As we continue to trudge our way through record-breaking heat, the gang here at Celebrations has been focusing on ways to help you stay cool while visiting Walt Disney World. That means exploring the best chilly treats on property, creative ways to beat the heat while in the parks, and going for a splash at Typhoon Lagoon.
All of that said, you don’t really even need to leave your hotel to cool down while still having a magical Walt Disney World experience. Each resort boasts a world-class pool with features to entertain the whole family.
This week, let’s take a look at ten of our favorite Walt Disney World pools.
Calypso Pool (Disney’s All-Star Music Resort)
You don’t have to be staying at a Deluxe resort to enjoy a world-class pool. In fact, All-Star Music, a value resort, has one of our favorite pools on property!
Located just steps away from Melody Hall, the Calypso Pool holds a whopping 251,418 gallons of water. The pool itself is shaped like an enormous guitar and is surrounded by palm trees, as well as giant maracas and drums.
The most impressive feature is the fountain in the center of the pool, which features the Three Caballeros (Donald, José “Zé” Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles).
Like all Disney Resort pools, clean towels and life vests are available poolside.
Cozy Cone Pool (Disney’s Art of Animation Resort)
Another value resort, Art of Animation actually offers Guests three different pools to choose from. Though it isn’t the largest (that honor goes to the Finding Nemo-inspired Big Blue Pool), our favorite has to be the Cozy Cone Pool.
Located near the Cars Suites, there are life-sized models of some of the most popular characters in the Cars franchise. There are “Cozy Cone” cabanas that are free to Guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.
With the facade of the suites resembling the Wheel Well Hotel and its surrounding mountains, you’ll feel as though you’re actually swimming in the world of Cars.
The Big Blue Pool (Disney’s Art of Animation Resort)
Remember how we mentioned that the Big Blue Pool was the largest pool at the Art of Animation Resort? Well, that’s technically true but it doesn’t paint the whole picture. You see, it’s actually the single largest pool in all of Walt Disney World.
Just how big is it? Try 308,527 gallons! That’s a lot of water. But it isn’t just the sheer size that makes this pool a delight. There are also giant statues of Nemo, Crush, and other favorites from Finding Nemo. The pool also has a splash area known as the Schoolyard Sprayground, and a playground called Squirts Righteous Reef.
The Lost City of Cibola Pool (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
The first pool located in a Moderate Resort on our list, the Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is also one of the most stunning facilities in all of Walt Disney World.
Themed to resemble Mayan ruins, the highlight is easily the 50-foot pyramid, which is partially covered by “jungle” vegetation. Thrill seekers will love the 123-foot-waterslide built to resemble a jaguar spirit, while those looking for a more relaxing experience can soak in Walt Disney World’s largest hot tub (big enough to accommodate 22 Guests).
Fuentes del Morro (Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort)
Have you ever daydreamed of being a pirate? Come on, admit it. You know you have. As Disney adults, that’s just one of the things we do.
At the Fuentes del Morro pool in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you can live out your swashbuckling fantasies while lounging in a zero-entry pool. The area is themed to resemble a Spanish colonial fortress, and even includes cannons! There are two waterslides at the pool, and pint-sized pirates can explore the shipwreck play area. While there, they can visit the ship’s crow’s nest or take a trip down one of the mini-slides.
Ol’ Man’s Island (Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside)
We had a hard time choosing the best pool at the Port Orleans Resort. The Doubloon Lagoon pool at Port Orleans French Quarter is pretty fantastic, especially if you’ve ever wanted to see an alligator band. With that said, we just couldn’t pass up raving about Ol Man’s Island. It feels like you’ve snuck into your very own secret swimming hole, the type you might find on Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom.
Built to resemble an abandoned sawmill, there are wooden bridges to cross and a 95-foot waterslide. Plus, there are hammocks to enjoy. HAMMOCKS. Enough said.
Lava Pool (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
Fans of all things tiki will want to make their way to the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (the first pool located in a Deluxe resort on our list). As the name implies, the pool is built around an enormous volcano. Fortunately for Guests, it isn’t active…probably. There is also a 142-foot-long waterslide.
Kiki Tiki’s Splash Play area is one of the true highlights. Guests 48 inches and under can climb around and play, or just stand under one of the tiki statues and get soaked. They spray and spit water.
Pro-tip for grownups: the Lava Pool is just a stone’s throw away from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
Beach Pool (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
If you’re looking for a slightly more elegant and refined swimming experience, you can’t do any better than the Beach Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
The pool itself overlooks Seven Seas Lagoon (just in case you feel like looking at water that isn’t the water you are swimming in) and boasts a 181-foot-long water slide. Gorgeous waterfalls decorate the area, as well as a walking bridge. There’s an Alice in Wonderland-themed splash area for the little ones, and for those who want a little extra luxury, cabanas are available for rent.
Samawati Springs Pool (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)
We had a hard time choosing between the pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. After all, the Uzima Pool at Jambo House has animal viewing areas. The ability to swim AND see animals is pretty close to perfect.
That said, for sheer family fun, we had to go with the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. The highlight has to be Uwajma Camp, which is a play area for smaller Guests. There are water cannons, cargo crates to climb through, a bubbling geyser, and more.
Folks who want to see animals don’t go have to go too far. While it’s a bit further away than the animals at Uzima pool, the Samawati Springs Pool is located near an overlook that provides a view of Pembe Savanna.
Stormalong Bay (Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts)
If you can’t make it to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, the next closest thing to the waterpark experience is Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. You can’t even really call it a pool. It’s a waterpark. Let’s let the numbers tell the story.
The complex stretches over three acres. There’s a 230-foot-long waterslide that is part of a life-sized ship replica. There is a lazy river, three leisure pools, and three whirlpool spas. Plus, the Shipwreck pool has a sand bottom, making it feel like you’re actually at the beach. It’s got a little something for everyone and is like nothing else on property.
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