Grandparents at different resort - can they swim with us?

[leannak]

We're planning to have our kids' grandparents stay at AoA and we'll be at POR or the Dolphin.*

We are wondering if we can visit each other at the different resorts - and swim in each others' pools. I know you're not supposed to "pool hop" but is this any different? I need this info to explain the situation to my husband and finalize where everyone is staying. What if Grandma and Grandpa want to just sit poolside and watch the kids? (They'd rather swim, but again, I need to know our options.)

Also - we'll be there in December, so pretty sure the pools will be mostly vacant and not sure we'll want to swim in the cold anyway!


* Yes, I know - should be the opposite but they can buy room AND dining plan for what it would cost to stay at POR or Dolphin with us... and we can't switch to AoA because we'd need a suite and it's $1000 more for us!

 

[mickeynut1]

We're planning to have our kids' grandparents stay at AoA and we'll be at POR or the Dolphin.*

We are wondering if we can visit each other at the different resorts - and swim in each others' pools. I know you're not supposed to "pool hop" but is this any different? I need this info to explain the situation to my husband and finalize where everyone is staying. What if Grandma and Grandpa want to just sit poolside and watch the kids? (They'd rather swim, but again, I need to know our options.)

Also - we'll be there in December, so pretty sure the pools will be mostly vacant and not sure we'll want to swim in the cold anyway!


* Yes, I know - should be the opposite but they can buy room AND dining plan for what it would cost to stay at POR or Dolphin with us... and we can't switch to AoA because we'd need a suite and it's $1000 more for us!

The short answer is no as the pools are for use by those guests staying at that particular resort (with the exception of sister resorts.....POR/POFQ and the All Stars). For example, if the grandparents were staying at POFQ with you at POR, it wouldn't be a problem since they are sister resorts. However, you could explain the situation to a CM on that particular day and ask if it's ok for the grandparents to swim. You can't get permission ahead of time as it's up the CMs working that day whether or not they want to allow it. I can't answer about the Dolphin as it's not a Disney owned resort, so they may have different rules. Good luck.

 

[disnut8]

I could be wrong but isn't the Art of Animation pool behind a fence of some sort? I would imagine the rules would be enforced there since the possibility of Pop Century people mistakenly thinking they can share with Art of Animation.

I think the location of the Dolphin would be better since it's closer to Art of Animation.

 

[maxiesmom]

As Mickeynut1 said, there is no way to know for sure ahead of time. The rules say no. However the lifeguard on duty can ok pool guests.

Are you sure that your grandparents can't upgrade to POR? If they are getting the standard dining plan they have to pay extra for that at AoA. It would be much simpler for all of you if you were at POR.

 

[disnut8]

* Yes, I know - should be the opposite but they can buy room AND dining plan for what it would cost to stay at POR or Dolphin with us... and we can't switch to AoA because we'd need a suite and it's $1000 more for us!

So, I'm thinking you have six people? Why not put two of them into Grandma and Grandpa's room for sleeping? Then you can get two rooms at Art of Animation. Not sure of all your arraignments, though.

 

[leannak]

So, I'm thinking you have six people? Why not put two of them into Grandma and Grandpa's room for sleeping? Then you can get two rooms at Art of Animation. Not sure of all your arraignments, though.

We thought of that, but G&G are not staying the whole time.

We also looked into a suite or cabin at one of the other resorts that could hold 7 or 8 people - and just have a little more space after they're gone... but that looks waaaaaay more expensive!

 

[goofy4tink]

Actually it is pretty much the same as pool hopping...you want to hop over to a resort pool that's at a resort you aren't staying at.
But, it most likely won't be an issue. Especially in Dec. There is no way you are going to find a ton of people in any pool then!! Being in the pool isn't a huge issue, but the getting out while wet can be miserable!!!
Yes, the pools at AoA are fenced in. You do need a room key to access the Big Blue pool, but if someone has a room key, then you're good to go.
And you need a room key in order to get towels at the pool at the Dolphin. Other than that? Nothing.
I doubt anyone would have an issue with you using each other's pool. But, there is always a slight chance you will be asked to leave. Just understand that and go on with your day.

 

[dani77]

Come on folks...technically, this is pool-hopping, yes...but as a matter of fact this is a family taking a vacation together and just staying at different resorts. Nobody will care if the grandparents swim at the dolphin with you or if you go to the pool at AOA. As long as someone in the group has a roomkey to proove that at least part of the group is staying there ist should not be a problem at all.

 

[stazmatic]

This may not be the popular opinion - but you won't have any problems swimming at each others resorts. If someone asks for a keycard, show them a keycard. One keycard per family is fine.
Once at Poly they asked for a key cards. This was in June and the pool was really crowded. And yes, we were staying there.
The only place you would have a problem is if you were staying at Yacht or Beach club. At AOA or POR, especially in Dec, the chance of you having a problem is well under 1%
Enjoy your vaca!

 

[leannak]

I really don't want to do anything "illegal". But we're paying for both rooms and I just want my kids to be able to swim with their Grandparents. I'm trying so hard to figure a way for us to all be at the same resort but it's turning out to be $1000 or $2000 more!!

 

[Nancy F]

I say don't tell. We visit other resorts and go look at the pools to take pictures. I've never been stopped and asked if I was staying there. I don't swim, but sometimes put my feet in.
Nancy

 

[ddwwelsh]

This may not be the popular opinion - but you won't have any problems swimming at each others resorts. If someone asks for a keycard, show them a keycard. One keycard per family is fine.
QUOTE]

I totally agree. As long as you're WITH someone who is staying at that property, I don't see where there's anything wrong.

And..."tis better to ask for forgiveness later than to ask for permission now."

 

[dpswift]

I agree with PP I would just go to the pool as though we were all staying there. I do not see anything wrong with it at all. It is sad but true that at times families have to stay in different resorts. You are both paying for rooms on property. I would not worry about it. It would be a different story if you pool hopped to the Poly since none of you were staying there. Relax and go for it. Have the kids try the Nemo pool at AoA my kids thought it was pretty cool.

 

[taylor3297]

Granted this was December 2010, but my family was staying at the Poly and my sisters and her family were staying at All Stars Movies. My sister and her two girls wanted to see what the Poly looked like and wanted to swim with us at the Poly.

So I didn't want to break any rules, I went to the front desk and asked. A CM called a manager over and explained to him what we wanted to do. He said no problem. He also said that if we were asked to show our room key and to tell the lifeguard that he approved it. He said normally he has to say no to this request during busy times of the year.

The pool was not crowded at all when we went and instead of getting a chair for all 5 of us, we just got 2.

So I would ask and see what happens.

 

[martikus]

Since someone is staying there I would do it and ask forgiveness if questioned. We've been in December and pool weather is iffy anyways. I would recommend though trying to stay at same resort. I think one of you will miss out on fun meal times or hanging out if you are at 2 different resorts. We did connecting doors with my parents and while not my choice, DS LOVED it and popping ack and forth.

 

[Shaden]

This may not be the popular opinion - but you won't have any problems swimming at each others resorts. If someone asks for a keycard, show them a keycard. One keycard per family is fine.
Once at Poly they asked for a key cards. This was in June and the pool was really crowded. And yes, we were staying there.
The only place you would have a problem is if you were staying at Yacht or Beach club. At AOA or POR, especially in Dec, the chance of you having a problem is well under 1%
Enjoy your vaca!

Yea, there is no question actually you will have no problem swimming in each others' pools. First off they don't really ever check anyone in any pool in my experience, but secondly even if they did, people in the party have key cards for that resort, there is no question here.

I am actually a little confused about the "rules" here, because we were just at POR and my wife and I scheduled 2 days (one over night) where 2 family members were supposed to be visiting us, we going to do resort days, chill out, hang by the pool, hit DTD at night for some fun ... and the Front desk told us no problem on both accounts.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yea, there is no question actually you will have no problem swimming in each others' pools. First off they don't really ever check anyone in any pool in my experience, but secondly even if they did, people in the party have key cards for that resort, there is no question here.

I am actually a little confused about the "rules" here, because we were just at POR and my wife and I scheduled 2 days (one over night) where 2 family members were supposed to be visiting us, we going to do resort days, chill out, hang by the pool, hit DTD at night for some fun ... and the Front desk told us no problem on both accounts.

Actually there is a chance they will be asked. Even though you haven't run into it, sometimes they do check for resort IDs. And if they do they will ask to see everyone's, not just one persons.

As you have found out you can ask at the time, and can be told yes. But there is no way to know that ahead of the trip. If you ask ahead of time you will be told you need to swim where you have paid to stay. They can bend the rules for you, but you have to ask at the time.

 

[Lynne M]

Folks, just a reminder that on the DISboards, we don't discuss ways to circumvent Disney rules.

OP, if you ask the lifeguards, and the pool isn't empty, they may allow the grandparents to swim with you. It would be more problematic at AoA, as that pool area is gated and a key card is required to enter. See our Pool Hopping FAQ sticky at the top of this board for more information.