disney yacht club pool stormalong bay

The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Stormalong Bay (With Photos)

Stormalong Bay is the tremendous feature pool area at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. A day spent here might be the best part of your Walt Disney World vacation.

We planned our first stay at Disney’s Beach Club many years ago and fell in love with the entire Epcot Resorts Area during that stay. But what surprised us most was how much we enjoyed the massive pool. We found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time at Stormalong Bay than anywhere else.

On our last vacation day, we completely blew off our park plans and spent the entire day (and evening) at Stormalong Bay. I picked up a paperback novel in the hotel’s gift shop and found a place in the shade to read while my son played with other children at the pool.

Even though the day consisted of small things, like reading a book, it’s still one of my favorite memories. We both know that sometimes the little things become the best memories.

For some, that might be helping your child build a sandcastle at the sand bottom pool. That is until they meet a few pool friends. Soon after, you can return to reading that book. Meanwhile, the children will conspire to meet back at the pool the next day, oblivious to your vacation plans.

Whatever it is, Stormalong Bay has a way of making you want to linger a little longer than expected. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Stormalong Bay. Additionally, we’ve included a video with clips of various pool areas toward the bottom of this article.

Refurbishment Announcement for Stormalong Bay : From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. (This was originally scheduled to end in May of 2025.)

Pool Details for Planning a Day at Stormalong Bay

Stormalong Bay is more of a mini water park than a pool. The pool area is over three acres and holds 750,000 gallons of water. Those areas include a lazy river, multiple whirlpool spas or hot tubs, sand bottom pool areas, waterfalls, a waterslide, a kiddie pool, a sand bar, and a shipwreck, among other things.

It’s important to be aware that Stormalong Bay has deep areas. The various pools range from zero-entry to 8′ (feet) deep. That 8′ deep area is limited to a portion of the lazy river. However, some other pool areas transition from shallow to 4′ and 5′ (feet) deep.

The photo below shows a shallow pool for children at the far end of the pool. A sand bar sits in the center of the pool, where children spend hours building sandcastles. However, looking toward the photo’s center, you’ll notice a hot tub. Then, on the opposite side, steps lead into the lazy river, where it’s immediately 6′ deep and soon after 8′ deep.

Complimentary lifejackets are provided for anyone who needs them. Additionally, lifeguards are stationed across the entire pool deck.

Stormalong Bay is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. during the busier times of the year. Guests of either Disney’s Yacht or Beach Club can access the pool during regular operating hours.

Wristbands are provided at the gate, allowing guests to come and go from the pool. If you want prime seating (AKA by the pool, in the shade, or a table and chairs), you’ll want to rope-drop the pool when it opens.

On our last stay (in mid-August), guests lined up as early as 9:30 a.m. at both pool gates to secure seats. While plenty of chairs are provided at the pool, it’s often one of those scenarios where people throw their items or a towel down and then mysteriously disappear.

Pool hours might be reduced depending on several factors. For instance, when we stayed at the Yacht Club in January, the pool was only open until 10:00 p.m. due to fewer crowds. (We had no trouble finding seats during this time of year.)

Another instance is if you visit on a colder day. The pool might not open until the temperature increases to a certain degree, or if it’s exceptionally cold, it might remain temporarily closed.

However, the pools at Walt Disney World, including Stormalong Bay, are heated to 82 degrees year-round. So when it’s cooler outside, the pool will often feel pleasant, especially in the evenings.

The Sand Bottom Pool

Most of Stormalong Bay’s pool area has a sand bottom. This is soothing, unlike the typical abrasive concrete bottom pools that leave knees scraped.

Stairs in the center of Stormalong Bay lead up to a private alcove.

Here, you’ll find two separate hot tubs nestled among the rocks.

It was so hot in August that the pool water felt like a hot tub. So, no one was using the whirlpools. However, during our stay last winter, they were constantly packed.

Waterfalls cascade down the rocks on both sides of the hot tub area.

Here are a few more photos of this area from various angles.

One side of this area adjoins the lazy river. A rope acts as a divider between the pool area and the lazy river.

Here is a view looking back from the lazy river.

The pool stretches linearly on the opposite side (toward the right). A volleyball net made from pool noodles provides an excellent place to get up a game.

This area is where the afternoon activities for children take place. Those with children (who want to participate in the pool activities) will want to grab a spot on this end of the pool early.

Unfortunately, the pool deck in this area is narrow, so it can be difficult to find a seat. You can tell in the photo below that most of the chairs under umbrellas are already in use. This photo was taken within 15-20 minutes of the pool opening!

Every afternoon, from around 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., recreation cast members provide entertainment. They play pool games like Disney trivia and guess that tune. You might be surprised at how much everyone enjoys it.

As the day shifts to dusk, cast members invite everyone to campfire activities like roasting complimentary marshmallows and watching Movies Under the Stars. Both resorts have a recreation calendar detailing the nightly movie and other specifics.

Past this portion of the pool, the area continues to Bubblin’ Bay and a lagoon with whirling waters.

You’ll find the slide’s exit at the end of this area.

The Lazy River

At the opposite end, we find the lazy river, the deepest pool area. It has several entrances. But you’ll want to remember that some of those entrances lead into 5′ to 8′ deep areas.

It’s not a large lazy river. You can see its entire circular shape in the photo below.

Hurricane Hanna’s , the poolside bar and quick service, sits directly behind the lazy river.

A few clear inner tubes are available for guests to use. Naturally, the river does have a bit of a current that keeps you moving. However, on our last stay, less than ten were available. A good deal of guests were complaining about the lack of tubes.

In case you’re wondering, most of these photos were taken from a large deck on the Crescent Lake side of the pool.

Additional seating is available at the top. However, like everywhere else, it can fill up quickly.

A few coveted spots in the shade are available if you get there early enough. A pool table was also present.

Stormalong Bay Water Slide (The Flying Jib)

From the upper deck, you can see the Stormalong Bay slide. It’s one of the best waterslides at the Disney Resorts . Called The Flying Jib, the slide is in a shipwreck across a walkway from the pool.

The shipwreck sits on the shores of Crescent Lake, so guests have to cross the walkway to get to the slide. The tunnel portion of the slide extends across the walkway from the ship back to the pool area.

Once you cross the path, you’ll climb into the ship and up the spiral staircase to access the slide.

It’s a speedy slide that almost always has a long line!

As far as the shipwreck goes, this is the same area where the nightly Movies Under the Stars are held. Cast members inflate a projection screen in front of the chairs sitting on the beach.

And here is a photo of where guests roast marshmallows each evening.

Kiddie Pool (The Shipwreck Pool)

Most guests have no clue that an additional kiddie pool sits inside the shipwreck. If you never took the time to check out the area, you’d have no idea it existed.

It has a separate kiddie water slide!

No sand is involved at this pool. It’s a fun area.

Sand Bar Kiddie Pool

The other kiddie pool is back on the Yacht Club side of Stormalong Bay. This large wading pool has a sand bottom and a massive mound of sand in its center.

Additionally, Stormalong Bay’s third hot tub resides in this area.

A word of warning: After spending time in this area, young children will probably always remember this trip to the Beach Club. They will always ask to return to that place with the sand pool.

They will not want to leave when it’s time to prepare for your dinner reservation. And if you take them to the pool early on during your vacation, they will continuously ask when you’re going to the pool–even when you’re in the parks. Can you blame them?

Toward the back of the sand bar pool, the area forms another lagoon that’s approximately 3.5′ deep.

It’s a pretty area that looks out to Crescent Lake and Disney’s Boardwalk.

Cabanas at Stormalong Bay

Four cabanas are available to rent at Stormalong Bay. These cabanas are available at 60 days out and sell out quickly. They come with the following amenities:

• A dedicated cast member providing service to the cabanas.
• Cocktail Service
• Ceiling Fan
• Padded furniture, including chairs and a couch
• Television with cable access
• Charging Outlets/USB Ports
• A mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water.
• Fruit Basket/Dessert Tray
• A Cabinet Safe

Find details for cabana reservations and pricing on Disney’s site . Since we stay at these resorts often, we’ve rented a cabana at Stormalong Bay. You might enjoy reading about our experience in this article: Renting a Cabana at Disney World .

Towels, Lockers, and Changing Areas at Stormalong Bay

Before we wrap things up, I wanted to share a few other details that might help you plan time at the pool. For instance, towels are provided at Stormalong Bay. So you shouldn’t need to pack them. Guests can get as many as they need throughout the day.

Additionally, a locker area is available for guests who might need to store a few items while in the pool.

Restrooms are available immediately behind the pool area.

When you enter this covered area to the restrooms, you’ll notice a sign that says showers on the far right-hand side. This area leads to showers and changing areas for men and women. Inside, you’ll find a couple of showers, towels, a bench, and a place to hang items.

Toiletries like body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are available in the shower stall. This area provides a wonderful place to change or freshen up if you have a late flight on your check-out day. You might also use this area to change into your swimsuit if your room isn’t ready on arrival.

Stormalong Bay Video

Here is a video of Stormalong Bay.

Disney’s Stormalong Bay Photos

Here are a few more photos of the pool.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this review of Stormalong Bay provided you with everything you needed to know about the area to plan your vacation. We recommend spending at least one full resort day here during your vacation. Or maybe you can carve out time to spend here every day! We do!

If you want to learn more about the resorts, we have an entire resort guide for Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort . You might also enjoy our guide to the best pools at Disney World . Spoiler: This one’s pretty hard to beat!

Or you might enjoy one of the following hotel reviews. They are all located within the Epcot Resorts Area:

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review
• Disney’s Yacht Club Review
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Review
• Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Review

In the Comments

Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts on Stormalong Bay. Do you have any questions? What are you looking forward to experiencing here?

• Pinterest 43

Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We visit the resorts and parks regularly and would love for you to follow along!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Stormalong Bay Yacht & Beach Club Pool Closing in 2025 for 6-Month Refurbishment

Walt Disney World has announced a pool closure of Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in 2025. This covers dates & details, plus other info about ongoing & upcoming construction work around Crescent Lake, recommendations for those planning vacations during this timeframe, and more.  (Updated March 8, 2024 .)

Let’s start with the big news, which is the pool refurbishment at these two Deluxe Resorts. Here’s the original official announcement by Walt Disney World: In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience, we refresh our offerings from time to time. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work around Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool during daytime hours. During this time, guests of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.

Here’s the updated official announcement by Walt Disney World: From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.

While some of the other verbiage has changed, the key difference is that the refurbishment has been quietly extended until June 2025. This is a big deal from our perspective, as the closure is creeping into the hotter and busier summer season when guests are more likely to be making resort reservations on the basis on the pools.

Just a heads up for anyone who already has a reservation at Yacht and Beach Club or is planning to make one. Unless generous discounts are offered or you’re not “pool people,” we’d highly recommend looking elsewhere. (As discussed in greater detail below.)

This isn’t the only project occurring around the Crescent Lake Resort Area. Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Villas is undergoing refurbishment. During this time, all resort amenities will remain available.

This is due to a soft goods refurbishment on both the hotel side and the Disney Vacation Club wing of the Beach Club. Most of the resort rooms have already emerged from this, and not much has changed. There’s new carpet in the hallways, and inside the room the carpet has been replaced by a laminate flooring.

There’s also new furniture–chairs and couch–as well as new curtains, Donald Duck wall art, and other refreshed surfaces. That’s all I noticed. These rooms were bland before, and they’re still pretty bland now–but minus carpet and plus better on-theme artwork. All of this will be wrapped up well before 2025, though. (This was pretty close to being done late last year, so it might already be finished.)

It sure seems like there’s been perpetual construction at Yacht & Beach Club for the last couple of years. All small scale stuff, but it’s persistent and can be annoying if your room is impacted. ( Speaking from experience. ) There have also been a lot of starts and stops, as Walt Disney World drags out construction seemingly everywhere.

Regardless, we’re definitely expecting this work to be finished before the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool closure commences. It remains to be seen whether more projects are scheduled between now and then, though. Not much left to redo at either resort, except maybe Big River Grille and Brewing Works. Possibly yet another new concept at Trattoria al Forno? (Fingers crossed for a better ice cream shop!)

It’s a similar story across Crescent Lake at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Renovations are also occurring here in both the regular resort rooms and DVC villas. I stayed on the hotel side in one of the new rooms recently, and didn’t see or hear any room construction. That doesn’t mean it’s not happening–BoardWalk is a huge hotel–but it seems like it’s pretty close to completed. About the only thing I did notice inside the hotel is a lobby restroom being closed–hardly earth-shattering construction news.

The bigger deal is what’s happening outside along the turn-of-the-century promenade. Repainting is occurring to facades all throughout this area and other refreshes have been happening. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is also slated to open soon in a food cart along the water.

The biggest project at the BoardWalk is the new Cake Bake Shop Restaurant being built to replace ESPN Club. This was originally slated to open in Late 2023, but now Summer 2024 seems more likely. But if that continues at its current snail’s pace, maybe Cake Bake Shop construction will still be ongoing in early 2025 when Stormalong Bay is closed!

Finally, there’s what is not yet announced. Obviously, there are the unknown unknowns, and we have no clue what those could be. Very helpful and insightful, I know!

Then there are the known unknowns. On that front, it’s possible that the Disney Skyliner gondolas–which connect EPCOT’s International Gateway to Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century and Disney’s Hollywood Studios–will close in early 2025.

Walt Disney World hasn’t made any official announcements yet, but the Skyliner went down for refurbishment early last year and early this year. In 2022, the Skyliner was closed from January 23 through January 28. The gondolas went down for refurbishment January 22-29, 2023. The longest closure just happened this year, from January 16 to 27, 2024.

This is not a huge deal if you’re staying at a Crescent Lake Resort. The Skyliner technically serves EPCOT, not these resorts. You can still use the FriendShip boats for transportation to International Gateway or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or you can walk. The Skyliner is the least efficient transportation for getting to DHS from Yacht & Beach Club or BoardWalk–it’s really only useful for getting to the aforementioned Skyliner resorts. (To do breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace or dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro, for example.)

Nevertheless, the ‘double-whammy’ of the Stormalong and Skyliner closures certainly makes these resorts less attractive–especially at anything approaching full price. (For what it’s worth, we definitely would  not  stay at Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, or Riviera Resorts during the Skyliner closure–those hotels are more dependent upon the gondolas, so the refurbishment is a brutal blow to them.)

Circling back to the pool project, the scope of the refurbishment work on the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts has yet to be revealed. Walt Disney World indicates that it’s routine maintenance, which we have no reason to dispute.

The best recent comparison is probably the Dig Site at Coronado Springs, which was refurbished about a few agos for the same duration of time. That pool was essentially just refreshed and had routine/preventative maintenance done. It emerged looking fresh and like-new, but not fundamentally different.

The key difference between the Dig Site (or any other recent pool project) and Stormalong Bay is location. This sprawling pool complex is essentially in Yacht & Beach Club’s central courtyard, with a high percentage of rooms directly overlooking the pool. The closure will almost certainly impact some guests staying at Yacht & Beach Club, even those who didn’t plan on packing their speedos.

Last summer, we did a stay at Yacht Club in a water view room at a time when ‘routine’ maintenance was occurring. To my recollection, it wasn’t even listed on DisneyWorld.com. And yet, our balcony was out of commission as cherry pickers were often outside and construction workers used the balcony to paint the exterior of the hotel. This will be a different project, but a similar idea. Point being, don’t book a water view room at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts from January to June 2025.

Frankly, we’d hesitate to book Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts  at all from January through June 2025 unless significant discounts are offered. And given that the closure was just extended from May to June over a year in advance, I wouldn’t book these resorts during the month of June 2025, period. Perhaps this is a matter of Walt Disney World erring on the side of caution and the refurbishment will be done by early June…but having seen the pace of projects lately, I’d be more worried about a late reopening than an early one.

If you’re wondering why Walt Disney World is announcing the pool project so far in advance, it’s to minimize/avoid giving out recovery or relocating guests to different resorts. Publishing pool closure dates in the distant future has become common practice for this reason–the pools are cited as one of the top reasons people book specific resorts.

Nowhere is that more true than at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, where Stormalong Bay is the biggest selling point. That’s widely viewed as the best pool in all of Walt Disney World ( including by us–and we don’t think it’s even a remotely close call ).

To each their own, but we think that if Stormalong Bay is unavailable, Yacht and Beach Club are not “worth” the same nightly rates. This would be akin to not having the monorail while staying at the Contemporary or the wildlife all going to the vet while staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Whether Walt Disney World offers a deeper discount or not at Yacht and Beach Club for these dates depends almost entirely on how many other guests “agree” with us and vote with their wallets by booking elsewhere. Promotions are dictated by demand (or lack thereof), so it could go either way. With the closure announced this far in advance, we’d expect to see an actual impact on Yacht & Beach Club bookings. It’s possible discounts will hit 30-40% off during those months, but too early to say for sure. We’ll keep you posted–and reminders of the Stormalong Bay refurbishment as the 2025 closure draws nearer.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What do you think about Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts closing for routine refurbishment in January through June 2025? Do you like these Deluxe Resorts, or do you prefer the cheaper options? Any other improvements you’d like to see Disney make to Stormalong Bay? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment of the projects? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

We have reservations at Beach Club Villa’s beginning 1/3/25 – thoughts on when Stormalong Bay will actually close in January? Thanks!

Do you think it will close January 1st? Is there any information about this?? Have a trip planned from Dec 29 – Jan 5th

At what point would you feel “safe” booking a July or August stay here, if Stormalong Bay is a must-have? There’s no way they keep it closed all summer, right? Right?

Unpopular opinion: we aren’t fans of that pool at all, but maybe the closure will open up some availability for our trip to Festival of the Arts in January? We have Riviera booked already, but would consider modifying. We don’t own any Boardwalk area resorts, and haven’t had much luck getting any rooms there.

We were just at Yacht Club for a week in early February. That is our week and resort of choice! Because of next year’s pool closure, I used the bounce back offer to book a late Sep/early Oct trip in lieu of a 2025 trip. We haven’t done Mickey’s Not So Spooky Halloween Party yet, so I thought this would be a good reason to do it! Of course, we could just plan on Halloween 2025 instead, but that seems too far away and the deal I got was great. Still deciding, but had to jump on the offer just in case we go for it.

Do they typically release reopening dates for pools once it gets closer? I’ve never paid attention to any other resort pool closures being we only stay at beach club.

Up until this announcement I was planning a trip in May 2025, and I still would if the pool reopened in May. Im wondering if they mean it’s expected to reopen 5/1, any time in may or be closed the entire month and reopen 6/1. Guess we’ll see!

I’m DVC so I would be booking at the 11 month mark, I suppose I could always push the trip back if it got too close without an announcement.

That’s great planning on their part that they inform the community about the loss of that pool..I would be DEVASTATED (I know it’s a bit of a pathetic first world problem) if I didn’t know before I booked-that pool makes the stay next level! And I tend to book over a year out for most stays…I definitely will always choose a deluxe over the other resorts! I do wish they’d announce water park closures in the same way…I keep wanting to try Blizzard Beach and just can’t seem to swing a visit when they’re open. But when looking at Universal’s website was pleasantly surprised to see they don’t take down the Volcano Bay all at once for refurbs, just individual rides intermittently…

Surprised to see you call the sky liner the least efficient transportation to DHS. Just got back from a week at BC in mid-August and that was our go to for DHS transportation. We didn’t walk it bc of the heat, and the boat didn’t seem shorter in terms of time once the wait for the boat was added in. We found the 5 min walk to gondola station, quiet uncongested ride, and no lines to be the height of efficiency for getting to DHS from BC.

Not sure if you’ve ever watched Allears videos…they did a race/experiment a year or two ago from Crescent Lake/Yacht club area to DHS using the 3 modes of transportation-one being your feet. Walking was quickest, then boat, then the skyliner. Obviously, time of day, crowd levels, seasons, etc play into the variables. It was interesting though.

I just got back from a stay at Beach club, and two days ago the pool was shut down in the morning for emergency maintenance and was down until at least noon. It also seemed like it could use some TLC while I was walking around it. I’m probably a loner on this, but we spent several hours at the pool this past week and I just didn’t enjoy it much. It was crowded, hot, and unrelentingly sunny for most of the day, with an exceptionally high number of seat hoarders. I didn’t hate my time there, but I enjoyed Kidani’s pool a lot more since most of the seats were shaded and there weren’t nearly as many people. Glad the rooms are getting a refurbishment, too…it was perfectly serviceable, but very simple. I also had a really difficult time because there wasn’t a full-length mirror! It seemed like an odd omission that would be easy to fix. Now, off to take a survey on my experience~

Agreed. We like Kidani more as well. For many of the reasons you stated, I believe Beach Club’s pool is overrated imho.

I like the vibe at Beach Club better than Yacht Club. Stormalong Bay cost us a day at the Parks one trip (though we got it back via a trip extension), as it required backhoes and dynamite to finally get my wife out the pool for dinner at Cape May. Whether it’s the best pool complex at a hotel in the Orlando area is up for debate, but as you have repeatedly noted, it is far and away the best pool complex at WDW. I have felt that if they were doing it today from scratch, they’d make some changes, namely a MUCH longer lazy river. It would be great if they were to redesign the pool complex to that end… but they’re not, certainly not over such a relatively short time. Which is okay, as Stormalong Bay is fantastic as it is right now. I expect they’ll be replacing pipes, pumps, doing resurfacing, etc. It will be a bright, shiny new Stormalong Bay, but the same one anyone who has had the pleasure to stay and play there knows and loves. But, yeah discounts, HUGE discounts during that time would be needed. It still has an amazing location, being a short walk to the Skyliner and International Gateway… but that while that pretty short walk turns into a longer, but still very reasonable walk from Boardwalk, I’d stay there instead if pools are your thing instead, or even Swan/Dolphin/Reserve. But, as someone who lived next door to a guy who owned a pool company has heard, repeatedly, pools need maintenance and every certain number of years, it is likely to need a major maintenance. That memory now has me curious: When was the last time Stormalong was shutdown for a major maintenance?

I love Stormalong, but that lazy river is a waste of space. Why is it so deep?!

Just at the Yacht club for the grilled cheese and tomato soup (thanks for the recommendation TB). Walked around both resorts doing the scavenger hunt. Whenever we’ve been there we come away feeling it’s nice but a bit sterile, kind of snooty and a typical fancy hotel I can stay at anywhere USA but OMG!!!! that pool !!!! with real sand!!!! There is no discount that can make up for such a loss. Especially as there are so many terrific resort options. I won’t deny that walking back from EPCOT on an extended evening night isn’t an attractive fun incentive but Stormalong Bay is the real attraction here.

BTW – you stop mid-sentence right before the picture of the Cake Bake Shop. I’m a little curious what remains to be seen? Thought you’d want to know.

Thanks for catching that–I’ve fixed it.

What remains to be seen is whether more projects are scheduled between now and then.

Tom, any insight into whether the remaining rooms at Beach Club Villas will be receiving murphy beds? I know the top two floors received murphy beds earlier this year before the refurb was paused. Due to our party size we have an adult sleeping in the living area and we find that the murphy beds are levels of magnitude more comfortable than the pull out couches. Whether or not a resort has the murphy bed definitely affects where we stay.

Thanks for the report! We’re just about ready to book our Spring 2024 trip, but that necessitates looking forward to a potential January 2025 trip and debating the pros and cons of staying at any given resort next time, versus the next-next time. Beach Club is high on our list, and knowing it’s not an option for January 2025 is great to know

We usually stay at the Yacht Club, primarily because of the pool and it location near Epcot. We usually visit between January and March; so, this closure and construction will have an impact on us. We will need more information. Thank you for letting us know.

“Frankly, we’d hesitate to book Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts at all from January to May 2025 unless significant discounts are offered.” As being DVC Members and that this is our Home Resort it would be hoped that significant discounts are offered, significant discounts ! Not having had many “freebies” in the past offered, I don’t imagine there will be many surprises here. It really has felt that the Beach Club is under perpetual refurb these last few years and we can understand Stormalong would in need of a refurb, but wasn’t that what was going on recently ? If not why not ? and what really needs a refurb now ?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Get to Know Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club Pool Area

In my personal tally of how many times I’ve stayed at each Disney World resort, the clear winner, with more than 15 stays, is the Beach Club and Beach Club Villas . There are many hotels we love, but we continue to circle back to the Beach Club for two reasons: the proximity to Epcot and the rockin’ awesome pool situation. Stormalong Bay, the pool complex shared by the Yacht & Beach Club, is 3+ areas of fun, nearly a waterpark unto itself. If you’ve got water lovers in your party, Stormalong Bay may be reason enough to make the Yacht or Beach Club your Disney resort of choice. Here’s a tour.

As a first step, take a look at our general guide to the Disney World pools . This covers things like lifeguards (there are lots), floatation vests (they’re free), towels (take as many as you need), and water temperature (warm)!

Moving on to Stormalong Bay specifics, this is the map you’ll receive during check-in. You can see that Stormalong Bay (those amorphous blobs in the center) is neatly centered between the Yacht & Beach Clubs. All guests of those resorts are entitled to Stormalong Bay access, even those staying at the Beach Club Villas. It’s worth noting that Stormalong Bay access is strictly limited to use by Yacht & Beach guests, you will need to show a valid room key or have your MagicBand scanned for access. They’re quite strict about checking.

Now let’s zoom in a bit and take a look at an aerial view from Google Maps. I’ve added some labels so you can get oriented. All those red dots are lifeguard station umbrellas.

On the left of the aerial view, you’ll see a huge shallow sand area. The maximum depth here is about two feet, but most of the area is more shallow than that, making it the perfect place for younger kids to hang out. The bottom of the sand zone is, you guessed, sand. You’re not going to feel any hard cement under your feet. There are also sand “dunes” in places, mounds where you can sit and build sand castles. This is my perfect version of the beach for little ones, all the fun stuff, but none of the worries that they’ll get knocked over by a wave, complain about sticky seaweed, or cut their foot on a sharp shell. From ages two to ten, I would have to literally drag my daughters out of the sand area at the end of the day.

You’ll notice that many of the guests in the sand are using green buckets for their castle building. The buckets (new ones of course) are used as a serving container at the nearby Hurricane Hanna’s Grill . Rather than taking sandy buckets home, many choose to leave their buckets at Stormalong Bay, so there’s usually a supply available for anyone to use. If you want to add a bit more oomph to your structure, you can often find more elaborate sand toys available for sale in the gift shops at the Yacht & Beach Clubs.

Moving left across the map, you’ll see the “Lazy River.” This is a deep water zone (8+ feet) with an slow speed artificial current. If you wanted a heavy duty workout, you could try to swim against this current, but most guests grab a noodle or tube and drift along for a few laps. This is the very definition of relaxation.

Along the path of the lazy river, you’ll see an information booth. This used to be a merchandise sales location, but now it’s just a friendly cast member there to answer questions, tell you about the day’s activities, and lend out sports equipment.

Above the Lazy River is an open swim zone. There are waterfalls and two hot tubs (spas) in this area. Generally, this open swim zone is a bit more quiet than the shallow sand. This is where you’ll find many adults that want to cool off.

Just past the spas, you’ll find another set of restrooms, the Lafferty Place Arcade , the Ship Shape Health Club , and the Americana classic Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – home of the famous Kitchen Sink Sundae.

To burn off some calories, you may want to do some watersliding. There are two slides at Stormalong Bay. There are no particular age or height requirements for either slide, but riders do have to be able to go down on their own. No lap sitting is allow. Most guests on the junior slide will be about ages 2-9 and most guests on the large slide will be about 6-adult.

To access either slide, exit the main pool area and head toward the massive shipwreck – the area at the bottom of the Google map above. Along the way you’ll see a hair wrap stand and a pick-a-pearl kiosk. Both have limited hours but are generally open throughout the afternoon.

The junior slide is completely contained in the shipwreck zone…

But to get to the main slide exit point, you have to cross back to the main pool area.

In the same sub-pool as the slide exit, you’ll also find the whirlpool zone. This area has an artificial current turned up much stronger than the lazy river. You can do some quick spinning on your noodle here. It’s a particularly popular spot for middle grade boys.

I’ve given you a taste of Stormalong Bay, but even the photos don’t really do it justice. This is the perfect place to spend a non-park day, or days, during your vacation. And if you’ve got kids that love the water, it’s likely that they’ll remember Stormalong Bay as much, if not more, than any of the other attractions at Walt Disney World.

Have you stayed at the Yacht or Beach Club and enjoyed Stormalong Bay? What was your favorite part? Is staying at these resorts on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

You May Also Like...

Brian is back, and this time he's taking a tour of Disney's Yacht and Beach Club. Is there a better summertime…

Many guests have a tradition of visiting Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts during the holidays because of the wonderful gingerbread…

The Disney World resort hotels offer merchandise selections specific to the hotel. The selection at the Yacht Club is not as…

The Disney World resort hotels offer merchandise selections specific to the hotel. The Beach Club offerings are in a coral and…

• Ask Jim Hill Ep 16 – What Is Disney’s Justification For Next Gen?
• New Act Takes The Stage For Epcot’s Holidays Around The World

Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

6 thoughts on “ Get to Know Stormalong Bay: The Yacht & Beach Club Pool Area ”

Good distribute Certainly. Thank you associated with discussing.

Thanks for the info, I haven’t been to this resort in years. With all resort guest given magic bands at this time, do they no longer give paper wristbands for the pool? I would think you would not want to swim with your magic band ha ha.

Oh, you can totally swim with your magic bands!

I LOVE BCV & it has been a dream of mine to stay there. Most times when we go to WDW, we rent DVC points. I made the mistake of not booking 11 months out & tried to book 7 months out. Unfortunately, there was no availability so we will be staying elsewhere. So, until next time… Thanks for the review – just makes me want to make sure that we book earlier next time 🙂

Stormalong Bay always tempts me to consider a Disney Resort booking more than any of the WDW locations. Normally we prefer to stay off property, mostly in villas, but, the whole boardwalk thing is pure Disney Magic at its very best. Setting aside the beauty and charm of the boardwalk’s entertainment, shops and restaurants, the mini water parks here are amazing. Sure, a stay here is pricier than many of the resorts, but guests in large groups can save on park tickets by spending a day or two ‘pool side’ at the Yacht & Beach Club. One of the hottest vacation planning questions on forums is about ‘how many parks can we visit in a week etc’. The answer of course is ‘not as many as you might think!’ The Disney Resort water parks are undoubtedly the perfect way to spend time away from the parks, recharge energy levels, save on tickets, without feeling as though you’ve wasted valuable vacation time.

Lovely article and much appreciated!! (We so much miss Brian Staron though) 🙁

One of my favorite parts of Stormalong Bay is the “sinking sands” feature- spots where the filtration system pulls the sandy bottom of the pool area (near the whirlpool) down through grates below. It’s a very unique quicksand feeling, which feels incredible on park-tired feet!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

5 Things to Know About Stormalong Bay at Walt Disney World’s Yacht and Beach Club

Walt Disney World , Walt Disney World Resorts | 0 comments

This article by Tanner Gamble

• SAND – This is more than a pool.It wouldn’t be the Yacht and Beach Club without sand.  Bring some shovels and other items to make sandcastles on the island of sand in the middle of the pool.   Water depth is very shallow in these areas so it’s great for kids (and the grown up kids too) to lie in the water and soak up some rays.

• SURPRISES – There are some surprises at Stormalong Bay as well.How about a fun game of water volleyball or basketball? There is also a whirlpool where you can spin around for hours.  How about a lazy river inner tube ride?  Now that’s relaxing!  Be advised that the lazy river is deep at 8 feet so be sure to use a complementary life vest.  The biggest surprise of all – spoiler alert – the bottom of the pool is sand!  That’s a bonus treat for tired feet at the end of a Disney day.

After you cool off in the pool, you are steps away from Epcot and the Boardwalk area, a hidden gem for sure!  What’s your families’ record on the Stormalong Bay slide at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club?  Start planning your trip now and contact me today!

Ready to start planning your getaway?

Submit a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

• Disney Cruise Spotlight: Cruising on the Disney Magic
• Making Magical Holiday Disney Inspired Memories
• Disney Cruise Spotlight: Enchante Just Desserts
• Resort Spotlight: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• The Hair Salons on Disney Cruise Line

Recent Comments

• Storybook World Travel on Enchanting Extras: Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience
• Amy E on Enchanting Extras: Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience
• whoiscall on Enchanting Extras Spotlight: Starlight Safari Review
• Destiny Heath on Geek Out with Us: The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
• Holly on Ride Spotlight: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• December 2023
• August 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• September 2022
• August 2022
• February 2016
• January 2016
• December 2015
• November 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disney Dining Spotlights
• Disneyland Resort
• Disneyland Resort Dining
• Disneyland Resort Parks
• Enchanting Extras Spotlights
• General Information
• Hollywood Studios
• Magic Kingdom
• Resort Spotlights
• Seasonal Spotlights
• Travel Agent
• Universal Studios
• Walt Disney World
• Walt Disney World Dining
• Walt Disney World Parks
• Walt Disney World Resorts
• Entries RSS
• Comments RSS
• WordPress.org

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

The Stormalong Bay Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Has an Official Reopening Date!

By Kelly Oliveros 1 Comment

We’ve definitely been enjoying the snacks and ice cream available at Disney’s Beach Club Resort recently.

Mickey Ice Cream Sundae Cupcake

But, there is one amenity that guests at  Disney’s Beach Club Villas have not been able to enjoy since the reopening, and now we’ve got some news about when it will be available!

One of the best parts of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is Stormalong Bay — the Resorts’  signature pool. This is anything but your standard resort pool. Stormalong Bay is essentially a mini-water park that has a sand-bottomed pool , a lazy river , a 230-foot-long waterside , and even  three whirlpool spas!

Earlier this year, it was announced that Stormalong Bay would not reopen with Disney’s Beach Club Villas.  Instead, guests at Disney’s Beach Club Villas were invited to visit the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas, as well as the Luna Park Pool and leisure pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.

Stormalong Bay

But, now, we’ve got an official reopening date for Stormalong Bay! According to the Walt Disney World website for Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Stormalong Bay will reopen on August 24.

Screenshot from the Disney Website

This same information also appeared on the  Disney Resort Hotels: Know Before You Go  webpage.

The Yacht Club is also  scheduled to reopen on August 24 , so this timing works out nicely. Guests of Disney’s Beach Club Villas may continue to use the leisure pool and Luna Park Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, along with the leisure pool at the Beach Club Villas, prior to Stormalong Bay’s reopening.

It does appear that the Beach Club guests’ ability to use the BoardWalk Inn pools will end once Stormalong Bay reopens.We will let you know what we find out as we get closer to the reopening date.

Check out what’s new at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Beach Club Resort!

Join the dfb newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox click here to subscribe, we know disney. you can, too..

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Have you ever  splashed around at Stormalong Bay? Let us know in the comments!

TRENDING NOW

Here's why Netflix canceled eight shows.

Three BIG changes could be in store for Disney World in 2025.

Recently, a young celebrity from a popular spin-off show was spotted on a family vacation...

Yes, we're eating our way around Disney World...again. And with that endless venture came an...

Lougefly Mania is real. How do we know? Cause we totally have it! Yup, a...

Even more Disney World menus changed this week!

Yet another one of our favorite things in Disney World is gone, and this time...

Disney's newest Christmas collection is online NOW!

We were quite surprised to see such a large area covered by construction walls and...

Get a full look at a two-bedroom suite at Disney's NEW Polynesian Village Resort Island...

This is NOT a drill! New Crocs Happy Meal Toys are now at McDonald's!

Starting today, September 16th, two of the classic Disney rides will be closing for refurbishment.

These are the three My Disney Experience app updates that you NEED to know about...

Soon, one of the animal trails at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be getting a new...

There have been quite a few announcements of new things coming to Disney World that...

There's a SPECIAL song playing on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind this month!

Disney's latest Halloween popcorn bucket has touched down at the "Happiest Place on Earth."

We're so glad this out-of-this-world treat has returned!

Value Resorts may only have one dining option, but trust us, their food courts make...

While we were walking through EPCOT the other day, we started to notice something ODD....

August 15, 2020 at 11:48 am

Fantastic! Thank you for posting this. We hope Cape May and Ale and Compass may open then too!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

• Destinations

From January 2025 through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Unwind in a New England-style yacht club with a beautiful, nautical-themed lobby and elegant accommodations. Enjoy swimming in 3 acres of water wonderland at Stormalong Bay as well as boating on Crescent Lake. Treat yourself to fine dining and delight in family dining with some Disney Characters. Sharing amenities with Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this Resort hotel is an idyllic vacation getaway unto itself—and also provides easy access to nearby EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Members who purchased directly through Disney can use Vacation Points to stay at this Resort hotel.

What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Take advantage of staying in a Disney Resort hotel close to 2 wondrous parks. Stroll to EPCOT and enjoy the exciting attractions and entertainment as well as the international pavilion with its art, music and food from around the world. Jump on a boat and cruise to nearby Disney’s Hollywood Studios with its amazing attractions, entertainment and tours that feature movie magic and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Enjoy all the parks at Walt Disney World Resort —they’re only a bus ride away.

Key Resort Details

How to Book

View information about booking to help you secure the reservation you want.

View information about booking to help you secure the reservation you want. Since all reservations are subject to availability, the more you know about how to book your stay, the better!

• A nonrefundable $95 transaction fee applies per confirmed Disney Collection reservation. If payment is not received at the time of confirmation, Disney Vacation Club reserves the right to cancel the reservation.
• Some reservation Points Charts may not be available at the start of the booking windows.

The Rule of Four Applies

Disney Collection reservations (excluding reservations at Tokyo Disney Resort) must be made prior to the last 4 months of your Use Year for stays during that Use Year.

Realize your dream vacation by banking, borrowing or purchasing Vacation Points.

Bank or Borrow Vacation Points

You can bank Vacation Points from your current Use Year to use during your next Use Year, or you can borrow Vacation Points from your next Use Year to book a reservation in your current Use Year. Restrictions apply; please contact Member Services for details.

Purchase One-Time-Use Vacation Points

Occasionally, you may find yourself in need of just a few extra Vacation Points in order to book that perfect dream vacation. If that happens, you may be able to purchase Vacation Points for one-time use toward your desired stay. View details and pricing for One-Time-Use Vacation Points.

Purchase More Vacation Points—to Enjoy for Years to Come

When you Add On more Vacation Points, you can enjoy more vacation options and flexibility for years to come.

Make dining reservations and take advantage of Disney Dining Plans at Walt Disney World Resort.

Protect your Disney Vacation Club travels and buy travel insurance today.

Hotel Details

(407) 934-7000 †

Destination Type

Resort area, transportation to parks, driving directions.

• From I-95 take I-4 West to Exit 67 (Epcot/Downtown Disney)
• Take second exit off-ramp (Epcot Resorts/Beach Club).
• Follow signs on Buena Vista Drive to Disney's Beach Club Resort.
• Turn right to go to Disney's Beach Club Resort entrance.
• Follow signs to Disney's Beach Club Resort resort check-in.
• Travel West on 536.
• From Orlando International Airport, take South Exit to SR 417 South.
• On SR 417 South take Exit 2 to Epcot.
• After 2 traffic lights take second exit off-ramp (Epcot Resorts/Beach Club).
• One Reservation Point is equivalent to one allotted Vacation Point. Reservation Points have no other relationship with, or comparison to, Vacation Points and are established for convenience of reference only. General terms and conditions of this program are in the "Membership Extras Acknowledgment and Disclosure Statement." Please review them carefully before booking any of these options. Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.
• Effective March 21, 2011, Members who do not purchase their ownership interests directly from Disney will not be able to use those Vacation Points for the Disney Collection or options offered through hotel exchange.
• All reservations and exchanges are subject to availability.

Booking Windows

For important booking window guidelines, please see the “Booking Guidelines” page located under the “Plan Vacation” tab.

How to Cancel or Modify a Reservation

For important cancellation guidelines, please see the "Cancellation and Modification Guidelines" page located under the "Plan Vacation" tab.

We Value Your Opinion!

Will you please complete a brief survey about your experience on this website today?

Pools at Disney's Beach Club Resort

Stormalong bay.

Take the plunge at this beachside water park area that offers 3 acres of aquatic fun for the whole family.

Catch currents in an expansive sand-bottomed pool. From atop the mast of a life-sized shipwreck replica, zip down a 230-foot-long waterslide, one of the highest hotel slides at Walt Disney World Resort. Float down the lazy river on an inner tube, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas or simply relax on the elevated tanning deck.

Children can wade into the main pool from the gently sloping, sandy beach and cool off in the Shipwreck Pool—complete with a miniature waterslide.

With 795,000 gallons of water comprising an impressive complex of pools that range from swirling to placid, open to secluded and cool to warm, every member of your family can find a place to make a splash at Stormalong Bay.

3 Leisure Pools

Guests seeking a tranquil swim can choose from 3 leisure pools in Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Disney's Beach Club Resort pool—the 43,000-gallon Tidal pool—is located in a garden area on the far end of the resort facing Crescent Lake. Disney's Yacht Club Resort pool—the 54,000-gallon Admiral pool—can be found in its own quiet garden area. A third pool—the 55,350-gallon Dunes Cove pool—is privately located at Disney’s Beach Club Villas . Though it is situated for the convenience of Guests staying at the Disney Beach Club Villas, all Resort Guests are welcome to enjoy it. All pools also include steaming whirlpool spas.

Poolside Activities

Know before you go.

Hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.

Complimentary towels are provided at all pools.

14 of the best hotel pools in the US

Editor's Note

Is there anything better in life than spending a lazy day lounging in the sun by a pool? Probably not — unless your idea of the perfect pool day is floating in a larger-than-life lazy river or chasing your kiddos around a pool with a kid-friendly splash pad or wave pool.

Whatever your version of an ideal pool day is, it all starts with the swimming pool. Thankfully, here in the U.S., we have more incredible hotel pools than we could ever possibly write about.

That said, we have gathered a handful of our favorites from sea to shining sea. These include sky-high pools with knockout views you have to see to believe, ones with cabanas you could live in, and ones that are just so fun and functional you'll never want to leave.

From the Las Vegas Strip to the theme parks of Orlando and everywhere in between, here are some of the best hotel pools in the U.S. to consider for your next trip.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Beach Club Resort

In Orlando, there's no shortage of activities, and there's certainly no shortage of pools.

You can find one of the best in Orlando (and in the country) on the grounds of Disney World, shared between two Disney resorts: Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach Club . Called Stormalong Bay, this 3-acre pool complex is basically a water park complete with a trio of leisure pools (including a sand-bottom pool), a 230-foot-long waterslide, a lazy river and an elevated tanning area, proving that not all the Disney magic involves waiting in line for rides.

As two of the more expensive properties at Walt Disney World , rates easily reach more than $500 a night. However, with the help of a free Disney vacation planner , you might be able to find a better deal.

Related: The best Disney World hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

When we think about incredible pools, our minds don't usually go straight to indoor pools — unless you're familiar with the luxe Four Seasons Philadelphia. On the 57th floor of the downtown Philly hotel, the 30,000-gallon infinity-edge pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and boasts some of the most incredible views of the city, all seen from the comfort of heated water.

It's open all year long, so hotel guests can take in those stunning views or sit back with a healthy bento box meal delivered to their lounge chair even while it's snowing outside.

Cash rates at the Four Seasons Philadelphia start at around $995 per night. Though the Four Seasons doesn't have its own loyalty program, this property is available on American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts , a program for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express (and other Centurion- and Platinum-branded cards) that offers complimentary breakfast, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, potential upgrades and a $100 spa credit.

Related: Why the Four Seasons in Philly is the perfect weekend getaway

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Everything's bigger in Texas — and that's exactly the case with the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa pool.

There, guests will find more water action than at most resorts, including a 9-acre water park with multiple waterslides, a 1,100-foot lazy river, a kids pool with a zero-depth beach entry, an activity pool and even an adults-only pool. So, whatever your preferred vacation style, everyone who visits this Marriott Bonvoy-associated resort can find the perfect pool to beat the intense heat of Texas Hill Country.

Related: The best Marriott hotels in the world

Rates at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country start around $280 per night but can fluctuate wildly during peak seasons and holidays. Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Conrad Orlando

As TPG's own Summer Hull put it , this Central Florida resort's "8-acre lagoon is, without question, the highlight of Conrad Orlando." Yes, you read that right: The resort, which is a stone's throw from Disney World, has a swimmable, 8-acre lagoon with cabanas and a zero-entry beach. There's also a large pool and splash pad for kids, so the hardest thing you have to decide during a lazy day at the Conrad is whether to lounge with your feet in the sand at the beach or spend the afternoon by the pool.

Rates at the Conrad Orlando start at around $400 per night or 90,000 Hilton Honors points.

The best hotel pools aren't all massive pool complexes with waterslides and lazy rivers. In New York , you can actually swim on top of a historic hotel designed by Eero Saarinen that harkens back to the golden age of travel. It overlooks planes landing and taking off at New York's JFK airport.

Open all year long (it's heated in the winter), this pool is the perfect place for planespotters to watch the runway or for travelers passing through New York to enjoy a very special stay. If you have a long enough layover, TWA is open for day stays, and the pool is open to non-guests through ResortPass.

Rates at the TWA Hotel start at around $280 per night.

Resorts World Las Vegas

In Sin City, choosing a hotel based on its pool can be overwhelming because there are many great options.

Those trying to trade in some points for a stay at a property with one of those pools should look no further than Hilton's Resorts World . It's home to three different hotels in one massive complex: the Las Vegas Hilton, the Conrad Las Vegas and the luxury-focused Crockfords Las Vegas.

Related: The best hotel pools in Las Vegas

At the property's 5 1/2-acre pool complex, which is outside on the fifth floor, guests can experience a handful of different pools. That includes the large Main Pool, where guests can reserve daybeds with a dedicated server, side table, concierge, towel service and shade.

There's also the Family Pool with rentable cabanas; the Bimini Pool with oversized games and activities; the Cabana Pool, where guests can rent cabanas with amenities like a television, refrigerator, coffee table and misting fan; and a VIP pool.

Rates at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World start at $84 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Rooms at the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World start at $106 or 38,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Also, at Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts, accommodations start at $259 or 88,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The West Hollywood Edition

If you want to take in sweeping views of Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles skyline, there's no better place to do it than from the pool at the celebrity-friendly West Hollywood Edition.

High in the hills, the pool offers wooden lounge chairs and lush greenery to complement the stunning California sunsets and sunrises. It's a must-stop at this Marriott Bonvoy property. For food and drink, The Roof offers pool guests a wide range of drinks, including "tropical-inspired cocktails with Southern California flair" and an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals.

Cash rates for the West Hollywood Edition , including access to its rooftop pool, start at $458 a night. Award night starts at 74,500 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

When it comes to swimming pools, Disney knows what it's doing — that's why it has two entries on this list. This time, we're looking at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa , one of the most popular hotels in Hawaii, especially for folks traveling with family.

Called the Waikolohe Valley pool area, this resort has something for everyone: pools with ocean views, the kids pool, the main Waikolohe pool, and an 8,200-square-foot zero-entry pool with a waterslide in a volcano. Hotel guests can rent cabanas, dine poolside and forget the outside world while splashing and relaxing under the big Hawaii sky.

Cash rates at this top-tier Disney property typically cost $600 or more per night.

Related: Disney's Aulani: What it's like to stay at Mickey's Hawaiian getaway

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Another contender from Las Vegas, the pools at The Cosmopolitan — a Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection property — are where people go to bake in the sun and enjoy the flashing lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Of the two pools, the Boulevard Pool reigns supreme with its fourth-floor location overlooking the Strip. Folks who head up to this pool deck can book cabanas with a server and complimentary fruit plate or just opt for a daybed. The pool frequently features live entertainment and "dive-in" movies. However, you can always hit up the bar for a refreshing drink to cool down from the desert heat.

Or, if you want to experience an over-the-top Las Vegas pool party, check out the resort's Marquee Dayclub .

Rates at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas start at $106 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Related: Jackpot! Best hotels in Vegas for a Sin City getaway

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

There's no skyline like the New York City skyline — and there's really no better place to take it in than the rooftop pool at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge .

Located in Brooklyn Heights near the trendy Dumbo neighborhood, this hotel is prime Brooklyn real estate. However, the real star of the show is the pool. It's reserved for hotel guests, but pool chairs are limited to two-hour slots. Food and drinks are served from Harriet's Rooftop, which stays open even after the pool closes, so even after you dry off, you can soak in the beautiful city views.

Rates at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge vary throughout the year. In the busy summer months, rooms start around $400 a night during weekdays but can climb to more than $600 on weekends .

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Another resort with a pool area that doubles as a water park, the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect place to take the kids (or kids at heart). You can enjoy a day basking in the sun, splashing in the water and racking up some Marriott Bonvoy points along the way.

At Adventure Water Park, guests can ride a 110-foot waterslide, float along a lazy river or try a surfing simulator that feels more California than Arizona desert. You can rent a cabana to get a little shade or reserve a Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef — basically a private island right in the middle of it all. If that's just too much, the adults-only pool is the ideal spot for folks to relax without a child in sight.

In the hot summer months, you can find rooms as low as $189 at this property . As the Phoenix area cools down in the fall, rates go up significantly, easily upward of $500 a night. Award nights can be found starting at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Resort at Pelican Hill

Perched above a golf course in Newport Beach, California, right by the blue waters of the Pacific, the Resort at Pelican Hill has long been a California favorite. Soon, the resort will transform into a St. Regis property that can be booked through Marriott Bonvoy. At the resort, the saltwater Coliseum Pool is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful pools in the world thanks to its 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles, luxury cabanas and ocean views that stretch for miles and miles.

Rates at The Resort at Pelican Hill start at $795 per night. The resort will join Marriott on July 1.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

The heat around Palm Springs can be treacherous, so the best area hotels and resorts have great pools to cool down in. At the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, a pool doesn't just mean calmly wading in the water (though that's an option). Rather, this resort offers a water park with a 425-foot lazy river and two 100-foot waterslides, a sand beach, a cliffside hot tub and pools. Additionally, the resort has a spa pool, an adults-only pool and lots of cabanas to rent for shade and privacy.

Rates at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa start around $242 per night.

Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

On the island of Maui , you'll find some of the best hotel pools in the world. But at the island's Waldorf Astoria , you'll find a full-fledged pool complex with a place to relax or play for every family member. At the adults-only Hibiscus Pool, swim over a beautiful glass mosaic hibiscus flower sitting under the water. At the Adventure Pool, splash around a 2,000-foot-long pool area with nine different pools, a river with whitewater rapids, five slides (including a whitewater rapids slide), a sand beach, waterfalls, Jacuzzis and swim-up pools. For the most fun, be sure to take a trip down the Lava Tube Slide — a three-story slide that projects riders up to 22 miles per hour.

How to book: Rates at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort start at $822 per night or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.