Pool Bar | the disney food blog

Sign Us UP for Disney World’s MERMAID SCHOOL — And More Updates From Disney’s Moderate Resorts!

We’re visiting Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for menu updates, new merchandise, and construction progress! Here’s What’s New!

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort — Gran Destino Construction

Progress continues on Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, where exterior work seems to be approaching completion.

Gran Destino Tower Construction Continues

Gran Destino Tower opens for guests beginning July 9, 2019! We can’t wait to check out the Tower’s rooftop dining location Toledo — Tapas, Steak, and Seafood and those views from the top!

Gran Destino Tower Construction Continues

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Several Disney World Pool Bars Have Expanded Menus — But For How Long?

By DFB Sarah 1 Comment

We’re all accustomed to the limited food offerings of most Walt Disney World pool bars, but lately we’ve spotted several pool bar menus that have expanded. While we always welcome bigger (and hopefully better!) menus at these convenient spots, we’re not sure how long these riches will stick around.

Leaping Horse Libations

Typically massive crowds descend on the World this time of year for Spring Break, and these menu changes could be a response to larger-than-average groups of pool-goers. [Read more…]

2019 Disney Restaurant ULTIMATE GUIDE: What You Need To Know About EVERY Restaurant Opening In Disney World and Disneyland in 2019!

By AJ and the DFB Team 5 Comments

This year is going to be BIG for the Disney Parks. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening at Walt Disney World on August 29 and at Disneyland on May 31. Plus the all-new Skyliner transportation system will begin operating at Walt Disney World in the summer or fall! But that’s not all…

Oga’s Cantina © Disney

Guests to the Disney Parks on both coasts will get to enjoy lots of new and exciting restaurants! Read on to learn more about what’s opening and where — PLUS when you can expect to be able to visit each spot!

[Read more…]

Review: Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grille in Disney World

By AJ 6 Comments

You know how sometimes we tell you about a slightly out-of-the-way place and say it’s totally worth the effort to get there? This will not be one of those times. Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grille is located adjacent to (the stupendously awesome) Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a small menu of snacks for hungry swimmers (and any hungry passersby).

Hurricane Hanna’s

The style of this outdoor bar is slightly nautical, with clean lines and neat hanging lanterns. There’s seating at the bar, which is covered and provides some shade.

Bar Seating

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Review: Frosé at Muddy Rivers Pool Bar in Disney World’s Port Orleans Resort, Riverside

By AJ 9 Comments

Port Orleans Resort, Riverside! And Ol’ Man Island, with its fabulous, amoeba-shaped pool!

Muddy Rivers View

Nestled right by Ol’ Man Island is the home-y and rustic Muddy Rivers Pool Bar, and it’s everything you want out of a pool bar in the Bayou. (Haven’t thought about what you’d want out of a pool bar in the bayou? Let us help you visualize it.) There’s wood everywhere you look, including exposed rafters. At the base of the bar are weathered vertical wood panels in a variety of colors, creating the feeling that this bar has been pieced together over time. [Read more…]

Guest Review: Photo Tour of NEW Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort

By AJ 16 Comments

We’re thrilled to introduce guest author Bob Sikon with a review of the re-opened Hurricane Hanna’s quick service restaurant and pool bar at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort.

Learn About:
Hurricane Hanna’s

Disney World Restaurants

The poolside dining area at Stormalong Bay has been under refurbishment for the past several months, and now re-opens with a fresh feel and brand new name! There are also several more items on the bar menu and counter service menu for guests to enjoy! Scroll down to see pictures of a few of these!

Let’s take a look at the updated name, atmosphere, and menu…

The quick-service outdoor restaurant at the Beach Club resort has re-opened after a lengthy refurbishment. It’s now known as Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill!

New Sign

Poolside Dining

View of Hurricane Hanna's

Atmosphere

As you look at Hurricane Hanna’s, the bar is on the left, the food ordering queue and counter is in the center, and the mug wash and condiment station is on the right.

Bar Area at Hurricane Hanna's

The updated yet classic nautical feel offers guests a “sit and stay a while” feel. We like the new sturdy wooden bar chairs and great-looking lanterns lighting the bar area.

Outdoor Bar

Enjoy a beverage at the bar!

View from the Bar

The counter-service ordering area is set up as usual to the right of the [Read more…]

Guest Review: Meadow Snack Bar at Fort Wilderness Resort

By AJ 3 Comments

Welcome back guest author Melissa Sue Sorrells Galley with another guest review! This time she takes us to the Meadow Pool Bar at Fort Wilderness. And I love the awesome extra look around Fort Wilderness in this review — Yee-haw!

Deep in the winding wilderness, there’s an oasis of family fun waiting for you at the Meadow Recreation Area. Located near the center of Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the Recreation Area is themed like a real old-fashioned swimming hole, with rustic wood touches; lots of open, grassy spaces; and stone-work details. It feels like an upscale summer camp … with very well-appointed bathrooms!

Meadow Swimmin’ Pool signage, which hangs over the entryway of the Snack Bar.

Atmosphere

As you enter the Recreation Area, the Meadow Snack Bar—our stop for an afternoon cocktail—is on your right. The area reminded me less of the [Read more…]

Guest Review: ‘Ama ‘Ama Lunch at Disney’s Aulani Resort

By AJ 9 Comments

Aloha to guest author Anderson Dun! A native of Hawai’i currently living in Arizona, he brings us a delicious review of ‘Ama ‘Ama at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawai’i. Let’s hear it from an expert!

While I didn’t have a chance to stay there, I just knew that I had to visit the Disney resort and have a meal there during my trip home to Hawai’i. I thought about eating at Makahiki buffet, but after reading some good reviews of lunch at ‘Ama ‘Ama, I decided to try it out.

Sign

Pre-Lunch Visit to Off the Hook Pool Bar

When we first arrived at 11:10 AM, my mom and I were told that they were closed and didn’t have any openings until 12:45 PM. I was a bit surprised, but we took the time to wander about the resort.

The first thing we did was head next door to the Off the Hook Pool Bar. The pool bar is right next to the restaurant and offers food and drinks, but of course, we were [Read more…]

Must-Do Milkshake: Frozen Hot Chocolate at Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort

By AJ 8 Comments

Those of you who have been lucky enough to visit Serendipity 3 in New York City know the wonders of frozen hot chocolate!

Made with blended milk, ice cream, and hot chocolate and topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a cherry, this chilly treat is the perfect addition to an afternoon by the pool.

When I first tried the original recipe at Serendipity 3, I was bowled over with how different it was from a regular milkshake. Using the hot chocolate gives it a stronger chocolate flavor and a sweeter overall impression.

There’s just more taste there than you get in a standard chocolate milkshake, and the same rings true with the version served at Beech, the pool bar at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort. The flavor itself is truly an indulgence, so don’t plan to sip quickly! By the way, this version is technically sold “for two,” but I promise it’s OK if you drink it all yourself… 😉

Beech at Hilton Bonnet Creek

The next time you’re in Disney World, grab a cab or take your car to the resort, which is located right in between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney in the middle of Walt Disney World [Read more…]

The Loss of the Leisure Suit

By AJ 32 Comments

Wildberry Margarita From the WDW Lounge Standard Menu

In the post text and comments of our recent Tony’s Town Square review — and in the comments sections of a few other recent posts — the subject of homogenization of menus and condensation of purchasing down to just a few vendors across Disney’s restaurants has become a frequent topic of conversation.

Studios Central’s Matt Hochberg suggested a while back that I cover this issue and has since written a great post about it himself. I’ve also had some reader comments and emails that make it clear that this type of “uniform” experience might be making a dent in the magic for many of us.

There’s a concern that this is happening across the food and beverage service in Disney World and may be starting in Disneyland as well. But nowhere do I feel it more than where I first noticed the switch — the Disney World pool bar and lounge menus [Read more…]