Best pool

[rentayenta]

Hi. We are looking for the best pool in terms of the pool parties for kids, bar for DH and myself, food for all, and possibly a server instead of having to go up and order.

We enjoyed both pool parties at Kidani and at SSR's High Rock Springs pool. High Rocks didn't serve food though, we had to go into Artists Palate which had really good flat breads. At Kidani we didn't love the food choices at the bar so we had in room dining delivered which was fantastic. Neither had servers though, maybe because it was Ocober?

We love our pool time so much that its a factor when choosing the resort for our next trip.

I know everyone says SAB but it almost looks too big if that makes any sense but I am open to it.

 

[Pirate Granny]

Depends when you go and how old are your children...SAB is wonderful, pool bar is closed for refurb right now, but they always had servers. Pool is wonderful, but it will be hard to keep track of kids, unless you're in the pool with them, or they are old enough to swim on their own. Lots of lifeguards.

 

[rentayenta]

Depends when you go and how old are your children...SAB is wonderful, pool bar is closed for refurb right now, but they always had servers. Pool is wonderful, but it will be hard to keep track of kids, unless you're in the pool with them, or they are old enough to swim on their own. Lots of lifeguards.

Thank you. Our kids will all be teenagers on our next trip so watching them isn't really an issue. We love the water parks so the pool wouldn't be in leu of TL or BB. We're looking at a late July/early August trip in 2014. I know, it's far

I know SAB is big; do they do the pool parties too?​

 

[StormalongKay]

Yes, SAB does pool parties too...along the same lines as the other DVC pools - hoola hoop contests, line dances, etc.

Even though the pool bar is closed right now, don't forget Beaches and Cream, it is only steps from the pool complex.

My kids are teens now too and they love Stormalongbay. It really is unique as far as pool complexes go.

 

[rentayenta]

Yes, SAB does pool parties too...along the same lines as the other DVC pools - hoola hoop contests, line dances, etc.

Even though the pool bar is closed right now, don't forget Beaches and Cream, it is only steps from the pool complex.

My kids are teens now too and they love Stormalongbay. It really is unique as far as pool complexes go.

I did forget about Beaches and Cream. We've never stayed at an Epcot resort. The only thing I'm not loving about the BCV are the lack of views in the villas. I'm leaning towards BWV because of the BW view. Is their pool fun too? The clown is absolutely terrifying which I think might be kind of fun.

 

[Pirate Granny]

BW pool can't compare to SAB...since your kids are older, I would pick BCV ( although I'm biased as we own there...for SAB) and we do enjoy walking over to EPCOT and yes, we walk to HS. Ask for a high floor pool view and you should be OK...

 

[LSchrow]

do your kids enjoy actually swimming? because we found SAB great for the preteens (nd those who dont enjoy swimming as much - the crowds in the pool can get heavy in warm weather.
we own at both....but once my kids and nephews were over 8yo, none would use SAB.
personally, i don't care for the insanity that develops over lounge chairs there....too much work just for a bit of relaxation

 

[rentayenta]

BW pool can't compare to SAB...since your kids are older, I would pick BCV ( although I'm biased as we own there...for SAB) and we do enjoy walking over to EPCOT and yes, we walk to HS. Ask for a high floor pool view and you should be OK...

I didn't know you could walk to DHS too? Cool!

do your kids enjoy actually swimming? because we found SAB great for the preteens (nd those who dont enjoy swimming as much - the crowds in the pool can get heavy in warm weather.
we own at both....but once my kids and nephews were over 8yo, none would use SAB.
personally, i don't care for the insanity that develops over lounge chairs there....too much work just for a bit of relaxation

This is kind of what I was wondering. Is it so insane we'll miss that relaxing pool vibe? I can't stand pool insanity. They won't lap swim and honestly, it's more for me. They won't love the crowds for sure and I don't like to fight over pool chairs. The girls will layout and swim some, DS will be interested in the party I think. Maybe he'll be too old for that.




I guess I should modify this thread to ask: which pool has the best bar, food, servers, and least amount of insanity.

 

[bnk1120]

We have gone the last 4 summers and my fave pool is high rock springs at SSR. They really have the best pool parties-we plan our day around them!! I like how they get everyone involved, not just a few kids, but adults too. We are going to Aulani this summer, but I will still miss my SSR time!!!

I have only stayed at BC during the off season and seriously do not think I would like SAB during the busy times. Way too many people for me. The pools at BwV and VWL are smaller and it's more difficult to get chairs etc. I also stayed at BLT this past summer...loved my stay, but nothing too special about the pool.

 

[DizDaD7]

SAB is Waaaayyyy tooo big...It's definetely nice don't get me wrong.

Even though my twins ,who are 9 are very good swimmers, I was going around w/ them in the deeper lazy river section, and I found it a lil difficult to navigate as well. A couple of times they went to go under and come up inside an inner tube and wasn't able to do so because it's deep. AlsoI don't like the idea of them going out of the complex( gated area ) across the walkway (where the general public is )to get to the top of the water slide.....

Like I said It's very nice but honestly I can't relax there (AT ALL ).

We stayed this past summer at BWV for 11 nights, and let me tell you it was fabulous...Yes it's a lil bit older then the others and not as big as SAB, but their SLIDE is amazing...couple different sections of the pool for different things, and the pool parties here were a huge hit with my kids for the last 6 or 7 days...

I also love high rock springs too, but if you go back to SSR, try getting a room near the Paddock....Excellent pool area and food munchies too.

Curious to see what others have to say, because we are going to AKL/Jambo and are probably going to spend much of our time here, and mayne a day or so by the Kidani pool...

Have a great trip, good luck w/ your choice.

 

[Pakey]

BCV is my home resort and I've stayed there many times but I honestly have to say, that when we are adults only, we prefer the quiet pool there. I find SAB to be a chaotic, noisy zoo. It's probably my least favorite main pool.

 

[gortman65]

Do they do pool parties at BLT's pool?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Do they do pool parties at BLT's pool?

Yes they do!

 

[rentayenta]

We have gone the last 4 summers and my fave pool is high rock springs at SSR. They really have the best pool parties-we plan our day around them!! I like how they get everyone involved, not just a few kids, but adults too. We are going to Aulani this summer, but I will still miss my SSR time!!!

I have only stayed at BC during the off season and seriously do not think I would like SAB during the busy times. Way too many people for me. The pools at BwV and VWL are smaller and it's more difficult to get chairs etc. I also stayed at BLT this past summer...loved my stay, but nothing too special about the pool.

We loved the High Rock Springs pool too. And the flatbreads at Artist Palate were really good.

I bet Aulani has amazing pool parties as it seems like a total destination resort.

SAB is Waaaayyyy tooo big...It's definetely nice don't get me wrong.

Even though my twins ,who are 9 are very good swimmers, I was going around w/ them in the deeper lazy river section, and I found it a lil difficult to navigate as well. A couple of times they went to go under and come up inside an inner tube and wasn't able to do so because it's deep. AlsoI don't like the idea of them going out of the complex( gated area ) across the walkway (where the general public is )to get to the top of the water slide.....

Like I said It's very nice but honestly I can't relax there (AT ALL ).

We stayed this past summer at BWV for 11 nights, and let me tell you it was fabulous...Yes it's a lil bit older then the others and not as big as SAB, but their SLIDE is amazing...couple different sections of the pool for different things, and the pool parties here were a huge hit with my kids for the last 6 or 7 days...

I also love high rock springs too, but if you go back to SSR, try getting a room near the Paddock....Excellent pool area and food munchies too.

Curious to see what others have to say, because we are going to AKL/Jambo and are probably going to spend much of our time here, and mayne a day or so by the Kidani pool...

Have a great trip, good luck w/ your choice.

I was thinking the Paddock Pool at SSR too. We had only one pol day at SSR and ended up at the Springs. We stayed in the THV so we used the Springs bus stop. Its really such a relaxing resort too.

I think you're right about SAB being too much work and too big.

I think the BWV pool looks really too. We loved the pools at Kidani and Jambo but think Kidani was better. We had no issues finding chairs and the CMs were terrific! They rpompted my son (11) to do all of the beaded activities at the two resorts. It took him a day and a half but he had a total blast and we got to see so much of AKV.

BCV is my home resort and I've stayed there many times but I honestly have to say, that when we are adults only, we prefer the quiet pool there. I find SAB to be a chaotic, noisy zoo. It's probably my least favorite main pool.

Thank you. That's my feeling and I've never been there. Any pool that rivals a water park has got to be a zoo.




Aside from SAB, what are everyones favorite pools? Do they even vary that much?

 

[Sammie]

I think the pools at SSR are the best of any resort because you have several options which spreads out the crowds.

Kidani's pool is nice but the deck area gets crowded and I did not care for the food options and service was very slow.

SAB I agree looks good on paper but in reality is a pool better geared for teens and adults than young children.

BWV, has a nice slide too.

BLT and VWL pool is way too small for the size of the resort.

And I think OKW has nice pools even though only one is themed with a slide.

 

[CarolynK]

We own at BWV and love it there, being close to two major parks is the best! We also walk to DHS, it's a bit of a hike, but most of the walk is very relaxing and quiet with a lot of lizard sightings (my son is constantly on the lookout for them). But, in the hotter months we usually try to stay at BCV because of SAB. SAB has become a great alternative to the water parks - we haven't been to BB or TL in a couple of years. We buy APs now, no more PAPs for us since there's no more Pleasure Island!

Yes, SAB can get crowded, but there are lots of chairs, and we always find somewhere to sit. Our kids are old enough to be on their own at the pool, so where DH and I sit isn't an issue. The bar is adequate, but we find the drinks too weak. We shop for our drink ingredients when we do our grocery shopping at Publix, mix our drinks in our villa, and bring them with us to the pool in the insulated cups we bring with us from home

 

[rentayenta]

I think the pools at SSR are the best of any resort because you have several options which spreads out the crowds.

Kidani's pool is nice but the deck area gets crowded and I did not care for the food options and service was very slow.

SAB I agree looks good on paper but in reality is a pool better geared for teens and adults than young children.

BWV, has a nice slide too.

BLT and VWL pool is way too small for the size of the resort.

And I think OKW has nice pools even though only one is themed with a slide.

We really loved the pool at SSR though next time I want to try the Paddock. I think I need to make our trips even longer. People think I'm nuts but really, I like 2 pool days at each resort and because I'm a fan of the split stay that ultimately ends us up at 2-3 resorts.

BWV is on the top of my list for our next trip along with SSR proper.

We own at BWV and love it there, being close to two major parks is the best! We also walk to DHS, it's a bit of a hike, but most of the walk is very relaxing and quiet with a lot of lizard sightings (my son is constantly on the lookout for them). But, in the hotter months we usually try to stay at BCV because of SAB. SAB has become a great alternative to the water parks - we haven't been to BB or TL in a couple of years. We buy APs now, no more PAPs for us since there's no more Pleasure Island!

Yes, SAB can get crowded, but there are lots of chairs, and we always find somewhere to sit. Our kids are old enough to be on their own at the pool, so where DH and I sit isn't an issue. The bar is adequate, but we find the drinks too weak. We shop for our drink ingredients when we do our grocery shopping at Publix, mix our drinks in our villa, and bring them with us to the pool in the insulated cups we bring with us from home

Our kids are old enough too which makes pool time so much more relaxing. While I enjoyed them at the toddler stage, I don't miss having to hover over them while at the pool, lake, or beach. Mixing drinks and brining them is a god idea. I bought enough beer and Mike's this last trip to bring some but we never did. We wanted to be a little more pampered and ended up with decent sized bar tabs. The bar at the High Rock pool at SSR made a nice spicy bloody mary. next time, I'm buying alcohol and not as much beer. We generally like beer but this last trip was a cocktail one for sure.

Glad to know SAB has a lot of chairs. I love the water parks as do DH and the kids. Maybe its because we only visit every 2-3 years but we really enjoy them. I much refer Typhoon Lagoon over Blizzard beach though. That bright white tends to get on my nerves after a bit.

I'm thinking August so it'll be hot.

 

[CarolynK]

Our kids are old enough too which makes pool time so much more relaxing. While I enjoyed them at the toddler stage, I don't miss having to hover over them while at the pool, lake, or beach. Mixing drinks and brining them is a god idea. I bought enough beer and Mike's this last trip to bring some but we never did. We wanted to be a little more pampered and ended up with decent sized bar tabs. The bar at the High Rock pool at SSR made a nice spicy bloody mary. next time, I'm buying alcohol and not as much beer. We generally like beer but this last trip was a cocktail one for sure.

Glad to know SAB has a lot of chairs. I love the water parks as do DH and the kids. Maybe its because we only visit every 2-3 years but we really enjoy them. I much refer Typhoon Lagoon over Blizzard beach though. That bright white tends to get on my nerves after a bit.

I'm thinking August so it'll be hot.

I know what you mean about wanting to be pampered, but it's been our experience that whenever we want a drink, there isn't a server to be found! That's probably the main reason we started bringing our own drinks to the pool. Well, ok maybe it's also because we can make 'em as strong as we want It's not as if we have to drive afterwards
Good luck with your decision!

 

[rentayenta]

I know what you mean about wanting to be pampered, but it's been our experience that whenever we want a drink, there isn't a server to be found! That's probably the main reason we started bringing our own drinks to the pool. Well, ok maybe it's also because we can make 'em as strong as we want It's not as if we have to drive afterwards
Good luck with your decision!

Thanks! I'd think a server would make a ton but I've only seen them at the GCV pool. I do like the idea of making the drinks as strong as we like though.
I'm leaning towards the BWV. The kids want AKV again and DH wants the Paddock section at SSR. Unless I can swing a 15-16 day trip, someone's dream has to go.