We’ve taken a look at the general pool situation at Walt Disney World, as well as the pool specifics about the value level resorts. Now it’s time to dig in to the details about the pools at the Disney moderate resorts: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Port Orleans Riverside, as well as the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. (Disney classifies the Fort Wilderness cabins as moderate level accommodations.)

CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORT

• How many pools are there? There are seven real pools. The main feature pool, Fuentes del Morro, is located in Old Port Royale Centertown. There are also six smaller quiet pools, one each in the Martinique, Barbados, Aruba, Jamaica, Trinidad South, and Trinidad North guest room areas.
• What is the pool themeing? The feature pool has an old fashioned pirate theme, with faux pirate outpost ruins.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is an aquatic play area, reserved for children under 48″ tall, adjacent to the main feature pool. The water around the play area is shallow and appropriate for the smallest children. There is also a small traditional kiddie pool.
• Are there water slides? Yes, there are twin mini-slides in the aquatic play area. There are two medium-sized slides in the feature pool, appropriate for older children.
• Is there a nearby playground? The aquatic play area functions much like a playground, with interactive elements. Traditional playgrounds are located in the Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad South village areas.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Banana Cabana bar is located directly adjacent to the main feature pool. The Market Street food court and Shutters full-service restaurant are located in nearby Centertown. Other than vending machines, there are no food options near the quiet pools.
• Are there showers at the pool? Yes, there is a locker room with showers located next to the main feature pool.
• Are there hot tubs? Yes. There is a small hot tub located next to the main feature pool.
• Are there towels available at the pool? Yes, there are towels available at the main feature pool. Towels are typically not available at the quiet pools.
• How deep is the pool? The main feature pool is four feet, ten inches at its deepest point. The quiet pools average four feet, six inches at their deepest point.
• Are there zero entry pools? Yes, the main feature pool has a zero entry access point. The children’s aquatic play area is also zero entry. The quiet pools are standard entry.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the feature pool area. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Dance Parties, “What’s in Your Beach Bag,” “Mickey Who?,” Notable Quotes, and others. Weather permitting, there is a free campfire with s’mores.
• Anything else? There are laundry facilities near the pool in each village area. There are often hair wrap artists located at the Dig Site pool mid-day. While there are plentiful beaches here, there is no swimming allowed in the lake.

Caribbean Beach Resort, Jamaica Village quiet pool

Caribbean Beach Resort, main feature pool

Caribbean Beach Resort, main feature pool, zero entry access point

Caribbean Beach Resort, main feature pool slide exit. Note that the slide is netted closed when lifeguards are not on duty.

Caribbean Beach Resort, hot tub

Caribbean Beach Resort, children’s aquatic play area

Caribbean Beach Resort, children’s aquatic play area. Note the large water dump feature.

CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT

• How many pools are there? There are four pools. The main feature pool, The Dig Site, is located between the Cabanas and Ranchos guest areas. There are also three smaller quite pools located in the Cabanas, Ranchos, and Casitas areas.
• What is the pool themeing? The Dig Site is Mayan ruin themed. You can’t miss the 50-foot Mayan pyramid.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is a kiddie pool, with a shooting fountain feature, located in the the Dig Site area.
• Are there water slides? Yes, the 120 foot long Jaguar slide is located at the main Dig Site pool.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes, the Explorer’s Playground is adjacent to the Dig Site pool.
• What’s the nearest food option? Siesta’s pool bar is located at the Dig Site. The menu includes substantial offering such as burgers and tacos. Other food options are located in the central resort building, a ten minute walk away from the Dig Site.
• Are there showers at the pool? Yes, there is a locker room with showers located next to the Dig Site pool. Additional showers can be found near the Casitas pool and the adjacent La Vida Health Club.
• Are there hot tubs? Yes, there is a hot tub at the Dig Site.
• Are there towels available at the pool? Towels are available the Dig Site and Castitas pools. Towels are sometimes, but not always, available at the two additional quiet pools.
• How deep is the pool? The main Dig Site pool is five feet at its deepest point. The quiet pools average four feet, six inches at their deepest point.
• Are there zero entry pools? No.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the Dig Site pool area. There is one poolside ping-pong table, plus a nearby volleyball court. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Disney Trivia, Hula Hoop contests, Giant Jenga, Critter Roundup, Frisbee Toss, and others. Weather permitting, there is a free campfire with s’mores.
• Anything else? The Coronado Springs resort includes a convention center, which means that there are a larger percentage of adult guests here than at other Disney hotels. You may find that the quiet pools are quieter here than at other resorts. There are laundry facilities near the pool in each village area. There are often hair wrap artists located at the main feature pool mid-day. While there are plentiful beaches here, there is no swimming allowed in the lake.

Coronado Spring resort, Dig Site pool and recreation area map

Coronado Springs resort, Explorer’s Playground next to the main Dig Site feature pool.

Caribbean Beach resort, Siesta’s pool bar

Coronado Springs Resort, pool slide exit area

Coronado Springs Dig Site feature pool. Note the water fountain feature and the hula hoop contest on the pool deck.

Coronado Springs resort, Dig Site pool overview

Coronado Springs resort, Dig Site hot tub

Coronado Springs resort, Dig Site kiddie pool with water squirt feature

Coronado Springs resort, Casitas guest area quiet pool

FORT WILDERNESS RESORT AND CAMPGROUNDS

• How many pools are there? Two. The main feature pool is Meadow Depot area, near loops 1200-1400. There is a smaller pool near loops 2500 and 2700.
• What is the pool themeing? There’s a non-specific outdoorsy wilderness theme at the Meadow pool.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is an aquatic play area, reserved for children under 48″ tall, adjacent to the main Meadow feature pool. The water around the play area is shallow and appropriate for the smallest children. There is also a small traditional kiddie pool.
• Are there water slides? Yes, there are twin mini-slides in the aquatic play area. There is a medium-sized slide in the feature pool, appropriate for older children.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes. There are several playgrounds at Fort Wilderness, one of which is adjacent to the Meadow pool area.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Meadow Snack bar offers substantial fare such as pizza and hot sandwiches. There are no food options at the small Loop 2500 pool.
• Are there showers at the pool? There are comfort stations with showers located throughout Fort Wilderness. Some are near, but not directly adjacent to the Meadow pool. There is a comfort station adjacent to the Loop 2500 pool.
• Are there hot tubs? Yes. There is a small hot tub in the Meadow pool area.
• Are there towels available at the pool? No. You must bring your own.
• How deep is the pool? The Meadow pool is three feet, nine inches at its deepest point.
• Are there zero entry pools? The children’s aquatic play area has zero entry access. None of the other pools do.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the Meadow pool area. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 10:00 a.m.. until 7:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus an elaborate movie under the stars in the evening. Chip and Dale appear for a free sing-along prior to the movie. S’mores kits are available for purchase. Daytime poolside events may include: Dance Parties, Giant Board Games, Twister Scram, Kickball, and others.
• Anything else? The Meadow area includes shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, and a volleyball net, as well as nearby bike, canoe, and fishing pole rentals.

Fort Wilderness, Meadow pool area, children’s aquatic play area

Fort Wilderness, Meadow kiddie pool

Fort Wilderness, Main Meadow pool, looking toward the snack bar

Fort Wilderness, Meadow pool, looking toward the slide

Fort Wilderness, Meadow hot tub

Fort Wilderness, Meadow playground

PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER

• How many pools are there? One, the “Dubloon Lagoon.”
• What is the pool themeing? Old New Orleans.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is one traditional, round kiddie pool.
• Are there water slides? Yes, there is one medium-sized water slide in the main pool.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes, there is a playground adjacent to the pool area.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Mardi Grogs poolside bar offers drinks, but very little food (packaged chips and the like). For real food, go inside the main building to the Sassagoula Floatworks food court.
• Are there showers at the pool? Yes, the restroom adjacent to the pool does have a shower and changing area.
• Are there hot tubs? Yes. There is one hot tub next to the pool.
• Are there towels available at the pool? Yes.
• How deep is the pool? The pool is four feet, six inches at its deepest point.
• Are there zero entry pools? No.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Disney Trivia, Goofy Bingo, Name That Movie Tune, Disney Memory, and others. Weather permitting, there is a free campfire with s’mores. Special resort and poolside activities occur during Mardi Gras season.
• Anything else? Remember that guests of Port Orleans French Quarter are welcome to use the facilities, including the pools, at Port Orleans Riverside.

Port Orleans French Quarter, pool slide

Port Orleans French Quarter, pool and water feature

Port Orleans French Quarter, kiddie pool

Port Orleans French Quarter, poolside playground

Port Orleans French Quarter, hot tub rules

Port Orleans French Quarter, Mardi Grogs poolside bar

PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE

• How many pools are there? Six. The main feature pool is located on “Ol’ Man Island.” There are five quiet pools evenly distributed throughout the guest building areas.
• What is the pool themeing? The main pool has an old-time swimmin’ hole vibe.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is one traditional, round kiddie pool.
• Are there water slides? Yes, there is one medium-sized water slide on Ol’ Man Island.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes, there is a playground adjacent to the Ol’ Man Island pool.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Muddy Rivers poolside bar offers drinks, but very little food (packaged chips and the like). For real food, go inside the main building to the Riverside Mill food court.
• Are there showers at the pool? Yes, the restroom adjacent to the Ol’ Man Island pool does have a shower and changing area.
• Are there hot tubs? Yes. There is one small hot tub in the Ol’ Man Island area.
• Are there towels available at the pool? Yes. Towels are available at the Ol’ Man Island pool. Towels are typically not available at the quiet pools.
• How deep is the pool? The Ol’ Man Island pool is five feet at its deepest point.
• Are there zero entry pools? No.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Bayou Dance Off, Name that WDW Attraction, Chalk Art, Notable Quotables, and others. Weather permitting, there is a free campfire with s’mores. Special resort and poolside activities occur during Mardi Gras season.
• Anything else? Remember that guests of Port Orleans Riverside are welcome to use the facilities, including the pool, at Port Orleans French Quarter. There are often hair wrap artists located at the main feature pool mid-day.

Port Orleans Riverside, Ol’ Man Island kiddie pool

Port Orleans Riverside, Ol’ Man Island feature pool

Port Orleans Riverside, Ol’ Man Island feature pool with kiddie pool in the background

Port Orleans Riverside, playground adjacent to the Ol’ Man Island pool

Port Orleans Riverside, Muddy Rivers pool bar

Stay tuned soon for part four: The Deluxe and Villa resort pools.

Get to Know the Disney World Pools, Part Three: The Moderate Resort Pools is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Disney pools in general, let’s get into the specific pool situation at each resort. First up are the Disney value level resorts: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Art of Animation, and Pop Century. Here’s the scoop on the pools at these hotels.

ALL-STAR MOVIES

• How many pools are there? Two.
• What is the pool themeing? The main Fantasia pool features elements from the film “Fantasia,” notably a Sorcerer Mickey statue which shoots streams of water into the center of the pool. The smaller Mighty Ducks pool features hockey themeing such as larger than life sticks and a faux goal net.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is one shallow kiddie pool with an adjacent water spray feature. This is located to the immediate right of the Fantasia pool, as you face the main Cinema Hall building.
• Are there water slides? No.
• Is there a nearby playground? There is a playground, located a bit away from the pool, near the Toy Story section of the resort.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Silver Screen Spirits bar is next to the Fantasia pool. For a full menu, go inside Cinema Hall to the World Premier Food Court. There are no food options near the Mighty Ducks pool.
• Are there showers at pool? Yes. There are locker rooms with showers next to both pools.
• Are there hot tubs? No.
• Are there towels available at the pool? No. You are welcome to use the towels from your room while you’re at the pool.
• How deep is the pool? Both pools are five feet at their deepest point.
• Is there are zero entry pools? No.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the Fantasia pool area. There is one poolside ping-pong table. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Mickey Bean Bag toss, Twister, Musical Dots, Dance Party, Bingo, Treasure Hunt, and others.
• Anything else? Laundry facilities are available next to both pools.

All-Star Movies Fantasia pool.

All Star Movies poolside bar: Silver Screen Spirits.

All-Star Movies Mighty Ducks pool.

ALL-STAR MUSIC

• How many pools are there? Two.
• What is the pool themeing? The main Calypso pool is shaped like a guitar, with an infrequently used “stage” in the center to signify the sound hole. The smaller Piano pool is shaped like a piano, with black and white deck tiling resembling piano keys.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is one shallow kiddie pool. This is directly adjacent the Calypso pool, serving as the head stock peg area of the “guitar.”
• Are there water slides? No.
• Is there a nearby playground? There is a playground, but not right next to the pool. Find the playground behind Calypso building #10.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Singing Spirits bar is next to the Calypso pool. For a full menu, go inside Melody Hall to the Intermission Food Court. There are no food options near the Piano pool.
• Are there showers at pool? Yes. There are locker rooms with showers near both pools.
• Are there hot tubs? No.
• Are there towels available at the pool? No. You are welcome to use the towels from your room while you’re at the pool.
• How deep is the pool? The Calypso pool is five feet at its deepest point. The Piano pool is four feet at its deepest point.
• Is there are zero entry pools? No.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the Calypso pool area. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Peter Pan ring toss, Duck Duck Donald, Hula Hoop contest, Dance Party, Name That Disney Ride, Trivial Pursuit, and others.
• Anything else? Laundry facilities are available next to both pools.

All-Star Music Piano Pool.

All-Star Music Calypso pool.

All-Star Music poolside bar: Singing Spirits.

All-Star Music Calypso laundry and locker rooms.

Typical poolside activities.

ALL-STAR SPORTS

• How many pools are there? Two.
• What is the pool themeing? The main pool Surfboard Bay pool is shaped like an amorphous, watery blob. The smaller Grand Slam pool is shaped like a baseball diamond, with Goofy on a mid-pool mound shooting a water cannon.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is one shallow kiddie pool. As you’re walking away from the main building, it’s just past the Surfboard Bay pool.
• Are there water slides? No.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes, but it’s not at the pool area. Find the playground between guest room buildings six and seven.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Team Spirits bar is next to the Surfboard pool. For a full menu, go inside Stadium Hall to the End Zone Food Court. There are no food options near the Grand Slam pool.
• Are there showers at pool? Yes. There are locker rooms with showers near both pools.
• Are there hot tubs? No.
• Are there towels available at the pool? No. You are welcome to use the towels from your room while you’re at the pool.
• How deep is the pool? The Grand Slam pool is five feet at its deepest point. The Surfboard pool is four feet, six inches at its deepest point.
• Is there are zero entry pools? No.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the Grand Slam pool area. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Bucket Ring toss, Musical Dots, Disney Pictionary, Dance Party, Are You Smarter Than?, Disney Charades, and others.
• Anything else? Laundry facilities are available next to both pools.

All-Star Sports Surfboard pool.

All-Star Sports Surfboard Bath House, with laundry and locker facilities.

All-Star Sports poolside bar: Team Spirits.

All-Star Sports Grand Slam pool.

ART OF ANIMATION

• How many pools are there? Three.
• What is the pool themeing? The main Big Blue Pool is Finding Nemo themed. The Big Blue themeing extends to event the underwater areas of the pool – you can hear Finding Nemo character dialog and music, but only underwater. The smaller pools are the Flippin’ Fins pool in the Little Mermaid section and the Cozy Cone pool in the Cars section.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is no kiddie pool, but the Schoolyard Sprayground is a water play area specifically designed for small children.
• Are there water slides? No.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes. The Righteous Reef Playground is adjacent to the Schoolyard Sprayground.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Drop Off pool bar is next to the Big Blue pool. For a full menu, go inside Animation Hall to the Landcape of Flavors Food Court. There are no food options near the Flippin’ Fins or Cozy Cone pools.
• Are there showers at pool? Yes. There are locker rooms with showers near all pools.
• Are there hot tubs? No.
• Are there towels available at the pool? No. You are welcome to use the towels from your room while you’re at the pool.
• How deep is the pool? All three pools are four feet, eleven inches at their deepest point.
• Is there are zero entry pools? Yes. The Big Blue pool has zero entry access. This can function as additional kiddie swim space.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? Yes. All activities take place at the Big Blue pool area. There are two poolside ping-pong tables. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Bingo, Water Basketball, Parachute Games, Arts & Crafts, What Are the Disney Lyrics, and others.
• Anything else? Laundry facilities are available next to all pools. Also note that the pools here are surrounded by low gates. These gates are sometimes propped open, but they do somewhat limit water access to small, fast-moving children.

Art of Animation Flippin’ Fins pool.

Art of Animation, zero entry end of the Big Blue pool.

Art of Animation, Big Blue pool from the other side.

Art of Animation Spraygroud children’s water play area.

Art of Animation poolside bar: The Drop Off.

Art of Animation, poolside arts & crafts.

Art of Animation, nighttime at the Cozy Cone pool. ©Disney

POP CENTURY

• How many pools are there? Three.
• What is the pool themeing? The main Hippy Dippy pool is 60s themed and shaped vaguely like a flower with flower-shaped posts spraying water into the pool. The smaller pools are the Bowling pool, shaped like a bowling pin, in the 50s section, and rectangular Computer pool in the 90s section.
• What’s the kiddie pool situation? There is a shallow kiddie pool with fountain-like features located adjacent to the Hippy Dippy pool. Additionally, there is a small Goofy-themed spray area near the Hippy Dippy pool.
• Are there water slides? No.
• Is there a nearby playground? Yes, but it’s not at the pool area. Find the Goofy Pop playground behind guest building #5.
• What’s the nearest food option? The Petals pool bar is next to the Hippy Dippy pool. For a full menu, go inside Classic Hall to the Everything Pop Food Court. There are no food options near the Computer or Bowling pools.
• Are there showers at pool? Yes. There are locker rooms with showers near all pools.
• Are there hot tubs? No.
• Are there towels available at the pool?No. You are welcome to use the towels from your room while you’re at the pool.
• How deep is the pool?All three pools are four feet, nine inches at their deepest point.
• Is there are zero entry pools? Only the kiddie pool is zero entry.
• Are poolside cabanas available? No.
• Are there poolside activities? All activities take place at the Hippy Dippy pool area. There are is one poolside ping-pong table. Schedules may vary seasonally, but recently there were planned events from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. every afternoon, plus a movie under the stars in the evening. Events may include: Goofy Bingo, Beach Ball Blast, Photo Scavenger Hunt, Wacky Bowling, Notable Quotes, and others.
• Anything else? Laundry facilities are available next to both pools.

Pop Century Computer pool.

Pop Century Hippy Dippy pool.

Pop Century zero entry kiddie pool with fountains.

Stay tuned soon for Part Three: The Moderate Resort Pools.

Get to Know the Disney World Pools, Part Two: The Value Resort Pools is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

While the theme park attractions may be the reason that people come to Walt Disney World, often the reason they stay at Walt Disney World is the hotel pool. All of the Disney World hotels have at least one, if not several, pools on site, many of which have elaborate themeing, kiddie play zones, or other enticements that can make a day at the resort just as fun as a day at the parks.

Zero entry pool at the Polynesian.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be doing some deep water exploration of the pool situation at Walt Disney World. So put on your swim fins, folks, and get ready to dive in.

What’s the overall pool situation like at the Disney World resorts?

While all Disney hotels have pools, there is a great deal of variation between the resorts in the size, atmosphere, and amenities of the pools at each location. The pools range from basic water-in-the-ground (albeit with colorful themed elements) at the All Star Resorts, to a de facto mini water park, with multiple slides, sandy play areas, and a lazy river at the Yacht & Beach Clubs.

Some resorts have elaborate interactive water play zones for children, some have hot tubs, some have deluxe cabana rentals, some have quiet pools for restful relaxation, some have zero entry approaches to the water. Sometimes these features, or the lack thereof, can have a big impact on your vacation enjoyment.

In a future post, I’ll get into the specific set-up at each hotel, but for now we’ll cover issues that apply to the pools in general.

Life vests available to borrow poolside at the Pop Century resort.

Should the pool situation play a factor in my decision about where to stay during my Disney vacation?

Maybe. I consider this to be a bit like the “Is It Worth It?” question. The answer will be very different depending on your interests and needs. Before factoring the pool into your resort choice decision, consider the following questions:

• Am I planning a non-park day during my vacation?
• Do I swim for exercise?
• What’s the weather generally like during my travel dates?
• Do I like to swim to cool down or play? Do my kids?
• Do I like water slides? Do my kids?
• Do my kids like to play in water, but not swim?
• Do I like to sunbathe near a pool? If so, do I prefer a certain type of view or noise level?
• Do I like to unwind in a hot tub?

Personally, I let the pool situation influence my resort choice when I stay at WDW with my kids in the summer. If I’m on my own or we’re traveling during the winter, the pool plays no role in my resort choice.

Water slide at Port Orleans French Quarter.

Are there indoor pools at Walt Disney World?

No. All the Disney-owned hotels only have outdoor pools.

Are there lap pools at Walt Disney World?

No. There are no pools at Disney-owned hotels that have measured or divided lanes. There are a few pools at WDW which are long enough that you could get something approximating an exercise-worthy rhythm going. However, it’s rare that you would not find your swim path obstructed by other guests.

There are lap pools at the non-Disney-owned Swan and Dolphin resorts. If lap swimming is important to you, you may want to consider staying there or at an off-site location.

Are there diving boards at the Disney hotel pools?

No, there are no diving boards at Walt Disney World. Even diving off the side of the pool is prohibited.

Are the pools open in the winter?

Yes, year round.

Mobility assistance pool entry chair at POFQ.

What is the water temperature like?

The pools are heated throughout the year to a uniform 82 degrees Fahrenheit. You can swim in warm water even when the outdoor temperature is chiiiilly. I have often seen energetic children having a grand time splashing in the Disney pools while their parents huddle on the deck in layers of sweatshirts.

Are there weather conditions that force pool closures?

The pools will temporarily close if there are lightning strikes in the area. They remain open if there is rain without lightning. Very rarely, they will close for air temperature reasons, like if the outdoor temperature won’t be getting out of the 40s during the day. And of course if there are hurricane warnings, guests will be kept away from the pools. Generally there will be just a handful of days per year with full-day, weather-related pool closures. It’s unlikely that you’d have any desire to swim on those days anyway.

Do the pools have specific hours?

Early morning calm at the Bay Lake Towers pool.

Yes, most do. These can vary based on the resort location, the type of pool, the time of year, and a number of other factors. For the most part, you can expect that the pool at your resort will be open from at a minimum from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Usually, there are longer hours (earlier and later) for at least one pool per resort. The hours during the time of your visit will be posted on signage around the pool, or you can stop by the front desk of your hotel to inquire. Please note that the lifeguard hours may be shorter than the pool hours. This information will be posted on signage near the pool. Generally any bonus water features, such as slides or whirlpools, will be turned off or shuttered while lifeguards are not on duty.

I want to have a late night dip after a long day in the theme parks, is this possible?

Often yes. Particularly during the summer, pools hours are extended until 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m., or even later. Again, lifeguard hours may be different than pool hours.

So what is the lifeguard situation like at Walt Disney World?

Private rental cabanas poolside at the Grand Floridian

Disney takes lifeguard training seriously. The guards have extensive education in water safety and rescue. You’ll find that the resort feature pools are staffed with several lifeguards for a minimum of eight hours per day (usually longer), year round. There will be guards posted at the bottom of slide areas and at multiple points around the perimeter of the feature pool.

There are generally not lifeguards at the resort quiet pools or spas. Information to this effect is posted poolside.

Personally, I’ll let my own children (young teens) go on their own to the resort feature pool when the lifeguards are on duty, but I won’t let them go to a non-guarded pool without adult supervision. Smaller children will need more attention.

I’m concerned about my child “escaping” and running into the pool while we’re not looking. Are the pools gated?

Generally not. There are a few resorts that have low gates around some of their pools, but at most locations it’s very easy to access the water areas. Be sure to keep an eye on the little ones whenever you’re outdoors at your Disney resort, particularly during non-lifeguard hours.

Pool hours are updated daily.

Can I use the pool at a resort other than the one I’m staying at?

Using another resort’s pool is called, in Disney lingo, “pool-hopping” and it is generally not allowed.

So pool-hopping is allowed sometimes?

On rare occasion, yes. Some of the situations in which you would be allowed to pool-hop are:

• Guests of the All Star Resorts may use any pool at any of the All Star hotels.
• Guests of Port Orleans Riverside may use the pools at Port Orleans French Quarter, and vice versa.
• If the main feature pool at your resort is closed for maintenance, you may be granted access to the pools at another nearby resort. If this situation occurs, you will be given notice in your room and specific permission to hop.
• Members of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) can hop to the pools at other DVC resorts. Note that there are frequent blackout dates and that guests may never hop to the Yacht & Beach Club or Animal Kingdom Lodge pools. No word yet on what the policy will be regarding the new DVC construction at the Grand Floridian.

I’m staying at the Pop Century Resort. Does this mean that I can’t use the pools at the nearby Art of Animation resort?

That’s correct. There are no pool-hopping privileges between the Pop and AoA.

How will they know if I’m pool hopping?

In some cases, like at the All Stars, no one would know if you hopped there. However, at resorts with more popular or elaborate pools, there are security measures in place. At Stormalong Bay, the giant pool shared by the Yacht & Beach Club resorts, there are attendants at the pool entrance gates. You have to show your room key in order to enter the pool area. You may be given a wristband for repeated entries. At other resorts, the pool gates require an electronic key swipe indicating that you are a guest of that hotel.

I’m staying in the Disney Vacation Club villa part of a resort. Can I use the main hotel pools or just the pools in the villa area?

You can use ALL the pools at the resort at which you are registered. So, for example, Beach Club guests are welcome to use the main Stormalong Bay Beach Club pool, not just the small villa pool.

What is a zero-entry pool?

Picture walking into the ocean; this is what a zero entry pool is like. The pool starts with no harshly defined edge. There is simply an incline into the water which starts at zero and gradually increases to a more severe angle. Instead of having to jump in or go down stairs or a ladder to enter pool, you just walk in.

Why should I care whether my pool has zero entry?

Lifeguard overseeing the slide dump area at Coronado Springs.

Zero entry can be helpful for guests with mobility issues. Water-capable wheelchairs may be rolled directly into the pool, allowing access without the need to step down or up for swimming.

Many guests with younger children also like zero entry pools because little ones can have the fun of being at the big pool without actually going in very deep. Of course, this also requires extra vigilance because although the pool starts out with minimal depth, it does increase precipitously.

What happens if I have a mobility handicap and am staying at a resort without a zero-entry pool? Can I still swim?

Yes, absolutely. All the pools at Walt Disney World are now equipped with chair lift devices which can lower guests into the pool, with no need to step down. See any lifeguard for assistance with the device.

I’m visiting Walt Disney World with a toddler. Are there baby pools at the Disney resorts?

All of the resorts have some sort of low-depth pool area that’s appropriate for the smallest children. In some cases this does take the form of a traditional baby pool. At others, the low-depth area is part of the main pool.

My child is still in diapers. Is there an age cutoff for them to use the main pool?

Swim diaper tips.

No. You’re welcome to bring even an infant into any of the pools at Walt Disney World. However, Disney does require the use of swim diapers for diaper-age children.

My child is used to swimming with water wings. Can he do that at the Disney pools?

Go ahead and bring the wings. There are no specific prohibitions against personal floatation devices at the Disney pools. Several of the pools have nearby shops that sell water wings, pool noodles and the like. However, while they are not banned outright, you may want to avoid bringing large rafts to small pools. If your raft interferes with other guests, then you may be asked to remove it from the pool. That being said, several of the larger Disney resort pools do rent inner tubes or rafts by the hour or the day. When in doubt, use the rental.

If you’re not sure about whether your child might need floatation assistance, you should know that all the Disney resorts stock a supply of life vests right next to the pool.

Is there a rental fee for life vests?

Nope. They’re free to borrow while you’re in the pool area.

What sizes do the Disney life vests come in?

• Infant/child: Weight less than 30 lbs.
• Child: Weight 30-50 lbs.
• Youth: Weight 50-90 lbs.

Are there life vests available for adults?

Life vests free to borrow at the pool.

Yes. Some special needs or reluctant swimmer adults may need or want access to a floatation vest during their Disney visit. The resorts that have attached boating and marina recreation areas also have adult-size life vests already on hand. Simply go over to the marina area to request one. There is no charge to borrow the vest, but you may need to leave your room key or driver’s license until the vest is returned. If you need an adult vest and you’re not staying at a resort with a marina, speak to the front desk of your hotle and they will often be able to borrow one from another hotel.

Do you have sizing information for the adult vests?

Here you go:

• Adult XS: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 31-34 in.
• Adult S: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 34-37 in.
• Adult M: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 37-40 in.
• Adult L: Weight more than 90 lbs. Chest size 40-43 in.
• Adult XL: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 43-46 in.
• Adult XXL: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 46-48 in.
• Additionally, there may be a small supply of even larger vests. Inquire at your resort.

You said that some resorts sell pool noodles. How much do they cost?

Pool noodles for sale at The Mara, the quick service restaurant adjacent to the main pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Prices may change, but currently (spring 2013) they are about $4.00 each.

I typically fly to Walt Disney World and my daughters love swimming with noodles, so we usually end up buying three or four during family trips. We can’t bring them back on the plane, so we consider this a sunk cost and leave them at Walt Disney World. If we’re pressed for time, we leave them in the room with a note for the housekeeper to take them. But if we’re in Good Samaritan mode, we’ll bring them down to the pool area and gift them to another family. It’s an easy way to Pixie Dust it forward.

Are other types of toys OK in the pools?

Generally, yes. The resort gift shops usually sell some basic toys that would be appropriate for water use such as rubber duckies and bucket & shovel sets. A few resorts even serve some of their children’s quick service meals in fun plastic buckets. I’ve also sometimes brought something like a whiffle ball for playing catch in the pool with my kids. As long as you’re not disturbing other guests, you’ll be fine.

In my experience, kids with pool toys become very popular with other kids in the pool who want to play too. If you’re traveling with an only child and want him to have some age cohort interaction during your vacation, a nice strategy is to bring some extra toys to the pool. Chances are he’ll make a buddy.

How deep are the Disney World pools?

This varies from resort to resort, but generally the deepest part of the main pool will be about four and a half feet deep. There are some exceptions to this that I’ll talk about when I get to resort specifics. None of the pools have a real “deep end.”

My resort has a pool slide. Is there an age or height requirement for this?

Pool-hopping is usually a no-no.

There are no posted age or height requirements for the resort slides. However, all guests must be able to go down the slide completely on their own. No lap-riding is allowed. Given child confidence levels, this typically means that the very youngest guests on the kiddie-size slides will be about 2-3 years old and the youngest guests on the big-size slides will be about 4-5 years old.

How deep is the water at the bottom of the pool slide?

This varies slightly from resort to resort, but the typical depth at the base of the slide is about three and a half feet.

My child wants to go down the slide, but he doesn’t have great swimming skills, do you have any suggestions?

Well, there are those life vests at all the pools. If it makes you or your child feel more comfortable, go ahead an have him wear a vest.

You can also wait for your child at the bottom of the slide. The lifeguards won’t let you stand directly in front of the slide dump point (sometimes those kiddos come down FAST), but you can stand a few feet to the side and move to intercept them within a second or two of their arrival in the water.

If you’re not 10,000% sure that your child is ready to slide, use two adults for the first few runs: one at the top of the slide as the escort (who will slide down after the child) and one at the bottom as the “catcher.” I once ran into a situation where I was set at the bottom of the slide to “catch” and sent my daughter (age five at the time) up the stairs to the top of the slide on her own. She chickened out at the top, started crying, and became frozen. This was obviously not my finest parenting moment. We eventually got it sorted out thanks to a sympathetic cast member, but for years after that my kids only went on the big slides when both parents could be involved in the process.

Rules are posted next to every water slide.

Are there any other slide rules to be aware of?

Slide rules include:

• Only one rider may enter the slide at a time.
• Slide feet first only, either sitting upright or lying on your back.
• Keep hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the slide at all times.
• Do not stand, kneel, or rotate while on the slide.
• Upon entering the pool at the bottom of the slide, swim immediately clear of the slide.

Will there be a hot tub at my hotel?

Disney calls them “spas” but in my mind they’re hot tubs. Whether or not you’ll have a hot tub at your resort depends on where you’re staying. There are no spas at the value resorts. Most, but not all, of the moderate and deluxe resorts have spas.

How hot are the Disney hot tubs?

The hot tubs are set to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can my kids use the hot tub?

There’s no age requirement. Kids can, and do, use the hot tubs. However, children under age twelve are required to have adult supervision when using the spas.

Is there food available at the Disney resort pools?

A hot tub at the Old Key West resort.

All the resorts have at least one pool with a nearby bar. The bars serve soft drinks, beer, wine, and some mixed drinks. Most have some specialty fruity/frosty option that can be had in both virgin and alcoholic versions. A few resorts do have hot food like burgers and fries available, but most only serve a limited menu of cold food items such as prepared salads, sandwiches, and chips. If you’re staying at a resort that offers room service, another option is to have items from the room service menu delivered to the pool.

Are there towels provided at the pool?

It depends on where you’re staying. There are towels provided at the moderate and deluxe resorts, but usually not at the value resorts. Check out our full report on the towel situation at Walt Disney World.

What exactly is a “quiet pool?”

All the Disney resorts have at least one pool with an adjacent bar.

Every resort has a “feature pool” where the action happens. That’s the place with splash zones, squirty things, slides, recreation, games, etc. Most resorts have at least one other pool which Disney folks call the “quiet pool.” You don’t have to be silent there, and children are certainly welcome to take a dip, but it is the place to be a bit more subdued in your activities. There should be no music, ball-playing, or other raucous behavior. If you’re an adult wanting to take a poolside nap, find your resort’s quiet pool.

Again, note that there are usually no lifeguards at the quiet pools, so be extra vigilant if you’re there with children.

I forgot my child’s swim goggles. Can I get replacements on site?

Yes. The Disney gift shops are very well stocked. You should be able to find children’s goggles, swim diapers, sunscreen, cover-ups, flip-flops, and even swimsuits on property. The selection won’t be large, but you’ll find the basics.

What’s the scoop on saving poolside lounge chairs for my family?

Every Disney resort has scheduled poolside activities.

It’s pretty much a no-no. If you’re heading to the pool first and your family will be five minutes behind you, then go ahead and snag a row of chairs together. But if you’re going to be away from the pool for more than half an hour or so, take your stuff with you and give another family a chance to enjoy the view.

I’m planning to spend the whole day at the pool and really want to relax, any tips?

Well, a few of the deluxe resorts have poolside cabanas. These are stocked with comfy chairs, a TV and music hook-ups, a small refrigerator stocked with water, fresh towels, and waiter service. They’re pricey, but may be worth it if you reeeeally want to relax. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations and additional information.

Is there anything to keep my kids occupied at the pool besides, you know, swimming?

Absolutely! When you check into your Disney resort, you’ll be given a recreation schedule which includes poolside activities. Typically, there will be programming at the pool from about 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. until about 5:00 p.m. Activities may include hula hooping contests, trivia games, Name That Disney Tune, chalk art, rubber ducky races, and dance parties. Any of which may be accompanies by lots of music and uber-happy cast members rallying the guests to play.

Additionally, there are playgrounds next to many of the resort pools, as well as ping pong tables and a few outdoor billiards tables.

With all that activity, aren’t the pools noisy?

Poolside ping pong at Bay Lake Tower.

In a word, yes. My kids seem to love it, but personally, I find the main feature pools to be quite noisy in the afternoons. This is not a big deal if I’m there to play with my children, but if I’m in work-on-my-tan-with-a-trashy-novel mode, then the main feature pool is not my happy place.

Will the noise impact me if my hotel room is near the pool?

Possibly. If your room directly faces a feature pool, you may hear pool party noise in the afternoon. This is not optimal if you or your child is planning a mid-day nap. Perhaps take this into consideration if you’re making a room request.

Also, all guests should be aware that any poolside noise they make at any time of day may impact other guests. If you’re taking an evening swim, please remember that all around you there are parents trying to get their little ones to sleep.

I see that many of the resorts are situated on lovely lakes. Can I swim in the lake instead of the pool?

Sorry, no. None of the resorts allow lake swimming. In some spots, you can wade in up to your ankles or so, but go in any further than that and harbor patrol will be all over you.

Why can’t you swim in the lakes?

Shower in the ladies restroom near the pool at All Star Music.

Over the years, I’ve heard a number of different explanations for this: evil algae, hungry alligators, nefarious snakes, and the presence of too much boat traffic. The reality is probably some combination thereof, plus the fact that there is no lifeguard presence in the lakes. They’re looking out for your safety; don’t swim in the lakes.

I want to keep my stuff safe at the pool. Are there nearby lockers?

The best way to keep your belongings safe is to leave them back in your room, but of course you will need to bring a few basics to the pool with you such as your room key and possibly a little cash. If you’d like to lock this up, most resorts do have coin-operated lockers located near the main feature pool. There are generally not lockers near the quiet pools.

Are there showers near the resort pools?

Yes. All the resorts have outdoor shower spouts can use to rinse off sand/grime before getting into the pool. Additionally, most of the resorts have 2 to 4 real showers in one of the poolside restrooms. These have privacy curtains and soap/shampoo dispensers affixed to the wall. (Well, I’m describing the situation in the women’s rooms; I assume that the men’s situation is the same.) Many, but not all, of the shower areas I surveyed had wall mounted hairdryers nearby.

These showers are a great resource if you’d like to spend part of your last day at Walt Disney World at the pool. Since check-out time is 11:00 a.m., you won’t have access to the shower in your room after that time. With the pool restroom showers, you can spend last-day time swimming and then rinse off the chlorine before heading to the plane. And remember, the bell services desk at your resort will be happy to hold your luggage for you.

The poolside showers can also be a resource for guests with lots of adults staying in one room. Sometimes the one-bathroom-for-five-women thing is tricky. Send someone down to shower at the pool and you’ll get out the door much more quickly.

I’m traveling with someone with a mobility issue. Can the poolside showers accommodate them?

Please observe the pool rules.

Yes. If your resort has poolside showers, then at least one of them will be handicapped accessible with grab bars and in-shower seating.

I’m having Orlando-area friends visit me at my hotel. Can they use my resort’s pool? What about members of my extended traveling party who are staying at another resort? Can they swim with me?

This one is tricky.

First of all, you’re always welcome to have visitors at your Disney resort. If they’re using Disney transportation to get to your hotel, then you don’t need to inform anyone of your plans to have guests. However, if your visitors are driving to your hotel, you may want to alert the front desk so that there are no issues with parking.

As for guests using your resort’s pool, it really depends on where you’re staying. At most hotels, there’s no problem with this. For example, at the All Stars, there’s no gate and no one checking IDs at the pool. You should obviously be cognisant of not allowing your friends to disrupt the enjoyment of paying guests, but if grandma wants to splash in the pool with your daughter for an hour, I say “Go For It.”

At resorts with cast attendants at the pool gates, you may have trouble with having guests join you for a swim. Often cast at these resorts will ask to see resort IDs for every member of your party, even children. In order to have a guest join you here, you’ll need to get permission from the front desk of the hotel. They may issue your guest a temporary ID card or some other form of pass. Please beware that this may not always be possible, so don’t promise grandma a swim in Stormalong Bay before double checking.

Any other rules I should know about?

Just the usual stuff: No glass bottles near the pool. Don’t drink the pool water. Supervise your children.

Basically, use your common sense and you’ll be fine.

Are there better or worse resort pools for my infant/toddler/preschooler/child/teen?

This is another subjective call. Stay tuned for Part Two where I’ll discuss the specific pool situation at each resort. Once you have that information, you’ll be able to make a better decision for your family.

Happy swimming!

UPDATE: Here is part two of the series: Get to Know the Disney Value Resort Pools
UPDATE: Here is part three of the series: Get to Know the Disney Moderate Resort Pools

Get to Know the Disney World Pools, Part One is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Pack 'n Play already in my DVC room closet.

Every Walt Disney World resort hotel room has a posted maximum guest capacity. For example, the standard value resort rooms allow up to four guests to stay there. However, the fine print also states that you can add an additional guest to the room if it is a child under the age of three sleeping in a crib. In most cases, the crib that child will be sleeping in is a Graco brand Pack ‘n Play.

Here’s what you need to know about the Pack ‘n Play and the “sleeping in a crib” part of your Walt Disney World stay with a baby.

What exactly is a Pack ‘n Play?

The Graco Pack ‘n Play is what Amazon.com calls a play yard, and what many grandmas would call a play pen. The actual surface that the baby sleeps on is just a few inches off the ground. It is not a proper crib.

What is the mattress like?

The mattress is about an inch thick, with minimal padding. While this may not seem particularly comfy for us, it does conform to American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for infant sleep surfaces.

What are the dimensions of the Pack ‘n Play?

The Pack ‘n Play is approximately 39″ long x 28″ wide x 29″ high.

I don’t really have a sense of what that means. Is it big enough for my child?

Assembly instructions printed right on the mattress. Available in English and Spanish.

There’s really no need to guess or wonder about this. The Graco Pack ‘n Play is an extremely common item. It is available at nearly every baby retailer on the planet. Pop into your local Babies R Us, Walmart, Target, or specialty shop and you’re bound to find a few on the showroom floor. Similarly, if you have friends with young children, it’s quite likely that one of them will have a Pack ‘n Play stuck in a closet somewhere. Find a demo model, pop your baby into it for a second, and see if he or she looks like the fit is good.

Please note that the Disney-provided Pack ‘n Plays are the bare bones model. There are no bassinet or changing table inserts available.

It looks like it would work, but I’m not really sure. I don’t want to be stuck with something suboptimal on vacation. What do I do?

Like I said, Pack ‘n Plays are everywhere. Put out some feelers, and I bet you’ll find a neighbor with one you can borrow for a few days. Try a couple of nights of practice at home.

Does Disney provide sheets/pillows/blankets for the Pack ‘n Play?

First step. Unhook the Velcro and remove the mattress.

Disney will provide a properly size basic sheet. That’s it. Again, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies have no pillows, bumpers, or other loose materials with them at sleep time. However, if you have a toddler who sleeps with some comfort items, you should be prepared to bring these from home.

What are the provided sheets like?

This may vary slightly from resort to resort, but in my experience, the vast majority of Pack ‘n Play sheets provided by Disney have a busy Mickey Mouse pattern on them. If you feel this may be too stimulating for your child, plan to bring your own. The Pack ‘n Plays use a standard 27″ x 30″ play yard sheet. Also, in my opinion, the quality of the Disney-provided sheets is not spectacular. To me, it feels like a fairly rough poly blend. If you want your child to have all cotton or a fine thread count, bring your own.

One word of caution: If you are going to use your own Pack ‘n Play sheet from home, you may want to remove it from the crib and place it in a drawer when you go out for the day. Your mousekeeper may not understand that the sheet is your property and might inadvertently send it to the laundry with the other linens.

Step two. Stand the Pack 'n Play right side up.

I’m going to need a Pack ‘n Play during my stay? Should I request this in advance?

If you’re staying at a Disney Vacation Club Villa, either paying with cash or using DVC points, there is no need to make a request. There will already be a Pack ‘n Play stored in a closet in your room.

If you’re staying in a regular resort room, then you probably should make the request in advance. You can either do this online or on the phone when you make your room reservation. You can also add the request at a later date by calling 407-W-DISNEY.

Ack, I forgot to make a request in advance. What should I do?

No worries. The advance Pack ‘n Play request is really a courtesy for Disney. If you forget to let them know in advance, just tell the clerk at the registration desk that you need a crib when you’re checking in. Have no fears that they will run out of Pack ‘n Plays. They have billions of them.

Will the Pack ‘n Play already be in my room when I walk in for the first time?

Step three. Push down on the center of the mattress and lock the side rails into place.

If you’re staying in a villa room, there will be Pack ‘n Play folded in a closet. If you’re in a regular room, it’s unlikely that the Pack ‘n Play will already be there when first walk in. This is true even if you’ve made an advance request. Disney rooms are often not officially assigned until the guest actually arrives. If you request a crib upon registration (or remind them of a previous request), then the check in clerk can have the Pack ‘n Play sent up immediately. Usually this will take something on the order of 15 minutes. If it takes more than half an hour, make a follow-up call to either housekeeping or the front desk.

It’s good manners to offer a tip to the bellman or housekeeper who brings the Pack ‘n Play to your room.

Do I have to set up the Pack ‘n Play myself?

Step four. Place the sheet on the mattress and put it on the bottom of the Pack n' Play. Easy peasy.

If you’re staying in a DVC villa room, yes, you will. There are directions on how to do this printed right on the Pack ‘n Play itself. My husband would freely admit that he has absolutely no skill assembling furniture of any kind, and he can easily “build” a Pack ‘n Play by himself in under a minute.

If you’re having housekeeping bring a Pack ‘n Play to your standard hotel room, then you could ask them to set it up for you. If they do this, offer a tip.

Is there a fee to get a Pack ‘n Play in my room?

No. There is no charge for guest use of the Pack ‘n Play cribs.

How much space will a Pack ‘n Play take up in my hotel room?

Do the math and you’ll find that the footprint of the Pack ‘n Play is about seven and a half square feet. A typical value resort room is 260 square feet, meaning that the Pack ‘n Play takes up about 3% of the room. At first glance this doesn’t seem like much, but once you take away the closet and bathroom space, the foot prints of the furniture, and any other large gear you’ll be storing in the room (double stroller, anyone?) and the tiny play yard can quickly feel like a big deal.

One foot ruler in the Pack n' Play to give a size reference.

Take a peek at this excellent visual of room size comparisons and you’ll get a better feel for how much space a Pack ‘n Play will really consume in each room type. Obviously, the smaller the room, the larger the imposition will be. I mention this because even though technically you can put two adults, two medium sized kids, and a baby in a Pack ‘n Play into a room at All Star Sports, the reality is that you’ll feel VERY cramped if you do so.

Any tricks to making the Pack ‘n Play seem less intrusive?

There’s not much you can do in the standard value resort rooms. The Pack ‘n Play will just be there. The moderate resort rooms typically have a sliding door panel or curtain that separates the main living area from the bathroom area. Some guests choose to place the Pack ‘n Play behind that panel to give the illusion that the crib is in another “room.” Of course, if you have to use the bathroom, you’ll end up in the baby’s space with the possible risk of waking him or her. Deluxe resort rooms are often large enough so that find a fairly unobtrusive corner for the crib.

I have twins. Can I get two Pack ‘n Plays in my room?

As long as you’re within the stated room capacity, then yes, you generally can have more than one Pack ‘n Play in your room. I am the mom of twins myself. There were a few WDW trips we took when both my twins did sleep in their own Disney-provided Pack ‘n Plays. In each of these cases, we stayed in deluxe level rooms. Even then we felt a bit cramped. Of course, in addition to the two Pack ‘n Plays we also had a double stroller for the twins, and a single stroller for their big sister, plus lots of other random childcare related gear. In my opinion, if you have young twins, spring for a value resort family suite or a moderate resort room at the very least.

The one foot ruler from another perspective.

My baby has trouble sleeping in the same room as me and/or I have trouble sleeping in the same room as my baby.

Check out our hotel room sleep strategies for some ideas, but in general if either you or your child is a particularly light sleeper, then you should consider a situation where you’ll be able to sleep in separate rooms. These include the family suites at either the Art of Animation or All Star Music value resorts; a one, two, or three bedroom villa at a Disney vacation club resort; a suite at a moderate or deluxe resort; a Fort Wilderness cabin; or off-property accommodations.

I’ve tried to get my baby to sleep in a Pack ‘n Play and it’s just not happening. Are there alternatives?

Yes, SOME of the Disney resorts MIGHT have a few traditional style cribs available for guests to use. My understanding is that these simply do not exist at the value resorts. At the moderate and deluxe resorts, they won’t advertise that traditional cribs are available, but you might get lucky if you ask nicely. Disney will guarantee guests use of a Pack ‘n Play. They will not typically guarantee guests a real crib.

Also, while these may be traditional style (raised off the floor), most will not be full size, and will instead be slightly shorter and narrower than your home crib. This is sometimes known as a hospital-size crib.

Standard warnings. Click to enlarge.

That’s not going to work for me. I need to have a guarantee that my child will have a real crib.

There are number of Orlando area agencies that rent child care equipment, including cribs. If you make a reservation with them, you have a contract that you will have a full-sized crib.

How do get the crib? Do I have to pick it up?

Most rental agencies will deliver and retrieve items from any Walt Disney World resort. Make sure you discuss procedures for this when making your rental.

Will I have to assemble a rental crib?

This may vary from agency to agency, but generally yes. Typically, you will receive all the crib components in your room, but you will have to put it together.

Do you have any recommendations for a crib rental agency?

I have never personally used one of these services, so I feel uncomfortable making a recommendation. I do have several friends on the Disney Parks Moms Panel who have had good luck with A Baby’s Best Friend, so that may be a good place to start, but there are also many other options.

My two-year-old is too big for a Pack ‘n Play, and too mature for a crib, are there toddler bed options at the Walt Disney World hotels?

Not exactly. Many of the deluxe resort rooms include a daybed which would function well with a small child who is used to sleeping on a real mattress. Also some of the moderate and deluxe resorts MIGHT have rollaway cots available. The rollaway situation is akin to the full-sized crib situation; they are stealth items that no one will admit exist. You might be able to ask nicely for one, but chances are you won’t get a guaranteed yes. If you are able to get a rollaway (like a regular twin bed), there will likely be a daily fee for this. I have never personally heard of Disney having low toddler-size beds available.

Hmmm, do you have any other ideas?

Disney does have bed rails available to borrow. Just pop bed rails on the regular room in your bed and you’re good to go. You should request these in advance because there are a limited number in circulation.

Also, A Baby’s Best Friend, and other services will rent toddler beds and deliver them to your hotel.

Alternatively, if you travel a lot and/or have several children, it might make sense for you to invest in your own portable toddler travel bed or cot. Take a peek on Amazon.com for some alternatives. Some of them options may end up costing less money than a temporary rental.

Do you have any photos of the Pack ‘n Play?

Take a look down the side of this post. The Pack ‘n Play pictured was already in the closet of my Bay Lake Tower studio room when I arrived in early 2013. I’ve been a frequent Walt Disney World visitor for 15 years. The Pack ‘n Play pictured here is identical to every other Disney-provided Pack ‘n Play that I’ve seen on property during that entire time.

Fellow travelers, do you have any other questions about the crib situation at Walt Disney World? How did your Pack ‘n Play experience go? Do you have any recommendations for crib or toddler bed rentals? Let us know in the comments below.

The Crib in Your Walt Disney World Hotel Room: Getting to Know the Pack ‘n Play is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

TouringPlans.com is proud to announce another addition to our stable of  eBooks: the Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges eGuide!

Are you unfamiliar with the over 70 bars and lounges found on Walt Disney World property? Are you a frequent visitor who is always on the lookout for hidden gems and new experiences? Do you like pretty pictures? Have you always wanted to try your hand at making Disney cocktails at home? This eBook is for you!

With descriptions and numerical ratings of every single bar at Walt Disney World plus over 400 pictures, this eBook is just another way that TouringPlans.com fully prepares you for any Disney vacation. From the Walt Disney World bar novice to the advanced lounge lizard, this eGuide offers something for everyone! It contains information about history, themes, drinks, and food at every lounge along with wonderful pictures illustrating the highlights. The suggestions and tips in this eGuide will easily pay for themselves as the Bars and Lounges eGuide will help you pick the best bars and make the best selections, saving valuable vacation time!

Another wonderful thing about this eGuide is the 26 cocktail recipes that allow you to continue that Disney vacation feeling from your own home lounge. The recipes are designed to minimize the amount of liquor needed to maximize the value of our drink list.

Cheers!

Purchase Walt Disney World Bars and Lounges on the TouringPlans.com eBooks page! As a thank you for purchasing from our site, we are offering 20% off for a limited time. Use code BARSBLOG20 when you purchase the eBook!

Still need convincing? Check out these sample pages!

WDW Bars and Lounges: A Brand New Touring Plans eGuide! is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

One floor at a time the rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World are getting a makeover. They are leaving the reds and yellows color scheme behind and adopting one with more greens and grays. Last week we got a peek at the new rooms and we have side-by-side comparison photos to show the changes. The pictures on the left are the old style rooms and the right ones are the refurbished rooms. What do you think of the new style?

Refurbished Rooms At Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

In April of 2011, Disney announced Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The initial announcement stated that:

“The story behind these lush rooms is that Princess Tiana (“The Princess and the Frog”) invited some of her royal pals…for a vacation getaway. Princes and princesses of all ages can enjoy their luxurious lodging quarters…”

As expected, many reading the above description anticipated a girly princess explosion. I was personally unsure as to what these Royal Rooms would be like but, as a grown man, I was not as excited about a princess themed room as some others. One “other” that was profoundly more interested in such a theme was my four year old daughter. Therefore I bit the (perceived) sparkly bullet and booked a few nights in a Port Orleans Riverside Royal Guest Room.

What I found when I stepped through the door was an extremely pleasant surprise. Rather than a room covered with glitter and lace, I found a very lavish yet classy room that was much more delicately decorated than I had assumed possible. Using a color palette of primarily gold and blue (royal blue, obviously) and an abundance of woods makes the space feel rich. Although, much like Walt Disney World itself, what makes the room special and different is the details.

The first thing you come upon as you walk through the door is a table and two chairs, just like any Disney moderate resort. This set is different than most in that it sits atop a rather ornate looking base giving it a much more expensive look. Sitting atop the table is a (painted on) letter to you from Princess Tiana herself, welcoming you to her Royal Guest Room.

The curtains are also thicker and more intricately decorated than the standard room variety. The lamp that hangs in the corner is one of my favorite things with its offset chain, delicate metal work, and (of course) Mickey ears. The television cabinet, much like the curtains, is larger with more decoration than a standard room.

Sitting next to the bureau is a cute little stool that looks oddly similar to a certain dog/ottoman from “Beauty and the Beast.” This specific callback is something that repeats throughout the room. The border contains ancillary characters from many princess movies such as Jaque, Gus, Chip, and Sebastian. The faucets in the double vanity specifically recall the Genie’s lamp and the shower curtain displays images of snarfblatts and dinglehoppers. The comforters adorning the queen size beds also show the crowns of several princesses and there is a very familiar looking carpet laying on the floor (see picture above).

Lenticular picture

Along the walls are several pictures that were presumably gifted to Tiana from her princess friends. Our room contained one image of eight princesses with their princes as well as a few close ups of Tiana with one or two other princesses. My favorite thing about all of the pictures is that they are “taken” at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort, so the backdrops are easily recognizable. There were also two pennants with the princes in silhouette, just so we remember they exist too.

The most noticeable wall hanging contains all eight princesses sitting by the Sassagoula River as they present Tiana with gifts (including a clock that looks just like Cogsworth…hopefully it’s just a replica, that guy is a stick in the mud). This picture is done using lenticular printing so their eyes and a few background items move as you move around the room (and this is not as creepy as I just made it sound). The frame of this particular picture is very pretty as well, having a wood carved look adorned with animals and the initials “SW.” Hmmm, I wonder who made it? Probably Stevie Wonder.

I have specifically not mentioned the best part yet, but here it comes. Ready? Good, it is the headboards…there, all done. Okay, okay, I’ll explain. These large headboards stretch from the beds all the way to the ceiling and depict a lovely night image of the Louisiana bayou complete with Evangeline shining in the night sky (you’ve all seen “The Princess and the Frog,” right? You should, it’s quite good). The cool thing about these headboards happen when you press the little button on the side because that starts the fireworks..yes, the fireworks.

Headboard

The wood is perforated with many, many tiny holes hiding LED lights. Upon request (well, pressing the button, asking does nothing), the lights spring to life as a fireworks display being watched by several glittering fireflies. The entire thing lasts about a minute, so it is not always on. Although, if your kids are like mine, they will be on most of the time anyway. (See the picture to the right and the quick video below!)

I know I have been gushing again, and I feel that the gushing is deserved, but not all is perfect with these rooms. For one, they are no bigger than a standard room at Port Orleans Riverside, yet they contain larger pieces of furniture. This makes space just a bit tighter, but sometimes a bit is noticeable.

My larger complaint was the location. The Royal Rooms are only found in the farthest of the two mansion buildings, Parterre Place and Oak Manor. Our room was in Parterre Place, the furthest building. This meant that we had a considerable walk to the food court and the closest bus stop. Each was about 5-10 minutes depending on walk speed (five minutes for me, ten with the kids). Due to the multiple stops at Riverside, we chose to board the bus at the East Depot (the last stop for all but the Magic Kingdom and about the same distance from our room as the South Depot ). The walk across two buildings and their adjoining parking lots took so long it required an overnight stay.

Overall, I would recommend the Royal Rooms to most people, although I would think they still appeal mostly to girls. I would highly recommend requesting Oak Manor (which I unsuccessfully did) as well.

Have you stayed in a Royal Room? Do you want to? Any other thoughts, feelings, hopes, or dreams?

Thanks for reading!

Link to YouTube clip of POR Royal Room Headboard

Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside: A Review is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Like all good Disney fans, I had visited the Wilderness Lodge Resort many times. Unfortunately I had never had the opportunity of staying there. Luckily for me, that changed a few short weeks ago and I got to finally experience the charm of this unique property. What made it even more special was the fact that it was (and still is) Christmas time. What make is more special? If I gave that away now, you wouldn’t read the rest of this.

I am fully aware that my fellow blogger Tom Bricker wrote about the wonders of Wilderness Lodge at Christmas last year. I assume that no one reads his posts and, even if you did, mine are presumably much more entertaining (his pictures may be slightly better than mine…very slightly). Either way, this is a message worth repeating.

Wilderness Lodge has a strange and wonderful trait in that its main building is a gigantic, soaring, multi-story open area, yet can feel quaint, cozy, and remote at the same time. What this trait supplies is an intimate feeling that…well, feels Christmassy. Simply by walking up a few steps can take you from the loud, bustling lobby into a quiet nook with cushy leather chairs and a roaring fire. From there you can warm your chilly parts, relax in comfort, and look down on all the suckers who don’t know how sweet your spot is.

As a born and raised Pennsylvanian, I associate Christmas with cold, snow, heavy coats, blankets, hot cocoa, drinking enough wine that your crazy relatives start to become less annoying…oops, too much sharing. Anyway, it is hard for me to get too into the Christmas spirit in Disney World because it feels weird to be looking a a giant, decorated Christmas tree while I am wearing shorts and sunglasses. At Wilderness Lodge it feels…less weird (that’s high quality wordplay right there).

The reason for the lower weirdness (I think I need a thesaurus) is the fantastic and practically flawless theme of the Wilderness Lodge Resort. More than any other Disney resort, Wilderness Lodge makes me feel like I am at a cabin in a National Park. This is done through the abundance of stone, woodwork, and water as well as the perfectly placed location that makes “civilization” almost unseen. Regardless of the temperature outside, being in the Wilderness Lodge with a roaring fire, listening to the churning water from the in-lobby “geyser” just feels right.

Of course, as with all resorts, Disney does a fantastic job with Christmas decorations at Wilderness Lodge. The towering “icon” tree in the center of the lobby rightfully draws the most attention with its lovely teepee and canoe ornaments. The secondary wreaths, garland, and light strings are often just as pretty and, much like the other side areas, offer a more quaint feeling than the massive centerpiece.

While not as heavily decorated for Christmas, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the outdoor areas of Wilderness Lodge. At any time of the year, wandering amongst the superb rock work, streams, waterfalls, and wildflowers brings peace and serenity. With the often cool (for Florida) mornings of November and December, these simple features can transport you to a faraway location in a western park such as Yellowstone or Yosemite. Much like the little fireplace nooks, there are also small balconies on the fourth and fifth floors that offer breathtaking views, especially at sunup.

Fifth floor lookout

Even if you are not staying at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, I cannot recommend enough stopping by to visit, especially at Christmas time. Give yourself an hour to walk the halls, sit by the fire, gaze at the tree, wander through the rocks, follow the stream, and look out over Bay Lake. It feels a world away from the theme parks, in the best way possible.

Thanks for reading!

If you want even more about the holiday season at Walt Disney World, pick up the Walt Disney World: Holiday Season TouringPlans eGuide 2012, co-written by myself and Tom Bricker. I would suggest a game where you guess who wrote which parts, but it is too easy (mine are the good parts). If you are more of a west coast kind of Disney traveler, there is always the Disneyland: Holiday TouringPlans eGuide 2012, although that is only written by Tom, so fair warning there (I’m kidding, it’s pretty good, just not as good as my writings).  

Seriously, with the steam coming from that building it feels like there should be snow on the ground.

Wilderness Lodge: A Christmas Getaway is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

This is a continuation of a new series taking a comprehensive look at all of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. There will be several posts on each resort looking at pools, dining, shopping, and other amenities.

General Shopping Information

Each of the Beach and the Yacht Club Resorts has one main shop that carries everything from clothing to snacks to toys. They are both located on the first floor, near the center of the respective resort. Much like the resorts themselves, the Beach Club Marketplace is light, airy, and beachy while Fittings and Fairings Clothes and Notions at the Yacht Club is nautically themed with dark woods.

Types of Merchandise (resort specific, essentials, liquor/cigs)

At the Beach Club Marketplace many different items can be found. The normal Disney fare abounds; tee shirts, sweat shirts, pins, etc., there is also a small toy section that includes pool toys. A handful of merchandise that specifically says “Beach Club” can be found at the Marketplace as well as Disney Vacation Club items owing to the Beach Club Villas being part of the complex.

Since the Marketplace is also a quick service dining location, a small number of grocery items such as cereal, water, and microwavable meals can be purchased. This is also a good place to find essentials such as band aids, toothpaste, baby food and a multitude of other items. If liquor, beer, cigarettes, and cigars are also considered essentials, those can be purchased at the Beach Club Marketplace as well.

Although Fittings and Fairings Clothing and Notions at the Yacht Club has a much longer and fancier name, it carries much the same merchandise as the Marketplace. The toys, toiletries, liquor, and tobacco products are essentially the same. There are Yacht Club branded items including very fancy nautical caps for sale. There is also equally fancy Ralph Lauren Polo and Nautica clothing available at Fittings and Fairings.

Beach Club Marketplace

Beach Club Marketplace

Beach Club specific merchandise

Disney Vacation Club merchandise

Fittings and Fairings at the Yacht Club

Fittings and Fairings

Yacht Club specific merchandise

Specialty Shops

While there are no true specialty shops at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, there is a high-style, unisex salon; Periwig’s Beauty and Barber Shop. Hair care items are for purchase although it is undergoing refurbishment at the time of writing.

Resort Information: Yacht and Beach Club – Shopping is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

I am not going to lie to you (normally I would)…I never quite saw the appeal of the Polynesian Resort. While it is true that I had not stayed there since 1984, I have spent a pretty fair amount of time at the tropical resort in the past few years. I spent that time walking around the grounds thinking “it’s nice, but nothing special.” Well, I recently got the opportunity to stay at the Polynesian and am not too proud to admit that I was horribly wrong.

As you should be aware (since you commit all of my musings to memory), I usually enjoy Walt Disney World’s Moderate category hotels if I am looking for an area to explore. I do not feel like the value resorts offer enough interesting details, as I outlined in my Pop Century exploring chapter (although I have not gotten out to see the Art of Animation as of yet). Deluxe resorts, while beautiful, are normally based around one very large building, which means that there are not a lot of outdoor areas to explore.

The moderate resorts are nicely spread out with lots of scenery, landscaping, and architecture in between all the buildings and are generally my choice for my (insanity driven, say most) sunrise walks. You may be able to see where I am going with this…the Polynesian blows this convention away.

The Polynesian combines the best of the deluxe and moderate resorts, with all the amenities and size you would expect in a deluxe room and the outdoor space that you would expect from a moderate. The grounds are filled with winding paths, tropical plants and flowers, and island-inspired buildings that are all extremely interesting.

The subtle colors and simple styles of the longhouses (or buildings, as you and I might call them) are wonderfully contrasted against the colors of the flora. As you approach the beach you begin to come upon palm trees, white sand beaches, and amazing views across Seven Seas Lagoon. Within about 20 minutes you can wander past a marina, through jungle vegitation, and appreciate a panoramic vista that includes the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, and Cinderella Castle. I feel comfortable in saying that there is nowhere else in the world that you can see all of those things so close together (although, in fairness, I have yet to fully explore Des Moines).

If you, like me, enjoy an early morning stroll around a Disney resort, there are tough decisions to make (and not just how to react to the blank, confused stares when you tell people that you wake up at 5:30am on vacation). The colors and fun little tikis along the paths of the Polynesian reflect morning light as well as anything, but the beach is the real place to be. Looking across the water, sand, and palms as the sun rises higher in the sky is an experience I would be happy to have every day for the rest of my life.

Since I am going on and on about the beach, I may as well mention another fantastic time to be there: during fireworks at Magic Kingdom. From the beach at the Polynesian, you are afforded an unimpeded view of the fireworks rising high above the castle. To make the experience even better, the music from the firewoks display is piped through the speakers. It is wonderful to see just how large the fireworks bursts actually are from this unusual vantage point. For an extra bonus, if you plan on seeing the fireworks from the beach, try to be there during the Electrical Water Pageant as well, which also glides right past the Polynesian beach.

While this may be a relatively short post, it is only because words do not adequately describe the aura of the Polynesian Resort. There are a few aspects that jump out as special: the beach, the landscaping, etc., but there is a strange feeling of calmness that is palpable at the Polynesian. Despite being able to see the Magic Kingdom, it feels removed. Despite its age, it feels timeless. Despite my earlier beliefs, it is amazing.

Other Chapters in My Resort Exploring Series

• Caribbean Beach
• Port Orleans
• Pop Century
• Epcot Area Resorts
• “Wilderness” Resorts
• Coronado Springs

Resort Exploring: Vol. 7 – Polynesian is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.