DVC Pools, Pool Hopping, Etc.

[DrTomorrow]

First, as a guy who travels to WDW childless (but can't wait for some grandkids!), please don't assume that all of us kidless visitors need an silent / adults-only pool. I like to read and relax by the pool, but the sound of children having fun restores my spirit, not depletes it.

Second, I don't believe anyone suggested "The attitude that if I don't want to be around kids then don't come ...." But I do believe that if someone DOES come to WDW, be it alone, with small children or adults only, then they really shouldn't have an expectation of child-free areas. Besides, how many honeymooners are reading books by the pool? ::GRIN::

Finally, during the Member Homecoming (cue heavenly choirs), we took a tour of SSR, our home resort. As we got the the pool between Bldgs 2 & 3, our tour guide, who was a DVC Sales Manager (and former Guide) told us this:
"Here is the leisure pool. We used to call them 'quiet' pools, but we don't anymore; a few people got the wrong idea and thought a Disney pool could be quiet."
So I guess that Disney is now managing expectations a bit better.

Hmmmm, I wonder if there's any way to combine the "quiet pool" thread with the "pool-hopping" thread and have them both implode....

 

[DIZNYFAN]

I think the nicest change rooms so far have been at OKW. We have 3 kids to cart around with us our oldest is 7 the youngest is 1.5 we just pack a bag and go to the pool.

 

[wintergreen]

Since OKW's main pool will be closed for refurbishment this fall, it appears that some posters believe that no families with children should check in until it is finished and reopened. Please take note.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Kelly Nelly
You are totally right, Disney should enforce the odd pool here and there to adults only.

I disagree. This is Disney which was planned for families. While obnoxiousness shouldn't be tolerated there should not be adult only pools. There are non disney resorts that cater to that.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I think on our last trip in June 2004 that the VWL pool was still labeled "quiet pool". Have all of the signs now changed to "leisure pool?"

And, I did think that meant no noisy children (the noisiest of whom may very well be mine on occasion--not rude, not dumping food into pool, but yes, noisy!!!!!)

So we have never ventured into the "quiet" pools.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Kelly Nelly
You know now that I think about it a little more kids at a quiet pool really does not bother me as long as they are quiet, I just wish that Disney could enforce the rule that all quiet pools should stay quiet. All of you must admit with me here that it is kinda of annoying when you are sitting in a quiet pool hot tub and a bunch of kids cannonball in while you are just trying to relax.

No actually I don't find it annoying at all even when we went prechild. I expect children to have fun and be kids at Disney. It is part of the experience for me. I never expect quiet anywhere in Disney. Hearing children have fun is not an annoyance to me, otherwise I would have never purchased DVC. Disney is for families and kids are part of it, it is themed towards them. Families enjoying time together.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Andrew Bichard
I am sure your kids are not rude, just being kids. I'm not even saying that all 'quiet' pools have to be quiet, just that at resorts where it is possible (ie where there is more that one quiet pool), at least one pool be a quiet 'quiet' pool.

The fact they hand out noodles at the villa side quiet pool is why we walk across the lobby and use the Inn side quiet pool.

When I vacation, I like to relax, and I don't necessarily want to be around children 24/7.

Andrew

I completely disagree with this. Why pick Disney then? Why not club med? I mean Disney if for children and families. You cannot come to WDW expect and it to have themed areas for adults.

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by lenshanem
At BCV last week. Sign said 7 to 11, but we always saw people in it after 11. I asked a lifeguard at SAB about the quiet pools and he said the hours don't really mean anything, except they might ask people to leave if they are too loud after the 11 time.

This sounds like a very reasonable approach. Of course, inconsiderate people have to abuse the late night hours and be noisy. Seems to me one can have tons of fun and still be considerate toward others. Too many people are all about "me".

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Which "quiet" pools are not appropriate for children?

I'm only familiar with the BWV, BCV and VWL and I can't think of one that could be designated as adult only at those resorts (Maybe the "quiet" pool at the BWI). The BWV pool is right next to the super kid oriented Community Hall at which they give out pool toys for the pool. The BCV and VWL have one designated pool each, although they share the main themed pool with the YC/BC and WL respectively. I thought the OKW pools were kind of like neighborhood pools, but not having ever stayed there, I may be incorrect. It just doesn't seem like any could be or should be so designated. The quiet pools are alternatives that are available for everyone.

I would suggest (like they say in the pre-show of "Honey-I Shrunk the Audiance) that more people take a look at the world though the eyes of a child. You would probably have a lot less to worry about.

HBC

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by 3DisneyNUTS
I completely disagree with this. Why pick Disney then? Why not club med? I mean Disney if for children and families. You cannot come to WDW expect and it to have themed areas for adults.

This doesn't make sense, when coming to Disney and being kid focused, why would noisy people late at night be allowed to wake up all the children and prevent them from sleeping. Does being kid focused also mean a license to be inconsiderate to others? There are parents who do not provide enough guidance to thier children, unfortunately.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by las3888
Well, I guess I will weigh in with my 2 cents after reading this thread. We are a kid-less couple who really really really appreciate a quiet pool atmostphere type experience. We recently stayed at BWV and used the quiet pool everyday. Most days we did really well - very few kids if any were using the pool. It was downright serene. On the days when there were kids, even though they are just being kids, it really ruins the atmosphere. Kids voices have a way of just piercing through a pool area. It makes it really hard to concentrate when reading a book or dozing.

I hope you don't flame me for having said that, but really, there are people, actually, quite a few people, who do go to Disney without kids. The quiet pools are something that we treasure, and since Disney has no rules, when reading this post, it is obvious that those with kids feel very entitled to use the quiet pools, even though there are pools designed for kids yards away.

Personally, I have to say it is a little inconsiderate. Kids have the run of house just about everywhere at Disney, and we kid-less people have to deal with them everywhere else we go. A respite away from them would be ideal. I am not totally blaming you families, because unless it is something that Disney would institute and enforce, anything goes, but it sure would be nice and considerate if you could react to your situation. If you show up to a quiet pool (again, when the kids active pool is just yards away) and it truly is quiet - i.e. just a few adults either dozing or calmly treading in the water, please try not to bring your family with kids there. I can't say it in any other ways that it is just inconsiderate to the people who are already there. Again, this has nothing to do with your rights, but it's just a matter of common sense and consideration.

I know this opinion will not be highly regarded, but this has (obviously) bothered me for a while. While you may totally ignore me, just remember that everytime you bring your kids to a serene quiet pool atmosphere, everybody else who was there before you will be pretty frustrated with you.

WOW I just don't see how people can expect no kids in WDW? Then be upset when children ruin their atmosphere. It is Disney. It is what you sign up for. Dh and I came to WDW 3 times prior to getting pregnant and having our son. We were a "never having kids couple" but that did not mean we disliked children. Had we not wanted to be around them we definitely would not have picked Disney to have a relaxing vacation at. WDW is for families and kids and that means the pools are for families and kids. People should not tell their kids to quiet down because someone wants to snooze by the pool. IMO Disney is not the place for that kind of vacation. If it ever becomes that I would be the first to sell my DVC since that is not what we signed up for.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Mickmse2002
OK, now I gotta jump back in. Some of the behavior I have seen described isn't appropriate for ANY pool, be it a "kid" pool, "quiet" pool, or whatever other kind of descriptor you choose to use. I have seen a lot of boorish behavior from supposed adults so I think it should be kept in perpsective: it ain't just the kids. I have seen some self-righteous posting around here before but some of this is really starting to irk me. If I bring my three kids, ages 13, 11 and 8 to a pool and they splash around and god forbid actually enjoy themselves the we're not breaking ANY rules. Just because "kidless" people are laying around reading doesn't mean I should feel guilty for using a resort amenity I bought and paid for. I said it before and I will say it again: if you can't handle being around kids go somewhere else because WDW is the kid capital of the world. That's what Walt built Disneyland and WDW for: families to enjoy themselves! WDW markets to families and sells it self as a premier family experience. I certainly cannot recall reading ANYWHERE that my kids do not have the same right of usage as ANYONE else!

AMEN! well said!!! I should have read ahead!

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by las3888
why would you ever,ever,ever travel to disney if you find childrens voices piercing....

You obviously don't understand my point. All I ask is for those to be considerate. If you see a quiet pool nice and QUIET, please take your kids to the kid's pool. I don't think that's too much to ask.

All of your other points are not pertaining to the issue. I of course can take my vacations wherever I want. I of course know there are kids everywhere. I love Disney, and kids have nothing to do with it.

Sticking to my point - if you see a quiet pool nice and quiet and kidless, think twice!

And, PS - I never mentioned kids behaving badly.

Ok this must be a joke...Are you kidding? The family capital of the world and you have the nerve to tell people to use another pool because you are relaxing and would like the pool to stay quiet? Well I have an idea get up when it is 1am when all the piecing voices are sleeping and use the pool then. Bring a book light with you and you should be all set.

 

[Desperado]

I don't see a problem with an active noisy kid pool and a quiet pool concept. Loud noisy kids can use the more active pool. What's the problem? I don't know about the planet some people come from, but when you have active kids and provide them with lots of attention and love, sometimes it helps to get away for a little while and help recharge the batteries. Not every place has to be noisy, kid mania frenzy all the time. Some quiet time (hour or so here and there) can help one be a better parent in my humble opinion. My wife and I try to help each other out this way. Doesn't mean everyone else has to do the same, but for us it works. I know it's helpful for her to get a break while I watch the kids, and a vacation is a great time to make those gestures IMO.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by las3888
I guess it's easier to get defensive than just be considerate of those around you. I have also seen adults act boorishly and that bothers me as well.

There was probably a reason Disney started 'quiet' pools, probably somewhat along the lines of having a nice 'quiet' place for those without kids or wanting some 'quiet' to have a place to go. Unfortunately, probably too many families with kids complained, so Disney reacted and seems to now be calling them 'leisure' pools (although I have yet to see this). Obviously, they can't pull the trigger to actually call them 'adult only' and enforce that, because there are obviously many families with kids who would complain, but I'm just tellin' ya...there are people out here who still want to go to Disney, despite it being the kid capital of the world, and while we know we will be dealing with your kids all day long, it is nice to have a 'quiet' pool to get away from them. We particularly choose resorts with 'quiet' pools for this reason. We do not like to stay at AKL because there is only the one main pool.

All I'm saying is that you're really thinking too much of yourselves if you can't just go to the kid's pool, especially if it isn't crowded, when you see the adult pool nice and serene in front of you. Just because you see a nice quiet pool with a handful of quiet adults in front of you, and just because there are no rules against your using it, doesn't make it the considerate thing to do. If you have kids, I'm sure you'll disagree with this, but it's just common sense and consideration. For those of you that want to flame me - I write you off because you will never get it.

HOLY COW! UNBELIEVEABLE! AMAZING SIMPLY A-MAZ-ING WOW

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by gmboy95
I have to reply a second time because the post by las38 has me pretty fired up.....this was your quote...

"If you show up to a quiet pool (again, when the kids active pool is just yards away) and it truly is quiet - i.e. just a few adults either dozing or calmly treading in the water, please try not to bring your family with kids there. I can't say it in any other ways that it is just inconsiderate to the people who are already there. Again, this has nothing to do with your rights, but it's just a matter of common sense and consideration."


Huh!!!!......let me get this straight....you travel to the "kid capital" of the world, and you feel it is appropriate that the vast majority should tailor their experience to meet the need of the small few......I mean next time i am at a patriot game in foxboro i am going to demand that all fans remain seated during the game because the game is a much more pleasurable experience for me when I am seated.....oh and the next time I am at chuck-e-cheese i am going to ask the staff to monitor the voice level of the children, because i want to enjoy a quiet meal....your argument is flawed.

Also your reference to having to "deal with them" everywhere else you go is, with all due respect, laugh out loud funny....once again i repeat YOU ARE IN DISNEY WORLD!!!!......you ought to immediately call your DVC rep and complain about the sales job that was given to you, because your post makes me feel you may have not been told about the whole "family" thing.

I totally agree! or better yet you can always trade your DVC accomodations to go to an adult haven somewhere else. It is pretty inexpensive to trade into II so there you could get your relaxation by the pool.
I would seriously contact your guide because you have definitely purchased a timeshare in the wrong "world"

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by 3DisneyNUTS
Ok this must be a joke...Are you kidding? The family capital of the world and you have the nerve to tell people to use another pool because you are relaxing and would like the pool to stay quiet? Well I have an idea get up when it is 1am when all the piecing voices are sleeping and use the pool then. Bring a book light with you and you should be all set.

Actually "you have the nerve" could also apply to this post. It doesn't seem unreasonable to me, it is called a quiet pool. Not every square inch of WDW has to be a noisy, kid mania frenzy all the time, use the other pools. There's plenty of very active pools with lots of kid activities. There's nothing wrong with having some quiet time and quiet places, as long as there are welcome open places for kids. I think its good for kids to have some more quiet places to go to, they don't have to scream and yell everyplace they go to.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by Kelly Nelly
Las 388 and Poohnpiglet3 you are both so right it is not funny.

Pooh you are correct, kids are way to spoiled these days, they demand every thing in front of there parents and the parents now a days think that this is just so cute. When I was a kid I felt I was so lucky to be in WDW that I never really expected anything more. 99% of the problems of loud kids at quiet pools stem from there parents allowing them to act in such behaviour.Like Las 388 stated, the theme pools are made for loud and rowdy groups, why do the people think that they and there kids should act at a quiet pool like they would at a theme pool. That line of " Hey if you don't like kids don't come to WDW", or " I paid for this service so me and my kids can act any way we want" is really getting old. Hey I really do not have a problem with kids but I really do feel that they and there parents should respect the quiet pool areas for the folks who want to relax.IF you want to make lots of noise and throw you footballs or frisbees go to the theme pool. I would like to hear the opinions of the folks who let there kids act in this behaviour 20 years from now.I would bet my life that they would totally agree with some of my points that I have just made.

Show this to your parents and ask how you were as a child they will say the exact thing. It is called a generation gap. Kids are no better or worse than in the past. Maybe kids of the past were better at faking it who knows but selective memory has alot to do with this.

 

[Desperado]

Sorry gmboy95 and 3DisneyNUTS but as a parent of three very young and very active chiuldren, I don't think that just because WDW is the kid capital of the world, that is an automatic license to be inconsiderate to others. Frankly, its just the opposite, and about teaching children good values and principles in being considerate toward others.

But, I won't debate the point much further. I've had some wonderful times in the pools very late at night with my children, even though I asked them to keep the noise low because others were sleeping. I don't think being considerate to others who were sleeping in thier rooms hindered our enjoyment of those special late night (1am) moments one little bit. It wouldn't have been so special and memorable if we were loud and disturbing others.

 

[Muushka]

OK, I did my homework. I read the ENTIRE thread.

We are a childless couple. This does not mean that we do not like children-we go to WDW for pity sake! We both like children. In fact, I love children. But I have to say: if we are at a 'leisure' pool, and it is very serene and peaceful, and sudddenly a family comes in with screaming children, splashing and running, we will leave. I will not tell you that your children should be quiet. I will not tell you to go use the 'family' pool. We will just leave (quietly).

Carry on.......