The 10 Best Pools at Disney World (Ranked + Honorable Mentions)
Some of the fondest Disney vacation memories are resort days spent at the pool. With so many Disney World Resorts offering elaborate theming and unique features, choosing the best pool hotel can be difficult. For some, a day spent poolside is the true meaning of relaxation. If that’s the case, consider a resort with multiple pools. That way, if the resort’s feature pool is loud or crowded, you can escape to a quieter option.
Others might want to hang out at a pool with all the action! Tweens and teens will probably want the full pool experience. So you might consider a hotel with a pool that entertains. Extra points if there are other recreation options or an arcade nearby.
We’ve stayed at every Disney resort hotel and spent time at each of their pools. Below, we’ll rank the ten best pools at Disney World, along with a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut. We’ll preview each pool and explain why we think it deserves a spot among the top Disney World resort pools. Our rankings consider the pool itself, surrounding views, amenities, and children’s play areas. We’ve also factored in pool bars and nearby dining options. However, if you’re traveling with younger children, you may also want to consult our guide to the best Disney Resort pools for little ones, which focuses on pools suited for guests who are not yet strong swimmers.
So, find a comfortable spot (preferably in the sunshine), and we’ll help you find the hotel pool that works best for your next Disney World vacation!
Disney Resort Hotel Pool Rankings
Here are our top ten rankings for the best pools at Disney World from least to greatest. But remember, none of these pools is the worst! Each one is an excellent option. We’ve also included a few honorable mentions at the bottom of the list. Unfortunately, none of Disney’s value resorts make the list, except for one honorable mention we’ll discuss further below. For reference, the value resorts don’t have the same pool amenities as the moderate or deluxe resorts.
#10 The “Feature Pool” at the Contemporary
The Feature Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is last on our list of the best pools at Walt Disney World. No, you’re not doing a double-take! This pool is called the “feature pool.” It makes our list for one reason alone: It offers fantastic views of nearby Bay Lake.
A white sand beach sits directly behind the Feature Pool. Loungers face the lake, and it’s an excellent spot to relax if the pool gets crowded. You might also notice a volleyball court on the beach. It has a monorail on the netting.
Disney’s Contemporary is also home to a stunning, quiet pool, the Bay Lake Pool, which gives the illusion that it’s floating over the lake.
Both of the Contemporary Resort’s pools are conveniently located in the resort’s backyard. If you want a change of pace, you won’t have to trek to a separate area to find the quiet pool. Also, older children can easily enjoy activities in the surrounding area without being too far out of sight. The Contemporary’s Feature Pool has a 17-foot water slide, two whirlpool spas, and a water feature. Tabletop games, a children’s splash play area, and other amenities surround the pool area.
Unfortunately, the pool bar doesn’t offer a wide variety of food options, but its menu has improved in recent years. You’ll find basics like burgers, hot dogs, and nachos. If you prefer something else, you’ll have to trek through the lobby and head upstairs to Contempo Cafe. There, you’ll find a more extensive selection of quick-service items.
#9 Uzima Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Next on our list of best Disney pools is the Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This pool is at Jambo House, the resort’s main area. If you’ve stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you already know how unique the resort is. Where else can you wake up to views of animals grazing on the savanna below? Like the rest of the resort, the Uzima Springs Pool is one of the most serene pool areas on the property. One side of the pool is zero-entry, and a separate kiddie pool is nearby.
Jambo House’s pool features a gentle 67-foot-long water slide. This resort water slide is kid-friendly because it isn’t very high, but its length still makes it a fun ride. Beyond the slide and children’s wading pool, the surrounding recreation area includes a large playground with cork flooring. The entire area is exceptionally child-friendly.
If a resort could get my vote for the best spa area, it would be a toss-up between Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polynesian. Below is one of the two whirlpool spas surrounded by luscious landscaping. It feels like a tropical oasis. Trust me, you’ll need a place to relax those aching muscles after a long day in the park.
But perhaps the best part of the Uzima Springs Pool is that the resort’s savannas are just steps away. You can take a break from the pool anytime to see if zebras or giraffes are grazing nearby. For dining, we also enjoy the food offerings at The Mara, which sits just a few feet from the pool’s main entrance. The Uzima Springs Pool Bar will also have a few options. It’s no wonder this resort ranks high in our overall hotel rankings.
#8 The Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
The Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk is our next choice for the best Disney World pools. Parents and children love this pool for one big reason! It has one of the best water slides at the Disney Resorts.
The Boardwalk’s feature pool has a water slide (200′ long) that is built to look like an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster. When your kids see this slide, they’ll want to go to the pool daily.
While the slide involves climbing a staircase, the entire pool area is child-friendly. The enclosed feature pool area also includes a kiddie pool, playground, and pool bar. As for the pools at Disney’s Boardwalk, the resort also has two other quiet, leisure-focused pool options.
Unfortunately, this pool isn’t ranked higher because it lacks decent quick-service dining nearby. (However, that’s supposedly changing.) Leaping Horse Libations, the pool bar, has a few options. But for the most part, you’ll have to walk to the Boardwalk Deli, which has a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and treats.
#7 Beach Pool at the Grand Floridian
The Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is our next option for the best pools at Disney World. We can probably all agree that it’s one of the prettiest pools at Disney World.
Grand Floridian’s Beach Pool has a water slide, a waterfall, and a zero-entry pool area. Outside the pool area, a stunning white-sand beach overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon. From the pool area, you can see Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom. When it comes to the pools at Disney Grand Floridian, including the additional Courtyard feature pool, you can expect stunning surroundings.
For dining, Beaches Bar and Grill is available at the pool. They usually have a decent variety. Or you can walk over to Gasparilla Island Grill for a wider variety. Since they offer mobile orders, you can order ahead and pick up your food. Next to the pool, you’ll find an Alice in Wonderland-themed aquatic play area for children. This separately fenced area is an excellent place for children to play while parents relax. This is one of a few resorts that offer an aquatic play area.
#6 The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian
You might have thought Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would be in the top five best Disney Resort pools, right? It would be great if this resort pool weren’t so crowded all the time! I have no complaints about the Lava Pool, except for the crowds! But, of course, that is the case with all three pools at Disney’s Polynesian. It’s a popular resort, and the tropical vibe makes you want to stay at the pool all day!
Don’t get me wrong, the pools at Disney Resorts can get crowded. But getting around is a little awkward, with the volcano taking up one side of the pool. We also found it exceptionally difficult to secure a seat during peak times. On the plus side, the Lava pool has a 142-foot water slide that runs under a footbridge. In addition to the slide, the pool has a zero-entry area and a waterfall feature that runs off the volcano into the pool.
Polynesian’s Lava Pool also has one of the best whirlpool spas at Disney World. This sizable spa sits toward the back of the pool and has an infinity edge facing Seven Seas Lagoon.
Children also love the Lava Pool because it features a tropical aquatic play area. The splash pad with playground sits in a separately fenced area in front of the main pool. For dining, Barefoot Pool Bar offers plenty of options. Additionally, Captain Cook’s, the resort’s quick service, is only a few steps from the pool. We consider it one of the best quick services at Disney World.
#5 The Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort
The Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort lands a top-five spot on our list of the best Disney World hotel pools. It scores high for its efficiency, nearby dining options, and pleasant views. The pool features a unique layout, with a zero-entry area at the far end.
The Riviera Pool also has a large tower water slide with a spiral staircase.
Plenty of loungers and casual tables with chairs surround the pool area. It’s a more-than-pleasant place to spend the day.
While the Riviera Pool has sophistication, it also has one of the best aquatic play areas for children. The Si’l Vous Play area is too cute, with a twisty slide similar to the larger one in the main pool. This water play area is themed to Fantasia.
Lastly, Disney’s Riviera restaurants are worth mentioning. If you’re spending the day at the pool, Primo Piatto and Bar Riva are only a few steps away. You can’t go wrong with either! Want to preview more photos? See our full guide to the pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
#4 The Lost City of Cibola Pool at Coronado Springs
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is home to our fourth-choice pool: the Lost City of Cibola Pool. This pool sits in the center of the resort’s large recreation area, The Dig Site. Coronado Springs Pool sits at the base of a 50-foot pyramid that serves as the area’s backdrop. The faux Mayan pyramid also features a 123-foot-long waterslide.
Disney’s largest hot tub sits toward the front of the pool area.
Overall, the Dig Site is one of the most kid-friendly pool areas. In addition to the pool, the recreation area features an arcade, playground, volleyball court, and kiddie pool. Siesta’s, the pool bar at Coronado Springs, is also a hidden gem. They usually have anything from fish tacos to burgers and fries. For more details, see our overview of the pools at Disney’s Coronado Springs.
#3 Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort
At number three on our list is the Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We have to give this pool credit for its two water slides! That’s also why it has a slight edge over the pools at Coronado Springs. Caribbean Beach’s main slide is 102 feet long, while the other is slightly less adventurous.
Besides, who doesn’t like a pirate-themed pool area with water cannons and a spa tub that seats up to 12 guests?
Toward the back of the pool, you’ll find a separate children’s shipwreck play area.
Regarding dining, Banana Cabana is the pool’s dedicated bar area, offering a counter-service menu. But Centertown Market, the resort’s primary quick-service option, is only a few steps away and offers a wider variety. Overall, the pools at Disney’s Caribbean Beach are fun and worthy of a spot near the top of the best hotel pools at Disney!
#2 The Grotto Pool at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin
While Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts aren’t owned and operated by Disney, they’re part of the Epcot Resorts Area. We’ve spent many days at the Grotto Pool and can assure you it deserves a high ranking on this list of top Disney World pools. It comes in as number two! As its name suggests, the Grotto Pool has an alluring grotto tucked behind a waterfall. If you want the coolest place to sit on a hot summer day, snag a spot under the waterfall feature!
Trust me, chairs in this area are difficult to find between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Given the immense size of this pool area, it’s somewhat difficult to describe. The Grotto Pool is like one pool after another, stretching for a considerable length. Hot tubs are tucked in nooks and crannies along the way.
Several bridges cross the pool, letting guests quickly get from one side to the other. The resort also offers a volleyball court, sports court, children’s pool, and whirlpool tubs.
White sand beaches sit in front of the pool area. Many other recreational activities are available, including a playground with rubber flooring underneath. Why spend your day anywhere else? This is one of the most pleasant places to spend a day at the pool at Disney World. For more photos, check out our guide to the pools at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin.
Here it is! We’ve finally reached our top choice for the best pool at Disney World!
#1 Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts share a massive pool area that features a shipwreck, a 230-foot water slide, a lazy river, and more! It’s hard to even call this area a pool because it’s more like a mini water park. When staying at the Beach or the Yacht Club, we rarely visit a water park because we don’t need to. There is plenty to do right here at Stormalong Bay.
One of the pool’s features is the sand-bottom pool. There’s even a separate sand pool for children with an area to build sandcastles right in the middle.
Here’s a secret about this pool: it has a kiddie pool at the base of the slide with a miniature slide for the little ones! Because you have to cross a walkway (outside the pool area) to reach the feature slide, most guests never know this other pool is available.
Of course, some complain that children are out of sight when they leave to go to the water slide. Make no mistake; this pool area is massive. So it’s hard to keep an eye on everyone if your kids want to play in different pool areas. For dining, Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar, has decent options. However, if you’re looking for something substantial, you might want to place a to-go order from Ale and Compass, the table service restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club.
Best Disney World Pools (Honorable Mentions)
Unfortunately, we can’t list every single hotel pool. That said, a few are worthy of an honorable mention. First, the Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is located in the Finding Nemo section. Although it has no waterslide, it is still a fun pool with over 300,000 gallons of water!
It also has the Schoolyard Sprayground, a super cute splash area for little ones! If you love animated films, the resort is home to the Flippin’ Fins Pool and the Cozy Cone pools. They are highly themed and lots of fun. We have a complete guide with photos and details of the pools at Disney’s Art of Animation if you want to learn more.
Next is the Doubloon Lagoon Pool, the only pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, which has a sea serpent water slide.
Doubloon Lagoon is an excellent pool for those traveling with younger children. Everything here is so child-friendly, including the cutest aquatic play area. If you’re looking for this, you might also want to check out our list of splash pads at Disney World’s Resorts.
Lastly, the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village is another fabulous option when traveling with younger children to pre-teens.
Samawati Springs has one of the most fun twisting slides, and an extensive children’s play area called Uwanja Camp is nearby! Uwanja Camp has different zones with wet and dry play areas. This area is one reason we consider Kidani Village one of the top Disney Resorts for families.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article gave you an idea of which pool might work best for your next vacation. Any of them would be an excellent option. When you make your final decision, weigh your children’s ages and their interests. For more on the pools, we have a list of every Disney World Pool that answers many frequently asked questions about swimming at Disney World. If you’re planning to use the pool on your check-in or check-out day, you might also enjoy our overview of the showers at changing areas at the pools.
To learn more about the resorts, see our guide to the Disney World Hotels. You might also like our overview of dining at Disney World. Need to know how to get around? Our beginner’s guide to Disney World transportation is one of our top resources.
For touring the parks, see our Disney World Rides and Attractions guide. It links to attraction guides for all four theme parks. If you’re just getting started, you might like our Disney World Vacation Planning Guide. It brings together the resources you need to plan your visit. Check back with ResortsGal.com for more updates. We also share planning tips, hotel updates, and resort insights in our newsletter.
In the Comments
What do you think of our Disney World pool rankings? Do you agree, or did you learn anything new? Let us know in the comments below.