>> Using Pools at Other Resorts - FAQ and Questions Thread (No Debate) <<

[xipotec]

Good point. I never would do this, I didn't know they even had a list....
Last few times we went the pool was not crowded. My feelings are swim at the pool at your own resort.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

This thread is kinda going off the rails...

DVC members are granted the privilege to use the pools at other "selected" DVC hotels. So it's not really how it's being presented as a personal choice to break or not break the rules...

While I personally find little need to go to other pools on my stay (mainly because we use DVC and rotate our trips anyway)...the ability to do it - as it stands now - was part of a 40+ year annual commitment to Disney plus a fairly large upfront purchase cost.

So when I see "why would you not just go to your OWN pool?"...theres the answer.

 

[Masonmj84]

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.

Apologies in advance if this is answered elsewhere in the thread, but if we are staying at BC (6 people in 2 rooms) and have a friend's family (2 adults and 3 young children) staying at another on-site resort, what are the odds of them being allowed into SAB with us in early/mid December?

Would they be allowed to swim?

Allowed in the pool area but not allowed to swim?

Or not allowed in the pool area at all?

They will be visiting Epcot with us that day and, in the evening, our families are having dinner together at Yachtsman. So we're looking at what options might be available to them should we have a couple of hours between visting the park and dinner.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Apologies in advance if this is answered elsewhere in the thread, but if we are staying at BC (6 people in 2 rooms) and have a friend's family (2 adults and 3 young children) staying at another on-site resort, what are the odds of them being allowed into SAB with us in early/mid December?

Would they be allowed to swim?

Allowed in the pool area but not allowed to swim?

Or not allowed in the pool area at all?

They will be visiting Epcot with us that day and, in the evening, our families are having dinner together at Yachtsman. So we're looking at what options might be available to them should we have a couple of hours between visting the park and dinner.

They won't have wristbands, so they won't be allowed in the pool area.

 

[maxiesmom]

Apologies in advance if this is answered elsewhere in the thread, but if we are staying at BC (6 people in 2 rooms) and have a friend's family (2 adults and 3 young children) staying at another on-site resort, what are the odds of them being allowed into SAB with us in early/mid December?

Would they be allowed to swim?

Allowed in the pool area but not allowed to swim?

Or not allowed in the pool area at all?

The official answer is no. However, you can ask the day of, and if the pool area is not busy and you get a lifeguard who feels like sprinkling some magic on you, you may be allowed guests in the pool. But you cannot depend on it, or find out ahead of time. It would truly have to be right when you all want to swim as the lifeguards are the ones with the authority over the pool area.

 

[EagleScout]

If someone wanted at least some swimming at one of the "non-hopping" pools during their stay (which would be any pool other than their own if non-DVC), the family could book a one-night reservation at that hotel. They could swim on the day they checked in, and then get at least some swimming on check out day - do swim privileges terminate at check-out time (11), or can you stay later at pool? Although it would almost certainly be cheaper simply to add "water parks" to a park hopper ticket, assuming you had one, unless you had at least six in family (four children). (I think water option is approx. 40/person, and even cheapest rooms at Beach or Poly likely more than than 250).

 

[daisyduck123]

If someone wanted at least some swimming at one of the "non-hopping" pools during their stay (which would be any pool other than their own if non-DVC), the family could book a one-night reservation at that hotel. They could swim on the day they checked in, and then get at least some swimming on check out day - do swim privileges terminate at check-out time (11), or can you stay later at pool? Although it would almost certainly be cheaper simply to add "water parks" to a park hopper ticket, assuming you had one, unless you had at least six in family (four children). (I think water option is approx. 40/person, and even cheapest rooms at Beach or Poly likely more than than 250).

Yes. You are a guest of that resort on both your check-in & check-out day, and thus, are eligible to enjoy the amenities on both days.

 

[travelitis]

I've been to BC often to eat at Beaches n Cream, the last time being this summer. We could have found a place to relax on the beach or in the SAB area had we wanted to. We enjoyed going for a walk, and were able to cut through the SAB area which wasn't busy at the time. The walk along the beachin the evening is quite nice, and we've enjoyed renting a surrey bike on another trip. If I were you, since the pool is not so busy in early December, and hotel rates reflect that it's not s peak season, I would just play it by ear and ask a lifeguard at that time. I wouldn't try to make advance arrangements, and I'd have a back-up plan in mind like finding a nice place to sit and visit, of which there are plenty, inside and outside. There are movies on the beach, so maybe you could head out there. Even value resorts do poolside movies.

We've stayed at all the values and are working on the moderates and deluxe. (AKL on Fri-) Pool hopping, besides breaking rules, is too inconvenient, and I think swimming at a deluxe would take LOTS of the magic out of staying at a moderate or value. There IS Disney magic to be found at values, and we love them for last-minute weekends. I'm all about being grateful for what you have. Giving up luxury and staying at values means more nights at WDW, and we know how we would feel if we were paying for SAB and it was overflowing with guests from other resorts. Saving SAB for when we stay there makes the experience SO much more fun!

 

[Jenny52]

Yay! I was wondering about pool hopping! Hoping to stay of Contempary or BLT- I'm excited to see the pools

 

[Mindy5767]

I've been to BC often to eat at Beaches n Cream, the last time being this summer. We could have found a place to relax on the beach or in the SAB area had we wanted to. We enjoyed going for a walk, and were able to cut through the SAB area which wasn't busy at the time. The walk along the beachin the evening is quite nice, and we've enjoyed renting a surrey bike on another trip. If I were you, since the pool is not so busy in early December, and hotel rates reflect that it's not s peak season, I would just play it by ear and ask a lifeguard at that time. I wouldn't try to make advance arrangements, and I'd have a back-up plan in mind like finding a nice place to sit and visit, of which there are plenty, inside and outside. There are movies on the beach, so maybe you could head out there. Even value resorts do poolside movies.

We've stayed at all the values and are working on the moderates and deluxe. (AKL on Fri-) Pool hopping, besides breaking rules, is too inconvenient, and I think swimming at a deluxe would take LOTS of the magic out of staying at a moderate or value. There IS Disney magic to be found at values, and we love them for last-minute weekends. I'm all about being grateful for what you have. Giving up luxury and staying at values means more nights at WDW, and we know how we would feel if we were paying for SAB and it was overflowing with guests from other resorts. Saving SAB for when we stay there makes the experience SO much more fun!

I did stay at Yacht Club once, and actually wasn't that super impressed with SAB. Don't get me wrong..its a nice pool...but so is the pool at Saratoga, Old Key West, Animal Kingdom Villas, etc. In fact, Caribbean Beach as a moderate, has a pretty darn nice pool, and the Dig Site pool at Coronado Springs is very nice (except it was too chilly to swim when we were there). The biggest difference is that SAB has the sand bottom pool area and the small lazy river. The lazy river is small and it was darned difficult to get into the tube and my opinion of the sand bottom is that the sand is very course, as sand goes..and it didn't feel very pleasant underfoot. But that's my opinion..I'm also in love with Blizzard Beach, so if I want a great water experience, I go there. We've always had such fun there!

 

[brewcrew80]

any idea if pool hopping is 'blacked out' on the last week of march?

thanks in advance!

 

[Deb & Bill]

any idea if pool hopping is 'blacked out' on the last week of march?

thanks in advance!

With Easter being March 31, I'd say there is a very good chance of it being blacked out.

Just checked my Portable Perks and pool hopping is blacked out from March 25 through April 7 (Sunday to Sunday - two weeks).

 

[Inga]

We are staying at BCV in September and while we appreciate that BCV has lovely pools, we are also looking to do some training (lap swimming) while we are away. We would LOVE to use the Dolphin lap pool as it is he only one on Disney property. Is there any way to make this happen? I can't imagine ther is a high demand for the use of this pool....any suggestions as to how we could make this happen?

Inga

 

[RobynPrincess]

We are renting DVC points from a friend, can we pool hop?

If yes, what pools can we hop to?

I'm not sure that we will but I want to know if we can and where we can.

Thank you!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are staying at BCV in September and while we appreciate that BCV has lovely pools, we are also looking to do some training (lap swimming) while we are away. We would LOVE to use the Dolphin lap pool as it is he only one on Disney property. Is there any way to make this happen? I can't imagine ther is a high demand for the use of this pool....any suggestions as to how we could make this happen?

Inga

The Dolphin pool is not a WDW pool because the Dolphin is separate from Disney resorts. You can swim there if you are a guest there.

We are renting DVC points from a friend, can we pool hop?

If yes, what pools can we hop to?

I'm not sure that we will but I want to know if we can and where we can.

Thank you!

If you are not the member, you are not entitled to pool hopping privileges. You'll be swimming at the pool at your resort for this trip. If your friend was going with you on the trip and you did not compensate the friend for the trip, you could join your friend if and when the friend pool hopped.

 

[Inga]

The Dolphin pool is not a WDW pool because the Dolphin is separate from Disney resorts. You can swim there if you are a guest.

Thank you, I am aware of that, and wondering given the uniqueness of being the only lap pool on Disney property, thought perhaps there was a way to purchase swim passes (like a gym membership) to the Dolphin lap pool....doesn't sound like that is likely.

A shame!

Inga

 

[RobynPrincess]

The Dolphin pool is not a WDW pool because the Dolphin is separate from Disney resorts. You can swim there if you are a guest there.


If you are not the member, you are not entitled to pool hopping privileges. You'll be swimming at the pool at your resort for this trip. If your friend was going with you on the trip and you did not compensate the friend for the trip, you could join your friend if and when the friend pool hopped.

Thank you very much, we won't be hopping then not worth the embarrassment. Thanks for your reply

 

[Jimmysmom0703]

Hello, I was wondering if I stayed at the POP Century & took the walk over bridge to AOA can I swim in there pool..I would love to swim with the nemo theme..Thank you

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hello, I was wondering if I stayed at the POP Century & took the walk over bridge to AOA can I swim in there pool..I would love to swim with the nemo theme..Thank you

Nope, you need a room ID from AoA to enter the pool there. You could cancel your Pop Century reservation and book AoA if you really wanted to swim there.

 

[chaoslobster]

Hi everyone. I have a bad habit of rambling on, so I apologize in advance.

I'll be visiting WDW next month, staying at the Pop Century. I am severely disabled and need to have a zero-entry pool (no steps) to enjoy the pool safely. Don't worry, this post isn't about asking for special privileges. The pertinent information is that I'd like to know, if I am a paying guest at a Disney resort, am I entitled to use the resort's pools on the day I check in, and the day I check out?

The full details:

I go to Disney once a year, every year, just myself and my little sister in a caretaker role. It's always been my fantastic dream to stay in the lap of tropical luxury at the Polynesian, with white sand beach-pools and alcohol served in a pineapple. I could really go in the pool then, and swim!, and pretend for awhile that life isn't always so painful.

Unfortunately I live in the real world and deluxe resorts will never, ever be within my reach. I've always made a choice to stay for 10 days at the Pop instead of 2 or 3 somewhere cushier.

But... I've been thinking about this for years, and finally decided to go ahead and splurge this one time -- my health is deteriorating and I'm afraid this may be the last year I'm able to visit Disney. I still can't afford a vacation at a deluxe, but this year I decided I'm going to spend the $600 and get a room for just 1 night at the Polynesian, so I'd be allowed to use the zero-entry pool.

I just want to be 100% sure on some things before I commit to spending that much money. It's going to mean a lot of sacrificing and I need to know it's worth it.

If I'm a guest at the Polynesian, when exactly can I use the pools? Only the hours that I'm actually checked into the resort? Or is there some leeway? In specific, could I arrive a few hours before check-in time at 3pm (say around noon) and use the pool while I'm waiting to check in? And the next morning, check out time is 11am. Would I be able to check out of my room, but stay a few more hours at the resort?

This is what I'm tentatively planning. I have secured a reservation at Ohana for a Wednesday night. I'd like to take a room at the Polynesian the same night. My sister and I will sleep in late at our room at the Pop, pack a few things and head over to the Poly around noon. If we can't check in yet, we'll explore the resort, maybe have some wine and sushi, and soak up the expensive atmosphere. After checking in, we plan to lay out at the pool, swim, and consume the aforementioned alcohol served in pineapples. Our res at Ohana isn't until 9:45, so we'll probably head back to our room a few hours early for hot showers followed by facial masques, cucumber slices and terrycloth robes, to be accompanied by a bottle of good merlot.

We will then consume far more food than any three people could require, and take a brief moment to feel thankful that it won't be necessary to stumble out to the monorail platform, intoxicated and uncomfortably queasy, ride the train back to the MK and inevitably arrive in time to watch a Pop Century bus board and pull away while we wait in the wheelchair queue, before finally catching the next bus and stuffing in like sardines for a 15 minute wobbly drive in a darkened bus full of overtired children swaying on their feet because there's always at least one jerk who won't give his seat up to an exhausted 5 yr old.

...where was I. Yes, giving thanks that we'll be avoiding all of the above this year, normally an annual ritual on Ohana Night of our trip. Instead we'll depart from Ohana as guests of the resort, and stroll back to our room leisurely in the moonlight, admiring the palm trees and pretending we can afford to be here. To cap off the evening we'll finish off the merlot while soaking in a tub of bubbles (me) and watching American Idol reruns (her).

The next morning, we'll sleep late and check ourselves out at 10:55am. We'll have coffee and fruit sitting in the shade near the pool, then spend a leisurely afternoon much like the previous, with swimming and pineapples, et cetera. I imagine around 3 or 4pm we'll finally pack up and slink back to the Pop where we belong, probably tormented by mental images of everything else that $600 could have been spent on.

What do you think? Can it happen?