The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn’s Pools
If you’ve ever heard mention of the pool at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, it’s probably been in reference to the clown pool. Boardwalk’s former pool was infamous for its waterslide that shot straight out of a clown’s mouth. However, the clown pool is no more! Disney removed this attribute a few years ago and installed newly painted panels featuring Mickey Mouse and Friends.
During our recent stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, we spent the better part of a day at the pool. So, I felt it was time for a few updates and new pictures of the pools at Disney’s Boardwalk. Below, we’ll preview the Luna Park Pool and the resort’s two other quiet pools. We’ll discuss what to expect when planning a day at the pool!
Pool Details for Planning Your Vacation
The Luna Park Pool is Boardwalk Inn’s feature pool. In addition to the feature pool, Boardwalk has two leisure pools, also called quiet pools.
Pool hours at the Luna Park Pool are usually from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., but they can vary depending on the season. During the summer months, those hours are usually extended until 11:00 p.m. After Labor Day, they usually revert to the 10:00 p.m. closure. Pool hours are posted at the main entrance to the pool.
As far as pool depth, all the pools at the Boardwalk are approximately 5′ (feet) at their deepest point. The Luna Park Pool has lifeguards and attendants when the pool is open. However, the two quiet pools are not staffed nor have lifeguards. The quiet pools are usually available between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Like other pools at Walt Disney World, Boardwalk’s pools are heated to 82 degrees year-round. Towels and complimentary life jackets are provided at the pool.
The Luna Park Pool Photos
Boardwalk Inn’s pool area is themed to a turn-of-the-century boardwalk. Expect bright pops of color and carnival elements.
The Luna Park Pool’s water slide is called the Keister Coaster. It’s designed to look like an old-fashioned wooden roller coaster.
After seeing the slide, don’t be surprised if your children want to spend all their time at the pool. Who can blame them?
A stairway leads up to the slide. It has a landing about halfway up.
I climbed the stairs to take photos of the pool and check out the view. From up here, you can see the entire pool area.
Here is the slide’s entry point. When the light turns green, it’s time to go!
You will be right back at the bottom shortly.
Overall the Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk makes our list of best pools at Disney World. Children love the slide, and the setting is pleasant, especially now that you don’t have to stare at the clown all afternoon.
Leaping Horse Libations at the Boardwalk Pool
Leaping Horse Libations is the poolside bar at Disney’s Boardwalk. It is themed like a carousel.
Leaping Horse Libations offers beverages and several counter-service options. During the busier portions of the day, staff wait on guests at the pool. Unfortunately, most of the food options were lacking during this stay. We walked over to the Boardwalk Deli to pick up a sandwich. You can mobile order something and bring it back to the pool.
Here is a photo of the menu for Leaping Horse Libations.
The backside of the menu lists beer and non-alcoholic options.
Children’s Area
A separately fenced children’s area sits adjacent to the Boardwalk Pool. It has a small playground area and a kiddie pool. Unlike some newer resorts, the Boardwalk does not have a splash pad.
However, it’s nice to have an area for smaller children.
Here is Boardwalk’s Crazy House Playground. According to the sign, this play area is for children ages 5-12 years old.
You might remember these areas for your check-in or departure day if you have a little extra time.
The playground is a nice size and features child-friendly cork flooring.
You’ll find an area with a whirlpool tub on the opposite side of the pool near Leaping Horse Libations.
Remember this if you need to soak those muscles after a long day in the theme parks. Of course, you probably won’t be the only one.
The Boardwalk’s pool area has plenty of shaded seating. However, during our last stay, we noticed that guests had difficulty locating a seat during the busier afternoon hours.
A restroom sits at the back of the pool area. Unfortunately, this area is strictly a restroom. If you need to change into a swimsuit, you might do better to change in the exercise room outside of the pool area.
Community Hall Pool at Boardwalk Villas
As mentioned earlier, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has two quiet pools. One of these pools is located at Community Hall, which is on the Boardwalk Villas side of the resort near the walkway to Hollywood Studios. This pool is only a few short steps away from the feature pool. However, it’s hidden enough that most guests probably don’t realize it’s there.
Resort guests can use either of the Boardwalk’s quiet pools. No lifeguards are on duty at these pools. If you are looking for a place to relax, these leisure pools are usually much less busy.
Here is a photo of the spa at the Community Hall Pool.
During our last stay, pool floats and life jackets were available.
A sizeable outdoor game of chess sat on one end of the pool area.
Most of the sitting area at this pool is shaded. However, at about midday, this area gets hot. We spent the 4th of July holiday here and witnessed several guests burning their feet on the pavement as they headed to the pool.
A few tables and chairs are also available. However, if you want something to eat or drink, you must bring it to the pool.
A few tabletop games are also available at this pool.
Secondary Quiet Pool
Boardwalk’s other quiet pool is located on the opposite side of the resort on the Inn side.
If you’re staying in the main building near the Boardwalk, you might not know this pool is available. It is usually the least crowded of the pools. From the lobby, you can take the hall down to the elevators that carry guests up to the Inn side. If you keep walking, you’ll run into a pair of doors that lead outside. A sizeable outdoor staircase leads down to a courtyard. This is where you’ll find the Boardwalk’s quiet pool.
Like the other pools at the Boardwalk, it has a whirlpool spa.
The Resorts Gal Spin on Boardwalk Inn’s Pools
Overall, the pools at Disney’s Boardwalk are fun places to spend a couple of hours. You might even enjoy spending an entire day at the Luna Park Pool. However, after our last stay, I was reminded that the feature pool is geared more toward children.
We stayed at the Boardwalk many times when my son was younger. I remember watching for him as he took on the slide again and again. So, I wanted to mention that you can easily keep an eye on your children due to the layout of the pool area. We think Boardwalk is worthy of consideration if you have children who can’t swim well or aren’t quite at a responsible age. I know the pool looks large in the pictures, but it’s really set in a tight space without too many areas hidden from sight.
However, when traveling as an adult without children, I prefer a pool area like Stormalong Bay, which sits across the lake at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club. Additionally, the Grotto Pool at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin is one of the nicest pools you’ll find. My main issue with Boardwalk’s pool area is the lack of dining options. You can get a soda or a drink from Leaping Horse. But we like to have lunch or sometimes dinner when we hang out at the pool. Having to walk all the way to the Boardwalk Deli to get something in a swimsuit cover-up is not ideal. So keep that in mind while you’re planning.
Some of our pool days have been the best days we’ve ever spent at Disney. So don’t forget to schedule pool time for your vacation. You will be all the better for it.
For more detail about Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, you might enjoy these other articles:
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
- Transportation at Disney’s Boardwalk
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Room Tour (New Rooms)
- Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Review
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In the Comments
What do you think about the pools at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn? Did you like the former clown pool or prefer the new look with Mickey and Friends? Have you ever spent any time at the Boardwalk Pool? Do you have any complaints about the food options at the pool?
