The Best Resort Pools at Walt Disney World for Families with Young Kids

A Guide to Family-Friendly Pools with Slides, Splash Zones, and Relaxing Vibes

When you’re traveling with little ones, the real magic often happens far away from the ride queues. If you’ve ever tried to balance nap schedules, stroller wrangling, and snack times, you already know that a Disney vacation needs built-in downtime just as much as pixie-dusted park days. That’s why choosing the right resort pool is essential.

For many families—mine included—those mid-day swims and lazy non-park mornings end up becoming the memories our kids talk about long after the fireworks fade. From splash zones and sloping slides to heated whirlpools, the right pool can turn your Disney stay into the relaxing, joy-filled vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Let’s dive into the best pools at Walt Disney World for families with young kids.

What Makes a Pool Truly Family-Friendly?

Not all pools are created equal—especially when you’re traveling with a toddler who can’t get enough of the water one minute and wails the next. The best family-friendly pools at Walt Disney World have thoughtful features that make your day smoother, safer, and a whole lot more fun.

My favorite pools are zero-entry pools, and for good reason—they’re a total game changer, especially for toddlers. They let little ones ease into the water at their own pace—no sudden steps, no slippery surprises, just sandy-shore vibes perfect for early swimmers. Plus, they’re perfect for families with kids of multiple ages—older kids can swim in the deeper end while you and your little ones splash in the shallow end.

These pools often have kid-sized slides as well, offering your little explorers the thrill of a “big kid” attraction without the intimidation factor. They add just enough excitement for preschoolers while still being gentle and safe.

Finally, no aquatic adventure is complete without a splash pad, giving high-energy kiddos a safe place to run, jump, and burn off that post–Mickey waffle excitement without you hovering at the deep end. These spaces keep them entertained while you keep your feet dry, although I still wouldn’t pack your best sandals. Kids love to let you know when it’s mom’s turn in the pool (especially if you don’t know it yet)!

And let’s not forget shaded seating—the unsung hero of every great pool day. Whether you’re nursing the baby, taking a midday break, or simply trying not to fry in the Florida sun, ample shade can turn a pool from “nice” to “lifesaver.”

The right mix of these features transforms the pool into more than a place to swim—it becomes your family’s happy place between park adventures.

Stormalong Bay – Disney’s Beach Club Resort

If your kids could live in their swimsuits, Stormalong Bay is the perfect spot to stay. This 3-acre water wonderland is where little ones dig in the sandy-bottom shallows, older siblings float past on the lazy river, and you finally get to sit down with a coffee while everyone is blissfully entertained.

Here’s what makes Stormalong Bay such a hit for families:

• Sandy-bottom shallow play areas perfect for toddlers
• A gentle kiddie slide for first-timers
• A lazy river for bigger kids and parents
• Plenty of space for mid-day breaks away from the crowds

This is one of those rare resort pools where you can truly spend hours—maybe even a full day—and still feel like you’ve had a magical park experience (all without stepping outside your resort)!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The moment your child sees the volcano at the Lava Pool, you’ll understand why families adore the Polynesian. Like a refreshing Stitch Smoothie (one of the Polynesian Village Resort’s most popular sweet treats), it’s playful, tropical, and somehow manages to feel both energizing and relaxing at the same time. On hot afternoons, it becomes an oasis for families who need to reset before the fireworks.

Helpful family-focused highlights include:

• A volcano-themed waterslide perfect for brave little adventurers
• A shallow splash area designed for toddlers
• Beautiful views toward the Magic Kingdom
• Quick monorail access for nap breaks or early bedtimes
  

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Grand Floridian may look elegant, but its pools are wonderfully welcoming to families. The Beach Pool offers a peaceful waterfall backdrop, making it feel like a true retreat after a busy morning in the parks. Meanwhile, the Alice in Wonderland-themed splash pad delivers an imaginative trip down the rabbit hole (a gently-sloping slide) for your little ones.

Key family-friendly features include:

• An immersive, imaginative Alice in Wonderland splash area (complete with a teacup waterfall)!
• Cascading waterfalls and a stunning view of Seven Seas Lagoon at the Beach Pool
• Plenty of shaded seating for breaks
• Easy access back to the room for naps, outfit changes, or last-minute sunscreen runs
  

Disney’s Riviera Resort

The Riviera Resort is a perfect blend of European-inspired architecture, 20th-century elegance, and modern convenience, but families love it for its simplicity and ease. The S’il Vous Play splash zone is a captivating twist on Disney’s splash pads, featuring a cast of monochromatic characters from the Disney classic Fantasia. Plus, it’s a particularly-compact resort that still leaves you with plenty of space for luggage (and your toddler’s favorite lovey) while still keeping your room (and everything in it) close at hand.

Some of the most loved features include:

• A whimsical Fantasia-themed splash area
• A quieter vibe ideal for sensitive or easily overstimulated kids
• Quick access to the Skyliner for easy transitions
• A small, walkable footprint perfect for stroller-age children

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge offers something families often crave but rarely find at Disney: a sense of calm. Inspired by the national parks of the American northwest, Wilderness Lodge features breathtaking views and wilderness-inspired retreats like the Copper Creek Springs pool, a heated pool with a 67-foot tall waterslide, whirlpool spas, and even a new play area for your youngest adventurers! If you’re looking for Disney magic with a taste of mountain air, check out my review of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge here.

Families especially love:

• A forest-themed waterslide built into the rocks
• A nearby kids’ splash area for younger swimmers
• A peaceful, woodsy environment perfect for downtime
• Convenient boat transportation to Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

(Jambo House & Kidani Village)

A pool day at Animal Kingdom Lodge feels like entering another world—one where the pace slows, the scenery changes, and the sounds of the savanna are never far away. With zero-entry pools, long gentle slides, and engaging splash areas, it’s incredibly friendly for young families.

Poolside families enjoy:

• Zero-entry slopes ideal for toddlers and early swimmers
• A longer, more laid-back waterslide
• A dedicated splash area for smaller kids
• The chance to spot animals between swim sessions
  

Port Orleans French Quarter (Moderate Resort)

French Quarter is a hidden gem for families who want something easy, charming, and affordable. Personally, I love the moderate resorts—they strike a perfect balance between affordability and style, with extra dining (and drinking) options and slightly larger rooms that leave plenty of room for work or play. Because the resort is so compact, getting to the pool with a stroller or tired toddler is a breeze. The Mardi Gras–themed Doubloon Lagoon pool brings color, personality, and plenty of giggles to your day.

Parents love these features:

• A whimsical dragon-themed waterslide
• A splash zone designed for younger kids
• A compact layout that’s ideal for quick trips to the room
• A playful, lighthearted theme young children adore

How to Choose the Best Resort for Your Family

With so many incredible (and very different!) pools at Walt Disney World, choosing the right resort often comes down to your family’s priorities. Here are a few tips to help you narrow it down—because the best pool is the one that supports the rhythm your family needs on vacation.

If easy transportation is your top priority:

• Beach Club – Walk to EPCOT and hop on the Skyliner for Hollywood Studios. Perfect for families who want quick back-and-forth for naps or swims.
• Polynesian – The monorail is a gift for stroller-age kids. Easiest resort for mid-day breaks.
• Riviera – Skyliner access makes mornings and afternoons incredibly smooth with littles.

Choose these if: getting to and from the parks without meltdowns is your biggest win.

If rest days or long pool breaks are a must:

• Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay – You can spend half the trip here and still feel like you’ve done something magical.
• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for families who need slower mornings.
• Wilderness Lodge – Has that “we’re tucked away in nature” vibe that helps everyone reset.

Choose these if: your family does best with downtime built into the vacation.

If your toddler is always on the move:

• Riviera – The Fantasia splash zone is ideal for early walkers and little explorers.
• French Quarter – The compact layout means no long treks with a tired toddler.
• Grand Floridian – The Alice in Wonderland splash pad offers tons of freedom and play without stress.

Choose these if: you want a safe, easy space where little ones can burn off energy.

If you want more space and less sensory overload:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Zero-entry pools and wide-open surroundings create calm.
• Riviera – Modern, peaceful, and designed with families in mind.
• Wilderness Lodge – The quieter atmosphere is ideal for overstimulated little ones.

Choose these if: your family thrives with breathing room and gentler environments.

You don’t have to spend sunrise to fireworks inside the parks to create the moments your kids will remember. In fact, some of the sweetest, most joyful memories happen during those quiet pockets of vacation—the giggles in the splash pad, the brave “I did it!” at the top of the waterslide, the slow, sun-warmed afternoons when everyone finally unwinds. Resort pools give little learners the space to explore, build confidence, and make big memories at their own pace. So give yourself permission to slow down. The magic isn’t only in the parks—it’s right there beside you, towel-wrapped and smiling.

If you’re ready to plan a Walt Disney World vacation that balances magic and breathing room, I’d love to help. And if you’re dreaming of Disney adventures on dry land, check out my reviews on Boardwalk Resort, Old Key West Resort, and Port Orleans Riverside, a dog-friendly sister resort to Port Orleans French Quarter. Your most magical (and stress-free!) Disney trip starts here.

Who is Christina?

Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too!

She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, and Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.