Just Received Call from WDW Guest Relations

[TIdoublegaER]

I just got off the phone with WDW Guest Relations regarding Ft. Wilderness guests pool hopping to the WL. She told me that she appreciated my concerns and that they had been passed onto the general manager at WL and DVC. While she didn't say what WL was going to do to curb the problem, she did say that management at WL was not aware of the problem. I find it very difficult to believe that WL management doesn't know that people pool hop the campground over to WL. It was nice to know that someone at least heard the concern, now we'll just have to wait and see if anything is ever done about it.

 

[JohnNJ]

How do you know

1) that these people are pool hoppers and

2) that they're from FW ?

John

 

[floridafam]

This happens ALL the time at WL. I've heard many people say they are from FW.

Actually, at one time, didn't Disney encourage pool hopping between FW and WL?

 

[Cruelladeville]

I met several people in the hot tub from the campground--I was the only guest in both hot tubs who was actually staying at WL(in the villas). They loved WL, but didn't want to pay the bucks required in order to stay there. It sure is annoying--if I have to pay, I want EVERYONE to pay! If they want to camp because it's cheap, stay out of my pool and hot tub

 

[InstImpres]

To play the devils advict here - it is odd that they give you a WL map on one side and Fort Wilderness map on the other if they aren't trying to encourage facility sharing.

Just my thoughts,
Sandy

 

[TIdoublegaER]

How do you know...
1) that these people are pool hoppers
because as we were walking to the boat via the pool, these people came from the pool area with wet suits on and got on the boat to MK...

2) that they're from FW ?
...and then got off the boat at Ft. Wilderness.

They also made comments about coming back to swim later.

I should also mention that this was July 4th. The resort was at capacity and the pool hopping ban was in effect for members, as it should have been because both pools were absolutely PACKED!

 

[TIdoublegaER]

It sure is annoying--if I have to pay, I want EVERYONE to pay! If they want to camp because it's cheap, stay out of my pool and hot tub

I basically told the rep from WDW this. Nothing against the campground or cabins and not trying to sound snobbish, but I paid to stay at a deluxe resort (alibet with points). Those staying at the campground and cabins, paid to stay there. If the pool is an important part of your vacation, then you need to stay were the pool is satisfactory to you.

InstImpres - I understand what you are saying, but it clearly states on the information given at checkin (and at the pool) that the pool is for Wilderness Lodge and Villas guests only. The WDW rep confirmed this for me when she called.

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by TIdoublegaER

InstImpres - I understand what you are saying, but it clearly states on the information given at checkin (and at the pool) that the pool is for Wilderness Lodge and Villas guests only. The WDW rep confirmed this for me when she called.

Believe it or not I never made it to the pool or hot tub in 4 days I was just putting away my "welcome packet" a few days ago and noticed that. Anyone know why they put the 2 "resorts" together?

Sandy

 

[floridafam]

Last year at check-in, the CM at the front desk referred to FW as the sister resort to WL. If they do the same at FW then that basically is an open invitation to use the pools for FW guests.

 

[rwebbirish]

We were there over Easter this year and paid cash at the lodge. Joined DVC on this trip. I saw numerous people get on the boat with wet suits and get off at FW. Even talked to a family on the boat ride that said they always stay at FW and swim at the lodge. I made the comment to her that I thought that the pool was only for guests at the lodge and the villas, and she said that "everyone does it." I wouldn't mind a system like at SAB for this pool. Just show your room key or DVC member card and get a wristband. I can't tell you how difficult it was to find a seat if you arrived after lunch. It reminded me of our BC stays. I agree with Cruelladeville, I paid a lot of money for my stay and the perks that go with it.

My husband and I complain to each other and always say we should write to someone, but then get lazy. Now that we are members, I'll have to make more of an effort on following through with the letter.

 

[darthminnie]

I have never had the urge to pool hop at any resort, I never understood WHY people would do that...I guess to me..a pool is just a pool....

But on the other hand...there are so many other more important issues in the world that warrent letters to people......waisting energy on anger over a VERY SMALL MINORITY of people swimming in a 'contraband' pool...is just so petty...........

Write letters to your congressmen about pedophiles going free....it happens all the time.....

 

[TIdoublegaER]

I didn't write a letter to complain to Disney about this and I wasn't angry. I responded to a survey that was sent to me by Disney regarding my stay. In part of the survey, it asks about the pool and other facilities. This is where I put my comments about the pool hopping. A few days later, I received an email from WDW asking for my telephone number so they could call me to discuss.

As a DVC member, I have a vested interest in all of the resorts, as both an owner and guest. I feel that I have a responsibility to let Disney know how they are doing, especially when I am solicited for my opinion. The issue of FW guests hopping to WL pools comes up from time to time on this forum and I thought VWL owners might be interested in what Disney had to say about it. If you are interested, great. If not, then please disregard.

 

[kramer_clan]

I totally agree that they should not be allowed to pool hop from FW to WL. If I were paying the money to stay at Wilderness Lodge, I would not want to be overrun by people from another resort. It is just plain common sense that you should use the pool where you are booked.

I probably would have complained the same way that you did, via a survey. I sure hope that something gets done about it. Maybe enough people complained on their surveys that they decided to look into it.

Vicki

 

[Tigger1]

I stay at Fort Wilderness every trip. During our trip last JUNE, the FW pool was closed one day for repairs. I dont think it took too long to repair, maybe a hour. Later that night I talked to some folks at the boat dock. They mentioned that the cms told their family and others to go to Fort Wilderness Lodge to swim while repairs were being made.

We also stayed at VWL the next week. The main pool is always crowded. They do not need to allow FW campers to swim thier. Actually who knows if they are even Walt Disney Resort guest. I think they should use wrist tags.

I have heard alot of talk on these boards of non Fort Wilderness guest going to the outdoor movie at Fort Wilderness. I have been to it a couple of times and it is very crowded. These should be just for campers.

tigger

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Tigger1
...(snip)....I have heard alot of talk on these boards of non Fort Wilderness guest going to the outdoor movie at Fort Wilderness. I have been to it a couple of times and it is very crowded. These should be just for campers.

tigger

But those are specifically advertised as being for all guests staying at a WDW resort. Pool hopping is not, so there is a difference in Disney policy between these two perks.

 

[StevieD]

Originally posted by Tigger1
I stay at Fort Wilderness every trip. During our trip last JUNE, the FW pool was closed one day for repairs. I dont think it took too long to repair, maybe a hour. Later that night I talked to some folks at the boat dock. They mentioned that the cms told their family and others to go to Fort Wilderness Lodge to swim while repairs were being made.

We stayed at the Poly a few years ago, and they were having a pool rehab during our stay. We were given a note at check-in which said we could pool hop to any other WDW resort hotel because of the Poly rehab. We took the opportunity to pool hop to WL and loved it. That said, it was a special circumstance and I do think they should be more diligent about monitoring pool access, especially at crowded times. However, additional monitoring costs extra money - are we prepared to endure a maintenance increase for this???