We’re just getting into Springtime in Orlando, and now is the perfect time to sit by the pool with a cocktail (or mocktail!).
So for your Friday Zen-ness today, I’ve got the perfect destination…
Aaaaahh...that's better, isn't it?
Beech Pool Bar at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort is one of the most relaxing spots I’ve visited within the gates of Walt Disney World.
A massive lazy river and pool complex is the perfect addition to a sunny Orlando afternoon…and the frozen hot chocolate doesn’t hurt either. But more on that later…
Beech Pool Bar
Let’s dive in!
Atmosphere
Beech is more than your standard pool bar. There are plenty of tables and chairs for eating a full meal, but if relaxation is on the docket, consider curling up with a cocktail by one of the fire pits —
Plush seating surrounds a couple of fire pits by the pool
— or HERE in one of these I-wish-I-had-it-in-my-own-backyard seating areas.
Palm Fronds and Grape Feeding are optional
From here, watch the kiddos splashing around in the pool, or peruse the menu to see what’s for lunch!
Just one little section of the Hilton Bonnet Creek Pool Complex
Speaking of lunch…
Eats
There’s a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and salads, and desserts here at Beech…not to mention the unique cocktails and mocktails.
Beech Bar -- where the magic happens
You can definitely count on this spot for a full and filling meal, and you’re guaranteed an outdoor, waterside seat! 😉
Cocktails -- click to enlarge
Cocktails -- click to enlarge
Appetizers and Salads -- click to enlarge
Sandwiches, Kids' Menu, Desserts, and Fries -- click to enlarge
We started out the evening trying a few cocktails and mocktails.
One of the most intriguing for many of us who spent our teenaged mall-rat days hanging around the Orange Julius was the Orange Julio — a mocktail mix of vanilla ice cream and fresh orange juice!
Orange Julio -- vanilla ice cream and fresh orange juice
More of a dessert, you say? Maybe so — but a perfect sweet treat (with a little zing from the OJ) on a warm Orlando Spring day!
Next up — it’s time to get a little spicier with the Basil Bloody Mary Mojito! This one included Bloody Mary Vodka, smashed grape tomatoes, bruised basil, and fresh lime!
Basil Bloody Mary Mojito
The lime and basil gave this a great kick, and the grape tomatoes made it a stunner.
Finally, we indulged in another perfect-for-Spring mocktail — the Watermelon Mint. This one is a simple mix of freshly muddled watermelon and mint, sparkling water, and lime juice!
Watermelon Mint
We had a couple of other muy pretty drinks, but I’m going to save them for another review and get on with the food!!
It was tough making up our minds, but we went for simple and awesome this time around. I started with the Poolside Cheeseburger, complete with tomatoes, pickles, onions, cheese, and the Chef’s special burger sauce. Mushrooms or bacon can be added for $2 (yes please).
Poolside Burger with cheese, onions, and bacon
This thing is obviously sexy, but it tasted fantastic. Smothered in melted cheese and piled high with crispy bacon, it was definitely what I was hoping for. BUT, I could still taste the meaty flavors of the burger — obviously the best part.
Along with this, I had to try the famous Parmesan Truffle Fries!! These flavored frites are NOT what you’d expect to find at pool-side spot at your hotel, but there they are — and they are to die for!!
Truffle Parmesan Fries
Skins on, crispy, and cooked just right. The truffle taste is in the background and not too overwhelming, and the parmesan adds a nice flavor kick.
We also ordered the Turkey Wrap — a standard staple on the menu here at Beech. It’s clean and easy — perfect for a pool-side meal. Cheeses can change from time to time here, so be prepared when you head over to get yours.
Turkey Wrap
And the kiddos have a full menu to themselves here, as well!! (Of course they do! This pool complex is HUGE and fun, so the kids are for sure going to want to stay through lunch…and dinner.)
We tried the chicken fingers with french fries and barbecue sauce, but there are lots of options for your little one. I love that it came served on a frisbee!!
Kids' Chicken Fingers Meal -- on a frisbee!
Now for the part you’ve all been waiting for (and, the part I admit is the best part of the meal) — dessert!
While they have a jumbo ice cream cookie sandwich here, I had to go ahead and get my very favorite thing once again — the Frozen Hot Chocolate!!
Beech Exclusive Frozen Hot Chocolate
I’ve had the original at Serendipity III in New York City several times, and this is just as good. PLUS, you’re sitting by a pool with a light Florida breeze instead of in the middle of New York City crammed up against your neighbors in a way-too-crowded restaurant. That’s gotta be better, right?
Frozen Hot Chocolate close up
This is more than just a chocolate milkshake. It’s pure decadence. You’ve gotta try it, and you can ONLY find it at Beech. Well worth a visit, if you ask me. 😉
Overall
Don’t you SO want to be sitting by the pool sipping something delicious and waiting for your Poolside Cheeseburger right now? Yeah. Me, too. But, for those of us who are nowhere near a pool right now, I hope this made your Friday a little more relaxing!
Beech is an awesome stop when you’re next in Walt Disney World. It’s very easy to get to, since it’s plopped right in the middle of Walt Disney World property — just look for the Bonnet Creek sign.
Sometimes you need to escape the parks for an afternoon, and this is a great way to do it. 😉
What items on the Beech menu are YOU wishing you were having today? Let us know in the comments below!
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I had a feeling that I’d like to stay at Bonnet Creek on my next visit. Now I know for sure that I must!
Can you get to the pool without being a resort guest? I would love to go there and try some of that hot chocolate
This menu is full of great things. Turkey wraps are one of my favorites, pair that along with a ruby red cocktail – and I’m in. My wife would order sweet potato fries and a frozen hot chocolate to suit her tastes. Can they fit any more bacon on that burger?
Now that is what I call a poolside bar! The turkey wrap looked just delish. Something light and refreshing on a hot day. 🙂
What is the difference in a chocolate shake and a frozen hot chocolate shake?
Great review. LOVE the Hilton Bonnet Creek. I think we stayed there at least 10 nights last year. A hidden gem at Walt Disney world indeed. Lot’s of fun stuff happening on the weekends during SummerBlast! as well. My teen loves the mocktails. Especially the Frozen Hot Chocolate and the Florida Sunset.
One of my favorites there is the Hibiscus Margarita. I also love the fact that you can take your drink INTO the pool without getting reprimanded.
Those pretzels must be a new addition to the menu. I’ve never seen them before and I’m a sucker for a soft pretzel. MUST go back soon and try them. Thanks for spreading the word about this place that is so very near and dear to my heart AJ! =)
The Frozen Hot Chocolate looks wonderful, but to be honest, the pool looks just as good!
WOW! I had no idea how nice their pool area was. This blog lead to switching our resort for next year. Looks amazing and can’t wait!!
And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a cinnamon bun from the cafe inside, it’s to die for!
How do you get there if you are not staying there? Isnt the parking garage resort guests only? I so want to go here. Let me know how we can get there. Thanks
Expected a lot from the frozen chocolate but it tastes like a Wendy’s frosty. The hamburger on the other hand was fresh, formed by hand, uniform thickness, perfectly medium cooked with s nice juicy pink, with a roll that was just right. The roll didn’t fall apart or add too much excess to the bite. The pickles even tasted Fresh and crisp.