Whether you’re a rope-dropper who stays through the fireworks, or if you prefer a laid-back touring style, one amenity that everyone should consider when selecting their Walt Disney World Resort is… THE POOL. I’m here to help you explore the best pools at Walt Disney World and what they have to offer. Ask any child what they are looking forward to about a vacation, and I bet most of them will talk about the time they spent in the pool!
When considering which resort has the best pool, there are many factors to consider. Maybe you’re looking for a quiet pool environment where you can relax and read a book. Or perhaps you want a hot tub to rest and rejuvenate your muscles at the end of a long day. Those with younger Mousketeers may want to focus on one of the many resorts with an aquatic play area specifically designed for them. Older kids and thrill seekers may want a resort with a water slide they can ride over and over again. If accessibility is your focus, check out one of the pools with a zero-depth entrance. Whatever your focus, find some recommendations below!
Best Pools for Kids
Many resort hotel pools have Aquatic Play Areas, also known as Splash Pads. These are located in the same areas as the feature pool at each resort. They are designed for guests 48” and under, however this is at the discretion of the lifeguard on duty. Sometimes they feature a structured play area and at other resorts, are more of a wading pool design.
Pop Century’s Hippy Dippy Pool
The flower-shaped Hippy Dippy Pool complete with water-spraying flowers will have you feeling ‘cool’ and ‘groovy’ in no time! In addition to the feature pool, this resort has a shallow kiddie pool that is ideal for young children. It has several spray jets to cool kids off, and it is in a separate area to keep kids safe. Kids and adults of all ages will love the fun, vibrant backdrop of the 1960’s and 1970’s larger-than-life icons.
Port Orleans French Quarter’s Doubloon Lagoon
Guests of all ages can get into the Mardi Gras spirit at Port Orleans French Quarter’s Doubloon Lagoon. This aquatic play area is one of the best on property with multiple water slides, spray features, and buckets that dump water to the delight of little ones. Fenced in for safety, there are many chairs and loungers inside for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the kiddos. The centerpiece of the feature pool is a sea-serpent waterslide. Throughout the pool are several water-squirting statue of alligators playing jazz instruments. Guests of French Quarter’s sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside, are also welcome to use the amenities here as well!
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kidani Village’s Samawati Springs Uwanja Camp
Samawati Springs boasts a waterslide, zero-depth entry pool, kiddie slide, and a hot tub, but the real winner here is the Uwanja Camp. This aquatic play area is divided into three areas. First, the Observation Station, where kids can climb through cargo crates and play in bubbling geysers. Next up, the Departure Zone, with a leaky water tower and squirting water features. Last, the Base Camp, where kids can spray cannons, get soaked by water features, or go down a tube slide. The shade and size of this aquatic play area are an added bonus!
Disney’s Grand Floridian – Mad Hatter Splash Pad
Kids will love dodging the Mad Hatter’s hat when it spills over!
Disney’s Riviera Resort
S’il Vous Play is a great spot and we love that it’s contained (fenced in). The small slides are fun for a little bit older kids that still meet the height guidelines!
Best Pools with Zero-Depth Entry
Zero-Depth Entry means that you can walk into the pool as you would the ocean – no steps! This is a great feature for not only littles, but those who prefer a more gradual approach to entry and guests with mobility challenges!
Art of Animation Resort’s Big Blue Pool
The biggest pool at a Walt Disney World resort will have guests feeling like they are in the ‘Big Blue World’ in this Finding Nemo-inspired pool. A zero-depth entry makes this pool accessible and enjoyable for even the littlest ones. Keep a lookout for all your favorite Finding Nemo characters, and keep your ears open underwater – The Big Blue Pool has an underwater sound system! In case Big Blue is a little too big, nearby this pool also offers the Schoolyard Sprayground featuring spraying jets of water. Also, don’t miss the leisure pools at Art of Animation such as the Cozy Cone Pool. It’s the perfect mix of laid back fun!
Caribbean Beach Resort’s Fuentes del Morro Pool
This Spanish-fortress style pool will provide endless fun for the whole family! The zero-depth entry allows adults and kids to enter the pool at their own pace. With two water slides, water cannons, a hot tub, and a shipwrecked-themed aquatic play area, this pool really has it all! The colors, sounds, and ambience of the Caribbean Beach Resort will have you feeling like you’re on island time in no time!
Polynesian Village Resort’s Lava Pool
There’s so much to see and do at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Its access to the monorail makes it easy to sneak away for a midday break. The zero-depth entry makes this pool accessible for people of all ages and abilities. And would you believe it if I told you that you could watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks while you are IN the Lava Pool, or from the sandy beach nearby?! It’s definitely a must-do if you are staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Set against the backdrop of a volcano in a tropical paradise, the Polynesian Village Resort has a water slide and TWO aquatic play areas. Both Kiki Tiki’s Splash Play Area and Moana’s Voyage Splash Pad provide endless fun for the little ones.
Yacht & Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay
Often labeled as one of Walt Disney World’s best overall pools, Stormalong Bay is just one of many reasons you will want to consider a stay at one of these sister resorts. Stormalong bay is divided into several unique sections. The zero-depth entry takes you into the sand-bottom pool that is only two feet deep. This is perfect for kids to feel like they are at the beach! A sandbar in the middle allows a safe place for kids to play, build sandcastles, and explore. A 230-foot water slide called the Flying Jib will have big kids and adults squealing with enjoyment. Meanwhile, little ones can enjoy a smaller slide nearby. Whether you enjoy floating around on the lazy river, relaxing in one of the three hot tubs, or participating in one of the many activities like pool volleyball, you’re bound to have a blast at Stormalong Bay!
Disney’s Grand Floridian’s Beach & Courtyard Pools
Not only does one pool at the Grand have zero entry for guests, but two large pools do! The feature pool named the Beach Pool, has a 181-water slide and waterfalls too! The Mad Hatter themed splash area is not far away, nor is some sand on the beach if you want to sit by Seven Seas Lagoon!
The leisure pool at the Grand also has a zero-entry feature and tops off at a max 5′ depth. It’s adjacent to a whirlpool spa as well!
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Pool Amenities
Walt Disney World pools all provide many great amenities that can help your pool experience be even more enjoyable. There are lifeguards on duty at each of the feature pools, and operating hours are posted near the pool entrance. For some pools, you may need to use your MagicBand+ or Key to the World Card to access the pool area.
Towels, Life Jackets, & Changing Facilities
Complimentary pool towels and life jackets (in a variety of sizes) are available at all of the pools, both feature pools and leisure pools. Leave those bulky towels and puddle jumpers at home, and you’ll have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs! Each pool area has a restroom and changing facility; several of them even include showers and locker rentals.
Poolside Entertainment
Did you know that Walt Disney World has dedicated staff to provide recreation and entertainment at every one of the resorts, from Value to Deluxe? Every afternoon, check out the feature pool for some fun, lively, entertainment! Before you know it, you might find yourself taking part in a trivia contest, poolside bingo, name that Disney tune, limbo contests, or Disney-themed scavenger hunts. This entertainment is geared towards kids, but there’s always opportunities for the grown-ups to get involved too! Or, the grown-ups can use this time to relax and enjoy a snack or beverage from one of the many poolside areas such as Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Banana Cabana at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
The impressive swimming pools are just one of the many things that adds value to your Walt Disney World vacation experience. I hope you’ve realized by now that planning some time to relax and enjoy your resort’s pool is pretty much a must-do! Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Reach out to The Magic For Less Travel and an agent can help you start planning today!
