Best Pool for 4-year old non-swimmer?

[themilesfamily]

We're going in October -- trying to decide amongst three hotels.:

WL, BC, AKL

I've read a million pool threads on DIS -- but would love to see how people rank these three for a preschool, non-swimmer.

Also, if we're trying to avoid pool crowds, is AKL the obvious choice?

 

[MickeyNicki]

BC has that zero entry pool and we always see a ton of kids in it

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Beach club has zero entry and a sandy bottom and a little kids waterslide

 

[daisyduck123]

Beach Club

 

[AJKMOM]

I have read that the BC pool can get crowded, depending on the time of year. I recommend the zero-entry pool at AKL, it's not too large, and it's very nice.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

My vote is for AKL due to the zero entry area, how the playground and hot tubs are right next to the pool and it makes it easy to go from one to the other and the sunset savanna is right there too. BC was over crowded IMO and we are trying WL for the first time this year. I will miss the AKL set up it worked so well for us. We did it once when DS was 18 months and once when he was 23 months.

 

[septbaby]

Here is the AKL pool info from allears.net:

"AKL has a themed pool, a kids' wading pool, two outdoor spas ("hot tubs") and a fitness center. There is also a kid's playground.

The Uzima Springs pool is the largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It is also a "Zero-Depth Entry" pool, meaning there is an entrance without steps. I saw lots and lots of kids (young ones, too) enjoying the 67-foot long slide and kiddy wade pool area. There is no quiet pool at AKL."

There are also some great children's activities at AKL, not to mention the animal viewing! By the way while waiting for our table at Boma we tried the playground there this summer, no sand so no sand being tracked back into the room or in your laundry.

If you do try AKL, please report back as I'd love to read your experience! We are planning a first stay there next September.

 

[nem75]

My vote is for Beach Club. When we went we saw 3 seperate pool areas and the one we used was large, sand bottom with a nice sized sand pile to play on in the middle of the pool. Plus the max depth in that pool was 2-3ft if I remember correctly. Either way you will have a good time!

 

[buzz5985]

I would not receomend the pool at the BC for a nonswimmer. I was nervous with my 10 yo swimmer. Plus the area is so large to try to watch the kids.

AK has a walk in pool - like a beach. Smaller area to keep an eye on your kids.

I noticed that a lot of parents rely on the lifeguards to watch their kids -- I don't, I like to know where they are. Disney has the best lifeguards I have ever come across. But my job is to watch my kids.

 

[disneydeb]

now i know this ones not listed, but just got back from pop and used the pools alot, they had lifejackets for the kids , which was good because 3 yr old and i are not swimmers, it worked perfect, i got in the water with him and just held his hands and let him swim around, they also had beach balls and water noodles, i'm not sure if the other resorts have life jackets for kids, that would be interesting to find out , if they all do i would pick beach club, little water park within itself.

 

[HopperFan]

Here is the zero entry at AKL, then a few other shots. This is May.
The water looks green because it's supposed to resemble a watering hole for animals.

A plus, as stated above, baby pool, large pool, outdoor bar, 2 hot tubs, playground, food court and great bath facility with showers etc are all right there at the pool site.

 

[Lilolvr]

Akl!

 

[HopperFan]

but haven't. The pool area is amazing. I was at BC/YC to eat breakfast and took these photos of the kiddie area. I assume the kiddie area is where the zero entry starts as I didn't see any other area that it was obviously located. The second photo shows the kiddie area farthest in picture but gives you an idea of the deeper side. Pool area is so much more than these photos show, lazy river, slides etc....

My Dsis did stay there with 4 year old and twin 2 year olds, and they said the amount of walking they had to do with them that young was just too much for her.

 

[Lilolvr]

Nice pics hopper!

 

[ms_mckenna]

Got to agree with BC. Plus BC has Art and well ... you just can't beat that.

 

[grimley1968]

I'd go with BC.

There is the zero-depth thing which has been covered.

There is also the fact that the BC has separate and distinct areas, where you can't go by water, for instance, from some shallow areas to the deeper lazy river area. The WL pool, while still a nice pool, is one large body, and has an area with a strong current for exercise. I can see a brave 4 YO who's not a good swimmer getting from the shallow area to the current area easily, and then having difficulties. The BC pool's segmentation helps prevent that, to a degree. WL does have a kiddie pool, but nothing like that sandy play area at the BC.

 

[MissionMouse]

Ruling WL out and between AKL and BC I would say BC is more inclined to a non-swimmer (wearing a vest) AKL zero entry does drop off pretty qiuick for smaller children (under 4ft tall). BC does have zones where it easier for a small non-swimmer to feel "safe" around the sand zone.

I will note that non-swimmers (without vest) should never feel safe around water of any depth.

 

[Perditamarie]

We've always been able to borrow life vests at each resort...some are out by the pool and some you can borrow for they length of your visit by showing your room key and id.