Just back!! Quiet Pools?

[rhk43]

Just returned from vacation, two days at OKW and 5 at the BW. The BW is still my favorite, so much to do and so easy to get to a lot of different things. OKW is a very close second, both resorts are fantastic!! Just two items to report on. The bus wait seems to be reduced, we hardly waited for busses at all. The parks were not crowded at all, no wait time for anything. One thing that does annoy me though. AT the BW, they have so called quiet pools. No kids allowed, yea right. If it is supposed to be a quiet pool, then enforce it!! I am writing to member services to voice my displeasure about it. If they don't monitor who goes to the pool, then don't advertise it as a quiet pool. I have no problem with kids being there, but not screaming and hollering and that sort of stuff. Other than that, another great trip!!

[WebmasterDoc]

Glad you had a good trip!

Just for clarification, "Quiet" does not refer to sound levels at these pools, it is in reference to the available activities at the pool. No slide, no lifeguard- just "quiet".

There are not even any signs indicating noise at the pool.

[MaryJ]

Thanks for clearing that up. The VWL also have a quiet pool, and your definition of quiet was right in line with want I thought too. Just a basic pool and spa, no frills.

[DVCDAVE]

Ditto's to the above posters. Quiet means no frill activities like slides and stuff. Kids are allowed there.

[Dean]

I have to agree, sounds like your assumption of what "Quiet Pool" meant was somewhat off. Sorry things didn't work out for you there. It has been my experience that there are usually a few kids running, yelling, jumping in and out; etc.

[rhk43]

I disagree!! If it is advertised as a quiet pool, then thats what it should be, also, I have no problem with kids being allowed, but they should be quiet, if they want to play they should go to the main pool. I should have a place to go as as adult and relax without kids screaming!!

[Wes]

I have to agree with rhk's interpretation of "quiet pool".

If you asked 100 people on the street what a "quiet pool" was at a resort, the vast majority would say it was a pool where things were peaceful and quiet.

"Quiet" is a word that relates to sound level in common parlance. If the pool is not supposed to be quiet in sound, then they should rename it to something else ... the Simple Pool? the Basic Pool? the Classic Pool? the Traditional Pool?

[LIDisneyFan]

It's quiet in comparison to the Luna Pool! I think that's what they meant. It's not billed as an 'adults only' pool, like the one on the cruise line.

Also, since we all know the Luna Park pool can get quite crowded :p , familes sometimes have no choice but to use the quiet pool - even if they would prefer one of the feature ones.

[Muushka]

I agree with rhk43 also. The quiet pools should be just that. I can understand bringing very active kids to the quiet pool when the main pool is too crowded. However, I have been many times when it is not busy at the main pool, and parents bring their loud children to the quiet pool (why, I do not know!). All it takes to make a quiet pool loud is 1 loud kid! This is just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

[Peterd]

For the most part it is a "quiet" pool. USUALLY, there isn't the running around, screaming, etc... I can see some children getting a bit loud once in awhile, but it doesn't really bother me. I can see some could get annoyed by it. There are no posted rules, except for the hottub rule requiring adults with unsupervised children, so they're not doing anything wrong. I feel they intend for it to be a little less louder than the main pool, but not a hospital zone.
You have the community hall right there with all of the activities for the kids. They rent the bikes right in front of the pool. This past fall, they showed a children's movie with a screen by the pool, so the KIDS could swim and watch the movie at the same time.
I know there is a more secluded "quiet" pool on the inn side which seemed to me less crowded than the community hall pool. We use the community hall pool, when the slide pool is too crowded, and half our kids are in the hall. I don't condone screaming at the pool, but I'm certainly not going to hush my kids playing Marco Polo, because someone is reading the paper or doing work by the pool on a cellphone. JMHO!

[bigdisneydaddy]

going to the pool looking for quiet is like going to McDonalds and ordering super size fries while on a low fat diet

[MikeBW]

rhk43,

You are going to Disney World and you don't want any kids around? Or you want them to be quiet while in a pool?
Here's a suggestion for you, sell your membership and put a pool in your backyard.

[brittsmum1998]

My DD 2 yrs old swam at the quiet pool at the BWV last year, and i can assure you she wasn't quiet, I always "assumed" quiet pool meant no "frills" slides, etc. We were at the Wilderness Lodge last week, there were always kids playing in the quiet pool, one nite at 9:30 they were playing Marco Polo. I didn't think anything of it except that they were lucky to have that pool because they wouldn't be able to play that game in the big one. I actually enjoy listening to kids having a good time and wouldn't hesitate to bring my DD to the quiet pool if she so desired.

[Paul in CT]

MikeBW,

I have to agree with you. To the best of my knowledge, "quiet pool" has never meant "adults only pool" nor would I expect it to at WDW. Our "kids" are grown now so we often have to go without them :D, but it wouldn't be Disneyworld without kids having a good time. I enjoy watching and hearing it because it reminds me of the "old days" when our kids were little. :bounce:

[Dean]

While I understand the interpretation, I can't see expecting any pool where there will be kids to truly be "quiet". I think your expectations were a little high. The only reasonable way to have an adult only pool would be to add another pool as the "quiet Pools" are spread out to give more people easy access. It has been my experience that overall they are quieter with less kids and less crazyness but still there are usually one or two sets of kids getting a little crazy. Sometimes you're lucky and sometimes not. Sorry things didn't work out, maybe next time will be better.

[Wes]

I am trying to figure out how we can turn this into a constructive poll that might have some realistic single action item that DVD could consider and perhaps implement.

I did a search in the old boards and found <a href="http://wdwinfo.infopop.net/0/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=40009993&f=14009194&m=238099591#014095791">an August 2000 thread on the quiet pool</a> that is very similar to the discussion in this thread.

The problem really seems to have arisen from the choice of name for the pool. The vast majority of people regard "quiet" as a measure of sound level and not as a measure of activity. Trying to swim upstream and use the word "quiet" contrary to its generally accepted use in the language is bound to lead to people expecting one thing and finding another.

There seem to be two poll questions (and thus maybe two polls?) that have emerged from the discussion so far:

1 - <b>Should there be a truly quiet pool that people can go to?</b> This does not necessarily mean no kids. It means quiet in terms of level of sound. Within the "yes" answerers to this question, we have (1a) those who would like to have adults-only pools and (1b) those who would allow kids but post a rule that the pool sound level is to be quiet.

2 - <b>Should the BWV community hall pool be renamed to something that does not imply that the sound level is quiet?</b> And of course, the question for those who say "yes" is what should it be renamed to?

So:

A - Should we start separate polls on both of these questions?

Or

B - Does someone see a way in which we can bring constructive focus with a single poll that includes all of the issues in an unbiased way?

Hmmm ... maybe I should have made this question itself into a poll.

[dianeschlicht]

How do we make the quiet pools quiet? I guess it has never been a problem for us since we usually only have time for the pools when no one else seems to be around. We have often gone around dinner time and again at 10 p.m. for a hot tub visit. It is usually exclusive at those times.

[Doctor P]

I guess it is all in the name. While I would not have had the expectation that kids were not allowed at the quiet pools, I certainly would have had the expectation that the noise level was to be controlled. I guess I am just stupid and unreasonable! They really need to change the name since logically "quiet" refers to noise level and/or calmness of activity, neither of which seems to be what is actually meant.

[DanG]

I can't decide which is more amusing: the suggestion that kids can't use any pool that hasn't been specifically
restricted to adults or the idea that it's OK for kids to use that pool so long as they are quiet. Maybe I could muzzle them or medicate them with ritalin so they wouldn't disturb you.

Come on people, this is WDW! The whole place is built for kids to have fun (or for adults to recapture some of the child still in them). Kids are told all the time to be quiet or no running around here for 51 weeks a year. I won't do that to them at a pool on vacation.

Everything comes back to time and place. I won't take my kids to an upscale restaurant or a classical musical concert or an opera where they won't enjoy themselves, fidget and disturb the people around them who have a fair expectation to not be disturbed by children. When I bring them to a library they understand how to behave and to be quiet and respectful of others.

But, when you are in what is essentially a public pool for guests, you don't have any justifiable basis for expecting quiet or privacy. I f you want that, then WDW is probably not the right place to be on vacation.

DanG

[Doctor P]

Sorry, but I don't find the expectation of quiet at a designated "quiet" pool at WDW to be any less reasonable than quiet hours in a college dormitory. Such hours do exist and are still to this day enforced at most schools. WDW is not JUST for kids, nor is it JUST for loud people. I'm far from a party pooper, but the expectation that since WDW appeals to kids and is for kids to have fun does not logically extend to a free run of the place with any and all behavior and noise levels acceptable.

Frankly, I don't care if the pools the are quiet except at times when people are sleeping (say starting at 9 pm since this is a place where many small children are present and need their rest;) until say 8 am), but if you are going to call something a "quiet" pool then I think that most people will have some expectation that the noise level will be significantly less there than at a pool not so labeled.

[donald@home]

No, you don't need to muzzle or medicate your children with ritalin so they don't disturb people. But when children get out of hand at a quiet pool, I think it is not too much to ask for parents to remind them that people are relaxing and they should stop screaming and or splashing (I mean splashing more than what is usually associated with pool play).

[LIDisneyFan]

Regarless of what it is called, there are currently no resort pools in WDW which restrict children or noise levels during daytime hours.

Obviously, courtesy is required. But, splashing and children (or adults) making noise in any pool in WDW is allowed. If someone wants to start a policy of restricting noise levels or designating an adults only pool, fine. But I doubt that Disney will want to stat policing noise levels (how does one determine what is loud - carry a decibel meter?) or building an additional pool for adults only. I certainly would not want my dues increased to pay for another pool.

I would certainly be against restricting certain people from any of the existing common elements for several reasons - you're heading down a slippery slope. If you restrict children from the quiet pool next they can restrict DVC memebers from any resort pool - or restrict them to only the quiet pool. I'm not sure how much (if any) change is allowed by the POS, but I wouldn't want to open that can of worms.

[DanG]

I am, of course, trying to be facetious, which doesn't always come across in a post.

I can't disagree that at a certain point in the evening noise becomes disruptive to people in rooms near the pool who are trying to sleep. It strikes me as more a matter of etiquette than rules to have one's kids consider others and to pull them from the pool if necessary. One solution may be to close the pool at 10:00 p.m., though I am sure many would object to that.

I also can't disagree that splashing others or screaming at the top of one's lungs at the pool is not appropriate behavior at any time of the day. And I supervise my kids so that won't happen (or stop soon after occurring).

I guess I took issue with a tone I perceived in the initial post that equates "quiet pool" with "adult and little adult" pools. And I would object to any attempt to limit the pools that way since they are a scarce resource.

A "rule" against "excessive noise" seems like a good idea. The problem is that "excessive" would be a matter of subjective perspective and would be more likely to set off incidents between members with CMs in the middle than to solve any problems.

It is too people can't find some middle ground and simply be considerate of others. It is more an issue of etiquette than rules.

DanG

[Tiggeriffic]

Where is it that the pools are called "quiet" pools? I know that people continually refer to them that way here on these boards. However, when I was at OKW the signs there said "Village Pool", which implies something completely different.

Have these "quiet" pools been officially called that in the documents or is that just how people refer to them and therefore the name stuck?

[BetsyB]

Sometimes it amazes me when I read these posts about the things that get under people's skin -- especially when they are on vacation! When we go to WDW we are in heaven, every trip is better than the one before. (Of course we are lucky we have never had an illness, accident or theft -- those are major vacation poopers!) Annoying things do happen, though, how could they not when you come in contact with thousands of people, but I couldn't imagine carrying that around during my trip and having it mar my memories of a great vacation! Don't sweat the small stuff.

I just thank God everyday that my daughter has lungs to shout, hands to splash and legs to run and kick with. As someone posted earlier, if you want quiet, sell your DVC and build a private, backyard pool.

[crusoemom]

Ooops, my family was probably some of the folks with not-so-quiet kids. We needed to move to the smaller pool because of the kids games going on in the big pool, and I have timid 2yo and a 5yo who needed to not be splashed by the active kids.

Unfortunately, that didn't mean they were really quiet, and they most certainly were kids. They didn't do a lot of yelling and screaming, and we did our best to keep the 2yo from running around the pool, but we weren't always successful. I also didn't realize that the 2 "small" pools were supposed to actually be quiet.

Perhaps we could have one really quiet pool (either the Inn side or the Community hall side) and one pool for people with children who would otherwise be intimidated by the Luna Pool...

Just a thought.

[patmcg]

MikeBW

There was certainly no reason to become sarcastic. RHK43 was just stating his opinion.

We all are aware that children are very much a part of WDW. Certainly one would have to have fallen to earth not to know that WDW and children are practically inseparable. I would dare say that some of us parents would have never been to WDW were it not for our children.

I also am under the impression that the “Quiet Pool” is intended to mean just that…quiet, as in “little noise, free from noise and commotion, etc.” At least according to the World English Dictionary that is exactly how quiet is defined. Nothing mentioned in there about lack of “available activities.”????

So for RHK43 to expect a little peace and quiet is not something unusual or unreasonable as he assumed as I that quiet meant peaceful, little noise, no disturbance, etc.

At Luna Park, yes the children can yell and scream to their hearts content because that is the main pool where all except diving, dangerous horseplay and running are permitted. It is ideal for children. On the other hand, one would think the quiet pool supposedly offers some respite to us adults who are looking for some relative peace and quiet. I don’t believe that it means “No Rules Pool” merely because there are no lifeguards.

If the parents wish to take their children to the “quiet pool” they should understand that a good number of us bathers are there to relax, read, take the sun and experience a minimum amount of noise. I know that kids will be kids but it is up to us parents to instill a sense of respect for others if that is to be achieved. And no, we shouldn’t have to stay home to enjoy that luxury.

On the other hand, if quiet doesn’t mean quiet than Disney had better change the name, so a good many of us can move on with the English language. Why on earth would the definition of “quiet” on the Disney Cruise Line change when you arrive on land????
I guess it all depends on what the definition of “is” is.

Pat

[Wes]

Originally posted by Tiggeriffic
Where is it that the pools are called "quiet" pools? I know that people continually refer to them that way here on these boards. However, when I was at OKW the signs there said "Village Pool", which implies something completely different. Have these "quiet" pools been officially called that in the documents or is that just how people refer to them and therefore the name stuck? <b><font color=#ff0f0f>These are excellent questions. Here are links to Disney web pages, some with photos that not only definitely identify them as "Quiet" but also make it quite clear that "quiet" here means "get away from it all":<ul><li><a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/photos/photoindex?id=BWVPhotograph5Photo">"Quiet Pool"</a>: "Relax by a quiet pool and enjoy a cool cocktail." with BWV photo
<li><a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/photos/photoindex?id=BWIPhotograph5Photo">"Quiet Pools"</a>: "The Resort's two quiet pools give you a chance to get away from it all.", with BWI photo
<li><a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/recreation/recreationindex?id=VWLRecreationRecGrping">VWL Recreation</a>: Pools - "One Quiet Pool"
<li><a href="http://dvc.disney.go.com/disneyvacationclub/resorts/accommodationsindex?id=BoardwalkVillasAccommodatio nsGrp">BWV Amenities</a>: "Quiet Pool"
</ul>

The BWI page is a reminder that this is NOT just a DVC issue. There are many other web pages at the various non-DVC resorts that specifically identify "quiet" pools.</font></b>

[Dean]

It's all relative and I see the "quiet pools" as being overall and on average quieter than the main pools. I still feel that to get upset over kids being loud because it's a "quiet pool" is unreasonable. Now if they kids are out of line, that's a problem at any pool and should be addressed. Now if you want to lobby for an adult only pool, that's ok but it will need to be an extra pool as there's not one that would be appropriate to convert, IMO. Sorry, just my opinion.

[MikeBW]

patmcg,

Yes I was being sarcastic because I find it unbelievable that someone can complain about kids making noise at WDW. I don't condone screaming and yelling at 2 AM, but if kids are having fun in the pool - what is the big deal? The BWV "Quiet" pool is in front of the community hall - who do you think is going to be in there? Senior Citizens playing cribbage.
My point is if someone wants a nice quiet place to lie in the sun, WDW is not the best place for that.

[Wes]

Originally posted by Tiggeriffic
Where is it that the pools are called "quiet" pools? I know that people continually refer to them that way here on these boards. However, when I was at OKW the signs there said "Village Pool", which implies something completely different. Have these "quiet" pools been officially called that in the documents or is that just how people refer to them and therefore the name stuck?

<b><font color=#ff0f0f>I realized that in my previous note, I only provided the links for the answer to the first question but not the second. So here is the answer to Tiggeriffic's second question:

I used the FIND feature in Adobe Acrobat to search every section of both the Member Guidelines and the Member Benefits Guidebook. Neither of them have any references to any pool by name in any section. There are no guidelines for pool use in our documents.

This again underscores the point that <u>this is NOT just a DVC issue: every Disney resort that has a Disney-designated quiet pool has the same issue</u>. Disney is definitely advertising the quiet pools as a place to get away from it all. This has nothing specifically to do with DVC, which is why it is not addressed in our documents.</b></font>

[SharonS]

I have to agree with the majority here. It is unreasonable to expect these pools to be 'quiet'. I also was under the assumption that what was meant by quiet was less active and not having a 'major attraction' or slide.

I am single, so I am no speaking as a parent. WDW is definitely not the place I would go if I was expecting any type of real 'quiet'. If that is the type of atmosphere I want, I will go somewhere else. I go to WDW knowing that there will be kids everywhere and noise, etc.

I once stayed at Wilderness Lodge during Grad Nights, and you could hear the music from MK in our rooms. This actually went on until about 2:00 am. I just considered it a 'free' Backstreet Boys concert!

[rhk43]

Would like to say I am surprised by some of the posts, but I am not. We live in a "whats best for me society", consideration for others has gone by the wayside. For those of you who cannot read, the original post said nothing about kids not being allowed, just try and be considerate of others who are there trying to relax. Quiet means quiet, noise level that is, all I am saying is be considerate when you go to thses pools that people are generally there becasue they want to relax and have some quiet. Just because you are at Disney does not mean you have to be inconsiderate of others. Think about it folks!!!

[Dan Murfman]

RHK43 I was going to respond to those ugly posts by I figured why bother. Just because someone suggests a little quiet at the "quiet pools" he's told to sell his membership. I'm glad I bought before I found this board I might have thought that most of the members were this way.

[rhk43]

Dan thanks for the post, the replies by some members to my original posts says it all........its all about them, its sad.............

[LIDisneyFan]

rhk43,

I think the tone of your original post may have started the furor

From your most recent post

the original post said nothing about kids not being allowed, just try and be considerate of others who are there trying to relax

But your first post said, quite clearly

No kids allowed, yea right.

So, you can see where people may have gotten the idea you didn't want kids there.

[MikeBW]

rhk43, You mentioned that you were going to call MS. I believe all of us would like to know what their response was to your comments.

Thanks to LIDisneyFan for pointing out the item in the original post that started this whole debate.

[BetsyB]

When I go on a WDW vacation, the only place I am assured of (and expect) peace and quiet is in my room -- my personal space. I think the key here is that we are talking about a public area where thousands of people have access at any given time.

I am at a loss as to how we could be considered thinking only of ourselves when we are the ones who are liberal as to what is acceptable behavior in a "public" area. I'm only thinking of myself when I don't care if the kids in the pool are playing Marco Polo or the baby in the water is shrieking with happiness?? :confused:

[Dean]

Here is the portion of your original post that applies.No kids allowed, yea right. If it is supposed to be a quiet pool, then enforce it!! I am writing to member services to voice my displeasure about it. If they don't monitor who goes to the pool, then don't advertise it as a quiet pool. I have no problem with kids being there, but not screaming and hollering and that sort of stuff. Other than that, another great trip!!
No kids allowed, yea right. If it is supposed to be a quiet pool, then enforce it!! I am writing to member services to voice my displeasure about it. If they don't monitor who goes to the pool, then don't advertise it as a quiet pool. I have no problem with kids being there, but not screaming and hollering and that sort of stuff. Other than that, another great trip!!
You then said:Would like to say I am surprised by some of the posts, but I am not. We live in a "whats best for me society", consideration for others has gone by the wayside. For those of you who cannot read, the original post said nothing about kids not being allowed, just try and be considerate of others who are there trying to relax. Quiet means quiet, noise level that is, all I am saying is be considerate when you go to thses pools that people are generally there becasue they want to relax and have some quiet. Just because you are at Disney does not mean you have to be inconsiderate of others. Think about it folks!!!

I haven't gone back and re read the entire thread but I know that some of my comments were amoung the strongest. All I said was that I felt your expectation was unreasonable. No personal attack intended, no nastiness, just an honest observation of my opinion. It may be that you or others feel some of my expecations are unreasonable as well, you're entitled to that opinion as well. I hope we can disagree on principal or specifics and still be cordial or even friends without the words being considered "ugly", if not, there is a problem.

I've never considered the "sell if you don't like it" an appropriate option. I normally like to work from the inside for change. As for Dan thanks for the post, the replies by some members to my original posts says it all........its all about them, its sad , it seems to me that the relatively negative posts were not about what's best for them but rather an honest review of your expectations WHICH WAS ABOUT YOU, as it should have been.