Best resort pool

[nickelsfamily]

Which WDW resort do you think has the best pool? Keeping kids in mind!
We will be getting into our hotel...POP early afternoon. On our day of check in we never do a park, unless early enough! I have dinner reservations that evening and wanted to take my boys on a little "pool hopping" for fun before hand!
Thanks, Julie :love:

[Boater]

Pool hopping isn't allowed, your home resort is your pool. I know at Storm Along Bay when it's crowded they check room keys and do wrist bands.
SAB by the way is the best pool.

[nickelsfamily]

Let me clarify...
I wanted to find a resort with a good kids pool and do lunch!
Then we will be at the contemporary for dinner. Before hand we will use the pool, we have friends staying there, use their shower in the suite and then go to dinner.
In the past, I have been told by CMs that this is fine! As long as you are dinning or with a guest at the hotel. I asked about this about 2 years ago when visiting.So, unless I was missinformed or things have changed....Its not as if I am staing at the Supper 8 and trying to use the pool at wdw.
Sorry, I didn't mean to get you all worked up!! I'm not out trying to cause problems on the DIS board!
Thanks,
Julie :love:

[Boater]

I'm sorry, I'm not worked up.
I just know they only let resort guest in the pools at busy times.
I've seen them make everybody show room keys to get in.

[Big J]

Officially, you are not allowed to pool hop unless you are a DVC member (excluding SAB and AKL).

Is pool hopping allowed in reality is another matter. You will get many strong opinions about this on the DIS boards.

[pedro2112]

Let me clarify...
I wanted to find a resort with a good kids pool and do lunch!
Then we will be at the contemporary for dinner. Before hand we will use the pool, we have friends staying there, use their shower in the suite and then go to dinner.
In the past, I have been told by CMs that this is fine! As long as you are dinning or with a guest at the hotel. I asked about this about 2 years ago when visiting.So, unless I was missinformed or things have changed....Its not as if I am staing at the Supper 8 and trying to use the pool at wdw.
Sorry, I didn't mean to get you all worked up!! I'm not out trying to cause problems on the DIS board!
Thanks,
Julie :love:


I"m sorry julie, but I am confused about your follow up post. In your intitial post you didn't ask about the contemporary's pool, you specifically asked:

Which WDW resort do you think has the best pool?...... On our day of check in we never do a park, unless early enough! I have dinner reservations that evening and wanted to take my boys on a little "pool hopping" for fun before hand!


Why would ask which resort's pool is best when you were only planning on going to the contemporary's pool because you have friends staying there? I apologize if I am misreading your posts, as sometimes it is difficult to put one's thoughts into writing. I think this confusion is why Boater answered the way he did.

If you have friends that are staying at the contemporary and want to swim there, just have your friends ask if it is ok. Most people who have done this have reported that it was allowed under these types of circumstances.

[nickelsfamily]

My last post-
I asked about other pools as I want to take the family to a resort for lunch that also has a nice kiddie pool! Sorry if I wasn't clear in my second post.
After lunch, we are meeting up at the Contemporary to meet up with friends, hang out at their pool and then go to dinner.
:love:

[In Luv with Disney]

I don't think you are allowed to go to a resort pool just because you are dining there. That is still considered POOL HOPPING, and that is not allowed.

[harmonium]

I do not think that just eating at a resort entitles you to use of the pool. If you are a guest of someone who is staying at that resort however then you are in the clear. I am not sure about all the resorts rules, but SAB normally requires a room key check. This will be our second year staying at BCV and last year we were carded before entering the pool area. I would call resorts first before scheduling a meal with the intention of using the pool. No harm in asking. :woohoo:

[aDVCguy]

:cool1:
Without a doubt...The Polynesian's!

The pool slide transverses through an enclosed tube
before shooting you out the end! What a blast!!!


http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10731;102/st/20060220/e/First+Visit+To+BWV%21/k/e9f5/event.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/)

[newholidayx2]

No pool hopping is NOT allowed! I never heard of anyone being allowed to pool hop because they were eating at a certain restaurant. Maybe a long long long time ago.
I know even for DVCers (who can poolhop to other hotels except Beach Club & Animal Kingdom Lodge) that we have certain blackout dates too that we cant hop. And we must be staying on points, not cash.

[daisyduck123]

I don't think you are allowed to go to a resort pool just because you are dining there. That is still considered POOL HOPPING, and that is not allowed.

You are absolutely right! ::yes::

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The last time we pool hopped was back when WL first opened and we were guests at FW and it was permitted. So it was a looooong time ago.

At present no pool hopping--but you can go pool "looking". We have done that. Unfortunately we were fully clothed and could only look. But hey---we weren't breaking any rules ;).

The 2 resorts I want to stay at solely for the pool are the Poly and BC. I've heard they are the best--I have seen them. And I think I agree.

But look from afar and enjoy them on a future trip :).

The only thing permitted to a non-resort guest when you are dining at a resort is the privilege of parking at the resort for the duration of your resort visit.

So you can park at Contemp to visit your friends. It would be much easier than riding the bus from Pop with swim gear and dinner clothes.

[Suzanne74]

I would say the Poly pool then you can hop back on the monorail to the Contemporary. I have stayed at a lot of the various WDW resorts thru the years and although I have never pool hopped I have also never been asked to show any form of ID or room keys. I even see many people on the monorail in full bathing suit attire, swimmies etc.. getting off at Grand Floridian, Poly etc... even on my last trip a few months back. Those lifeguards could care less. Maybe it is a rule but I have never seen it enforced. I guess you could always just stay at your pool and then head out later :confused3

By the way, I see that you are pretty new. Welcome and don't be offended to ask anymore questions. Some people are real sticklers here about various "rules" and can get nasty but overall it is a great board.

[Mom to Jordan]

They might not let you swim with your friends either. We were staying at WL and Sisters family at FW, cold off season and asked if they could joing us at the pool. WE were truned down but told we could join them at FW????

We were even checked for ID a few times that trip and no one but a few crazy kids ( mine included) were in the H20.

[MOMOFMNM]

if you were new and never visited the DISboards, how would you know you could not pool hop?? I am just curious...

just like in Vegas the resorts and pools seem pretty darn open, no one ever asked for any ID at the Poly...

I have never pool hopped but could maybe see why some would think it is ok seeing as they are all owned by Disney...

Just an opinion

no need to pool hop when you choose the best resorts for pools

ie Poly and BVC (our next stay!! ) :thumbsup2 :cool1:

[all4fun]

if you were new and never visited the DISboards, how would you know you could not pool hop?? I am just curious...

just like in Vegas the resorts and pools seem pretty darn open, no one ever asked for any ID at the Poly...

I have never pool hopped but could maybe see why some would think it is ok seeing as they are all owned by Disney...

Just an opinion

no need to pool hop when you choose the best resorts for pools

ie Poly and BVC (our next stay!! ) :thumbsup2 :cool1:

OK I can understand this POV, however if someone payed to stay at a premium resort why should someone else who only paid to stay at a value or moderate be able to just come in and enjoy the benefits of that resort without paying for it? Also, the pools are built with the capacity of that resort in mind so how would Disney be able to control that without limiting the pools to resort guests only? Obviously during less busy times it's probably not a problem and they (CM's/hotel mgmt) might not even care but during the busy season if I was staying at the Poly, GF, or any of the other Deluxe resorts and was turned away from my resort pool because itl was full due to non-resort guest using it, I wouldn't be happy about it. So looking at it that way, I can understand why they wouldn't officially allow pool hopping. Just another POV....

[MOMOFMNM]

OK I can understand this POV, however if someone payed to stay at a premium resort why should someone else who only paid to stay at a value or moderate be able to just come in and enjoy the benefits of that resort without paying for it? Also, the pools are built with the capacity of that resort in mind so how would Disney be able to control that without limiting the pools to resort guests only? Obviously during less busy times it's probably not a problem and they (CM's/hotel mgmt) might not even care but during the busy season if I was staying at the Poly, GF, or any of the other Deluxe resorts and was turned away from my resort pool because itl was full due to non-resort guest using it, I wouldn't be happy about it. So looking at it that way, I can understand why they wouldn't officially allow pool hopping. Just another POV....


your son is cute btw!!

OK seeing as though I did pay premium prices for a rack rate at the Poly, I can honestly say...I do not give a care who is there... as long as there is room for all of us....Ican see where numbers MIGHT be a problem...if we get there and we can not swim because a million people are hopping from ASMO then maybe I'd care but really when you pay for the Poly or BC or whatever, you are paying for more than just a pool...and the locations are the MAIN reasons I suppose. Really I do not think it is as big of a problem as everyone would think, most people happily swim at their home resort pool. Maybe SAB would have an extreme amt of visitors and I can see why an ID would be needed...

if Disney really cared that much would they not gate off the pools and require a card/key for entry?? It would be very easy to gate off the Volcano pool for this reason...I believe they probably do not care too much...but who knows...I could be very wrong

just trying to jump in here!!

:wizard:

[all4fun]

Oh I agree with you. Just trying to figure out the logic of why pool hopping might not be allowed! :) I can also see where Disney has an "official" policy about something, but for the most part doesn't enforce it. For instance they might officially say you're not allowed to bring food into the parks but everyone knows it's ok to do because in reality, no one will stop you. It seems to me they put rules in place just to cover themselves under certain circumstances but it's up to the cm's discretion whether or not they are enforced.

However according to a pp they do enforce this rule at least some of the time, so that's something for the OP to keep in mind. They might try it anyway, but just be prepared in case someone turns them away.

btw, we think he's cute too, but of course, we're biased! :)

[nickelsfamily]

WELL, I DIDN'T THINK THAT THIS SIMPLE QUESTION WAS GOING TO TURN INTO THIS! OTHERWISE, I WOULDN'T HAVE ASKED!!

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, BEFORE I GOT MARRIED, SO MAYBE 8 WE WOULD POOL HOP...MAKE A DAY OF IT! TWO YEARS AGO WE WENT TO USE THE POOL AT ANOTHER RESORT FOR AN HOUR OR SO, ASKED A CM AND THEY SAID "NO PROBLEM". BUT, I COULD UNDERSTAND IF THE POOLS ARE FULL AND ITS SEASON.

I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON PAYING FOR A LESS $$ POOL AND USING A MORE $$$ RESORTS POOL. I BELIEVE THAT YOU PAY FOR THE ROOM ,IE: SIZE, AMENITIES, DECOR AS WELL AS THE LOCATION. I KNOW THAT WHEN I PAY FOR AN EXPENSIVE RESORT ITS BECAUSE OF THOSE THINGS, THE POOL IS THE LAST THING ON MY MIND WHEN BOOKING. JUST MIO!!

AS FOR WHAT WE WILL DO ON OUR TRIP, I AM UNDECIDED. I GUESS THAT I WILL SPEAK WITH SOMEONE UPON OUR CHECK IN.....MARCH 20, 2006!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INPUT!!
JULIE :love:

[shasess]

PEOPLE GET OVER IT!!!
The OP asked a simple question- Which resort has the best pool? Give me a break! They didnt asked to be judged by the DIS police - Sometimes I wonder if some of these peolple on this board have entirely too much time on their hands! So what if they decide to pool hop. Whose business is it anyway. Let Disney keep up with it. I cant imagine that it will cause anyone on this board any discomfort while in their vacay....... God forbid if they had said that they were bringing their 2005 resort mugs over to the Cont. and tried to get a refill before getting in the pool. I think lighting would have come down from the heavens and struck them down cold.

[Schmeck]

When we stayed at the BC last summer they 'carded' us every day at the pool. Stormalong Bay is by far the best pool complex at a WDW resort, and it gets very crowded in the summer. We picked the BC because of the pool.

Another concern of Disney about the overcrowded pools (and the reason why they want to limit the pool-crashers) is liability. It is posted at the pools (at least the ones I've been to on our numerous trips) that the pool is for use of the guests at that resort only. If you got injured at that pool, WDW might not be held responsible for the injury.

The CM who told the guest it was OK to use another resort's pool was incorrect. It happens all the time at WDW, as they do not train their employees like they used to, due to incredible turnover rates. Just because someone told someone that it was OK one day will not make it OK another day.

[DannyDisneyFreak]

OMG! She didn't ask about it being allowed she asked what resort had the best pool! I can understand everyone wanting to make sure she knows this is not allowed but at least have respect for the persons thread and throw in what you think the best resort pool is. I have always wanted to stay at the Carribian because I thought the pools looked cool.

[MOMOFMNM]

OMG! She didn't ask about it being allowed she asked what resort had the best pool! I can understand everyone wanting to make sure she knows this is not allowed but at least have respect for the persons thread and throw in what you think the best resort pool is. I have always wanted to stay at the Carribian because I thought the pools looked cool.


your right, sorry

guess my fav is Poly but then again that is the only one I've been to!! :sunny:

we get to try SAB in November!!! :cheer2:

[Schmeck]

OMG! She didn't ask about it being allowed she asked what resort had the best pool! I can understand everyone wanting to make sure she knows this is not allowed but at least have respect for the persons thread and throw in what you think the best resort pool is. I have always wanted to stay at the Carribian because I thought the pools looked cool.

She mentions right in her post about 'poolhopping', so what's your big fuss about? Most of the posts do mention a favorite pool... :rolleyes:

[DannyDisneyFreak]

She mentions right in her post about 'poolhopping', so what's your big fuss about? Most of the posts do mention a favorite pool... :rolleyes:
Before I posted there where 21 responses to the OP's question, there were 5 posts that attemped to accually answer her question, the rest were just the pool hopping police. Lets see 5 out of 21, that's most? :confused:

[In Luv with Disney]

PEOPLE GET OVER IT!!!God forbid if they had said that they were bringing their 2005 resort mugs over to the Cont. and tried to get a refill before getting in the pool. I think lighting would have come down from the heavens and struck them down cold.

ROFLMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOO FUNNY!!!!! :rotfl2:

[all4fun]

The way I see it no one was being judgemental until someone called other posters "The Dis police". Isn't this a discussion board where people discuss things? Maybe some people were really trying to offer the OP helpful advice by letting her know it might not by allowed. Better to know in advance than be surprised when you get there after all. It's not always about making someone feel bad about something. Geez.

Btw, my favorite pool is SAB, just so no one else accuses me of not staying on subject, lol. ;)

[crisi]

if you were new and never visited the DISboards, how would you know you could not pool hop?? I am just curious...


The pools all have signs saying they are for guests of the resort only. Its been this way for a very long time (though some CMs may not know the rules - CMs are notorious for bad information). I suspect that this is mainly because the pools are built for the resort capacity, and if everyone takes their "mid day break" from the MK and hops over to the Poly, there wouldn't be enough room for resort guests. Even with the pool hopping rules in place, the pools can get quite crowded and there is often a shortage of chairs. Moreover, I suspect this is something you are just supposed to know that you "don't do."

To answer the OP. Most people consider Y&BC to have the best pool (they DO card and are very strict about hopping - your chances of not getting carded are pretty good at some resorts, practically nil at the Y&BC, and not good at any of the MK resorts. I was carded last October at BW, so it does happen). I don't like it because its a really hard pool to watch kids in. We usually stay at BWVs and they have a pretty nice pool slide - not too tame, not too wild - but the whole pool is quiet deep and the kiddie pool is boring. PO is supposed to have a nice pool slide. The kids find the slides at WL and AKL a littte tame.

AKL and SSR and Y&BC all have zero entry pools (there are probably more, those are the ones I know about) which are nice for little ones).

To everyone else, I think the assumption that pool hopping is allowed is something that does need to be corrected. It would certainly be embarrassing to the OP and disappointing to her son to get thrown out of a pool because they weren't resort guests.

[DannyDisneyFreak]

The way I see it no one was being judgemental until someone called other posters "The Dis police". Isn't this a discussion board where people discuss things? Maybe some people were really trying to offer the OP helpful advice by letting her know it might not by allowed. Better to know in advance than be surprised when you get there after all. It's not always about making someone feel bad about something. Geez.

Btw, my favorite pool is SAB, just so no one else accuses me of not staying on subject, lol. ;)
Unlike you the majority of the people who posted on the first half of this thread were not discussing what the OP wanted to know, she asked what the best pools were (in her case for "pool hopping") the Topic of her thread is "Best Resort Pool" , the title of her thread is "Best Resort Pool" NOT Pool Hopping. Yes this a discussion board, yes this is where people discuss things? If people were really trying to offer the OP helpful advice they could have at least answered her question. After one or two people let her know why does it have to continue.
This is my last post, I already answered her question.
I am just curious, OP what do you think?
Oh yeah, and I said Pool Hopping Police, not Dis Police, the DIS Police would be the moderators, who I have the utmost respect for :teeth:

[themudd4]

I can't belive this thread got so out of hand.
I have not yet been to all of the resort's but have seen serveral pictures and watch watched video's etc...From what I have seen CSR has a cool pool, but the best...Not sure. I guess it is more about what your family is into. My kids honestly don't care as long as there is water in it!!!
I know you didn't ask if Pool Hopping was aloud...But you did get many posts regarding this issue. I AM NOT...repeat NOT trying to stir up trouble again, but we just watched the planning DVD again last night to show the kids the pool @ our resort we will be staying at this year (POR). It did say that Guest staying at POR were also allowed to use the pool's of it's sister resort POFQ. So, that may also be allowed if your resort has a sister resort. Would not hurt to ask and find out for sure before going to the resort only to be turned away!

[shasess]

The way I see it no one was being judgemental until someone called other posters "The Dis police". Isn't this a discussion board where people discuss things? Maybe some people were really trying to offer the OP helpful advice by letting her know it might not by allowed. Better to know in advance than be surprised when you get there after all. It's not always about making someone feel bad about something. Geez.

Btw, my favorite pool is SAB, just so no one else accuses me of not staying on subject, lol. ;)
This post only makes me stand by what I said in my earlier post 100%.....

-To the OP: Whatever you decide have a wonderful vacay....BTW My family loves the pool at POR :cloud9: .

[Boater]

PEOPLE GET OVER IT!!!
So what if they decide to pool hop. Whose business is it anyway.

I'm sorry to throw another log on the fire here........but.........the OP was asking about pool hopping.

Shasess you are so so wrong................

There are Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts.
Each have their own comfort and amenities which include the pool.
You pay for those amenities. I know people will say "dining is an amenity and we dine hop". You're right, but you are paying for it.

I'm sorry but I don't think it's right for someone staying at a $79.00 hotel to come in and use the facilities some one is else is paying $300.00 (or more) for. It's just ain't right.

That would be like saying thank you for paying $450.00 (or more) for concierge but we're letting everyone come up and have a drink, shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure there are people who try to figure out how to get up there too.

As Julie said in one post "it's not like we're staying at the Super 8", nope your not and good for you staying at a disney resort. But what if one of those bottom feeders came in to swim at the Pop? Is that any different than a Popper coming in to use the Y&BC pool?

I already said what I thought was the best pool, so I guess I'm ok.

[nickelsfamily]

My My how things get out of hand! I came on this morning-and can not believe that this post is back up in the top few! I feel so special.

I hope that you are all as passionate about things that really count in this world not just WDW!! Just kidding!

In response to Boater- FYI No, I wouldn't care if someone from the supper 8 came to use the pool at POP...you know why? Because I wouldn't be in their business asking 20 questions about their vacation! So, for all I know, they are staying at that resort. When I am on vacation I don't care what people around me are doing as long as its not bothering us! If you are so worried about what other people are doing-JMO you obviously aren't having a very magical experience :wizard: !

Have a wonderful day!
Julie :love:

[Boater]

JMO you obviously aren't having a very magical experience :wizard: !

Have a wonderful day!
Julie :love:

I have wonderful magical experiences every time I stay at WDW. I was just giving my opinion, I don't think it's right, that's all.
I really don't give a rip who uses what pool and I'm not looking at at people and thinking "they don't belong"

[themudd4]

[QUOTE=nickelsfamily]
In response to Boater- FYI No, I wouldn't care if someone from the supper 8 came to use the pool at POP...you know why? Because I wouldn't be in their business asking 20 questions about their vacation! So, for all I know, they are staying at that resort. When I am on vacation I don't care what people around me are doing as long as its not bothering us! If you are so worried about what other people are doing-JMO you obviously aren't having a very magical experience :wizard: ![QUOTE]

Well, I know this remark was not made to me or by me, but...I do care if some one from super 8 or where ever, was to use our pool at the resort I am paying to stay at. Have you ever stayed at a Disney resort in Peak Season? Have you ever tried to "relax" with your family in the pool for a while? Hard enough to do with Resort guests than to add others to the mix! This doesn't make me worried about what others are doing. It makes me worried about not being able to do what I want to do (and paid to do).
I know you asked a simple question and got a world fall of comments. I would suggest that if you got this kind of responce that maybe you should look in to Pool Hopping policies before you go. I am not sure what Disney will do or wont do, I would rather know now, as to get there and be removed.

[DVC Sadie]

My My how things get out of hand! I came on this morning-and can not believe that this post is back up in the top few! I feel so special.

I hope that you are all as passionate about things that really count in this world not just WDW!! Just kidding!

When I am on vacation I don't care what people around me are doing as long as its not bothering us! If you are so worried about what other people are doing-JMO you obviously aren't having a very magical experience :wizard: !

Have a wonderful day!
Julie :love: I also don't care what others on vacation are doing. When people are paying over 1500.00 a night to stay conceirge in a 1 bedroom suite I believe they do not wish to have to wait until the pool has thinned out from guests from other resorts.