The Pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
This article discusses the pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Disney’s Grand Floridian is truly a destination. Moreover, it’s a destination with two exceptionally excellent pool areas.
In addition to the two pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian, there’s a water play area and a white sand beach with loungers for guests’ enjoyment. An afternoon at this lovely resort’s pools will provide a much-needed break, especially about mid-vacation.
When staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you’ll want to be aware of both pools. Each pool has different offerings. And depending on your group, one might work better than the other.
Related: Grand Floridian Resort Review
The first pool is the Grand Floridian Beach Pool. This pool is located on the grass lawn between the main lobby and the Grand Floridian Villas wing of the resort.
The villas are located in a separate building and are the closest to the Polynesian, which sits next door.
Pool hours for the Grand Floridian’s feature pool usually run between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. However, these hours vary based on the season. For instance, you might visit when the pool is open from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Related: Walt Disney World Pool Hours and Tips
Here are a few pictures of the Grand Floridian’s Beach Pool. As you can see, it has a nice zero-entry area on one end.
Additionally, there is a grotto of sorts with a waterfall feature. You’ll find a walkway over a bridge toward the back of the pool.
Below is a view of the pool from the bridge.
Beaches Pool Bar and Grill is the counter service dining location at the pool. Their online menu is available here on Disney’s site.
Grand Floridian’s pool bar usually has items like lobster sliders, a veggie sandwich, salads, and burgers. Their Caesar salad is pretty popular.
A quaint outdoor seating area sits adjacent to the pool. This area is separate from the pool, so anyone visiting the resort can order food and enjoy the space.
On a recent visit, we mobile ordered from Gasparilla Island Grill and brought it back to the pool. They tend to have a few more options than the pool bar.
Related: Restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian
You’ll see a white sand beach with loungers outside the Grand Floridian pool area.
There’s also a fire pit where they roast marshmallows in the evenings.
The white sand beach area at Grand Floridian provides scenic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Polynesian Resort sits in the distance.
You can adjust the cover on these loungers to provide shade if you like.
There are usually plenty available.
The Beach Pool is also where you’ll find the Grand Floridian water slide. All moderate and deluxe resorts have a feature pool with a water slide.
Related: Disney Resorts with Water Slides
According to the slide rules posted at the Grand Floridian pool, the depth at the bottom of the slide area is 3 feet and 6 inches. Below there’s a photo of the steps that walk up to the water slide.
And you can see the slide comes out underneath the bridge on the opposite end of the pool.
You might also notice a few private cabanas are set up at the opposite end of the Grand Floridian pool. Below is a photo of the cabanas that sit near the back of the Beach Pool.
If you want to rent a private cabana or read more about the specifics, you can do that here on Disney’s site, and there’s a review of our personal experience below.
Related: Renting a Cabana at Disney World
Grand Floridian’s aquatic play area has an Alice and Wonderland theme. It sits adjacent to the Grand Floridian Beach Pool. These water play areas have replaced many kiddie pools in recent years.
I think they provide an excellent place for children to be children without too much intimidation. As noted on the sign outside the gate, children must be 48″ or under to enjoy the themed splash area.
The teacups create a staggering water fountain of sorts. Now and then, the Mad Hatter’s hat will fill up and dump a decent amount of water onto the slide.
There are two slides on each side of the aquatic play area.
There are plenty of lounges and tables with chairs available around the play area.
Grand Floridian’s second pool, the Courtyard Pool, sits directly behind the back of the resort’s lobby.
The Courtyard Pool is a long pool with an odd shape.
On one end, it has a zero-depth entry. This area has many small fountains, making it similar to a splash pad.
A hot tub sits in a raised area along the back of the pool.
Here is a look at one of the cabanas at the Courtyard Pool.
Like Disney’s Polynesian Resort next door, both resorts have two large pools instead of a feature pool with a quiet pool. Most will find the Courtyard Pool similar to a quiet pool.
Since the Beach Pool has a water play area and water slide, it tends to attract guests with younger children. So it’s usually a little more crowded.
If you are unsure which pool at the Grand Floridian you’ll like best, I recommend spending time at both. In the past, I’ve enjoyed the Courtyard Pool.
I spent an entire afternoon at the Beach Pool on my last visit and found it almost as enjoyable. Ultimately, I lean more toward the Courtyard Pool, though.
If you want to learn more about the Grand Floridian, you might enjoy browsing our complete list of articles in our guide:
Additionally, Resorts Gal has coverage of the resorts at Walt Disney Disney World. You might consider a stay at one of the other Magic Kingdom Resorts. If so, try the following reviews:
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort Review
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review
- Bay Lake Tower Review at Disney
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Review
- Copper Creek Villas Review
In the Comments
What do you think of the pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian? Do you prefer the Beach Pool or the Courtyard Pool?
