Best Disney Pools

7 Best Disney World Pools – Ranked

Here are a few tips before we get into the list.

• Every Disney resort hotel has one large feature pool, and most offer at least one additional “quiet” pool (or leisure pool). The feature pools are themed, while most of the smaller, quiet pools are not.
• Many pools have lush landscaping, interesting decorative features, and kid’s splash zones. Some have hot tubs, saltwater, sandy bottoms, or a lazy river.
• Waterslides are found at all Disney Moderate and Deluxe Resorts but NOT at Disney Value Resorts.
• Pool hopping isn’t allowed. You have to be staying at the resort to use the pool.
• You may notice that most of the pools on our list are zero-entry pools. This means they provide a beach-like entry that gradually slopes down into the water, becoming deeper with each step. Zero-entry gives children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues easy access to the pool.
• Disney’s hotel pools (and Disney water parks) are all heated to around 82 degrees and are open all year. Orlando experiences summer-like weather for most of the year. Still, you can certainly enjoy the pools during cooler months as well (December, January, and February).
• See the bottom of the page for more tips, tricks, and facts.

Now, on to the top 7 best pools at Disney World rankings!

Stormalong Bay is the sprawling feature pool shared by both Disney’s Beach Club and Disney’s Yacht Club resorts.

The pool complex is an astounding 3-acres of aquatic fun. It features a zero-entry pool with a sandy bottom and beach-like surroundings. It’s probably safe to say that Stormalong Bay is the closest thing to a water park outside of Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.

There’s so much to do here. Guests can climb atop the shipwreck structure and plummet down the 230-foot-long waterslide, grab an inner tube and float down the meandering lazy river, enjoy one of the 3 whirlpool spas, or chill out on the elevated tanning deck.

You’ll find a gently sloping beach with a miniature waterslide in the children’s area. This area and the rest of the complex make this one of the best Disney Resorts for children.

Hungry? Thirsty? Order food or a cocktail at Hurricane Hanna’s Grill.

Stormalong Bay is ranked as the best pool at Disney World because it stands apart from the rest. It’s gigantic and offers so much diversity!

There’s plenty for both kids and adults to like here. Many people stay at Beach Club or Yacht Club resorts just for the pool – and we can’t blame them!

Stormalong Bay Features:

• 3-acre water park
• 795,000 gallons of water
• 230-foot-long waterslide
• lazy river
• whirlpool spas
• pool bar
• 3 additional leisure pools nearby

The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort underwent a refurbishment a few years ago. We are glad they did because it’s now better than ever!

Like the resort itself, the pool has a Hawaiian theme and is surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping. The waterfall and towering volcano provide some excellent picture opportunities.

The Lava Pool is a zero-depth entry pool and slopes gradually into the water. This makes for easy entry and exit.

The entire family will love the thrilling 142-foot-long waterslide.

The poolside Barefoot Pool Bar offers some unique specialty drinks and delicious snacks. Or head over to Pineapple Lanai and order a world-renowned DOLE Whip.

Everything about the Lava Pool is upbeat and refreshing!

Lava Pool Features:

• zero-depth entry
• 142 foot-long waterslide
• warmer water area
• Barefoot Pool Bar and Pineapple Lanai
• Oasis Pool is the Polynesian’s leisure pool

The Fuentes del Morro pool is modeled after a Spanish citadel but just looks like a battle scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean. Spouting water cannons and a stucco fortress wall set the scene for this delightful Caribbean Beach Resort pool.

Like many on the list, this is a zero-entry pool for easy access.

There are 2 waterslides, with the larger one with an 82-foot-long plunge into the pool below.

Kids under 48 inches tall can also enjoy the shipwreck play area, with 3 smaller slides and other fun features for the little ones.

For the adults, the Fuentes del Morro pool has a spa with a capacity for up to 12 guests. What an ideal spot to relax after a day at the theme parks!

Plus, the nearby Banana Cabana Pool Bar is a convenient spot place for a delicious meal or beverage.

Fuentas del Morro features:

•  zero-entry pool
• 2 slides (larger is 82-ft tall)
• water cannons
• kid’s zone
• Banana Cabana for refreshments

The Beach Pool is the larger pool at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s kind of an under-the-radar pool and doesn’t get talked about much, but we think it’s fantastic.

It has an Alice in Wonderland theme and features cascading waterfalls and rock walls. There are great views of the Seven Seas Lagoon from the pool area.

There’s plenty to do at the Beach Pool. You can speed down the 181-foot-long waterslide, snap a photo on the walking bridge, or grab a drink at Beaches Pool Bar & Grill, a gleaming white gazebo bar.

If you are willing to splurge, you can even rent a cabana for the day. Talk about doing it up in Grand Floridian fashion!

The pool area includes a fun aquatic play area for the kids.

The Courtyard Pool is a Grand Floridian’s quieter pool. The heated, zero-entry leisure pool is located behind the resort’s main building and offers a serene swimming experience.

Beach Pool Features:

• 111,261-gallon pool
• 181 ft waterslide
• zero-entry
• Kid’s zone
• Cabana rentals
• Beautiful setting with waterfalls and views of the Lagoon

Uzima Springs Pool is the feature pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This zero-entry pool utilizes 234,980 gallons of water. That’s a lot!

While it has a modest-sized waterslide, the pool’s enchanting African-inspired setting makes it stand out.

Uzima Springs Pool is surrounded by palm trees and canopy trees. It’s so close to the Animal Kingdom savannah that you actually see the flamingos – and some of the animals – from the pool.

The nearby Uzima Springs Pool Bar offers an assortment of snacks and refreshing drinks.

Uzima Springs Pool features:

The Lost City of Cibola is a large pool set amidst the ruins of a Mayan temple. There’s a 50-foot pyramid structure right at the center of the pool area and a 123-foot waterslide for kids (and adults) to enjoy.

There’s plenty to do here. The sprawling pool complex, known as “the Dig Site,” includes the largest hot tub at Disney (for up to 22 people), Siesta’s pool bar, a volleyball court, and a kid’s pool.

Please note that Coronado Spring is a popular resort for conventions, so expect to see fewer families here than at other Walt Disney World resorts. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending. Sometimes, you have the pool to yourself, and other times, it’s crowded with business people (and family).

All in all, it’s a fantastic pool complex.

Lost City of Cibola Features:

• 123-foot waterslide
• 50-foot pyramid structure
• hot tub for up to 22
• pool bar
• volleyball court
• Iguana Arcade and a kiddie pool
• 3 on-property leisure pools

The Big Blue Pool is not only the largest pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort but also the largest pool on Disney World property! And it’s one of Disney’s most unique pools.

It has 308,527 gallons of saltwater. It’s gigantic!

The Big Blue Pool is inspired by the Finding Nemo movie and, not surprisingly, is located in the Finding Nemo section of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Music is piped in under the water (so you’ll hear it whether you are under or above the water’s surface).

The Drop Off Pool Bar provides spiked DOLE Whips, smoothies w/ rum, and other great refreshers.

There’s a splash zone (and playground) nearby for the kiddos.

Note that Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a Disney Value Resort and, as such, doesn’t have a waterslide. The upside is that Art of Animation is the least expensive resort on our list.

Check out Art of Animation’s quiet pool called The Cozy Cone Pool for a less crowded alternative.

For a less crowded alternative, check out Art of Animation’s quiet pool called The Cozy Cone Pool.

Big Blue Pool Features:

• Largest pool in all of Disney World
• Zero-entry, saltwater pool
• 308,527 gallons of water, heated
• Hear music underwater
• Kid’s splash zone
• Drop Off Pool Bar

• Copper Creek Springs – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: This is a smaller feature pool with great theming and spectacular views of erupting Fire Rock Geyser.

• Riviera Pool – Disney’s Riviera Resort: With its stunning architecture and sophisticated decor, the Riviera Pool transports guests to the European Riviera with aquatic fun for the entire family.

• Luna Park Pool – Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: A fun pool with a Coney Island theme, a carousel pool bar, and a thrilling waterslide. Warning: Avoid this pool if you don’t like clowns!

Ready to Plan your Disney World Vacation?

Do you have questions about Disney pools? Are you ready to book your next magical Walt Disney World vacation?

If you need help planning and booking your Walt Disney World trip, then please contact our friends at The Vacationeer. Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge! Click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote.

Looking for more useful Disney World information? If so, please review some additional pages on MagicGuides, like our Disney Crowd Calendar, Best Disney Travel Agents,  Best Time to go to Disney World, Disney World Photos, Disney World Discounts, and Magic Kingdom Rides articles.

Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a magical day!