Splash The Day Away At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lava Pool

The Resort Hotels of Walt Disney World are known for not only having world-class accommodation, but great food, and a plethora of fun recreational activities. My family loves to spend time by the pool, and if you are looking to stay at a resort with the perfect place to splash the day away, here's why you should give Disney's Polynesian Village Resort pools a try.


Splash The Day Away At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lava Pool
Disney's Polynesian Resort Lava Pool


Pool Rules

The pool is surrounded by a fence for both guests safety during non-guarded hours and to prevent pool use by non-resort guests. Once inside the fence a large pool deck allows for plenty of seating space and room to lounge. Guests looking for a seat will find rows of chaise lounges alongside umbrella shaded tables and chairs.

Both of the pools at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort rules state that the pools are exclusively for Polynesian Village guests. To gain access to the pool area you have to scan your Magic Band with a Polynesian Resort reservation on it. Even amongst Disney Vacation Club Members there is no pool hopping allowed here.


The Lava Pool Is Open 9am - 11pm
Lava Pool Is In The Middle Of All The Island Fun


The Lava Pool

The featured pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is the Lava Pool, and you can find it out the back doors of the Great Ceremonial House, past the Lawn. Here is where you will find most of the families hanging about spending their day at the resort. The location is central to all the recreation including the great lawn and the marina boat rentals. Guests will also find Captain Cook's, Pineapple Lani, and Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace just a short distance beyond the fence. As if that wasn't enough, every afternoon there the recreation cast holds a pool party.

The Lava Pool offers a zero-depth entry point, and the central focus to the pool is the large formation of towering "lava rock" that houses a 142-foot water slide. Other luxurious features include underwater jets, warmer water areas, and a lovely in pool seating. Plus, this water playground sits just feet from the Polynesian Beach area with its Cinderella Castle view. and at the beach end of the pool.


The Lava Pool Offers Zero Depth Entry


The Infinity Spa

For decades the thing I heard guests complain about most at the Polynesian pool was the lack of hot tubs. After all, a long day at the park calls for some serious relaxation afterward. OK - maybe it's just me that was complaining, but I want a soak in a bubbling spa at the end of the day. In 2015 those prayers were answered and a large infinity hot tub overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon opened. With its beautiful castle view the infinity spa is a choice spot to watch the fireworks if I do say so myself.


Lava Pool Infinity Spa


Barefoot Pool Bar

My other "must have" for a fabulous resort pool is a fantastic pool bar, and the Barefoot Pool Bar delivers.

The bar begins serving up drinks and snacks at 11 AM, and continues until the Magic Kingdom fireworks. On nights where the demand is great the bartenders will continue to sling some creative tiki inspired concoctions even longer. I was recently told that the Frozen Margarita with Dole Whip Lime should be on everyone's list. There is also a small food menu available from the Barefoot Pool Bar, so if you're looking for Polynesian inspired eats without leaving your lounge chair they've got you covered.


Barefoot Pool Bar


Restrooms

The need for a bathroom in inevitable when spending the day poolside, and no one wants to run back to their hotel room to do so. Never fear, the Polynesian has you covered with a restrooms under the lava rock formation that even offers lockers and a changing bench to accommodate arrival and departure day fun. In addition, there is a second set of bathrooms located at the building next to the Barefoot Bar. You will have to scan your MagicBands for bathroom access; yes it's a bother, but it helps keep this prime location private for resort guests.


Restrooms Are Located Beneath The Volcano
Looking Out From The Volcano Cave


Disability Services

The Lava Pool offers a zero-depth entry point, that slopes gently into the pool making for an easier entry and exit. The pool also has a PVC wheelchair available that rolls into the zero-depth entry area. As well as a platform for those who want to get out of the wheelchair and into the pool. Additionally, the pool is equipped with a chair lift for transfer from a wheelchair into the pool.

Kids At The Lava Pool

Children under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times while in the pool area, and the lifeguards do a fair job of policing that. Disney's Polynesian Village does provide life jackets at the pools if needed. Diapered children are required to wear swim diapers and can be purchased in the Polynesian stores.

The Kiki Tikis kids splash area lies just south of the Lava Pool, and is designed for kids to splash and play in the water without fully swimming. Kids must also have an adult watching them when in this area.


Kiki Tikis Kids Splash Zone


And don't forget...

The Lava Pool is a fantastic reason to book your stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, but it is not alone in the wet fun. Guests staying at the Polynesian who are looking for a bit more of a laid back pool atmosphere can head over to the Oasis Pool. This saltwater pool also has a zero entry, a bubbling spa, and well stocked pool bar guests can enjoy.


Don't Forget The Oasis Pool


Do you have great memories of splashing in the sun at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort? Leave a comment and let me know what you love best about this fabulous pool at Walt Disney World.