Dole Whips, churros, and fireworks are certified Disney favorites, but something outside of the Resorts might top the charts as a must-do for Guests. Walt Disney World has established its reputation for meticulous theming in every corner of the property, from its Remy-themed sewers in the France Pavilion to its masterfully hidden Mickeys.
One of the unmatched advantages of staying at an onsite Disney World Resort is the proximity to Parks, but Disney’s Resort pools are the crown jewel. A place to cool down after a hectic Park day or bask in for an entire itinerary day marked by immersive themes and top-notch cocktails is heaven to most Disney fans. Not to mention the kiddos stay occupied with giant pirate ships to climb and 100+-foot slides to descend from.
The pools aren’t just great for kiddos; the quiet pools welcome solitude during hectic rope-dropping marathons. With so many high-quality pools to plunge into at Walt Disney World, it’s hard to narrow down the best ones, but we’re diving into five top pools in no particular order.
The Lost City of Cibola Pool (Coronado Springs, Moderate)
Guests can dig the Dig Site at one of Walt Disney World’s best Moderate Resorts, Coronado Springs. With Mayan ruins theming, the main attraction at the Dig Site complex is the 50-foot pyramid at The Lost City of Cibola Pool. Guests can plunge into a 123-foot water slide guarded by a spitting jaguar for the ultimate thrill. The site also features three leisure pools for post-Park relaxation: the Casitas, Ranchos, and Cabanas.
Fuentes del Morro Pool (Caribbean Beach Resort, Moderate)
If you want to dive into a pool that puts the “wash” in swashbuckling, the Fuentes del Morro Pool is where you need to be. Themed like a colonial Spanish fortress, the Pirates of the Caribbean paradise features man-of-war cannons, a shipwreck play area, a Guest-drenching barrel, and two water slides. For a more laid-back poolside experience, Guests can Yo Ho-hang out with a bottle of rum (or a Caribbean-inspired cocktail) at the 12-person spa pool.
Beach Pool (Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Deluxe)
Few pools give you an authentic beach experience, but the luxurious Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa does just that. With a zero-entry upgrade after recent refurbishments, a 181-foot-long waterslide, a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, waterfalls, a walking bridge, a poolside bar, and an Alice in Wonderland-themed water play area, the relaxing spot has something for everyone. Guests can dive into the Courtyard Pool for a more leisurely zero-entry pool experience.
Lava Pool (Polynesian Village Resort, Deluxe)
Guests can enter the zero-entry Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for an authentic Polynesian escape. The family can stay occupied at this popular Poly hub with an epic volcano centerpiece, a 142-foot water slide, a waterfall, and a walking bridge. For the kiddos, there’s Kiki Tiki’s Splash Play Area, and for the adults, there’s an on-brand tiki bar. Guests seeking a low-key tiki time can lounge at the Oasis Pool and Oasis Patio.
Stormalong Bay (Beach Club Resort, Deluxe)
It’s hard to visit Disney’s Boardwalk without spotting a towering pirate ship at Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s Stormalong Bay. This isn’t your average hotel pool, with a sand bottom, a lazy river, a 230-foot-long waterslide, whirlpool spas, and an elevated tanning deck. Between the Beach Club and the neighboring Yacht Club Resort are three leisure pools for Guests to wade in.
Although there’s prime pool real estate at Resorts like Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Art of Animation Resort, Riviera Resort, and Animal Kingdom Lodge, these top-notch cool-down spots always make a splash with Guests.
