Can a Disney Pool Bar Really Serve up Good Food?

Disney has lots of choices for dining. Pool bars may not be on your list of must-dos, but this particular pool bar is one you shouldn’t miss!

Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the five moderate resorts on Walt Disney World property. Guests are transported back in time to the laid-back and relaxing beach vibes of the Caribbean Islands. Sandy beaches, hammocks, and vibrant, brightly colored buildings make you feel like you’re taking a tropical vacation within a Disney vacation.

Caribbean Beach Resort was built in the late 1980s. It opened on October 1, 1988, as Disney’s first moderate resort. There are 5 distinct areas in this resort. Each island – Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba – is made up of several buildings. Each section features brightly colored buildings and is reminiscent of the culture and architecture of the Caribbean Islands.

For the complete resort guide, click HERE.

Getting There

There are several transportation options for Guests to access Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Guests can travel by car, bus, or Skyliner.

Disney’s bus or Skyliner is available to anyone visiting the Disney property. You do not have to stay at the resort to take this transportation.

If you want to visit the resort by car, it is important to note that during busy times, you may be turned away. When events like runDisney or even during the holidays, the resort only allows Guests coming by car into the resort who are staying at the resort or have dining reservations.

Our recommendation is to take Disney transportation so you will be able to access this not-to-be-missed dining location, as it does not take reservations.

Dining Options at Caribbean Beach

There are several dining options for Guests at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. These options range from a table service to a quick service. The restaurants are:

• Spyglass Grill
• Centertown Market
• Sebastian’s Bistro
• Banana Cabana

Sebastian’s Bistro is an amazing table service dining option. This restaurant is often forgotten, but the food is fabulous and even includes a pineapple-coconut bread pudding for dessert! Check out our review HERE and see why I have added Sebastian’s Bistro to my must-do list!

Caribbean Beach is a hidden gem for me and even has another dining must-do that I have added to my ever-growing list. On my most recent trip, I visited the Banana Cabana pool bar and am sharing the news that this needs to be added to your must-do list, too!

Banana Cabana

The Banana Cabana pool bar is a little different than other pool bars around Disney World. You will find that at this pool bar, you have the option to order beverages to go, but you can also dine in. The seating is first-come first-served.

Banana Cabana offers serves both lunch and dinner.

Banana Cabana is located near Old Port Royale (the main building), the main pool – Fuentas del Morro Feature Pool, and Sebastian’s Bistro.

It is an open-air restaurant, so if you are looking to get a break from the heat, this may not be the place for you. On my visit, it had been unseasonably warm, but with shade and fans offering a slight breeze, we were comfortable.

The Menu

The menu offers Guests a tropical taste of the island. You can enjoy tropical concoctions along with nonalcoholic beverages. Food options include island-inspired appetizers and entrees.

The menu isn’t big but offers plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. There are four appetizers, six island favorite entrees, and two kids’ meals.

The Food

I opted for an appetizer and chose the Caribbean Chips and Dip. This is a Caribbean-spiced chili, Pimento, Pico de Gallo, and Crispy Tortillas. The chili was warm and offered the perfect amount of heat and spice. I feel sometimes things at Disney don’t always pack a punch as they need to appeal to many.

This appetizer is the perfect size for sharing. Sometimes when you order a chip-and-dip appetizer, there aren’t enough chips to accompany the dip. I felt that I had plenty of chips for this chili dip! Bonus – the chips held up to the chili!

You can enjoy the Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding as a secret menu item at Banana Cabana!

The main reason I had ventured over to this pool bar was rumors of a secret menu item, Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding. Good news! The rumors are true, and you can order the delicious and fan-favorite Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding. This portion served two and was only $10!

Final Thoughts

Banana Cabana is a delicious and fun spot to find some island-inspired food. You don’t have to commit to an all-you-care-to-enjoy menu like you do at Sebastian’s, but you can still get that yummy bread pudding.

This pool bar has made its way onto my must-do list, especially when I want the Bread Pudding. This popular dessert is available at several locations throughout Disney, but I’m always excited when I find it (even more so when it’s a surprise, being a secret menu item!)

You will want to add this pool bar to your list for your next Disney vacation, even if you aren’t staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Have you eaten at Banana Cabana before? Is it a favorite spot for your family? Did you know about the secret menu item (Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding)? Will you be enjoying a meal here on your next Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends!