Disney World has just made a move that may seem small on the surface, but it could ultimately shake one of the most beloved traditions of staying on property. There was no big announcement. No dramatic reveal. Just subtle changes, quiet construction progress, and a growing realization among fans that something they’ve long considered untouchable might finally have competition.For years, one hotel pool has stood above the rest. It’s the pool people plan entire trips around. The one that convinces guests to pay more just to say they stayed there. And now, Disney appears to be setting the stage for a potential successor. Whether that replacement actually happens is still very much up in the air—but the possibility alone has fans watching closely.Before diving into what’s changing, it’s helpful to understand why Disney hotel stays—and their pools—carry such emotional weight.Credit: DisneyWhy Disney Fans Love Staying on PropertyStaying at a Disney World hotel has always been about more than a place to sleep. Guests choose on-property resorts because they want to stay inside the bubble. Transportation is easier. The theming never turns off. Even walking back to your room still feels like part of the vacation.There’s also a sense of comfort that comes with Disney resorts. You don’t need to drive. You don’t need to leave the property. Everything feels curated, intentional, and familiar in the best way possible. For many families, that convenience is what makes Disney vacations feel manageable instead of overwhelming.But there’s another piece that often seals the deal—especially during Florida’s hottest months.Why a Great Pool Can Make or Break a Disney Hotel StayA hotel pool at Disney World isn’t just a bonus amenity. It’s a core part of the experience. After long park days, guests want a place to cool off without leaving the magic behind. A great pool offers rest, entertainment, and a reset button all in one.Families rely on pools to entertain kids when park fatigue sets in. Adults use them as a midday escape. Some guests even build full resort days around pool time alone. When a pool feels immersive, spacious, and fun, it becomes more than a place to swim—it becomes a destination.That’s why one pool, in particular, has dominated the conversation for decades.Credit: DisneyThe Pool That Set the StandardAt Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Stormalong Bay has long been considered the gold standard of Disney World hotel pools. It isn’t just big—it’s an entire experience. With its sand-bottom design, sprawling layout, lazy river, towering waterslide, and shipwreck theming, it feels more like a mini water park than a hotel pool.Guests don’t just stumble into Stormalong Bay. They plan for it. Many people book stays at the Yacht and Beach Club specifically because access to the pool is restricted to resort guests. For many fans, it’s not just the best Disney hotel pool—it’s untouchable.That’s why the idea of another pool even challenging its status feels almost wrong. And yet, that’s exactly what Disney might be setting up.Credit: DisneyA New Resort Starts Turning HeadsDisney’s upcoming Lakeshore Lodge is still under construction, but it’s already sparking serious conversation. Located along Bay Lake between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, the resort is shaping up to lean heavily into nature, relaxation, and waterfront views.From what’s been seen so far, the resort blends lodge-style architecture with a calmer, retreat-focused atmosphere. That alone makes it stand out. But it’s the pool area that’s quietly raising eyebrows.Recent aerial views suggest a large central pool area forming in the heart of the resort. The layout appears expansive, with wider swim zones and thoughtfully curved paths that suggest a lazy river taking shape. The design feels intentional—less chaotic, more serene.Why This Pool Feels DifferentUnlike the playful, beach-party energy of Stormalong Bay, Lakeshore Lodge’s pool looks like it’s aiming for something else entirely. Early signs indicate a more relaxed experience, one that focuses on panoramic lake views and landscaped surroundings rather than high-energy theming.That doesn’t mean boring. It means refined. The kind of pool where families can still have fun, but adults can also unwind without feeling like they’re inside a water park at peak capacity.What’s especially interesting is the apparent inclusion of a secondary pool area near the edge of the property. That space could offer guests a quieter option, away from the main pool’s activity—something Stormalong Bay doesn’t really provide.Credit: DisneyA Resort Designed Around the WaterBeyond the pools themselves, Lakeshore Lodge appears to be embracing its waterfront location in a big way. New docks along Bay Lake suggest that the pool experience may blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.Rather than a pool being a standalone feature, it may become part of a larger, cohesive lakeside atmosphere. That kind of design philosophy feels very intentional—and very Disney.Disney hasn’t confirmed every detail yet, and there’s still no official opening date. But the visible pieces suggest this pool won’t be an afterthought. It looks like a centerpiece.Credit: DisneyCan Anything Really Replace the King?For now, Stormalong Bay’s crown is safe. Replacing a pool that popular—one people consider reason enough to book an entire resort—is no easy task. Nostalgia alone carries enormous weight.Still, it’s hard to ignore what’s taking shape at Lakeshore Lodge. If the finished pool delivers on scale, atmosphere, and immersion, it may not need to replace Stormalong Bay outright. It might simply change the conversation.And at Disney World, changing the conversation is often the first step toward redefining what guests expect. Time will tell whether the king keeps its throne—or finally faces real competition.The post Disney World Set To Replace Its Most Iconic Resort Pool appeared first on Inside the Magic.