Best Poolside Disney Cocktails this Summer
Just yesterday I saw 4 different commercials advertising very different products that showed sun-drenched decks populated by happy people laughing with their friends near the pool with cocktails in hand. These bathing-suit clad groups in the ads appear to have relaxing all figured out. Either the friends are comedians or the cocktails are that strong, but judging from the smiles on the faces of the folks with the drinks, enjoying some Disney cocktails poolside is the quintessential essence of summer vibes.
If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel this summer, you’re probably aware of the amazing pool(s) your hotel has to offer. In my book, an afternoon splash in the pool pairs best with a cool drink and non-melting snacks. So on my most recent trip to Walt Disney World, I delved deep into the world of research-based journalism (read: trying the signature cocktails at various resort pools) to find the best poolside Disney cocktails the Resort pools have to offer.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
I began my research by heading out to the thick of the action in the heart of Africa when I visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Before this assignment, I knew the Resort pools offered beer, wine, and cocktails, so you can imagine my delight when I found out that the Resort pools are beginning to offer signature cocktails you can only find at the pool bars!
I got this frozen strawberry margarita to have with my lunch, and after one sip I realized I should have held my order until after I’d finished eating, because this drink is a full-blown dessert! Packed with strawberry flavor, the ingredients include lime juice, strawberry puree, ice, simple syrup, and of course, tequila! Once you get past the paper straws, the drink is delicious…especially those last few melty sips! This is a great drink to grab at Uzuma Springs Pool Bar and take with you out into the savanna.
Art of Animation
There is so much to explore “in the big blue world”, and when you stay at Disney’s Art of Animation, you’ll have your chance to dive deep into Nemo’s big blue world in the Big Blue Pool! When your little fins get tired, take an afternoon break from surfing the EAC with Crush and order a snack from The (appropriately named) Drop Off Pool Bar. The (also appropriately named) Big Blue Pool is my drink recommendation here, though not if your afternoon plans include having a few drinks because this one is strong. The mix of 2 types of rum, flavored liquors, and enough kick to knock even Bruce the shark off his game, the Big Blue Pool is a refreshing drink I can’t wait to order again.

Grand Floridian
The Grand Floridian is one of my favorite Resort hotels to visit on days I don’t have park tickets. There are countless reasons why, but I think the main one is that Cinderella Castle is in full view from the beach! Next time you’ve got an afternoon off from the parks, choose to relax along the deck of the Grand Floridian pool and place an order for the St. Augustine from Beaches. Featuring St. Augustine Florida cane vodka, the drink blends blue Curaço with Piña Colada orange juice before being topped with an orange slice. The drink is refreshing and goes down dangerously easily. When I had finished my drink, I was ready to order another one when I noticed that only 10 minutes had passed! Although I drank it much too quickly, the sweetness was not lost on me, and I’m very glad I opted for a nice salty bag of chips to snack on with it! Oh, plus the little “GF” stirrer makes for a great location keepsake!

Polynesian Village Resort
Although it’s not technically a cocktail, and you can’t get it at the pool bar, this alcoholic poolside treat is the best on the list for enjoying on a brutally hot summer afternoon, and it tops the charts as my favorite! Pineapple Lanai is easy to bypass as you walk towards the pool from the main lobby, but if you turn your head to the left, you’ll notice the literal hole-in-the-wall spot serving up pineapple Dole Whips. Or you could just look for the line of eager Dole Whip lovers to point you in the right direction…
When it’s your turn to order, opt for the pineapple float topped with coconut rum! It combines everything there is to love about a Dole float- citrusy flavor, creamy texture, refreshing coolness- with everything there is to love about coconut rum- which is everything. This is a great treat to enjoy next to the pool on a hot afternoon or to pick up to enjoy on the beach ahead of Happily Ever After. Offer to go pick up the Dole Whips for your entire family; you’ll look like a hero and no one will ever know that you’ve ordered yours with a splash of rum, right? So, with all of these drinks to replenish you after your swim, I want to know which sounds the best to you! Let me know in the comments below and we’ll start a discussion!
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer/musician thrilled to be bringing you all things Disney! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!