Of course, many Disney World visitors flock to the theme parks for all the fun, but there are so many great ways to stay entertained at your Disney World hotel.
From resort activities and events to eateries and merchandise shops, there are plenty of things to do if you’re hoping to take a break and rest up from the hustle and bustle of the busy parks. What we recommend doing above all else is enjoying the Florida sunshine and taking advantage of the uniquely-themed (and often massive) hotel pools!
It’s true — Disney World hotel pools have definitely swayed our decision on where to stay a few times in the past. While you don’t have to be staying at a Disney World hotel in order to walk around and experience many of its amenities, you DO have to be staying at a Disney World hotel in order to visit the pool. So, the pool can really impact your decision on where to stay! We ranked the Top 10 Walt Disney World hotel pools, and you can watch that video right here!
It’s also true that some Disney pools are a bit more iconic than others, whether based on theming or amenities.
One fan-favorite pool for many guests is Stormalong Bay, the pool area that Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club share, which features a sand-bottom pool as well as a waterslide that looks like a shipwreck. It’s widely regarded as the best pool on Disney World property, but there are a couple more that we love just as much.
Riviera Pool
We love Disney’s Riviera Resort for all sorts of reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is access to the Riviera Pool. This family-friendly pool is themed to the French Riviera (like the rest of the hotel) and features elements of the Mediterranean. One of our favorite things here is the water slide that wraps around a tower. Oh, and little ones can enjoy S’il Vous Play, the interactive splash area!
While there is plenty for kids to do, this pool offers a calming atmosphere for the grownups to relax and unwind — almost like you’re really on a Mediterranean getaway. Riviera also has the Beau Soleil Pool, which is just as nice and even more relaxing — more ideal if you’re hoping for a quiet afternoon.
Now that we’ve taken a look at a Deluxe Resort option, let’s check out one of our favorite pools at a Value Resort.
The Big Blue Pool
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is home to some of Disney World’s most elaborately-themed hotel rooms and spaces. Included in that elaborate theming are the pools! Here, there are three swimming pools: Flippin’ Fins Pool, the Cozy Cone Pool, and The Big Blue Pool. The Big Blue Pool is our favorite one here, and is actually the largest pool on Disney World property as it contains over 308,527 gallons of water.
It’s a zero-entry pool, which makes it accessible to even MORE Disney World visitors. Oh, and did we mention that it’s themed to Finding Nemo? Yep! Here, you can chill out alongside giant versions of beloved characters from the film, like Nemo and Crush. Little ones can enjoy Schoolyard Sprayground to interact with pop-up jets and spraying water, while little ones who prefer to stay dry can visit Squirt’s Rightgeous Reef.
And there you have it! If pool time is a non-negotiable for your Disney World vacation, then these two hotel pools are sure to make a splash (sorry, we had to) on your vacation. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and advice, so make sure to follow along so that you don’t miss out!
Looking for more Disney World pools we love? Slide on over and click here!
Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels?
Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels
The “I’m So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do” Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel
13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel
8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room
The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room
The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS!
What's New at the Disney World Hotels
All About Disney World's Resort Hotel Refillable Mugs
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Have you ever been to either of these Disney World pools? Let us know in the comments!








Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
A lot of new Disney movies are coming out within the next few years, but...
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro shared a new goal for the company.
Millennials, we love you, but Disney's gotta get rid of these 4 millennial trends ASAP!
We discovered some cool Easter eggs while riding Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger spin.
Some big changes are coming to Disney World dining.
You need to see the new Regal View Restaurant & Lounge in Disneyland Paris.
These Disney World hotels present problems in 2026.
This tasty fried dough treat is a must-have on your Disneyland vacation!
The US State Department has issued a worldwide travel caution.
The EPCOT area hotels come with some of Disney World’s best perks, but some “hacks”...
We are over these Disney World curfews!
April 2026 is bringing some big changes to Magic Kingdom, including a major ride reopening,...
A NEW Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Collection just dropped online and you're going to LOVE...
Wait. Is everyone HAPPY with this Disney change?
Disney World just dropped a NEW ticket deal for just $109 per day!
Tower of Terror might look different soon!
We got a peek INSIDE the newly reimagined Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin!
There's ANOTHER Disney Adults book signing coming soon, and it might be near you!
Disney World made a change at Pop Century Resort that we're still feeling salty about.
A brand-new hotel offer was just revealed for Disney World!