Long ago I did several posts in my “Pool Bar Series,” and it’s time to add another to the mix!
Drop Off Pool Bar
On a recent visit to Disney’s newest resort, Art of Animation, I took some time to hit the pool bar for a drink one evening. In fact, I hit the Drop Off just in time to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics!!
Seating at Bar
The Drop Off Pool Bar is named after the ominous danger zone in Disney’s Finding Nemo film — the drop off to the ocean floor! While I’m sure this pool bar can be dangerous for some, my visit revealed a relaxing and entertaining spot next to Disney’s massive Big Blue swimming pool in the Finding Nemo area of the resort.
The soothing blue color palette accented by “waves” of neon makes for a fun, but relaxed atmosphere. I was also pretty taken with the sparkly counter top! 😉
There’s plenty of seating here, and restrooms are close-by near the laundry rooms. If you’re staying at Art of Animation, this a great spot to kick back while you do a load of laundry and the kiddos swim “under the sea!”
Eats and Drinks
The Drop Off serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the standard Disney pool bar menu.
Menu
Pool Bar Menu
In addition to the four beers on tap, The Drop Off also serves a variety of bottled and canned beers as well as chardonnay, pinot grigio, and merlot.
Beer on Tap
If alcohol isn’t your thing, or if you’re fueling up for an evening Extra Magic Hour in the parks, you can also order a variety of iced coffees — perfect for recharging!
Iced Coffee
Though The Drop Off doesn’t serve any warm food options, it does have a simple grab-and-go section. Snag a variety of pre-made sandwiches, sushi, and fruit in addition to larger bottles of wine, beer, and other beverages.
You can also take advantage of the soda and iced tea machines, refilling your resort refillable mugs at the bar.
Grab and Go Case
I settled in and ordered the bright green Caribbean Limeade, a mix of SKYY Infusions Pineapple Vodka, Midori Melon Liqueur, and limeade. The tropical flavors fit right in with the undersea theme.
Caribbean Limeade
Overall
I know that Disney trips are often hurried and packed with fun activities, but I can’t tell you how nice it is to spend an evening relaxing and rejuvenating once in a while. It was a joy to do this at the Drop Off — now on my list of favorite Pool Bars — and I hope I get to do it again soon!
So, the next time you’re staying at Art of Animation, be sure to carve out some time at this fun new watering hole!
What are your favorite Disney Pool Bars? Let us know your favorite place to relax by leaving a comment below!
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I want to stay at this resort now because they have Shock Top on tap!!!!!
I’ve always been partial to the pool bar at the Polynesian resort due to the fabulous setting. The Art of Animation bar looks great with a pretty big drinks menu for a pool bar. My pet peeve with this bar as well as with almost every bar in WDW is the fact that even with an extensive selection of “cocktails du jour” they have to mess up the classic drinks such as the Mai-Tai. From the ingredients listed on the menu, there isn’t a single original ingredient shown. But, we’ve been through this subject before.
The only one I’ve been to is the Petals Bar. I’m hoping to have a drink here next month.
Any idea of what their hours are? Would love to stop by on the way back to the room in Dec and grab a cocktail.
Katie — Ha ha! Glad you found something worth visiting for! 🙂
Alan — I hear ya. I hope they actually HAVE the ingredients for an authentic Mai-Tai in the full bar there.
JoAnn — It’s definitely worth a peek, but Petals is one of my favorites as well 🙂
Raelynn — Great question. Pool bar hours across the board are usually from around 11am or 12pm through dusk. Though I’ve seen Banana Cabana at the Caribbean Beach Resort open late into the night before.
Thanks for this! I’m a huge fan of poolbars! I’ve enjoyed many of the ones that can be found at resorts. My favorite? Trout Pass at the Wilderness Lodge, largely due to the fact that A) Wilderness Lodge is my favorite resort; and B) several of the regular staffers, notably Carrie and Stuart, are just fun, fantastic people to spend a little time with!
Since I don’t drink alcohol, I have never gone to a resort bar. Do they all have iced coffee? I may have to walk over to the Drop Off for a coffee when I stay at Pop next month.
After my 7 day stay at the Art of Animation I and several visits to The Drop Off I vote this place the Best Resort Pool Bar at WDW. Why? Great bartenders who will make you original, off the menu drinks, that you can get nowhere else!
I enjoyed a Sam Adams Octoberfest while doing LAUNDRY! Certainly not the best way to spend time while on vacation but with a beer at the Drop Off pool it was quite enjoyable. Doing laundry at WDW beat not doing laundry at home ANYDAY and while having a beer is even better!
Do you know if you can use “snack” WDW dining credits for a beer, wine or grab and go items at the Drop Off Pool Bar?
Karen, you can use DDP snack credits for the snacks and smoothies but not for the alcoholic drinks.