The last time I was at the House of Mouse, I had a chat with my boss, blog owner and general Boss Babe Kristin Cooper, about my family’s ideal Disney trip.
Just two women named Kristen, talking about pools in the middle of a Florida heat wave.
When I told her our dream trip included two to three pool days, she was very surprised. Which I kinda get. I mean, pool days don’t always make it to the itinerary, let alone the must do list. But for us, we can’t imagine a vacation without a little poolside R&R.
A pool day is just like it sounds: a day at Disney where you forgo all that the parks have to offer and spend your time at the pool.
For pool day fans, a day in the cool water is a nice way to rest your feet and mind after a day full of hustle and bustle in the parks. For pool day detractors, it’s wasting precious time that could be spent getting the most bang for your buck from a pricey vacation.
We fall solidly in the pro Pool Day camp, and here’s why.
This guy can’t wait to get to the pool.
Disney Has Amazing Pools
Every single Disney resort has a pool. Many have several. Pools are open year round and heated in the colder months to a pleasant 82 degrees. Pools open early in the morning, and close between 9pm and 11pm, depending on the season. Moderate and Deluxe resorts have pools with waterslides. This is not a standard hotel, concrete in the ground filled with water type pool. This is an experience. Every single Disney trip I have taken, sitting on the Magical Express, on the way to the hotel, there is at least one child exclaiming to their parent, “Oh, I can’t wait to see the pool!” These pools are themed to the next level and for many kids, are the highlight of the trip. Even if you’re thinking you need to go, go, go in order for our vacation to be a success, your kids might have a different idea.
Many pools have a poolside bar, and some even serve food. You could have a literal pool day and never leave, just have all your meals right there!
Pool Days Offer a Break for Members of Your Party with Specific Needs
My husband is a Type 1 diabetic. The pace and adrenaline, not to mention the changes in diet on vacation, are all a challenge to his system. This results is more blood sugar checks and occasionally more insulin shots through the day. For us, it’s an absolute must to have days where his body can recover in-between the days where we go hard.
If you have someone in your party who is differently abled, has sensory or processing challenges, or other specific needs, it’s not a bad idea to schedule in some down time. Not only are the pools a good option for decompressing, there are specific pools where you can escape the hustle and bustle. In addition to the “main attraction pool”, Disney resorts offer quiet pools. Quiet pools aren’t silent, but rather there is no horse play or splashing, no slides or other recreation. These are a great place to relax and unwind in a more peaceful environment.
All Disney pools are well staffed with lifeguards. Moderate and Deluxe resorts also provide towels poolside.
Pools Have Entertainment, Too!
There will usually be a variety of entertainments scheduled at the main attraction pool of your resort from noon to the early evening, usually around 4 or 5. The main attraction pool, or feature pool, is going to be the biggest pool, and if you’re at a Moderate or Deluxe, it will have at least one waterslide. It will have the most room for additional shenanigans, like trivia contests, dance parties, rubber ducky races, hula hooping, etc. During our last stay at Caribbean Beach Resort, our pool days included a t-shirt decorating day and a visit from some characters! I’ll never forget my daughter’s face after she came down the water slide and saw Donald Duck a few feet in front of her.
Even if you have a pool at home, I am pretty sure your pool doesn’t come with 100 foot waterslide, or an awesome little friendly Splash Zone. Some of these pools, like Stormalong Bay at Yacht Club and Beach Club, are more like mini water parks than pools. The Big Blue Pool at the Art of Animation features music guests can hear underwater! These swimming environments are brand new for your kids, and there is a lot to take in. Give them time to explore! My daughter did one waterslide for two straight hours before even THINKING about exploring the rest of the pool area. You don’t have to leave your resort to experience world class attractions.
Splash Zone for the smallest members of your party.
Bottom line: any day at Disney is a good day and how you spend your days will vary depending on your family’s preferences. But if you’re thinking about what to do on a non-park day, don’t sleep on the pool! You can create magical memories there, too!
Are pool days a must do or a don’t bother for your family? How many pool days is the right amount of pool days? What’s your favorite pool on Disney property? Lemme know down below!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey five years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!