Can DVC members keep my 3 year old for a day?

[Dean]

All I can say is that if anyone has a problem with this EXACT scenario (anyone from any OFFICIAL capacity), we have grander problems with DVC than I Want to be a part of.

Rules out the window. He's 3 and staying with his aunt and uncle. Good God!

Y'all need to find something to worry about.

I doubt anyone has a problem with a 3 y/o playing at the pool with their family with permission but I have a problem with sneaking them in knowing it's technically not within the rules. IMO the principle comes before the specifics of the situation. The answer is simple, ask the resort or DVC for permission in such a way it can be documented and reproduced or to add them to the reservation. If they say no, be prepared to follow their decision, if they say OK, hopefully everyone will enjoy themselves. There are actually real and valid reasons for the rules for this situation in general and for the specifics here as well (liability). If anyone thinks that's being hard line and insensitive, so be it but to me it's a matter of principle and honesty/integrity first and foremost.

 

[katiekomo]

Just curious. Is there a written rule that explicitly states that no one can swim at the pool other than those staying the resort? I understand there is a pool-hopping rule... But is there a written statement that declares only hotel guests are allowed in the pool (not even guests of guests... Hotel guests ONLY). I've been to many resorts across the country and have never had a problem inviting local friends to join me for an afternoon at the pool (including wdw). Disclaimer: I've never gone during 4th of July (or any other big holiday) where the pool is over-run by people. In contrast, it's usually a very slow season). Perhaps it's on a sign by the entrance? Just looking for written proof of the rule.

 

[Tigger1]

Advice to you and the ones babysetting your 3 year old. If the pool and play area for children is full then go shopping or something else. If the areas are not full have fun.

 

[Dean]

Just curious. Is there a written rule that explicitly states that no one can swim at the pool other than those staying the resort? I understand there is a pool-hopping rule... But is there a written statement that declares only hotel guests are allowed in the pool (not even guests of guests... Hotel guests ONLY). I've been to many resorts across the country and have never had a problem inviting local friends to join me for an afternoon at the pool (including wdw). Disclaimer: I've never gone during 4th of July (or any other big holiday) where the pool is over-run by people. In contrast, it's usually a very slow season). Perhaps it's on a sign by the entrance? Just looking for written proof of the rule.

I believe all pool areas have a sign similar to the one down the page on This Thread. Also, if you'll do a web search you'll see this topic brought up in a number of different areas. Historically Disney used to allow pool hoping for all on property resorts but this has ceased and only the DVC members now have that option subject to availability within the pool hopping rules. Many timeshares also offer day use for their members including a number I own at but Disney have never allowed this. They have their internal rules and documentation but I'm not sure there's a location you can find on Disney's website that will answer this question, if there is, maybe someone else can find it for you.

 

[katiekomo]

I believe all pool areas have a sign similar to the one down the page on This Thread. Also, if you'll do a web search you'll see this topic brought up in a number of different areas. Historically Disney used to allow pool hoping for all on property resorts but this has ceased and only the DVC members now have that option subject to availability within the pool hopping rules. Many timeshares also offer day use for their members including a number I own at but Disney have never allowed this. They have their internal rules and documentation but I'm not sure there's a location you can find on Disney's website that will answer this question, if there is, maybe someone else can find it for you.

Thanks! The link didn't seem to work. :/
I'm sure there is something official or else people wouldn't be so confidently be admonishing others for breaking the rule. But, as someone with a lawyer-type mind, I'm curious to see this in an official capacity. I wouldn't be surprised if it's on a sign by the pool entrance (and I'll make sure to look for that the next time we visit), but I was hoping someone could show some proof of the rule (not the pool-hopping rule, but the "only the exact number of people who paid to sleep here can swim here and those people who paid to sleep here cannot enjoy the pool with friends who did not pay to sleep here" rule). I'm not questioning its existence or the need for it or if it's ok to break or bend it... Just wondering if there is anything official out there that I could take a peak at...

FWIW- if I were the OP, it wouldn't have even occurred to me to ask... I wouldn't have thought that a family paying to stay at a resort couldn't bring their 3yo day guest to the pool with them. But since we are now alerted to the fact that it could be against the rules, I would have the Aunt/Uncle say something like this at check-in, "on Tuesday our niece will be staying with us for the day only. We plan on trying out some of the kids activities and resort amenities with her and our two kids. Is there anything we need to do to ensure that she will be able to enjoy the resort with us that day?"

Either way you're sure to have a wonderful vacation!

 

[Dean]

Thanks! The link didn't seem to work. :/
I'm sure there is something official or else people wouldn't be so confidently be admonishing others for breaking the rule. But, as someone with a lawyer-type mind, I'm curious to see this in an official capacity. I wouldn't be surprised if it's on a sign by the pool entrance (and I'll make sure to look for that the next time we visit), but I was hoping someone could show some proof of the rule (not the pool-hopping rule, but the "only the exact number of people who paid to sleep here can swim here and those people who paid to sleep here cannot enjoy the pool with friends who did not pay to sleep here" rule). I'm not questioning its existence or the need for it or if it's ok to break or bend it... Just wondering if there is anything official out there that I could take a peak at...

FWIW- if I were the OP, it wouldn't have even occurred to me to ask... I wouldn't have thought that a family paying to stay at a resort couldn't bring their 3yo day guest to the pool with them. But since we are now alerted to the fact that it could be against the rules, I would have the Aunt/Uncle say something like this at check-in, "on Tuesday our niece will be staying with us for the day only. We plan on trying out some of the kids activities and resort amenities with her and our two kids. Is there anything we need to do to ensure that she will be able to enjoy the resort with us that day?"

Either way you're sure to have a wonderful vacation!

The link works for me so maybe you can try again. If not, I can pull out the link and send it. It's a fair question, sometimes "rules" have a mind of their own. There is not going to be a rule that says "only these can swim here". What there will be is info that the pool is intended for the registered guests of X resort. They alter the rule for DVC PH and sometimes when there are pool closures and the like, their choice but not ours to alter or waive the rule unilaterally. But does it really matter since it's their rule?

 

[katiekomo]

The link works for me so maybe you can try again. If not, I can pull out the link and send it. It's a fair question, sometimes "rules" have a mind of their own. There is not going to be a rule that says "only these can swim here". What there will be is info that the pool is intended for the registered guests of X resort. They alter the rule for DVC PH and sometimes when there are pool closures and the like, their choice but not ours to alter or waive the rule unilaterally. But does it really matter since it's their rule?

Strange. For me it says 'page not found'. I'll try it on my computer when I get a chance.

I think that's what's bothering me- that rules do sometimes have a mind of their own. What could
have started at a policy at one resort a decade ago, is now claimed as this black and white rule that would shake the moral ground of a three year old if he saw it broken. In this case I think it's very likely that it is, indeed, an official rule of WDW, but Id feel better if I saw that from WDW and not a chat board (not that I don't trust the intentions of the people here- I think you are a wonderful bunch who love Disney and only want what's best for the overall good of those visiting.)

I totally agree with you that Disney has the right to enforce, change, bend any of their rules (as long as its their rule, not a law) that they see fit for any reason. And that we don't have that power (even if we saw wdw bend it for a similar situation). That's why I suggest that the OP's family matter-of-factly state what they intend to do at check-in. If its an egregious offense, they are sure to let them know.

Hope it works out for everyone involved!

 

[amym2]

I was able to open the link... great article. It shows a picture of the pool sign at CSR that reads "This pool area is for the exclusive use of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort guests."

 

[katiekomo]

I was able to open the link... great article. It shows a picture of the pool sign at CSR that reads "This pool area is for the exclusive use of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort guests."

Yep-- got it to work on the computer... strange it didn't work on the iPhone/iPad...?

Looks fairly airtight. I still think it's fair to use the matter-of-fact statement with the front desk. Since Disney can (and does) often make exceptions, it seems like this would be a good place for them to allow it. Of course if something were to happen, Disney would loose culpability as the person "shouldn't" have been there... which I suspect is the reason for the rule anyway.

 

[Dean]

YOf course if something were to happen, Disney would loose culpability as the person "shouldn't" have been there... which I suspect is the reason for the rule anyway.

I think there are several reasons for the rule that include pushing people to stay there rather than just use the pool, minimizing liability and controlling volume for the enjoyment of the guests who are staying/paying. In this case the liability issue is really the main one. The problem is going to be the same one you get pool hopping, that most CM don't understand the rules and there's not a clear group that's responsible on the fly. As a rule these issues to go the front desk who really don't know much about the pool. Ultimately the lifeguards are the bottom line and it's very possible to have the front desk or DVC MS to say OK and the lifeguard to say no, that's why I suggested getting a confirmation that was reproducible. I know of people that were told it was OK to PH by the front desk and were either denied by the lifeguard or later asked to leave as the pool got more crowded. I still think getting them added to the reservation is the best way to do it though I realize this might not be offered due to occupancy issues but I think it's the best place to start and the best way to avoid issues that might arise later. And I fully realize that if it's done the way it should be that the answer may be know and they may not be able to go to the pool those days.

ETA: I don't think Disney has much protection from liability on the basis that the person shouldn't have been there.

 

[MSUmom]

It is amazing how some threads take on a life of their own. Didn't read it all once people started debating rules. My only comment is my family was recently there and no one checked any IDs.

 

[Sammie]

Just curious. Is there a written rule that explicitly states that no one can swim at the pool other than those staying the resort? I understand there is a pool-hopping rule... But is there a written statement that declares only hotel guests are allowed in the pool (not even guests of guests... Hotel guests ONLY). I've been to many resorts across the country and have never had a problem inviting local friends to join me for an afternoon at the pool (including wdw). Disclaimer: I've never gone during 4th of July (or any other big holiday) where the pool is over-run by people. In contrast, it's usually a very slow season). Perhaps it's on a sign by the entrance? Just looking for written proof of the rule.

It is posted on all the signs at the pools. As to the rule, it's more about safety of guests due to occupancy levels of the pools.