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A Deep Dive into the Best Pools at Disney World

by Tad on March 15, 2023 19 Orlando

The Best Pools at Disney World - PinterestFor us frogs especially, the pool is a major factor when it comes to picking a hotel, and we know that is the case for most families too. With nearly year-round warm temps in Orlando, no matter what season you visit, it's almost always pool time!

Even better, Disney World's hotel pools (plus the water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) are heated, so Lily and I always pack our swimsuits — even in winter. And since it pretty much feels like summer in Orlando from March through November, it's always nice to take a park break and head to the hotel pool.

I'm hoppy to report that there are great Walt Disney World Resort hotel pools at all price points. No matter which hotel you pick, your tadpoles are going to love it! (And you moms and dads will love our Disney World hotel room discounts.)

Every resort hotel boasts one fabulous feature pool, and many offer an additional "quiet" pool or pools, usually set among rooms instead of near the main lobbies. While most of them aren't themed, a handful of them has made it onto our list of the best pools at Disney World. There are so many toadally awesome pools to choose from. Let's dive in!

The Very Best Pools at Disney World

Courtyard Pool at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

Best Pools at Disney World - Grand Floridian's Courtyard Pool

The Courtyard Pool is considered a quiet pool, but it was once the Grand Floridian's feature pool. Both pools are frogtastic, and the main Beach Pool offers a 181-foot waterslide, waterfalls and a splash pad, but the Courtyard Pool is still Mommy Frog's favorite. Unlike most other quiet pools, this Grand Floridian pool offers zero entry and a nearby whirlpool spa. It is also open until 11 p.m., so it's a nice choice if you arrive back at the hotel after a long day in the parks and just want a quick soak.

Uzima Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House 

Best Pools at Disney World — Uzima Springs pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House

One of Disney World's largest pools (234,980 gallons of splashtastic fun, to be precise), Uzima Springs is a sparkling, tropical oasis with animal viewing areas — including the flamingos — just a hop, skip and jump away. It offers zero entry and a 67-foot-long waterslide. Grown-up frogs will especially like the pool bar, as well as Uzima's hot tubs, which are tucked amid the canopy trees and other tall foliage.

Cozy Cone Pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort 

Best Disney World Pools - Cozy Cone Pool at Disney's Art of Animation

With its distinctive cone cabanas, the circular Cozy Cone Pool feels more like a feature pool and is a popular choice for guests staying in the Cars Suites at Disney's Art of Animation. The cabanas are available for free on a first-come, first-serve basis. They offer ample room and shade, so they are perfect for families who want to make a day of it. Ka-chow!

Copper Creek Springs at Disney's Wilderness Lodge 

Best Pools at Disney World - Copper Creek Springs at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

While it's one of the smallest feature pools on property, Copper Creek Springs is certainly one of the best pools at Disney World based on its theming. The springs begin in the hotel lobby, and you can follow the creek down a winding, rocky trail, past glorious falls and the 67-foot slide built into the oversized boulders. The pool, along with two hot tub jacuzzis and a splash play area, offers spectacular views of Fire Rock Geyser, which erupts on the hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

Ol' Man Island at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside 

Best Pools at Disney World - Port Orleans Riverside - Ol' Man Island Pool

Lily and I feel just like we've found a secret swimming hole whenever we visit the pool on Ol' Man Island. The pool is themed after an abandoned sawmill, with lots of (purposely) leaking water and a 95-foot-long waterslide built into the millworks. Parents will like that the adjacent tadpole pool gets plenty of shade from the tall pines. Accessible by three wooden bridges, the island also offers hammocks, a playscape and catch-and-release fishing.

The Riviera Pool at Disney's Riviera Resort 

Best Disney World Pools - Si'l Vous Plait Splash Pad

At Disney's Riviera Resort, guests are transported to the European rivieras, with gorgeous architecture and sophisticated decor that extends to the family-friendly Riviera Pool. Take a spin on a waterslide that winds around a stately column tower. Or, tadpoles can take their pick from two waterslides at S’il Vous Play, an interactive water play area inspired by Europe's grand fountains. Characters from "Fantasia" are ready to make a splash too!

Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village 

Best Pools at Disney World — Samawati Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village

One of the best pools at Disney World is tucked away at Kidani Village. Just like Uzima Springs, it is surrounded by palms and tall trees, giving it a lush, jungle-like setting. There is the main zero-entry pool, but the Uwanja Camp splash areas are where it's at. The tadpoles can climb through cargo crates and splash around in the geysers, while older children will have fun spraying each other with water cannons. The only thing odd about this pool is its location. It's actually set in front of the resort since the back is home to the animals that live on the savannas.

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort 

Best Disney World Pools - Fuentes del Morro

There's plenty to explore at the Fuentes del Morro Pool, themed after a colonial Spanish fortress. Little adventurers can climb the staircase in one of the Fort's turrets to access one of its two waterslides (including a 102-foot-long slide), wade into the water at the zero-depth entry, or take aim behind the water cannons. The nearby pirate ship-themed splash pad is a swashbuckler's paradise.

The Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort 

Best Disney World Pools - Lost City of Cibolo Pool at Disney's Coronado Springs

Depending on where your room is, it can be a trek to get to, but the Lost City of Cibola Pool at the Dig Site is worth it. Themed after Mayan ruins, the focal point of this humongous pool area is the 50-foot pyramid and its cascading wall of water. Thrill-seekers like me can let loose on the 123-foot-long waterslide while parents unwind in one of two hot tubs, including the largest at Disney World. There's also a nearby play area, an arcade, a kiddie pool, a sand volleyball court and eats at the Siesta Pool Bar.

Lava Pool at Disney's Polynesian Resort 

Best Pools Disney World - Lava Pool

Already one of the most popular pools on property, the Lava Pool emerged from a refurbishment in 2015 even better — with an expanded deck and seating area, a Tiki-themed sprawling water play area (including tadpole-sized slides) and an infinity-edge hot tub. Of course, with a name like Lava Pool, there has to be a volcano, and the little ones can climb to the top of it before making a 142-foot-long plunge down its waterslide. Set on the Seven Seas Lagoon across from Magic Kingdom, the Lava Pool offers perhaps the best views of any pool at Disney World.

Big Blue Pool at Disney's Art of Animation 

Best Pools Disney World - Big Blue Pool

At 308,527 gallons, the Big Blue Pool is the largest pool at Disney World. Colorful, oversized set pieces of Nemo, Crush and other film characters surround the pool area, which features zero entry and plays tunes from its underwater speakers. Tadpoles can splish splash just like Nemo on the Schoolyard Sprayground, with its pop-up jets and more fun characters. (Hello, Dory!)

Stormalong Bay at Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Best Pools Disney World - Stormalong Bay

These adjoining Boardwalk-area resorts share a three-acre mini water park called Stormalong Bay. The centerpiece is the 230-foot-long shipwrecked waterslide, the longest at Disney World. Lily especially loves playing in the beach area and splashing about in the zero-entry, sand-bottomed pool. There is also a pool for water volleyball, a lazy river, three whirlpool spas and plenty of chairs for lounging around. If you're staying at Disney's Beach Club or Yacht Club, you'll definitely want to spend at least one full day at Stormalong Bay.

So there you have it — the best Disney World pools! Remember, you can now book your discount Walt Disney World Resort hotel room through us. Does your family have a favorite Disney World pool? Be sure to share with us in the comments below!

Related: The Best Disney World Hotels for Families

Stay cool!

Keep hopping, Tad!
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Jun 30, 2023 at 9:51 p.m. Disneybrianna Says...

Love the pools but I wish you had added port orleans French quarter pool as well

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Jul 7, 2019 at 10:51 p.m. Elizabeth Parks Scott Says...

Great advice, thanks!

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Mar 17, 2019 at 2:21 p.m. Disneyphile Says...

I was disappointed not to see Port Orleans French Quarter on your list, Neptune's slide is the absolute best and the character features are great too. Also, an update, many of the moderate and deluxe resorts have had young child water play areas added since 2017. These are fantastic for children under 5!

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Jul 24, 2018 at 9:08 p.m. Carlos Says...

The pools are great it was supertastic i was having a good day at Disney when I came to the pool it was brilliant

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Jul 24, 2018 at 9:04 p.m. Carlos Says...

I love the pool at the animal kingdom lodge it was great and it was outstanding great theming i was majestic

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Sep 30, 2017 at 7:04 a.m. pool builders austin texas Says...

nice to know here the best pools at Disney world! helpful!

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Jul 23, 2017 at 3:28 p.m. Suzy Says...

Good morning!

This may seem a little strange or a tad bit selfish on my part but, as the only female in a family of boys I want to visit Disney World by myself. I feel that it's the only way I can truly see & enjoy everything that I always miss because, my boys don't like the so called "girly" things.

My question is.. What resort would you suggest for a female traveler who just wants to be the princess she secretly is hiding in a family of boys. :)

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Apr 2, 2020 at 2:39 p.m. Celeste Says...

Grand Floridian. You can enjoy the spa and they have afternoon tea.

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Apr 2, 2020 at 10:05 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Awesome suggestion - thanks for hopping by and sharing, Celeste!

Stay cool!

Tad

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Oct 3, 2017 at 7:27 p.m. Also a Princess Says...

It depends on what kind of Princess you are. I love Riverside, and the Royal Rooms are very cool. Also, sometimes you can't beat being a Cinderella in the Grand Floridian or a Moana at the Polynesian. Plus, you can always stare at Cinderella's Palace from your resort, and GF has a spa.

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Sep 19, 2017 at 1:22 p.m. Just a suggestion Says...

Port Orleans Riverside has Royal Rooms that look very regal (from the pictures) in southern mansion themed buildings. The pool there is anything but princess-y but you can also use the pool at Port Orleans French Quarter (because they're sister resorts).

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Jul 25, 2017 at 10:59 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Suzy,

That would be Magic Kingdom Park! It is filled with Disney princesses, Cinderella Castle and Fantasyland. Enjoy!

Stay cool!

Tad

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Mar 22, 2017 at 6:34 p.m. Bill Says...

Just an update, a couple of the pools on the list an not accessible unless you are a guest of the actual resort. Tried to go to stormalong bay today and was turned away even though we are staying at Saratoga springs. Bummer as the pool looked like fun.

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Jun 17, 2017 at 12:46 a.m. mike Says...

You shouldn't be going to any but your resort pool because almost every time you will be turned away. People pay a lot of money to go to their resorts and it wouldn't be fair for Disney to just let people sneak into pools that are not theirs. Thanks Disneyfor kkeeping on your toes

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Jul 3, 2017 at 8:37 p.m. Jamie Says...

Actually, that's not correct. DVC Members are allowed to "pool hop" to other resorts, although Stormalong Bay and a few others are excluded, see here: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/recreation-relaxation/pools/

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Jul 19, 2017 at 11:39 p.m. Chap Says...

I understand some places are private but I am also paying a lot of money. May not be top notch but everyone knows none are cheap.

My point is I should be able to visit any pool as a disney guest as we all are.

Will be there next month for 2 weeks so we will be checking them all out.

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Dec 22, 2016 at 5:23 p.m. Elaine nelson Says...

We are planning on going march 21,2017. I am getting FOL passes for my kids but not me cause I am not much of a rides person, but would like to do the tour ride. When is it best for us to all go on that together?

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Dec 28, 2016 at 8:24 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elaine,

Which park and ride are you talking about? It sounds like you are talking about the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. If so, we would recommend that you do the tour early to avoid big crowds, perhaps after visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Aug 16, 2016 at 9:25 p.m. Joanne Says...

Thanks for the info most helpfull

Reply
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