Non-members blatantly using facilities

[spiceycat]

(e) make interlopers ride Small World 65 times in a row.

hey that is a lawsuit.

talk about cruel punishment.

 

[wen-tom]

We experienced this at SSR a few weeks ago.

a large group of very loud guests taking up 2 areas of the pool, one on loungers, one on chairs undercover - talking very loudly about how they had to go to the supermarket on their way to their condo!

SSR pool was very busy and some days there were no loungers at all - we had to walk to one of the quiet pools when the main pool was our nearest to find a chair.

i reported this to disney when i got home and they called to apologise but it didn't sound like they intended to do much about it!

It made me really angry

 

[tfc3rid]

I doubt there is much they can and will do about it unfortunately. With the sheer amount of people coming and going from property I am shocked more people don't do it...

That being said, when Disney installed the gate access to every resortI thought it was a great idea. That way, it would prevent people from taking advantage of the theme park access... To some degree it has been successful...

For pools, it's not just a DVC vs. non-DVC resort issue. I would say it is a resort-wide problem. However, the staff on hand poolside are probably less willing to deal with this type of situation unless it is blatantly overwhelming or preventing some guests from fully enjoying their stay. I know that my groups in the past have handled this on a case by case basis...

As for fairness, it isn't fair for those of us who pay DVC or pay off the rack rates for accomodations...

 

[spiceycat]

We experienced this at SSR a few weeks ago.

a large group of very loud guests taking up 2 areas of the pool, one on loungers, one on chairs undercover - talking very loudly about how they had to go to the supermarket on their way to their condo!

SSR pool was very busy and some days there were no loungers at all - we had to walk to one of the quiet pools when the main pool was our nearest to find a chair.

i reported this to disney when i got home and they called to apologise but it didn't sound like they intended to do much about it!

It made me really angry

in that situation complain just as loud - about the 'free loaders - who think the world owes them something' - most decent people then will leave.

if they still won't go - definitely go to (or call) the front desk and tell them to please ask the security to come to the pool and remove the non-resort guests.

then you taking Disney out of the decision. If they security guards don't come in around 5 to 10 minutes - call the front desk back and DEMAND to speak to the manager. He/she will send the security guards.

most of the lifeguards don't have the training to deal with people who are taking advantage. but the security guards do.

don't worry about them coming over to fight you. Disney can and does stop any visitors who fights from coming back to their PARKS for their lifetime.

 

[drusba]

We experienced this at SSR a few weeks ago.

a large group of very loud guests taking up 2 areas of the pool, one on loungers, one on chairs undercover - talking very loudly about how they had to go to the supermarket on their way to their condo!

SSR pool was very busy and some days there were no loungers at all - we had to walk to one of the quiet pools when the main pool was our nearest to find a chair. :

This raises something not discussed yet to which I do not really know the range of possible answers. How do non-WDW guests get in SSR to get to the pool. I know how the resort is set up and the pool is not something you really want to walk to from somewhere outside the property (or at least I am too lazy to do so). There is a gated entrance, and though I have not stayed at SSR, I go over often to the golf course and the guard always checks to make sure I am supposed to be there. I assume if the person is staying at a Disney resort, they may let them in if they ask to do a look-around, but what do you think the non-Disney people are doing to get into SSR to get to the pool.

At BWV, the set-up makes it very difficult to keep people out. There is a gated front entrance where people can be prevented from entering, but they do not even need to con their way in because there is an overflow parking lot across the street from the front entrance at BWV which anyone can use, and walk right in from there.

 

[spiceycat]

with ssr - just said wanted to see the models and was let in.

he asked to see my ID - but that was all. no asking for the dvc member card or even resort ID.

 

[zumfelde]

I doubt there is much they can and will do about it unfortunately. With the sheer amount of people coming and going from property I am shocked more people don't do it...

That being said, when Disney installed the gate access to every resortI thought it was a great idea. That way, it would prevent people from taking advantage of the theme park access... To some degree it has been successful...

For pools, it's not just a DVC vs. non-DVC resort issue. I would say it is a resort-wide problem. However, the staff on hand poolside are probably less willing to deal with this type of situation unless it is blatantly overwhelming or preventing some guests from fully enjoying their stay. I know that my groups in the past have handled this on a case by case basis...

As for fairness, it isn't fair for those of us who pay DVC or pay off the rack rates for accomodations...

Disney CAN stop this by using wristbands at all pools. Must show a room key to receive the wrist band. Other resorts do this all the time. We just have to let Disney know we expect them to fix this problem.

 

[TangaroaTiki]

We just stayed at BCV last week and spent one day at SAB. While we were there a large group of kids ages approx 18-23 were loudly splashing and causing a scene for about an hour, none of them had wristbands and no one questioned them! It was a little irritating

 

[GRUMPY1967]

Disney CAN stop this by using wristbands at all pools. Must show a room key to receive the wrist band. Other resorts do this all the time. We just have to let Disney know we expect them to fix this problem.

Gate the pool area with key only enterance like DGC and report non memebers or guest..

 

[dvc_john]

Something that some of the Marriott timeshares do is this:

They don't have towels at the pool, but rather put a supply of pool towels in each room. People just take them to the pool, and return them to the room. A policy like this at Disney would solve, or at least diminish, some of the problems:

Pool crashers would have no resort issued towels, and would tend to stand out
Towel wear and tear would be reduced
Towel laundry would be reduced
Towel theft would be reduced
Better quality towels could be used
Towels would be removed from chairs when people left, rather than left on chairs, and newcomers not knowing if a chair was used or vacated

They could use a different colored towel for each resort, which would also indicate if the Disney resort guest has pool hopping privileges or not
eg solid color towels for the hotels, each hotel a different color
striped towels for DVC resorts, each resort a different color

 

[Quiksilvr]

Disney CAN stop this by using wristbands at all pools. Must show a room key to receive the wrist band. Other resorts do this all the time. We just have to let Disney know we expect them to fix this problem.

Agreed. A solution like this would definitely cut down on the problems. The problem is that it will cost money to do it (personnel and other resources). Like any other large public company, if Disney isn't required to spend money on something they won't.

I haven't witnessed this sort of mess but I'm not surprised that it happens. A lot of people think they can get through life via deceit and by trying to intimidate those who stand in their way. It's a sad comment on our society that these individuals are largely successful. I think it's because so many people are non-confrontational. These "interlopers" know that if they talk loud and tough enough that most people will back down because they don't want a confrontation. It's funny that most people are all bark and no bite. I really doubt that there are many people packing heat at WDW. That said, I would call the CMs first and ask questions later.

 

[spiceycat]

Something that some of the Marriott timeshares do is this:

They don't have towels at the pool, but rather put a supply of pool towels in each room. People just take them to the pool, and return them to the room. A policy like this at Disney would solve, or at least diminish, some of the problems:

the value resort do this - not a different color - the towel is the same as bathroom towels.

you just ask housekeeping for more towels if you need them.

that may be a problem with DVC - members would have to wash them if necessary.

 

[BroganMc]

Something that some of the Marriott timeshares do is this:

I prefer the Disney way of distributing towels actually. With Marriott we're forever calling about towels. Housekeeping forgets to replenish the entire allotment. Not to mentiona at Disney the lifeguards will pick up your towels if you leave your chair for too long. So I can see towels disappearing pretty quickly. And I have been known to use an extra towel on my wheelchair for transporting back to my room to change.

Not to mention, when staying in a studio not having towels at the pool and having to clean and replenish the ones from your room is a no-go.

 

[COACHSTING]

I think it's pretty simple. The violators are breaking the law. It's called TRESPASSING. All is takes is to have a Disney rep. ask them to leave. If they refuse, the police should be called. I don't know why I have read so many threads about how members (also known as property owners) are reluctant to exercise their rights. If it bothers you, speak up. Otherwise it will be condoned and therefore encouraged.

I think No Trespassing signs might be a little tacky.

I do understand that some people want to avoid confrontations over safety concerns.

 

[Sammie]

I love it when you pop back in from time to time, Sammie. Welcome Home.

Lately work keeps interfering with my DIS time, don't you just hate when that happens.

Gate the pool area with key only enterance like DGC and report non memebers or guest

I do wonder why this is acceptable at this location but not at the Florida locations?

We just have to let Disney know we expect them to fix this problem.

This truly is the solution. When I ask Disney friends about the situation, they say truly very few people complain about it.

Emails everyone. membersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[drusba]

with ssr - just said wanted to see the models and was let in.

he asked to see my ID - but that was all. no asking for the dvc member card or even resort ID.

Okay, I can see the problem now. A big dent at places like SSR or OKW could be made by making front gate security be front gate security, e.g., verify you are staying there or are there for a legitimate reason. However, that appears undoable at SSR right now. As long as the DVC models are at SSR, they have to essentially let anyone in who says they are going to see them and that is an easy way for an interloper to lie and get access to the pool.

 

[Moeluv4u7]

I like dvcjohn's suggestion- That and a gate that is accessed by roomkey only or something that is more failsafe- This is among one of the questions I asked our Guide before we made our downpayment and he said that a wristband is given to poolgoers- it lets them know which resort and if you are able to be there or not (i.e. Uzima and Stormalong not pool hoppable if not a resort guest to that specific resort) He also said if a poolgoer is seen w/o a wristband they are asked in a very "Disney-way" to leave- That gave me some feeling of assurity- Now as this post is going on- What do you think DVC would say to losing someone as a member due to no specific policies on "interlopers" as a few of you have begun to call them- It is already going to be a task I am sure to get a good spot at the pools- if a nice relaxing spot at all by all other resort guests who are paying guests as well as DVCers- I am not looking forward to paying annual maint/dues to have to compete w/ general public to have a good time! I think I am e-mailing that link and am calling my guide before I send my paperwork in- Not a total decisionmaker here for us but a definite let down I must say! I am also one to speak up but that is not something you expect to put up w/ while on Vacation!
Just my 2 cents...

 

[wildernessDad]

I would have told a CM, but would not have confronted the, so called, guest.

 

[Dean]

Not to mentiona at Disney the lifeguards will pick up your towels if you leave your chair for too long. So I can see towels disappearing pretty quickly.

This is actually part of the beauty of the resorts that leave towels in the room or let you check them out, they often charge you if you lose them including if they are confiscated because one leaves them too long (usually 2 hours unattended). Not all Marriott's handle it the same way though. Each system has it's pluses and minuses. We were at a resort in TN recently where they have them at the pool but you are not supposed to take them away from the pool, a pain if you're wet.

 

[blondietink]

Anyone could park at DTD and take the boat over to SS, OKW, etc. and use the pools without even having to go through any security. OOPS, I might have given some people new ideas.