looking for all the dirt on SAB...

[boston-yachter]

hey guys...
I'm looking for all the dirt on SAB...
from the great sand bottom to the chair "hoggers" please post your tips and experiences...
This pool is very over whelming...and I still can't seem to find a good description of the layout of the pool...or even to go further...the pool itself...
I've seen servral pictures...and they're mainly pics of pieces of the pool...obviously they would have to be..as its a 3 acre pool...I've seen some overview shots...but there confusing...lol

I'm sorry if this is a repeditive thread....I did do a search...and couldn't find any good "dirt"...

I'd really like the help...I know this is only a pool...but thats where were spending the majority of our time at the resort...and since were disney experts..we'll have many afternoons to spend at the resort...

Thank you!

 

[cherylcat]

Another question... Are there buckets and shovels to play with or should we bring our own?

Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[epcotfan]

I quite enjoyed the pool. Lots of variety in the various areas. It was fun swimming from one end to the other. There are some small waterfalls. There is also a neat area that bubbles like a whirlpool. I did find the pool chairs area to be quite crowded. There are some deep spots but they aren't that big. I think (from what I recall) there was an area that was about 8 feet deep. There is a sandy beach area for little kids. I would suggest bringing your own sand pails or purchasing them there. You will need resort ID to swim so make sure you have a waterproof pouch or container to store your room key while you swim. I really liked the drinks at Hurricane Hannahs. They make great Pina Coladas!

 

[ducklite]

They don't provide sand toys, you'll need to provide your own.

I also want to point out that you DON'T need a waterproof pouch for room keys. getting them wet doesn't affect them in the least. My DH always tucks his into the pocket of his suit and swims with it there with no problems at all.

Anne

 

[boston-yachter]

thanks for the quick info...
are there any quiet places to sit...with our getting swamped by dads with the strollers and tons of people...
I'm sure the hot stops go fast...but I'm gunna need to walk off that kitchen sink...

Also...is it one huge pool...or a group of pools?

thank you again...

 

[ducklite]

There are three seperate pools. The kiddie pool, the pool with the lazy river, and the main pool where the slide comes out, which also includes the "whirlpool" area (not to be confused with the whirlpool spas which are seperate).

Parts of the main pool and lazy river pool are 8-12 feet deep. I don't think any part of those two are less than three feet deep.

Anne

 

[MdmMim]

Regarding pails/shovels, while at SAB in Feb., I thought Hurricane Hanna's served kids' lunches in plastic pails with shovels. Maybe that option would work!

 

[uncle al]

There are a couple of spots that are quite & not "well traveled" by the strollers. Let's see if I can explain where they are. First, all of these directions assume you have just finished that Kitchen Sink & are ready for the pool (you should probably first go the pool & stake out the spot - if you wait too long it will be gone).

If you look in the direction of Hurricane Hannah's - that would be directly in front of you and slightly to the right (say 12:30 to 1:00 on a clock) just to the left and in front of HH is the pool gift shop & floats/tubes rental - you will see a set of stairs leading to a deck on top of the shop (there is a trellis- not covered). This is a good quite spot. The servers will come up there as well - just find one & tell them where you are (if you are so inclined & this is important to you).

Again, looking at HH (and your recently discovered spot) - behind the gift shop and to it's left there is a little beach area that is near the area where the "bubbles" are. Nice little secluded area with lounge chairs.

All of the chairs fill up quickly, of course. Much has been written on these boards and others re: the chair hogs. A CM advised me at the end of our last visit that if the chair is occupied by towels only and has been empty for sometime (use your judgement as to what "sometime" means) feel free to move those towels and take a chair. Now, I intend on using this advice on our visit next week. I will consult with a CM prior to doing it & will try my best to be polite if confronted by the chair hog upon its return. But I think with the CM blessing and my politeness all should be well. Use this advice at your risk.

As far as toys, I'm sure you can purchase at the gift shop - bring your own is what I suggest. You can rent tubes & floats there very reasonably priced. They also have other pool toys that can be purchased. One of the things that I think is really cool is that in the afternoon one of the CM's comes out and has "organized" games for the kids. It is mostly throwing & catching a big beach ball & getting blasted with one of those oversized squirt guns - but hey, everybody seems to be having fun!

Hope I helped. Have fun!

 

[colleen costello]

We always have a ball at this pool. BCV is not even my favorite resort, but we will stay there regularly because of this wonderful pool. There's lots to explore, and different areas to keep you busy. The hardest thing is keeping track of your kids as the pools twist and turn so much.

DO bring your own pool toys if you can. The price for rentals/ purchase is simply outrageous. There is a child's meal at Hurricane Hannah's and for an extra dollar or two, the meal includes a cookie and comes in a small pail with a shovel. There will be millions of these pails around, as well as some small kids fighting over which pail is theirs (even thought they are identical).

A concern at this pool is the kids. Some areas are shallow and some are quite deep and if a child can't read, they can't realize this. If you have a child who is not a swimmer, definitely force them into a lifevest. I have seen the lifeguards fish a lot of little kids out of the water, because the child jumped accidently into a deep area. My little guy is 5 and he wears the lifevest the whole time. This way if I lose track of him for a few minutes, he is safe.

The lifeguards are very good. They rotate spots and really keep an eye on the water, especially the lazy river area as the water here is quite deep. My favorite area is the shallow pool surrounded by sand. It's a wonderful little beach unto itself, and we usually find chairs here and the kids will play for hours.

Have fun!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Just to be clear, are we allowed to use our own float rings and vests at SAB? I will purchase the pails and shovels at the $ Store. We already have the rings and vests.
We will Stay at BC labor day weekend for 2 nights before moving to the CR.
What is the large Pirate Ship and Slide that sits on the beach? Is that part of SAB?
Also, how do they check I.D.? I did not notice one point of entry. Is it just have it available should they ask, or do you have to show it more than once. Do I need to have my key on my person or is it once shown I can put it away? We like to travel light to the pools and I won't have pockets so I will need to bring a pouch or bag to keep my key in. I know it will be fairly crowded that weekend. I have no objections to the policy, just want to be informed.
We are staying mainly for the pool also and always visit B&C each trip so I am really looking forward to being a guest.

Does SAB take the place of a waterpark visit for some or would you still do both?
Thanks for a thread that is right on time!

 

[uncle al]

Sure, you are allowed to use your own floats & tubes, etc. The pirate ship on the beach side is actually the location where you enter the water slide. You climb a set of stairs and the tube is actually the slide - it crosses the walkway and empties into the side of the pool (it would be the Epcot side of the pool). Also on that side is the bubbling whirlpool & the "swirling water" (that's we call it).

They do check your resort I.D. - you will not have to show it more than once per day - provided you don't loose your little armband (the color of which changes each day). If you keep your armband on you can come & go as you please on that day. On the next day, on your first visit, you will need your i.d. again. You get the picture, right?

As far as visiting a water park - that's up to you. We sometimes do, I don't know if I would go as far as to say that SAB "takes the place" of a water park - what I would say is that SAB is a super pool with more than what is typically available in pools - the slide, the sinking sand, the bubbling whirlpool, the "swirling water", the waterfall that you can swim under. I would say that a visit to a water park would certainly not be redundant, and would depend on your desire for those extras that come with a water park.

Don't worry too much - you'll fall right in with the procedures & the CMs very helpful if you get confused or if you have questions. Have fun and enjoy!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Just the info I was looking for. You are indeed a Welcomed Guest! And with details like that, a soon to be Vet.

I was wondering how they controlled pool access as people moved about freely when we visited.

That must be one heck of a ride on that water slide! Don't know if I'm brave enough. We will definitely bring our gear and enjoy our stay. Now I hope the weather is nice.

The pool is great looking, and last month on our walk to B&C my little one almost jumped in. He will be thrilled!

Thanks for the comparison to the water parks. I need a good argument for my husband as that will surely be his defense in not visiting the WP this time. I'll just tell him.... Uncle Al said......

 

[wendyq]

I don't think it's been mentioned here, but it is my understanding that a child cannot use a life vest while using the big slide at SAB because it is a tube and might get stuck in the tube. Also, it is said to be deep at the water entry point and you also are not allowed to stand there to catch your little one.
Just a consideration if you have a non-swimmer.

 

[skiwee1]

You can purchase shovels and pails at the resort gift shops. They are far from outrageous as the going price is quite low. We paid $1.97 for a set this past May! What many do at the Poly I've noticed is leave them on the beach for others to play with when they are leaving. At under $2 it is easily affordable!

 

[Kallison]

Are there any restrictions on tubes? Do they have to be clear or see through or doesn't it matter?

 

[uncle al]

I have sen all different colors and clear tubes - they're aren't restrictive in that regard. The previous post on the slide & wearing a vest is correct as well as the note regarding waiting at the end of the slide. There is a rope seperating that area and no one is allowed on the "slide side"of that rope, however, ther is a life guard whose sole responsibility (it seems) is to watch the sliders.

 

[K9pal]

Stupid question about the lazy river - should we bring tubes or something for this, or can you just float around it without any?
Thanks!

 

[uncle al]

Yes, you can do either. The water is deep, but it is still possible. As was previously stated, you can rent floats & tubes for the day.

 

[pnelson]

Does anyone know when SAB closes in December? I get a different answer every time. I've heard 6 o'clock and 10 o'clock. It would be fun to swim at night???

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by uncle al
I have sen all different colors and clear tubes - they're aren't restrictive in that regard.

Uncle Al--FYI I was told by one of the lifeguards that they are doing away with all the old yellow tubes, and from a certain point only clear tubes will be allowed in SAB as they are safer--the guards can see the water under the tube. This will also apply to anything brought from home to use--not noodles of course.

Anne