Best Pools at Universal Orlando Resorts: Our Picks

We love Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It is like stepping into a time machine to the 1950s. There are two main pool areas at Cabana Bay, and we spent hours floating along the lazy river (pro tip: bring your own inflatable tube or buy one there). The pools are amazing and have sandy areas to sink your toes. You can totally relax and read a book by the pools, but if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the second pool area has a water slide. Sure, your kids might enjoy it, but you will want to give it a try as well.

The retro vibes and poolside cabanas make it easy to spend an entire day by the pool. Once you visit Cabana Bay, you will understand why the Pool area is one of the best at Universal Orlando.

What We Loved:

• The lazy river is fun for the whole family to float around.
• The Water slide adds thrilling fun for older kids and adults.
• Retro-themed cabanas are available for an additional fee if you want to treat yourself.

Let me start by saying we love Loews Portofino Bay’s Italian design and laid-back feel. You will be hooked once you see the boats in the bay and the cobblestone walkways. Trust me when I say Portofino Bay Resort feels like you’ve stepped into an Italian seaside village. There are three pools at this Universal Resort, including a huge family pool with a Roman aqueduct-style water slide that your kids will love.

What We Loved:

• A Roman aqueduct water slide that the kids loved.
• Beautiful, Italian-inspired setting that we loved.
• Adult-only pool for when you need some quiet.

Staying at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort feels like an escape to a tropical island. We were in awe of the tropical theme the first time we visited this Universal Resort. Tall palm trees and colorful plants surround the entire resort and truly give you the feeling of being in an island location.

The lagoon-style pool is huge and has a sandy beach area to continue that Island vibe. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and poolside fun. As you relax by the pool, time slips away as you soak up the Orlando sun and sip your favorite beverage.

For families, there’s a neat interactive water play area for your kids. They will enjoy their time splashing around while you sit back and enjoy your tropical day.

What We Loved:

• Lagoon-style pool with tropical surroundings.
• Super chill, relaxing vibe.
• Poolside drinks that make you feel like you’re on an island getaway.

Even if you don’t stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, you have to check out the pool. First, the pool has underwater speakers so you can swim to the sound of your favorite tunes. We spent a couple of days at the Hard Rock Hotel and were blown away by how much fun it was. Something is always going on, like a poolside DJ or just a rockin’ vibe that creates a unique feel you will only experience at the Hard Rock. If you love music, this pool will be your favorite place to stay.

What We Loved:

• Underwater music such a unique experience.
• Poolside activities and a lively atmosphere.
• Great place to hang out if you love music.

When we stayed at Sapphire Falls, we enjoyed plenty of things. The room was clean with a Caribbean flare, but the pool at Sapphire Falls Resort was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. It’s a massive Caribbean-style pool with a unique design you will not find anywhere else. The pool is divided into two sections separated by a zero entry walking path, right through the middle. Add a great water slide, and you have a wonderful adventure that the kids won’t stop discussing. Sitting by the pool, surrounded by waterfalls and palm trees, it’s a little slice of tropical heaven in the middle of Orlando.

One of the best parts is how much space you have around the pool area. You never have to worry about finding a spot. We found ourselves spending entire afternoons here, just soaking in the relaxing atmosphere. Plus, Sapphire Falls is only a short walk from Cabana Bay, so switching up your pool routine and taking in the Pools with a different water slide and lazy river is easy.

What We Loved:

• Huge pool with a water slide. Perfect for families with zero-entry access to both sides of the pool.
• An abundance of space around the pool with plenty of seating.
• Great spot for a pool day without feeling crowded.

If you’re traveling on a budget, the Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn are a great Universal Orlando Resort option. Each resort has great pools and space to relax and take in the Florida sun. We’ve stayed at both, and while the pools are less over-the-top than Cabana Bay or Sapphire Falls, they still provide a perfect place to have some downtime after a busy day at the Universal Parks. The Dockside Inn is a larger resort with 2 pools but the Surfside Inn is smaller and easier to get around.

What We Loved:

• Great, affordable option for us as a couple or families in the two bedroom suite.
• Spacious pools with plenty of seating.
• Pool-hopping to other resorts is super easy from here.

ave yet to stay at the Aventura Hotel, but we have been by to check out the pool while hopping around the Universal Orlando Resort Pools. If you’re into modern, minimalist settings, the pool at the Aventura might be what you are looking for. It’s not the biggest pool, but it does have a sleek design, making it feel more like a trendy hotel in the city than a theme park resort.

What we really liked about Aventura is how calm and relaxed it feels compared to some of the more lively pools like Cabana Bay or Hard Rock. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of rides and park-hopping.

What We Loved:

• Modern, minimalist pool area.
• Quiet, perfect for relaxing.
• Rooftop bar for some great views of the parks.