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

[Lynne M]

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.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for taking the time to post this.

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

Happy to see threads on pool hopping banned.

[Lynne M]

To clarify, we're not banning discussion of pool-hopping - just debates on the rules and how to get around the rules.

We want people to ask questions about pool use, and we want them to be able to get their questions answered without the thread being taken over by arguments and unnecessary drama.

[gojoe]

I'm a DVC member, I'm aware of the rule and they are fine by me. I just wondering if anyone has ever pool hopped to Vero. We would like to spend a day at the beach and it would be nice to have a place to shower, relax and get a bite before going back. I do plan on calling the front desk the day before. I've stayed there and I know I will need a pass to access the pool and the beach. I do plan on getting a pass at the desk when I arrive. Then have a new towel policy so we are bringing our own. Really just wondering if I'm the only nut who has thought of this.

[Lynne M]

Very interesting question. The member site says this:

Whenever you are staying on your Membership at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Vero Beach Resort, or The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, you and any Guests staying with you, are permitted to use most of the other Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World® Resort hotel pools (in addition to the pool at the resort hotel at which you are staying) if they are not at capacity.

Now, I don't know whether that means that guests staying at Vero can hop to WDW resort pools, or that the reverse is also true. But I don't see Vero on the list of no-pool-hopping resorts.

Pool hopping is not available at Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, and the leisure pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas.

I'm not seeing anything on the member site that says you can't hop to Vero, but I'd still check with the resort before you drive over there. Pool-hopping can always be suspended at the resort's or lifeguard's discretion if the pool is crowded. And do check the list of blackout dates on the member site to make sure your trip doesn't fall within those dates.

[gojoe]

I just e-mailed DVC member services for an answer. I didn't want to call because you can get a different answer each time you call. The same can be true for the font desk at Vero. If I can get an answer in writing, I will be able to show the front dest. We will need a key card for both the pool and the beach access. We really want to go to Vero for the beach more than the pool. I'm wondering if I'm the only one who ever wanted to do this. Wish me luck.

[jngwright]

If you are renting DVC points or using a service like David's DVC point rental-can you use the other DVC pools listed in the originating post? I notice the wording says "A DVC member.."

[Deb & Bill]

Originally Posted by jngwright

If you are renting DVC points or using a service like David's DVC point rental-can you use the other DVC pools listed in the originating post? I notice the wording says "A DVC member.."

Nope, sorry. Pool hopping is a member perk that is not transferrable to persons renting a reservation from a member.

[gojoe]

Originally Posted by gojoe

I just e-mailed DVC member services for an answer. I didn't want to call because you can get a different answer each time you call. The same can be true for the font desk at Vero. If I can get an answer in writing, I will be able to show the front dest. We will need a key card for both the pool and the beach access. We really want to go to Vero for the beach more than the pool. I'm wondering if I'm the only one who ever wanted to do this. Wish me luck.

These are the replies to my e-mails to DVC member services.


[IMG]file:///C:/Users/JO/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Users/JO/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png[/IMG]Dear Joseph,

Thank you for contacting DISNEY VACATION CLUB®.

We appreciate your interest in a DISNEY VACATION CLUB Resort. I do
apologize for any inconvenience. I have called the resort for
verification. They have changed their policy. You can access their
facilities as long as you are not traveling during a Blackout Period and
you must be staying in a DISNEY VACATION CLUB Resort. If the Pool Area
reaches capacity, then they do have right to refuse entrance to that
area.

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Larry

Member Services | Online Communications
DISNEY VACATION CLUB




Original Message Follows: ------------------------

Attention: Larry
Member Services | Online Communications
DISNEY VACATION CLUB

Larry;
I could not find on the DVCmember.com web site the restrictions you have
indicated. Below I have included a copy of members privileges pool
hopping information from DVC Member's web site. Disney's Vero Beach is
not listed as not being available but is listed as a Pool Hopping
Resort . Would you please send me a link as to where this information is
listed on the members Web page or a copy of this policy in the member
benefit guide.


Pool Hopping Information
Whenever you are staying on your Membership at Bay Lake Tower at
Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney's
Beach Club Villas, Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West
Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Vero Beach
Resort, or The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, you and any Guests
staying with you, are permitted to use most of the other Disney Vacation
Club and Walt Disney World® Resort hotel pools (in addition to the pool
at the resort hotel at which you are staying) if they are not at
capacity. If the pool you are visiting reaches capacity, you may be
asked to leave in order to accommodate Guests of that resort hotel.
Please check with a Host or Hostess at the Front Desk of the resort
hotel you wish to visit before you go to find out about pool-access
availability. You must present your current "Key to the World" card with
your "DVC Member" designation on it to use the other resort hotel pools.



Pool hopping is not available at Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at
Disney's Contemporary Resort, Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht & Beach
Club Resorts, and the leisure pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas. There
are no exceptions to this policy. As a reminder, during times of high
occupancy, please be mindful of the limited number of pool chairs
available, and refrain from leaving towels or personal items on
unoccupied pool chairs.



Resort hotel pools may become unavailable from time to time due to
capacity limitations. Due to the high occupancy that is expected, Disney
Vacation Club Members and any Guests staying with them may not pool hop
during the following dates*:



February 14-20, 2010 (Sun – Sat)
March 27 – April 10, 2010 (Sun – Sat)
May 28 – 31, 2010 (Fri – Mon)
June 27 – July 5 (Sun – Mon)
Sept 3 – 6, 2010 (Fri – Mon)
Nov 22 – 28, 2010 (Mon – Sun)
Dec 12, 2010 – Jan 2, 2011 (Sun – Mon)


*Other restricted dates may be added based on projected pool capacity

Thank you





From: Disney Vacation Club <members@disneyvacationclub.com>
To:
Sent: Sun, April 25, 2010 3:50:24 PM
Subject: Re: Pool Hopping

Dear Joseph,

Thank you for contacting DISNEY VACATION CLUB®.

We appreciate your interest in a DISNEY VACATION CLUB Resort. You are
welcome to visit Disney's Vero Beach Resort. The Beach Access and the
Swimming Pool at Disney's Vero Beach Resort are restricted to Members
and Guests staying at Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Larry

Member Services | Online Communications
DISNEY VACATION CLUB



Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Member Name:
Member Number:
Country: US
We are planning on a day at the beach during our trip home this year. We

will be staying on points at Boardwalk Villas. Can we use our pool
hopping privileges to hop to Disney's Vero Beach to use the beach &
pool?

[mama_disney]

Thanks so much for doing this. When I was there over 20 years ago (I was 12), we spent an entire day pool-hopping, and I assumed it was ok because the grown-ups organized it... and maybe it was ok 20 years ago.. IDK. My sister went about 4 years ago and also spent an entire day pool-hopping... so I always thought that was a perk of staying onsite. I didn't know until I started planning this trip that it's NOT OK, and was also planning on a day of pool-hopping. So, because of people like you, I won't accidentally be breaking any rules. Thank you!! No pool-hopping for us!!

[Sandi]

I just wanted to add to one answer to the FAQ:

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).

When we stayed at BWV during Spring Break 2010, the pools were quite crowded in the afternoon. When we went to get towels, we were asked to show our ID and they gave each of us a wristband. The guard said he only needed one ID for the two of us, although I had both IDs. They were very friendly about everything. Everyone in the pool had a wristband. I, for one, am very glad about this policy. We've stayed at all levels of WDW resorts and it is fair that when I'm paying the Pop Century rate, that's the pool we get to use and when we're paying the BWV rate, we get a better pool experience.

[toodycat]

I don't know if this is technically pool hopping, but maybe someone knows the answer. Sometimes when we visit WDW, we will have my in-laws who live in FL meet us for the day. After a day in the parks, we've gone back to the resort and my in-laws will sit by the pool with us and watch my son swim. Are they allowed to be there if they are visiting me at my hotel and was that a faux pas on our part?

[nbenson]

My family and extended family will be at Disney World next spring. We are all staying at different deluxe resorts.My sister and our famalies will be staying closer to MK because our children are younger.My parents will be staying at the BC or YC. We had planned on spending evenings together and allowing the children to swim. We thought we would meet at my parents hotel since they are older and will probably want to be closer to their room.We are staying for 11 nights, we already have a couple days planned at a water park,so we are not looking to spend all day,just some quiet time, to end the day, with the ones we love.We are not trying to cheat or break any rules.Our children are 3,3,4,8,and 9.So we need an activity while adults are visitiing.My question is should I ask my parents to switch resorts,since the BC and YC seem to be popular.Our kids are not big swimmers,so any of the slides,and extras would not be a plus while swimming.(I was actually happy to se the CR slide was so small,maybe they will give it a try.)Any ideas? Thanks for any help.

[kittycat9]

Originally Posted by nbenson

My family and extended family will be at Disney World next spring. We are all staying at different deluxe resorts.My sister and our famalies will be staying closer to MK because our children are younger.My parents will be staying at the BC or YC. We had planned on spending evenings together and allowing the children to swim. We thought we would meet at my parents hotel since they are older and will probably want to be closer to their room.We are staying for 11 nights, we already have a couple days planned at a water park,so we are not looking to spend all day,just some quiet time, to end the day, with the ones we love.We are not trying to cheat or break any rules.Our children are 3,3,4,8,and 9.So we need an activity while adults are visitiing.My question is should I ask my parents to switch resorts,since the BC and YC seem to be popular.Our kids are not big swimmers,so any of the slides,and extras would not be a plus while swimming.(I was actually happy to se the CR slide was so small,maybe they will give it a try.)Any ideas? Thanks for any help.

You should probably have your children swimming at the resort they're stying at. Just a thought, since pool hopping isn't allowed - and they've been known to check passes. However, YC/BC does have children's activities outside of swimming. Movies, sandcastles, smores, etc.