Lynne M
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2001
From now on, all discussion of using pools at other resorts (also known as pool-hopping) will be kept in this thread. Any new threads posted on the Resorts board on this topic will be merged into this thread, or closed with a note to see this thread. If you have a question that's not answered in the FAQ, or if you need clarification of some information in the FAQ, please post here.
Here are the ground rules for discussion:
1. No debate on Disney's rules, which can be found in the FAQ below. If you don't like the rules, by all means, take it up with Disney, but endless discussion and debate on this board isn't going to change the rules.
2. No discussion of how to get around the rules. If you pool-hop on every trip, that's your choice, but please don't post about it here.
3. No fighting, rudeness, name-calling, sarcasm or accusations. No flaming of anyone, for any reason.
4. No off-topic posts. Posts not related to use of pools at resorts other than your own will be deleted.
5. If you see a post that doesn't abide by these ground rules, use the Report Post button (left side of the post) to alert the moderators, and we'll take action where necessary. Don't get drawn into fights with other posters.
Posts that don't abide by the ground rules will be deleted, and warnings or infractions may be issued.
We appreciate your support in making this thread a place where useful information can be shared.
Thanks,
Lynne M and Canadian Guy
Using Pools at Other Resorts: Frequently Asked Questions
The pool at my resort is just OK, but wow, the pools at those deluxe resorts look great. Will they let me swim there?
No, you can only use a resort's pool if you're a registered guest of that resort, with a few exceptions described below.
Disney's pool use policy can be found here, on the official WDW site:
"Please note that pools are for use only for Guests of that specific Resort hotel."
The policy is also posted on signs at the pools.
Bummer. But how will they know I'm not staying at that hotel?
You may be approached by a cast member and asked to show your resort ID (room key, Key to the World card). There's a code on every resort ID that identifies your resort. If you can't produce a valid ID for that resort, you will be asked to leave the pool area.
You might be asked to show just one resort ID for your party, or everyone might have to produce ID (including kids).
But why does Disney care if I take the monorail over to the Polynesian and use that fancy volcano pool? One extra person won't make a difference.
It's true, one extra person won't matter. But believe me, lots of people want to use that fancy volcano pool, and if they let non-guests swim there, it's going to get very crowded, very quickly. There are something like 30,000 resort rooms on Disney property, and if even 50 of those people decide to swim at the Poly at the same time, it won't be fun for anyone, let alone the people who paid to stay at that resort. The pools are sized for the number of guests at that resort, and don't have excess capacity for visitors.
I'm staying at a resort that shares facilities with another resort. Can I use the pools there, too?
In most cases, yes.
Guests at the All-Star resorts may use any pool at any of the All-Star resorts (Music, Sports, Movies)
Guests at Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter may use any pool at either resort.
Guests at Wilderness Lodge and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge can use both pools.
Guests at Boardwalk Villas and the Boardwalk Inn can use any pool at either resort.
Guests at the Yacht Club, Beach Club, or Beach Club Villas may use any pool in this resort complex.
Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jambo House and Kidani Village may use the pools at both buildings.
There's one exception: Guests at Bay Lake Towers may use the pools at BLT and the Contemporary Resort. But, CR guests may not use the pool at BLT. It's gated, and a BLT room key is required to open the gate.
I'm a DVC member. Is it true that I'm allowed to pool hop?
Yes, with some restrictions. Currently, DVC members staying at a DVC resort on points can 'hop' to the pools at any Disney-owned resort, except YC/BC/BCV, AKV, and BLT. Pool hopping is not permitted during certain blackout dates, usually around busy periods. Check the DVC Member site for up-to-date information on blackout dates and other restrictions.
Some of my family/friends are staying at a different resort, or offsite. Can they come to my resort and swim with my family?
Possibly. Disney policy states that only registered resort guests may use the pool, but IF the pool isn't too crowded, and IF you ask, the lifeguards have been known to make exceptions for visiting family and friends. Of course, the fewer guests you want to bring into the pool area, the more likely the lifeguards will say 'yes'. If you want grandma and grandpa to join you, it likely won't be a problem. If you show up with 4 uncles, 3 aunts, and 14 assorted cousins.....well, expect the lifeguards to suggest you visit a water park instead.
Do ask; it's much better to have the lifeguard's permission ahead of time than to subject your family and/or friends to the embarrassment of being asked for ID and possibly being asked to leave.
Be aware that the lifeguards have final say in the matter. If the lifeguards feel that there are an unsafe number of people in the pool area, it's not going to matter if the front desk or the nice lady on the phone at Reservations said you could have guests.
The main pool at my resort is closed for refurbishment. Can I use another resort's pool?
Don't worry, you won't be left without access to a pool. Most resorts have multiple pools, and in many cases, your resort will make arrangements for you to use the pool at a nearby resort. Guests are usually contacted by mail prior to their stay if the main pool will be closed, and that letter will describe any alternate pool arrangements. If you have any questions, ask at the Guest Services/Concierge desk when you arrive at your resort.
Didn't Disney used to allow pool-hopping? What happened?
Yes, way back in the day when there were only a few resorts on property, guests were allowed to use the pools at any resort, and it all worked out fine. Essentially, all of the resort pools were equally nice, so there was no reason for any resort's pool to be overrun with visitors. As time went on, Disney created multiple tiers of resorts, and suddenly there were value resorts with very basic pools, moderate resorts with slightly nicer pools, and deluxe resorts with super-fancy pools. The system was out of balance...everyone wanted to go to the deluxe pools. No one was beating a path to the pools at the values. So, no more pool-hopping; everyone swims at their own resort's pool.
My friend just stayed at WDW and said he went to a different resort pool every day and nobody stopped him. How come you're saying I can't do that?
As with most Disney rules, enforcement is spotty. Some resorts are very strict about access to their pools, some not so much.
Enforcement is probably most strict at Stormalong Bay, the feature pool at YC/BC/BCV, which is the most elaborate resort pool on WDW property. Cast members check each guest's ID upon entering the pool area and issue wristbands.
Deluxe resorts that are close to the theme parks are also more likely to check resort IDs, since day guests at the parks may be tempted to pop over for a swim. At these pools, cast members will check resort IDs of guests in the pool area from time to time.
Moderates and values are less strict about pool use, since their pools aren't as attractive to hoppers as the deluxe resort pools. There are occasional reports of IDs being checked after a pool gets an upgrade/refurb.
The bottom line: If you try to use another resort's pool, you may be asked to leave. Or not. Disney's policy is clear; the choice is yours. As Jiminy Cricket says, "Let your conscience be your guide."
OK, OK, so I can't pool-hop. But the kids really want to use a pool with a cool slide, and my resort's pool doesn't have one. What can I do?
There are two terrific water parks at Walt Disney World: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both offer a wide variety of slides and other attractions for all ages.
Here are the ground rules for discussion:
1. No debate on Disney's rules, which can be found in the FAQ below. If you don't like the rules, by all means, take it up with Disney, but endless discussion and debate on this board isn't going to change the rules.
2. No discussion of how to get around the rules. If you pool-hop on every trip, that's your choice, but please don't post about it here.
3. No fighting, rudeness, name-calling, sarcasm or accusations. No flaming of anyone, for any reason.
4. No off-topic posts. Posts not related to use of pools at resorts other than your own will be deleted.
5. If you see a post that doesn't abide by these ground rules, use the Report Post button (left side of the post) to alert the moderators, and we'll take action where necessary. Don't get drawn into fights with other posters.
Posts that don't abide by the ground rules will be deleted, and warnings or infractions may be issued.
We appreciate your support in making this thread a place where useful information can be shared.
Thanks,
Lynne M and Canadian Guy
Using Pools at Other Resorts: Frequently Asked Questions
The pool at my resort is just OK, but wow, the pools at those deluxe resorts look great. Will they let me swim there?
No, you can only use a resort's pool if you're a registered guest of that resort, with a few exceptions described below.
Disney's pool use policy can be found here, on the official WDW site:
"Please note that pools are for use only for Guests of that specific Resort hotel."
The policy is also posted on signs at the pools.
Bummer. But how will they know I'm not staying at that hotel?
You may be approached by a cast member and asked to show your resort ID (room key, Key to the World card). There's a code on every resort ID that identifies your resort. If you can't produce a valid ID for that resort, you will be asked to leave the pool area.
You might be asked to show just one resort ID for your party, or everyone might have to produce ID (including kids).
But why does Disney care if I take the monorail over to the Polynesian and use that fancy volcano pool? One extra person won't make a difference.
It's true, one extra person won't matter. But believe me, lots of people want to use that fancy volcano pool, and if they let non-guests swim there, it's going to get very crowded, very quickly. There are something like 30,000 resort rooms on Disney property, and if even 50 of those people decide to swim at the Poly at the same time, it won't be fun for anyone, let alone the people who paid to stay at that resort. The pools are sized for the number of guests at that resort, and don't have excess capacity for visitors.
I'm staying at a resort that shares facilities with another resort. Can I use the pools there, too?
In most cases, yes.
Guests at the All-Star resorts may use any pool at any of the All-Star resorts (Music, Sports, Movies)
Guests at Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter may use any pool at either resort.
Guests at Wilderness Lodge and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge can use both pools.
Guests at Boardwalk Villas and the Boardwalk Inn can use any pool at either resort.
Guests at the Yacht Club, Beach Club, or Beach Club Villas may use any pool in this resort complex.
Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jambo House and Kidani Village may use the pools at both buildings.
There's one exception: Guests at Bay Lake Towers may use the pools at BLT and the Contemporary Resort. But, CR guests may not use the pool at BLT. It's gated, and a BLT room key is required to open the gate.
I'm a DVC member. Is it true that I'm allowed to pool hop?
Yes, with some restrictions. Currently, DVC members staying at a DVC resort on points can 'hop' to the pools at any Disney-owned resort, except YC/BC/BCV, AKV, and BLT. Pool hopping is not permitted during certain blackout dates, usually around busy periods. Check the DVC Member site for up-to-date information on blackout dates and other restrictions.
Some of my family/friends are staying at a different resort, or offsite. Can they come to my resort and swim with my family?
Possibly. Disney policy states that only registered resort guests may use the pool, but IF the pool isn't too crowded, and IF you ask, the lifeguards have been known to make exceptions for visiting family and friends. Of course, the fewer guests you want to bring into the pool area, the more likely the lifeguards will say 'yes'. If you want grandma and grandpa to join you, it likely won't be a problem. If you show up with 4 uncles, 3 aunts, and 14 assorted cousins.....well, expect the lifeguards to suggest you visit a water park instead.
Do ask; it's much better to have the lifeguard's permission ahead of time than to subject your family and/or friends to the embarrassment of being asked for ID and possibly being asked to leave.
Be aware that the lifeguards have final say in the matter. If the lifeguards feel that there are an unsafe number of people in the pool area, it's not going to matter if the front desk or the nice lady on the phone at Reservations said you could have guests.
The main pool at my resort is closed for refurbishment. Can I use another resort's pool?
Don't worry, you won't be left without access to a pool. Most resorts have multiple pools, and in many cases, your resort will make arrangements for you to use the pool at a nearby resort. Guests are usually contacted by mail prior to their stay if the main pool will be closed, and that letter will describe any alternate pool arrangements. If you have any questions, ask at the Guest Services/Concierge desk when you arrive at your resort.
Didn't Disney used to allow pool-hopping? What happened?
Yes, way back in the day when there were only a few resorts on property, guests were allowed to use the pools at any resort, and it all worked out fine. Essentially, all of the resort pools were equally nice, so there was no reason for any resort's pool to be overrun with visitors. As time went on, Disney created multiple tiers of resorts, and suddenly there were value resorts with very basic pools, moderate resorts with slightly nicer pools, and deluxe resorts with super-fancy pools. The system was out of balance...everyone wanted to go to the deluxe pools. No one was beating a path to the pools at the values. So, no more pool-hopping; everyone swims at their own resort's pool.
My friend just stayed at WDW and said he went to a different resort pool every day and nobody stopped him. How come you're saying I can't do that?
As with most Disney rules, enforcement is spotty. Some resorts are very strict about access to their pools, some not so much.
Enforcement is probably most strict at Stormalong Bay, the feature pool at YC/BC/BCV, which is the most elaborate resort pool on WDW property. Cast members check each guest's ID upon entering the pool area and issue wristbands.
Deluxe resorts that are close to the theme parks are also more likely to check resort IDs, since day guests at the parks may be tempted to pop over for a swim. At these pools, cast members will check resort IDs of guests in the pool area from time to time.
Moderates and values are less strict about pool use, since their pools aren't as attractive to hoppers as the deluxe resort pools. There are occasional reports of IDs being checked after a pool gets an upgrade/refurb.
The bottom line: If you try to use another resort's pool, you may be asked to leave. Or not. Disney's policy is clear; the choice is yours. As Jiminy Cricket says, "Let your conscience be your guide."
OK, OK, so I can't pool-hop. But the kids really want to use a pool with a cool slide, and my resort's pool doesn't have one. What can I do?
There are two terrific water parks at Walt Disney World: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both offer a wide variety of slides and other attractions for all ages.
The member site says this:
