Walt Disney World Resort Pools BY JENNIFER DRAHER
Whether you need to spend a day warm on the sand , like to splash and play , or want to just keep swimming ( and watersliding !), you can do it all in these top five Walt Disney World Resort pools .
Big Blue Pool
The Big Blue Pool — literally the biggest at the Walt Disney World Resort — belongs on this list because of its larger-than-life Finding Nemo theming that extends up along the guest room buildings for an expansive feel . This pool , found at Art of Animation , incorporates Disney characters better than any other resort , with giant statues of Nemo and Crush , plus other loveable movie characters . The Big Blue Pool offers zero-depth entry , like the rest on our list , except here , vibrant jellyfish abound . What ’ s more : Schoolyard Sprayground ’ s pop-up jets and gushing water and Squirt ’ s Righteous Reef playground offer energy-burning options both in and out of the water .
Dig Site
The Mayan ruins-themed Dig Site pool complex at Disney ’ s Coronado Springs Resort is a sparkling treasure . Dive into the waters beneath a 50-foot pyramid waterfall , race down the 123-foot-long waterslide , or change your pace with a dip in the 22-person hot tub — the largest on property . Guests can dig on defense at the white sand volleyball court and replenish ancient appetites at the nearby Siestas Cantina . The lack of a splash pad doesn ’ t ruin the experience for young ones , either ; they can explore the kiddie pool and ( dry ) playground .
Lava Pool
Tropical to a t ( iki ). The Lava Pool at Disney ’ s Polynesian Village Resort hits all the right notes on theming ( but even if it didn ’ t , the close proximity to DOLE Whips at Pineapple Lanai makes up for almost anything , right ?). Come for the volcano waterfall , slides , and Kiki Tiki ’ s water play area , but stay for the unbeatable views of Seven Seas Lagoon , especially from the infinity edge hot tub . You can catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool , though you may want to relocate to the beach for better views .
Fuentes del Morro
In need of a “ splash ” -buckling good time for all ages ? Even when you plan a non-park day , a visit to Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney ’ s Caribbean Beach Resort feels like Adventureland . Waterslides and man-of-war cannons playfully replicate that initial drop and splash scene from Pirates of the Caribbean . Plus , the adjoining shipwreck play area is perfect for junior Jack Sparrows ( 48 ” tall or shorter ). To round out the excursion , grab a Kraken Punch with Black Spiced Rum from the Banana Cabana pool bar .
Stormalong Bay
This shared venue between Disney ’ s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is so much more than a pool : It ’ s almost a mini water park that ’ s also a beach ! The sand-bottomed pool and sandbar play area help create memories you can ’ t make anywhere else . Race down the 230-footlong shipwreck slide , relax in one of two spas , or float in the lazy river , all while overlooking Crescent Lake . Stormalong Bay feels like a major attraction nestled inside a more intimate resort setting , which makes this “ pool ” the clear winner .
The shared pool between Disney ’ s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts feels like a water park all its own . PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP