One of the big perks of Disney World’s Resorts is their impressively themed pools.
Luna Park Pool
From whimsical pools featuring beloved Disney characters to serene and relaxing pools, there are a lot of different options in the mix! But, not all Disney World pools are created equally, so we asked YOU, our readers, which resorts have the very best pools. These were the winners.
Stormalong Bay at Yacht and Beach Club Resort
No surprise here! Stormalong Bay was far and away the most popular answer when we asked which pools are the best. As a matter of fact, four different respondents said, “Yacht and Beach Club, duh.” Off the bat, we already had some strong feelings for Stormalong Bay.
Stormalong Bay
And honestly? That comes as no surprise! Stormalong Bay has SO much to offer. With its lazy river, 230-foot long waterslide, and three acres of water attractions, it’s way more than just your basic pool. Plus, the pool has a sand bottom! One reader said, “The lazy river makes it a mini water park.”
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
And its waterslide is pretty impressive too! It’s one of the highest resort slides in all of Disney World, and it’s designed after a shipwreck. People were seriously convinced about Yacht & Beach Club having the best pool — one reader expressed, “Beach Club, is it even a question?!”
Stormalong Bay Slide!
If impressive, expansive pools are your thing, you might want to book your next stay at the Yacht Club or the Beach Club!
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Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is known for its larger-than-life Disney characters that really make you feel like whichever movie is featured in the section of the resort where you’re staying. You can be transported into The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo — and that’s where the pool comes into play.
Big Blue Pool
The Big Blue Pool makes it feel just like you’re swimming along with Nemo and friends! The buildings surrounding the pool are painted to show different parts of the ocean, like coral, fish, and sharks. This perspective makes guests feel like they’re right there in the ocean!
Under the Sea
In the pool area, there are huge sculptures showing popular characters from the movie like Squirt and Mr. Ray.
Squirt has his own play area!
One reader shared, “I love the Finding Nemo pool and splash pad.”
Schoolyard Sprayground
The pool itself is the single largest pool in all of Disney World and features zero-entry points. Check out those huge jellies!
These are pretty cool, right?!
The pool was recently refurbished, so now it’s all freshly updated for guests to enjoy as we get closer to the summer months!
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Doubloon Lagoon at Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Like most things at Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, the Doubloon Lagoon pool is styled after Mardi Gras! You’re surrounded by an alligator band that would just make Louis from The Princess and the Frog so incredibly envious. These guys are a hit with some of our readers too! One person said, “Love French Quarter with the alligators playing the instruments.”
Gator band!
Another popular feature is the 51-foot-long sea serpent slide with King Neptune riding up top!
Yes, its tongue is part of the slide
The whole pool area feels like a big party, just as Mardi Gras should! You can relax in the whirlpool or grab a drink at Mardi Grogs nearby.
Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Dear Disney, please take this token of appreciation as a sign to reopen this resort (It’s STILL closed since Disney World’s reopening!).
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Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
Port Orleans Resort’s other pool is pretty popular among our readers too! In comparison to Doubloon Lagoon, Ol’ Man Island has a more relaxing feel to it. It’s designed to represent a swimming hole along the Sassagoula River. A reader said, “It’s cozy and so well-themed!”
Port Orleans: Riverside Pool
You can have some fun under the pool’s waterfalls or take a trip down the 95-foot slide that’s inspired by a rustic, old mill. We miss you, Port Orleans.
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Lava Pool at Polynesian Village Resort
If you’ve ever wanted to swim next to a volcano, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort allows you to do just that. The Lava Pool feels like a tropical hideaway surrounded by palm trees and tiki torches. The 142-foot waterslide offers some unique views of Magic Kingdom — one reader said, “Love seeing the castle from the top of the pool.”
Lava Pool!
The pool practically overlooks Magic Kingdom, which is pretty special in and of itself. Besides the views, the waterslide is pretty fun too! Another reader shared that her kids still talk about the volcano slide.
Dreaming of Disney days by the pool?
Along with waterfalls and zero-entry points, kicking back at this pool is the perfect way to relax when you need a midday break from Magic Kingdom.
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Lost City of Cibola Pool at Coronado Springs Resort
Another Disney pool with a massive monument can be found at Coronado Springs! The Lost City of Cibola Pool is recognized by its huge pyramid with water trickling down its steps. The rest of the pool falls in line with the theme of Mayan ruins.
Coronado Springs Pool
This pool’s waterslide is designed to represent the spirit of a jaguar which definitely isn’t something you see every day. And, not too far from the pool, you’ll find the largest hot tub in all of Disney World!
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Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort
If Pirates of the Caribbean were a pool, it would probably be this one at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Its theme is inspired by colonial Spanish fortresses, and we have to say, it works quite nicely.
Feels like a scene from the ride!
Guests can take a ride on not one, but two waterslides! There are also water cannons throughout the pool that might spray unsuspecting swimmers.
Grab your goggles!
For little ones, there’s also a play area that looks like a shipwreck! If there’s too much activity going on here for you and you’d prefer something quieter, there are five other “quiet” pools scattered throughout the resort.
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Uzima Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House
Another popular response from our readers was the Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Who wouldn’t want to swim in a pool that’s just feet away from a savanna filled with exquisite animals?
Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool
And, this pool is 11,000 square feet, meaning there’s plenty of space to roam and relax.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool
And like the pools at Disney’s other Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, there’s a waterslide!
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If these awesome pools weren’t enough proof, we’re here to reiterate the fact that you should definitely carve out some time during your trip to relax poolside! If you stay at a Disney-owned resort, you’re shelling out major dough to stay there, so you’d better be taking advantage of what that price tag includes.
Saratoga Springs Pool
Especially if you’re the type of family that’s always on the go in Disney World, it doesn’t hurt to take a minute to relax! Even if it’s just for a half-day. Plan it into your schedule, and make a commitment to kicking back (you’ll thank yourself later!).
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Pool
For more of the best Disney World pools, check out our video below!
We ask you, our readers, for your opinions all the time! If you want to be a part of it, all you have to do is follow us on Instagram and keep an eye out for the questions we post on our stories! Check back with us for more from Disney World.
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we really like the pools at OKW. the main pool has one of the best laid back atmosphere, and the resort has an alternative second pool that also has food and drink at Turtle pond if you don’t want to crowd. plus small quiet pools too.
No matter which resort we choose, I always try to find at least one day to spend by the pool! Not only is it a great way to recover from the nonstop action of the parks, but it’s usually an experience to remember in itself. In fact, most of my memories from my first Disney trip at five are from the Caribbean Beach pool. Nothing like getting tired out in the Florida sun before a little afternoon snooze. Although we’ve stayed at quite a few resorts over the years, my favorite has been Port Orleans French Quarter’s pool area. It’s not too big and not too small, like the Goldilocks of resort pools! Plenty to do without being overwhelming or hard to keep track of your group. I’m most excited to see Stormalong Bay after the maintenance is finished, hopefully by June of next year. We’re planning a long stay after that’s done and would love to spend it at Beach Club. 😊