Ask a returning household about their journey to Walt Disney World, and also you may hear the widespread chorus: “My youngsters simply wished to swim within the pool the entire time!”
It is powerful to high the nostalgic attraction 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 may 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.
In case you already know your itinerary will embrace some critical pool time, this information to the very best swimming pools at Walt Disney World will aid you decide the proper pool in your journey.
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What to know concerning the Walt Disney World swimming pools
The characteristic pool can even have a pool bar and quick-service meals choices close by. At Average and Deluxe resorts, you may additionally discover a waterslide and youngsters splash areas. Worth resorts have giant characteristic swimming pools however no waterslides or scorching tubs.
Each day recreation actions happen on the characteristic pool, sometimes within the afternoons. Recreation hosts will lead video games for teenagers, generally with small take-home trinkets as prizes and Disney trivia everybody can take part on.
The characteristic pool can be the place you may discover the most important crowds and most noise. So, should you favor to lounge quietly with a superb ebook, you might need to search out a leisure pool, generally known as a “quiet” pool.
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Walt Disney World swimming pools are heated to 82 levels year-round, although the water will be hotter in the summertime due to the blazing Central Florida solar. Complimentary towels and life jackets can be found in any respect swimming pools. Lifeguard availability and pool hours fluctuate by pool.
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Greatest Disney World pool for households
Lots 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 completely different animals, together with zebras and giraffes, roam quite a few savannas. The Africa-themed resort can be dwelling to 2 improbable characteristic swimming pools, one at every of the resort’s two motels, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo Home and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village.
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Kidani Village’s Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
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 toes and 9 inches. There’s additionally a wading pool for teenagers and two scorching 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, but it surely’s Kidani Village’s Samawati Springs Pool that makes this resort our decide for the very best pool for households.
The 4,700-square-foot, 118,138-gallon pool provides one thing for each desire. It has a zero-depth entry level that is nice for kiddos, two scorching tubs for these trying to calm down, and one among Disney World’s most thrilling lodge waterslides, 128 toes lengthy and quick, for swimmers on the lookout for pleasure. A second, a lot smaller waterslide with a pool depth of three toes and 6 inches on the base lets younger kiddos in on the slide enjoyable, too.
One other huge draw for youthful youngsters right here is the Uwanja Camp water playground. Themed after an animal statement website, the play space consists of 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 provides a superb quantity of shade, water options like cannons and spitting cartoonish snakes, and spots to climb and slide.
Eating choices are much less in depth close to this pool than at Uzima Springs, however the Maji Pool Bar serves a spread of meals from scorching canines and comfortable pretzels to tandoori hen and spiced pork nachos. You may as well order to-go from Sanaa, Kidani Village’s glorious table-service restaurant.
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Greatest Disney World pool at a Worth resort
Nevertheless, rooms listed here are constantly the most costly within the Worth tier, so concentrate on the trade-off. The “Discovering Nemo”-inspired Massive 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 toes and 11 inches.
Subsequent to the Massive Blue Pool, Schoolyard Sprayground is a spacious splash zone surrounded by extra of Nemo’s mates. Additionally close by, Squirt’s Righteous Reef provides youngsters a dry playground possibility.
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Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
When starvation strikes, the Drop Off Pool Bar serves fundamentals like easy sandwiches, comfortable pretzels and frozen treats. For a extra in depth choice, the resort’s meals court docket 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 greater youngsters play.
Followers of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” might need 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 stay out their pirate goals on the Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort, our decide for the very best pool at a Average resort. Designed to move friends to a colonial Spanish fortress, this zero-entry pool has two waterslides, with the most important stretching 102 toes and big water cannons that give main “Pirates of the Caribbean” vibes.
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Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort. MADISON BLANCAFLOR/THE POINTS GUY
Children 48 inches or shorter can get further 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 scorching tub provides loads of room for leisure, as do the resort’s whopping 5 extra leisure swimming pools.
At Previous 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 shall 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 quite a lot of swimming pools, together with a sand-bottomed pool, a 230-foot-long shipwreck-themed waterslide, a lazy river, three scorching tubs and a sandbar the place youngsters can play. The small Shipwreck Pool on the entry level of the large waterslide additionally has a smaller waterslide for youthful youngsters.
There is not any arguing that Stormalong Bay provides infinite aquatic leisure. Nevertheless, it may be a anxious pool possibility for households managing a number of kids of various skills, and that is why Stormalong Bay is not all the time our high decide for youthful households. Some swimming pools start with a zero-entry level and attain depths of 4 toes to five toes, and the lazy river ranges from 6 toes to eight toes in depth. The pool deck can get very crowded, and completely different areas of the deck are linked by generally slender walkways and bridges, making the advanced really feel like a maze while you’re making an attempt to get from level A to level B shortly.
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 friends not staying on the resort, so some mother and father might not really feel snug letting youngsters trip from the pool space to the waterslide alone.
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Stormalong Bay pool on the Seashore and Yacht Membership. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
However for infinite aquatic leisure, nothing beats Stormalong Bay.
The pool advanced can be surrounded by top-notch eating choices out there to take pleasure in 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 areas, every with completely 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.
Know earlier than you go: Stormalong Bay and the Shipwreck Pool shall be closed from January by means of Might 2025 for routine upkeep. Visitors are suggested to make use of the resort’s three leisure swimming pools throughout this time, so remember 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 trying to escape the noise and splashes of a chaotic characteristic pool, the various leisure swimming pools at Walt Disney World resorts supply nice alternate options. Nevertheless, a few of them will be considerably secluded and out of the best way of eating choices. In order for you a soothing pool expertise however do not need to be too removed from the motion, now we have two picks for the very best pool for adults.
Our first alternative is the Beau Soleil Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This leisure pool feels quiet and secluded when you cross by means of the gates, but it surely’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.
Bar Riva is without doubt one of the most stunning open-air lounges at Walt Disney World and provides a sublime 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 characteristic pool, Riviera’s spectacular major pool, which incorporates a superb splash pad for teenagers, is simply throughout the garden.
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Disney’s Riviera Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Our different favourite pool for adults is the Oasis Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
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 engaging 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 depart the pool space to take pleasure in dishes like wonton chips and fish tacos, specialty cocktails, beer, comfortable drinks and extra.
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The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Greatest Disney World pool splurge
For essentially the most luxurious poolside expertise, non-public poolside cabanas can be found for each day rental at three of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe resorts: Disney’s Up to date Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Yacht Membership and Seashore Membership resorts.
These non-public, shaded areas accommodate as much as six friends and are available geared up with plush furnishings, ceiling followers and ranging leisure choices like Bluetooth audio system, TVs and charging stations.
Complimentary refreshments, together with contemporary fruit, soda and water, are additionally offered, in addition to sunscreen and skincare merchandise and a protected. Reserving is simply open to friends of every respective resort. Pricing begins at $350, and facilities and providers, like cocktail service to the cabana, fluctuate barely by resort. Guide by calling 407-939-7529.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort additionally provides 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 friends 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 scorching tubs
On the peak of summer time in Central Florida, a scorching tub won’t high your listing of the way to calm down in your Walt Disney World trip, however temperatures can actually dip through the winter and within the evenings at sure occasions of the yr. All Average and Deluxe resorts have scorching tubs, however some rise above the remainder.
One of many prettiest scorching tubs with the very best views is on the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It has an infinity edge and provides views of Seven Seas Lagoon and even the fireworks over Cinderella Citadel within the evenings. Be warned, this scorching tub is certainly not a well-kept secret — it could get fairly crowded, particularly within the evenings.
For extra room, The Dig Website, the expansive pool advanced at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, is dwelling to Walt Disney World’s largest scorching tub, accommodating as much as 22 folks.
For a extra secluded soak, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge scorching tubs are tucked away in spots barely separated from the hustle and bustle of the primary swimming pools.
And should you’re on the lookout for a critical splurge, you possibly can have your individual scorching tub should you ebook one of many Copper Creek cabins.
Greatest Disney World splash pads
Children love a water playground, and oldsters love a break from retaining youngsters entertained within the pool. These high water play areas are so good the toughest half for fogeys could also be getting youngsters to depart.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Located subsequent to the Lava Pool, the Polynesian’s water playground for teenagers underneath 48 inches is one among 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’ve got youngsters on both aspect of the 48-inch most peak restriction — that is one time older siblings might discover themselves wishing they hadn’t hit that peak marker but.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
This “Alice in Wonderland”-themed splash pad consists of mini waterslides, sprinklers and water spouts. Overhead, the Mad Hatter’s hat and an enormous teapot periodically fill with water then soak everybody in placing distance. Inside minutes, your youngsters shall be saying, “We’re all moist right here.”
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Disney’s Riviera Resort
Harking back to Europe’s majestic public fountains, S’il Vous Play is a stupendous “Fantasia”-themed water play space with two waterslides and plenty of interactive water options.
Greatest Disney World waterslide
The massive Keister Coaster waterslide was once identified 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 paintings of Mickey and mates.
The slide stays on the high of the listing, 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 depart the pool advanced. For a similar cause, mother and father can even discover it a lot simpler to regulate kiddos right here.
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