The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Disney’s Best Resort Pools: 5 Tips You Can’t Miss

Planning a Disney vacation involves many exciting decisions, and one of the most important is selecting the right resort. While much of the focus tends to be on theme park tickets and dining, choosing the perfect resort with a pool that fits your style is just as crucial for a memorable trip.

Whether after relaxation or adventure, here are five expert tips to help you pick the best Disney resort pool for your magical getaway.

1. Choose the Right Time for a Quieter Pool

If you plan to visit Disney during the summer, be prepared for crowds. Like theme parks, the resort pools can get busy when temperatures rise.

Aim for times when the crowds are thinner to enjoy a more peaceful swim. Visiting during the early or late summer months, when school is still in session or just resuming, will give you a better chance of a quieter pool experience.

2. Location, Location, Location: Pool Proximity Matters

When choosing your Disney resort, it’s not just about the room itself but also the pool’s proximity. After a long day at the parks, the last thing you want is to walk a long distance in wet clothes to get back to your room.

Look for resorts where your room is just a short walk from the pool so you can easily jump in for a quick swim when the mood strikes. Resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offer rooms that are just a short stroll from their beautiful pools, making it easier to take a dip whenever you want.

Quick Tip for Returning Guests: If you’ve stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort before, be sure to check out the expanded pool areas and new amenities at the resort, including the popular Beach Pool and Sandcastle Slide.

3. Determine How Important the Pool Is to Your Vacation

Before booking, take a moment to think about how much time you plan to spend at the resort pool. If your vacation is focused primarily on exploring the theme parks, you may not need to prioritize a large pool with tons of features.

However, if relaxation is key, you’ll want to pick a resort with pools that offer fun amenities like water slides, lazy rivers, or even poolside dining. If the pool is a major part of your relaxation plans, resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offer amazing pool experiences that can provide hours of enjoyment between park visits.

Quick Tip for Returning Guests: For those who want a balance of pool and park time, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort offers a Stormalong Bay Pool that includes a lazy river and water slides, perfect for families that want both adventure and relaxation.

4. Explore Resort Pools Through Dining

One of the best ways to get a feel for a resort’s pool is by dining there. Disney resorts are known for their incredible restaurants, and many of them are conveniently located near the pools. Dining at a resort not only lets you enjoy delicious food but also gives you the chance to explore the pool area and other amenities.

Take a casual walk around after your meal, check out the pool area, and observe its vibe. Is it relaxing or busy? Are the surroundings clean and well-maintained? Chatting with cast members can also give you valuable insights into the pool’s popularity and atmosphere.

Quick Tip for Returning Guests: Many resorts offer exclusive poolside dining experiences. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Oasis Pool offers poolside snacks and refreshments, adding to the convenience for pool-goers.

5. Do Your Research for the Perfect Pool

There’s no wrong pool to pick at Walt Disney World, but with so many options, it helps to do some research ahead of time. Walt Disney World’s website offers some information about their pools, but guest reviews and photos from previous visitors are a great resource for getting a clearer picture of what each pool is like.

Look for online photos and read reviews on Disney-focused blogs and forums to understand the ambiance. For example, the Beach Pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is famous for its 3-acre water play area and sand-bottom pool. Meanwhile, the Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is perfect for families with young children.

Quick Tip for Returning Guests: If you’ve previously stayed at Disney resorts, check out new renovations and pool updates.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best Disney resort pool is all about understanding your priorities. Whether you want a relaxing escape, fun water features, or a pool perfect for family playtime, Disney offers a variety of pools to suit every need.

With a little research and thoughtful planning, you’ll find the ideal pool to complement your Disney vacation. Happy swimming!