Hi Kimberly,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Pools are definitely important in my family so I understand your dilemma!
My girls' favorite pool is the Lava Pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. They could spend all day at the waterfall and water slide! They also loved the High Rock Spring Pool and the Paddock Pool at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. If you are looking for great pools at a
moderate resort hotel, try Disney's Port Orleans - French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside. The Mardi Gras theme at Doubloon Lagoon is awesome and the 'Ol Man Island Pool is super cute. My favorite pool at a
value resort hotel is the Big Blue Pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel. It really feels as if you are in the midst of the sea with larger than life sea creatures. Of course, if you want a pool experience that could take days, try Disney's Yacht Club or Disney's Beach Club resorts. Stormalong Bay is phenomenal!
As much as we love pool time, we also consider the resort hotel's location and access to multiple transportation options. In addition to having bus and water transportation, Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach club resorts are a relatively short walk to Epcot while Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has easy access to the Resort Monorail, which we love to ride to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Other amenities that we consider are the dining options. We prefer deluxe resort hotels because of the multiple dining options but the value resort hotels have great quick-service dining.
Kimberly, I trust that you will find the best pool at a resort hotel that fits your budget. And, honestly, my girls have never met a pool at the Walt Disney World Resort that they did not love. Wishing you first visit magic!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell