When choosing one of the Disney World Resort hotels, the amenities, specifically the pools are a selling point for many guests. There is nothing like taking a mid-day break and relaxing at the pool on your Disney vacation. So, what are the best Disney resort pools at Disney World? Each pool provides a different experience for Guests of all ages.
While many Guests dart to the parks after dropping off their luggage, the resorts and their respective pool areas are a great place to make memories, too. When I was a Cast Member, I always laughed when a family told me they enjoyed the resorts more than the parks! But that’s totally valid; many Guests imagine their perfect vacation as lounging by the pool.
The Best Disney Resort Pools at Disney World
The Disney World Resorts have so much to offer, that many people like to plan their vacation with a full day devoted to enjoying their resort. This includes spending a day lounging at the pool. The Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Value Resorts all have wonderful pools to spend your day relaxing in.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the best pools at the Walt Disney World Resort. These are in alphabetical order by pool name. We couldn’t rank them #1 – 10, because many people have favorite pools depending on different reasons that fit their style, and family situation.
1. Beach Pool – Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Beach Pool at the Grand Floridian overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom and is definitely the most picturesque! Palm trees and waterfalls line the pool area, creating the feel of a tropical paradise. There is a 181 foot long waterslide in a natural springs setting.
The children’s pool has a Mad Hatter-themed splash zone, complete with tipping teacups and fun water features that kids love. With its elegant design, lagoon views, and family-friendly features, the Beach Pool perfectly matches the Grand Floridian’s upscale charm.
If you’re looking for a quieter swim, the Courtyard Pool is a zero-depth entry leisure pool located behind the main building.
2. Big Blue Pool – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is one of the best Disney hotel pools because it’s huge, colorful, and perfect for families. The main pool area is themed around Finding Nemo, and you will feel like you’re swimming under the sea with Nemo and friends. It’s the largest pool at any Disney hotel, and even plays underwater music, which is a magical touch!
There’s also a kiddie pool nearby, with a splash pad and smaller slides, making it perfect for little ones to enjoy safely. With fun features, plenty of space, and areas for all ages, it’s a standout among Disney hotel pools.
Other Pools at Art of Animation Resort
There are two other quiet pools at this resort that still have elaborate and unique theming, but are quieter and do not have daily poolside activities like the main pool does.
The Cozy Cone Pool – located in the Cars-themed section of the resort, this pool has a fun Radiator Springs vibe. It’s smaller and quieter than the main pool, with cozy cone-shaped cabanas for relaxing.
The Flippin’ Fins Pool – located in the Little Mermaid section, this pool features a whimsical under-the-sea theme with a giant King Triton statue and colorful fish. This pool is perfect if you’re staying in the Little Mermaid rooms or want a more low-key swimming spot.
3. Copper Creek Springs – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge combines natural beauty with fun and unique features for a relaxing poolside experience. The main feature pool area feels like a peaceful mountain retreat, with a waterfall and a stream that flows right into the pool from inside the lobby!
This pool also has a 67 foot waterslide built into the rocks. For families, there’s a great kiddie pool area with a splash zone and little slides, perfect for younger kids.
4. Dig Site Pool Area – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Dig Site Pool Area at Coronado Springs is a sprawling pool complex with a Mayan ruins theme. This area includes a main feature pool: The Lost City of Cibola Pool, a large kids play area, an arcade, a white sand volleyball court, pool bar, kiddie pool and the largest hot tub of all the Disney hotel pools.
The Lost City of Cibola Pool
This is one of the most exciting yet relaxing pools on Disney property. The main feature of this pool is the Mayan step pyramid with a waterfall cascading down its side. This is one of the larger pools on property, and is located in a moderate resort. This pool features a more up beat feel to it, and we highly recommend the 123 foot water slide here.
Nearby, there’s a kiddie pool area for younger children, plus a large playground called the Explorer’s Playground with plenty of space for little adventurers.
Another great feature is the large hot tubs just steps away from the pool area. Just a word of warning, they can fill up fast at peak times of the evening.
5. Doubloon Lagoon – Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
The Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter has some great theming. Guests who swim at this resort will feel like they’ve been transported to a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans! This pool area is decorated with bold colors, and a snaking sea serpent slide hugs the sides.
There is a nearby kiddie splash play area, and adults can enjoy a full-service bar or relax underneath a waterfall in the pool. Doubloon Lagoon is one of the best Disney pools for its unique theming, and smaller and more quiet side.
6. Fuentes del Morro Pool – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort is a pirated-themed recreation area is another one of the best Disney resort pools. You will not tire of exploring all the unique corners and Spanish-colonial architecture surrounding the pool.
It’s designed to look like an old Spanish fort, complete with towers, cannons, and a tropical vibe. The main pool area has two waterslides, including one that’s 102 feet long, and a zero-entry section, making it great for all ages.
For little ones, there’s a separate kiddie pool and a pirate-themed splash zone with mini slides, water sprays, and dumping buckets. The whole area feels like a pirate’s hideout, adding an extra layer of excitement. With its immersive theme and activities for all ages, Fuentes del Morro Pool is a family favorite at Disney!
7. Riviera Pool – Disney’s Riviera Resort
The Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a stylish and relaxing pool inspired by the elegance of the European Riviera. The pool area features a beautiful zero-entry design and a water slide that winds around a stately column tower. There are cozy loungers, secluded seating and colorful umbrellas that create a luxurious, yet family-friendly vibe.
Kids will love the nearby S’il Vous Play splash pad, which is themed after Fantasia with whimsical water fountains and the cute dancing hippos.
This is a very relaxing and sophisticated pool that has a pool bar, a gelato cart and a great view of the Skyliner gondolas.
8. Samawati Springs Pool – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Samawati Springs Pool is located near Kidani Village. It is the smallest of the two pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge, at 4,700 square feet, and includes a 128 foot waterslide. This pool has a much more extensive play area for children. If your child loves to swim, they’ll probably enjoy this resort the most.
The Uwanja Camp play area features three zones with different activities for them to try!
The Observation Station – This pool is for children 4 years of age and younger. They can climb through cargo crates, unscramble animal images and the water play area has a bubbling geyser and shallow play pool.
Departure Zone there is a leaky water tower and sneaky African irises that will squirt children from 5 to 7 years of age.
Base Camp – this is designed for kids 8 years of age and up, and they can douse each other with water cannons.
The Uzima Springs Pool is the largest pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It features an 11,000-square-foot tropical oasis facing Uzima Savanna. It is surrounded by large canopy trees and Florida palm trees. This is a zero-entry pool, like a natural beach, along with a 67-foot-long waterslide.
9. Stormalong Bay – Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts
Stormalong Bay is known as one of the best pools at Disney World because it caters to every age the most successfully and contains so many areas to explore.
Stormalong Bay stretches over three acres and forms a complete circle, with a lazy river and a sandy beach bottom. This area is more like a mini water park than your typical resort pool.
You can take a plunge down the 230-foot-long waterslide that starts in a life-size shipwreck, or sunbathe in inch-deep water on the edge of the sand. In addition, you can grab lunch at a quick service food and beverage location right next to the pool. You can even cool yourself off with ice cream at Beaches and Cream (if you want to eat dinner there, I recommend a reservation).
There is a large kiddie pool and a sandy play area where little ones can dig and splash. There are also hidden hot tubs located in the middle of the pool setup, so be sure to go and enjoy those as well!
10. Lava Pool – Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian is a tropical paradise and one of the most iconic Disney hotel pools. The main pool area features a dramatic volcano centerpiece with a waterfall cascading down its side. The 142-foot waterslide twists through the volcano, offering plenty of thrills.
For little ones, there’s a separate kiddie pool with a splash zone and water play area, perfect for safe and fun splashing. The pool is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and offers gorgeous views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, making it feel like a true island retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disney World Pools
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the pools at Disney World.
Can you pool hop on Disney property?
Pool hopping is not allowed on Disney property. There are usually folks checking at the gates to ensure your magic band or key matches and they may issue you a wristband for the day.
The exception to this rule is with the Port Orleans Resorts. If you stay at the French Quarter you can use the pool at Riverside, and vice versa.
Do you need to bring your own towels?
There is no need to bring your own towels. They provide fresh clean towels inside the pool area, and have a disposal bin for them.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, all Disney World hotel pools are heated, making them comfortable to swim in year-round, even during cooler weather.
What are the pool hours?
Normally, the standard pool hours are 10 am until 10 pm or 11 pm daily, depending upon the season. The warmer months usually have later hours.
Can I bring food and drinks to the pool?
You can bring your own snacks and drinks to the pools, but glass containers are not allowed. Many pools also have poolside bars or snack carts where you can purchase food and beverages.
Which Disney resorts have hot tubs?
The only Disney Resort hotels that do not have hot tubs are the Value Resorts. All other Disney Resort hotels offer hot tubs and also water slides.
Final Thoughts
Apply sunscreen prior to going to any pool in Florida, and reapply often – trust me, you can burn even on those cloudy days much sooner than you think. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you enjoy some of the drinks at their pool bars.
No matter which Disney resort you choose, the pools are a great place to unwind, meet other guests, or enjoy some family-friendly fun. The attention to detail, immersive theming, and convenient locations make Disney World pools stand out compared to other hotel pools.
Whether you’re spending the whole day at the pool or just a few hours, it’s an essential part of the Disney vacation experience!
