Water Play Time: Disney Resort Pool Overview

With summer quickly approaching, now is a great time to look at the pools of the various Walt Disney World Resorts. When visiting the Resort during the hot summer months, time in the pool is a perfect way to cool off and take a break.

Stormalong Bay at the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts

Read more to find out about the various pool options at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Pool Use Policy

Samawati Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani

Before outlining the pools, please remember that swimming in a pool at a resort other than the resort where you are staying is generally not allowed at the Walt Disney World Resort. The exceptions to this policy are listed below, and only occur in the event of "sister" resorts or resorts with shared pools. Although it might be fun to visit a different pool, please remember that amenities are part of the resort differences, and therefore part of the price difference as well.

Value Resort Hotels

The value resort hotels have a variety of pools in fun shapes. Value resorts do not have hot tubs.

All-Star Movies Resort: Fantasia Pool with Sorcerer Mickey fountain and kiddie water play area, and Duck Pond Pool with ice hockey theme.
All-Star Music Resort: guitar-shaped Calypso Pool with kiddie pool and quieter Piano Pool
All-Star Sports Resort: Surfboard Bay Pool with kiddie area and Grand Slam Pool featuring Goofy pitching a stream of water into the pool.
Art of Animation Resort: Big Blue Pool with underwater speakers and Schoolyard Sprayground, Cozy Cone Pool (Cars theme), and Flippin' Fins Pool (Little Mermaid theme).
Pop Century Resort: Hippy Dippy Pool with water jets and kiddie pool, Bowling Pool (shaped like a bowling pin), and Computer Pool.

Moderate Resort Hotels

The moderate resort hotels have pools with some additional theming and extra perks, including hot tubs.

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: Meadow Swimmin' Pool with corkscrew water slide and Wilderness Swimmin' Pool for a more leisurely experience.
Caribbean Beach Resort: Fuentes del Morro Pool with Spanish fortress theme, 2 waterslides, man-of-war water cannons, and shipwreck water play area; plus, 6 leisure pools (one in each village of the resort).
Coronado Springs Resort: Lost City of Cibola Pool with Mayan theme, 50-foot pyramid, and waterslide; plus 3 leisure pools (one at each settlement).
Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter: Doubloon Lagoon with Mardi Gras theme, serpent slide, and kiddie area. Guests at this resort may also swim in the pools at the Port Orleans Resort - Riverside.
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Ol' Man Island swimmin' hole plus fishin' hole, with abandoned sawmill theme, rustic waterslide, and kiddie play area; plus 5 leisure pools throughout the resort. Guests at this resort may also swim in the pool at the Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter.

Doubloon Lagoon at Port Orleans - French Quarter

Deluxe Resort Hotels

The deluxe resort hotels have larger pools with even more theming and extra perks, and do include hot tubs.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Uzima Pool with oasis theme and zero-depth entry, plus a waterslide. Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge may also enjoy the Samawati Springs Pool (also with zero-depth entry and waterslide) and Uwanja Camp (a water playground with 3 age-based zones), both located at Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani.
Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts: Although these are two separate resorts, they share all pool amenities, and guests at each are welcome to enjoy any of the pools at either resort. Stormalong Bay is possibly the most popular pool area at the Walt Disney World Resort, with a sand-bottomed pool, shipwreck play area, waterslide, lazy river, and kiddie area. In addition, there are 3 leisure pools, one each at the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Beach Club Villas.
BoardWalk Inn: Luna Park with carnival theme and large waterslide; plus 2 leisure pools.
Contemporary Resort: Main Pool with waterslide and water play area, plus Bay Lake Pool (leisure pool).
Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Pool with walking bridge, waterfalls, and waterslide; and the Courtyard Pool. There is also a new water play area themed after Alice in Wonderland.
Polynesian Resort: Nanea Volcano Pool with volcano theme, waterfall, waterslide, and zero entry, plus a water play area. In addition, the Polynesian East Pool offers a leisure pool option.
Wilderness Lodge Resort: Silver Springs Creek Pool with national park theme, including a waterslide built into the rocks and a kiddie pool. The Hidden Springs Pool is a leisure pool located near the Villas.

Final Thoughts

The pool may be a deciding factor in choosing your resort, especially if the budget (money or time) may not include a visit to a Walt Disney World water park. Choosing by pool only, here are my top five:

Stormalong Bay at the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts
Samawati Springs Pool and Uwanja Camp at the Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani
Nanea Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort
Luna Park at the BoardWalk Inn
Fuentes del Morro Pool at the Caribbean Beach Resort

What is your favorite pool at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel?

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Groups of Five or More: Where to Stay at Disney World?

I grew up in a family of five, and I am now the mother of three beautiful girls, so I understand how frustrating it can sometimes be to see that a room sleeps "up to four people." The immediate response is: "But what about us?"

Thankfully, Disney has thought of the larger family, and continues to add options for groups of more than 4 people.

Read more to find out about various resort options for groups of 5 or more.

Limitations

Before I explain the different options available, I first want to be sure that we are working from a similar understanding of Disney guidelines. When Disney resorts specify a maximum number of people in a room, in reality, that means that specified number plus an additional child under 3. This is because that child could stay in the Pack-n-Play and does not necessarily take up bed space. So if you are a family of five and one of your children is still under the age of 3, you can still stay in a room that specifies a maximum of four people.

We stayed in a Standard Room at Wilderness Lodge for this trip.

Deluxe Resorts

All of the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World have rooms that accommodate at least 5 people.

At some resorts, this requires staying in a Club Level Room:

Animal Kingdom Lodge: The 1-Bedroom Suite accommodates up to 6 people and the 2-Bedroom Suite accommodates up to 8 people.
Wilderness Lodge Resort: The Deluxe Club Level Room accommodates up to 6 people.

At other resorts, the standard room accommodates at least five people:

Beach Club Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper chair in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level 2-Bedroom Suites are also available; these accommodate up to 7 people.)
Boardwalk Inn: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level Deluxe Rooms are also available; these accommodate up to 6 people.)
Contemporary Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper sofa in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level Suites are also available; these accommodate up to 7 people.)
Grand Floridian Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed in addition to 2 queen beds. (Club Level Suites are also available; these accommodate up to 6 people.)
Polynesian Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper sofa in addition to 2 queen beds.
Yacht Club Resort: The Standard Room accommodates up to 5 people by including a day bed or sleeper chair in addition to 2 queen beds.

Moderate Resorts

Some of the moderate resorts also offer options for groups of more than 4 people:

Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: These cabins include a living space with fully-equipped kitchen as well as a bedroom area, and accommodate up to 6 people.
Coronado Springs Resort: This resort offers Suites that accommodate up to 6 people.
Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: Standard Rooms accommodate up to 5 people by including a pull-down bunk; however, this bunk is not recommended for children over the age of 9. (Unfortunately, Royal Guest Rooms do not include this option, and only accommodate 4 people.)

Value Resorts

Two of the value resorts offer Family Suites that accommodate up to 6 people, and include a small kitchenette and 2 full bathrooms.

Art of Animation Resort: This newest addition to Disney resorts consists mostly of Family Suites. These suites include a queen bed and either a table bed or sleeper sofa. These suites have themes inspired by the movies Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King.
All-Star Music Resort: There are a small number of Family Suites available at this resort. These include a queen bed, sleeper sofa, convertible ottoman, and convertible chair.

Art of Animation - Finding Nemo Family Suite

Deluxe Villas

It is possible to reserve any of the Deluxe Villas (which are also the Disney Vacation Club Villas). These are perfect for larger groups, as some villas can accommodate up to 9 people. Of course, these are also the most expensive option.

Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House: The 1- Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people.
Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village: The 1-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people and the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
Bay Lake Tower (at Contemporary Resort): The 1-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people and the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
Beach Club Villas: The 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 8 people.
BoardWalk Villas: The 2-Bedroom Lock-off Villa accommodates up to 8 people.
Old Key West Resort: The 1-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 5 people and the 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: The 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 8 people and the Treehouse Villa accommodates up to 9 people.
Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge: The 2-Bedroom Villa accommodates up to 8 people.

Preferences

When asked my opinion on options for groups larger than 4 people, there are several factors to consider. What is most important?

Budget? If you have a lower budget to consider, and a child small enough for the pull-down bunk, Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is by far the best choice. It is the lowest cost option per night for a group of 5.
Group of 6? For a group of 6, I highly recommend the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. These cabins cost only slightly more per night than the Family Suites at the Art of Animation Resort, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, plus boat launch service to the Magic Kingdom. If cost is an overriding factor, the Family Suites at All-Star Music Resort are the most economical.
Proximity to major theme parks? The rooms at Beach Club Resort and Boardwalk Inn are the most economical of the deluxe resorts, and have boat launch service to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The Contemporary Resort has the lowest cost rooms of the deluxe Magic Kingdom resorts. However, if budget is a consideration, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are much more budget-friendly, and still close to the Magic Kingdom.
Luxury? If cost is not an issue, then of course the best options are the Deluxe Villa Resorts. These have ample space plus many are close to major theme parks. My recommendations are the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Bay Lake Tower, as these are closest to the Magic Kingdom and the villas themselves are very nice. If Epcot is more your style, the Beach Club Villas are another good option. However, since these villas are designed for luxury, it makes little difference which one you choose!

Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

What do you think? Which large group accommodation would be best for your family or group?

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Resort Spotlight: Disney's Coronado Springs

Disney's Coronado Springs is one of the moderate resort hotels on Walt Disney World property. To tell you more about this resort, I invited my friend and colleague Sherry Jackson to share her experiences there.

Read more to see what Sherry says about this moderate resort hotel with a Southwestern flair.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

from Sherry Jackson

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs is a beautiful, peaceful resort. With Mexican and American Southwestern décor, you walk in and truly feel like you have stepped into a far away, exotic location. Split into 3 different themed areas: the Ranchos, Cabanas, and Casitas, this is a huge resort! This is a convention resort, but we found it to be a very quiet and cozy place.

Room at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Most of the rooms contain two queen beds, a table and chairs, and a vanity outside of the bathroom, and coffeemakers can be found in every room. Outside of your room, you will find a white sandy beach, palm trees, hammocks swaying in the breeze, and maybe even an extra friend or two!

Dining options include Café Rix, Laguna Pool Bar, Maya Grill, Pepper Market, Rix Lounge, and Siestas Cantina. We ate breakfast at Maya Grill, and it was delicious!

Transportation at Coronado Springs to the parks is by bus only, and this is a non-sharing bus resort, meaning you won’t have to wait for other resort stops along the way. Unless you request a room near a bus stop, walking from your room can be about an 8-10 minute walk, depending on where your room is located.

Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney's Coronado Springs

There are 3 themed swimming pools, the main pool sporting a huge Mayan pyramid with a waterfall cascading down, and a water slide around. We loved it! There are so many magical things about this resort, and I could go on for days about it! We will definitely stay here again and again!

Thank you, Sherry!

Many thanks to Sherry Jackson for her insight on this wonderful moderate resort! Be sure to check out Sherry's blog: Disney by Pixie.

To read more about the various resorts at Walt Disney World, read my previous blog post: Behind the Magic: Disney World Resort Options.

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Walt Disney World: Meals Fit for a Princess

There are many character dining experiences available at Walt Disney World, and of course, some of the most popular ones are the meals with the Disney Princesses.

Ariel at Akershus

Do you have a princess who wants to dine with her Disney peers? There are three Disney Princess character meals available at Walt Disney World. Each has its own style, so read more to find out about each one!

Cinderella's Royal Table

The most well-known of the Disney Princess dining experiences, Cinderella's Royal Table is located on the second floor of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. The main appeal of this experience is of course the magic of dining in the castle!

Cinderella's Royal Greeting

It is absolutely necessary to make reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table as early as possible. Advanced dining reservations are accepted up to 180 days in advance, and this highly-sought-after experience fills up quickly. This is the most popular character dining experience at Walt Disney World! The earlier you can make reservations, the better your chances of choosing the date and time you prefer.

Aurora at Cinderella's Royal Table

All three meals are available at Cinderella's Royal Table. Breakfast times start at 8:05 a.m., so it is even possible to have a breakfast reservation before park opening! Likewise, dinner is served until 10:00 p.m., so on nights the park closes early, you may be in the park after closing. This is an advantage because it offers prime opportunities for pictures on Main Street without the usual crowds, as well as allowing you to be well into the park before the main groups of people enter.

Bella at Cinderella's Royal Table

When arriving at Cinderella's Royal Table, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet with Cinderella. A picture is taken by a Disney photographer, and the price of the meal includes the photo package, delivered to your table before the end of the meal. The package arrives in a special Cinderella photo holder, and includes one 8x10 and two 4x6 copies of the picture with Cinderella, plus one 8x10 picture of Cinderella Castle. A group of up to 4 guests receives one photo package, while a group of 5-8 receives 2 photo packages, and a group of 9-12 receives 3 photo packages! In addition, children receive a special gift, usually a wand or sword.

Cinderella's Royal Greeting

The meals at Cinderella's Royal Table are all-you-care to enjoy, but vary slightly in choices. Breakfast includes pre-plated plates of American breakfast food. Lunch consists of a pre-selected appetizer, with choices from the menu for the entree and dessert. Dinner allows for choices of appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Jasmine at Cinderella's Royal Table

Of course, next to dining in the castle, meeting the Disney Princesses is the highlight of the meal! Cinderella does not come to tables during the meal, as she is busy greeting guests downstairs. Her friends come to each table for autographs and/or pictures. Princess characters are subject to change, and may include: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, and/or Snow White. There are usually 4-5 princesses in addition to Cinderella.

Snow White at Cinderella's Royal Table

Prices at Cinderella's Royal Table range from $35-$75, depending on the meal and ages of the guests. The price includes the photo package, meal, tax, and gratuity. Payment in full is required at the time of booking. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 2 table service credits, due to its popularity.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

If preferences or circumstances prevent dining in Cinderella Castle, the Disney Princess dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is another wonderful option. Located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, Akershus also provides a royal experience for visiting guests.

Belle's Royal Greeting

Although this experience is not as popular as dining in Cinderella Castle, advanced dining reservations are still highly recommended in order to be able to dine on the date and at the time you prefer. Advanced dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance.

Snow White at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

All three meals are available at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Breakfast times start at 8:00 a.m., so it is even possible to have a breakfast reservation before park opening! This is an advantage because it offers prime opportunities for pictures without the usual crowds, as well as allowing you to be well into the park before the main groups of people enter. We were able to walk on to Test Track at park opening, since Akershus is closer to the attraction than the entrance is!

Mulan at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

When arriving at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet with Belle in her yellow ball gown. A picture is taken by a Disney photographer, and the price of the meal includes the photo package, delivered to your table before the end of the meal. The package arrives in a special photo holder, and includes one 8x10 and two 4x6 copies of the picture with Belle. A group of up to 4 guests receives one photo package, while a group of 5-8 receives 2 photo packages, and a group of 9-12 receives 3 photo packages!

Belle's Royal Greeting

The meals at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall vary depending on the meal. Breakfast includes American breakfast food served family-style. Lunch and dinner begin with a Norwegian cold buffet, with choices from the menu for the entree, and a dessert plate to share.

Cinderella at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Meeting the Disney Princesses is always the highlight of the meal! Belle does not come to tables during the meal, as she is busy greeting guests. Her friends come to each table for autographs and/or pictures. Princess characters are subject to change, and may include: Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, and/or Mary Poppins. There are usually 4-5 princesses in addition to Belle. There is also a "Princess Parade" for younger guests to follow their princesses in a parade around the dining area.

Aurora at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Prices at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall range from $25-$60, depending on the meal and ages of the guests. The price includes the photo package, meal, and tax, but not gratuity. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 1 table service credit.

Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner

Another Disney Princess dining experience is Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This experience includes Cinderella and her entourage, and the character interaction is top-notch!

Fairy Godmother at 1900 Park Fare

Advanced dining reservations are always recommended in order to be able to dine on the date and at the time you prefer. Advanced dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance. However, this meal is generally available even on short notice.

Anastasia at 1900 Park Fare

As the name would suggest, this experience is offered at dinner only. An advantage to this location is that it does not require park admission, since it is located at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It is also a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom, if you do go in to the park on the day of this experience. The meal at 1900 Park Fare is a buffet dinner, including dessert. Many guests have commented on the strawberry soup served here!

Little Princess at the Grand Floridian

When arriving at 1900 Park Fare, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet have a photo taken in front of a fairytale backdrop. Characters are usually not included in this photo. Photos are then brought to your table and you have the choice to purchase them. This photo is included as part of the special Photopass + package, which allows you to prepay for dining and attraction photos, as well as a photo CD.

Drizella at 1900 Park Fare

Characters appearing at this meal are all connected to Cinderella. Characters may include: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, Anastasia, Drizella, and Lady Tremaine. Many guests have commented on the fun interaction with the characters, including shenanigans from the stepsisters.

Drizella at 1900 Park Fare

Prices at Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner range from $20-$45, depending on ages of the guests. The price includes the meal and tax, but not gratuity. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 1 table service credit.

Overview

There is a Disney Princess dining experience to fit many preferences. Which is the right one for you and your royal family?

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