The 2 POOLS at Disney’s All-Star Sports! (w/pics)

One of my favorite hidden gems for budget-friendly fun is Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. While it may be known for its larger-than-life sports theming and value pricing, what often surprises guests is the two super fun and well-themed pools that add an extra splash of magic to your stay.

Whether you’re looking to make a big splash or just unwind poolside, the Surfboard Bay Pool and the Grand Slam Pool each offer something unique for athletes of all ages.

Below, you will learn about both options, along with the other fun activities and things to enjoy around the pools.

Lastly, make sure you make it to the end to learn how you can enjoy an ADDITIONAL FOUR POOLS when you stay at All-Star Sports. 🙂

Pools at All-Star Sports:

Pool #1: Surfboard Bay Pool

The first thing you need to know about this pool is that it is HUGE, at over 240,000 gallons. Even on the hottest days when the pool is busiest, you should have no problems finding an open area to swim.

As the name suggests, the pool area is surfboard-themed. Some of the impressive decorations that surround the pool include giant surfboards and a shark fin.

And here is a fun fact – if you viewed the pool from above, it’s shaped like a wave! See the picture below.

This pool is easy to find as it’s directly behind Stadium Hall, the central All-Star Sports area where the lobby and food court are located.

Surrounding the pool are lots of lounge chairs for relaxation. Behind the lounge chairs are tables with umbrellas that offer places to eat while being in the shade. Just be advised that on HOT days, the chairs and tables can get claimed quickly, so you may want to head to the pool early if this is important to you.

If you have babies or small children, there is an additional kiddie pool adjacent to Surfboard Bay Pool. This pool is safe for all ages and has a maximum depth of only 12 inches (30 cm).

If you get hungry or thirsty while at Surfboard Bay Pool, there is an outside pool bar called Grandstand Spirits. It’s easy to find as it’s located next to the pool.

Here you can find an array of adult alcoholic drinks to enjoy while sitting at the pool. They also offer a limited food menu, such as Mickey pretzels, chips, salads, and sandwiches.

The main food area, End Zone Food Court, is also very close inside Stadium Hall. As long as you dry off and put on shoes and a shirt, you can head here to find many more dining options.

When we stayed at All-Star Sports, there was a corn-hole and a large Connect Four game set up near the Surfboard Bay Pool

There are also ping-pong tables that are free to use.

Pool #2: Grand Slam Pool

The other pool located at All-Star Sports is the Grand Slam Pool. It is smaller than the Surfboard Bay Pool and is considered quieter of the two. It’s located in front of the Home Run Hotel. As you walk up to the entrance of the pool, it seems as if you are walking into a baseball stadium!

There is even a giant green space that represents the outfield, which is great for playing when you need a break from the pool. On the day that I visited, there were a few different games set up.

And what’s fun about the Grand Slam Pool is that it’s shaped like a giant baseball diamond! Check out the view from above:

You will find lounge chairs and tables surrounding the pool. But even though it’s considered the quieter of the two pools, it can still get fairly crowded on hot Florida days!

One thing your kids will love about the Grand Slam pool is the statue of Goofy, who is acting as a pitcher in the middle. But instead of throwing baseballs, he is spraying water from a cannon!

There is even a batter’s box with home plate, where it appears that Goofy is shooting water directly at you!

Other decorations include giant baseball bats, baseballs, and pennants from MLB teams surrounding the field. And lastly, there is a giant cup of Coke behind the home plate, which serves as a bridge between the two hotel buildings.

Additional info you should know about the pools:

  • The Surfboard Bay Pool and the Grand Slam Pool are normally open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

But these hours tend to change depending on the time of year you visit. Just ask the front desk when you arrive to see the current schedule. The operating hours should also be posted on a sign near the pool entrance.

  • Lifeguards are on duty at both the Surfboard Bay Pool and the Grand Slam Pool when the pools are open.

  • Unfortunately, you won’t find any water slides, lazy rivers, or hot tubs at All-Star Sports.

These amenities are not available at Disney Value Resorts. If these features are important, you must stay at a Moderate or Deluxe resort at Disney World.

  • Both of the pools are heated to 82°F (27.8°C) year-round!
  • No matter which section of All-Star Sports you stay at, you can use either of the pools.

So, for example, if you are in a room at the Hoops Hotel section, you can swim in the Surfboard Bay Pool and the Grand Slam Pool.

  • Here are the locations for both of the pools.
    • The Surfboard Bay Pool: Located in the center of All-Star Sports and right behind Stadium Hall. You can find a kiddie pool for young children at the back of the pool area.
    • The Grand Slam Pool: Located at the southeast end of All-Star Sports, between the Homerun Hotel buildings.

Here is a map of All-Star Sports Resort to help you see where the pools can be found.

Click HERE to download a PDF of the map!

  • Both pools are between 3 to 5 feet (1 – 1.5 m) deep.

The kiddie pool by the Surfboard Bay Pool has a maximum depth of 12 inches (30 cm).

  • Complimentary life jackets are available at both pools.

  • Fresh and clean towels are available at both the Surfboard Bay Pool and the Grand Slam Pool.

In addition, there are also bins to throw your used towels into as you leave the pool area.

  • At certain times of the day, Disney Cast Members come out to play games with the kids, like trivia, relays, and other pool games, that are free!

They may also have paid activities like tie-dyeing a shirt or making mouse ears. Look for a recreation calendar near the pools to see that day’s schedule.

  • Both pools have showers located inside the bathrooms.

Here’s how to enjoy an additional FOUR pools at All-Star Sports…

One HUGE benefit of being a guest at All-Star Sports is that you can visit the pools at the other two All-Star Resorts.

So, in addition to All-Star Sports, there are All-Star Music and All-Star Movies. Each of these resorts also has two pools uniquely designed to that resort’s theme. So that gives you FOUR more pools to try, in addition to the TWO at All-Star Sports.

Luckily, all of the All-Star Resorts are located next to each other and easily within walking distance.

Don’t take the fact that you can hop between six different pools for granted. This is actually a pretty rare perk when it comes to Disney World resorts.