The 2 POOLS at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (2025)
Every time I stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, I feel like I’ve stepped into a tropical paradise—and the pools are a huge part of that experience.
There are two main pools at the Polynesian, each offering its own kind of island-inspired escape.
In this post, I’ll dive into what makes both pools at Disney’s Polynesian so special and why our family always makes time for a swim during my stay.
The 2 Pools at Polynesian Village Resort:
Pool #1: Lava Pool
The Lava Pool is the larger of the two pools at the Polynesian Village Resort.
The pool is themed after Polynesia, like the resort itself. The Lava Pool captures the essence of the South Pacific with a volcano, a waterfall, and lush tropical plants.
The Lava Pool is EASY to find! It is behind the Great Ceremonial House, the resort’s main lobby, and by the Seven Seas Marina.
The pool has a zero-depth entry point. Zero-depth entry gently slopes into the pool, similar to walking into the ocean.
The Lava Pool is known for its towering 142-foot-long water slide. The thrilling water slide is located near the top of the pool area’s volcano.
There are no height restrictions for the water slide at the Lava Pool. Just make sure you follow the rules posted at the slide’s entrance, which include waiting for the green light signal and going down feet-first.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the pool depth at the bottom of the slide is 3.5 feet (1 m).
When you are ready to relax, head over to the hot tub at the Polynesian.
The hot tub provides spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Grand Floridian Resort.
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 GIANT splash pad near the Lava Pool in a separate area!
The Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area has water features that spray and splash water. There is also a kiddie slide for the little ones to enjoy.
If you get hungry or thirsty while at the Lava Pool, there is an outside pool bar called Barefoot Pool Bar.
It’s easy to find as it’s located next to the pool.
Here, you can find an array of beverages, including adult alcoholic drinks, to enjoy while sitting at the pool. They also offer a food menu with starters, entrées such as wraps and burgers, and kids’ meals.
If you are looking for a sweet treat, stop by Pineapple Lanai. This spot is next to Capt. Cook’s and perfect for fans of DOLE Whip. Enjoy soft-serve, floats, and rum floaters that all incorporate tasty DOLE Whip.
Since the Lava Pool is the biggest pool at Polynesian Village Resort and is centrally located, it is definitely the busiest pool at the resort.
If you want a less crowded pool with a more relaxed atmosphere, keep reading to learn more about the other pool at Polynesian Village Resort! 🙂
Pool #2: Oasis Pool
You will find the smaller Oasis Pool on the other side of the Samoa building at the Polynesian. The pools are relatively close to each other, with outdoor pathways that connect them, making pool hopping incredibly easy.
The theming at the Oasis Pool is much simpler than the Lava Pool, with no major décor features. Instead, the quieter pool area is surrounded by Polynesian Resort buildings, patio spaces, and lush tropical foliage.
The Oasis Pool also has a hot tub. This spot is perfect for relaxing while enjoying the resort’s quieter pool area.
Around the pool are lounge chairs and tables, available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also Oasis patio spaces that can be rented in advance if you wish to secure a large, shaded space with comfy patio seating for your pool visit.
If you get hungry or thirsty while at the Oasis Pool, there is an outside pool bar called Oasis Bar & Grill. It’s easy to find as it’s located next to the pool.
This dining option offers a menu similar to the Barefoot Pool Bar, with an array of beverages, including adult alcoholic drinks, to enjoy while sitting at the pool.
The Oasis Pool is smaller than the Lava Pool. As a result, it is usually quieter and less crowded, especially since it’s also located slightly away from the main area of Polynesian Village Resort. But on hot Florida days, this pool can still get pretty busy.
More info about the Pools at the Polynesian:
Operating hours:
The Lava Pool is normally open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Oasis Pool is normally open from 7 a.m. to 11 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.
Pool usage:
No matter which section of Polynesian Village Resort you stay at, you can use either of the two pools. So, for example, if you are in a room in the Tokelau building, you can still swim in the Lava Pool. In fact, many families pool-hop throughout the day!
Only guests staying at Polynesian Village Resort have access to the pool area.
Lifeguards:
Lifeguards are on duty at the Lava Pool when the pool is open. There are no lifeguards at the Oasis Pool. Hours and lifeguard availability are subject to change depending on the time of year, so check the schedule upon arrival.
Pool locations:
Here are the locations for each of the two pools:
- Lava Pool: Located near the center of the Polynesian Village Resort, behind the Great Ceremonial House.
- Oasis Pool: Located a short away from the Lava Pool. If you are coming from the Great Ceremonial House, make a right, and you’ll find the Oasis Pool behind the Rarotonga building.
Here is a map of Polynesian Village Resort to help you see where the two pools can be found. Click HERE to download a PDF of the map!
Life jackets:
Yes! Complimentary life jackets are available at both pools.
Towels:
Fresh and clean towels are available at both pools: Lava Pool and Oasis Pool. In addition, there are bins to throw your 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 themed parties, trivia, relays, and other pool games that are free! You will want to look for an activity schedule posted near the entrance of the pools.
There is also a Ping-Pong table near the Oasis Pool that is free to use.
Another fun activity near the Polynesian Village Resort pools is watching a movie under the stars.
Every night, a different Disney movie plays on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn. Many times, there is even popcorn available. Upon arrival at Polynesian Village Resort, check out the movie schedule at the Front Desk so you don’t miss your favorite! And if you don’t like what is playing, you can easily walk over to the Grand Floridian Resort to check out the movie they are showing. 🙂
Showers and changing rooms:
There are showers located inside the bathrooms at the Lava Pool, but not the Oasis Pool.
Have you ever visited the pools at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?
If so, please let me know below if I missed anything. In addition, if you have additional questions, feel free to ask, and I will answer! 🙂
