Magic Band Access at pool?

[FortWildernessLoopy]

Is there Magic Band access only at the Meadow Pool yet? I know there are gates up, it would be nice if you could only access the pool using your Magic Band. It looked like that was the way all the pools were going, has it happened at the Fort yet?

 

[Sarah_Rose]

We were there last week and it was just the gates. No sign of Magic Band access at all. The handles on the gate are REALLY high up, so I assume it's just for safety.

 

[sirenia88]

I thought the really popular pools got the band check. I know this past April, it was band check when we were at the YBC's Stormalong Bay. They checked your band, you got tagged. If you didn't have a MB or resort ID, you were turned away. Nothing against the fort's pool but I don't see the crowds coming there unlike a Stormalong or another place like the AoA.

 

[peg110]

Nothing against the fort's pool but I don't see the crowds coming there unlike a Stormalong or another place like the AoA.

I think the appeal is that it's relatively easy access and easy to blend in at the Fort, whereas someone walking in the front door with their Swim trunks on and Towel might at least get a second look.

 

[sirenia88]

To each his own. I don't see the appeal. Access to the fort is a bit out of the way. It has it's own bus loop, there is really limited parking. Yes I can see the appeal but I don't know how people will see it is worth it. I know there has been a discussion on this in the past, I am really shocked the mouse has not gotten on board with a pool hopper option. Resort guests have priority and in some cases the only access on certain days.

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

I'm of the 'why can't people just go to the pool where they're staying?' frame of mind. i guess if a pool is the main attraction, I would just stay where I wanted and get a water parks pass. With the Fort, it's just too easy for locals to use. It's not other resort guests that are the issue. I just think magic band access makes the most sense but maybe in a bit, all the resorts will have them. From a purely CYA or liability point of view, it is probably best for Disney if they can make sure only guests are using the pool. Ah well, in time perhaps, I rarely go when it's really busy but for those who go on weekends or during the summer, just a few extra, non-resort guests can add up.

 

[peg110]

I am really shocked the mouse has not gotten on board with a pool hopper option. Resort guests have priority and in some cases the only access on certain days.

I don't see this EVER happening with the possible exception if they can CHARGE for it. Then they would have to charge a significant amount. If you think about it... I pay PREMIUM price to stay at the Polynesian (for example - because, I will not pay that much for the resort) and all of the sudden the pool (which is very nice) is inundated with folks from the All Star Resort. Not that there is anything bad about folks at the All Star, but it's a "Value" resort whereas Polynesian is Deluxe. So when I (or anyone) pays for "Deluxe" there is a certain expectation.

Value Resorts are "Value" for a reason. Less amenities, more crowded, smaller rooms, etc....

So to see a "pool hopper" (if it ever were to happen) I would foresee a price for it that is close to the difference between the resort you are paying for and the (higher end) resorts that you could go to. Otherwise, I don't see it happening at all. To be perfectly honest, I am okay with that too. If I want a more elaborate/exotic pool, I will pay for a water park.

 

[parrothead64]

Has nothing to do with pool hopping from other resorts, it is a problem with locals coming in and taking over the pool and grills in that area. They come on the busses and security lets them in. Go any summer weekend and it is a lot of people not staying there.

 

[sirenia88]

See the pool hopper would get every pool on the magic band train. PEG, I never said the mouse would be altruistic and offer as a freebie. Personally I didn't mind the band check. The pool was a huge factor in wanting to try the Yacht and Beach Club and well the access to Epcot for this last trip.

 

[peg110]

PEG, I never said the mouse would be altruistic and offer as a freebie.

Oh, I know..... NOTHING is free there. I suppose my point is, is that it would be too cost prohibitive for them to really offer something like that, or the rules and policies would be so complex that it would be a nightmare to implement.

Would it be nice though? Sure.

 

[littlejoe]

Our Disney Family has been staying at Fort Wilderness for over 20yrs. After going there for so long, you get to know the feel of people, and it was our suspicion that each year more and more non property guests were using the pools.

This year however ther

 

[Sunshine873]

Still no magic band required at the Meadow Trading Post pool. The pool is super crowded, it can't afford any "extra" guests.

 

[Cosmic]

I suspect Disney would think, "If you want a nicer pool, there are the water parks."

 

[littlejoe]

For some reason my previous message was cut short. As I was saying this year it was quite obvious there were no n guests. Both pools were packed and I saw and heard two differant groups talking about when family or friends would get off of work and pick them up, they had coolers and back packs and were set for the day.

They need to implement the band program to keep non guests out