The Pools at Walt Disney World

Hello Couponing to Disney readers! I’m Carrie, vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and I visit you each week here on Couponing to Disney to answer some Disney FAQs. I love hanging out on Couponing to Disney every week with you, answering questions about the Happiest Place on Earth!  Walt Disney World is home to fantastically themed pools that are part of the whole Disney vacation experience!   Did you know that some guests choose their resort based on the pool?  Yes!  In fact, one of my favorite planning tips to share with guests is to add a day of rest in your vacation.  This allows you plenty of time to enjoy the pools and other amenities at your Disney Resort.  After all, you pay the money to stay at your resort-why not enjoy what it has to offer!  The pools at Walt Disney World often lead to a lot of discussion, and I have some great information about the pools on Disney property for you today!

What resort has the best pool?

That is so hard to answer!  But, the Walt Disney World Resort pools are all fabulous, and some are more popular than others.  At the Deluxe Resort Level, Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts are home to Stormalong Bay.  Stormalong Bay has a sandy bottom, a lazy river, and a 230 foot water slide!  There is nothing quite like cruising down the broken mast of an old “pirate ship” and landing in the sandy bottom water!   At the Moderate Level, the Dig Site at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is awesome!  The Dig Site is focused on a  46 foot Mayan pyramid, along with a 123 foot slide.  Also, it is nice at the Dig Site because the children’s playground, ping pong table, sand volleyball court, and the pool bar are all in the same area.  At the Value Resort Level, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is home to three themed pools-and the Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo courtyard is the largest resort pool on Disney property.  It features underwater sound system, as well as several areas for young children to splash and play safely.

Are there activities poolside?

Depending on the resort, yes.  At many pools, Disney Castmembers will play games either poolside or in the water.  Volleyball, hula hooping, Bingo, water basketball all are known to happen at the Disney resort pools.

What is a “quiet pool”?

A “quiet pool” at a Disney resort is just that.  It is a quieter area, separate from the main pool where the waterslide is usually housed.  The quiet pools are spread out around the resort, and are perfect for families with young children or adults who are traveling sans kids.

Are non resort guests allowed to use the pools?
Only guests with a reservation at the Disney resort can enjoy the pools.  There are a few exceptions with resorts that share pools.  Sister resorts like Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, the All Star Resorts,  and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter resorts allow pool reciprocity.  Otherwise, if you are staying at Wilderness Lodge, that is the only pool you are allowed to use, etc.

Are there indoor pools at the Disney Resorts?

No, there are not.  However, the Disney Resort pools are heated in the winter months, which makes swimming a bit more comfortable.

May I bring toys or pool noodles into the Disney resort pools?

Generally, yes.  In fact, many resorts sell pool noodles and water toys.  Just be aware of others around you should you choose to bring them into the water.

Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let the Dream Team help you plan!