Can they really do this?

[Beejie]

Just to clarify, its not Memorial Day Weekend, its April 28th not May 28th. Its a week from tomorrow.

And Snowman..... I've been Cub Scout Mom for 4 1/2 years now with DS 10 and now that I've been a Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelo Mom, they want me to be Tiger Leader for DS 6 - because I will actually know what I"m doing. By the time I get done with DS 6 - I will have been in Cub Scouting for 10 years! The Pack is teasing me because I had to bow out of a Cub Scout fund raiser tomorrow to take DD 8 to Kennedy Space Center tomorrow for Salute to Girl Scouts. I'm still sending DS 10 to sell soda at the Skatefest, but my Dad or Mom will be his chaperone/helper. They told me I get to wear my "pink" hat instead of my "blue" hat since I'm doing a GS event with DD.

DD 8 is a Brownie and her troop leader is changing the meeting time so more parents can get involved. I've been asked to help. I volunteered to help and be an extra set of hands, but I told her I can't really help plan much because of having to plan Tiger meetings, being on the pack committee, design the parade float (won best entry in our local holiday parade last year and best youth entry the year before that), awards chair, KSC Salute to Scouts coordinator, and email announcement person.

 

[ADP]

In today's society we seem to feel our neighbor's are 2 hours away. We don't let distance stop us anymore. Driving 90 minutes to a destination is/has become common place today. This is part of the reason why gas is $2.75 a gallon, people are always tired and worn down, and more accidents happen on the streets of America.

Ok, off of my soapbox. The party does sound like a good idea; however, I would be curious what the pool policy is for the number of guests a DVC members can invite to a pool. If it's unlimited then I may invite all of EPCOT over next time (Joking of course). I'm sure there is a policy for inviting guests to use the pool where you are staying. All we can ask is for everyone to follow the rules.

 

[Olaf]

Wow, I'm amazed they're allowing this. We stayed at BCV during May a couple of years ago (DVC) and my parents joined me at my table around the pool (they're elderly and don't swim). I have to admit, I felt a little guilty, but no one asked them for a key card. My son and I were banded when we requested towels.

OP, you'll have to get the low down from another parent and let us know how this works out.

 

[pamjb]

I really do wish I could go because it would probably be the only way I could afford to take a look around the BC resort.
Thanks. Beejie

Beejie,

Anyone can check out any resort, no fee involved. I had a great time this past March walking around the Beach Club - Boardwalk, while my boys enjoyed the activities at MGM-ESPN weekend. Enjoy the shops, the restaurants, and my youngest son's favorite, the entertainers along the Boardwalk in the evening.

 

[Lynne M]

Iam no expert but Iam really curious about this pool party thing.
Is it really OK to invite 20 families to enjoy stormalong bay with you if you are a DVC member.
Would the front desk really be OK with this and keep a long list of names from the party mother?? I just find this amazing...normally if someone aks if they can bring one family into stormalong bay they get told no? Or am I wrong...like I said Iam only going by what I have read on here.
OP ...will you let us know the outcome?

No, it's not remotely OK for a DVC member to invite a whole bunch of people to join them at SAB. DVCers are subject to the same rules for SAB that everyone else is.....we're allowed to pool hop to most resorts, but they won't let us pool hop to SAB. That's how strict it is.

Officially, to enter the SAB pool area, you must present a resort ID for everyone in the group. I've read plenty of reports on here that lifeguards have insisted on that.

One of two things is going on here...either she has paid to reserve the pool, and doesn't want the guests to know that for some reason. Or, she's truly clueless, and actually thinks you can show up with 20 people and get in without a problem. When she presents that guest list to the front desk, there's going to be an interesting scene. Hopefully,she'd be told the score then, and will have enough time to call the guests, because it'd be a heck of a shame for people to drive 90 minutes and be told they can't get in.

 

[Olaf]

When she presents that guest list to the front desk, there's going to be an interesting scene. Hopefully,she'd be told the score then, and will have enough time to call the guests, because it'd be a heck of a shame for people to drive 90 minutes and be told they can't get in.

Yeah. I can see how this could get very ugly.

 

[makinorlando]

Thanks for posting the list of parties I as a AP and Orlando resident did not realize they had these options -but when I originally posted I read something into the one at the Beach Club that was not there, so I removed my idea of considering it for DDs party - but as others have mentioned - Blizzard Beach is a great idea since she will be 11 on her next birthday!

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

No, it's not remotely OK for a DVC member to invite a whole bunch of people to join them at SAB. DVCers are subject to the same rules for SAB that everyone else is.....we're allowed to pool hop to most resorts, but they won't let us pool hop to SAB. That's how strict it is.

Officially, to enter the SAB pool area, you must present a resort ID for everyone in the group. I've read plenty of reports on here that lifeguards have insisted on that.

One of two things is going on here...either she has paid to reserve the pool, and doesn't want the guests to know that for some reason. Or, she's truly clueless, and actually thinks you can show up with 20 people and get in without a problem. When she presents that guest list to the front desk, there's going to be an interesting scene. Hopefully,she'd be told the score then, and will have enough time to call the guests, because it'd be a heck of a shame for people to drive 90 minutes and be told they can't get in.

I completely agree with you. I just don't see how this is possible.... For the sake of the birthday child and the children attending, I hope it all works out and they all have a wonderful time.

 

[tobin04]

subscribing...b/c I'm nosy! LOL!

 

[taximomfor4]

Thanks for posting this - I'm an Orlando resident and AP holder and did not know about these options. I'm going to have check into this for next year for DD. She loves StormAlong Bay! I paid over $250 for breakfast for 8 at 1900 Park Fare, and admission to MK for those who did not have passes for this year's party!

I wonder if there is an age limit for the children - since it clearly state up to 12 children - since we know at Disney kids are no longer children at 10!

Ya know, someone could do a birthday party for just a small group, and see about swimming at SAB for cheaper than 1 night there?! And it is also cheaper, I think, than getting the Fireworks Cruise with the birthday fixin's.

Beth

 

[donmil723]

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OPTIONS
Reservations: Call 407-WDW-BDAY (*Prices Subject to Change*)

Sandcastle Club at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Price: 2-hour party - $250.00 plus tax for the first 12 children; $20.00 plus tax for each additional child
Hours: 11:00am - 1:00pm

The Sandcastle Club is the children's care center near the BC Marketplace. It isn't at Stormalong Bay so I'm not sure, just from the above information, that swimming is included.

Because SAB can get really crowded and they have a policy that only guests staying at YC, BC, and BCV can use SAB, I don't think they should allow birthday parties for anyone who is not a paying guest at one of those resorts. If you and all those at the party are staying there, then I think it would be a fun place to have a party!

Donna

 

[keys2kingdom]

I'm a DVC member and BCV is my home resort, I'd never try this stunt and I think it's completely thoughtless and rude not to mention totally against the rules. Birthday packages at the Sandcastle Club certainly DO NOT include swimming, those prices are strictly for what is listed in the description, and she doesn't have a Sandcastle Club package anyway. I think this mom is really overstepping her bounds as a BCV owner and abusing her SAB access. This really ticks me off, even as a BCV owner I would not be allowed to hop to SAB if I were staying anywhere else on property LET ALONE coming from offsite for a birthday party. If someone actually told this mom that this ca-ca-maime scheme was going to fly then they should be tarred and feathered.

Thanks a lot fellow BCV owner!!!!!

 

[shellybaxter]

I'm a DVC member and BCV is my home resort, I'd never try this stunt and I think it's completely thoughtless and rude not to mention totally against the rules. Birthday packages at the Sandcastle Club certainly DO NOT include swimming, those prices are strictly for what is listed in the description, and she doesn't have a Sandcastle Club package anyway. I think this mom is really overstepping her bounds as a BCV owner and abusing her SAB access. This really ticks me off, even as a BCV owner I would not be allowed to hop to SAB if I were staying anywhere else on property LET ALONE coming from offsite for a birthday party. If someone actually told this mom that this ca-ca-maime scheme was going to fly then they should be tarred and feathered.

Thanks a lot fellow BCV owner!!!!!

What a rude post. Disney is allowed to make the rules and they are allowed to bend the rules if they so choose. There is another poster on this tread that did indeed talk to Beach Club management and get permission to have a children's birthday party at the pool. If Disney says it's okay then it is not the place of their guests (DVC owners or not - of which I am one BTW) to say it isn't. Saying someone you don't even know, and who isn't even on these boards, is rude and thoughtless and saying they are pulling a stunt or a ca-ca-maime scheme is in my opinion just plain wrong.

 

[vpalmer]

It sounds like a great party for the kids who can make it.

90 minutes is what - 90 miles? 180 miles round trip, at 20 miles per gallon, is 9 gallons of gas, which would cost $27. I'm not sure what is so shocking about that.

I just drove 90 mintues for my 3 year old to go on a field trip today. I guess I don't see it as shocking. I did it for a field trip so I would have no problem doing it for a party.

 

[mrzrich]

I live near the OP and if she goes the way I do, much of the trip is still on a one lane highway. Its not a fast 90 minutes if that makes any sense. Its not a cruise control 90 minutes. Yes, it is a lot to ask other parents to do.

I know you have the right to refuse the invite but to place a parent in that position as your child looks hopefully to you for a yes is unfair.

I also feel sorry for paying guests of the BC I realize the entire class may not show up, but what if they did? I think thats rude.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Quote:
Originally Posted by keys2kingdom
I'm a DVC member and BCV is my home resort, I'd never try this stunt and I think it's completely thoughtless and rude not to mention totally against the rules. Birthday packages at the Sandcastle Club certainly DO NOT include swimming, those prices are strictly for what is listed in the description, and she doesn't have a Sandcastle Club package anyway. I think this mom is really overstepping her bounds as a BCV owner and abusing her SAB access. This really ticks me off, even as a BCV owner I would not be allowed to hop to SAB if I were staying anywhere else on property LET ALONE coming from offsite for a birthday party. If someone actually told this mom that this ca-ca-maime scheme was going to fly then they should be tarred and feathered.

Thanks a lot fellow BCV owner!!!!!

What a rude post. Disney is allowed to make the rules and they are allowed to bend the rules if they so choose. There is another poster on this tread that did indeed talk to Beach Club management and get permission to have a children's birthday party at the pool. If Disney says it's okay then it is not the place of their guests (DVC owners or not - of which I am one BTW) to say it isn't. Saying someone you don't even know, and who isn't even on these boards, is rude and thoughtless and saying they are pulling a stunt or a ca-ca-maime scheme is in my opinion just plain wrong.

You are BOTH being rude, but keys2thekingdom is correct. Even as DVC members, we are admonished NOT to pool hop to BCV pool, even though we CAN pool hop to the other DVC pools. If Beach Club and Disney allow this and take money out of thier own pockets, that's one thing...But I see it as flying in the face of those who follow the stated rules.

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

I feel so compelled to add my 2 cents following this for the past day or so. Even though the poor OPs ? was just is it possible?? Such an innocent question has sparked such a big debate. I think the majority of us that don't live in and around the Orlando area think of having a party at Disney world as "over the top" because to us it's our "magical" vacation destination. My personal opinion on the birthday party subject is that I think some parents go too far with trying to "one-up" each other with birthday parties - whether it be in Disney or any- local to your area- big time establishment. What happened to cake and ice cream and pin the tale on the donkey at home! Those that have their parties in a big time way put so much pressure on the KIDS to stay even that it gets out of control. Good for the OP for doing what was best for HER family. Enjoy your weekend and your vacation!!!

 

[mrzrich]

I think the majority of us that don't live in and around the Orlando area think of having a party at Disney world as "over the top" because to us it's our "magical" vacation destination.

See but that's part of the thing the OP doesn't live in or around the Orlando area. She lives on the West Coast of Florida. I'm sorry but asking people to drive across the state for a 4th grade B-day party is a bit much.

I know a lot of non-Floridians think we all go there all the time, but most people who do not live in the direct vincinity (30-45 minutes) go there just as often as out of state people. I kmow many people who live here and have NEVER been to WDW.

The thing I find most interesting about this thing is that its not about the money. The mother giving the party is spending less on this party than she would on a bowling party in town. She's not even providing refreshments!

 

[CanadianGuy]

Let's be civil here as much as possible. The question was "Can this be done?"

Personally, I happen to think the parent who's planning this party perhaps mis-represented the scope of her 'few friends for her son's birthday' .. is in for a rude awakening.

But I don't know that.. And how could I possibly? NONE of us can possibly know what the exact arrangements are; or how they were arrived at.

It's fine to state your opinion. It is not fine to attack the opinions of others.

Thank you,

Knox

 

[keys2kingdom]

What a rude post. Disney is allowed to make the rules and they are allowed to bend the rules if they so choose. There is another poster on this tread that did indeed talk to Beach Club management and get permission to have a children's birthday party at the pool. If Disney says it's okay then it is not the place of their guests (DVC owners or not - of which I am one BTW) to say it isn't. Saying someone you don't even know, and who isn't even on these boards, is rude and thoughtless and saying they are pulling a stunt or a ca-ca-maime scheme is in my opinion just plain wrong.

My post may be very rude indeed but every piece of WDW literature that mentions pools also says that WDW resort pools are for the exclusive use of guests staying at those resorts. I don't care that this is SAB, my position would be the same for any pool on property. If you're not staying there you can't use the pool PERIOD. I think the birthday party mom is boorish for even asking management such a self -absorbed question in the first place, if indeed she did. Clearly she thinks she's above the rules and that anyone acccompanying her is special and therefore entitled to be exempt from written policy. Just another person I hope to never come in contact with at WDW. I wonder what you would think if you were sitting around the pool and heard this question being asked? I bet you'd be right back here posting about how selfish this person was. It's one thing in theory but another when you can't find a lounge chair and you overhear this conversation.