All of the Walt Disney World Resorts have a pool – some have several! They are styled to the theming and tier of the resorts, so each offers a unique experience.
It is a good idea to work a “pool day” into your Walt Disney World vacation. Days at Walt Disney World can be long and hot. You are paying to stay at the resort and enjoying its amenities is a must. So considering the pool at your resort of choice is important!
Your Walt Disney World Resort pool gives you a change of scenery and a break from the theme parks. What kid doesn’t want a dip in the pool on vacation? Depending on who you are traveling with, some Walt Disney World Resort pools may be a better option than others.
Before we “dive” into the pools, it’s important to note that with each resort tier comes different pool amenities.
Walt Disney World Value Resort pools do not have water slides. They are pool only, some with a fun play area for younger children. But, they do not have water slides. Moderate and Deluxe Resorts offer guests water slides.
What are the best Disney pools for toddlers and preschoolers? Let’s start with the younger ones! I am sure that regardless where you stay, your little one is going to love the pool!
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Most if not all Disney pools have a zero entry area, which makes it nice for little ones to play safely while mom and dad sit close by. However, there are several pools that stand out as the best for toddlers and preschoolers.
Best Pools for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a perfect pick when you have littles. First, the theming is stellar. Who doesn’t want to play amongst giant reefs and your favorite Finding Nemo characters? The Big Blue Pool offers just that! The kid friendly theming and zero entry are great factors. Also, there is a splash area AND a playground in the same area. So the little ones can have a great time enjoying all the access to the pool and play areas!
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Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter does offer a water slide that is small and accessible for children around age 4 and up. Many of the resorts with a slide have a smaller one, but the Doubloon Lagoon one is particularly fun. The bright colors and easy access to the slide are very kid friendly. The nice thing about Doubloon Lagoon is it is also close to the pool bar, kiddie pool area, and whirlpool spa. So kid and adults can both enjoy this entire area!
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The Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has one of the best splash zones. And, I love that it is not RIGHT beside the main pool area. The Alice in Wonderland themed play area is sort of off to the side in its own area. And, there is a height requirement. So the big kids can’t come in and take over the littles! The Mad Hatter dumps water, and the little tea cups are so fun to watch!
Best Pools with Water Slides
When you have school aged children, they may really want a water slide! So if that is the case, then you will need to choose at least a Moderate Resort to satisfy that request! But how do you know which are the best for school age kids?
The Lost City of Cibola Pool, aka the Dig Site, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is my very top recommendation when you have school age kids. Don’t get me wrong, everyone will love this pool! It is one of the most well rounded pool areas in ALL the resorts, in my opinion. The Dig Site has the tallest waterslide of all the MODERATE resorts. It’s 123 feet! There is also a nice zero entry area, a playground really close by, and the food is great! This area also houses a sand volleyball court, a very large hot tub, and an arcade.
Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort (read our review) definitely makes the list for pools with school age kids! Where else can you swim in an African inspired setting? Plus, there are flamingos near the pool! You can see exotic animals and swim. It’s also beautiful and relaxing, encompassed by giant palm trees, canopy trees, and very lush landscaping. While the waterslide isn’t nearly as tall as others, it definitely is perfect for the school age kids in your family. Plus, the zero entry area is HUGE……almost 235,000 gallons of water!
The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is really amazing for kids! You really feel like you are in a battle with pirates…..the water canons, fortress walls, and Spanish citadel theming put you right in the middle of pirates! This pool offers guests two waterslides, as well as a shipwreck area for younger ones. This pool is also great if you have school age children AND younger ones.
Best Pools for Teens
Teenagers can be hard to please, but not with the amazing pools at Disney! There are some that I feel are more geared toward older kids, and definitely are worth checking out!
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts is at the very top of my list. This is a literally SPRAWLING pool complex. While I think little ones would enjoy it, it is so large that I feel more comfortable with older kids and teenagers here.
RELATED READING: Disney’s Yacht Club vs Beach Club – Which Resort is Best?
The entrance to the ship wreck water slide is across the walkway, and not all parents are comfortable sending their kids farther away to go down a slide. Also, it does have a lazy river…..and the current can get quite fast and it is very deep. Both of these, along with the following, are why I think it is better for older children.
Many guests stay at the Yacht and Beach Club solely for access to Stormalong Bay, and I can see why! The 235 foot waterslide is amazing for kids and adults alike. It is as close to a “waterpark” as you’ll get, and is the best pool on property. It also has an elevated tanning deck, the perfect place for your teens to hang out!
The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is worth considering when traveling with teens. This pool recently underwent a refurbishment a few years ago and now has a nice play area for younger children as well.
RELATED READING: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort vs. Disney’s Grand Floridian – Pros & Cons
The Hawaiian theming, easy to access pool bar with food, Dole Whips at your fingertips, and views of Cinderella’s Castle make this a fantastic destination when traveling with teens. It does feature a water slide and access to the beach area as well!
Copper Creek Springs at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort (read our review) is the final pool that stands out to me for teens. It’s sort of a hidden gem! The ambiance of the entire area is so relaxing and beautiful. Did you know it is fed by a natural spring that flows out of the lobby?
Surrounded by pine trees and boulders, as well as a view of Bay Lake make this pool area very relaxing. I like it for teens because often they may want to lounge by the pool, not always be running around and playing. This, along with the hot and cold whirlpool spas make it a great option when traveling with older kids!
Rest assured, every single Walt Disney World Resort has a perfect pool for your family! While you really can’t go wrong, these are the top pools that stand out to me for each age group. Which pool at Walt Disney World is your favorite?
