How do you think social distancing in resort pools will work?

[SamFaniam]

The locals act like it's their own private, free playground. They have the nerve to plan get togethers there on facebook homeschool groups! It's ridiculous and completely out of control. I hope the virus makes the Fort management get serious about security.

We haven’t stayed at Fort Wilderness in years, but isn't there a gate with an attendant up front like the other resorts?

 

[Tallis]

We haven’t stayed at Fort Wilderness in years, but isn't there a gate with an attendant up front like the other resorts?

Sometimes, but not always. You can always drive in the other entrance, where the buses enter. There is not even a guard station there.

Edited to add: There are 3 entrances, and only at check in do you ever pass a guard every time.

Even so, most of the crashers park at Disney Springs and take Disney transportation to the Fort. The pools there never ask for bands. The nightly campfire/movie/meet &greet is open to all Disney guests, but lots of non Disney guests go as well. No way to check people at that, although that is not a big problem since it's every single night and lots of space.

At Halloween, all the locals come in hoards to trick or treat. The last Halloween we spent there, I believe I brought enough treats for 3,000 and ran out. Once again, I expected this and don't even consider that a problem.

The thefts and pool crashers are why security is sorely needed there. Cameras and security guards driving the loops would be great. And guards/attendants at every entrance 24/7.

 

[Primeval Princess]

We haven’t stayed at Fort Wilderness in years, but isn't there a gate with an attendant up front like the other resorts?

There is a guard at the entrance, but all a person has to do is tell him that they're there to do an activity at the fort. Then they can park their car up front and walk in. No issue.

 

[Threehearts]

I'm the OP. After 20 years with kids and staying at the Poly, we switched to the Dolphin. I'm a chef and meet other chef friends(we all have rooms at the hotel) every August for menu planning and a reunion of sorts. So I've stayed at the Dolphin many times now. There is a sign at the pool entrance saying that the pool is only for resort guests but I often end up speaking with people who just came over for a swim and are not hotel guests. No one has ever asked to see my room key. There are no gates and no wristbands.

As far as making social distancing work, I think it will be difficult. It likely will be very difficult for children to wait for their chance to swim while standing in the hot summer sun. Maybe having pool time slots will work although it kind of defeats taking "pool days" or going back to the resort for an afternoon swim when you may not get that popular time slot.

There are so many new strategies that will need to be employed to follow the Covid rules. I imagine we'll just have to wait for WDW official updates and first back reports.

 

[Leopardchucks]

I think they can limit the number of people in the pool, space out the chairs and give people pool noodles. If someone can wack you with their noodle, you're too close.

I like this idea a lot. Y'all better not whack my mai thai outta my hand! lol

 

[gdrj]

Just a few thoughts:
1- CDC link in regards to pools. CDC FAQ Pools
2- If you are at Disney World and think that 6 foot separation at pools is going to be the issue, and not parks, rides, restaurants, stores, doorways, halls, etc... maybe you should stay home.
3- We are taking COVID-19 seriously. As far as in a pool, 6 feet is a recommendation. It doesnt mean you are safe at 7 feet or not safe if you bumped into someone. They did to be infected, they need to be speaking, sneezing or spraying at you and you need to receive it, and than also get sick.
4- I will be more concerned with proximity of chairs, opening doors, touching hand rails, public restrooms, riding busses, boats, being at parks, Sitting at quick service table that hasn’t been cleaned, car rental, stroller rental, room cleanliness and on and on.
5- If you are going to respond that you are high risk due to age, health issues, or family members are. STAY HOME. I say that in all sincerity and not as a bash,

Unless this goes away like SARS, life will just be different.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Every guest at the pool will be issued one of the tubes from BB or TL. You will don the tube when you go through the gate and keep the tube on at all times to keep you six feet away from any other guest at the pool. You will return the tube to the guard at the gate when you leave. When all tubes are issued, no other guests will be permitted into the pool area.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We do. If I see some hanging around I go to a different gate. the problem is most of us would have a hard time slamming a door in someone’s face.

If they whine about you closing the gate, just tell them to whip out their magic band and open it back up.