23 over-the-top Orlando hotel pools you totally shouldn't sneak into

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, 407-313-7777
At Four Seasons, you can take a break from your hectic life and take a ride along the lazy river. The lazy river is more than 11,000 square feet and snakes around The Mansion. If you’d rather take a swim, you can visit the adult-only pool, which features underwater audio and a jacuzzi to change up the mood, or the family pool that overlooks the lake and has a sloping entry into the water. The pool is available for guests at the resort or visitors who reserve an 80-minute treatment at the spa. Anyone staying with the guest at the resort (rooms have a maximum of four people) can use the pool area, but no additional guests are allowed. The pool is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Photo via Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort/Facebook

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
1 Grand Cypress Blvd., 407-239-1234
A lagoon-style pool is only one feature that makes the pool at this resort unique. You can swim underneath rock caves in this 800,000-gallon, half-acre pool, which has 12 waterfalls, a water slide tower pavilion, a water jet splash zone and two whirlpools. Within the rockwork are seats and paths that lead to rock-climbing stations. Day-use rooms are available for 50 percent off the Standard Daily Rate and are only available for purchase through Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress directly, by either calling or purchasing at the desk. Rooms are subject to availability, taxes and resort fee.

Photo via thegrandcypress/Instagram

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., 407-934-4000
The Swan and Dolphin Resort features a variety of selections to choose from if you’re looking for somewhere to take a swim. There is a pool with tropical waterfalls and a waterslide, two lap pools, a spring pool, four whirlpools and a kiddie pool. For activities you can do while you’re there, the resort has water volleyball, watercraft rentals and a beachside playground. The pool is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is for resort guests only, there are no daily charges.

Photo via Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel/Yelp

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
6550 Adventure Way, 407-503-4000
Cabana Bay has two tricked-out pools guests can dive into. At the Cabana Courtyard, make a splash with your entrance from the dive tower waterslide or grab a frozen margarita from the Atomic Tonic poolside bar. The Lazy River Courtyard features a pool with a sandy beach, plus, you guessed it, a lazy river with waterfalls and water canons. The Cabana pool opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., while the Lazy River pool opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Registered guests are the only ones allowed to use the pool, but if you have a friend visiting or staying overnight, they can join you for the day.

Photo via Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort/Facebook

Grand Bohemian Hotel
325 S Orange Ave., 407-313-9000
The heated outdoor pool and whirlpool might be a little on the small side at the Grand Bohemian, but nothing can beat the views — from its prime rooftop locale, you can soak up not only plenty of sunlight, but also plenty of views from across Downtown Orlando. The pool is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The hotel has a package you can purchase to use the gym and the pool, but typically you have to be a guest or a visitor of a guest.

Photo via Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando/Facebook

Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando
8800 Vistana Centre Drive, 407-239-3100
Looking for quantity and quality in your hotel pool search? The Sheraton has you covered. This hotel has seven outdoor pools and eight bubbling whirlpools for guests to enjoy on a hot summer day. Plus, five of the pools offer private complimentary cabanas, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you cool off in the shade while you sip a Mai Tai ordered from the poolside bar. Four of the pools are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For the night owls in the group, three of the remaining pools are open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. To use the pools, you have to be a registered guest or a visitor of a registered guest.

Photo via Sheraton Vistana Resort/Facebook

Omni Orlando Resort
1500 Masters Blvd., ChampionsGate, 407-390-6664
If the stagnant waters of a typical pool just aren’t your cup of tea, hop into an inner tube and take a ride down Omni’s 850-foot lazy river instead. The channel runs through tunnels, hidden canyons and waterfalls, so there’s plenty to see as you laze the day away. And if the stream gets too crowded, escape to the formal pool, an elegant oasis with eight exclusive cabanas available to rent. The regular pool and lazy river are open from 8 a.m. from 10 p.m. The formal pool gives you a little more time for relaxation, and to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, as it opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Friends and family can join registered guests at the pools.

Photo via Omni Orlando Resort At Champions Gate/Facebook

The Cove on Ormond Beach
145 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, 800-438-2929
In a pool that has mushroom-shaped waterfalls showering water and sprinklers around the pool, the Cove on Ormond Beach serves as a fun place to take a dip for people of any age. The resort also features a two-story water slide that leads you into the pool. And if you want to change up the scene, you can visit the indoor heated pool. Both pools open at 9 a.m., but the outside pool closes promptly at dusk. If you’re not pruny enough yet, you can still soak in the inside pool until inside 11 p.m. Only registered guests and their visitors are allowed to use the facilities.

Photo via The Cove on Ormond Beach/Facebook

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
8113 Resort Village Drive, 407-597-0214
Swimming beside a pirate ship may be a dream of yours. If so, you’ll be happy to hear that Lake Buena Vista features a Pirate’s Plunge Pool, along with its Relaxation Pool. The Pirate Shipwreck that sits in the pool has shooting water cannons, a water slide, hot tubs, tumbling waterfalls, poolside loungers and hammocks. You can also grab a drink at Lani’s Luau, the poolside tiki bar. Guests at the hotel can bring friends and family to use the pool as well. The pool is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Photo via Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa/Facebook

Liki Tiki Village in Winter Garden
17777 Bali Blvd., Winter Garden, 407-239-5000
Two heated pools, along with a Liki Tiki Lagoon, may sound pretty refreshing in this Florida heat. The lagoon is a 1.5-acre, 220,000-gallon area that combines a swimming pool with a water park. Unlike the ordinary swimming pool, Liki Tiki offers a rolling wave pool, five water slides, an erupting water volcano, a waterfall and a dancing fountain. And if you want a break from fun in the sun, visit the lounging areas or Shipwreck Sally’s Bar and Grill. If you are staying as a guest or have made a reservation, you are allowed to use the pool at the resort. Depending on the number of guests staying at the hotel, a certain number of additional guests are welcome to use the pool area as well, but they are asked to bring their own towels. The Liki Tiki Lagoon is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the two heated pools are open from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Photo via Liki Tiki Village

Disney's Polynesian Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive, 407-824-2000
This resort features two pools that you can choose from to take a dip. If you’re looking for more of an energetic experience, the Lava Pool has a towering volcano, a waterfall and a 142-foot-long waterslide. For a relaxed swim, you may lean more toward the tranquil waters of the Oasis Pool. Guests can use the pools from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Family and friends can tag along with a day pass, as long as the pools are not already filled with hotel guests.

Photo via Jack Miller/Flickr

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
5601 Universal Blvd., 407-503-1000
The Portofino Bay Hotel treats guests to three stages of luxury with its pools. The first family-friendly pool is inspired by a Roman aqueduct and features a slide, pool basketball and ping pong and two bubbling hot tubs. The second Roman Villa-themed pool offers upgraded amenities like cabana rentals, while the cozy Hillside pool in the east wing is perfect for a quiet, private day of relaxation. The Villa-themed pool is perfect for early-risers, as it’s open from 6 a.m until 11 p.m. The.Hillside pool opens at 8 a.m. and closes every day at 8 p.m. The family pool is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends. Registered guests and their visitors are the only ones allowed to use the pool.

Photo via jlaalja/Instagram

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
5800 Universal Blvd., 407-503-2000
Rock out at this 12,000 square foot pool, complete with a sand beach, interactive fountain and a 260-foot slide. Plus, you’ll never miss a beat of any of the live music or DJ-crafted hits found poolside, even when completely submerged, because of the hotel’s underwater sound system. Jump on into the Hard Rock pool Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m to 10 p.m. or Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. Visitors of guests are allowed to use the facilities as well, but they have to remain with registered guests — the pool area requires a hotel key to gain access.

Photo via Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando/Facebook

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort
8701 World Center Drive, 407-239-4200
The World Center Marriott packs on the thrills at its pools, with two winding, 200-foot water slides and a 90-foot super fast speed slide. But if the thought of hurtling full-speed into a body of water makes a little queasy, there’s plenty of opportunities for relaxing, stationary fun at the hotel’s oasis pool and hot tub grotto nestled under a rocky waterfall. The pools open at 8 a.m. and close at 11 p.m., but don’t wait until the last minute to take that final water slide ride, as they usually close an hour earlier. Only guests staying at the resort and their visitors are allowed to use the pools and slides.

Photo via Orlando World Center Marriott Resort/Facebook

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
4401 Floridian Way, 407-824-3000
This natural-spring themed pool overlooks Disney’s Seven Seas lagoon. Kids can splash around in the Alice and Wonderland themed water playground, while adults can either relax under cascading waterfalls or go for a ride down the 181-foot waterslide. At the Grand Floridian, the pool is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. At least, that’s when there’s a lifeguard on duty. If you feel like swimming later, that’s at your own risk. Registered guests are the only ones allowed to use the pool, but if a family or friend comes to visit, stop by the front desk to see if an exception can be made.

Photo via Disney

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
1901 Buena Vista Drive, 407-939-7000
Jump right into your favorite classic Disney films at the All-Star Movies Resort. In the Fantasia Pool, huge character statues surround you as you swim and Sorcerer Mickey recreates his iconic movie scene atop a rocky cliff with cascading fountains. The Duck Pond pool puts you out on the ice in this 105,438-gallon pool designed to look like a hockey rink. The pool hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Only registered guest can use the pool, but you can pool hop between all three All-Star Resorts, which means you can get your groove on in the Piano pool at the All-Star Music Resort or score a homerun at the Grand Slam pool at the All-Star Sports Resort.

Photo via Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Parkway Blvd., 407-938-3000
Get in touch with your wild side at the lodge’s Uzima Pool, an 11,000 square foot watering hole straight out of a tropical paradise. But what really makes this pool stand out is the scenery — African wildlife can often be seen from the pool deck grazing in the neighboring savanna. Pools are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., but times change seasonally. Typically, resort guests are the only ones allowed to use the pools, but when the pool is below capacity, the hotel might make an exception for friends and family who are visiting.

Photo via Disney

JW Marriott & Ritz-Carlton
4040 Central Florida Parkway, RC: 407-206-2400, JW: 407-206-2300
You can rent a private cabana for some shelter from the sun at the Ritz-Carlton’s pool or grab your tube and jump right into the lazy river pool at the JW Marriott, a winding channel that takes you past scenic landscapes and rocky waterfalls. The pools open are typically open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but periodically will stay open later, until around 11 p.m. A limited number of friends and family can join registered guests at these pools.

Photo via Grande Lakes

Disney's Beach Club Resort
1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Orlando, 407-934-8000
With a Stormalong Bay and three leisure pools that each include steaming whirlpool spas, you’re bound to find a swimming area of your liking. The Stormalong Bay is a 3-acre beachside water park with currents and a sand-bottomed pool. Use your adventurous side and climb a life-sized shipwreck to plummet down a 230-foot-long waterslide. If you’re relaxed side is taking over for the day, you can check out the lazy river where you can rent an inner tube. You must be a guest at the hotel to use the pool, and you cannot bring any additional guests. Stormalong Bay is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the three leisure pools are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Photo via Walt Disney Co.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
1000 Buena Vista Drive, 407-939-1000
You’ll dig the sprawling Dig Site Pool complex at Coronado Springs. The Mayan ruin-themed attraction features the Lost City of Cibola pool as its centerpiece, with a 50-foot pyramid with stone steps where weary swimmers can rest during their explorations. Guests can also join a jaguar spirit animal for a ride down a 123-foot waterslide or join other “tribesmen” in the largest hot tub on Disney property, which boasts enough space for 22 people. Visit the Lost City from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Only registered guests can explore these ruins, but if you have a friend or family visit you, they can also join in on the adventure.

Photo via Walt Disney Co.