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Credit: DisneyWhen Disney themselves make a list of the “can’t-miss” pools across their Walt Disney World resort hotels, you pay attention.
After all, it’s not every day the Mouse weighs in on what fans have been debating for years. Which resort pool is truly the best? Which ones are worth a detour from the parks? Well, Disney just answered all of that—and more.
A recent post from the official Disney Parks Blog doesn’t just suggest good pools. It highlights a select few as the pools that go beyond just being a place to swim—they’re destinations in and of themselves. And yes, it feels like Disney finally admitted what guests have been saying for years: some pools are just way more magical than others.
Let’s dive in—pun fully intended—because this list is packed with volcanoes, pirate forts, and even a sand-bottom oasis.
Stormalong Bay – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Let’s start with the one that almost always tops fan rankings: Stormalong Bay. Tucked between Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, this three-acre water wonderland just reopened after routine maintenance, and Disney made sure to remind us all why it’s such a gem.
It’s got everything. A sand-bottom pool (yes, actual sand!), a lazy river, a huge waterslide built into a shipwreck, and multiple whirlpool spas. Stormalong Bay doesn’t just check the boxes—it creates new ones. Disney even calls it a place that “makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into their very own seaside escape.”
The only catch? You’ve got to be staying at one of the two resorts to get in. And judging by this blog post, Disney’s clearly not afraid to flex that exclusivity.
The Big Blue Pool – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
From classy to colorful, Disney’s next pick makes a splash in a different way. The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation Resort isn’t just the largest pool on Disney World property—it’s one of the most immersive.
Inspired by Finding Nemo, this pool is surrounded by larger-than-life statues of beloved characters like Crush, Dory, and Marlin. There’s a zero-entry point for younger swimmers, and an adjacent splash pad called the Schoolyard Sprayground, making it perfect for families.
Disney’s blog calls it a “must-swim for families,” and we’re not arguing. The theming, the kid-friendly features, and the size of the pool all help make this one of the best values on property.
Lava Pool – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
This one’s an icon. The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort combines island vibes with visual wow-factor. A towering volcano structure looms over the pool, complete with a cascading waterfall and a thrilling 142-foot waterslide.
The pool itself has a zero-entry access point, and there’s a hot tub nearby that overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon, and you can even see Cinderella Castle.
Oh, and if you’re hungry? Disney even gives a friendly tip in their blog post: grab a DOLE Whip from Pineapple Lanai on your way out. It’s practically required.
Lost City of Cibola Pool – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney doesn’t always get enough credit for how immersive their moderate resorts can be, but the Lost City of Cibola Pool at Coronado Springs proves they should.
Anchored by a massive Mayan pyramid with cascading water, this pool makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into an archaeological dig site in the jungle. And that’s intentional. Disney says the theming was designed to feel like “stumbling across an ancient ruin—in the best way possible.”
With a 123-foot-long waterslide and detailed stonework, it’s no surprise this pool made the cut.
Fantasia Pool – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
You don’t have to book a deluxe resort to swim in something magical. At the All-Star Movies Resort, the Fantasia Pool brings classic Disney magic to life with a giant Sorcerer Mickey statue spraying water from the center of the pool.
This one’s a win for younger kids and nostalgic adults alike. There’s even a kiddie pool and a water play area nearby. Disney calls it “whimsical,” and we can’t think of a better word.
Uzima Springs Pool – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming in a serene oasis with views of exotic animals nearby, this is your spot. Uzima Springs Pool is the main pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House, and it blends natural beauty with luxury.
The pool is surrounded by lush vegetation, has zero-entry access, and includes a winding waterslide and hot tubs. What makes it even better? After your swim, you can walk over to the savanna viewing areas and spot giraffes, zebras, and more.
Fuentes del Morro Pool – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Picture this: a Spanish-style fortress by a white-sand beach, cannons, stone walls, palm trees swaying in the breeze—and two waterslides coming down from the towers.
Welcome to the Fuentes del Morro Pool, Disney’s top-tier pick at Caribbean Beach Resort. Disney calls it a place where guests “set off on their own adventure,” and that’s not just marketing fluff. With a splash area themed after a shipwreck, it’s perfect for kids, and adults get plenty of room to relax in the surrounding lounge areas.
Did Your Disney World Favorite Make the List?
Disney’s blog wraps it all up by emphasizing how these pools go beyond the basics. They’re not just about swimming—they’re about storytelling, family memories, and relaxation with a dose of fun.
They even note that cast members lead daily games, trivia, and themed poolside activities, making these areas more than just a break from the parks. They’re part of the Disney magic.
So while Disney didn’t quite label these as the “official best,” the fact that they hand-picked them for a dedicated blog post feels like a pretty strong endorsement.
If you’ve never made time for a pool day on your Disney vacation, maybe now’s the time. Disney themselves are saying: these pools are worth it.