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The World’s Best Disney Hotel Swimming Pools

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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!

Disney Aulani's Waikolohe Valley includes waterslides and whirlpool spas

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.

AΒ 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

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

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 splash pad

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
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is often hailed as Disney's most luxurious on-property resort, so it's no surprise that a great pool scene comes standard here. The hotel has two main pools. The first, known as the Beach Pool, features a waterslide and is surrounded by waterfalls overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. The second pool, the Courtyard Pool, is located behind the main building and offers zero-entry on one side as well as small jets for babies and toddlers to wade and splash safely.
Once kids spot the resort's splash pad and water playground, however, they may never want to return to the main pools. This structure is Alice in Wonderland-themed, complete with a bucket that dumps water on kids in the shape of the Mad Hatter's hat. It's whimsical and fun while still in keeping with the resort's elegant atmosphere.
Disneyland Hotel’s Monorail Slide Pool

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

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 Swimming Pool

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

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

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
Delivering thrills and spills, the Redwood Pool at the Craftsman-themed Disney's Grand Californian Hotel includes a 90-foot waterslide that curves around the giant stump of a faux Redwood tree. Guests zip down this wild slide and splash down into a cool pool. This oasis is surrounded by picturesque pine trees and boulders, giving the feel of swimming at California National Park lodge.
Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch indoor pool

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

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

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
Take a break from the busy central Florida Disney Parks and travel a few hours south to Disney's Vero Beach Resort. Sitting directly on the Atlantic Ocean, this resort caters to families with a sprawling pool area that offers something for everyone. The zero-entry pool has a lighthouse waterslide and in-pool seating for guests. Kids enjoy swashbuckling fun on the pirate-themed splash pad. It's truly a resort that's designed with relaxation in mind and seems to be the quieter side of Disney.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge pool

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 β€œspring” 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

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,Β Disney’s Paradise Pier HotelΒ 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

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
Disney's Explorers Lodge is the newest of the three Hong Kong Disneyland hotels. While it's the mid-range option, the rooms are larger than other on-property options and the hotel offers families better dining choices and more activities. Its various themed gardens, tall palm trees, and peaceful views of the South China Sea make a stay feel more like a tropical vacation β€” which would not be complete without a great pool. One of the amenities families love most is the beach-like Rain Drop Pool with its turquoise water, lifeguards on duty, and cabanas for rent. Here, Cast Members host afternoon poolside parties for guests of the three hotels with games that can be played in and out of the pool.
If you liked this list of Disney hotels, then I bet you'll love our picks for the best hotels near Disneyland with fabulous pools!

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Top Disney Hotels with Fabulous Swimming Pools

Keep this List of the Top Disney Hotels with Great Pools

Be sure to save this round-up of the best Disney hotel pools in the world. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on PinterestΒ while you’re at it!

Do you have a favorite Disney hotel pool? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

Colleen Lanin, MBA, is the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular travel blog, TravelMamas.com. She is an expert in travel with kids and without. As the author of the book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents how to make the most of traveling with babies and children. Colleen loves sharing tips on hotels, cruises, spas, theme parks, and global lifestyle topics. When she is not traveling the world, she lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.

Comments
  1. Blessing Akajiaku says

    Beautifully descried. Aulani is a resort I’m definitely considering. Disney is a creative world (for lack of better words)

  2. sorrellmartin says

    Great suggestions here, can’t wait to try a few!

  3. Kirsten Maxwell says

    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!

  4. I love a good Disney pool. We always spend at least a day on our Disney vacations, usually more at just the pool.

  5. Disney makes the best pools! I think I agree with Aulani being number one, we LOVED that pool when we visited!

  6. 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.

  7. That Aulani pool takes the cake for me! Love this handy list of pools to choose from.

  8. This is a fantastic list of pools! Happy to say I’ve been to almost all of them! Headed to Aulani in two years!

  9. Jennifer Brommer says

    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!

  10. My kids are total water babies so a pool is always essential for us! These all look amazing!

  11. Eileen M Loya says

    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.

  12. Now this is an amazing Disney pool list. Many of these I need to check off and experience soon!

  13. 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.

  14. Shannon Gurnee says

    I had no idea that Disney had so many different pools. This is a great guide. Thanks for sharing.

  15. Ntensibe Edgar Michael says

    Nnniiiccceeeee….I love the “Aulani’s Waikolohe Valley” the most! The entire sophistication of the entire place. It’s a good one.

  16. 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.

    • Colleen Lanin says

      And oh-so-many more Disney hotels than those listed here! A lot of great options for families to choose from!

  17. The Joyous Living says

    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

  18. Katherine Bartlett says

    I have stayed at the one that the monorail goes through in Orlando. I can’t remember the name though!

    • Colleen Lanin says

      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. πŸ™‚

  19. Terri Steffes says

    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.

  20. Great list! Disney has so much to offer. Can’t wait to try some of these out.

  21. They sound wonderful! I wouldn’t be able to make up my mind which one to choose!

  22. 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,

    • Colleen Lanin says

      So many details that honor Hawaiian history and culture at Aulani — really a great place to stay on so many levels!

  23. Matt Taylor says

    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

    • Colleen Lanin says

      Aulani’s pool really is a stunner. I hope you can visit Hawaii someday soon and experience all that amazing resort has to offer!

  24. Bill Sweeney says

    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!

  25. This is such a fun post, it must have been a blast to write it!
    How did you come up with the idea? πŸ˜€

    • Colleen Lanin says

      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! πŸ™‚

  26. Disney has the BEST pools! We usually pick we’re we stay depending on what pools we like πŸ˜€

    • Colleen Lanin says

      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!

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