Orlando didn’t become one of the nation’s best family vacation destinations overnight. Nearly everything in this giant amusement park of a city is planned with families in mind — from the world-renowned theme parks and splashy water parks to the whimsical family resorts. And the hotel pools? Next-level. Imagine multiple swimming areas, splash pads, turning water slides, lazy rivers, and interactive play areas. These are the Orlando hotel pools that exceed basic, and they’re some of my favorites straight off.
1. Villatel Orlando: Aqua Bay is the heart of Villatel Orlando’s outdoor recreation. The water wonderland treats thrill seekers to four slides, a lazy river, family pool, and wet playground for tots. Among the water slides are two racing slides that actually clock in riders’ speeds for a fun family challenge. Splash Cove, meanwhile, fuels little adrenaline with small slides and interactive water features.
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: “Moana” fans will swoon over the pools at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. The Lava Pool, with its volcano feature and thrilling water slide, is the centerpiece, while a nearby zero-entry pool makes it easy for all ages to dip their toes into the water. A relaxing Oasis Pool, Moana’s Voyage splash area for littles, and a separate Cove Pool for families staying at the property’s Island Tower, round out the options for staying cool.
3. Orlando World Center Marriott: It’s only fitting that the world’s largest Marriott resort has an impressive array of pools and water features. Orlando World Center Marriott serves up splash-worthy fun at its Falls Pool Oasis pool complex, which features a 400,000-gallon, zero-entry, lagoon-style pool; a collection of water slides (there are seven total within the resort), including a 90-foot speed slide; and a toddler-friendly splash zone.
It doesn’t stop there: The River Falls Water Park includes a 575-foot-long lazy river as well as inner tube water slides. Once the sun goes down, this Orlando hotel’s nightly laser light show gives its pool area a whole new look.
4. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center: The sprawling Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando features all kinds of unique amenities indoors and out, and its three-acre Cypress Springs Water Park is a major draw for families. Soak in the relaxing vibes at the South Beach Pool or keep up with the kids at the zero-entry family pool.
Seven water slides include the Florida Free Fall, which drops riders 35 feet through a trapdoor. Other highlights include a rapid river, surfing simulator (for an additional fee), and separate splash area for littles.
5. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate: Families will have a ‘swell’ time at the 131,000-gallon wave pool, the crown jewel of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate’s water recreation. The zero-entry family pool area and water park include a 125-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a family hot tub, and a kids-only pool with a splash area and water slides that are just the right size for little swimmers. All ages can mosey down the 850-foot-long lazy river (just watch out for the shooting water cannons), while those 18 and older can find respite at the hotel’s adults-only pool.
6. Conrad Orlando: Conrad Orlando’s location within the 1,100-acre Evermore Orlando Resort makes it a splurge-worthy option for families who want to spend a lot of time in the water. A private, 20-acre tropical beach and lagoon invite you to swim, kayak, or paddle board in its crystal-clear waters. Pair all of that with a resort-style pool, massive family water slide, and other adventures such as cliff jumping and rope swinging over the water, and families might never want to leave the resort.
7. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress: Families can easily transport themselves to a secluded cove in the middle of the jungle, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The 800,000-gallon, lagoon-style pool feels remarkably realistic, with caves and waterfalls you can swim though, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush, tropical greenery. If that’s not enough of an adventure, you can race down the water slide.
8. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek and Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek: The sprawling 500-acre Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek and Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek resort has plenty of ways to escape the heat. Choose from five pools (some with water slides), eight hot tubs, and two lazy rivers — all decked out in a fun pirate ship theme. Little guests also have access to their very own splash pad.
9. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort: Channel your inner rock star at the music-themed Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, where the 12,000-square-foot pool is surrounded by palm trees and the beat goes on thanks to an underwater sound system. A 260-foot-long water slide provides thrills, while two hot tubs offer soothing spots for relaxing. Children have their own separate splash area.
10. Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: At the Italy-inspired Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll have access to three pools with European flair. For families, the star attraction is the bustling Beach Pool area, which has a water slide modeled after a Roman aqueduct, an adjacent children’s pool, two hot tubs, and a sand beach area.
11. The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando: The all-suite Grove Resort and Water Park is known for its Surfari Water Park, which offers a zero-entry pool, two water slides, and a 695-foot-long lazy river. Water park entry is free for guests, while add-on experiences include a surf simulator and “splash passes” for faster entry into the water park. At the lakeside Springs Pools area, you’ll find three pools, an oversized hot tub, and a children’s splash area.
