Best deluxe resort pool for lap swimming?

[25eels]

A first-timer joining us on our next trip is a pretty serious swimmer and would really like to get a few good swims in during her stay. Which deluxe pool (not DVC) would you recommend? Obviously she isn't expecting to find something like she is accustomed to, but with enough space for her to get some laps in when the pools aren't in peak use by families. Do any of the larger pools have a dedicated lap lane? Or are any of the quiet pools on the larger side? I did a search and someone recommended Dolphin but I'd love to hear other ideas.

 

[robinb]

A first-timer joining us on our next trip is a pretty serious swimmer and would really like to get a few good swims in during her stay. Which deluxe pool (not DVC) would you recommend? Obviously she isn't expecting to find something like she is accustomed to, but with enough space for her to get some laps in when the pools aren't in peak use by families. Do any of the larger pools have a dedicated lap lane? Or are any of the quiet pools on the larger side? I did a search and someone recommended Dolphin but I'd love to hear other ideas.

My DD swam laps at the Dolphin last year (we stayed at the Swan). I don't think that any of the other WDW pools come close. You can also search for swim teams near Lake Buena Vista here http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=2078&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en and see where they practice. For instance, the St Cloud Aquatic Team practices here: http://www.stcloud.org/facilities.aspx?pagenum=4&RID=17&Page=detail

 

[I Love Pluto]

CSR - I know it's a Mod - has a great lap pool in the Casitas section.

 

[spiceycat]

CR - before it was changed it was a lap pool

so hope it might work for you

 

[Deb & Bill]

A first-timer joining us on our next trip is a pretty serious swimmer and would really like to get a few good swims in during her stay. Which deluxe pool (not DVC) would you recommend? Obviously she isn't expecting to find something like she is accustomed to, but with enough space for her to get some laps in when the pools aren't in peak use by families. Do any of the larger pools have a dedicated lap lane? Or are any of the quiet pools on the larger side? I did a search and someone recommended Dolphin but I'd love to hear other ideas.

The Dolphin is really the only deluxe resort with a lap pool.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I think any quiet pool would b ok for laps. Like the name, they are usually quiet and not many ppl are there.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think any quiet pool would b ok for laps. Like the name, they are usually quiet and not many ppl are there.

A "quiet" pool is unthemed. Not quiet. And usually occupied by guests who don't like all the action at the themed pool.

 

[POOHsie]

The Dolphin and Swan share 4-5 pools and a couple of spas. As a guest of either hotel, you can use any pool. You will also have charging privileges at both hotels. Both get free theme park parking lot access, and EMH. I've stayed at both hotels and I would highly recommend both. The Swan pool outside Garden Grove (right) is a nice rectangular pool, not usually busy. The Dolphin has a nice-size lap pool (top left), also not too busy. Most people are at the lagoon pool (center).

 

[Robbi]

The lap pool at the Swan and Dolphin was rated #1 out of 10 resort lap pools in the country.

 

[robinb]

The lap pool at the Swan and Dolphin was rated #1 out of 10 resort lap pools in the country.

Probably because of location, location, location. I don't recall it being "all that" and there were no lane lines at the time. When is why I suggested a pool offsite for training purposes.

 

[Polydweller]

The Dolphin is really the only deluxe resort with a lap pool.

Given the OPs question I don't think it's accurate to call the Swan and Dolphin a deluxe resort. They are not Disney owned or operated by Disney, they are owned by Tishman hotels. The Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is Sheraton, so high quality. So if the OP wants a Disney deluxe hotel with lap pool there isn't one.

However, if the lap pool is essential, then Swan and Dolphin are a good choice. They participate in many Disney benefits such as Disney transport (not ME) and EMH. As mentioned, They do not participate in ME nor do you get free parking at te parks. Just so the op understands they aren't Disney and won't have the typical Disney theming.

 

[Robbi]

Probably because of location, location, location. I don't recall it being "all that" and there were no lane lines at the time. When is why I suggested a pool offsite for training purposes.

Maybe but AthleticMindedTraveler.com is who gave them the rating.

 

[robinb]

As mentioned, They do not participate in ME nor do you get free parking at te parks. Just so the op understands they aren't Disney and won't have the typical Disney theming.

Not quite. You have to pay for parking at the Swolphin, but parking at the parks is included.

 

[POOHsie]

Given the OPs question I don't think it's accurate to call the Swan and Dolphin a deluxe resort. They are not Disney owned or operated by Disney, they are owned by Tishman hotels. The Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is Sheraton, so high quality. So if the OP wants a Disney deluxe hotel with lap pool there isn't one.

However, if the lap pool is essential, then Swan and Dolphin are a good choice. They participate in many Disney benefits such as Disney transport (not ME) and EMH. As mentioned, They do not participate in ME nor do you get free parking at the parks. Just so the op understands they aren't Disney and won't have the typical Disney theming.

Correction. Dolphin and Swan do get free parking at the theme park lots. Just show your room key at the entrance booth.

 

[25eels]

Given the OPs question I don't think it's accurate to call the Swan and Dolphin a deluxe resort. They are not Disney owned or operated by Disney, they are owned by Tishman hotels. The Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is Sheraton, so high quality. So if the OP wants a Disney deluxe hotel with lap pool there isn't one.

However, if the lap pool is essential, then Swan and Dolphin are a good choice. They participate in many Disney benefits such as Disney transport (not ME) and EMH. As mentioned, They do not participate in ME nor do you get free parking at te parks. Just so the op understands they aren't Disney and won't have the typical Disney theming.

Thanks for all the feedback so far! Yes, I know that Swan/Dolphin are a category unto themselves -- I just mentioned the Dolphin since my original search really only returned that property as having a good lap pool (which the map posted by POOHsie confirms -- thank you!). That said, we are more likely to stay elsewhere unless the lap pool issue becomes a deal-breaker, but I doubt it will. It would be great to find the best of all worlds but if she can't get her laps in it isn't the end of the world either.

We've stayed at CR, YC and BWI. I actually really liked the CR pool (which many don't) and agree it could probably work for laps when not crowded. Obviously Stormalong Bay won't work , and I never got to the BC/YC quiet pools ... and, pathetically, we never got to the BWI pool at all during our stay there! I really appreciate everyone's experiences and advice and welcome all further suggestions. We're tentatively reserved at WL and I think our group prefer like to stay at MK-area deluxes, though I'll miss the Epcot resorts very much if that happens.

 

[BlovesC]

Our favorite lap pool is Stormalong Bay actually...we love swimming the opposite direction of the lazy river! It's the only way to burn off those calories from the No Way Jose!