Disney is the master of creating magical and transformative worlds. It's no wonder, then, that Disney has designed remarkable watery worlds with its hotel swimming pools. Some feature elaborate theming, fountains, waterslides or waterfalls. All are fantastic places to play and lounge. We asked travel experts to share their favorite Disney hotel pools to compile this curated menu of splashy oases, from Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California to Disneyland Paris and far beyond. Ready for a swim? Jump into this list of the top Disney hotels with fabulous pools!
Aulani's Waikolohe Valley (Photo credit: Disney)
1. Aulani – A Disney Resort
Oahu, Hawaii
Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
Aulani is home not only to one of Hawaii’s best hotel pools, but also the resort offers an array of other enticing water features. Waikolohe Pool is Aulani’s main pool, situated beside the resort’s beachfront cove. This zero-entry pool is a beautiful spot to swim and splash together as a family.
A lazy river named Waikohole Stream winds its way through palm trees and sweet-scented tropical plants like plumeria, pikake, and ginger. Playful fountains spray water at floaters and bubbles flow up from the river’s floor in a “volcanic” cave. Aulani boasts two full-sized waterslides — the Volcanic Vertical enclosed tube and the Tubestone Curl open air inner-tube slide.
Meanwhile, mythical Hawaiian characters shoot and pour water on giggling children at Menehune Bridge. This impressive splash structure includes rope bridges, mini waterslides, and fountains galore. Especially for kids aged 5 and younger, Keiki Cove features rainbow water jets and images of aquatic creatures.
Learn more about Aulani's pools and water play in our hotel review. Or, book your stay at Aulani now.
Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club (Photo credit: Todd Anderson, Disney)
2. Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach Club
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Kirsten Maxwell, Kids Are A Trip
Families will instantly fall in love with the pool at Disney’s Yacht Club, Stormalong Bay, an amenity shared by Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach Club resorts. The pool complex has four swimming pools, a lazy river, waterslide, a ship wreck to explore, and even a sandy beach. Even though the pool is shared by two Disney properties, it never feels crowded, as it covers over 2.5 acres. After everyone has worked up an appetite, head to the poolside Beaches & Cream Soda shop for the ultimate sweet treats!
Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Photo credit: Disney)
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Gwen Kleist, California Family Travel
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning, exotic resort; easily among the best deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The main pool embraces the resort’s exotic African theme. At more than 11,000 square feet, it is one of the largest pools at any of the Disney World resorts. There is a nice zero-entry section that is great for kids, a 67-foot winding waterslide, and plenty of lifeguards on duty. The entire area is lushly landscaped and there is thatch-roof bar for poolside drinks and cocktails. You'll also find two whirlpool spas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, both set aside in secluded areas, making them extra relaxing. One even overlooks the savannah. If you’re lucky, you may see a giraffe wander by while enjoying the hot tub!
Disney's Grand Floridian Alice in Wonderland-themed splash pad (Photo credit: Leslie Harvey)
4. Disney's Grand Floridian
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Leslie Harvey, Trips with Tykes
Disneyland Hotel’s Monorail Slide Pool (Photo credit: Disney)
5. Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland in Anaheim, California
Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
Disneyland Hotel’s Monorail Slide Pool was named one of the 10 Best Hotel Pools for Kids in the USA for good reason. It boasts two whimsical and winding Monorail-themed waterslides, topped by a retro Disneyland sign. Thrill seekers will love the 25-foot-high, 180-foot-long Red Monorail slide. Meanwhile, those seeking a more mellow splashdown will enjoy the 13-foot-high, 80-foot-long Yellow Monorail slide. A two-lane mini slide designed for smaller children also spills out into a small pool, while pop jets, fountains and a surging waterfall add to the fun.
Additionally, the hotel includes two E-Ticket Pools, one of which sits beneath a flower-ensconced footbridge. Plenty of complimentary cushy lounge chairs are available for relaxing. Shaded cabanas with flat-screen TV, Internet access, and refrigerator can be rented at an additional charge, too. Read our full Disneyland Hotel review to learn more about this property.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort pool (Photo credit: Disney)
6. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Stephanie Taleghani, Consistently Curious
The Fuentes del Marro Pool located in Old Port Royal at the Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a family favorite. Themed to resemble a Colonial Spanish Fortress, guests will experience a pirates' water wonderland. Two waterslides, spraying cannons, and stone walls set the tone as cast members host fun-filled contests. This zero-entry pool is heated to 82 degrees year-round and is conveniently located right near a shipwreck splash area for smaller guests. The play area is complete with a mini-slide, crows nest and a large barrel that drenches everything in its path. Grab a tropical drink from the nearby Banana Cabana, claim your lounger, and soak in the Florida sun.
Disney's Art of Animation pool (Photo credit: Lyla Gleason)
7. Disney's Art of Animation
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Lyla Gleason, Globetrotting Mommy
As the largest hotel pool in all of Walt Disney World Resort, the Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation offers non-stop fun for guppies of all ages. Inspired by the Finding Nemo film, the pool’s vibrant decor features colorful sea creatures including Nemo and Crush. Music plays under the sea (a.k.a. water) making this a fun pick for bigger kids. Meanwhile, the large zero-entry area means even the littlest swimmers can enjoy splashing around. Don’t miss the Schoolyard Sprayground area featuring pop-up jets and splash pad fun.
Lava Pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (Photo credit: Disney)
8. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Inna, Executive Thrillseeker
The centrally located Lava Pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has a chill Hawaiian vibe. It offers underwater jets, warmer water areas and an infinity-edge hot tub for relaxation. In the pool's center, there is a large mountainous formation that hosts a super giant 142-foot water slide. This swimming pool is also perfect for kids as it has a zero-depth entry point, which makes it an easy entry and exit point.
Grand Californian pool with waterslide in the background (Photo credit: Disney)
9. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disneyland in Anaheim, California
Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch indoor pool (Photo credit: Disney)
10. Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch
Disneyland Paris near Paris, France
Amanda Norcross, FamilyVacationCritic.com
One of two nature-inspired resorts at Disneyland Paris, Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch offers secluded bungalows with fully equipped kitchens, two onsite restaurants, and best of all, a themed indoor pool with a waterslide and wooden bridge. Disneyland Paris adds, “Little splashers will love the Davy Crockett-themed pool with decorative rocks, a wooden bridge and a slide, whilst adults can just float and relax amongst surroundings straight from the wild.” Book your stay at Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch.
The Big Dipper Pool at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (Photo credit: Mikkel Mihlrad)
11. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Mikkel Mihlrad, Sometimes Home
For those who love all-things-Disney but cannot get away to one of the major theme parks for vacation, Disney Vacation Club locations are great options to scratch a Disney itch! Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is a beautiful property and their pool is a highlight. The Big Dipper Pool has a winding slide and is surrounded by the 1940s themed “hunting lodges” of the resort. Even if the breeze is cool off the water on the South Carolina Coast, you'll be able to enjoy the heated pool experience at the resort. Try nearby Tide Me Over food pickup window in case you're hungry but don't want to stray too far from swimming to eat.
Disney's Vero Beach pirate-themed splash pad (Photo credit: Kimberly Stroh)
12. Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Vero Beach, Florida
Kimberly Stroh, Savvy Mama Lifestyle
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge pool (Photo credit: Elizabeth Smith)
13. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Elizabeth Smith, Peanuts or Pretzels
Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort is stunning with its National Park-style architecture and the pool is a beautiful extension of that theme. Beginning as a “spring” bubbling up inside the lobby of the hotel, the water runs from the lobby to the outdoor courtyard and continues as a stream winding its way through rocky pathways and foliage. Then it ultimately cascades down towering waterfalls directly into the swimming pool! Whether you are in the pool or laying back in a chair, the sound of the cascading falls and the scenery is both relaxing and impressive. It truly transports guests to serenity.
Waterslide at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel (Photo credit: Disneyland)
14. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Disneyland in Anaheim, California
Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
Located across the street from Disney California Adventure, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel lets you stay amidst the magic of the parks. Guests enjoy a rooftop pool with a rollercoaster-style waterslide. In fact, the Paradise Pier Hotel waterslide is the tallest at the three Disneyland Resort Hotels. There is also a kiddie pool available for young guests. Relax on a lounge chair for a movie under the stars or watch the Disneyland park fireworks show from the rooftop deck, when available.
Disney Explorer's Lodge pool (Photo credit: Disney)
15. Disney's Explorers Lodge
Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Katie Dillon, La Jolla Mom
Save Money on Your Disney Vacation
When you combine theme park tickets and your hotel in a vacation package with our partner, Get Away Today, you can save the money on your Disney vacation. Plus, use promo code TravelMamas for an additional $10 in savings on Disneyland hotel packages whether you book online at www.getawaytoday.com or over the phone by calling 855-GET-AWAY. If you have questions about these Disney hotels or other Disney properties, give the travel experts at Get Away Today a call. They’re happy to help plan your vacation with you, every step of the way.
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About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
Beautifully descried. Aulani is a resort I’m definitely considering. Disney is a creative world (for lack of better words)
Great way to describe Disney! I hope you love Aulani as much as I did!
Great suggestions here, can’t wait to try a few!
Happy swimming!
I love all of the Disney pools. The Grand Floridian is another one of my favorites. This is a great compilation and I plan on sharing with others!
Thank you for your Yacht Club/Beach Club recommendation! And thank you for sharing our story! 🙂
I love a good Disney pool. We always spend at least a day on our Disney vacations, usually more at just the pool.
So nice to take a break from the parks for some pooltime!
Disney makes the best pools! I think I agree with Aulani being number one, we LOVED that pool when we visited!
Aulani’s pool really is remarkable!
I am a huge Disney fan so, this post is really interesting for me. Thank you for compiling this list. So far, we have visited 7 from the ones you mentioned. The last one was in HK at the Disney Explorer’s Lodge.
Oh wow! You really are a big Disney fan! 7 down and 8 to go!
That Aulani pool takes the cake for me! Love this handy list of pools to choose from.
Aulani really is an amazing resort!
This is a fantastic list of pools! Happy to say I’ve been to almost all of them! Headed to Aulani in two years!
Oh wow! Impressive, Margie! I hope you love Aulani as much as I did!
This is an amazing round-up and so inspiring when looking for the best Disney hotels! I love, love, so many of these places! Thanks for featuring them all in one place!
So happy you like our Disney hotel pool picks!
My kids are total water babies so a pool is always essential for us! These all look amazing!
My family is a bunch of pool nuts too! Glad you like our list!
Bookmarking this article for reference when we get the opportunity to go to Disney. It has been a while since we last traveled far from home. Hopefully we can resume our travel plans this year.
I hope your Disney dreams come true very soon, Eileen!
Now this is an amazing Disney pool list. Many of these I need to check off and experience soon!
Happy swimming!
People of all ages are going to enjoy these. Too much too good pools to choose from, kind of going crazy. I literally like them all.
Ha! Yes, it can be hard to decide when there are so many great choices!
I had no idea that Disney had so many different pools. This is a great guide. Thanks for sharing.
And this is just scratching the water’s surface! (I can’t resist a good pun!) 😆
Nnniiiccceeeee….I love the “Aulani’s Waikolohe Valley” the most! The entire sophistication of the entire place. It’s a good one.
It’s pretty hard to beat Aulani’s pools and water features, for sure!
I had no idea that there were so many Disney hotels. This is a fabulous way to spend some quality family time together out there away from home.
And oh-so-many more Disney hotels than those listed here! A lot of great options for families to choose from!
since i’ve never visited w/ kids, i don’t have any experience w/ the hotel swimming pools. thanks for the good pics and comparisons. i think i’d prefer the monorail slide. so fun looking. joy
Yes! Waterslides and themed pools aren’t just for kids! 😁
I have stayed at the one that the monorail goes through in Orlando. I can’t remember the name though!
Hi Katherine – The Monorail has stations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort. You probably stayed at the Contemporary because the train goes right through that one. 🙂
I know I will love the Disney Aulani but it may be a while before I get there! Such a fun post, makes me ready for the sunshine of summer.
I hope you can visit Aulani someday very soon!
Great list! Disney has so much to offer. Can’t wait to try some of these out.
The only problem is…choosing which Disney hotel pool is best for you! 😂
They sound wonderful! I wouldn’t be able to make up my mind which one to choose!
That’s what my dad calls a “high class problem!” 😆
The Disney Aulani seems so much fun and I like how they have Hawaiian character. All the water splashes and aquatic features make it a fun family trip,
So many details that honor Hawaiian history and culture at Aulani — really a great place to stay on so many levels!
I love a good resort pool. Disney knows how to do them right! My favorite on that list is of course the Aulani one. Another reason for me to finally visit Hawaii! lol
Aulani’s pool really is a stunner. I hope you can visit Hawaii someday soon and experience all that amazing resort has to offer!
This is one of the greatest attractions, especially when we go to Disney in the summer! We love their pools a lot. They’re like a long lost friend!
I love that about Disney — always so welcoming and friendly!
This is such a fun post, it must have been a blast to write it!
How did you come up with the idea? 😀
Ann – Hotel swimming pools are a bit of a passion of mine and Disney has so many great pools, it just made sense to highlight these! A lot of times I write stories that I wish I could find on the Internet and since my family often books our hotels based on the best pools available, I figure lots of other folks might want this info too. Glad you like it! 🙂
Disney has the BEST pools! We usually pick we’re we stay depending on what pools we like 😀
That’s often how my family chooses our accommodations, no matter where we’re staying in the world! A fabulous pool really is such an amazing vacation perk!