Of course, many Disney World visitors flock to the theme parks for all the fun, but there are so many great ways to stay entertained at your Disney World hotel.

From resort activities and events to eateries and merchandise shops, there are plenty of things to do if you’re hoping to take a break and rest up from the hustle and bustle of the busy parks. What we recommend doing above all else is enjoying the Florida sunshine and taking advantage of the uniquely-themed (and often massive) hotel pools! 

It’s true — Disney World hotel pools have definitely swayed our decision on where to stay a few times in the past. While you don’t have to be staying at a Disney World hotel in order to walk around and experience many of its amenities, you DO have to be staying at a Disney World hotel in order to visit the pool. So, the pool can really impact your decision on where to stay! We ranked the Top 10 Walt Disney World hotel pools, and you can watch that video right here!

It’s also true that some Disney pools are a bit more iconic than others, whether based on theming or amenities.

One fan-favorite pool for many guests is Stormalong Bay, the pool area that Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club share, which features a sand-bottom pool as well as a waterslide that looks like a shipwreck. It’s widely regarded as the best pool on Disney World property, but there are a couple more that we love just as much. 

Riviera Pool

We love Disney’s Riviera Resort for all sorts of reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is access to the Riviera Pool. This family-friendly pool is themed to the French Riviera (like the rest of the hotel) and features elements of the Mediterranean. One of our favorite things here is the water slide that wraps around a tower. Oh, and little ones can enjoy S’il Vous Play, the interactive splash area!

While there is plenty for kids to do, this pool offers a calming atmosphere for the grownups to relax and unwind — almost like you’re really on a Mediterranean getaway. Riviera also has the Beau Soleil Pool, which is just as nice and even more relaxing — more ideal if you’re hoping for a quiet afternoon.

Now that we’ve taken a look at a Deluxe Resort option, let’s check out one of our favorite pools at a Value Resort.

The Big Blue Pool

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is home to some of Disney World’s most elaborately-themed hotel rooms and spaces. Included in that elaborate theming are the pools! Here, there are three swimming pools: Flippin’ Fins Pool, the Cozy Cone Pool, and The Big Blue Pool. The Big Blue Pool is our favorite one here, and is actually the largest pool on Disney World property as it contains over 308,527 gallons of water.

It’s a zero-entry pool, which makes it accessible to even MORE Disney World visitors. Oh, and did we mention that it’s themed to Finding Nemo? Yep! Here, you can chill out alongside giant versions of beloved characters from the film, like Nemo and Crush. Little ones can enjoy Schoolyard Sprayground to interact with pop-up jets and spraying water, while little ones who prefer to stay dry can visit Squirt’s Rightgeous Reef.

And there you have it! If pool time is a non-negotiable for your Disney World vacation, then these two hotel pools are sure to make a splash (sorry, we had to) on your vacation. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and advice, so make sure to follow along so that you don’t miss out! 

Looking for more Disney World pools we love? Slide on over and click here! 

Have you ever been to either of these Disney World pools? Let us know in the comments!

The post 2 Disney World Pools That Will CHANGE Your Hotel Plans first appeared on the disney food blog.