Destinations

One of the best swimming pools at Walt Disney World

Ask a returning household about their journey to Walt Disney World, and also you may hear the widespread chorus: “My youngsters simply needed to swim within the pool the entire time!”

It is robust to prime the nostalgic enchantment of traditional rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Haunted Mansion, the high-speed thrills of Expedition Everest and Tron Lightcycle Run, and the draw of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, however the youngsters are onto one thing.

Tucked away from the bustling parks are a number of the most meticulously themed and immersive swimming pools you will discover wherever. Walt Disney World’s resort swimming pools aren’t only a place to chill off. They provide an expertise that, for some, can rival the theme parks.

When you already know your itinerary will embrace some severe pool time, this information to the very best swimming pools at Walt Disney World will show you how to choose the proper pool in your journey.

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What to know concerning the Walt Disney World swimming pools

Each Walt Disney World lodge has at the least one pool, with a lot of the bigger, extra sprawling resorts boasting three or extra. Every resort’s major pool, referred to as the function pool, would be the most elaborate, with more and more spectacular theming and options as you go up the pricing ladder throughout Disney’s three lodge tiers — Worth, Average and Deluxe.

The function pool can even have a pool bar and quick-service meals choices close by. At Average and Deluxe resorts, you will additionally discover a waterslide and children splash areas. Worth resorts have massive function swimming pools however no waterslides or sizzling tubs.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Day by day recreation actions happen on the function pool, sometimes within the afternoons. Recreation hosts will lead video games for youths, generally with small take-home trinkets as prizes and Disney trivia everybody can take part on.

The function pool can be the place you will discover the largest crowds and most noise. So, in the event you favor to lounge quietly with a superb e book, chances are you’ll wish to hunt down a leisure pool, generally known as a “quiet” pool.

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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Walt Disney World swimming pools are heated to 82 levels year-round, although the water might be hotter in the summertime because of the blazing Central Florida solar. Complimentary towels and life jackets can be found in any respect swimming pools. Lifeguard availability and pool hours differ by pool.

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Greatest Disney World pool for households

A lot of Walt Disney World’s resorts are destination-worthy even with out the addition of the close by theme parks, maybe none extra so than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Greater than 200 totally different animals, together with zebras and giraffes, roam quite a few savannas. The Africa-themed resort can be house to 2 improbable function swimming pools, one at every of the resort’s two resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo Home and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village.

At Jambo Home, the 11,000-square-foot Uzima Springs Pool incorporates a zero-depth entry and 67-foot-long waterslide and has a most depth of 4 ft and 9 inches. There’s additionally a wading pool for youths and two sizzling tubs. The resort’s major quick-service eating location, The Mara, is simply steps from the pool gate, and the Uzima Pool Bar is a full bar serving cocktails, beers on faucet, frozen drinks and extra.

Uzima Springs is a superb pool, however it’s Kidani Village’s Samawati Springs Pool that makes this resort our choose for the very best pool for households.

The 4,700-square-foot, 118,138-gallon pool presents one thing for each desire. It has a zero-depth entry level that is nice for kiddos, two sizzling tubs for these seeking to calm down, and one in all Disney World’s most thrilling lodge waterslides, 128 ft lengthy and quick, for swimmers searching for pleasure. A second, a lot smaller waterslide with a pool depth of three ft and 6 inches on the base lets younger kiddos in on the slide enjoyable, too.

One other large draw for youthful youngsters right here is the Uwanja Camp water playground. Themed after an animal commentary website, the play space contains three zones — Remark Station, Departure Zone and Base Camp. Every is designed for various ages, from 4 and underneath to eight and up (although we have by no means seen older or youthful youngsters excluded from any of the areas at this resort). The realm presents a superb quantity of shade, water options like cannons and spitting cartoonish snakes, and spots to climb and slide.

Eating choices are much less intensive close to this pool than at Uzima Springs, however the Maji Pool Bar serves a variety of meals from sizzling canines and mushy pretzels to tandoori hen and spiced pork nachos. You can even order to-go from Sanaa, Kidani Village’s glorious table-service restaurant.

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Greatest Disney World pool at a Worth resort

Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort is house to the very best Disney World swimming pools at a Worth resort.

Nonetheless, rooms listed below are persistently the most costly within the Worth tier, so pay attention to the trade-off. The “Discovering Nemo”-inspired Large Blue Pool is the biggest lodge pool at Walt Disney World and options big, colourful characters from the movie. The 308,527-gallon pool is zero-entry with a most depth of 4 ft and 11 inches.

Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Subsequent to the Large Blue Pool, Schoolyard Sprayground is a spacious splash zone surrounded by extra of Nemo’s pals. Additionally close by, Squirt’s Righteous Reef presents youngsters a dry playground possibility.

When starvation strikes, the Drop Off Pool Bar serves fundamentals like easy sandwiches, mushy pretzels and frozen treats. For a extra intensive choice, the resort’s meals courtroom is a brief stroll away.

For a quieter pool close by, head to the Cozy Cone Pool within the “Vehicles”-themed space of the resort, which options life-size fashions of favourite “Vehicles” characters. The pool is surrounded by Cozy Cone cabanas (first come, first served) that present a shaded spot excellent for households with youthful youngsters needing a nap or break from the solar whereas larger youngsters play.

Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort. MATT STROSHANE/WALT DISNEY WORLD

Followers of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” might wish to head to the resort’s third pool, the Flippin’ Fins Pool.

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Greatest Disney World pool at a Average resort

Aspiring swashbucklers can reside out their pirate goals on the Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort, our choose for the very best pool at a Average resort. Designed to move visitors to a colonial Spanish fortress, this zero-entry pool has two waterslides, with the largest stretching 102 ft and large water cannons that give main “Pirates of the Caribbean” vibes.

Children 48 inches or shorter can get additional pirate play in on the Fuentes del Morro Water Play Space, a youngsters’ splash space with a pirate ship and mini slides. A 12-person sizzling tub presents loads of room for leisure, as do the resort’s whopping 5 extra leisure swimming pools.

At Outdated Port Royale, the pool is true throughout from Banana Cabana, the pool bar and lounge serving specialty frozen tropical drinks and Caribbean-inspired fare like coconut shrimp and jerk hen wings. For much more eating choices, Centertown Market, the resort’s major quick-service location, is true subsequent door.

Know earlier than you go: The Fuentes del Morro Pool might be closed for routine upkeep from January to late March 2024. Visitors are suggested to make use of the resort’s 5 leisure swimming pools throughout this time.

Greatest Disney World pool at a Deluxe resort

The runaway favourite pool throughout all of Walt Disney World, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht Membership and Seashore Membership resorts is extra like a mini water park.

Spanning three acres with a complete of 795,000 gallons of water, the advanced options a wide range of swimming pools, together with a sand-bottomed pool, a 230-foot-long shipwreck-themed waterslide, a lazy river, three sizzling tubs and a sandbar the place youngsters can play. The small Shipwreck Pool on the entry level of the huge waterslide additionally has a smaller waterslide for youthful youngsters.

Stormalong Bay pool on the Seashore and Yacht Membership. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

There is no arguing that Stormalong Bay presents countless aquatic leisure. Nonetheless, it may be a aggravating pool possibility for households managing a number of kids of various talents, and that is why Stormalong Bay is not all the time our prime choose for youthful households. Some swimming pools start with a zero-entry level and attain depths of 4 ft to five ft, and the lazy river ranges from 6 ft to eight ft in depth. The pool deck can get very crowded, and totally different areas of the deck are linked by generally slim walkways and bridges, making the advanced really feel like a maze if you’re making an attempt to get from level A to level B rapidly.

Moreover, the Shipwreck Pool and entrance to the big waterslide, which known as The Flying Jib, are outdoors the gated pool advanced and throughout a large public walkway accessible to visitors not staying on the resort, so some mother and father might not really feel comfy letting youngsters travel from the pool space to the waterslide alone.

However for countless aquatic leisure, nothing beats Stormalong Bay.

The pool advanced can be surrounded by top-notch eating choices out there to get pleasure from poolside. The pool bar, Hurricane Hanna’s, serves a dependable lineup of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and frozen drinks, however there are additionally quite a few eating choices close by that serve meals to go, together with Ale & Compass Restaurant and the Yacht Membership’s and Seashore Membership’s quick-service places, every with totally different menus.

For a enjoyable table-service lunch or dinner break from the pool, make a reservation at Seashores & Cream Soda Store, an old style diner serving up a traditional menu of burgers and fries, chili-cheese tots and extra, together with malted milkshakes and monstrous sundaes for dessert.

Seashores and Cream Soda Store. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Know earlier than you go: Stormalong Bay and the Shipwreck Pool might be closed from January by way of Could 2025 for routine upkeep. Visitors are suggested to make use of the resort’s three leisure swimming pools throughout this time, so make sure to keep away from this stretch if you wish to go to Stormalong Bay.

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Greatest Disney World pool for adults

For adults seeking to escape the noise and splashes of a chaotic function pool, the numerous leisure swimming pools at Walt Disney World resorts provide nice alternate options. Nonetheless, a few of them might be considerably secluded and out of the way in which of eating choices. If you need a soothing pool expertise however do not wish to be too removed from the motion, now we have two picks for the very best pool for adults.

Our first selection is the Beau Soleil Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This leisure pool feels quiet and secluded when you move by way of the gates, however it’s additionally proper subsequent to the resort’s stunning exercise garden and steps from the Bar Riva pool bar and Primo Piatto quick-service restaurant.

Disney’s Riviera Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Bar Riva is without doubt one of the most stunning open-air lounges at Walt Disney World and presents a chic spot to take a break from the pool for Mediterranean fare and drinks. We suggest the mushroom arancini and a glass of Provence frose.

Additionally, not like many different leisure swimming pools that generally appeal to households as a result of they provide a better possibility than the resort’s function pool, Riviera’s spectacular major pool, which incorporates a superb splash pad for youths, is simply throughout the garden.

Our different favourite pool for adults is the Oasis Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Oasis Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Because the resort’s leisure pool, the Oasis Pool tends to draw a extra grown-up crowd than the close by Lava Pool with its attractive volcano, waterfall, youngsters play space and 142-foot waterslide. The Oasis Pool additionally has its personal pool bar, the Oasis Bar & Grill, so you do not have to go away the pool space to get pleasure from dishes like wonton chips and fish tacos, specialty cocktails, beer, mushy drinks and extra.

Greatest Disney World pool splurge

For essentially the most luxurious poolside expertise, personal poolside cabanas can be found for day by day rental at three of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe resorts: Disney’s Modern Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Yacht Membership and Seashore Membership resorts.

These personal, shaded areas accommodate as much as six visitors and are available outfitted with plush furnishings, ceiling followers and ranging leisure choices like Bluetooth audio system, TVs and charging stations.

Cabana at Stormalong Bay. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Complimentary refreshments, together with contemporary fruit, soda and water, are additionally supplied, in addition to sunscreen and skincare merchandise and a protected. Reserving is barely open to visitors of every respective resort. Pricing begins at $350, and facilities and companies, like cocktail service to the cabana, differ barely by resort. Guide by calling 407-939-7529.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort additionally presents a lower-priced possibility that also offers shade and privateness. Oasis Patios are on the resort’s Oasis leisure pool and accommodate as much as six visitors with a devoted shaded spot close to the pool, furnished with cushioned lounge chairs and plush towels. Oasis Patios begin at simply over $100 and can be found first come, first served or by advance reservation by calling 407-939-7529.

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Greatest Disney World sizzling tubs

On the peak of summer time in Central Florida, a sizzling tub may not prime your checklist of how to calm down in your Walt Disney World trip, however temperatures can actually dip throughout the winter and within the evenings at sure occasions of the yr. All Average and Deluxe resorts have sizzling tubs, however some rise above the remaining.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort sizzling tub. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

One of many prettiest sizzling tubs with the very best views is on the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It has an infinity edge and presents views of Seven Seas Lagoon and even the fireworks over Cinderella Fort within the evenings. Be warned, this sizzling tub is unquestionably not a well-kept secret — it may possibly get fairly crowded, particularly within the evenings.

For extra room, The Dig Website, the expansive pool advanced at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is house to Walt Disney World’s largest sizzling tub, accommodating as much as 22 individuals.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge sizzling tub. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

For a extra secluded soak, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge sizzling tubs are tucked away in spots barely separated from the hustle and bustle of the primary swimming pools.

And in the event you’re searching for a severe splurge, you’ll be able to have your personal sizzling tub in the event you e book one of many Copper Creek cabins.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Greatest Disney World splash pads

Children love a water playground, and oldsters love a break from maintaining youngsters entertained within the pool. These prime water play areas are so good the toughest half for folks could also be getting youngsters to go away.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Located subsequent to the Lava Pool, the Polynesian’s water playground for youths underneath 48 inches is one in all Walt Disney World’s most elaborate.

Water options all through the multilevel construction embrace spitting tikis, spraying spouts, erupting water geysers, two mini slides and loads of stairs to climb and bridges to cross to maintain youngsters busy. Simply beware when you have youngsters on both aspect of the 48-inch most peak restriction — that is one time older siblings may discover themselves wishing they hadn’t hit that peak marker but.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This “Alice in Wonderland”-themed splash pad contains mini waterslides, sprinklers and water spouts. Overhead, the Mad Hatter’s hat and a large teapot periodically fill with water then soak everybody in hanging distance. Inside minutes, your youngsters might be saying, “We’re all moist right here.”

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY

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Disney’s Riviera Resort

Harking back to Europe’s majestic public fountains, S’il Vous Play is a good looking “Fantasia”-themed water play space with two waterslides and many interactive water options.

Disney’s Riviera Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Greatest Disney World waterslide

The Luna Park Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a whimsical homage to the amusement park sights discovered alongside the turn-of-the-century boardwalks in locations like Atlantic Metropolis and Coney Island. The piece de resistance is the 200-foot waterslide, which resembles a traditional picket curler coaster. The pool bar, Leaping Horse Libations, appears like a carousel, including to the traditional theme park really feel of the pool space.

The large Keister Coaster waterslide was recognized for the iconically creepy big clown head at its base. Sadly (for these of us who love the BoardWalk’s quirky theming), the clown was eliminated in 2020 and changed with two-dimensional art work of Mickey and pals.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. MADISON BLANCAFLOR/THE POINTS GUY

The slide stays on the prime of the checklist, although. Though Stormalong Bay’s Flying Jib slide is barely longer, we favor the Keister Coaster for ease of re-riding with out having to go away the pool advanced. For a similar purpose, mother and father can even discover it a lot simpler to keep watch over kiddos right here.

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