The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s Pools
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a gorgeous hotel with stunning pools. While most resorts at Disney World offer a feature pool and a quiet pool, the Grand Floridian is unique. It has two feature pools, both with similar amenities.
Below, we’ll discuss the pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. We’ll preview photos and amenities of both the Beach and Courtyard Pools. We’ll also discuss pool hours, the splash pad, a water slide, and other things you’ll want to take advantage of during your stay.
As you can probably imagine, either of the Grand Floridian’s pools are excellent places to spend a leisurely afternoon or even an entire resort day. Imagine enjoying a much-needed break at the pool about mid-vacation. So don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is which pool to visit first!
The 2 Pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has two pools:
- The Beach Pool
- The Courtyard Pool
The Beach Pool is the newest of the two pools. It sits in front of the Villas Grand Floridian building. The side entrance to the resort’s main lobby is on the opposite side, facing the Alice in Wonderland-themed aquatic play area.
The Courtyard Pool is the resort’s original pool. It sits directly behind the resort’s lobby. The following buildings surround it on each side: Big Pine Key, Boca Chica, and Sugarloaf.
Both pools are within a short distance of each other. The Courtyard Pool is only a few feet ahead when you exit the lobby. If you turn to the right, you’ll see the Beach Pool in the distance. You do not need a pool map to locate them. Since they are so close, we recommend visiting both and seeing which works best for your group. You might also spend time at both pools during your stay.
Pool Details for Planning Your Vacation
Pool hours at Disney’s Grand Floridian run between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. in the hotter months of the year. However, after Labor Day until early spring, those hours are usually reduced from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The hours are posted at each gate. If you think you might use the pool a good bit, we recommend taking a photo of the pool hours when you arrive so you’ll know how early or late you can use the pool.
Per Disney, pool lifts and other access options are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Pool hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.
Complimentary towels are provided at both pools, so you can save the extra room in your suitcase for something else. Guests can use as many towels as needed and dispose of them in the towel bin when finished. They are standard white towels. (For the record, complimentary towels are also provided to resort guests at Disney’s Water Parks.) Life jackets in various sizes are also provided at every Walt Disney World pool.
The Beach Pool Photos
The Beach Pool is usually the busier of the two pools at Disney’s Grand Floridian. It’s the one with all the extras. This significantly sized pool holds 111,261 gallons of water and overlooks the white sand beach facing Seven Seas Lagoon.
Here is a view of the pool from the bridge near the water slide. The waterfall feature is visible, and the lagoon is in the distance.
Grand Floridian Beach Pool has an 181-foot water slide. For reference, all moderate and deluxe resorts have a feature pool with a water slide. According to the slide rules, the depth at the slide exit is 3 feet and 6 inches.
A staircase sits behind the grotto area that leads up to the slide.
It’s a fun yet quick ride back to the bottom.
Here is a photo of where the slide exits to the pool. You can see where the bridge crosses the pool area.
Disney’s Grand Floridian is home to an Alice in Wonderland-themed aquatic play area. The splash pad sits next to the Beach Pool and is designed for children 48″ or under. This darling area features oversized teacups that create a staggering water fountain of sorts. Now and then, the Mad Hatter’s hat fills with water and dumps a decent amount onto the slides. Each side of the splash pad had a slide.
If you have younger children who would enjoy this kind of offering, you might spend more time at the Beach Pool. The aquatic play area is separately fenced. So you don’t have to worry about children wandering into the main pool. Here is another angle.
Related: Parents Guide to Splash Pads at the Disney Resorts
You will likely find enough loungers in the splash pad area. While this area is often busy, it’s usually much less crowded than the main pool area.
Beaches Pool Bar and Grill
Beaches Pool Bar and Grill is a quick-service dining location at the Beach Pool. This restaurant, which doubles as a poolside bar, serves items like shrimp sliders, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, and burgers. To learn more, preview the Beaches Pool Bar Menu on Disney.com.
Grand Floridian Cabanas
Cabanas are available for rent at the Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian. They sit near the back of the pool area and are available up to 60 days in advance. If you plan to spend an entire day at the pool, this kind of offering might be worth your consideration. We have a review of renting a cabana at Disney World that discusses the experience in depth.
Perhaps the most important thing you’ll want to know is that cast members provide recreational games and activities each afternoon at the Beach Pool. They do an excellent job of entertaining children and getting them involved as a group.
Later in the evening, cast members will light the fire pit on the beach area behind the pool. They provide complimentary marshmallows for guests to roast. S’mores kits are available for purchase. But the free marshmallows are pretty tasty! I don’t know about you, but I like mine extra burnt on the outside and gooey on the inside.
The Courtyard Pool (Photos)
Grand Floridian’s second pool, the Courtyard Pool, sits directly behind the resort’s lobby. This pool ranges from a zero-entry area to 5 feet deep on the opposite end. A few fountains erupt on the zero-end side of the pool, creating a splash effect.
The Courtyard Pool is a long pool with an odd shape.
A whirlpool spa sits in a raised area toward the lobby side of the pool area.
Here is a photo of the cabana option at the Courtyard Pool.
The Courtyard Pool Bar is immediately behind the Courtyard Pool. They have items like premade sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs. This location also offers Disney’s standard cocktail menu, which includes beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
We prefer to spend most of our time at the Courtyard Pool because it’s the quieter of the two pools. But when we spend the day at the pool, we always order lunch from Gasparilla Island Grill. We’ll use the My Disney Experience app to place a mobile order. Then we’ll pick it up and return to the pool. (You could also place a to-go mobile order from Grand Floridian Cafe if you want a more refined meal.)
The Resorts Gal Spin on Grand Floridian’s Pool
Disney’s Grand Floridian is a beautiful resort with stunning pools. I enjoyed the Courtyard Pool much more during our last stay than the Beach Pool. I think the Beach Pool is the prettier of the two pool areas, but it feels like everyone is packed around the space. However, that is the trend at most resort’s feature pool areas, especially when it’s hot outside.
Regardless, you’ll have a little more room to spread out at the Courtyard Pool. However, the Beach Pool is likely the better choice if you have small children, especially with the adorable aquatic play area! If you’re not sure, check out both pool areas. They are only a stone’s throw from each other.
If you want to learn more about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you might enjoy browsing our complete list of articles for the resort:
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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? Do you have any questions about the pools? Feel free to leave your comments or thoughts below. We welcome any feedback, opinions, or anything else on your mind about the resort.
