Best Pools for Older Kids?

[gcatt]

What are the best pools for older kids in the Disneyland area? We love the DLR pools, but with the DH pool under construction, we'll probably opt for a non-DLR hotel to save money. Our kids are 11 and 13, so I wonder if HoJo's might be a bit too young.

Walking distance is also very important to us, as we usually walk back for a pool afternoon before returning in the evening.

We've found good prices at the Desert Palms, Sheraton Park, and the various Best Westerns, but are very open to other suggestions.

Thanks!

P.S. Since everyone has a different idea of what a "good pool" is, for us that would include:
* nice-sized pool for active kids and parents
* hot tub where you can see the kids swimming
* relaxing place to sit and read
* doesn't feel too institutional / some plants or trees

 

[DianaSparrow]

We just returned from our 5-night stay at the Disneyland hotel. If you're concerned about your kids not enjoying the pool area, you might want to reconsider. The new Monorail water slides are fantastic. Plus they have a second pool that's separate from the Monorail pool area - so you have options! Yes, the Neverland pool (the third pool) is under construction, but it really doesn't affect your pool experience. Plus, they have a large jacuzzi, cabanna's, fireside area and tiki torches at night. It's really a great area and I can only imagine how wonderful it will be once the third pool is complete.

 

[gcatt]

I'm not so worried about my kids not enjoying the pool area at DH right now, but I am worried that I might not. My pool time is my get-away time, and I think construction noise would keep me on edge.

 

[spacemermaid]

Best Western Stovall's has a nice (for a motel) pool area. There are 2 full sized pools (one heated, one not...the unheated one is surprisingly nice on a very hot day!), 2 hot tubs, and a kiddie pool. These are all together in the same enclosure, which is landscaped with topiary trees in animal shapes, kind of like the ones around it's a small world.

 

[skiingfast]

Other than the Stoval I'd rule out the closer BWs for the pool but far prefer the walking distance of those. Sheraton would work. Might look at the Annabella too.

 

[HappyHaunt]

We like the Pool at the Tropicana. The hot tub (which is good size) is right next to the pool. My dh and son had a lot of time where barely anyone was out there with them last week. Nice and quiet, of course it isn't always that way. lol

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Have you looked at the Park Vue? You can't ask for a better/closer walk. The pool is in the middle of the parking lot, but it has a nice wall around it (with the plants you mentioned). Its no frills, but it has nice tables with umbrellas, chairs, lounge chairs, and a hot tub right next to the pool. Here are two pics...one from the Park Vue's 2nd story balcony, and the other facing the opposite direction (you can see the hot tub just behind the pool).

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

On site, I'm sure the kids would like the Grand Californian pool.