bar while you’re relaxing by the water. The laid-back feel of the pools pretty much always extends to the bars, and you can often enjoy a fun conversation with your bartender at the same time you take in a cold, tasty drink. Of course, if you just want to carry your beverage back to your beach chair and sip away until it’s time to hop back in the pool or drift off on a long summer’s day nap, that’s all more than fine, too…

Can I go back NOW… pretty please 🙂 ?

What’s your favorite pool bar — or pool bar drink — in Disney World? Please let us know with a comment!