We’ve stayed at every Disney resort on property (some multiple times), and while the pools can be gorgeous, themed to the nines, and a solid way to escape the heat, there are a few perks we’ve noticed that just aren’t there… and they really should be.
Whether you’re staying at a Deluxe or Value resort, the pool experience is definitely fun, but it’s also starting to feel a little behind the times in a few key areas. These are the four pool perks we wish Disney World hotels would finally bring to the table.
Swim-Up Bars
It feels like a crime that there are zero swim-up bars on Disney property. We’re not asking for a full-on All-Inclusive experience — just the option to grab a cold drink without climbing out of the pool, toweling off, and standing in a line at the bar with wet feet and tangled hair.
Swim-up bars are a mainstay at tons of tropical resorts around the world, and while Disney prides itself on top-tier immersion and amenities, this one’s a total miss. How perfect would it be to order a piña colada without leaving the water? Especially at places like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where the theming practically screams island vibes. Instead, you have to plan your drink run and leave your pool chair behind, hoping it’ll still be there when you get back. Not ideal.
On-Demand Poolside Ordering from the App
Mobile ordering is one of the biggest wins Disney has had in recent years. It streamlines meals at the parks and resorts, helps you skip lines, and just makes things way easier. So why can’t we do that from the pool?
Picture this: you’re lounging at the Coronado Springs pool, getting some sun, and your kid suddenly decides they’re starving. Instead of grabbing your stuff and walking to the nearest quick service location, you could pull out the My Disney Experience app, order chicken nuggets and a lemonade, and have it delivered right to your pool chair. Easy. Convenient. Zero disruption.
Unfortunately, we’re still stuck in the past. Some Deluxe resorts do offer limited poolside service, but it’s not the norm, and it’s definitely not available through the app. With how tech-forward Disney is trying to be, this feels like a no-brainer.
Cabanas with Built-In Cooling Mists
Disney’s cabanas are pricey, and frankly, they should come with more perks for the cost. At resorts like the Grand Floridian or Yacht Club, you can book a cabana with amenities like cushioned loungers, a fan, a TV, and some complimentary sodas or snacks. But there’s one super-refreshing feature that’s totally missing: built-in cooling misters.
If you’ve ever stayed at a high-end resort off Disney property (especially in hot climates), you’ve probably seen this perk before. Cabanas with misting fans or built-in mist lines make a huge difference in the summer heat. It’s the kind of upgrade that turns a nice pool day into a luxury one.
At Disney World, where summer temps regularly break 95 degrees and the humidity could knock you over, this would be an incredibly helpful (and honestly luxurious) touch — especially when you’re already shelling out premium cash for the cabana itself.
Hot Tubs at Value Resort Pools
Value resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation, and the All-Star hotels are themed with fun in mind, and they definitely nail the visual experience. But one thing they’re all missing? Hot tubs.
If you’ve walked 25,000 steps through Magic Kingdom and your feet are on fire, a hot tub sounds like a dream. And sure, hot tubs might not be ideal in peak summer heat, but come the cooler months — or even just a chilly evening— they’re perfect. They also give adults a chance to unwind while kids play in the pool.
Currently, hot tubs are reserved for Moderate and Deluxe resorts, which is a bummer. We get that Value resorts are meant to be budget-friendly, but at least one hot tub per property would go a long way in making guests feel like they’re getting more out of their stay.
We love the pools at Disney World hotels — truly, we do. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. These missing perks aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They’re the kind of upgrades that could make the resort experience feel just a little more magical, especially during those hot, exhausting park days.
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
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I made one of these complaints in May. Why could I mobile order at the Artists Pallette but not the pool. Sure, they brought my order [sans a drink] to my chair but I had to go stand in a line behind a bunch of people trying to figure out what they wanted. And Saratoga is supposed to be a deluxe resort. At least when I was at the Poly and Beach Club wait staff came around and took our orders.