Late night swimming and noise

[SweetP]

Sadly our trip is over but I have an issue and would like to get your thoughts on this.

While on vacation one of the things we love to do is swim. We do not swim on a regular basis and the kids, when the opportunity presents itself, love to swim for as long as possible. What we usually do is come out to the pool around 11pm and let the kids swim for about 2 hours.

On quite a few occasions we were the only family in the pool and we never had a problem with security. On a few occasions they would walk by speak and keep going. I continued to remind the kids to keep the noise down since officially the pool closes at 10pm. But, when there were others there the noise level increased so bad security came and closed the pool.

I have 2 issues and you may or may not agree and that's fine. But, first of all.......

I paid quite a bit of money to come to WDW and we made a special request to be near a pool, which after our first night they accommodated us. I can understand there are guest that may have kids that go to bed early or they may just want everything quiet. But, I suggest to those guest that maybe they request a room AWAY from the pool. There are those of us that like to swim late and make a conscious effort to keep quiet. When you have a group of kids playing in the pool sometimes they do get besides themselves and make to much noise. But that's what the pool is for. We're on West Coast time so we usually didn't get to slepp until 2am.

My 2nd issue is....
Parents need to accommodate their kids to the pool. If the parents were there to remind the children that they need to keep it down, we wouldn't have the noise issue. although, we met a few adults that talked louder and splashed harder than the kids...heehee!!! But really, do not send unresponsible children of any age to the pool if they can't handle it.

One thing I try to remember when on vacation and staying in a hotel/resort is that everyone else in on vacation also. There were mornings when at 7am I would hear the kids above me running around. But I wasn't going to call security or ask them to keep the noise down because I was sleeping. It's vacation, when I get back home I will return to my normal schedule and patterns and get all the sleep and quiet time I want.

Thank you for your polite responses to this topic.

Happy Planning!!!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I can sympathise about being on west coast time. On our last trip we landed in Orlando at 10, got settled in by midnight, and at 1 am were swimming in the quiet pool at dxl ! We are very quiet people, and i doubt anyone knew we were there ( plus I don't think there was an official closing time )

I am always surprised ( slow learner ) at how loud some people think is perfectly normal, although a lot of this is an East coast/West caost thing.

 

[emmagata]

Originally posted by SweetP
Sadly our trip is over but I have an issue and would like to get your thoughts on this.

While on vacation one of the things we love to do is swim. We do not swim on a regular basis and the kids, when the opportunity presents itself, love to swim for as long as possible. What we usually do is come out to the pool around 11pm and let the kids swim for about 2 hours.

On quite a few occasions we were the only family in the pool and we never had a problem with security. On a few occasions they would walk by speak and keep going. I continued to remind the kids to keep the noise down since officially the pool closes at 10pm. But, when there were others there the noise level increased so bad security came and closed the pool.

I have 2 issues and you may or may not agree and that's fine. But, first of all.......

I paid quite a bit of money to come to WDW and we made a special request to be near a pool, which after our first night they accommodated us. I can understand there are guest that may have kids that go to bed early or they may just want everything quiet. But, I suggest to those guest that maybe they request a room AWAY from the pool. There are those of us that like to swim late and make a conscious effort to keep quiet. When you have a group of kids playing in the pool sometimes they do get besides themselves and make to much noise. But that's what the pool is for. We're on West Coast time so we usually didn't get to slepp until 2am.

My 2nd issue is....
Parents need to accommodate their kids to the pool. If the parents were there to remind the children that they need to keep it down, we wouldn't have the noise issue. although, we met a few adults that talked louder and splashed harder than the kids...heehee!!! But really, do not send unresponsible children of any age to the pool if they can't handle it.

One thing I try to remember when on vacation and staying in a hotel/resort is that everyone else in on vacation also. There were mornings when at 7am I would hear the kids above me running around. But I wasn't going to call security or ask them to keep the noise down because I was sleeping. It's vacation, when I get back home I will return to my normal schedule and patterns and get all the sleep and quiet time I want.

Thank you for your polite responses to this topic.

Happy Planning!!!

I've experienced the east coast, west coast time differences many times and know that it's difficult to adjust. Usually after the 1st night I can shift to the new time zone and go to sleep at my normal (new time zone) hour.

But I personally wouldn't want want to hear someone swimming at 1am. There are probably a good number of guests that have already stayed a few nights and are sleeping after a long day at WDW. If the pool officially closed at 10PM, they should have locked the gate.

I would hope that someone who's body is in a different time zone than the rest of the guests would repect that and not be swimming or causing other noise.

Did you stay on that schedule the whole time? I hope not.


People stay near the pool for easy access to it, which is fine and I've been offered or asked for rooms that weren't near it because I don't want to hear it. But if I had to be near it, I think it should be closed during the wee hours of the morning out of respect for sleeping guest.

I think that there should be times designated as "quiet time".

When we go camping it's usually between 10 or 11PM and 7AM.


And there's no excuse for kids (or adults) running around making all kinds of noise no matter what hour it is.

 

[GEM]

When we were at the Wilderness Lodge last year, the main pool stayed open for swimming all night. At 10p.m, the lifeguard went off-duty and they closed off the slide - but you were welcome to stay in the pool as long as you wanted. We went for lots of midnight swims, and we were never the only ones in the pool at that hour. Everybody was being nice and quiet, though. I guess if we had been making a lot of noise that somebody would have come and said something to us.

 

[cindyfan]

I understand and agree with you.
I am an early riser...up by 6am just about every day. However my DH is a night-owl! He likes staying up til 2am! CRAZY!!
anyway, IMHO there should be an unwritten rule about being "quiet" from the hours of 10pm til 9am!

It is just common courtesy!

My DH and DD have gone down to the pool many times after 11pm, but they know to keep it quiet. Just like I am not going to go stomping around making all kinds of noise at 6am. I just can't swim that early because that is usually when they clean the pools!! LOL

Most of the pools are open all night.....they just don't have a life guard past 10pm.
When security came to close the pool, did they actually say they were closing because of the noise?? I find that odd
What resort were you at??

 

[jdwright13]

One thing you have to remember, sometimes people don't get their request, and are stuck by the pool reguardless. If I'm paying $150 dollars night, and end up near the pool area, I would expect it to be quiet at night, hence the closing of the pool. 10PM is a very normal closing time, and as long as your quiet, they allow you to still use it.

 

[SweetP]

Hi Cindyfan,

We were at Old Key West so I think DVC members have a word in some of the rules. The sign posted does say the pool closes at 10pm. But I was told unofficially that you can swim as long as there is no noise.

When security came they said they were closing the pool because of complaints of noise. Compared to some of the other hotels the quiet pools are fairly close to the rooms so I can understand that when it becomes really noisy it can wake people.
But I also want to say again that parents need to be with their children when they can't follow the rules of remaining quiet or keep them in the room regardless of their age. I allowed my son to stay out later than us with some other teenagers. they swam and sat in the hot tub a while. When the conversation changed to something he didn't agree with he excused himself and came in. So I know there are responsible children out there but those that aren't need a little more supervision.

Something I found interesting was that we were very close to DT disney and wow I was surprised at the amount of noise you could hear. I mean they had fireworks a few nights at 12am and the music could be heard very clearly while we were in the pool and in our room. so I thought, if someone wanted to complain they should complain about the loud music that was heard.

But then again it would be a perfect world if we all agreed

Happy Planning!!!

 

[Talking Hands]

A little noise doesn't bother me for obvious reasons, but if it is loud enough to bother me then the pool needs to be closed. I do swim late at night but I'm very quiet about it. But my family and I can use sign to converse and not bother others and unfortunately most can't.
Late night swimming as long as you are quiet is acceptible. Children should be supervised by an adult parent or guardian. Swimming should always be done with another person around for safety.

 

[UltimateWDWFan]

I'm pretty sure that all the WDW resort pools have a closing time; it's just not enforced. Personally, I think that if the pool is closed, then it should be closed. If they say one thing and then do another, the people who obey the rules are punnished and the people who could care less are rewarded. (I take issue with this on a lot of things; I'd like to do it, but they say not to, and I'm left with just jealousy over the people who don't care about the rules.)

As for kids who need supervision, how is a parent supposed to know if their kids (especially teens) need supervision? You've already said that yours are fine on their own, and mine are too. If I'm not there, I never have a problem with what they're doing. I'm sure most people would think that way, so how are they supposed to know that their little angel really isn't one. In all reality, every teen (most people, in fact) can get carried away at different times and in different circumstances. Keeping the noise-level down isn't high on a list of priorities when there are a lot of other things to be concerned with.

The pool issue interests me in particular because I'm a career lifeguard (about 15 years' worth). I wouldn't let my kids go without an adult because I know what can happen when no one's looking out for safety; one person accidently jumps on top of another and you can have a quadripeligic; I've seen it happen! --How would I feel to get that knock on my door?

As for the fact that you paid for the hotel, including the pool, I certainly understand your point of view (and it sounds like you're a very considerate family as well). Unfortunately, some people probably saw you guys out there enjoying yourselves and decided it was okay for them, too. They, however, weren't as considerate as you and didn't realize that their circle of influence extended beyond themselves.

It's clear that we all have to give a little in order for everyone to all get along. (I guess "cultural diversity" extends to things like sleeping v. swimming.) I'm glad you brought up this subject. It's something to consider.

/th

 

[DMRick]

I'm pretty sure that all the WDW resort pools have a closing time; it's just not enforced.

Our paperwork says that the quiet pools are open 24 hours. We stayed at POR-R.

 

[LAinSEA]

(in Nov. 2000) we were told at checkin that the pool, arcade, grill was open 24 hours a day! (there was only the one pool and it did not have a slide).

We were not near the pool, and it was quite cold that time of year, but we did use the spa very late - and there were always others using the pool or spa at all hours of the night.

In May 2002, at AKL we were told that the slide closed when the lifeguards went off duty - there was nothing about the pool closing but the spas closed at midnight.

Common courtesy would hopefully mean than those using the pool past 10pm at night would keep their voices and the splashing down. But manners are sadly lacking across our "great country". It is too bad that a few noisy guests (and I don't mean children) ruin the experience for those that do their best to have a great time and not infringe on the good time of others.

-LA

 

[Uncleromulus]

All of which validates my policy of never, ever accepting a room near a pool.

 

[SweetP]

Our last trips we stayed at the Disney Institute and the pool near our room was not right next door, it was a few steps away so any noise in general could not be heard. Whereas, at OKW, the rooms are very close to the pool.

So I think when some pools have closing times and some down't, I think the close proximity has something to do with it. .

I think in general this discussion reminds us that we need to watch ourselves and the amount of noise we make period while we are at a hotel or at home. I do believe we live in a society where being neighborly is no more. Like I said, we kept the noise down, we did not splash and we were keeping our neighbors in mind. But when you have little children that rise early and want to play, well sorry, your neighbors downstairs should be kept in mind also. It just reminds us there are lots of ways to be considerate of others.

Like I said previous, we're not in a perfect world but it would be nice if we all could be more neighborly.

Happy Planning!!!!

 

[eeyore0062]

It is a shame that a few can ruin a good thing for others, but there were probably many complaints about the noise from those who were trying to sleep that didn't come from other time zones. I know I probably would have been one of them, as I am a very light sleeper, and we tend to get up early to go to the parks in the morning. This is why we never get a room near the pool! But not everyone is going to think of that... wants the sight of the pretty pool right outside of the door, and doesn't take into account that the pools may be open 24 hours a day.

That being said, it is a shame that security could not have told the trouble makers to be quiet, or they would have to leave... but it probably wouldn't have worked... leaving them no alternative but to close the pool. Unfortunately, Disney has to look out for the comfort of all of its guests, and in this case, after so many calls and complaints, the majority is going to rule, no matter how unfair it is. Had it just been just you and your family, then you could have probably stayed in the pool all night.

As for parental supervision, yes, for a kid under 12, it should be a given, but the problem is not with the majority of kids under 12, and teens need some time to blow of steam, too. Unfortunately, they are not yet mature enough to know when they are taking the noise level too far, but too mature to want or have Mommy and Daddy everywhere they are. And from the volume of the music they listen to, it is not surprising they can't tell what is really loud, and what isn't. What they consider quiet is loud to most people. If they don't realize they are being loud by other's standards, they will have a hard time quieting down, thereby forcing security to do the only thing they can, and close the pool.

Sorry you were inconvenienced.

 

[Gigashadow]

Yes "Inconsiderate" family's aggravate me terribly when you own kids keep saying "But They Are Doing It!!!!" - It tires me to keep mine that people just think they can do anything because they are ignorant or just have an attitude. A late night swim is always a great relax stop before going to the room for the night - Its a shame you had idiots ruin it for you.

On our last trip we had a "young couple" - Not much younger than myself drunkenly enjoying themselves in front of 2 other family's young children and mine for 3 nights in a row at the quiet pool. We all left pretty much right after they showed up each night, but on the last night, I couldn't hold it in anymore and offered them my room key to go and enjoy themselves in private and that if I wanted my kids (7 & 4) to watch a slutty hoarish display, I would have went to a $10 an hour motel. Needless to say, they left pretty fast after realising what asses they had made of themselves. Me a prude ? NOT by far, But I never displayed my business with people watching - as far as I know - hehe.

 

[allshookup]

thank you thank you for starting this thread! just the answer I was looking for. We made the mistake of staying at a Downtown Disney hotel this trip and one of the things that bothered me the most was the pool closing at 11:00 and strictly inforced by the grumpy security guard on patrol. This is when my family and I most love to take a dip, especially after just getting back from sweating all day at the parks. I thought for sure that the Disney pools never closed, but sister said that was impossible. Just reaffirms the fact that I am never staying off-site again!

 

[AllisonG]

Sorry to step on any toes, but:
I sneak down to the pool/hot tubs around mid-night pretty much every night, no matter what Disney resort we're staying.
I don't often see/hear too many loud/inconsiderate guests. But I know they do exist! And, yes, the do ruin it for the others.
I just need some quiet time away from the family. I leave all the sleeping bodies where they lay and sneak off for some soaky/swimmy time for Mommy.
One year I even bumped into a nice group of people my age. We talked/swam till 4 am, on more then one occassion. Security saw us and never said a word. We never got loud or unruly, but they saw us nevertheless.
I think if your gonna break the swimming pool rule, be quiet about it. Take too much advantage and get yourself kicked out.
I know alot of people don't agree with breaking any sort of rules. While some of us do. That's what makes us all different and the world go 'round.
But if the noise is so loud it's keeping you awake??!!! I'd call sercurity too!

 

[melomouse]

Thanks for starting the Thread!

I have a couple of thoughts -

By the time I reached Whispering Canyon for dinner after late checkin at WL last month, my son had been told 3 times - by valet parking, bell services and hostess, that the pool was open 24 hours a day! Impossible I said! Lifeguards go home at some hour!
This got my son thinking he could swim all night ( he's 10).

Of course, I will not allow the kids in the pool w/o lifeguards present. That's me - I don't swim! But these announcements of the unenforced policy did not make my parenting chores any easier. At 10, they get out the megaphone, close the water slide and tell folks to call 911 from the stands if there's an emergency.

I don't object to responsible parents like the original poster having her family enjoy late nights at poolside. I just use the rule of 10 PM closing to support my case as a parent, because I cannot effectively protect my kids.

A couple of nights, however, there were noisy preteens in the pool well past midnight. My kids were already asleep, so was my mom. I was sipping my drink and relaxing outside. I can't imagine how someone in an upper floor room - at this resort, at least, could be "disturbed" or kept awake with ceiling fans, AC, and double paned sliders as well as pretty substantial drapes. Eventually I came in and fell right to sleep.

Then we get into the it's "MY VACATION" stuff and everyone has very different needs, as we know. I think if the pool noises continued too much later, or looked(from my balcony), as if someone might get hurt, I would call security.

The point about respect for diversity was right on.

For goodness sake, lighten up. Or let's make Disney enforce one more of their "unenforced" rules.

 

[GEM]

But, it's not a rule. At least not at the WL. So, it's not that Disney doesn't enforce the pool closing rule, it's that there is no such rule. The pool does stay open 24 hours and anyone is welcome to use it at any time. The lifeguards go off duty at 10p.m., but the pool does not close down. So, what the CMs told your son about the pool being open 24 hours is correct. Sorry it made it hard for you, though. We've been swimming at midnight or later lots of times. Of course, we are always quiet and respectful of people who are trying to sleep.

 

[epcotfan]

Originally posted by SweetP


I have 2 issues and you may or may not agree and that's fine. But, first of all.......

I paid quite a bit of money to come to WDW and we made a special request to be near a pool, which after our first night they accommodated us. I can understand there are guest that may have kids that go to bed early or they may just want everything quiet. But, I suggest to those guest that maybe they request a room AWAY from the pool. There are those of us that like to swim late and make a conscious effort to keep quiet. When you have a group of kids playing in the pool sometimes they do get besides themselves and make to much noise. But that's what the pool is for. We're on West Coast time so we usually didn't get to slepp until 2am.

Other guests also paid a bit of money to come to WDW. I don't think those guests should have to move and lose the convenience of being near a quiet pool because other guests chose not to follow the stated rules. Not every guest can have their room requests met. Someone that doesn't want to be near a pool may be put there because nothing else is available. Also depending on the resort you stay at some rooms are closer to the quiet pools than others (CSR & All Stars for example) It isn't just the noise from the pool but the people walking from their rooms to get there and back.

At Coronado Springs the quiet pools close at 10. I think this is why they are called "quiet" pools. They are very close to guest rooms. They do however, keep the Digsite open until Midnight which happens to be away from the guest rooms.