Poll : Should all WDW and DVC Resortsa go with a wrist band system for the pool areas

[JimMIA]

... and the flagrant abuse of bringing in unregistered guests at WDW?

I have to agree with Tim on this part of your OP. Unless there is a prohibition against non-guests visiting DVC resorts (and I'm under the impression it's perfectly okay), I don't see how any "unregistered guest abuse" could exist.

The resorts are obviously open to anyone for dining, shopping, exploring, visiting the spa, visiting DVC sales offices for tours, etc. I don't think Disney should want to prohibit any of that, unless they've just completely taken leave of their senses.

The pools are a different matter, but I also think it's a different situation if someone is visiting a registered guest and using the pool, as opposed to just getting off the bus and going to the pool. I'm sure there is a lot of both going on.

 

[Chuck S]

I voted "no". While I think the need for a wristband system may indeed exist at some DVC resorts (VB, as it is more open to the public, and of course SAB, which already has a system in place), I just don't see it being a huge problem at OKW and some of the other WDW resorts. Apparently if Disney has seen a true need at a particular resort, then they have put protections in place. BTW, all CMs can check room keys if the need arises anywhere, and they do during the really busy seasons.

Also, wristbands aren't free. Let's say that they decide to change colors everyday...or to svae CM time, simply use the same color, but have them imprinted with resort name. Figuring 25¢ per band, plus CM time to order them, distribute, check them and fence each pool, estimate a cost of a minimum of $1 per room per day, figuring replacement cost for those that use then dispose of the writbands, then have to get new ones, maintenance on the fence, etc. So SSR would be $800 per day to implement this program, or...hmm...$292K per year. Even half that would be $140K per year...could that $$ be better spent elsewhere?

 

[JimMIA]

The first part of Chuck's post also reminds me of a refrain we hear very frequently here, and it's probably a better way to stop abuse than wristbands.

"If you see what you think is a problem, tell somebody right then." We can't expect DVC to enforce anything at any resort (or correct housekeeping issues, or fix a messed up ressie request, or deal with a less-than-Magical CM, etc, etc.) if we don't tell them about it.

For example, I haven't actually seen the kind of abuse Dumbo71 is talking about. But I have seen people going down to the pools early in the AM and spreading out towels so they'll have a nice pool lounge when they return from the theme parks at 4 PM. Whenever I see that, I just go ask a lifeguard if it's okay -- and of course they tell me no, it's not. So then I say, "Well, I guess they were saving that lounge for me then!" The lifeguards always laugh and say yes. I tell them good, because if there is an issue, I'm going to send the person who left the towel back to them for resolution. That does two things -- it gives me a perfect answer if I'm confronted (only happened once, and it was FUN! ), and it also puts the lifeguard on notice that DVC members know the rules they are supposed to be enforcing...in a nice way, of course.

(BTW, I don't care if there are 100 empty pool lounges, I always take one with a towel on it. They're better -- there's a reason why someone tried to save that particular pool lounge. Plus, you get an extra towel. )

A lot of the problems we like to whine about here could be corrected over time if we'd just take a moment to tell someone about them.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

VWL does have a problem. It used to be just the theme pool but its spilled over to the DVC pool too.

I have a couple of ideas to help. No need for wrist bands all of the time. The majority of the year it wouldn't be a problem in most locations. Memorial Day to mid August probably should have a wrist band patrol on all of the pools with slides at least in the afternoons. The rest of the year the resorts could share two or three teams Friday through Monday. Where they'll pop up nobody knows. After a couple years of that Disney could pull back during the summer to random wrist band squads.

 

[dumbo71]

I have to agree with Tim on this part of your OP. Unless there is a prohibition against non-guests visiting DVC resorts (and I'm under the impression it's perfectly okay), I don't see how any "unregistered guest abuse" could exist.

The resorts are obviously open to anyone for dining, shopping, exploring, visiting the spa, visiting DVC sales offices for tours, etc. I don't think Disney should want to prohibit any of that, unless they've just completely taken leave of their senses.

The pools are a different matter, but I also think it's a different situation if someone is visiting a registered guest and using the pool, as opposed to just getting off the bus and going to the pool. I'm sure there is a lot of both going on.

Jim and Tim,

I concede on this part of the post. I don't have a problem with an owner having guests over.

The ABUSE is where I draw the line. VWL, BWV and soon SSR all have problems with this. OKW being so remote is the only DVC I can think of that wouldn't benefit from the wrist band system.

Thanks for the votes and the posts.

p.s. I like the removal of towels idea but how do you know that the person hasn't just went in for a bite to eat? Do you wait a while before removal?

 

[dumbo71]

I voted "no". While I think the need for a wristband system may indeed exist at some DVC resorts (VB, as it is more open to the public, and of course SAB, which already has a system in place), I just don't see it being a huge problem at OKW and some of the other WDW resorts. Apparently if Disney has seen a true need at a particular resort, then they have put protections in place. BTW, all CMs can check room keys if the need arises anywhere, and they do during the really busy seasons.

Also, wristbands aren't free. Let's say that they decide to change colors everyday...or to svae CM time, simply use the same color, but have them imprinted with resort name. Figuring 25¢ per band, plus CM time to order them, distribute, check them and fence each pool, estimate a cost of a minimum of $1 per room per day, figuring replacement cost for those that use then dispose of the writbands, then have to get new ones, maintenance on the fence, etc. So SSR would be $800 per day to implement this program, or...hmm...$292K per year. Even half that would be $140K per year...could that $$ be better spent elsewhere?

Thanks for the vote Chuck. The cost is certainly an issue to consider. The resort that currently uses it is BCV. Does BCV have higher dues than the other DVC's attached to a hotel like VWL and BWV? If so, then maybe the difference has to do with the wrist bands. It would then become an issue if that expense is worth it.

I would still vote yes. Pool hoppers and crashers have ruined VWL stays in the past for our family. That pool is a little small to begin with. Add in the uninvited and it is way too much.

 

[CarolMN]

Don't need wristbands, IMHO.

If the resorts really cared about this issue (I don't think they do), all they really need is for the pool CMs/Lifeguards to make an announcement every so often during the busy periods. "Just reminding everyone that the pool is for registered guests of the resort. We'll be walking around checking for room keys" (No need to clutter up the announcement by listing the exceptions - they and the DVC members know the exceptions).

I for one wouldn't mind seeing a few people packing up to leave. The word would get out and there would be less of a problem.

FWIW, I agree that BWV and VWL currently have the worst problem.

Best wishes -

P.S. to Jim - I also think it is nice to find a clean, fresh towel on the lounge chairs, but so far no one has ever tried to tell me the chair I chose belonged to them.

 

[tjkraz]

Is it safe to assume you voted no?

Actually I don't have a real problem with it. Tens-of-thousands of owners at a single resort sharing the costs of wristbands plus one CM to handle pool security isn't going to break the bank.

I guess the thing that's most curious to me is that Disney has never expanded such a program beyond SAB. It seems like they would have a vested interest in 1) Making sure that guests who paid a premium price for a deluxe resort have the best experience possible, and 2) remove what is essentially an incentive to buy cheaper accommodations and just use the amenities of a better resort. Obviously Disney doesn't mind if people visit the restaurants, recreation services and gift shops of other resorts because those visits all lead directly to additional revenue. But when FW people are using the WL pool, Disney gains nothing. In fact they may lost WL guests who are dissatisfied with the overall experience.

My guess is that the wristbands were originally instituted at SAB to keep people from hopping to SAB rather than paying $35 per day for waterpark admission. So there something of a direct financial incentive there. But I would have no objections to expanding the program elsewhere.

 

[sheryl0521]

Instead of bands... why not gated entry that requires a room key to get in the pool area?

My thought exactly. The gated entry at Vero seemed to work very well. People walking down the beach didn't even try to venture towards the resort as it is prominently displayed that it is room key access only.

 

[JimMIA]

p.s. I like the removal of towels idea but how do you know that the person hasn't just went in for a bite to eat? Do you wait a while before removal?

Aha! Now we're getting to the heart of the matter!

The answer is, you just know. Lounge saving towels will be neat. Also, usually someone who has stepped away for a minute will leave behind a bunch of stuff -- beach bag, kids, sandals...something. Pool lounge predators will leave nothing but a towel. The towels will also usually be on the primo lounges on the pool deck...which is the part I really like about taking them.

Carol -- I have only been confronted once, but I think there are two ways to respond. The proper response, seems to me, depends on the size and beligerance of the other party.

The non-confrontational way is to just say, "Oh gee...there wasn't any towel here when I sat down." What are they going to say to that?

Personally, what I did was tell the person I checked with the lifeguard and found out that the signs around the pool are indeed correct, and saving lounges is prohibited...so I sat down. I was prepared to tell her I'd be glad to move if the lifeguard told me to, but she just said, "Oh." and walked away.

 

[BeccaG]

I was very intrigued by this thread, because although I have not yet visited my "home" I already feel a strong sense of protection over it! However the poll answer responses confuse me. Are we asking about wristbands for the pool, or the entire resort? I have been to WDW before and you can pretty much walk onto any resort to visit the restaurants etc., so I have no idea how you would monitor this! So, I would not mind wristbands for the pool but as mentioned by others, am unsure of the practicality!

 

[tjkraz]

Personally I would take wristbands over gates. The wristbands would be a perfect solution IF administered properly. Gates, not so much. Nobody is ever going to slam the gate in the face of another family walking close behind--99% of people would politely hold the gate open without asking to see ID.

And I think anyone who is agressive enough to hop into a resort now will pick up on that quite quickly. With the type of traffic you see in and out of pool areas at the larger resorts, there's always someone coming or going. It's just a matter of timing.

Gates would also take something away from the appearance. I'm most familiar with SSR, OKW and BWV and the pool areas are all nicely integrated into the surrounding architecture. I couldn't imagine those resort areas tarnished by a 4' high wrought iron fence.

If they are building a substantial pool complex to AKV as has been reported, hopefully they'll have the foresight to design it in such a way that gates are included. But from an aesthetic standpoint, I wouldn't want to see any of the existing resorts retrofitted with unsightly fencing--particularly since I don't believe it would be an effective deterrent.

 

[TeresaNJ]

That depends... who's paying for it?

Instead of bands... why not gated entry that requires a room key to get in the pool area?

I think this is a great idea. This way, if you have a guest visiting, they can come in with you to the pool area, but still keep out the pool crashers. Although, when I'm staying at a resort other than DVC, sometimes I still like to go to VWL, get a drink, and read my book while sitting at a table by the lake. Would this keep me out?

 

[cdmickey]

I think I would be more amicable to gated (carded) entry as well. Any system, is only going to keep the honest people honest anyway. I think the best way, would be the most transparent way. Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt would be the way to go. Let's keep this fun place fun.

 

[tjkraz]

I think I would be more amicable to gated (carded) entry as well. Any system, is only going to keep the honest people honest anyway.

How would a dishonest person subvert a system that required presentation of valid room keys to obtain a wristband?

I think the best way, would be the most transparent way. Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt would be the way to go.

That's what we have now. I don't think it's any great mystery that people shouldn't be use a pool at a resort they aren't paying to stay at. Yet apparently the honor system isn't working. I don't see a keyed gate as having the tiniest bit of impact on the problem.

 

[Beca]

I don't see a keyed gate as having the tiniest bit of impact on the problem.

Although I am not opposed to gates, I don't see them curbing the problem nearly as well as wristbands, either. I know they have these in DL, and they do seem to have some effect (at least, they are a visual reminder that you should NOT be in that area unless you key gets you in), I honestly think (yes, I am a cynic here) that most pool crashers know what they are doing is wrong, and do it out of some warped sense of entitlement (i.e. "the rules don't apply to me"). I believe most would just follow people in and out of the gates. I do think having CM's check id's and give wristbands is the BEST deterrent...it just needs to be administered consistently and in an effective manner. When WDW changed the rules to no longer allow pool-hopping, they should've enforced this rule change then. Now, there are WDW guests who have been pool-hopping for YEARS and are not about to stop. Once again, WDW just needs to begin enforcing the rules they create. As far as how this affects DVC properties, we own DEEDS to a property where we were promised that pool-hopping is not allowed....DVC needs to make sure that promise is kept.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I think gates would prevent a "borderline" honest family from waiting for the gate to open and sneaking in. The sort of family who has always gone to a pool they werent registered for without a problem and chooses to think that its okay. In order to subvert the gate you'd have to embrace the fact that you are breaking the rules, some people are rule benders not rule breakers. However I think random enforcement on theme pools would serve to drive the message home over time without the expense of a permanent installation like gates operated by room keys.

I think I'd go with the gates for some of the quiet pools at the deluxe and DVC resorts and wrist bands for the theme pools. Key word is some.

The problem Disney has is that Orlando is experiencing zero unemployment. What would they have to pay in order to even have the floating team I have in mind let alone a dedicated staff for each hotel with a theme pool?

 

[tjkraz]

I think gates would prevent a "borderline" honest family from waiting for the gate to open and sneaking in. The sort of family who has always gone to a pool they werent registered for without a problem and chooses to think that its okay.

I still think it takes an awful lot of pre-meditated planning to pool hop. Most people don't just happen to leave their hotel room with swimsuits, sunblock, towels, etc.

And, more than anything, I hate what fences would do to the area from an aesthetic standpoint. At a resort like OKW the pool is pretty much out in the open so it might not be a big deal. But at SSR, the pool is completely surrounded by resort buildings (spa, restaurant, arcade, pool bar, etc.) I can't imagine trying to wedge a gated entrance in that space.

 

[Chuck S]

I can't imagine them fencing the pool area, even at OKW, as the wheelchair & ECV access to the DVC Ferry boat is through that area. And tjkraz said it nicer, but it would be an eyesore.

 

[Anewman]

I wanted to vote no, but the reasoning listed in the poll does not reflect my reasoning. So I differed.