Pools in November

[Sleepyluke]

We are replacing a cancelled cruise with a trip to the parks. While I know it is not the same, what are the pools like in November? We would like to have an afternoon or 2 of just relax and let the kids play. AKL and Coronado split stay if it matters. Will they all be heated and just depend on air temps for how die hard the adults are? Or will some be closed? Haven't been to the parks in over 10 years so cant remember anything!

 

[Schneewittchen37]

It depends.

In early November in '17, '18 and '19 (Veteran's Day Weekend) my family did some long weekends at All Stars and Wilderness Lodge. Some days were warmish and sunny, some were cold and rainy. We definitely went to the pools during these trips. The afternoons are warm enough on a dry day for some pool time. At WL, even while it was cold and rainy, we ran outside to enjoy the hot tubs...
One caveat though, my kids do swim team year around (and outside May - September), so they're kind of acclimated to cold pools.

 

[SarahC97]

We've been the last 3 Novembers. Swimming can be a bit chilly, but all the pools are heated so it's really only getting out that is a problem. I say that if you're die-hard, you can make it work! We enjoyed pool days at AKL last Thanksgiving.

 

[mrsap]

It really depends! November is so up and down when it comes to weather! You should definitely get some nice afternoons! Nights are a bit chillier. I, personally, do not swim all that much in November or December, but I will go in the hot tub! Kids, however, don’t mind and will swim no matter what! When in November are you going? That could make a difference.

 

[albertoromero85]

I'm having the same question, considering I'm bringing my toddler this time around. With pools being heated I guess we should be OK! Thanks for the inputs!

 

[brockash]

If the pools are being heated (either by choice or if working etc.) I think you should be okay. We've swam at Disney in Jan. before lol. However, I've seen a few reports since reopening that the pool heaters are not working (different resorts.) We were at Poly in early Sept. and it was definitely chilly, which in 15 years of going during that same time we've never had an issue with it being too cold to get in the pool (the water was not warm.) I finally just kind of jokingly said something to a lifeguard about it and they said that the heater was not working that day. Seems odd to me that various pool heaters would all be broken at the same time, but who knows. Having said all of that I think in Nov. that will make a big difference in terms of if swimming is going to be realistic/enjoyable or not.

 

[Stratman50th]

Disney pools are heated and you should be fine, although Florida temps can be unpredictable from November through around the end of February. The pools in my neighborhood are heated also and we swim 12 months of the year. Just be prepared, bathing suits don't take up that much room so enjoy!

 

[hedberg1661]

I go in December and January and it all depends on the weather, air temperature, and frankly your tolerance level. I usually take advantage of the pool on most trips.

 

[westie55]

I have been in November and we did swim a vouple of days. We had sunny weather with highs in the 70s. Honestly I prefer it to be warmer for swimming but it is probably doable if you are willing to feel a little bit cool.

 

[Alison S]

Was there last year mid-Nov. The first few days were chilly and the feature pool at CSR was somewhat warm but really not warm enough to be hanging out in for very long. There was no one in the pool- everyone was in the hot tub. Later in the week it warmed up and then it was fine.

 

[amcnj]

As was mentioned earlier, November weather can be variable. We have had great pool weather and “no way I would go in the pool“ weather. Sometimes a cold snap comes all the way down from up north, and it can then take several days to moderate. For example, weather might start out ok, then the cold arrives, and might not improve till after you leave.

This my overall advice is, if the pool is important to you, take advantage of any days you can!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

It can be hot or it can be cold. I’ve been there for both. The pools are heated, but it can be miserable getting out and walking back to your room.

 

[CheshKAT]

Our trips have mostly been in Jan. and once in Nov. As we are Canadian and don't get pool time in November, we do take advantage of a great sunny afternoon. You may have to leave a park for the afternoon to get a pool day in, but that would be worth it to me. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the week and judge by that.

 

[MomOTwins]

We have been in November three. The first trip it was low 70s all week--we swam but the water was obviously heated but still cool--we spent a lot of time in the hot tub. Next trip was mid-80s so no problem there. The third trip was a COLD snap and it was in the 40s/50s. We did not swim at all then. Yes the pools were heated, but it's just not pleasant to swim when the air makes you shiver and the walk back to the room would have been brutal.

You won't really know until the forecast comes in for your trip. Look at the 10 day forecast before leaving and plan which days are warmest to schedule some swim time.

 

[MissionMouse]

As others have indicated...it all depends on the weather. While the pools are heated...water does not retain heat well and getting out of the pool may not be to your liking. Not to add the normal times the wet part of you are above the water line may also add a chill after the sun is down. An approach we found during this time of the year is to have a flexible park plan or design a midday park break where you return to the resort and swim. We typically visited the pool around 12-2pm. We found it allowed the pool experience to be more enjoyable than one after the sun goes down.