Can they really do this?

[maxiesmom]

Sense when does an entire 4th grade class equal "A few families"?

Please let us know what happens. I just feel sorry for any of the kids if they show up and are told they are not allowed to use the pool.

 

[Lady V]

man-this woman is in for a rude awakening! those poor families who get all excited and come and then can't get in? but-as a DVC member I also will be very shocked and irritated if they let them all in. when we were staying at BW las tyear we would have loved to hop to SAB but we didn't. so this year we are staying at BCV just for the pool rights. and to think people can get in without even booking a room is ludicrus. to the OP-you must keep us all updated!! thanks! and to others-couldn't someone just call the BCV and ask if this sort of thing is allowed?

 

[kimberh]

After reading all of this, I am wondering how the mom is going to get 20 families through the security gate at Beach Club. I thought we had to have a room reservation or a dining reservation. Is she having them meet her at another location and then ride a bus over?

Once our name was wrong on the reservation, 2 first names...no last name. I thought I had straighten it out by phone with MS. When we arrived, it was still wrong, the security guard did not have us listed, he was not going to allow us to enter. Then it dawned on me about the clerical error that I had previously fixed. Sure enough, that was it and we were allowed entry. That was at BC too. If the Op knows how she was to enter, I would sure like to know.

 

[ceecee]

I simply would not go even if the party was 5 minutes away. If they aren't friends why bother?

 

[Allison]

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.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[LoriZH]

Just wanted to throw my 2cents in here...I don't think that having a pool party at BC is way over the top, I'm one to think that if you've got it, then you've got it. I would rather do the water park though (if the kids were older). I do however, find it unreasonable for someone to request a 90 minute drive each way for a birthday party (not to say you have to say yes) but if you're child's a good friend (which I know yours is not, so even if you weren't doing the Cub Scout thing you could have easily bagged out of it) then it's hard to say no and then your child already knows about it and they're heartbroken if they can't go. I didn't think of the gas money, I thought of the drive, yikes! Then again, if you can afford to make a night out of it at a value and get a day in at MK, count me..er..I mean, my child in! I would be the mother is not counting on everyone going and was being polite regarding the invites. I would only be put off if it were a good friend of my sons and they knew they had nothing else to do that day because kids can be rutheless when you say "I don't want to make a 3 hour drive for a 2 hour party" they just don't get it. As far as the BC knowing, I guess people have already answered that, you can do it, who would have thunk, especially at SAB!

I didn't think it was necessary for you to have to give a reason why you thought it was expensive and couldn't go, it's a personal choice, not all of us are burning money, and for someone to say something like, "you wouldn't have been able to afford a gift anyway" is just cruel.

So enjoy your day at cub scouts, sounds like a blast and you sound like a very dedicated mom and I hope your son does well. My sister's son is ADHD and she too has him in cub scouts and he LOVES it!

 

[castleri]

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.

I agree with you and will be very upset to think that she may get away with this while I or anyone else as a BCV owner who happens to be staying at SSR can not swim at SAB with friends who happen to be staying there because I will not have a BCV key. I had occasion at SAB one time when it was not crowded at all to overhear two young women who were sitting on lounge chairs near the pool. They were very upset to think that the lifeguards had told them they could not use the pool because they were not guests at any of the three hotels connected with it. After all they were staying on Disney property - All Stars I think and "it just wasn't fair". Just think if 10 of the class show up with parents and siblings how many people that would add to the pool capacity. Saturdays are often pool days for people who are arriving or leaving that day so they can be crowded to begin with.
It really seems strange that she isn't even planning refreshments either - let's see drive 90 miles each way, pay for your own food and bring a gift. I would feel bad for the daughter if it blows up in her face but still think it is absouutely uncalled for and rude on the mother's part.

 

[Evil Princess]

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.

Oh my Gosh.

Have you seen weddings at Disney World? They often close down sections of the park, such as the canal area in Italy for cocktail hours and things like that. I don't know, but I would bet that the price of the wedding doesn't include park admission for everyone involved. If I"m wrong, correct me.

This seems like a similar situation. Birthday parties charge money per kid, and I'm sure that Disney is charging this woman to use their pool. Quite frankly though, it is up to Disney, and if people have the money, they often accomodate them if they feel like it. Case closed. I don't think it's selfish at all, if the woman knew that Disney did this for other people.

It sounds to me like many people are bitter. If you can't afford it, if you think the drive is too long, DON'T GO (I don't mean the OP, who has valid reasons for not justifying the drive/cost considering her child's relationship with the birthday girl). I'm sure that the kids who go to this party are going to have a very memorable time.

 

[SB in KY]

"They are DVC members and have a room for the weekend. They talked to the staff of the Beach Club and they are aware that there may be a few families coming to spend a few hours at the pool and apparently they are cool with it. "

Anyone want to bet this mom cooked this one up all on her own?? I will eat my hat if anyone at the beach club told her it was OK for "a few families" to come and swim at SAB...I think the OP made a wise decision to stick with the cubbies, because I would bet $$ that the kid's mom cooked this one up on her own and there are going to be some pretty unhappy guests that drive 3 hours and then no one can swim!!

It took at act of congress to get my 82 year old uncle into the parking lot at the Beach Club in January when he came to visit with us for the day...he lives in Winter Park has come to visit on several past visits at OKW and we just called security and told them he would be coming and they let him by without a problem, but they were VERY reluctant to do so at the the BC (and I don't think anyone thought he was coming in to hang out at SAB!!). We got a major lecture from 2 different people on day guests and what they could and could not do....and swimming was high up on the NO WAY list. I finally convinced them he was just coming to sit in the living room of our villa and visit with my 85 year old mother and that my sister and I (50+ers) would try our best to keep the party from getting out of hand!!

Several years ago when we were staying at the BC, my youngest DD who was then about 7 or 8 met a little girl at the pool and they swam and played together for 2 or 3 days every afternoon. The mom and I had chatted once or twice while the girls were swimming. The mother very kindly invited both of my DD's to the Sandcastle club party the next afternoon....it was her daughters BD and they wanted to have a party for her...she had 2 siblings and they had travelled with another family that also had 3 children but none of them were the BD girl's age...so I took the girl's down to the Sandcastle party...they had a ball...party games, cake and ice cream, etc and they got to play all of the videogames, etc in the Sandcastle club. I had to sign them in and they reinforced that there could be no swimming and children had to stay inside the SC club until picked up.

I hope the mother of the OP's invitation has a Plan B for this party, cause I am betting big bucks that Plan A is going to go belly up!!

 

[labst60]

I just want to say that it is highly possible that this mother made financial arrangments in advance and is in fact planning on serving refreshments, etc but didn't want to seem ostenatious (sp?) when the OP called to RSVP with her regrets.

I know for a fact that I have done something similar in the past - recently, we had a great party for my DD and put a lot of $$ into it - we wanted to do it FOR MY DD - and when others parents said this must have been so much, time, effort, $$ - I completely downplayed it because I did it to make DD happy - and it was irrelevant (to me) how much it cost me in time, effort and $$. If I would have said how much it all cost or the time it took - I probably would have seemed nuts But I wanted it to be a laid back atmosphere and nothing that the other parents felt they needed to "keep up" with in the future.

And when the few people that couldn't make it called with their regrets - saying they were sorry they were missing it - I did say "oh - we'll miss you too, but it's really no big deal - just some lunch for the kids, a craft and a few games". I didn't want them to feel bad for not being able to attend - so I downplayed. Some of you are going to understand exactly what I mean and other people are goign to think I'm crazy, but my point is....

we know what the mom told the OP - so really, speculating on the true arrangment/party plans is just a waste of time.

 

[Captjackson]

Hey all!
Beejie: No worries if you can't make it. I've been invited to things that I had to turn down, and I've had gatherings where folks I wish would come, couldn't. No big deal. As far as being 90 minutes away, yes, it could be a major inconvenience, but is an invitation to a party. No one is forcing anyone to go. I know you already had previous commitments (and kudos for keeping those), but even if you just didn't want to make the drive, a simple "no thank you" would suffice.

The more interesting thing of course is what happens when all those people show up at the resort. I sense alot of posters here sensing a train wreck coming and wanting to see what happens.

 

[castleri]

She could also have talked to a CM who doesn't have a clue - When I asked at the BC desk about the bounce back program for free dining in December the Cm did not know a thing about it despite the fact the person doing the reservations was at a desk diagonally across the room from her. She may have aslked about having a day guest and never mentioned the pool to the people she spoke with or the cast member throught she meant the DVC quiet pool. There are a lot of maybes and ifs and we will probably never know the outcome unless the poster who is checking in that day sees something or the OP hears from some other parents and reports back.

Beejie- Thanks for being so active in the scouting program - Our family was one with boy and girl scouts and leaders at various levels. It is such a worthwhile program that builds character and integrity in children that leads to self confidence as they mature. You are especially important to those children whose parents cannot or will not be involved. Enjoy all those activities you have planned and especially your trip to the world over Labor Day.

 

[auntie]

I wouldn't want to be a paying guest in the BC and find carloads of kiddies swimming....as if it were a public pool at the park. Whether they paid for it..or whether mom has some scheme cooked up to get them all in. Either way, I think it's terribly unfair to those guests who chose this hotel for their vacations.
No..I wouldn't drive 90 minutes to a birthday party either. Frankly, I've never had my kids ask me. Most parties they went to were local..or with in a half hours ride.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

So....this thread has shown many opinions and it has been interesting. I cant even recall when I posted a comment..lol..however.....speaking for myself...I want to know what happens!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately, none of us will ever know ALL the details....Beejie....we have supported you in your decision, , I have, will you support our need (sorry if I am speaking out of turn here) and let us know the outcome?
Again, as I stated before....all this revolves around a little 10 yr old girl and her birthday, I hope her mom planned this out fairly to the guests and resort guests and DVC members....and mostly her child.

 

[DMRick]

No, it's not remotely OK for a DVC member to invite a whole bunch of people to join them at SAB.

I believe Disney still owns the resort, not DVC members don't they? I remember being kicked out of MGM early (and we didn't have advance notice, they just started shutting down the rides) because Michael Jackson decided he didn't want anyone there when he was. Disney can make these decision, because they own the place. If she talked to the BC manager, he's able to make that decision (I've read a few times here that it's up to the life guard..and I have actually asked that question of them both at the Poly and Wilderness lodge. They didn't have a clue what I was asking). It really has nothing to do what they allow DVC members to do or not do, although you can certainly write your concerns to guest services.

Or, she's truly clueless, and actually thinks you can show up with 20 people and get in without a problem

Again, if the hotel manager has set it up with her, then it's between them.

I am wondering how the mom is going to get 20 families through the security gate at Beach Club.

We go in all the time, and we don't stay there.They ask why we are there, and we tell them. Going to walk around, want to take a lookd at the pool, eating there..they have never turned us away.

Apparently it's allowed..another poster has done it. And if it makes a DVC member mad..what will they do, not pay their dues? Sell their membership? Disney holds the keys, and it's up to them, who they allow in to the pool.

Although it's not the Beach Club, we rent one room all the time at a couple local hotels and bring kids into swim. Always with permission. Perhaps other guests aren't thrilled..but the hotel has no problem with it.

 

[wendy darling]

I never knew that someone could be attacked on this board without even being a member of the DIS!! Weather or not the mother made special arrangements or not with BC, that is beside the point. The OP asked about the drive and her son isn't even friends with this girl.

The majority of the posters that responded to this thread have really worked themselves up over something they aren't even invloved in. Not that I am either, everyone just needs to chill... it is only a party for a child for a couple of hours... will it really matter in the grand scheme of things in your life??

 

[DisneyBride'03]

wendy wow!!! I have never seen such an extensive list of trips! Sorry off topic...maybe thats a good thingYou must never unpackI'd love to ask you your favorite resort!

 

[wendy darling]

Hi DIsneyBride03,

My favorite resort is Wilderness Lodge... The reason I go so many times-

1. I am a WDW CM (seasonally) and
2. I work for an airline

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I never knew that someone could be attacked on this board without even being a member of the DIS!! Weather or not the mother made special arrangements or not with BC, that is beside the point. The OP asked about the drive and her son isn't even friends with this girl.

The majority of the posters that responded to this thread have really worked themselves up over something they aren't even invloved in. Not that I am either, everyone just needs to chill... it is only a party for a child for a couple of hours... will it really matter in the grand scheme of things in your life??

I agree with you 100%. I have been reading this thread for the past few days and the sense I get is if no one from here will be staying at the Beach Club when this party will be taking place, then who cares what will happen. If WDW and the Beach Club have approved this no one here can do anything about it. If you want to complain about it that's fine to get what your feeling off your chest. If you also want to make a comparison to this I don't remember anyone complaining this much when last December when the group with the Pop Warner kids and the Cheerleaders paid to have MGM all to themselves. Finally as DMRick WDW owns the Beach Club, not DVC so I wish people would stop playing that card. Yes DVC is a big part of WDW however just because the Beach Club is a DVC Resort should not matter. If this party was to take place at the Polynesian or Grand Floridian which are not DVC Resorts, would any of you care this much about it?

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Thanks Wendy, and Happy Belated Birthday! WL is very popular around here
Well, as I lightheartedly commented I wanted to know what happens....it doesnt affect me, nor anyone else here for that matter, not directly anway.
CR Resort Fan 4 Life makes a valid point. The OP just asked a question.....lets all move on