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Lets take a look at what the Polynesian has for cooling off. The original Polynesian pool was replaced in March 2001 with the new Nanea Volcano pool. the original volcano pool was the only pool from 1971 till 1978. As you can see from the old postcard (below), the pool use to have a diving board at the deep end. This board was later removed. This pool was not the first volano slide in Florida but it was the most copied.
The second pool (the East Pool) was added in 1978 and was nicknamed the quiet pool. It was called the quiet pool because it has no slide and even after it was put in, it never was very popular 
with the kids. We all know where there are kids there are parents so now they were still all over at the volcano pool. In the begining of 2011 the East Pool was drained and the deep end was filled in. New tile work was done and it reopened May 2011. There was an alternate design that was going to replace the quiet pool with a new grotto pool but for some reason this did not happen.
On March 10, 2001 the new Nanea Volcano pool opened. The area from the GCH to the beach was completely redone. They added a stream that starts at the GCH and winds its way down to the pool. The new pool has a 40 foot high volcano that has a 120 foot water slide inside of it. Aquatic Design Engineering provided hydraulic, structural, filtration, and chemical system design and engineering services
They provide life jackets at the pools. Diapered children are required to wear swim diapers and can be purchased in the Polynesian stores. The pools are for use by Polynesian Resort guests only and fom time to time they do check for resort ID. Recently they have been asking for ID and issuing wrist bands.
Even after they added the second pool the volcano pool was still very popular. Many liked it for its location right next to the beach and because of the slide, but it was not very big and there was not much seating around the pool. This became the resorts largest complaint. Because of these complaints they started construction on a new volcano pool in October 2000.
The Volcano pool also houses a Barefoot Bar that serves drinks and snacks until fireworks and will continue to stay open if there is a demand for drinks. The Barefoot Bar not only has a great selection of beers and tropical drinks but it is a great spot to hang out and 
visit with the friendly bartenders. Make sure you say Aloha to Tim and Steve if you see him there. Ask for the Auntie Mai Tai if you want a great drink.
Some other features of the new pool and volcano are the underwater jets, warmer water areas, in pool seating and at the beach end of the pool is a zero-entry area.
Off to the side will be a new kids wet play area. The pool was placed so that Cinderella's Castle is the backdrop for all your pool activity.
Rules state that the pools are exclusively for Polynesian guests only. There has been wrist banding from time 
to time to reduce the amount of non resort guests from using the pool and lately there has been talk of adding a fence to the pool area that will require room key access to get into the pool area.
The Volcano pool will erupt throughout the day so keep your eyes out for it. There is a bathroom under the volcano with lockers and a changing bench. Also listen for the Hawaiian music when you are underwater in the pool.
There is a great view of the castle from the pool and is a favorite 
spot to be during the fireworks.
The pool also has a PVC wheelchair available under the lifeguard tower for use to roll into the zero entry area as well as a platform for those who want to get out of the wheelchair and into the pool.
New as of 2010, pool side Cabanas.
The Polynesian now has 3 cabanas near the Volcano Pool. Two 
of them are the standard cabanas and one is a premium cabana. The Standard Cabanas can be booked for 4 hours from 10am-2pm or 3pm-7pm
for $117.15 or for 9 hours from 10am-7pm for $197.03. (Prices are as of 2011)
They include:
can be booked for 4 hours from 10am-2pm or 3pm-7pm
(Photos thanks to Paula Kenyon.)
The Standard Cabanas include:
. Two padded chaise lounge chairs
Two padded straight-backed chairs
Plush towels
32 inch LCD television with cable access and optional earphones
DVD/CD/MP3 player
Phone for internal resort calls
Ceiling Fan
Mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water
Fruit basket (may not be available without advanced reservation)
The Premium Cabana can be booked for the day 10am-5pm or for the night 7pm-12am for $319.50.
They include:
Plush Veneman (high-end brand name) cabana furniture
Within the Premium Cabana:
Separate Small table and two chairs
Two padded Love Seats
Two padded Lounge chairs
Within the Private Deck:
Separate Large Dining Table (up to 6)
Separate Conversational Seating area with 2 Canoe couches and ottoman
Within the Beach
Two padded Chaise Lounge chairs
55 inch LCD television with cable access
DVD/CD/MP3 player
Phone for internal resort calls
Ceiling Fans
Mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water.
Exclusive Cabana Space (154 Sq. Feet)
Exclusive Deck Space (456 Sq. Feet)
Exclusive Beach Space (200 Sq. Feet)
Photo thanks to Aaron DelPrince
These will be for Polynesian guests only and can be reserved up to 180 days out by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
To read a review of the Premium Cabana, go to the article Cabana Review or see my trip report from October 2011 where we rented one for the day by clicking here
