Walt Disney World Resort opened to the public on October 1, 1971, when Magic Kingdom opened its gates. Today, the Florida resort is home to four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — two water parks — Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon — and over 25 Disney Resort hotels.
Though many people travel from all around the world just to get a glimpse of Cinderella Castle up close and in person, there is so much more to do on Disney World property than one may realize.
The Walt Disney World Resort hotels are filled with amenities, making staying on property so much more magical. Some of the best perks of Disney World hotels are the unique and special-themed pools at each hotel.
But with so many different pools on Disney World property, some wonder which pool is best for their family. Well, we put together a complete guide to help you choose which Resort you may want to stay at based on which pool style is best suited for you.
How Can You Get Access to Pools at Disney World?
First and foremost, if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort and are looking to take advantage of the pool within your hotel, you must know that only hotel Guests can access the pools on Walt Disney World property. Therefore, if you are staying offsite, or even at a different Disney World hotel, you cannot use pools located elsewhere on property.
For example, if you have a reservation booked at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you cannot use the pool located at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. You can only use the pool at the hotel you have a reservation for and are currently staying at.
Each Disney World Resort pool is gated and in order to access the area, you must scan your MagicBand or Key to the World card, which validates that you are, in fact, staying at this specific Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Pool Hopping
At this time, pool hopping is not allowed at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. What this means is if you are staying at one Disney World hotel, you cannot use a pool at a different hotel — only the pool located on property at the Resort you are staying at. Again, if you are currently staying at a Value Resort such as Disney’s Pop Century, you cannot leave and utilize the pool elsewhere, such as at a Moderate Resort including Port Orleans French Quarter.
However, there are a few expectations to this — one being the All-Star Resorts. For Guests staying at one of the All-Star Resorts, which includes All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports, are able to use the pools at any of the All-Star Resorts regardless of which one of the Disney Resorts they are actually staying at.
Another exception to this is the Port Orleans Resorts, which is the same scenario as the All-Star Resorts. Guests who are staying at either Port Orleans – French Quarter or Port Orleans – Riverside are able to use the pools at both Disney Resorts.
Disney Vacation Club Members
Additionally, if you are a Disney Vacation Club Member, there are some perks that Disney World currently allows. This includes being able to use complementary alternative pool use at access to certain Resorts. The official DVC website states:
Swim, slide, splash, play and lounge—with several unique pool options to suit your style.
When staying on your Membership at any Disney Vacation Club Resort at Walt Disney World Resort or at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, you and any Guests staying with you are permitted to take advantage of complimentary alternative pool use, which provides access to:
- The pool or pools at the Disney Vacation Club Resort where you are staying
- Select pools at Disney Vacation Club Resorts
- Select pools at Walt Disney World Resort hotels
Note: Capacity limits and blockout dates apply. To find out about pool-access availability, please check with a host or hostess at the front desk of the Resort you wish to visit.
You must present your MagicBand or valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card to use the other Resort hotel pools.
How Many Pools Does Disney World Have?
Walt Disney World Resort currently has a total of 54 pools located across their hotels on property. This does not include hot tubs or jacuzzis located at the hotels, only public pools.
Locations of Pools at Disney World
All of the Disney World pools are located at various hotels across property. Within each hotel, the pools can also be scattered or centralized depending on the Resort hotel. It is best to always look at a map of your Disney World Resort to find out exactly where your hotel pool is located.
A complete breakdown of how many pools are located at each Resort is as follows:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: 2 pools
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: 2 pools
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort: 2 pools
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: 3 pools
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort: 3 pools
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: 6 pools
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: 4 pools
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter: 1 pool
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: 6 pools
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: 2 pools
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Including Villas): 2 pools
- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort (Including Villas): 6 pools
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (Including Villas): 3 pools
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Including Bay Lake Tower): 3 pools
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Including Villas): 2 pools
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: 2 pools (The Bungalows have individual private pools located within each room so those were not included in this count)
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Including Villas): 2 pools
- Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts: 3 pools
Where Can You Find a Map of the Pools at Disney World?
As we mentioned earlier, it is always best to look at a map when trying to locate your Resort hotel pool. A map can be found by either visiting the front desk of your Disney World Resort and asking a Cast Member or you can look at a virtual map by pulling up the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone.
What are the Types of Pools at Disney World?
There are several different types of pools located across Walt Disney World property. There are adult-only pools, kiddie pools, and even hot tubs and jacuzzis (which we did not include in the above count of how many pools there are at Disney World).
Pool Themes at Disney World
With this being said, there are a wide variety of pool themes to coincide with the Resort hotels theming. For example, the Hippy Dippy Pool at Pop Century is themed to fit right into the 1960s with its flower-shaped water jets while Cooper Creek Springs Pool has more of an outdoors-theme to fit into Wilderness Lodge.
What are the Best Themed Pools at Disney World?
With over 50 pools located on property, it can be difficult to find “the best” pool. Well, this really all depends on your taste and what you prefer. These are our top 10 picks for the “best-themed pools” at Walt Disney World Resort (in no particular order).
Stromalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
The official Disney World website describes Stromalong Bay as:
Take the plunge at this beachside water park area that offers 3 acres of aquatic fun for the whole family.
Catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool. From atop the mast of a life-sized shipwreck replica, zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Walt Disney World Resort. Float down the lazy river on an inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck.
Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide.
With 795,000 gallons of water comprising an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid, open to secluded and cool to warm, every member of your family can find a place to make a splash at Stormalong Bay.
Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The official Disney World website describes The Big Blue Pool as:
Just keep swimming in the largest hotel pool in all of Walt Disney World Resort.
Inspired by the Disney•Pixar “splash hit” Finding Nemo, this huge, zero-entry pool contains over 308,527 gallons! Guests can relive the story of their favorite clown fish alongside giant set pieces of Nemo, Crush and other beloved characters from the film.
For the little ones, Schoolyard Sprayground is home to pop-up jets, gushing water and more familiar faces from Finding Nemo, while Squirt’s Righteous Reef is a Nemo-themed playground perfect for kids who prefer to stay dry during playtime.
For refreshing snacks and beverages, drop by The Drop Off pool bar conveniently located nearby.
Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The official Disney World website describes the Lava Pool as:
Make a splash at this pool which features a towering volcano, a waterfall and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide. A zero-depth entry point, similar to a beach, slopes gently into the pool making for easy entry and exit. Nearby, a lounge and bar offer refreshments and snacks.
Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The official Disney World website describes the Lost City of Cibola Pool as:
Sun worshipers of all ages will dig the Dig Site, a sprawling pool complex with a Mayan ruins theme. Discover the Lost City of Cibola pool, whose centerpiece is a 50-foot pyramid where weary explorers can revive themselves in the waters streaming down its stone steps. A 123-foot-long waterslide featuring a spitting Jaguar spirit animal makes for a fierce ride.
The Dig Site also boasts the largest hot tub on Walt Disney World Resort property, with room for 22 tribesmen. Seasonal poolside activities, Siesta’s pool bar, a white-sand volleyball court, the Iguana Arcade and a kiddie pool offer golden opportunities for fun.
Samawati Springs Pool in Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The official Disney World website describes the Samawati Springs Pool as:
Make a splash at the Samawati Springs Pool—located just a short walk away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani! Featuring an exciting 128-foot waterslide and zero-depth-entry, this 4,700-square-foot, 118,138-gallon pool is the perfect place to cool off and have fun.
Nearby, a lounge and bar offer refreshments and snacks.
Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
The official Disney World website describes the Beach Pool as:
Cool off in this 111,261-gallon pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. Breeze down the 181-foot-long waterslide amid a serene natural springs-themed setting, complete with cascading waterfalls and zero-depth entry similar to that of a beach. A walking bridge provides a picturesque view of the pool for snapping pictures of family and friends gliding down the slide and an onsite lounge and bar offer refreshments and snacks.
Nearby, little ones will surely want to splash it up in the adjacent aquatic play area. For added luxury, cabanas are available for rent.
Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The official Disney World website describes the Copper Creek Springs Pool as:
Follow the bubbling Copper Creek to discover a dazzling heated pool surrounded by nature. Here, you can zip down an exciting 67-foot waterslide built into rocks and relax in hot and cold whirlpool spas.
Children can have a blast exploring the newly added activity play area. Nearby, Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers refreshments and snacks for you to savor at a patio table or on a lounge chair by the pool.
Bay Cove Pool at Disney’s Bay Lake Towers
The official Disney Vacation Club website describes the Bay Cove Pool as:
Whirl about in the beautiful Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower—and the Main Pool and Bay Lake Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Bay Cove Pool
Sweep down the 148-foot-long waterslide and delight in the zero-depth entry at this pool overlooking Bay Lake.
Adults can relax in the nearby whirlpool spa and kids can splash about in the bubbling geysers of the adjacent water play area.
Fuentes del Morrow Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The official Disney World website describes the Fuentes del Morrow Pool as:
Make a splash at this zero-entry pirate’s paradise, themed like a colonial Spanish fortress. Swashbuckling adventurers can zip by on one of 2 waterslides—including one measuring 102 feet long—and feel the spray of man-of-war-cannons. Little ones can cavort at the shipwreck play area, complete with mini slides, a crow’s nest and a barrel of laughs that dispenses a drenching downpour.
A 12-person spa pool provides relaxation after a long day on the high seas, as do tropical drinks from the nearby Banana Cabana pool bar.
Please note: Guests must be 48″ or under to enjoy the Fuentes del Morro Water Play Area.
Doubloon Lagoon at Port Orleans French Quarter
The official Disney World website describes the Doubloon Lagoon as:
Festive decorations, an all-alligator band and a blue sea serpent waterslide immerse you in the magic of New Orleans.
At Doubloon Lagoon, it’s Mardi Gras every day! Come slide down Scales, the 51-foot-long snaking sea serpent slide, whose tongue deposits you into the lagoon with a mighty splash. Alligator jazz aficionados, a water play area, a whirlpool spa and the Mardi Grogs pool bar make it even more of a party—as King Neptune watches over all of the merriment from on high.
Please note: Guests must be 48” or under to play at the Doubloon Lagoon Water Play Area.
What are the Best Pools For Kids at Disney World?
Though there are several different themed pools, there are some pools that kids will enjoy way more than others, simply because they are geared towards animated films that children may love or include a water slide and splash park specifically for younger children.
These are our top 5 picks for the “best pools for kids” at Walt Disney World Resort (in no particular order).
Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Though this was also on our list for “best-themed pools”, it is one of our top picks for best pools for kids as well. The theming and immersive experience will have kids splashing in the water all day long. The official Disney World website describes The Big Blue Pool as:
Just keep swimming in the largest hotel pool in all of Walt Disney World Resort.
Inspired by the Disney•Pixar “splash hit” Finding Nemo, this huge, zero-entry pool contains over 308,527 gallons! Guests can relive the story of their favorite clown fish alongside giant set pieces of Nemo, Crush and other beloved characters from the film.
For the little ones, Schoolyard Sprayground is home to pop-up jets, gushing water and more familiar faces from Finding Nemo, while Squirt’s Righteous Reef is a Nemo-themed playground perfect for kids who prefer to stay dry during playtime.
For refreshing snacks and beverages, drop by The Drop Off pool bar conveniently located nearby.
Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Again, this was also on our list for “best-themed pools,” and it is one of our top picks for best pools for kids because of the insane waterslide it entails! The official Disney World website describes the Lava Pool as:
Make a splash at this pool which features a towering volcano, a waterfall and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide. A zero-depth entry point, similar to a beach, slopes gently into the pool making for easy entry and exit. Nearby, a lounge and bar offer refreshments and snacks.
Uwanja Camp at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Located near the Samawati Springs Pool (which was on our “best-themed pools” list) is the Uwanja Camp — Perfect for little ones! official Disney World website describes Uwanja Camp as:
The pool area also includes Uwanja Camp, a water playground with 3 distinct zones to please kids of all ages. At Observation Station, children 4 years of age and younger can climb through cargo crates, unscramble animal images and frolic through a gently bubbling geyser and shallow cistern pool—while their parents watch from nearby.
At Departure Zone, a leaky water tower and sneaky African irises squirt children 5 to 7 years of age, while at Base Camp, kids 8 years of age and up can douse each other with water cannons.
Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies
Another pool that kids will absolutely love to swim in is the Fantasia Pool located at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. The official Disney World website describes this pool as:
Inspired by the Disney classic Fantasia, this sprawling pool is home to a Sorcerer Mickey fountain. For the little ones, a smaller kiddie pool and water play area are located nearby.
The Fantasia Pool is located between the Fantasia building and Cinema Hall.
Stromalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
Once again, one of our “best-themed pools” made it to the top picks for best pools for kids as well. Stromalong Bay features a 230-foot waterslide, a relaxing lazy river, and a toddler-friendly shallow area — all perfect for children of all ages. The official Disney World website describes Stromalong Bay as:
Take the plunge at this beachside water park area that offers 3 acres of aquatic fun for the whole family.
Catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool. From atop the mast of a life-sized shipwreck replica, zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Walt Disney World Resort. Float down the lazy river on an inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck.
Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide.
With 795,000 gallons of water comprising an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid, open to secluded and cool to warm, every member of your family can find a place to make a splash at Stormalong Bay.
Amenities Around Pools at Disney World
There are several different amenities provided at select Disney World pools located on property. From cabana rentals to complimentary towels to lifeguard availability, the Disney World pools are filled with unique offerings and amenities. Be sure to check with your specific hotel on the official Walt Disney World website to see up-to-date information regarding amenities at your hotel’s pool.
Do you need help planning your Disney World vacation? Click here and we can help!
What Kinds of Items are Provided Around Pools at Disney World?
According to the Disney World website, complimentary towels are provided at all pools.
What Safety Measures are Taken at Pools at Disney World?
Walt Disney World takes safety very seriously and always ensures that lifeguard availability will be available at each Disney World Resort pool, however, the hours of when lifeguards are stationed vary by pool and are subject to change.
Planning a Disney Vacation?
If you want to visit Walt Disney World on your next family vacation, but aren’t sure where to begin planning then don’t hesitate to contact our friends over at Academy Travel. They will be with you every step of the way! Get your free quote today.