Not all pools on Walt Disney World property are alike, and the same can be said of the splash zones, or aquatic play areas, that have been catching on throughout resorts over the years. Yet, not all resorts have these designated areas of water play for kids, and some are very basic geyser, ground sprays – this is commonly seen in Disney’s Value Resorts.

Aquatic Play Areas that go a little beyond sprays can be found at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Fort Wilderness Resort, and Animal Kingdom Villas–Kidani Village. The first ever installed on site is the Water Play Fort at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, which is ok– but I want to share with you those that will definitely give any kid a blast!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Reminder: Height requirement for most splash zones is 48″ and under, unless otherwise noted.

Alice in Wonderland Wet Play Area, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa: Everyone is mad here- crazed mad with excitement as the Mad Hatter’s gigantic hat tips and pours a deluge of water over the kids! This isn’t just a splash zone- it’s a “you’ll get drenched’  zone. Don’t let those dainty golden teapots fool you!

Kiki Tikis Splash Area, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: This spacious splash and play area features everything from a climbing zone with rope bridges, thatched roof huts, water squirting tikis, fountains and slides. All set within the lush, tropical landscaping of a South Pacific retreat.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Aquatic Play Area by Double Lagoon, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter: Decked out in vibrant, Mardi Gras colors, this whimsical water play area will not leave one inch dry once the kids are done here. There’s slides, sprays, fountains, water canons, a water wheel- and all of this is right by the Sea Serpent Slide at the Double Lagoon pool. Staying at the Riverside? No worries- guests at both Port Orleans Resorts share pools which are within less than 10 minutes of each other. *Note: Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts are currently closed.

The Shipwreck Play Area, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Located by the Fuentes del Morro pool, there’s much swashbuckling fun for little ones. Three slides and a tipping water barrel is a sure win on a hot, Florida day.

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Splash Zone at Explorer Island, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World: I beg to call this anything but a splash zone. It’s more like a water park! There’s interactive fountains blasting water 30ft into the air, cascading waters, curtains of water and fog- all choreographed within a complex of ancient Roman ruins and arches. All of this is just part of the entirety of a 5 acre water park waiting to be discovered by everyone in the family.

Honorable Mention: Uwanja Camp, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village: There are 3 distinct zones to provide hours of fun for kids of ALL ages. The Observation Station is a jungle playground for children under 4 with a small kiddie pool, rope bridges, and gentle ground-bubbling geysers. Children ages 5 to 7  gather round the leaky water tower at Departure Zone, and kids 8 years and up can squirt water cannons and get soaked under the dumping water bucket station at Base Camp. This is ideal  for families with kids of varying age groups.

Do these splash zones fit the bill of your Top 5? Which is your favorite? Is there one not mentioned here that you would have added?