Can they really do this?

[DisneyDuke02]

Before everyone starts panicking about pool chair availibility , I am not sure if the swimming part actually takes place at SAB, but rather the BC quiet pool, which is within easy reach of the Sandcastle Club....you may want to check. It would make a heck of a lot more sense to have it there for a variety of reasons, namely that you can easily keep track of kids there rather than at SAB.

ETA - now that I reread a missed post, I see that she didn't do the Sandcastle package...oops! She may be having them swim at the BCV quiet pool where, although people SHOULDN'T be bringing other guests in who aren't staying there, there is really no enforcement process of that rule. Still seems to be pushing the limit of what is appropriate and it is certainly not within the "spirit" of the guidelines, and who knows if her actions could lead to wristbands being added there as well.

If you are going to have a party, pay the money to have the "official" birthday party at Sandcastle/Winter Summerland/etc.

 

[camlace]

Let me start by putting on my flame retardant suit ...last time I got into this type of discussion I got nasty PMs and emails...so please all behave...this is just my experience...

...although people SHOULDN'T be bringing other guests in who aren't staying there...

This statement is not accurate. I have had guests visiting me while staying at a DVC resort...once at BCV (8 guests) and once at OKW (12 guests - 6 were children under 5). I emailed Member Services before my trip in both cases and specifically asked if I could have NON-resort guests (and even NON-Disney World guests...one of my friends lives in FL and was not visiting the park that day, just visiting me) come to my resort for a cook-out. I specifically stated that we would be using the BBQ grills and would be spending time at the main pool (Storm-a-long at BCV and the Main Pool at the Hospitality House at OKW). I was VERY specific with my questions as I know DVC members cannot even hop to BCV. The response from DVC was that when I stay at a DVC resort it is "my home". I am welcome to invite guests to my home and to enjoy ALL the facilities the resort has to offer with my guests. I was told that my guests should notify the attendant at the guard shack that they were visiting me and to give my room number.

At both resorts I had no issues once my guests arrived. I didn't need special permission from the manager, the lifeguard, the "DVC police". When I got to the pool at BCV I showed my ID and said these people are my guests for the day and we were let in...no fight, no hassle, no special arrangements, no special fees. At OKW where they generally do not check IDs, we settled in to a long line of chairs and enjoyed a beautiful day relaxing.


I hope the child has a wonderful party and the "DVC police" leave them alone and let them enjoy the pool, the atmosphere and the pixie dust...and to the OP have a wonderful day with your kids and the Cub Scouts!

 

[Schmeck]

One way to find out the answer to all of this is to have people from this thread call BC/YC/BCV with requests to bring guests to SAB for the day - 20 kids plus their parents...

camlace, your situation seems like an exception to stated Disney policy, but it's Disney policy and they can choose to make exceptions. It's when guests decide to make exceptions to Disney's rules (without letting Disney in on their plans) that make for nasty posts.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Once again I am going to ask this question. If this party was to take place at any of the other non DVC Resorts, would any of you care about it this much? Yes I know it's the same rules for not pool hopping and etc, however I get the feeling that because the Beach Club is a DVC Resort the members who own there feel this party should not happen, even though WDW must have approved it. Once again I understand that the Disney Vacation Club is a big thing for WDW and their members, however if your not staying at the Beach Club during this time then you don't need to worry about not getting a chair by the pool. Plus there are also non DVC members who stay in the regular guest rooms, so it is not always DVC members that stay there. So the regular guests have just as much of a right to SAB as the DVC members. I get the sense that the DVC members who have responded to this thread feel they are more superior then the non DVC members who stay at the Beach Club. If you want to flame me over that fine, however that's the way I feel.

 

[elijahpep]

This statement is not accurate. I have had guests visiting me while staying at a DVC resort...once at BCV (8 guests) and once at OKW (12 guests - 6 were children under 5). I emailed Member Services before my trip in both cases and specifically asked if I could have NON-resort guests (and even NON-Disney World guests...one of my friends lives in FL and was not visiting the park that day, just visiting me) come to my resort for a cook-out. I specifically stated that we would be using the BBQ grills and would be spending time at the main pool (Storm-a-long at BCV and the Main Pool at the Hospitality House at OKW).

Hey there CamLace,
No flames from me, but I am curious when was the timeframe for the events mentioned in your post at BC and OKW? Was it recently? Just trying to figure if these were more recent events or visits some time ago.

Thanks,
~DW

 

[Nanu57v]

I have an idea. What if there are 3 of them, and they are staying in a grand villa...which holds like 12 people, right? So they should be able to have 9 guests for the pool, because they can add them to the ressie. Maybe they didn't think more than 9 would show?

I'm curious to know what happens too, but the OP is right about the cub scout thing. Why go to a b-day party for someone you aren't friends with anyway?

 

[elijahpep]

I have an idea. What if there are 3 of them, and they are staying in a grand villa...which holds like 12 people, right? So they should be able to have 9 guests for the pool, because they can add them to the ressie. Maybe they didn't think more than 9 would show?

I'm curious to know what happens too, but the OP is right about the cub scout thing. Why go to a b-day party for someone you aren't friends with anyway?

I don't believe there are any grand villas at the BCV. BUT, if there were any
you're right that a grand villa would accomodate 12 guests. BCV has studios, 1bdrm and 2 bdrm villas.

~DW

 

[Sammie]

Once again I am going to ask this question. If this party was to take place at any of the other non DVC Resorts, would any of you care about it this much? Yes I know it's the same rules for not pool hopping and etc, however I get the feeling that because the Beach Club is a DVC Resort the members who own there feel this party should not happen, even though WDW must have approved it. Once again I understand that the Disney Vacation Club is a big thing for WDW and their members, however if your not staying at the Beach Club during this time then you don't need to worry about not getting a chair by the pool. Plus there are also non DVC members who stay in the regular guest rooms, so it is not always DVC members that stay there. So the regular guests have just as much of a right to SAB as the DVC members. I get the sense that the DVC members who have responded to this thread feel they are more superior then the non DVC members who stay at the Beach Club. If you want to flame me over that fine, however that's the way I feel.

If you read the comments carefully, you will see there were just as many nonDVC upset over the use of the pool as there were DVC.

I read nothing that even remotely implied the DVC members that responded felt superior to nonmembers staying at the Beach Club.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Ok.. we are WAY off the topic and starting to veer into circular debate here.

Since none of us know what the lady being spoke of has planned for her children or what steps she has taken. I'm leaning towards closing this thread at this point. We're just speculating and in some cases, arguing back and forth about stuff we simply cannot know.

Knox

 

[castleri]

Once again I am going to ask this question. If this party was to take place at any of the other non DVC Resorts, would any of you care about it this much? Yes I know it's the same rules for not pool hopping and etc, however I get the feeling that because the Beach Club is a DVC Resort the members who own there feel this party should not happen, even though WDW must have approved it. Once again I understand that the Disney Vacation Club is a big thing for WDW and their members, however if your not staying at the Beach Club during this time then you don't need to worry about not getting a chair by the pool. Plus there are also non DVC members who stay in the regular guest rooms, so it is not always DVC members that stay there. So the regular guests have just as much of a right to SAB as the DVC members. I get the sense that the DVC members who have responded to this thread feel they are more superior then the non DVC members who stay at the Beach Club. If you want to flame me over that fine, however that's the way I feel.

I would feel the same no matter what pool this party was being held at. I feel that the people who live in the Orlando area and use the Disney pools without staying at the Disney resorts are wrong also. If you have a reservation at a Disney hotel you are able to use the facilities of that hotel because you have paid to do so for the number of people on your reservation. Given your thinking I could reserve a room at the contemporary and then invite 20 people who are staying at the Days Inn down the road to stop on by and have a swim. If I remember correctly you had an issue with regards to who could sit in or save chairs to watch wishes at the GF a resort you were not staying at. This party is not a DVC issue it includes all those who stay at the Yacht and Beach Club resorts as well as the Villas. I really hope that there is no feeling of superiority here - it is a feeling that there are rules posted and those who follow them don't appreciate the actions of those who don't. As a DVC member staying at BCV each member of our group had to show their room key to be able to swim at SAB as did the people who stayed at the Beach or Yacht club. Some have reported having to go back to the room to get their child's room key. I would simply hope that the same applies to anyone else who wishes to use these facilities. I would have no issue with having the same rule apply to all pools. If as some say this is not the case and I can invite up to 12 people I will be happy to use points to rent a studio at BCV in Sept so they can all use SAB for 2 days. As of now part of the group will be at POR and part at SSR. Since my Vacation Club Magic magazine clearly and in very understandable terms says there is no pool hopping to SAB I will get a studio and have everyone over to celebrate the two anniversaries we will be celebrating while there telling them (the lifeguards handing out those wristbands) that people have reported doing it. Before I make that reservation I think I'll call and check it out though or maybe someone will get the answer and post it here when they get back.

All in all the sad thing will be if the children involved in this end up with a less than pleasant experience if the rules end up being followed.

 

[constanze]

I have been following this thread...mostly becaue I'm nosy However, I have to agree that I have read every post, and I definitely do not see the dvc members implying ANY superiority. I am a non DVC person, but I will be staying at YC next month. I have been curious about this question, because the two reasons we chose YC was the proximity to Epcot and SAB. I absolutely am terrified of confrontation, but had to speak on behalf of the dvc members who have been innocently posting on this thread...of course that's just my opinion.

As for the OP. Good job on sticking to your scout schedule! We have a Webelo and know how difficult it can be to make that a priority sometimes.

 

[mrzrich]

I'd be just as upset if 20 plus kids and their families showed up at POP. The Pool are meant for paying customers.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In the end if the person was able to arrange this party with the Beach Club and got everything approved then who is anyone to say it should not be happening. I do understand about all the rules with only letting Yacht & Beach Club guests swin at SAB, however if this party has been approved there is nothing else anyone can do about it. So that is the main point that myself and others were trying to get across.

 

[pinkerbell]

Thanks. For a while after the thread got side tracked, I was feeling a little guilty for not taking DS 10 to the party. But it just wasn't feasable.

We do have a lovely CUB Scout event set up for that day doing miniature golf, lunch, golf lessons and free use of the batting cages in Floral City near where we live. We get a price break because we pick up the trash around the mini golf course, etc. DS 10 and DS 6 (who is about to join Cub Scouts on May 1) will both earn their golf belt loop for participating.

As for the 90 minute drive - its not a great distance, I agree, but I think its a lot to ask of people, most of whom don't know you, to go attend a birthday party in a pool (albeit a very very very nice pool).

DD will turn 8 in 2 weeks and we're having a lovely gathering with all her friends (Brownies, Classmates and church) at a local park with a huge playground. It has a Hannah Montana / Rock ' n ' Roll theme and have asked the guests to bring canned goods for our church's food pantry in addition to a smaller gift for DD. I hope that goes over well.

Thanks! I will call the parents organizing the party tonight to ask how they are doing it when I send my regrets.

Wow, this goes off topic a lot, so I'm going to also...
Kudos for the values you are teaching, brining a canned good is a great idea and is teaching your children the value of giving, although I would attend the other party if there were NO other commitments and there is a time and place for all types of parties, kids learn from what they see and givng starts in the home, we asked guests at my daughters recent 3 yr old party to bring an item for local school kids, everything from backpacks to notebooks and personal care products, we let the relatives buy gifts since it's their perogative to "spoil" thier grandkids, and it worked out great, she got and she gave, that was. in October, and we still have some gifts that were opened, but not taked out of the pkg, she knows where they are and can ask for them as she wants them.
we have no bounce houses, and no costumed characters.. no "other destination" parties (only local), NOT that I'm against it, we love going to parties that have those things.... But, your activities sound great on more levels... they are learning life lessons that will take them wherever they want to go....
have a great time during you events and on your vacation..
party on..

 

[DMRick]

Again, I think the point is missed..over and over. We have no way of knowing how this gal got permission. Perhpas she stayed there one night and talked to the manager (by the way calling and not getting the manager or someone besides a person paid to answer the phone for reservations is pretty useless. These types of things need to be asked by someone who has the authority to answer, and when you get there, will be available to back up what was promised). Perhaps she paid extra, perhaps her son in law has pull. Who knows. I know I don't. But one thing I do know as fact, you can get permission to have guests in any pool in Disney, and you can get wrist bands held and ready for your guest at the front desk (not the life guard, the front desk). Does everyone get this privilege? I have no idea, but at least some do..even if some are denied.
And as for calling, we can all call..doesn't mean we will get the same answer. Some of us have asked guest services questions on the same day and gotten different answers. I would suggest you talk to the hotel manager.

If as some say this is not the case and I can invite up to 12 people I will be happy to use points to rent a studio at BCV in Sept so they can all use SAB for 2 days. As of now part of the group will be at POR and part at SSR. Since my Vacation Club Magic magazine clearly and in very understandable terms says there is no pool hopping to SAB I will get a studio and have everyone over to celebrate the two anniversaries we will be celebrating while there telling them (the lifeguards handing out those wristbands) that people have reported doing it. Before I make that reservation I think I'll call and check it out though or maybe someone will get the answer and post it here when they get back.

 

[Tinker74]

Oh please don't close this thread...I think its been a friendly and interesting discussion..Its good to get all opinions. I don't see any flames and Defo no superioty from DVC members..(were did that one come from )
We need to know the outcome in 5 more days.. ...So please keep this thread open...we will all play nice..

 

[StrwLady]

Would I travel 90 minutes for a kids birthday party? There are a couple of kids that my son is close to that yes I would. I'd probably grump about it being 90 minutes away but I would still go .

As far as numbers that might show up...If she invited 20 kids the likelyhood is she might have 10. I know every year we invited 20+ kids to my sons party we might have had 12 tops. But seeing that this party is 90 minutes away I would suspect there might even be less. I just hope the Mom did talk with a manager. I think we all have talked to CM's before and told something was ok only later to come across another CM that says it's not ok. I would hate to see they get there and turned away. Not so much for the parents who did the driving but for the kids who will probably be out of their mind with excitment.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

In the end if the person was able to arrange this party with the Beach Club and got everything approved then who is anyone to say it should not be happening. I do understand about all the rules with only letting Yacht & Beach Club guests swin at SAB, however if this party has been approved there is nothing else anyone can do about it. So that is the main point that myself and others were trying to get across.

So is this a sudden shift in attitude that now extends to the people who Disney allows to park at the Contemporary? It is after all their property ultimately, and they should have final word as to who they let in to park where, right?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So is this a sudden shift in attitude that now extends to the people who Disney allows to park at the Contemporary? It is after all their property ultimately, and they should have final word as to who they let in to park where, right?

This has nothing to do with the Contemporary. I am only stating the facts from what I know about this thread and if the person who the OP knows who arranged this party and it was approved by the Beach Club, then that is a fact. I guess since my family and I don't stay at the Beach Club and won't be at WDW during this party I don't care as much about it. Basically you can't compare it to who the Contemporary lets to park at their Resort because this party was approved by someone at the Beach Club, so don't go down that road and make those comparisons.

 

[Tinker74]

This has nothing to do with the Contemporary. I am only stating the facts from what I know about this thread and if the person who the OP knows who arranged this party and it was approved by the Beach Club, then that is a fact. I guess since my family and I don't stay at the Beach Club and won't be at WDW during this party I don't care as much about it. Basically you can't compare it to who the Contemporary lets to park at their Resort because this party was approved by someone at the Beach Club, so don't go down that road and make those comparisons.

Well not strictly true...we don't know it was approved my someone at Beach club...we know what the party mother has SAID something has been approved by someone ..but this could be a CM who is clueless or has no idea that the mother means to invite 20 families..after all the mother only asked if she could bring a few families..it is totally possible this will be very much a surprise to beach club when 20 families turn up.
I guess thats why we are still discussing this ..because we DON't know the facts...but we want to know how it turns out.

So er...its not actually a fact at all..