Best pools for pool hopping

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Back to fun pools for the OP! The Boardwalk slide is one my favorites. It is lots and lots of fun! One January, my family had it all to ourselves. I love slides, so I'm picky, did NOT like SSR's, it was just too fast as I can recall. The Boardwalk's goes around, I laugh my way all the way down, just love it. POR's slide is also lots of fun. Have fun goin hoppin!!

I love all of the BWV's pools! (Except for that scary clown! )

 

[toniosmom]

Question: How does anyone at the pool know that you are not a guest at the resort? I was at SSR in March and can't imagine anyone there asking for identification, although SSR is not restricted. Is it that the restricted pools have some kind of security that requires you to show your room key?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well let's say some DVC members don't realize the Bay Lake Tower pool is off limits for pool hopping and they found that out when trying to pool hopp there, do you not think they would say let's go swim at the Contemporary pool since they would already be over there? The reason I bring that up is because Bay Lake Tower guests also have access to the Contemporary pool if they want to swim there, so wouldn't that cause the Contemporary pool to get a lot more busy and might cause Contemporary guests not being able to get pool chairs? So isn't that a good reason why the Contemporary should be on the no pool hopping list with the YC/BC/BCV and all the pools at AKV/AKL?

I didn't write the article in the Disney Files. Just reported what I read in that official DVC magazine. It does not say CR is off limits, just BLT pool.

 

[kdzgon]

Question: How does anyone at the pool know that you are not a guest at the resort? I was at SSR in March and can't imagine anyone there asking for identification, although SSR is not restricted. Is it that the restricted pools have some kind of security that requires you to show your room key?

BCV checks for room keys/ID until ~5 PM each day, and Kidani's pool is fenced and gated and requires a room key for entry. I don't know the procedure at the other prohibited locations though.

That said, I spoke with several lifeguards during our recent stay at Kidani (where, btw I never actually needed my card for access - just pulled on the gates and they opened without using my card). The lifeguards told me Jambo gets "lots and lots" of guests from other resorts, especially the All Star resorts and they never ask them to leave and that they do not check IDs at Kidani either. The slide is 128' long and pretty fast, too. It's also about 5' higher than VB's slide. The kids' area is absolutely fantastic though and there is also a "mini slide" that is part of the main pool. Very limited menu at the pool bar, and no DDP/discount cards/plans taken.

We like the Poly - nice lush surroundings, music, zero entry, adjacent sand beach & hammocks, shade available (lounges and tables) convenient CS (Dole Whips, too!) & mug refill station, waterfall, nice slide and restrooms and locker room right there (under the waterfall).

SSR was just OK (pool deck was super hot, less shade, pool water very warm also) although it has a cute though small kiddie area.

Not too crazy about BW's overall pool set-up, hate the run-down looking clown though the slide seems OK.

We have never been asked for ID anywhere, although we have never pool-hopped to BCV. While staying at BWV though the lifeguard suggested (unsolicited) we visit the pool at BCV "after 5 pm" as it was so much better than at BWV. We didn't try it as with two 3 YO grands we really had no great interest in the "extras".

 

[jess98ac]

Not that I plan to do this in December with an 18 month old, but can you hop if you're renting points? It doesn't look like it from what's been posted, but just something I'd keep in mind for the future if it's ok.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Not that I plan to do this in December with an 18 month old, but can you hop if you're renting points? It doesn't look like it from what's been posted, but just something I'd keep in mind for the future if it's ok.

Sorry, it's a member perk and is not transferrable to renters. But if you are a guest of the member and staying with the member, you will be able to pool hop with the member.

We did get IDs checked at the BW once and I've heard they check at the Polynesian and the WL regularly as well.

 

[Mattsmommy]

Well let's say some DVC members don't realize the Bay Lake Tower pool is off limits for pool hopping and they found that out when trying to pool hopp there, do you not think they would say let's go swim at the Contemporary pool since they would already be over there? The reason I bring that up is because Bay Lake Tower guests also have access to the Contemporary pool if they want to swim there, so wouldn't that cause the Contemporary pool to get a lot more busy and might cause Contemporary guests not being able to get pool chairs? So isn't that a good reason why the Contemporary should be on the no pool hopping list with the YC/BC/BCV and all the pools at AKV/AKL?

I understand your view on things but maybe it's time to let it go. I've seen your posts on this very issue several times. DVC members pay a premium for this perk. I don't think that they have plans on changing this anytime soon.