Can members us resort without being a registered guest?

[Dano1182]

I have seen CM s ask people to leave when the pool area is overcrowded. This is one of those issues common sense should prevail.
There is no harm in a DVC member using a pool when it is not busy.

Several years ago we were at VWl and a couple of young girls were hanging at the pool. They lived near by and were telling their friends that they "bounce" from hotel to hotel to sit by the pools. They go to the parks in the morning and then hop on a boat or monrail to spend the day.

They had extensive knowledge of the hotels and at that particular time it seemed like harmless fun for the girls they were polite and did not take chairs that would be used by real guests.

I do believe that the rule should be enforced when people staying at the resort are inconvienced.

 

[granmanh603]

I think there is a small number of locals (members & non-members) that treat the Disney pools are their own personal pools.

Yes I was just going to post the same thing, I have been at BWV and overheard locals by the pool that were not memebers( a group of older couples)and would swear the same thing happens at SSR with locals too. I figure they get off the park bus walk thru on their way to DTD and next time decide to stay for a swim. Hey I am a people watcher

 

[kdzgon]

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.

So this falls under "it's okay to break the rules as long as a CM breaks one too?". The rule is not "no pool hopping if crowded". Do I think it was a big deal? Not really, but I am also sure I could get a CM to okay the use most if not every day I tried to pool-hop despite the existing restrictions.

It's one thing if someone on this thread is making the case that it's no big deal if there is no negative result (eg, an overcrowded pool). But if one wants to claim to take a moral stand, I'd say "two wrongs don't make a right".

This is not directed at you specifically - it is commentary on the thread responses in general.

 

[Chuck S]

Actually, the point is that it is Disney's rule. Disney can choose to enforce it or not, or give CMs the discretion based upon pool usage. Sort of like saying that guests are not permitted backstage at the theme parks, yet they often direct guests through the backstage areas to exit after fireworks or Fantasmic. The CMs on duty are really the final authority, don't show up EXPECTING to be allowed to swim on blackout days, or if staying offsite.

 

[Pig Pen]

The pool and beach gates at Vero have readers on them. However polite guests WILL hold the gate open for you if you don't have your key handy.

 

[kdzgon]

Actually, the point is that it is Disney's rule. Disney can choose to enforce it or not, or give CMs the discretion based upon pool usage. Sort of like saying that guests are not permitted backstage at the theme parks, yet they often direct guests through the backstage areas to exit after fireworks or Fantasmic. The CMs on duty are really the final authority, don't show up EXPECTING to be allowed to swim on blackout days, or if staying offsite.

But asking puts them in a position of having to make that call. We all know CMs often do not enforce the rules rather than "upset" a guest. I don't believe the no pool-hopping rule is "as long as a CM feels like enforcing the rule".

I disagree it is like the Fantasmic example. The re-direction is done for the safety of the guests, or to benefit Disney (clear the parks more quickly). We can agree to disagree as IMO asking for a "bending" of the rules when you know better is a conscious decision to (attempt to) skirt the rule.

 

[tripletsmama]

The pool and beach gates at Vero have readers on them. However polite guests WILL hold the gate open for you if you don't have your key handy.

To me, the gates are hardly an answer. When we stayed at Vero, I rarely remember using my key. I would have it with me, but everyone just held the gate for the person behind them. Some may say they would close the gate and tell the next person to get their key out, but I don't think I would be bold enough to shut a gate in someone's face. This was at the pool where there was a pretty constant flow of people. I do remember actually needing my key for the beach gate.

 

[gdrj]

I would imagine that if Disney monitored it at all resorts like they do at BCV it would not be an issue anywhere. At the same time is that the best use of resources.

I know that while we were staying elsewhere my wife went shopping at the resorts on the monorail. I parked myself and a book on a lounge chair at the pool. While it was in the Summer a busy season, I made sure to take a seat in a non-prime area in a corner and there was plenty of seating. It was early in the day and not close to being full. In fact at 1 location the guards werent there yet. I did not swim. In no way am I justifying and it was against the rules.

While some may say it is OK, I understand others will take me to task. Unfortunately not everyone is considerate of others around them.

I have more issue with hotel/resort guests that will take up 6 chairs with towels and grab a table or two with an umbrella and treat it like they are at a neighborhood park and they own the spot for the day even though they disappear for extended times or most of their party is not there and may or may not show up. Do you really need to take up all the chairs/tables when the kids never leave the pool and never are sitting down for 5 minutes?

I would rather have the guards do a sweep and clear the towels (which they seem to do at BCV on a regular basis) then worry about room keys but I can appreciate the concern.

 

[utahkennedys]

I think there is a small number of locals (members & non-members) that treat the Disney pools are their own personal pools.

I think this was the case for our last OKW trip except there were like 20 of them treating one of the smaller pools like their own pool.

 

[LSchrow]

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?

depends....
occasionally, we've noticed families obviously not staying at the BWVs using luna park (pulling rolling luggage/coolers along the canal walkway from the parking lot to the pool is a pretty clear indication that they are unlikely to be BW resort guests).
a few years ago, a "cooler family" of about 8 ppl were hanging out near where we were sitting - the pool wasn't crowded, and they were not causing problems, so "live and let live".
when we got out of the pool, the family was gone, along with our personal items at the table (nothing of significant value, thank goodness). we had all been glancing over and saw only a few members of that family, and no one else, near our table.

i doubt i would "report" DVC members who admit to using pools while not staying onsite (and we've met a few), as long as they are only a couple of courteous ppl.

BUT, with larger groups luuging coolers/luggage that are obviously not staying there, we would rather call attention to them than have someone else get ripped off (BW front desk also asked that we do just that - apparently "outside" thieves are a problem at WDW pools that can be accessed easily).

 

[granmanh603]

At SSR I have often seen large families 10+with BIG rolling cooler etc taking up alot to the tables and being there all day but have never been there when they arrived to see where they come from. I noticed with the new pool at Paddock that they have a gate and fence around the pool area it is not monitored but at least there....It is always scarry to me at Congress Park because there are no gates or anything and easy to access from the road and DTD. We have been in that pool/spa later at night and met people in the hot tub that were sketchy with info? at least it was women with kids(who lived in the area)
And once at BWV "quiet" pool one afternoon we were sitting on the lounge chairs next to a table of older adults discussing their future plans and it was obvious from the conversation that they were not members they were locals and were just visiting/meeting up for a day at the pool.

 

[AmyB2006]

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.

Are you really being "cheated" knowing they are not staying there? Or just angry that they're breaking a rule and getting away with it? If it's busy and there's no space I can understand, but at VWL, I doubt it was that busy. Maybe I'm wrong.

I think sometimes you have to ask yourself, "What is the intent of this rule?" Not saying it makes it ok to break it, but sometimes rules are put in place to encompass certain activity, but the rule itself might be more broad than it needs to be.

Obviously, in this world, there are people who will break rules at every turn unless someone confronts them.

The only way to prevent this would be to operate every pool like SAB, and have KTTW cards checked at the entrance and have a gate around every pool. However even at SAB, when it's not busy, they don't have CMs checking cards. Which, to me, means that even Disney doesn't care as long as it's not super busy.

Again, I know that's not what the rule states, but the general intent is that when it's busy, it's supposed to be only registered guests.

I certainly wouldn't take it upon myself to "tattle". I don't think (if the pool isn't busy) that Disney would make them leave. They don't want to upset anyone's good time, again, if it's not busy.

I, myself, find it way too much of an effort to pool hop when there is a perfectly good pool at all of the resorts.

 

[Chuck S]

Are you really being "cheated" knowing they are not staying there? Or just angry that they're breaking a rule and getting away with it? If it's busy and there's no space I can understand, but at VWL, I doubt it was that busy. Maybe I'm wrong.

I think sometimes you have to ask yourself, "What is the intent of this rule?" Not saying it makes it ok to break it, but sometimes rules are put in place to encompass certain activity, but the rule itself might be more broad than it needs to be.

Obviously, in this world, there are people who will break rules at every turn unless someone confronts them.

The only way to prevent this would be to operate every pool like SAB, and have KTTW cards checked at the entrance and have a gate around every pool. However even at SAB, when it's not busy, they don't have CMs checking cards. Which, to me, means that even Disney doesn't care as long as it's not super busy.

Again, I know that's not what the rule states, but the general intent is that when it's busy, it's supposed to be only registered guests.

I certainly wouldn't take it upon myself to "tattle". I don't think (if the pool isn't busy) that Disney would make them leave. They don't want to upset anyone's good time, again, if it's not busy.

I, myself, find it way too much of an effort to pool hop when there is a perfectly good pool at all of the resorts.

In a way, yes, you are being cheated if a local uses the facilities. You are paying dues on the points you use to stay there, and those dues include the cost of operating the facilities. If a local, member or non-member, uses those facilities while not using the points to stay at a resort upon which the dues are paid, they are contributing nothing to the upkeep of the facilities during their use. If DVC did allow use with a fee for a day use pass, that fee could help offset the maintenance dues.

 

[AmyB2006]

In a way, yes, you are being cheated if a local uses the facilities. You are paying dues on the points you use to stay there, and those dues include the cost of operating the facilities. If a local, member or non-member, uses those facilities while not using the points to stay at a resort upon which the dues are paid, they are contributing nothing to the upkeep of the facilities during their use. If DVC did allow use with a fee for a day use pass, that fee could help offset the maintenance dues.

Yes. I get that, theoretically, you are being "cheated". But I don't think the number of people doing this is actually affecting the upkeep of the pool, therefore affecting our dues. I could be wrong, I just don't think it is overall, in the big picture, affecting it.

Again, the only way to police this would be for Disney to have a gate around every pool, and an employee at every gate opening checking armbands/KTTW cards whenever the pool is open.

Personally, I think that would add to our dues more than an occasional local using the pool every now and then.

ETA... I honestly think this has more to do with someone breaking the rules, and other people upset that someone else is getting away with breaking a rule.

 

[nannette]

Good Morning, I am posting this here hoping to get the answer.... I've posted everywhere and am currently on hold with member services to get the answer and hopefully you will answer before they do.... Can you still add daily mousekeeping on to a reservation???

TIA!!
~Nannette

 

[BEASLYBOO]

It's all preventable but it's going to take ID bracelets etc. Without something like this that is outwardly visable, waterproof etc. nothing's going to change. Those individuals that choose not to follow the rules will continue to crash pools, hop on DTD buses to get to the park when they don't stay on property!

I don't really want to have to wear an identity bracelet 24/7 nor do I want to police those individuals who bring dogs, crash pools and buses, smoke on their balconies, occupy villa's with more than the allowed numbers! In other words, it's hard to stop rule breakers and when I'm on vacation I don't want or need the hastle! I police staff at work on a daily basis, on vacation it's Disney's/DVC's job even if they do it poorly or not at all!

 

[AmyB2006]

It's all preventable but it's going to take ID bracelets etc. Without something like this that is outwardly visable, waterproof etc. nothing's going to change. Those individuals that choose not to follow the rules will continue to crash pools, hop on DTD buses to get to the park when they don't stay on property!

I don't really want to have to wear an identity bracelet 24/7 nor do I want to police those individuals who bring dogs, crash pools and buses, smoke on their balconies, occupy villa's with more than the allowed numbers! In other words, it's hard to stop rule breakers and when I'm on vacation I don't want or need the hastle! I police staff at work on a daily basis, on vacation it's Disney's/DVC's job even if they do it poorly or not at all!

Well said.

Like I tell my kids, worry about yourself, not everybody else.

 

[Chuck S]

Good Morning, I am posting this here hoping to get the answer.... I've posted everywhere and am currently on hold with member services to get the answer and hopefully you will answer before they do.... Can you still add daily mousekeeping on to a reservation???

TIA!!
~Nannette

Yes, but you don't actually "add it to the reservation" through member services. You can call housekeeping from your room, or make arrangement for it at the from desk when you check-in.

Prices from the Member Website:

Additional Housekeeping Service Daily Rates:

Full Cleaning Service for Deluxe Studio - $30 per day requested
Full Cleaning Service for 1-Bedroom Villa - $45 per day requested
Full Cleaning Service for 2-Bedroom Villa - $60 per day requested
Full Cleaning Service for 3-Bedroom Grand Villa - $75 per day requested

Additional Trash & Towel Service Daily Rates:

Trash & Towel Service for Deluxe Studio - $15 per day requested
Trash & Towel service for 1-Bedroom Villa - $20 per day requested
Trash & Towel service for 2-Bedroom Villa - $25 per day requested
Trash & Towel service for 3-Bedroom Grand Villa - $35 per day requested

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Good Morning, I am posting this here hoping to get the answer.... I've posted everywhere and am currently on hold with member services to get the answer and hopefully you will answer before they do.... Can you still add daily mousekeeping on to a reservation???

TIA!!
~Nannette

Yes

Edit: Well, to be more precise, I'm not sure it's something you add to the booking. I think you may need to call for it once you're checked in. Others may be able to elaborate. Prices do still show on the member web site.

 

[nabi]

This happens a lot at beach and other similar locations. I've seen similar discussion on various travel boards. There is a significant subset of people who feel it's perfectly OK to walk off the beach and use the pool at resorts they are not staying at, even more locals than vacationers it seems. To me it's a totally dishonest and inappropriate thing to do.

We stay at the Iberostar Grand in Riviera Maya Mexico.... there's none of this business there- armed guards that are ON people who try to walk in! It's quite something to see.