Guide to Disney World Pools: Rules, Info & FAQ
When it comes to choosing the right Walt Disney World hotel, pools are the difference-maker for many guests. In this guide, we’ll answer frequently asked questions, current policies & rules, and offer other info about swimming, water slides, hot tubs, pool bars, and more. (Updated March 6, 2022.)
While we personally prefer choosing a hotel on the basis of location, transportation, or theme, pools play an undeniably prominent role in many families’ vacation plans. The good news is that many Walt Disney World hotels with the “best” pools also are within walking, Skyliner, boat, or monorail distance of the parks.
There’s Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club–basically a mini water park complete with a sand-bottom and lazy river–which is a short walk from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There’s Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation–it’s big, blue, and arguably overrated–which is within a Skyliner flight to both of those same parks. There’s the Lava Pool at Polynesian Village Resort–with great views, hidden coves, Kiki Tiki’s Splash Play Area, walking bridge, waterfalls, and 142-foot water slide–which is a monorail ride from Magic Kingdom…
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves and arguably off-topic with a value assessment of which pools at Walt Disney World are the best options. Instead, let’s focus on the general rules and info applicable to all (or at least most) pools at Walt Disney World…
Are pools busy?
It depends. Crowds at the pools follow common-sense patterns. The hotter the weather, the busier the pools. The more crowded the parks, the busier the pools…unless the weather is cold. (Even then, pools will be more crowded the week between Christmas and New Year’s than at the beginning of December or January.)
In our experience, the busiest pools are typically those at Yacht & Beach Club, Polynesian, Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs. Generally speaking, leisure pools are not busy–even at the aforementioned resorts. However, that can vary–the leisure pools are smaller, so even a few groups can make them feel crowded.
Is there a wait time to enter pools?
Typically, no.
What are pool hours?
Feature or main pool hours are 10 am until 10 pm or 11 pm daily, depending upon the season. (Expect warmer months to see longer hours.)
Leisure or quiet pools are once again open 24 hours per day. As always, operating hours are subject to change without notice (mostly due to weather).
Do all hotel pools have water slides?
No.
Water slides are considered a Moderate Resort and above amenity, meaning Value Resorts do not have them. All hotels above that tier have at least one water slide. Additionally, no leisure pool has a water slide.
What’s the difference between a feature pool and leisure pool?
Feature pools are Disneyspeak for the main pool. These are usually centrally-located, large, and have more lavish Disney theme and decor. Additionally, the ones at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have water slides. These are the pools your kids will want to use.
Leisure pools are Disneyspeak for quiet pools. These are smaller, typically have understated design, and are better for lounging. They’re less attractive to kids (although anyone is allowed) and more aimed at adults.
Can you pool hop to different resorts at Walt Disney World?
In some cases, but not in many others.
Pool hopping is allowed for Disney Vacation Club members with some pretty significant restrictions and blockout dates that are too numerous to list. (See this official, and regularly ‘evolving’ page.)
For guests of normal hotels, the exception to this is anyone staying at a hotel with a ‘sister’ property. Meaning the various All Star Resorts, two Port Orleans Resorts, and any hotel with a DVC or Deluxe Villa.
Are pool hopping rules actually enforced?
It depends upon the resort.
The rules are strictly enforced at Stormalong Bay. Everywhere else, it’s more hit or miss. MagicBands are used to unlock the gates of feature pools, but this is sometimes turned off or gates are open. It works enough to be a sufficient deterrent to pool hopping, though.
Do you recommend pool hopping for eligible guests?
Mostly no.
Even if you’re eligible to pool hop, we generally don’t recommend it for pools that aren’t within walking distance–it’s too much of a hassle. The big exception is Disney’s Riviera Resort guests, who should use the feature pool at Caribbean Beach. Bay Lake Tower guests should also consider a different pool, but unfortunately, none of the major players in the Magic Kingdom area are viable options.
Which Walt Disney World pools are best?
We rank them in our Top 10 Pools at Walt Disney World.
With that said, we’ll “save you a click” as the obvious #1 is Stormalong Bay. It’s still worth reading the full list, as there are some sleeper picks and hidden gems.
Which hotel has the worst pools?
Even though they have water slides, our picks for this are Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower. These would be good leisure pools thanks to their views and natural serenity…but they are seldom serene due to crowds.
Are the feature pools loud?
Yes.
At many resorts, pool views are considered a preferred or premium view category. Why that is absolutely confounds us–I’d rather have a view of the dumpster than of the pool. At least the dumpster isn’t constantly making noise.
Which pool areas are best for adults?
It really depends upon what you’re after, but we really like the pools at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Grand Floridian.
Two sleeper picks are Coronado Springs and the Swan & Dolphin.
What about hot tubs?
As with water slides, hot tubs are a feature at Moderate Resorts and above.
While there are a variety of boilerplate health rules and recommendations, all guests–including children–are allowed to use hot tubs.
Which resorts have the best hot tubs?
Totally our opinion based on atmosphere and seclusion, but at the Moderate Resort tier we’ll pick Coronado Springs and Port Orleans French Quarter.
Deluxe Resorts have a wealth of options, with the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht & Beach Club, and Grand Floridian being our favorites. Contemporary Resort–the worst pool area above–is actually a sleeper pick here thanks to its lakeside setting.
Are there pool bars or restaurants at the pools?
Every resort has a pool with a bar in its general vicinity.
The location and proximity varies from hotel to hotel, as does what’s served. Food-wise, it’s typically pretty basic fare–if you’re eating at the pool bar, it’s usually out of convenience not due to an exceptional menu.
Are towels provided at the pools?
Yes.
Are the pools zero entry?
Not all of them, but an increasing number.
This is a relatively recent development, added to feature pools that are reimagined and to pools that are newly-built in the last decade or so.
What about water play areas?
Same deal as with zero entry.
This is a newer development, and you’ll find interactive water play areas or splash zones at a growing number of Walt Disney World resorts. It’s still not all of them, but it’s getting closer.
Do pools close due to weather?
In extreme cases, yes. While pools remain open no matter how torrential the downpour, if there is a lightning strike in the area, pools temporarily close until given the all-clear.
Pools are also open in the winter, and at temperatures where all but guests from the North while actively avoid them. However, pools will close on days when it gets really cold, much to the consternation of Canadians.
Do pools having diving boards?
No.
What other common ‘amenities’ are Walt Disney World pools missing?
The big one is that Walt Disney World doesn’t have indoor pools, but that’s not really a pool amenity so much as a location.
Additionally, most Walt Disney World pools don’t have ‘athletic stuff’ like lap lanes (save for Coronado Springs) or water polo goals.
Do pools have showers?
Yes.
There are both ‘simple’ showers for rinsing off and more traditional and private showers in the restrooms. The latter can come in real handy (see below).
Can pools be used before or after checkout?
Yes.
If you arrive early in the day and your room isn’t ready, you can use the pool. Ditto after checking out, but before your flight. Those pool showers can also come in real handy in this situation if you want to clean off before or after your flight!
If the pool is too crowded can we swim in the lake or other random body of water at our resort?
Swimming is not allowed in the lakes, ponds, or other natural bodies of water at Walt Disney World.
One of our “favorite” Walt Disney World Urban Legends is that River Country Water Park closed because it used lake water, and a young boy died of a brain eating amoeba from the lake. (Sadly, the second part of the story is true but the first is not.)
The point still stands that random bodies of Florida water are less than ideal for swimming. They’re also home to alligators and who-knows-water kind of prehistoric monstrosities lurking in the abyss. When it comes to Florida’s critters, nothing surprises us anymore.
What about…?
At 2,000+ words, I feel like we’re already over-complicating what should be a relatively straightforward topic. We’re happy to expand on this with answers to your questions that have a ‘unique wrinkle’ but a lot of this is common sense.
Don’t take beer into the pool. Don’t eat a footlong submarine sandwich while swimming. Don’t pee in the pool. No skinny dipping. (Save those shenanigans for Margaritaville!)
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you have any Walt Disney World pool-related questions that we did not answer in this FAQ? What’s your experience with the resort pools at Walt Disney World? Any feedback or thoughts about policies or crowds based upon your experience? Favorite or least favorite pools at WDW? Same question for hot tubs, water slides, splash zones, and poolside bars? Planning on using the pools during your next Walt Disney World vacation? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your pool rankings, other comments, and questions in the comments below!
Are small handheld pool throw toys allowed at Art of animation?
Does anyone know if the Yacht and Beach Club have water wings or puddle jumpers (whatever they’re called) you can rent for toddlers? I’ve heard rumors but can’t confirm
They have life jackets for children available by the pool. You don’t need to rent them. They are free to use.
I know of a large family who lives in Florida and is able to use the pools at the resorts without staying there. They just use their magic bands to get in. They do this all the time and are never questioned. Why is that?
My favorite pool complex is the Swan and Dolphin. Download the Swan/Dolphin app and you can actually reserve a chase lounge as you walk back to your resort from Epcot or Hollywood. The theming, bar service, food service, and number of places to sit and swim are outstanding. My most overrated pick is the Polynesian’s pool complex. the pools are woefully small for a resort that big, there are not enough spaces to sit, and both pools are very shallow and rough with the surface feeling like coarse sandpaper.
Tom
The pics are fabulous. Thank you
Any thoughts about the cabanas at the Dolphin? Looks like there are three that can be reserved? Location preference between the three?
Thank you very much!
Sarah
Not Tom, but we rented a cabana at the main grotto pool at the swan/Dolphin when we went in May. It was totally worth it. We had the south most cabana at the main grotto pool. We really liked the location as it was quieter since it was a little further from the slide/waterfall and closer to the hot tub. But if you need to keep an eye on kids, I would get one in the middle.
MIchellle: Only if it is the resort you are staying at as a guest. Otherwise, you cannot swim in any pool at WDW unless you are a registered guest of that resort. Even DVC members are not permitted to swim in a pool at a resort they are not a guest of since pool hopping hasn’t been reinstated yet for DVC members staying on their own points.
Can we swim at a resort pool with a dining reservation?
Please do a post rating the amount of shade available at each of the pools. Thanks! 🙂
Since CBR is so large, it doesn’t make sense to send Riviera guests all the way over there to that pool, especially when there is a long wait already. Let’s just let Riviera guests swim at their own pool. Or, can CBR guests swim at Riviera pool? Something to consider if it goes one way it should go the other…. an open pool is more fun than a closed pool. Especially when you likely don’t have the luxury if waiting all day for an opening. We had no trouble at BLT and Kidani in October, although I will say Kidani pool was more packed than I’d EVER seen it! A function of parks bring sold out and very little entertainment and short hours. It’ll even out eventually!
We’re staying may6-15 at Coronado. We’ve stayed at OKW, BWV and pop post covid without capacity issues ( sept and oct) I know those times are much less crowded than spring break even precovid. But from pictures I’ve seen it seems like Coronado has a LOT less loungers than those 3 resorts had in September and oct 2020. ( I’m almost as verbose as you Tom! Lol) so do you think this pool capacity issue at Coronado will improve after spring break is over ( and before summer behind)?
Please list the leisure pools.
Look them up on Disney’s website. There’s 2-3 per resort (estimate), depending on the size. They are usually pretty evenly spaced around the resort for easy access. We enjoyed a leisure pool at Poly, which had some rentable cabanas (no thanks lol) and was virtually empty outside of two young kids with water wings.
Just an “FYI” that you need to update your part about the Boardwalk pool since the clown is no longer there. (Under the section about the “worse” pools at Disney). Oh, and I am sad the clown is gone.
FYI, we stayed at Yacht Club Feb 15-22 when the storm-a-long bay huge pool slide closed for refurbishment. Cast member said it will be closed until summer.