Ranking Feature Pools at Walt Disney World’s DVC Resorts!
When it comes to Disney Vacation Club, there are a lot of things people debate: the best resort, the best rooms, the best location, and more. But as we get into the summer months, I want to dive into one topic in particular: let’s make a splash and rank my favourite DVC feature pools!
I am not a big swimmer if I’m honest, but the vibe of sitting by the pool can really change the feel of a vacation day. Sometimes the best memories come from a slow afternoon by the pool, grabbing a drink from the pool bar, or ending the night dipping your toes in the water. So naturally, I decided to rank my favorites!
Now, before anyone comes for me, this is completely based on my own opinions, and once you get past the first few, the rankings become very close for me. Every DVC resort feature pool has something to enjoy, which honestly made this harder than it seems. With that said… let’s rank them!
#10: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Bay Cove Pool
Let me start by saying I don’t dislike this pool at all, but compared to some of the other DVC feature pools, it feels a little less memorable.
The biggest advantage here is definitely the location. Being so close to Magic Kingdom gives Bay Lake Tower an energy that’s hard to beat, and there’s something really fun about the idea of coming back from the parks and jumping straight into the pool.
The pool itself has a modern design with a 148-foot-long waterslide, making it great for families, but theming-wise, it doesn’t feel quite as immersive as some of the other pools higher on this list, in my opinion. Still, the convenience alone makes this one easy to enjoy.
#9: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: High Rock Spring Pool
I feel like Saratoga Springs is one of Disney’s most underrated resorts in general, and I actually really enjoy the pools in general at Saratoga too.
The rocky waterfall theming at the first of Saratoga’s two feature pools is fun, the waterslide is solid, and the zero-depth entry gives it a really relaxed atmosphere. It works perfectly with the resort’s overall vibe.
This is also one of those resort pools that rarely feels overwhelming, which honestly can be a huge plus during busy Disney trips. It’s definitely a really enjoyable place to slow down for an afternoon.
#8: Disney’s Riviera Resort: Riviera Pool
Like the resort in general, the Riviera Pool might honestly be one of the prettiest pool areas at Walt Disney World.
It feels elegant and calm in a way that makes you want to slow down and spend an afternoon there. It may not have the biggest slide or the most over-the-top theming, but the atmosphere absolutely brings the charm. The pool itself features a waterslide and a zero-entry design, plus a really nice splash pad area themed to Disney’s Fantasia (a very underrated film) nearby.
This feels less like a “theme park pool” and more like a traditional resort destination perfect for a family getaway.
#7: The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Beach Pool
This pool somehow manages to feel both classy and family-friendly at the same time, perfectly fitting the resort’s overall vibe.
The pool overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the nearby Alice in Wonderland-inspired splash pad area gives it an extra touch of Disney charm. There’s also a surprisingly fun 181-foot-long waterslide, which adds just enough energy to balance out the more relaxing atmosphere.
It feels very relaxing without ever being boring, which honestly feels very Grand Floridian.
#6: Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Sandcastle Pool
Maybe this is a hot take, but I actually really like the Sandcastle Pool.
Is it the flashiest DVC pool? No, but it has so much personality! I may be biased, since it was the first DVC resort I ever stayed at, but Old Key West has a certain charm, and I think the feature pool here is just another part of that magic (including the hidden Mickey at the base of the waterslide).
The giant sandcastle slide feels like classic Disney in the best way possible, and the laid-back Florida Keys atmosphere fits the resort perfectly. Plus, I genuinely think the lighthouse sauna is one of the coolest and most unique features at any Disney resort pool!
#5: The Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Copper Creek Springs Pool
This pool is all about atmosphere! It’s also the resort I stayed at most recently, and I still think about the beautiful rocky architecture surrounding the pool daily.
The waterfalls, trees, and rustic theming make this one of the coziest pool areas on Disney property. Especially at night (my favorite!), it feels so immersive. Walking by it each morning as we headed out was such a relaxing way to start the day.
It may not have the biggest slide or the most elaborate layout, but it absolutely nails the feeling of staying at Wilderness Lodge!
#4: Disney’s BoardWalk Villas: Luna Park Pool
I used to find this pool very off-putting… if you know, you know about the old clown slide! Since the retheme, however, I’ve become a huge fan of Luna Park Pool!
The Mickey and friends updates to the Keister Coaster waterslide are so fun, and the carnival atmosphere fits the BoardWalk perfectly. It feels playful in a way that really matches the resort’s energy!
The location around Crescent Lake also gives this pool bonus points. There’s just something special about the idea of ending a pool day and walking out onto the Boardwalk at night!
#3: Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows: Lava Pool
This pool is just so cool!
Between the volcano slide, palm trees, tropical music, and atmosphere overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Lava Pool just looks like the best time for guests of all ages.
Like the Polynesian in general, it’s fun, vibrant, and lively without feeling overly chaotic. I can’t wait to stay at this resort one day and experience a pool day here for myself!
#2: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas: Samawati Springs Pool
This may be one of the most underrated pools at Walt Disney World!
I have heard many families raving about this pool area at Kidani Village, and I completely understand why. It feels so immersive (just like the rest of the resort) and tucked away from the rest of the world. Between the 128-foot-long waterslide, the large zero-depth entry pool, and the incredible Uwanja Camp water playground, it’s easy to see why this is such a favorite for families.
The Animal Kingdom Villas also get bonus points for having real flamingos over at Jambo House’s Uzima Springs Pool, which is such a cool feature!
#1: Disney’s Beach Club Villas: Stormalong Bay
Is anyone really shocked by this?
Stormalong Bay is iconic for a reason! The sand-bottom area of the pool, lazy river, and legendary shipwreck slide make this feel more like a mini water park. If I had stayed here as a kid, there’s no way you would have gotten me off that slide. I would have been going down it all day long!
Is it busy? Absolutely. Is finding a chair sometimes an Olympic sport? Also yes. But it’s so fun, and the theming is incredible. There’s a reason people specifically book Beach Club just for this pool. It’s legendary!
If you had to pick, what DVC feature pool would you rank number one? Which pool do you think deserves more love? At the end of the day, there really isn’t a “bad” DVC pool. Some are more relaxing, some are more elaborately themed, and some just have that extra bit of Disney magic that makes them unforgettable!
~Emma M.
