13 of the Best Pools at Disney World Resorts

When planning your trip to Disney World in Florida, you’ve probably spent a lot of time focused on the parks and all of the rides and attractions. However, the Disney resorts are a vacation unto themselves.

Each themed Disney resort hotel features one or more unique pools that are fun for kids and adults of all ages. No matter what time of year you plan on visiting, you should always consider the pool when choosing a resort. All Disney property pools are heated to 82 degrees year-round, so you can always go for a swim.

Below are 13 of the best pools at Disney World Resorts. Read on to see which one is perfect for your trip. 

The Courtyard Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian draws inspiration from the East Coast Victorian beachside villas, recalling a time of elegance and grandeur. The Grand Floridian is the most luxurious of the Disney resorts, so it’s only natural that it would be home to one of the resort’s most luxurious pools, making it some of the best pools in Disney World.

The Pool

The Courtyard Pool isn’t the largest pool at the Grand Floridian (that title goes to the Beach Pool), but it’s undoubtedly the pool to visit if you’re looking for quiet and relaxation. It’s a zero-entry pool and reaches depths of five feet. It’s heated and also features a whirlpool spa, making it one of the best pools at Disney World to visit year-round.

Since the Beach Pool is the larger of the two pools at the Grand Floridian and has a water slide, the Courtyard Pool is guaranteed to be less crowded and a little quieter. It’s an excellent spot for people without kids who want to get away from the hustle and bustle or for families with small children who aren’t ready for the slide and bigger kids running around.

Pool Area

The pool has some comfy lounge chairs and umbrellas where you can relax. While this pool is busy, it’s often the quieter of the two and your best bet for relaxation by the water.

Courtyard Pool Bar

The Courtyard Pool Bar is steps away, making it easy to grab either nonalcoholic or alcoholic specialty drinks. If you get hungry while taking a dip, you can enjoy a refreshing wrap or salad. 

The Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most popular resorts on-site due to its exotic theming, delicious restaurants, and animals wandering the property. It’s also home to a fantastic pool, the Uzima Springs Pool, located in Jambo Lodge.

The Pool

The Uzima Springs Pool is 11,000 square feet with a 234,980-gallon capacity. Its zero-depth entry gives you the feeling of relaxing on a beach overlooking the Uzima Savanna.

Families with smaller children will appreciate the zero-depth entry as it makes the perfect place for little ones to wade into the water, or they can check out the kiddie pool. Older kids will love the 67-foot slide. The fun but gentle slide curves around and lets out into the main pool.

Pool Area

Chairs surround Uzima Springs for parents and sunbathers to relax. There are also chairs set up in the gardens around the pool, perfect for those who want a few quiet moments. 

Guests can enjoy one of the two hot tubs if they need to relax or check out the animal viewing. Cast members do daily nature shows poolside, which is always fun for kids.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar

If you need a break from swimming, the Uzima Springs Pool Bar is a great place to chill out. You can hang out under the thatched roof building while enjoying an African beer or sangria.

You can also grab a snack at the bar. There are several grab-and-go items like hummus, fruit cups, and cupcakes. If you want to have a hot meal at the bar, you can order pitas, flatbreads, burgers, and sandwiches and have it brought poolside for a small fee. 

Ol’ Man Island at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside transports visitors into a lazy Louisiana bayou. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into the past of rural Louisiana, and the Ol’ Man Island pool is a perfect complement to the southern charm and atmosphere. 

The Pool

Ol’ Man Island is Riverside’s feature pool. It encompasses a three ½-acre space. The pool feels like an island, as it is hidden among the trees. There are fun features, including waterfalls and a water slide designed like an old-fashioned sawmill. 

There’s a small children’s pool right next to the main pool, perfect for those with little ones. There’s also a jacuzzi for adults looking for some quiet time. 

Pool Area

There’s plenty of great seating around the pool for parents to hang around and watch the kids play in the water. There’s also a children’s playground nearby. You can try out cane fishing and gather around the campfire for nightly storytelling.  

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar

The Muddy Rivers Bar is located nearby. You can treat your kids to a nonalcoholic beverage like a Bullfrog Brew or enjoy a specialty cocktail like the All That Jazz. If you want a quick bite, you can also grab a sandwich or salad.

Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

While the Riverside section of the Port Orleans Resort is like a slow summer day, the French Quarter brings the hustle and bustle of Mardi Gras to life. The Doubloon Lagoon is at the heart of the action.

The Pool

Doubloon Lagoon pool is one of the best pools at Disney World. There are fun water features, like clamshells and Mardi Gras characters, and a sea serpent slide named “Scales.” Guests wind around the serpent’s body and are let out from its mouth, all while being watched over by King Neptune.

There’s a jacuzzi nearby for those who want to unwind after a long day at the parks. If you have little ones, you’ll want to check out the splash pad. Kids under 48 inches are welcome to play. It has two small slides and many other splashing features that’ll delight little ones who may not be able to go on the big slide.

Pool Area

There are plenty of seating areas around the pool if you want to watch the kids play without getting wet yourself. If you’d like a little extra entertainment, there’s an alligator jazz band nearby playing some of NOLA’s most famous tunes.

There’s a playground nearby with slides and climbing features if your kids need a break from the water. 

Mardi Grogs

Mardi Grogs is the place to stop if you need a drink, quick snack, or light meal while spending time at the pool. You’ll find many of the same specialty cocktails as at the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar across the way. You can also get pretzels, sandwiches, and wraps.

Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Some of Disney’s most-loved films inspire the Art of Animation Resort. It’s also home to three of the best fun pools at Disney World for the young and the young at heart.

The Pool

The Big Blue Pool, named after the film Finding Nemo, is the largest pool on all of Disney property. It’s a zero-entry, making it great for smaller swimmers. They’ll also love swimming among large characters from the movie and hearing music from the film underwater.

There’s a splash pad nearby, aptly named the “Schoolyard Sprayground” for kids who don’t want to get in the pool.

Pool Area

You can find ample seating and large umbrellas if you’re looking for a place to relax. There’s also a playground that lets kids climb, crawl, and slide around a huge coral reef.

Every night, the hotel shows a movie on a projector near the pool.

The Drop Off

The Drop Off is great for snacks like chips and ice cream. You can also enjoy a specialty cocktail like the Blue Ocean or fun nonalcoholic beverages like a Lava Smoothie.

The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village Resort will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the island setting of Moana. No tropical oasis is complete without a sparkling pool.

The Pool

The Lava Pool is the main pool at the Polynesian, and it sits at the base of a giant volcano. Kids will enjoy splashing in the zero-entry pool or plunging down the 142-foot long water slide. There’s a fun waterfall feature you can swim under, and there’s also a pool entrance under the volcano.

The Kiki Tiki splash play area is located right next to the pool. It’s full of fun water features and two small slides for kids under 48 inches. 

Pool Area

There are two hot tubs near the Lava Pool, and one is an infinity hot tub. There’s plenty of seating for sunbathing and watching the kids have fun in the pool.

Barefoot Pool Bar

Guests looking for refreshments while at the Lava Pool can stop by the Barefoot Pool Bar. It’s an excellent place for themed beverages, such as the Poisoned Apple Cocktail. If you’ve worked up an appetite while swimming, you can grab some wings, an Asian salad, sashimi, or a wrap.

Copper Creek Springs at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge transports guests back to the glory days of the national parks. This rustic resort is an excellent place for guests to enjoy the magic while getting back to nature and the Cooper Creek Springs pool fits the theme perfectly.

The Pool

The Copper Creek Springs pool makes you feel like you’re bathing in a mountain spring. The pool is fashioned to look like a mountain what a water source that starts in the resort lobby. The pool has a waterfall and then winds around until reaching the slide area.

The slide curves around the mountain, and there’s also a water play area with smaller slides and water features for smaller kids. 

Pool Area

There are two hot tubs near the pool. One is hot and the other cold, mimicking the springs you’ll find in the mountains. The Firerock Geyser is also nearby. Get ready for a treat as it shoots 120 feet into the air at random times during the day.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a great stop if you need a quick meal or want to have a drink while enjoying a day at the pool. You can get a variety of small plates to share and delicious sweet treats. 

There’s a full bar with signatures beverages like Huckleberry Punch.

The Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort

The Riviera Resort was designed to make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into the French Riviera of days past. Guests will think they’re in a Mediterranean resort, and the pool is just as fun and luxurious.  

The Pool

The Riviera is the feature pool at the resort, and it’s a great pool for both kids and adults. It’s large with plenty of room for swimming. There’s also a large tower with a spiral slide going down that older kids will love.

For little kids, there’s a water play area called the S’il Vous Play. It’s designed like a European fountain and features characters from the film Fantasia, making it a great time to show your kids the legendary movie.

Pool Area

The pool area is covered in beach chairs and umbrellas, just like a Mediterranean beach. 

Bar Riva

The Bar Riva has plenty of beverages for you to enjoy while taking a swim, including signature cocktails like the La Petite Fleur. You can also get a sandwich, salad, or appetizer.

The Cozy Cone Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is based on some of Disney’s most-loved animated films, including the Pixar hit Cars. The Cozy Cone Pool is located in the Cars section and is the perfect place for fans of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Radiator Springs to cool off.

The Pool

The Cozy Cone Pool isn’t the feature pool at the Art of Animation, but it’s a great place to stop if you want some quiet swim time. It winds around the Cars section of the resort like a race track, and it’s usually much less crowded than the Big Blue Pool. Kids will also love the larger-than-life figures of their favorite characters from the film.

Pool Area

The pool area is surrounded by cabanas shaped to look like traffic cones. Parents can relax in style while kids enjoy the fun.

Restaurant

There’s no bar or restaurant near the Cozy Cone Pool, but it’s not too far from Landscape of Flavors, the resort’s food court, where you can find various meals and snacks.

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

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is themed to make guests feel like they’re in Mexico during the time of Spanish Colonialism. The resort’s main pool is located in an area known as the “Dig Site.”

The Pool

The Lost City of Cibola Pool features an ancient Mayan temple with water running down the side. You can even sunbathe right on the steps.

There’s a 123-foot water slide where guests have to slide down to escape a jaguar spirit animal. There’s a small kiddie pool but no water play area.

Pool Area

The entire pool area is designed to look like an ancient Mayan ruin, and guests are archaeologists discovering its secrets. It’s home to the largest hot tub on Disney property. There’s also a sanded volleyball court where your family and new friends can gather for a game and a fire pit.

You can find a playground nearby with a slide and jungle gym. Older kids and adults can enjoy ping pong and cornhole.  

Siestas Cantina Pool Bar

Siestas has a full bar and signature cocktails like the Laguna Azul. The bar offers salads, hot sandwiches, and appetizers, meaning that you can spend a whole day in the pool area. You can even enjoy live music at certain times during the day.

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts call to mind the East coast seaside of days past. The Beach Club is a little more relaxed with pastel colors and a casual atmosphere, while the Yacht Club opts for more understated elegance. The pool is the closest you’ll get to a water park at one of the resorts.

The Pool

Stormalong Bay is over three acres of fun and has a sandy bottom, giving guests the experience of swimming in the ocean. You enter the pool at zero entry from the sand beach.

There are two water slides located on a shipwreck replica. One slide is one of the tallest you’ll find at the resorts. The other is smaller and ideal for little ones. 

For those who’d rather relax in the pool, there’s a lazy river.

Pool Area

There’s plenty of seating around the pool, so it’s easy to keep an eye on your kids wherever they play, or you can go up on the top deck. You can also enjoy one of the three hot tubs.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill

You can grab a sandwich, salad, or seafood roll at Hurricane Hanna’s and enjoy a beverage from the full bar. If you want ice cream, Beaches and Cream is nearby and has a to-go counter so you can have your ice cream right by the pool.

Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

What better way to cap off a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom than spending some time at the Lodge’s Samawati Springs Pool? You can keep the feeling of being on an African safari going all day long.

The Pool

The Samawati Springs Pool is the second-largest pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but it’s arguably one of the best pools at Disney World for families with small children. It’s smaller and has zero-depth entry. There are two water slides, one larger and one smaller, that feed into the pool.

The true highlight of the pool is the Uwanja Camp, a large water play area. There’s plenty of spaces to climb, slide, splash, and get wet, and little kids will love how interactive it is. There are also areas in the camp for older kids to play.

Pool Area

The pool area is one of the most gorgeous on-site. It has plenty of seating for sunbathing, and lush trees and foliage abound. There are two hot tubs, a nearby playground, and a ping pong table.

Maji Pool Bar

The Maji Pool Bar offers signature cocktails like the Pina CoLAVA and a full bar. If you’re hungry, there are several meals you can enjoy, including African cuisine-inspired sandwiches and salads. You can enjoy several desserts, including the famous zebra cupcake.

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The Caribbean Beach Resort is the perfect stay for those who want to feel like they’re living in the middle of the pirate heyday. 

The Pool

The Fuentes del Morro Pool is a swashbuckling good time for pirates of all ages. There are two fun slides, one 102 feet long, and guests can get sprayed by cannons on their way down. 

Little ones will enjoy the prominent shipwreck play feature. It has interactive elements and a small water slide.

Pool Area

The pool area includes two hot tubs for guests who’ve had a long day at the parks. There’s plenty of seating. The Caribbean Cay playground and movie under the stars are across the bridge on the nearby island.

Banana Cabana Pool Bar

The Banana Cabana features a full bar and signature cocktails like the Hoist the Colors, Caribbean Smuggler, and Kraken Punch. Younger guests can enjoy a nonalcoholic beverage like the Peachcomber. While it doesn’t have a full menu, you can try the Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding.

Parting Thoughts

Whether you’re a frequent Disney World visitor or if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, resort pools should be a factor in where you choose to stay. Any of these best pools at Disney World resorts is sure to be an important factor in creating an unforgettable vacation.