Walt Disney World Resort has so much to offer, it’s hard to get it all in on one vacation! While many people think of a Disney vacation as always being on the go, it’s still important to set aside some time to relax. Disney World Resorts are some of the best-themed hotels in the world, and the pools are no different! With Orlando’s (mostly) year-round warm weather, you can enjoy the pools no matter when your vacation is scheduled!

More often than not, if you ask someone “What is the best pool at Walt Disney World?” they will tell you Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. It is a fantastic pool, which is why it’s on our list! Even so, that doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone. So, we’re giving you a comprehensive look at some of the best pools at Disney World. Stick with us and you may just be booking a vacation by the end!

The Best Pools at Walt Disney World

Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Located at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the Big Blue Pool is themed after Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo. The Big Blue Pool is the largest pool on property holding over 300 thousand gallons of water. Since Art of Animation is a Value Resort, there is no slide here — but, there’s A LOT of room for swimming and splashing!

There is a zero entry into the pool, as well as a kids wading pool and a splash pad area that your littles are sure to love. This is a great option if you are on a budget and have little kids. There is also The Drop Off Pool Bar located right outside the pool gates with specialty cocktails, beer, and wine.

Winner: Best Value Resort Pool

Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Located at its namesake, Disney’s Riviera Resort, the Riviera Pool is Mediterranean-themed. And, since this is a Deluxe Resort, there is a 30ft water slide! Kids and adults can enjoy this slide as it winds around a column tower. In addition, there is also a zero entry to this pool, as well as a kids’ splash pad with small slides and water cannons behind the main slide. This is a great kid’s area for the littles who aren’t so sure about the water since there is no big bucket of water dumping on their heads every few minutes.

While all the previously mentioned perks are great, one of the main reasons for choosing this pool is the quaintness of the location. Hot tubs are located near the pool as well and there’s just something about the palm trees, the lounge chairs, and the views of Barefoot Bay that make this the pick for the best adults-only vacation pool. Plus, Bar Riva (one of the best pool bars on property) is located nearby!

Winner: Best Adults-Only Vacation Pool

Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been around since the beginning of Walt Disney World, making it one of the most popular resorts. Lucky for us, it has evolved into something spectacular! Having gone through an extensive refurbishment throughout parts of 2015-2016, the Lava Pool is a staple of the Polynesian Resort. It is quite a large pool, featuring a zero entry, a waterfall and cave, and a nearly 150-foot water slide through the darkness of a volcano! Plus, there’s also a massive kids’ water play area. The hot tub features an infinity edge, giving you great views of Bay Lake.

You can enjoy some quick service food and drinks from the Barefoot Pool Bar within the pool gates. Or, head over to Pineapple Lanai for a Dole Whip! Imagine going down the water slide and then getting a dole whip to eat by the pool while you watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. What a dream!

Winner: Best Pool View

Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to Copper Creek Springs Pool. This pool area will make you forget you’re in Disney World and transport you to the Pacific Northwest. With the rocky backdrops, the Geyser that goes off every hour, and the trees, this is the place to be if you are looking for somewhere to forget the hustle and bustle of Disney World.

There is a 67-foot water slide throughout the rocks into the main pool, hot AND cold whirlpool spas, and a gated kids’ play area right outside the pool gates. The cherry on top here is Geyser Point Bar and Grill. This pool bar offers breathtaking views of Seven Seas Lagoon, full table service or to-go food, and a great place to watch a game!

Winner: Best Immersive Experience

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

At Disney’s Caribbean Beach resorts, guests can enjoy the Fuentes del Morro Pool. Immerse yourself in a Spanish fortress, while the kids play in a little pirate’s paradise. There are two main water slides, a little kid’s shipwreck play area, water cannons, and a hot tub.

This is one of the bigger pools on property, as Caribbean Beach is a large moderate resort. There is also a zero entry making it a good place for your tiny tots. And, Banana Cabana (its pool bar) is a great place to grab a tropical cocktail and a bite to eat.

Winner: Best Moderate Resort Pool

Lost City of Cibola Pool (Dig Site Pool) at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is not only a Disney Resort, but also a convention center. And, lots of business visitors often means that the pools are a little less crowded with vacationers making it a great place to relax.

The Lost City of Cibola Pool, located in “The Dig Site” is a transport to the Mayan Ruins, including a 123-foot water slide, a little kids splash area, and the property’s largest hot tub. What makes this pool area great is the number of activities on the pool grounds. Guests can enjoy sand volleyball courts, an arcade, a large playground with areas for big and little kids alike, and Siesta’s Pool Bar. Right over the bridge guests can also enjoy a sangria flight, great food, and a good place to watch a game at the open-aired Three Bridges Bar and Grill.

Winner: Best “Spending a Full Day at the Pool” Pool

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

Stormalong Bay offers many unique features that no other pool has on property. Guests staying at both Disney’s Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club have access to this resort. And, it is so popular that guests staying at the resort are required to have a wristband to even access it!

There is a sand-bottomed pool, a life-size shipwreck replica with a waterslide over 200 feet, a lazy river where guests can float in inner tubes and relax, three whirlpool spas, and a kid’s shallow pool with a miniature water slide. With views of the lake and Disney’s Boardwalk, guests can also spend the day relaxing on the elevated tanning deck. Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay offers snacks and eats as well as a full bar. And, right outside the pool gates is Beaches and Cream, a diner-style restaurant that offers a to-go walk-up window for ice cream, shakes, and more!

Winner: Best Overall Pool

Samawati Springs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge includes both Jambo House and Kidani Village (a Disney Vacation Club Villa). But, the good news is that anyone staying on either side of the resort can access amenities for both — including the pool!

The main building has a great pool, but the star of the show here is the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. The views of the Savanna and canopy trees are so serene making this a great spot to relax with a drink and soak up the sun.

On top of this, Samawati Springs is home to the Uwanja Camp. Now, this isn’t just a kiddie area, this is an entire water playground! There is the Observation Station, an area with water bubblers, a shallow pool, and playground features for kids under 4 years old. The Departure Zone is an area with sections for kids ages 5-7 and 8 and up, including a water tower, slides, water cannons, splash zones, and more.

Winner: Best Pool for Kids Activities

Doubloon Lagoon/Ol’ Man Island at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort has two sides, Riverside and French Quarter. Port Orleans Riverside is home to Ol’ Man Island pool, a 3.5-acre swimming hole with a hot tub, a water slide, and a kiddie splash pool. And, Port Orleans French Quarter features Doubloon Lagoon which is a Mardi Gras-themed pool area home to a winding sea serpent slide and a large kid’s water play area.

Guests staying at either resort have access to both pools. All you have to do to get between the two is take a walking path along the Sassagoula River or hop on Disney’s complimentary boat service.

Winner: Best Bang for Your Buck Pool

Luna Park Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Recently refurbished, Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort takes you back to 1920s amusement parks and carnival rides.  Home to a 200-foot water slide, a kiddie splash pool, and a whirlpool for adults, there’s a lot to keep you busy here!

With its recent refurbishment, Luna Park Pool has gone through extensive upgrades to the pool itself, the theming, and the water slide, making it a place you’ll want to spend your time! And, when you need a snack, Leaping Horse Libations is a nearby carousel-themed pool bar that offers pool snacks and drinks. Plus, Disney’s Boardwalk is just steps away for any mid-day snacks as well!

Winner: Best Water Slide

Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is nothing short of luxury. And, the Beach Pool is no different! This pool offers zero entry, a whirlpool nearby, a waterfall, an 181-foot water slide, and an Alice in Wonderland-themed kids aquatic play area. While guests relax in their lounge chairs, they have views of the white sandy beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon looking out on Magic Kingdom.

To add to the luxurious life of the Grand Floridian, guests can even rent cabanas for a day that include cushioned loungers, a designated cast member, a Smart TV, a snack basket, complimentary water, and more.

Winner: Most Luxurious Pool

So, the bottom line here is that Disney Resorts offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or just a quick place to cool off, there is a pool for you at Disney World! The Orlando weather leaves almost every day a potential pool day, just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Comments

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