Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Swimming Pools

So you've decided to stay at one of Disney's deluxe resorts on your next Walt Disney World vacation. You've researched the themes and locations and narrowed it down to a few. You've checked out the restaurants, the transportation and the room views. Does this mean you're ready to choose? Maybe. But what about the pool?

Disney spends a lot of time, effort and money to make all of their resort pools and pool areas attractive and innovative for guests. But some of the ultimate swimming experiences definitely can be found at the deluxe resorts. So let's take a quick tour and see which pool area best suits your needs. And for those guests who prefer a quieter swim, keep in mind that there are quiet pools found in other locations at most deluxe resorts.

Polynesian Resort. The Polynesian theme is undeniably South Seas and the pool is no exception. The slide is tucked away inside a large volcano, which actually glows red with the "lava" at night. There is a full service pool bar serving up the requisite tropical beverages and Captain Cook's, the resort's quick service restaurant, is just a short stroll away. A downside? The pool area is oddly lacking a spa and the size of the pool is small for the number of resort guests. At busy times, this can lead to a definite "people soup" feeling. However, in the end, the view of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella's castle from nearly everywhere in the pool area more than makes up for any negatives.

Contemporary Resort. The main pool at the Contemporary is just as expected. While the shape of the pool is free form, the colors and atmosphere are very crisp and clean and...well..contemporary. There is a long curved slide to ease swimmers into the water and one of the two spas juts into the pool on a peninsula where guests can relax in the hot waters, surrounded by the swimming pool. There is a pool bar and snack area for hungry swimmers and the view of Bay Lake is charming and relaxing.

Grand Floridian. The elegance of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is echoed in the graceful lines of the main pool area. A large rock formation covers the pool slide and is also the home of a gentle waterfall. A charming white fence crosses over the pool and the slide and adds to the turn of the century theme. A pool bar and snack area are close by and the view of Seven Seas Lagoon adds to the overall atmosphere. Another large pool is also close by and this is where you can find the spa.

Boardwalk Inn and Villas. The pool area at the Boardwalk Inn and Villas is known as Luna Park. A turn of the century Atlantic coast theme is executed to the hilt with the white wooden roller coaster slide, emptying swimmers into the pool through a large clown's mouth. The pool is located behind the villas and the sprawling water is surrounded by the Boardwalk and the Disney's Swan and Dolphin resorts. Elephants perch on the edges of the pool, spraying water playfully onto guests. There is a kiddie pool for young guests and a small spa just off of the pool. Leaping Libations, the pool bar, is located close by and there is plenty of seating for the many guests of the Boardwalk Inn and Villas. For more substantial snacks, Boardwalk Joe's and Boardwalk Bakery are a short walk away outside on (what else?) the Boardwalk.

Jambo House Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. Imagine a watering hole in Africa where animals meet to drink and socialize. Imagine the watering hole surrounded by smaller ponds and a flowing river. Now add a beautiful African resort, lounge chairs, a thatched roof pool bar and happy swimmers and you have Uzima Springs pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The bottom of the pool is painted a shade of green that lends itself to a watering hole theme. The pool slide curves amongst terracotta colored rocks and the two free form spas add to the natural atmosphere. The pool is large and cradled in between the resort rooms. The Mara, the resort's quick service restaurant is a very short walk away from the pool with outdoor seating for hungry swimmers.

Wilderness Lodge and Villas. Designed along the same lines as the Animal Kingdom Lodge's Uzima Springs, the Silver Creek Pool at Wilderness Lodge is a celebration of the outdoors. A bubbling brook in the resort's lobby flows out under the building and gains steam as it falls down towards the pool. Swimmers can look up from the pool and see where the flowing water appears to make its way from the lobby down into the pool. Craggy rocks surround the pool, kiddie pool and spa area and the boulders, tall trees, resort, geyser and view of Bay Lake really bring the Pacific Northwest to life. There is a bar on site and the quick service Roaring Fork is located just a few steps away in the resort, with outdoor seating for guests who wish to enjoy the feel of the great outdoors.

Beach Club, Beach Club Villas and Yacht Club. Guest of these side by side resorts share the mega pool complex known as Stormalong Bay. Hands down, this pool area is the largest and most interactive of not only the deluxe resorts, but all Disney resorts. Sprawling over three acres, Stormalong Bay boasts a white sandy bottom, a lazy river, a large zero entry kiddie pool area with a sandy beach at its center, and a huge shipwreck slide. There are areas for families, kids, teenagers and more. There is plenty of seating and Hurricane Hannah's serves up quick service food and frosty beverages. Also close by is Beaches and Cream where diners can sit and enjoy 50's diner type cuisine and huge ice cream sundaes, or choose to get their ice cream to go. While not an equal substitute for Disney's waterparks, Stormalong Bay does give them a run for their money. The pool is a very popular perk for guests of the resort, so lifeguards do check room keys and issue wristbands.

The pool area may not be a make it or break it for your resort decision, but rest assured that no matter which deluxe resort you select, you'll find your swim time well in tune with the resort theme and a place designed for your whole family. So enjoy your down time on vacation and happy swimming!