The Moderate Resort Pools at Disney World: All You Need to Know

Who’s ready to make a splash?! It’s hard to believe, but Disney World’s five Moderate Resorts swell to a total of twenty pools to choose from! Here’s all you need to know about the Moderate Resort Pools.

1 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

* BEST Hot Tub

• Pool Total: 4 (1 Feature, 3 Leisure)
• Feature/Themed Pool: Lost City of Cibola Pool

Head to what is known as the “Dig Site,” where you will find the Lost City of Cibola Pool. This lost city is themed after the Mayan ruins, which is evident in the towering Mayan pyramid with water spilling down the side. Brave the 123-foot-long waterslide with a jaguar statue that will surprise you by spitting water at you as you slide by! The trees and greenery situated near the pool provide excellent shade – or arrive early to snag an umbrella spot.

• Kiddie Area: Near the Mayan pyramid, you’ll spot a small kiddie pool for the young ones to splash around in. It’s a very simple pool, but our little one enjoys taking a seat in a pool his size.
• Spa: What Coronado Springs might lack in kiddie pool size – they make up for in spa size! As a matter of fact, Coronado Springs is home to Disney World’s largest hot tub on property, which holds 22 guests comfortably. There are also two 12-person spas perfect for relaxing amidst the ruins.
• Leisure Pools: Three leisure pools are sprawled throughout the Coronado Resort for easy access and for a quieter experience than one might find at the dig site. These leisure pools are the Casitas Pool, Ranchos Pool, and Cabana Pool. Don’t forget to bring a towel from your room when taking a dip in one of the leisure pools. Towels are available at the City of Cibola Pool.
• Pool Restaurant: Siestas Cantina @ Lost City of Cibola Pool

Breakfast, lunch, and cocktails… one of the best pool restaurants on Disney property! It’s a great place to grab a bite and a drink while laying out in the sun or taking a break from swimming.

2 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

* BEST Variety of Pools

• Pool Total: 7 (1 Feature, 6 Leisure)
• Feature Pool: Fuentes del Morro Pool

As you can tell by the name, Fuentes del Morro Pool is themed like a Spanish colonial fortress! Beware as this location is a pirate’s paradise! We love the zero-entry into the pool and the 2 waterslides. Fuentes wouldn’t be a complete fortress without the water cannons! Shade is provided by the cabanas and the grand palms in different locations around the pool.

• Kiddie Area: Steps from the Fuentes Pool, children 48” or under can enjoy their own haven. The shipwrecked play area includes mini slides, a crow’s nest, and a bucket that provides a downpour of water!
• Spa: Adults – we didn’t forget about you! Check out Caribbean’s two 12-person spa pools near the Fuentes Pool.
• Leisure Pools: Enjoy six other pools beside the Fuentes Pool. Each pool is nestled in a village and offers an opportunity to swim without the crowd that may gather at the Fuentes Pool. Going clockwise from the Fuentes pool – the leisure pools are Trinidad South, Trinidad North, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, and Martinique. All of these pools are relatively similar and average in size, with shade umbrellas and lounge chairs. Bring a towel from your room, as towels are only available at the Fuentes Pool.
• Pool Restaurant: Banana Cabana Pool Bar @ Fuentes del Morro Pool

Check out Banana Cabana after a long day at the park or just when in need of a tropical drink while lounging by the pool. They also have a few snacks that go great with the drinks.

3 – The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

* BEST Shade Structure

• Pool Total: 2 (1 Feature, 1 Leisure)
• Feature/Themed Pool: Meadow Swimmin’ Pool

Themed with the rustic American Frontier in mind, the outdoorsy feel holds true at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool with its surrounding wood structures and natural forest. Check out the corkscrew waterslide that is 67-feet-long and makes it look like you’re sliding down the side of a barrel water tower. There is a great shade structure with picnic tables as well as the usual umbrellas. Towels are unavailable at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, so bring one.

• Kiddie Area: Let the kids cool off in their own kiddie pool with slides just steps from the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool.
• Spa: Adults are welcome to relax their muscles in the whirlpool spas located at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and also at the Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool.
• Leisure Pool: The Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool is average-sized and a little less crowded than the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool. Once again, you’ll need a towel from your room.
• Pool Restaurant: Meadow Snack Bar @ Meadow Swimmin’ Pool

It may be called a snack bar, but the Meadow Snack Bar offers some filling choices such as sandwiches and hot dogs. Beer and specialty drinks are also available to enjoy poolside!

4 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

*BEST Feature Pool

• Pool Total: 6 (1 Feature, 5 Leisure)
• Feature/Themed Pool: Ol’ Man Island Pool

Trek across one of the three wooden bridges to reach the Ol’ Man Island, which is positioned at the heart of Port Orleans Riverside. You’ll spot the excellent Ol’ Man Island Pool, which is themed after an old sawmill with a 95-foot-long waterslide! The center island in the pool supports the sawmill but is also a fun place to hang out. Shade is provided from some of the structures as well as the mature trees, but we suggest you look for an umbrella to lounge under if possible. Towels are available at the Ol’ Man Island Pool.

• Kiddie Area: A kiddie pool is available near the Ol’ Man Island Pool for the little ones. It’s pretty simple in design, but as parents, we still love the option of letting your tot explore the water while the bigger kiddos are splashing around in the big pool.
• Spa: Ol’ Man Island Pool has a whirlpool for those of us that like to feel a bit of serenity.
• Leisure Pools: With a total of 5 pristine leisure pools (3 in Alligator Bayou, 2 in Magnolia Bend), it’s easy to find a place at Port Orleans Riverside to enjoy a swim. Brings towels from your room for the leisure pools.
• Pool Restaurant: Muddy Rivers Pool Bar @ Ol’ Man Island Pool

Don’t expect food at this location, but you can get your fill of amazing specialty drinks, cocktails, and beer.

5 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

*BEST Kiddie Pool

• Total Pools: 1 Feature Pool
• Feature/Themed Pool: Doubloon Lagoon

Check out this Mardi Gras-themed pool that is hard to miss with its’ spectacular design and theming. The massive sea serpent stretching across the pool and waterslide is incredible! Umbrellas are your best bet for shade here, although you’ll find the trees make for some natural shade during the right time of the day. Towels are available at Doubloon Lagoon.

• Kiddie Area: The kids water play area is for the young ones 48” or under at Doubloon Lagoon. This splash/play area is known for its cool kiddie slides and fun water activities.
• Spa: As with the other resorts, Port Orleans French Quarter also has a whirlpool spa for adults seeking relaxation.
• Leisure Pool: For leisure pools, you’ll want to head to one of the pools mentioned above at Port Orleans Riverside. There are no leisure pools on the French Quarter side.
• Pool Restaurant: Mardi Grogs Pool Bar @ Doubloon Lagoon

Hello Fat Tuesday! Madri Grogs has an excellent menu of drinks, wines, cocktails, beers, and just about any concoction you can imagine!