One of the things I love about staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is how completely immersive the experience is—and that includes the pool areas!

With the sights and sounds of African-inspired theming all around, even taking a dip feels like part of the adventure. There are two incredible pools at this resort, each offering something a little different depending on whether I’m in the mood to relax or have some fun with the family.

In this post, I’ll share all the details about both pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge, including what makes them special and why they’re some of my favorite places to unwind during a stay.

The 2 Pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge:

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Pool #1: Uzima Springs Pool

The Uzima Springs Pool is a huge pool area at Animal Kingdom Lodge! The 234,980-gallon pool is popular because of its proximity to the resort’s lobby and its tropical theming.

The pool is themed after a tropical oasis. Facing the Uzima Savanna, the Uzima Springs Pool is surrounded by lush tropical plants and a spring at the back of the pool area.

The Uzima Springs Pool is EASY to find! It is located in the Jambo House section of the resort, a short walk from the main lobby. This pool is between the Giraffe Trail Guest Rooms and the Uzima Savanna.

Click HERE to download a PDF of the map!

The Uzima Springs Pool has a 67 ft (20.4 m) long waterslide. The slide has a gentle slope and curves around rock décor before depositing you into the pool.

The water slide does not have height restrictions, but your children must be able to swim and go down the slide alone. They are NOT allowed to sit on your lap.

The pool also has a zero-entry access point. This means guests can enter the pool via a shallow slope, like entering the ocean from a beach’s shore.

There are two hot tubs at the Uzima Springs Pool. One is near the savanna overlook, and the other is behind the water slide.

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 little kids, you will be happy to learn there is a small kiddie pool near the Uzima Springs Pool inside a separate fenced-in area!

The shallow wading pool has its own set of lounge chairs and tables. If you want a water playground, keep reading to learn about the Uwanja Camp at Samawati Springs Pool!

If you get thirsty while at the Uzima Springs Pool, there is an outside pool bar called Uzima Springs Pool Bar. It’s easy to find as it’s located next to the pool.

• Here, you can find an array of beverages, including alcoholic drinks, to enjoy while sitting at the pool.

If you are looking for something to eat, The Mara is close to the Uzima Springs Pool. It can be found just inside the main building, entering from the wading pool area. So, if you dry off and put on shoes and a shirt, you can head here to find some great dining options. But if you’re at the pool, it would be easiest to mobile order from outside and then run inside to grab your food when it’s ready.

Since the Uzima Springs Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge is centrally located with plenty of amenities, it is often a busy pool at the resort.

Animal Kingdom Lodge has another feature pool with great amenities and a water playground. Keep reading to learn more about the other pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge! 🙂

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Pool #2: Samawati Springs Pool

You will find the Samawati Springs Pool at the Kidani Village section of Animal Kingdom Lodge. Lobby-to-lobby Kidani Village is about a 10-minute walk from Jambo House. The walking path is approximately 0.4 miles (0.64 km). If you would rather not walk, an internal resort shuttle runs roughly every 10 minutes. The shuttle picks up guests right in front of each resort’s lobby.

The Samawati Springs Pool is another tropically themed oasis at the resort. The 118,138-gallon pool is surrounded by palm trees and lush foliage that provide plenty of shaded spots.

The Samawati Springs Pool is located in the Villas section of Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village. It is near the Survival of the Fittest Health Club and a savanna overlook.

The Samawati Springs Pool has a 128 ft (39 m) long waterslide. The slide twists and turns before depositing you into the pool. There is also a second, smaller slide leading into the pool. The water slide does not have height restrictions, but your children must be able to swim and go down the slide alone. They are NOT allowed to sit on your lap.

The pool has a zero-entry access point. It is on the opposite side of the pool, allowing guests to enter the pool via a shallow slope.

There are two hot tubs at the Samawati Springs Pool. One is located near the water slide and health club, and the other is on the opposite side of the pool area.

Surrounding the pool are lounge chairs and tables, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have little kids, Uwanja Camp is a must-visit spot in the Samawati Springs Pool area.

This water playground has three distinctive zones appealing to different age groups.

Kids can enjoy slides, water cannons, and other fun aquatic features.

If you get hungry or thirsty while at the Samawati Springs Pool, there is an outside pool bar called Maji Pool Bar. It’s easy to find as it’s located next to the pool.

Here, you can find a selection of entrees like hot dogs, salads, and nachos, as well as snacks like pretzels, chips, and cookies. The pool bar offers an array of beverages, including adult alcoholic drinks, to enjoy while sitting at the pool.

Since Samawati Springs Pool is another large feature pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge with amenities like water slides and a kids’ water playground, it is also a popular destination at the resort.

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Additional info about the pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge:

Operating Hours:

The Uzima Springs Pool and Samawati Springs Pool are normally open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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:

When the pools are open, lifeguards are on duty at the Uzima Springs Pool and the Samawati Springs Pool, typically from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lifeguard presence and pool hours vary throughout the year, so check the schedule upon arrival.

Pool usage:

No matter which section of Animal Kingdom Lodge you stay at, you can use either of the two pools. So, for example, if you are in a room in the Jambo House section, you can swim in the Samawati Springs Pool. Likewise, if you stay in the Kidani Village section, you can swim in the Uzima Springs Pool. Many families pool-hop throughout the day!

Life jackets:

Complimentary life jackets are available at both pools.

Towels:

Fresh, clean towels are available at both pools. In addition, there are bins to throw used towels into as you leave the pool area.

Additional activities near the pools:

Yes, at certain times of the day, Disney Cast Members come out to play games with the kids. Activities may include trivia, relays, and other free pool games! You will want to look for an activity schedule posted near the entrance of the pools.

Another fun activity near the Uzima Springs Pool and the Samawati Pool is watching a movie under the stars.

Every night, a different Disney movie plays, either by the Uzima Springs Pool or the Community Hall at Kidani Village. Many times, popcorn is even available. Upon arrival at Animal Kingdom Lodge, check out the movie schedule at the Front Desk so you don’t miss your favorite!

Showers and changing rooms:

There are showers and changing rooms located inside the bathrooms at the Uzima Springs Pool and the Samawati Springs Pool.