Grand Tour of the Disney World Swimming Pools
Coronado Springs Pool
Walt Disney World resorts offer some of the most imaginative swimming facilities that you are likely to encounter anywhere. Exotically themed, beautifully landscaped, and equipped with slides, fountains, and smaller pools for toddlers Disney resort swimming complexes are a quantum leap removed from the typical rectangular hotel pool. Some resorts, such as the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian, even offer a sand beach on Seven Seas Lagoon in addition to swimming pools. Others, such as the Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and Port Orleans Resorts, have elaborately themed playgrounds near their swimming areas.
Did you know that in addition to all the water fun there are daily poolside activities at all Disney World Swimming Pools? Disney Trivia games, Bingo and dance parties as well as nightly movie screenings under the stars are all part of the offerings. All resorts from the most luxurious to the value resorts provide some entertainment at the pool.Make sure you find out about all the activities your resort offers upon check-in. Here is our list, in no particular order, of the most fabulous places to get wet and wild at Walt Disney World Swimming Pools:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The Samawati Springs pool at Kidani Village is lovely. The 118,138-gallon pool features a 128-foot waterslide and zero-depth-entry. The biggest hit however is the adjacent splash zone duped Uwanja Camp. It is an extensive and creative play area. Once your children will have discovered Uwanja Camp it will be “Mission Impossible” to get them back to the parks. Guest staying at the Kidani Village section of the Animal Kingdom Lodge can also take advantage of the Uzima Pool at Jambo House, an 11,000-square-foot tropical oasis facing Uzima Savanna. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, the 234,980-gallon pool features a gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural beach, along with a 67-foot-long waterslide.
Kidani Village Splash Zone
The Dubloon Lagoon pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort features a sea serpent and King Triton water slide, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub. Best of all the adjacent Port Orleans Riverside Resort pool and playground are also available to guests. In addition to these main pools Port Orleans also features five quiet pools.
Port Orleans – French Quarter
Another fun place to be is the pool and splash area at the Caribbean Beach Resort. The main pool is found at Old Port Royale and is themed to resemble an old Spanish-style Caribbean fort complete with pirates’ cannons and stonewalls. There is a water slide, kiddie pool and two hot tubs. The resort is divided into villages and each villages has a quiet pool.
Caribbean Beach Resort
The Grand Floridian has two pools. The Courtyard Pool sits east of Grand Floridian’s Main Building and the Beach Pool is located between the Main Building and the Villas and overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon. New and part of a huge upgrade of the pool area is the ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ themed splash zone. Teapots, teacups and even the Mad Hatter’s famous hat will dump water on young guests. Two mini waterslides and several sprinklers provide unlimited fun.
Splash Zone at Grand Floridian
Water puppies will feel right at home at the Luna Park pool at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. It’s a 190,000-gallon pool with a theme that dates back to the days of the 1920’s amusement parks; the slide, called Keister Coaster, is built like a wooden roller coaster. Leaping Horse Libations is the name of the carousel-themed bar by the Luna Park Pool. It fits perfectly in the theme of the pool area. The resort also offers one quiet pool.
Boardwalk Pool
All Disney resorts have great pools but some stand out more than others. This list would not be complete without mentioning the Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation. Did you ever swim in a pool with underwater speakers playing surf music and character voices from the film Finding Nemo whispering in your ears? Well, search no further as the “Big Blue” pool delivers just that. In addition to the pool kids will have lots of fun in the adjacent splash zone and should you need a change of scenery there is always the Mermaid and Car Section themed pools waiting for your visit.
AOA Big Blue Pool
The new kid on the block is the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World. The 7,590-square-foot family pool overlooks a lake and offers a very gradual “beach entry” that is perfect for young swimmers. Here and at the tranquil adults-only pool you can listen to music on the underwater audio system. In addition to an adults-only pool, the resort offers an entire Explorer Island, complete with splash zone, lazy river and a waterslide.
Four Seasons Orlando
Once your kids discover Explorer Island be prepared for a revolution should you suggest departure to the parks, dinner or any other activity for that matter. The complimentary “Kids For All Seasons” camp is also located on the Island. This popular kids camp is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Our research shows that the activities kids remember most from their Walt Disney World vacation is the pool of the hotel. Pool time is magical for children and grownups alike, so keep swimming!
For more information on all Disney properties check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
