Can members us resort without being a registered guest?

[Dean]

So the obvious follow-up question; should someone be called out to a cast member if we discover they are not staying at any WDW resort?

It depends on the circumstances, IMO. Ultimately they hurt themselves more than anyone else.

I'll personally give them the benefit of the doubt that they didn't realize they were doing something wrong. The fact that they were blatantly telling people they weren't staying at WDW would indicate they were either very unconcerned about being turned in, or thought they were within their rights as an owner to be there.

The other thing that's hard to dismiss is the distinct possibility that some cast member at some point or another said something to them that either specifically indicated they could do it, or could be easily misinterpreted to make them think they could do it. We all know how inconsistently the rules are applied, and how inconsistent the answer is if you ask multiple cast members a question about the rules.

I'm sure there are those that don't know but I suspect most know what they're doing and that they are violating the rules. As for getting incorrect info from a CM, I don't see that as an excuse unless they simply don't know otherwise which I think is the minority by far. Just like getting incorrect info at a sales tour that contradicts the written rules doesn't excuse violating those either. That's likely the most common area where we see this issue come into play.

 

[Dean]

I don't think there's much point in letting a cast member know of the situation. Theyll just politely tell them they need to leave and the family will head to another resort or even back to the same resort the next day. If Disney actually cared about this, they would find a way to keep non resort guests out. Like the re using of refillable mugs, Disney just doesn't seem to see this as a problem significant enough for them to address.

I think there is a point in them being asked to leave. If they truly don't know, it'll make the point, if they do and are asked to leave enough, they'll stop doing it. Clearly there are some that will do this type of thing no matter what, their actions define their character.

 

[OhioDVC]

Here is what I got back from Member Services:

"Pools are only for registered Members and Guests who are staying on property at the Resort, and no Day Guests including Members are permitted to use those facilities without a room reservation."

I can't believe it. Maybe I am more sensitive to it and notice it more, but there were two couples at Wilderness Lodge DVC pool yesterday who were not registered guests anywhere at Disney property.

I talked with them about it and they felt that since they where members they had a RIGHT to use the pools. Things got heated when I told them that they where not authorized to use the pools and they were cheating other members.

Just like the rest of our society, there are free loaders who will always take advantage of the system

 

[OneMoreTry]

So the obvious follow-up question; should someone be called out to a cast member if we discover they are not staying at any WDW resort?

I would never do that unless someone was really being obnoxious. Even then I would be reluctant. Live and let live.

 

[Chuck S]

This may be a good area for DVC to differentiate further between buying direct and buying resale.

They could issue different color membership cards for resale or direct to make them easily distinguishable, and then create day use as a "new perk" for those that bought direct. They could use this to easily add perks for direct purchasers of at least 100 points in the parks and resorts, while not further "restricting" resale memberships. The point usage restrictions are already listed by MS in the computer system, so a different color card could work for new onsite perks,like better pass discounts, shopping discounts, etc...just as they used to be different for Premium AP and Regular AP.

 

[Li Li]

Just as an FYI, I do not think every DVC owner understands all the rules. A friend recently gave us points to stay at Kidani. In the days leading up to the trip, she told us that we could pool hop. My DH and I privately discussed it and believed that it would not be allowed for us since we are not the actual DVC members; we were just using someone else's points.

 

[tripletsmama]

I think there is a point in them being asked to leave. If they truly don't know, it'll make the point, if they do and are asked to leave enough, they'll stop doing it. Clearly there are some that will do this type of thing no matter what, their actions define their character.

I didn't say there's no point in them being asked to leave. I said there's no point in telling a CM.
I do believe they should be asked to leave, but I don't believe it should be members' responsibility to patrol the area.

 

[tripletsmama]

Just as an FYI, I do not think every DVC owner understands all the rules. A friend recently gave us points to stay at Kidani. In the days leading up to the trip, she told us that we could pool hop. My DH and I privately discussed it and believed that it would not be allowed for us since we are not the actual DVC members; we were just using someone else's points.

I agree with this. Members who aren't on sites like this would just think oh, we're allowed to pool hop. They wouldn't then think of the fact that their guests wouldn't be allowed this same privilege.

 

[Dean]

I didn't say there's no point in them being asked to leave. I said there's no point in telling a CM.
I do believe they should be asked to leave, but I don't believe it should be members' responsibility to patrol the area.

Every situation and person is different but if the CM doesn't know, they have no chance to enforce the rules.

 

[carlbarry]

Bonnet Creek is on our bucket list, it appears to be a lovely property with interesting poolscape. Come back and report on your stay.

Be aware that as of February 1, Wyndham is imposing a MANDATORY $12 per night fee for use of the shuttles, on ALL rooms, whether or not the shuttle is used.

 

[DebbieB]

This may be a good area for DVC to differentiate further between buying direct and buying resale.

They could issue different color membership cards for resale or direct to make them easily distinguishable, and then create day use as a "new perk" for those that bought direct. They could use this to easily add perks for direct purchasers of at least 100 points in the parks and resorts, while not further "restricting" resale memberships. The point usage restrictions are already listed by MS in the computer system, so a different color card could work for new onsite perks,like better pass discounts, shopping discounts, etc...just as they used to be different for Premium AP and Regular AP.

I think the issue with that would be controlling capacity. Day guests would not be happy if they bought direct and then were turned away from the pool of their choice when they got there. They could call in advance but there's no way to know how many people will be there when they get there. Also resort guests would not be happy if the pool was crowded.

 

[Dano1182]

I am surprised Disney has not tryied to sell us a pool pass. For a fee you ould pool hop as a dvc meber anytime you are staying in disney.Platinum card would allow you to use pool anytime.

Pool hopping enforcement is one of those things dependant on how crowded it is idetermines how enforced it is. My expeience is unless guests compain about a lack of chairs SM do not actively enfore or check.

The only place it is always enforced is SAB.

 

[jagson]

members have no excuse not to know the rules; nonmembers should be educated just once; if either entity should become repeat offenders, suspend the members, and charge the nonmembers with trespassing, or even charge the repeat offending members. several times over the years, it was so crowded at the pools, and hard to find chairs; i bet several of the people there were offenders. harsh solution, but in time the word would get out and the intruders would drastically cut down. an illuminated flashing "violators will be prosecuted" (in several different languages) sign would also help, for those that don't read the signs. legally, the resort would be liable for any injuries, whether there legally, or not, if the resort didn't take reasonable measures to warn the "guests" against trespassing.

 

[carlbarry]

Handcuffs and stun guns?

 

[PamOKW]

Years ago I had a co-worker whose family had a vacation home in Orlando -- her parents freely used all the resorts at WDW for pools, hanging out in lobbys, etc. etc. and she would do the same on her visits. Fairly annoying to have messages saying she's hanging out a resort pool when I'm paying to stay but there are always people "flying under the radar" when and where they can. I feel it's up to Disney to police and imagine today they have even better ways of stopping consistent abuse. I think more than feeing being taken advantage of, it's also a security question for Disney to have non-guests in guest areas.

 

[DizBub]

Years ago I had a co-worker whose family had a vacation home in Orlando -- her parents freely used all the resorts at WDW for pools, hanging out in lobbys, etc. etc. and she would do the same on her visits. Fairly annoying to have messages saying she's hanging out a resort pool when I'm paying to stay but there are always people "flying under the radar" when and where they can. I feel it's up to Disney to police and imagine today they have even better ways of stopping consistent abuse. I think more than feeing being taken advantage of, it's also a security question for Disney to have non-guests in guest areas.

My thoughts exactly. Random checks would at least make it look like they are trying to do something about it. I personally wouldn't be upset if they asked to see a room key to be at a pool or even on transportation. Especially at SSR, Congess Park specifically.

OT...Every time we stay in Congress Park half the people that get off there are going to their cars at DTD or to the off-site hotels. They make no secret of it.

 

[Sammie]

This is my take, if it is obvious or I know for sure, as in this person brags about it, I bring it to the attention of a Cast Member, usually a manager.

Then if they decide not to follow up with enforcing policy, then I decide whether I want to report them for that.

Usually managers will enforce policy, the college kid at the pool, not so much.

There is the possibility that the new magic bands will stop some of this.

 

[Sammie]

I don't see that working unless there was someone watching the gate to make sure that no one comes in behind the registered guests.

All it takes is the registered guests to close the gate. I can assure you when we are at gated locations, even the laundry, I am not falling for the "I forgot my room key"

 

[Dano1182]

Is having a drink at a Pool bar pool hopping?
When staying at BCV we have stopped several times at Leaping Libations for a cold drink after walking back from HS.

Once we asked a CM if our DD could take a quick dip. The CM said no problem. This was during the no pool hopping period.

She was about 10 and at the age where she wanted to wear her bathing suit all the time.

We had a couple of frozen drinks and some snacks and then left
We did not take up any lounge chairs and the chairs we used at bar were unoccupied. DD did use one towel.

Does this make us bad people?




BWV is our "home".

 

[Chuck S]

Having beverages at a bar is not pool hopping, bars and restaurants are open to everyone. And since you asked if your daughter could swim, and the CM said yes, there should be no problem. The problems arise when the pools are at or near capacity and there just isn't any more room, DVC/Disney tries to anticipate this with the pool hopping black out dates, but again, you asked the CM.