Who's disappointed with the GF courtyard pool refurb?

We've been going to the GF yearly for over 20 years. The CMs at Sugar Loaf were pretty worried about the refurbishment last summer and now it's obvious as to why they felt that way. The zero entry is fine, but we will miss the "deep end" and the simple elegance of the old pool. First the Polynesian's resort pool rehab, now this. I'm expecting Storm-a-long Bay's lazy river to be reduced to 4 foot depth soon! And, the fence is awful and cheap-looking.
 


17ish people is hardly "packed".

Oh i didn't mean the people, I meant because its fenced in, trying to fit all the lounge chairs and stuff there just makes it looked a little jammed in some of the photos I have seen.

But really, its only half the pool it used to be ...
 


A large part of the pool used to be around 5-6 feet deep. Apparently with the construction the deepest part is now only around 4 feet. My kids and I are not happy.
Oh, really, only 4' now? That is kind of disappointing as I thought it would be deeper, at least still 5'. Still overall I like the improvements and we'd still enjoy swimming around.


IIRC, the far end of the pool was about 6' deep. Looking closely at this pic, it shows that it's now 4'11"

http://cdn.wdwmagic.com/imgstore/El...Grand-Floridian-Resort-and-Spa_Full_18456.jpg


So I'm guessing they reduced it just enough so that the majority of teens and adults would never be in "over their heads". This is a pool designed by lawyers.
 
I'm no expert on this, but I do believe that there were some new federal (?) regulations tied to ADA that have been and continue to flow down to pool sites of public accommodation, and some or all of these changes may be a direct result.

I know that a brand new YMCA facility opened near our home about four or five years ago with an Olympic size pool and a smaller one, but even being that new it was shut down for a time ostensibly due to refits mandated by ADA-related rules...nothing as extensive as this GF pool rehab, but enough to shut it down for a time.

Don't know that to be the case here, but given that most owners were probably given a window for compliance, I suspect that may be at least a part of what's going on here. Can't blame Disney if they're just complying with the relevant law.
 
So we know the pool is now shallower. Is it there less "pool" now too, in terms of area? Sure looks like it (from pictures).
 
Shaden said:
Oh i didn't mean the people, I meant because its fenced in, trying to fit all the lounge chairs and stuff there just makes it looked a little jammed in some of the photos I have seen.

But really, its only half the pool it used to be ...

Lol. The GF and STP---two classics.
 
Did they take away the ping pong table? I hope not. And is there a fence on the other side (meaning away from the Main Building/Sugarloaf side), on the other side of the bar/bathroomsbuilding?
 
I think the whole pool area looks great! Looking forward to it.:thumbsup2

As to the zero entry, that is not the only way to comply to ADA requirements, however it is often being put into new and remodeled pools to comply to ADA rules. The zero entry seems to be generally the best and easiest way of entry for folks with disabilities.

AKK
 
I think the whole pool area looks great! Looking forward to it.:thumbsup2

As to the zero entry, that is not the only way to comply to ADA requirements, however it is often being put into new and remodeled pools to comply to ADA rules. The zero entry seems to be generally the best and easiest way of entry for folks with disabilities.

AKK

For awhile there was a scare that it would be the only logical way to comply. The ADA laws were under review and people were pushing for pools to have a means of entrance and exit that the disabled person could get in and out by their own means or with only help from their party. Zero entry was all I know of that would satisfy that safely so that's what a lot of company's did.

To my knowledge the law wasn't changed but zero entry has made it easier for guests with disabilities so it is considered a perk now.
 
I hope not too .... I loved playing ping pong there.

When we stayed there in October, the ping pong table was by the beach pool...they should just add another so there's one by each pool - it was lots of fun and there are always people waiting for a turn.




:sunny:
 

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