Disneyland Resort Hotel Swimming Pools – What to Expect of Your Fun in the Sun!

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The fun-packed Disneyland resort pools are a great reason to choose to stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel on your vacation. Each of the unique pools at the three Disneyland Resort hotels offer a little something different. I’m sharing a brief overview of the Disneyland resort pools along with tips on what to expect and how to maximize your time poolside!

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Disneyland Resort Pools

Our vacation isn’t complete without a day spent at a Disneyland Resort pool! We usually hit the whirlpool spas the night before we visit the Parks, where we sit in the warm bubbles and discuss our upcoming adventures. During our stay we often take a break back at the hotel in the afternoon to cool off with a swim. And we always reserve the last day of our trip to enjoy pool-side. Read these additional tips on what to do on an “off day” at Disneyland.

I’m sharing my tips on what to expect at the Disneyland Resort pools including themes, places for toddlers, where to get food and drinks and all about cabanas. Cabanas should always be reserved in advance of your trip by calling the hotel directly.

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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

The art-deco themed area at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is definitely the most elegant of the three Disneyland resort pools. The entire area is beautifully tree-lined and has a very “woodsy” feel.

Pools – 

The largest of the pools, the Redwood Pool has a 90-foot-long water slide. The slide creatively curves around the giant stump of a Redwood tree. There are additional short slides at one end of the Redwood Pool for younger kids. 

The quiet Fountain Pool features a turtle fountain. A Mickey Mouse-shaped Children’s Pool and a whirlpool hot tub are also in this area. The Mariposa Pool features decorative butterflies and lights in the pool deck area, with a whirlpool spa nearby. It’s a beautiful and relaxing looking space.

Poolside Dining – 

Grab n’ go a burger, fish tacos or a specialty bowl from GCH Craftsman Grill to enjoy poolside. Additionally there are items like skewers, salads, pizza and kid’s meals. After swimming, dine on artisan pizzas, mini corn dog nachos and cocktails at Hearthstone Lounge. 

Cabanas – 

There are a total of 6 cabanas around the Mariposa pool at Disney’s Grand Californian. Relax in comfort on the shaded furniture with ceiling fan, TV and mini fridge. A private safe keeps belongings safe while you swim. Each cabana comes with complimentary water bottles and fruit platter.

Each resort has cabanas available for either half or full day rental. Servers are available to take poolside food orders, including for alcohol. 

Paradise Pier Hotel

This third-floor boardwalk-themed pool area offers pretty views and more! We’ve stayed here many times and have visited the pool area at night as well. All guests of the Paradise Pier Hotel are invited to sit on the pool deck in the evening. You can view the Disneyland fireworks show from the pool area and the music is piped in over the loudspeakers. 

Pools – 

My big kids enjoy going back and forth between the Paradise Pool and California Streamin’, the classic water slide! This water slide is open-air and drops into a shallow trough of water. It is appropriate for anyone who can sit up, even if they are wearing a life vest. Note that parents are not permitted to slide with their children; only one person is allowed on the slide at a time.

My littlest kids like dipping their toes in the shallow Children’s Pool. And of course if you just need to relax, the Paradise Spa whirlpool hot tub is available here.

Poolside Dining –

The Sand Bar offers outdoor dining, though they’ve never been open on the times/days we’ve visited. That’s something to keep in mind if you like to nibble poolside, so ask first at Guest Services. When it’s open, you’ll find sandwiches, snacks and cocktails.

Cabanas – 

There are no cabanas available at the Paradise Pier hotel pool.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel pool is my favorite of all the Disneyland resort pools. The pool areas are multi-leveled and spread out so it rarely feels overly crowded. Lounge chairs in the shade are a hot commodity here so definitely arrive early to grab your seat. There are seats near the pools or on the upper area next to the Monorail slides.

Pools – 

There are several large pools for swimming at the Disneyland Hotel, the E-Ticket and D-Ticket. You’ll enjoy relaxing in either the Mickey or Minnie Whirlpool Spas. 

The highlight for all ages is the fantastic Monorail pool!  Two large water slides (180-foot-long and 80-foot-long) make a big splash and are replicas of the original Mark 1 Monorail trains. The 2-lane mini slide is where you’ll find little ones. My toddlers and preschoolers have loved to splash around in the zero entry pool area with pop jets, fountains and a waterfall to walk under.

Poolside Dining – 

Located directly next to the pool area is Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill. They also offer poolside service and drinks from the bar during certain times. Polynesian-inspired foods include Kalua-style poutine, Hawaiian cheeseburger and shrimp salad as well as kid’s meals. Post swim, grab a tropical cocktail at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar which offers indoor and outdoor seating.

Cabanas – 

Poolside cabanas at the Disneyland Hotel are around the E-Ticket pool. Just like at the Grand Californian, there’s comfy furniture in the shade with ceiling fan, TV, private safe and mini fridge. Cabanas come with complimentary water bottles and fruit platter and a server to take dining orders.

Extra Fun in the Sun at Disneyland Resort Pools

Pool Parties are offered seasonally at different times (depending upon the resort) and include an hour of games, music and dancing. Check with the Resort hotel for more information.

Experiencing a busy day at the Disneyland parks? Consider retreating to the Disneyland resort pools mid-day when the sun is hottest to relax at the pool and maybe take a nap in the hotel room.

Disneyland Resort Pool – What To Expect

• Towels are supplied poolside, so no need to bring one from your hotel room.
• For babies and toddlers, there are swim diapers provided as well as life jackets.
• Each Disneyland resort pool has lifeguards on duty during posted times.
• There are bathrooms at each resort pool, with showers outside for rinsing off.

• All pools are gated and require a valid hotel room key scan for entry. 
• Dining locations are outside of the gate. Some Disneyland Resort pools offer pool-side service for food and cocktails at certain times.
• Swimming pools are heated year-round.
• Be sure to check with your hotel to verify that the pool is not under refurbishment during your vacation. If this is the case, your hotel will allow you to swim at another one of the Disneyland Resort pools during your visit.

Originally published Feb 12th, 2015 and has been updated and republished