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Home / Blog / Hotels, Resorts & Lodging / A Deep Dive into the Best Pools at Disney World

A Deep Dive into the Best Pools at Disney World

by Tad on June 10, 2024
1607 Orlando Video

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.) Keep in mind that pool hopping is not generally allowed (as a pool is intended for guests staying at that specific hotel), but there are some exceptions for resorts that share amenities, such as Disney's Beach and Yacht Clubs, Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside and French Quarter and the All-Star Resorts.

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 the quiet pools aren't themed, a handful of them have 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

Beach & Courtyard Pools at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

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 (pictured) offers an 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 typically open until 11 p.m. (hours subject to change), 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.

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

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-served 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 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 Village 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 Resort 

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!
View Comments

Comments

501–550 of 1591 comments
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:02 p.m.
kallie packer Says...

Big blue pool

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Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
Sharon Says...

Been to many and loved them all!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
Sophia Boggan Says...

Love this!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
TaylorJones Says...

In the past I never really visited Disney for their pools, but it’s good to know that for a longer trip it may be worth while to make it a resort-style Disney vacation!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
Stacy Melton Says...

Storm a long bay is my FAV.

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
Madisen Jensen Says...

My husband always wants to go to the beach on vacation. Maybe I can convince him that one of these pools is just as good!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
Aubry Says...

Great tips!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.
Natalia Jones Says...

Taking all this and running. ????

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Sabrina Dzyuba Says...

It’s so hard for me to choose a favorite pool! I love a bunch of different pools for a bunch of different reasons

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:59 p.m.
Megan BB Says...

Beach club pool is so nice!! We love the lazy river!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:59 p.m.
Sally Says...

Caribbean beach ????

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:57 p.m.
Tami Swenson Says...

Disney has some amazing pools to cool off in during those hot summer days

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:50 p.m.
Cassandra weaver Says...

We loved carribean beach pools!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:39 p.m.
LAU A Says...

Love it! I can't wait to be there!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:25 p.m.
chris Says...

Waterparks are a great change of pace from the theme parks

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:12 p.m.
Lathoro Says...

I’m not sure if I will ever have the money to stay at any of these resorts but if I do I will know which ones have the best pools ❤️ thank you for all the info!!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4 p.m.
Whitney Says...

Can’t wait to stay at one of these

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:48 p.m.
MarianneP Says...

Note to self: make time for pool time on your next WDW trip!!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:44 p.m.
Cierra Gamino Says...

Will defs be trying some out the next time we visit!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:39 p.m.
Sherry Hayes Says...

High Rock Spring pool at Saratoga is fantastic!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:37 p.m.
Shaylee Hardman Says...

We have always wanted to stay at beach club!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:34 p.m.
Cherril Says...

I’ll be there next month!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:29 p.m.
Catherine Says...

They all look so amazing; thank you for this comprehensive post on each one!! Helps us prioritize our plans.

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:24 p.m.
KayAnna Says...

I’m excited to go!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:22 p.m.
Olivia McClelland Says...

AmAze!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:05 p.m.
Cayla W Says...

We never have time for the pools but hopefully one day!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Kate Says...

We love WDW pools! Polynesian by the beach is one of our faves!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Heather Says...

Deep dive Polynesian

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 2:59 p.m.
Heather Says...

November december

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 2:25 p.m.
Mitch Casey Says...

Uzima pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge looks incredible!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 2:21 p.m.
Jackie T Says...

Stormalong Bay, no question! I've loved Stormalong Bay for decades because of that sand bottom bool. It's such a different experience from all the other WDW pools, and sand is a great exfoliant, so it's like a swimming pool and a pedicure all rolled into one!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 2:14 p.m.
Julianne Nance Says...

Saratoga Springs has such nice, relaxing pool areas! I would also love to experience Stormalong Bay!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 2:05 p.m.
Benjamin C Says...

We usually travel in October and the pools are pleasant. We are from the south so pleasant for us is different from someone traveling from Michigan that can swim in January. We require the water temp to be above 80 degrees.

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 2:03 p.m.
Dltaub Says...

Pool time is a must on any WDW trip

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Jun 14, 2024 at 1:29 p.m.
Bailey Looney Says...

My family loves a pool day!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 12:36 p.m.
Christi Says...

One day I hope to get to try the beach club pool!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 12:25 p.m.
Nicky Says...

Staying at one of these places is a big MUST!!!!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 11:52 a.m.
Savannah Dasher Says...

Our top five favorite pools from best to still great are…

1. Grand Floridian

2. Wilderness Lodge

3. Art of Animation (my little girls fave)

4. Animal Kingdom Lodge

5. Poly

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 11:06 a.m.
Chyn Says...

I literally want to take my daughter to every pool ! Looks so exciting.

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 10:33 a.m.
John Warren Says...

One of the highlights of our stay has always been the pools … it’s a great break for the family and then straight back to the parks

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 9:23 a.m.
Aa Says...

We love having at least one day to relax at the pool when we do a Disney trip. So excited to plan the next trip, especially after seeing this article!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 9:08 a.m.
Juley Says...

Havent got to stay at any of those but Thanks for the great info!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 8:17 a.m.
Laura White Says...

Disney Port Orleans is our favorite

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 7:43 a.m.
Carmen Rogge Says...

All these pools look great!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 5:11 a.m.
VALERIE Says...

Would love to experience one of these, but we're staying off site.

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:45 a.m.
LORI Says...

The Polynesian is our favorite for being in the pool yet still feeling like you're part of the Magic Kingdom with it in full view, but we also love Port Orleans French Quarter for its vibe.

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:32 a.m.
Eleanor Moya Says...

All pools look amazing, now I now we need to schedule a pool day. Thanks for the info

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 4:16 a.m.
Stacy Says...

Pools are always fun and relaxing

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:33 a.m.
Amanda P Says...

I always check out Undercover Tourist for hot tips before I visit theme parks. I didn’t know some of these even existed!

Reply
Jun 14, 2024 at 3:01 a.m.
Carrie Says...

The family is going to love the pool!

Reply

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