The 10 Best Pools at Disney World (Ranked + Honorable Mentions)
Some of the fondest Disney vacation memories are resort days spent at the pool. However, considering so many of the Walt Disney World Resorts have extraordinary pools, it can be difficult to choose one. For some, a day spent poolside is the true meaning of relaxation. If that’s the case, you’ll want to consider somewhere with multiple resort pools. That way, if the feature pool is loud or crowded, you can escape to one of the quieter pools.
Others might want to hang out at a pool with all the action! Tweens and teens are probably going to want the whole 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, right?
We’ve stayed at every resort hotel and spent time at each of their pools. Below, we’ll rank the ten best pools at Disney World, including a few honorable mentions that were just shy of making the list. We’ll preview each pool and share why we think it’s worth landing in the top ten.
We’ll also discuss what features each pool has that make it worthy of ranking in the top ten. I’ll also throw in a few honorable mentions. Our rankings consider the pool, surrounding views, amenities, and children’s play areas. Also, we’ve taken pool bars and nearby dining options into account.
So, find a comfortable spot (preferably in the sunshine) because we’re ready to find the pool that will work best for your next Disney vacation!
Our Top 10 Choices for Best Pools
Here are our top ten rankings for the best pools at Disney World, ranked from least to greatest. However, none of these pools are the worst! Each one is an excellent option. You can select any of the pools to jump immediately to that section or continue to read through each one.
Here is a list of those honorable mentions:
- The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation
- Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Port Orleans French Quarter
- Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village
Unfortunately, none of Disney’s value resorts make the list, except for one honorable mention we’ll discuss further below. Value resorts don’t have the same amenities at the pool as the higher-category 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. It has loungers facing the lake and provides 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.
Everything, including both pools, is conveniently located in the resort’s backyard. If you decide to change things up, you won’t have to trek to a separate area to find the quiet pool. Also, children who are old enough can easily enjoy the activities in the surrounding area without being too far out of sight.
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 variety of food options, but its menu has improved over the last year. 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.
Related: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review
#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 located at Jambo House, the main portion of the resort. If you’ve stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you already know how unique the resort is in its entirety. 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 perhaps one of the most serene pool areas property-wide. 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 slide is kid-friendly because it isn’t very high, but its length still makes it a fun ride.
Related: Disney Resorts with Water Slides
In addition to the slide and children’s wading pool, there’s a large playground with cork flooring near the pool area. This 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 only a few steps away. You can take a break from the pool anytime to see if zebras or giraffes are grazing nearby.
We also enjoy the food offerings at The Mara, which sits only a few feet from the pool’s main entrance. The Uzima Springs Pool Bar will also have a few options. We rank this resort at the top of our list of the best deluxe resorts at Disney World. You can learn more in our full resort review.
Related: Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
#8 Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Luna Park Pool is our next choice for the best Disney World pools. It is located at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Parents and children love this pool for one big reason!
That reason? Boardwalk’s 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.
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Boardwalk
Unfortunately, this pool isn’t ranked higher because there aren’t many decent counter-service dining options nearby. A few things are available at Leaping Horse Libations, the pool bar. But for the most part, you’ll have to walk over to the Boardwalk Deli, where they have a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and treats. You can learn more about this resort in the review of our recent stay.
Related: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
#7 Beach Pool at the Grand Floridian
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, waterfall, and zero-entry pool area. Outside the pool area, there’s a stunning white sand beach overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. From the pool area, you can see Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom.
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian
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.
When it comes to dining options, Beaches Bar and Grill is available at the pool. They usually have a decent variety of items. Or you can walk over to Gasparilla Island Grill for a more extensive variety. Since they offer mobile orders, you can order your food and pick it up.
#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!
Don’t get me wrong, all of the pools can get crowded. But getting around is a little awkward, with the volcano taking up one side of the pool. We have also found it exceptionally difficult to secure a seat during high crowd times. As far as positives, the Lava pool has a 142-foot water slide that travels 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.
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Polynesian
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’s home to a tropical aquatic play area. The splash pad with playground sits in a separately fenced area in front of the main pool. As for dining, Barefoot Pool Bar has 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. We have an updated review from a few months back of our latest stay at the Poly if you want to learn more.
Related: Disney’s Polynesian Resort Review
#5 The Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort
The Riviera Pool at Disney’s Riviera Resort has landed on our list of the best Disney World hotel pools. Reasons include efficiency, nearby dining options, and pleasant views. Riviera’s pool has a unique layout with a zero-entry area on the far end.
In addition, the Riviera Pool 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.
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort
While the Riviera Pool has sophistication, the pool also has one of the best aquatic play areas for children. It’s too cute, with a twisty slide similar to the larger one in the main pool. This water play area is themed to Fantasia.
Lastly, the restaurants at Disney’s Riviera 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!
#4 The Lost City of Cibola Pool at Coronado Springs
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is home to our fourth choice for the best 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, serving as a backdrop for the entire area. Additionally, this faux Mayan pyramid has a 123-foot-long waterslide.
Here are the steps that lead up to the Jaguar slide.
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, there’s an arcade, playground, volleyball court, and kiddie pool, all within the immediate area.
Siesta’s, the pool bar at Coronado Springs, is also a bit of a hidden gem. They usually have anything from fish tacos to burgers and fries. You can read more about this location in our Coronado Springs Restaurants Guide. We stay at Coronado Springs regularly and have an updated resort review listed below if you want to learn more.
Related: Disney’s Coronado Springs Review
#3 Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort
At number three on our list of the best pools at Disney World is the Fuentes del Morro pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We have to give this pool credit because it has two water slides!
That’s also the primary reason 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?
Related: The Pools at Caribbean Beach
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, is only a few steps away, and it offers a greater variety of offerings. You can read more about those options in our Caribbean Beach Restaurant Guide.
Overall, this pool is fun and worthy of a spot near the top of the best hotel pools at Disney!
Related: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review
#2 The Grotto Pool at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin
While Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts are not owned and operated by Disney, the resorts still comprise the Epcot Resorts Area. We’ve spent many days at the Grotto Pool and can assure you it’s worthy of a high ranking on this list of top pools at Disney World. It comes in as number two!
Like its name, the Grotto Pool has an alluring grotto tucked behind a waterfall. If you prefer the coolest place to sit on a hot summer day, you’ll want to snag a spot underneath the waterfall feature!
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin
Trust me, chairs in this area are difficult to find between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, given the immense size of this pool area, it’s difficult to describe. The Grotto Pool is like one pool after another that goes on and on for a reasonable length. Hot tubs are tucked in nooks and crannies along the way.
Several bridges cross the pool so guests can quickly get from one side to the other. A volleyball court, sports court, children’s pool, and whirlpool tubs are also available.
White sand beaches sit in front of the pool area. Many other recreational activities are available, including a playground with rubber flooring underneath. Why would you want to spend your day anywhere else? This is one of the most pleasant places to spend a pool day at Disney World.
Related: Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review
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 with a shipwreck, a 230-foot water slide, a lazy river, and more! While ranking some of the pools was difficult, there were never any questions about which would come in first.
It’s hard even to call this area a pool because it’s more of a mini water park than anything. When staying at the Beach or Yacht Club, we rarely visit a water park because there isn’t any need. 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! Since you have to cross a walkway (outside of the pool area) to get to 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 do the water slide. Make no mistake; this pool area is massive. So it’s hard to see everyone if you have children who want to play in different pool areas.
When it comes to 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.
Related: Disney’s Beach Club Review
Best Disney World Pools (Honorable Mentions)
Since this is the top ten ranked hotels, we can’t list every single one. For instance, we didn’t rank any value resorts, and only two moderates made our list. However, a few of these hotels deserve an honorable mention. First, The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is located in the Finding Nemo section. Although there is no waterslide, this is still a fun pool with over 300,000 gallons of water!
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Art of Animation
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.
Next, there’s the Doubloon Lagoon 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.
Related: The Pools at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Lastly, the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village is another fabulous option when traveling with younger children to pre-teens.
Related: Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village
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.
Related: Kidani Village Review
Final Thoughts on the Best Pools at Disney World
Hopefully, this article gave you an idea of which pool might be the best for your vacation. Of course, any of these are excellent options. Unfortunately, we left off a few pools, like Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans Riverside and the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. While these pools are great, they don’t necessarily stand out as much as the others. If you would like an overview of all the pools or have questions about specifics at the pool, you might enjoy our guide listed below.
- The Entire List of Walt Disney World Resort Pools
- Benefits of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel
- These Resorts are Within Walking Distance of a Theme Park
- The Entire List of Jogging Trails at the Disney World Resorts
Or you can preview our entire list of Disney World Hotel Reviews.
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In the Comments
What do you think of our rankings? Do you consider these the best pools at Disney World? Would you rank them differently? Share your rankings in the comments below, and tell us what you love about the pools.
