Pool at Poly is such a let down!

[1971DBday]

I like your more passive approach.

Someone posted a short video on Tikiman's FB page last night. It shows that the RFID lock on at least one of the gates is operational again.

And again, I have to ask, why would Disney go to the trouble of installing locks that require the user to be a guest at the Poly in order to gain entrance if the fence's only purpose is for safety? If the fence is in place just to keep everyone out when the pool is closed, then there was no need to have the RFID reader on the gates. They could simply unlock the gates at opening and lock them again at closing. This seems to me to be Disney's passive approach to discouraging non-resort guests from entering the pool area.

Let's face the reality it's for safety and security, including pool hopping. Pool hopping has been a major complaint of guests staying at this resort. Just like SAB if they did not have a system in place there would be a lot of pool hoppers.

As for the MB access, Disney like any business is looking for long term solutions to minimize costs including staffing. I was not a fan of the staff member at SAB because if you had a disorganized group ahead of you, you were waiting as they dug around I their multiple bags for their room IDs. Not sure if they've moved over to MB since its been almost 2 years since we stayed there.

By the way, gate system from what I heard at Art of Animation too. No jabs there?

 

[huntconn]

I think this fence is nice and has full potential with the landscape maturing and blending with the fence. Many areas in Disney start out looking similar until the landscape start to mature.

I think this is a good observation. Hopefully the landscaping will mature and improve the appearance of the pool area. The plant life at the Poly has always been amazing!

 

[pamkat1820]

I have seen a few threads like this and it seems like the people who r offended by the gates are the ppl who did not pay to stay at the resort. We r staying at the poly in August for the first time and we can wait. I like the idea of the gates. I don't feel that I am better than anyone because I'm staying at a deluxe resort but honestly I am a paying guest and if you are not then I dont see the reason for a non paying guest to be in the pool area. It clearly states the pools are for resort guests only then the only reason in my eyes anyone who be put out over a fence is that they want to swim there and now they really can't. I'm not staying at the yacht club this year I would not even consider the pool area as an option but we r planning a night of hanging out around the lake and walking over to the boardwalk area, in the areas that are for non paying guest.

 

[Marionnette]

Let's face the reality it's for safety and security, including pool hopping. Pool hopping has been a major complaint of guests staying at this resort. Just like SAB if they did not have a system in place there would be a lot of pool hoppers.

As for the MB access, Disney like any business is looking for long term solutions to minimize costs including staffing. I was not a fan of the staff member at SAB because if you had a disorganized group ahead of you, you were waiting as they dug around I their multiple bags for their room IDs. Not sure if they've moved over to MB since its been almost 2 years since we stayed there.

By the way, gate system from what I heard at Art of Animation too. No jabs there?

Not making any "jabs". Just pointing out that those who think the fence is only serving as a safety measure are ignoring that you need to use MBs specific to the resort to enter any resort feature pool with a fence.

 

[Disneymomma0783]

I have seen a few threads like this and it seems like the people who r offended by the gates are the ppl who did not pay to stay at the resort. We r staying at the poly in August for the first time and we can wait. I like the idea of the gates. I don't feel that I am better than anyone because I'm staying at a deluxe resort but honestly I am a paying guest and if you are not then I dont see the reason for a non paying guest to be in the pool area. It clearly states the pools are for resort guests only then the only reason in my eyes anyone who be put out over a fence is that they want to swim there and now they really can't. I'm not staying at the yacht club this year I would not even consider the pool area as an option but we r planning a night of hanging out around the lake and walking over to the boardwalk area, in the areas that are for non paying guest.

I agree with this. We are staying the first time at the poly in September followed by AKL. These are our first deluxe stays ever and no I don't feel like an "upper class" by staying there, however, as PP stated, I would never go and hang out at SAB or the big blue pool if I wasn't there, or any other pool for that matter. Pools for should be for resort guests only and I'm all for the gates as they serve important security features

 

[typhoonlagooner]

But this is my point exactly in my earlier post: if Poly management really cared about stopping pool hoppers, they would have CM's at the gates making sure that everyone that attempts to enter the pool area is actually staying at the Poly... Why is the Y&BC the only resort that can figure this simple concept out?

I think the introduction of an RFID lock had more to do with selling DVC than preventing Pool Hopping. Let's not forget, prior to closing, the Polynesian was an available resort for DVC members to 'officially' pool hop to.

It's a great selling tool... 'exclusive' use of the Resort pool, infinity hot tub, splash playground, and [soon to be] Oasis Pool... all accessed with a tap of your Magic Band.

Disney's able to sell a sense of exclusivity that warrants a $165pp buy-in, incorporate their Billion dollar investment, and give the impression they're trying to help eliminate those pesky pool hoppers... half of which (if not more) were in the 'right' to be there in previous years, how ironic.

It's a ploy... with the added benefit of appeasing resort critics.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I, for one, am glad there is a fence around the Poly pool and am hoping that the scanners will be working by the time we are there in August. That pool barely looks big enough to hold the hotel guests and I will be beyond annoyed if I can't find a place to sit because non-Poly guests are taking up space.

This happened to us last year at the GF when many a days we couldn't find a single lounger because there were quite a few people occupying them that were clearly not GF guests and how do I know? Because we overheard quite a few of them bragging about how easy it was to pool hop and there was one father in particular "coaching" his two children on what to say if someone asked to scan their MB's!! Add insult to injury when a few people complained to CM's about the problem (ourselves included), not one CM wanted to do a thing about it .

 

[Madame]

Honestly I'm of the opinion that *all* of the pools should be fenced & monitored. We were at POR over our March break this year. My DH works with somone who knows one of our boys' teachers. Turns out she (the teacher) & her family were staying off-site, but decided on a pool day at POR. Just parked at DTD, took the boat over & spent the day in the pool. It was apparently *so* easy. Seriously?!?

 

[3Gsandme]

I don't see why it's rude, if you have to scan your MB, to say to the people behind you "Sorry, I think they want you to scan your MB." and then close the gate. I wouldn't be offended. I belong to the YMCA. We have to scan our key tags to get in. Sure, I could walk through on someone else's scan, but they want ME to scan in. That's why they went through the trouble of making scanned entrances. They want to know who's in their facility. Getting bent because you have to scan your ban is just beyond weird.

 

[Tigger's ally]

We have stayed at both moderates and deluxes. Disney is our annual splurge for our family of 5. We are NOT filthy rich and are a dual income family. We love our pool time and there is nothing more frustrating then not being able to find a few spots by the pool. The Poly pools are appropriate size and number for the size of the resort and not to accommodate pool hoppers - plain and simple. There is nothing more frustrating to hear a large group bragging about pool hopping and you were lucky enough to find two chairs for the rate you chose to splurge on. I was there in April and I'll take the fence so I can enjoy the amenities I'm paying for. Flame me but if you want to enjoy a cocktail at the pool budget for it like we do! (One in college too!)

I don't think you are getting the point that most of us are trying to make.

1. Pool hopping has been against the rules.
2. Drinking at a pool bar has not.
3. Some of us that go year after year have developed a love of visiting pool bars (as for me, I know several of the bartenders and search them out)
4. Disney has always enabled that. So, there was nothing wrong.
5. for us to be sad that they are changing it, and not like it is understandable.

Not a flame, but sometimes you need to understand the whole issue (and I just had my twins and third in last three years graduate college, I know what that is like and I too value my $$) I really don't think anyone is debating that pool hopping should not happen.

 

[916chipndale]

I don't mind that there is a fence, I just think the fence is really ugly and they could have themed it a little better. I also just don't like how the new pool area looks in general, too much concrete. The shrubs and trees they planted will grow out eventually but looking at what they have planted it doesnt look like it will be anywhere near as lush as it once was.

 

[typhoonlagooner]

2. Drinking at a pool bar has not.
3. Some of us that go year after year have developed a love of visiting pool bars (as for me, I know several of the bartenders and search them out)
4. Disney has always enabled that. So, there was nothing wrong.
5. for us to be sad that they are changing it, and not like it is understandable...

I guess I'm not sure what they're changing? Disney could have absolutely enclosed the entire bar area, but chose not to; well quite honestly, they'd be foolish to!

I've watched the video and browsed pictures... I personally don't feel there's a sense of segregation. Yes... there's a divider... but no one-side is favored over the other.

We could easily sit and converse with bartenders and other guests with little issue. How is this any different than previously sitting in one of those 'outcasted' seats when the pool wasn't fenced? Is it a sense of feeling 'judged' as a non-resort guest?

I have no doubt any shame someone may feel can be washed away with a Pago Pago Painkiller or Tonga Tea.

We enjoy resort hopping, preferably with booze involved... I agree it's different... but not a deterrent.

 

[wdwrich]

I guess I'm not sure what they're changing? Disney could have absolutely enclosed the entire bar area, but chose not to; well quite honestly, they'd be foolish to!

I've watched the video and browsed pictures... I personally don't feel there's a sense of segregation. Yes... there's a divider... but no one-side is favored over the other.

We could easily sit and converse with bartenders and other guests with little issue. How is this any different than previously sitting in one of those 'outcasted' seats when the pool wasn't fenced? Is it a sense of feeling 'judged' as a non-resort guest?

I have no doubt any shame someone may feel can be washed away with a Pago Pago Painkiller or Tonga Tea.

We enjoy resort hopping, preferably with booze involved... I agree it's different... but not a deterrent.

Agree with the above. Also agree that the fence could have been better themed to the area- perhaps (faux) bamboo.

 

[Tigger's ally]

That is the first pic I have seen, and no it isn't too bad. I could definitely sit there and libate. But, Tikiman already posted about a pool bar that will be all enclosed within the fence. I don't know what pool he was referring too. The pool bar at AOA is also fully enclosed if I am not mistaken.

 

[Monykalyn]

I don't think you are getting the point that most of us are trying to make.

1. Pool hopping has been against the rules.
2. Drinking at a pool bar has not.
3. Some of us that go year after year have developed a love of visiting pool bars (as for me, I know several of the bartenders and search them out)
4. Disney has always enabled that. So, there was nothing wrong.
5. for us to be sad that they are changing it, and not like it is understandable.

Not a flame, but sometimes you need to understand the whole issue (and I just had my twins and third in last three years graduate college, I know what that is like and I too value my $$) I really don't think anyone is debating that pool hopping should not happen.

Someone who actually understood original post

 

[typhoonlagooner]

That is the first pic I have seen, and no it isn't too bad. I could definitely sit there and libate. But, Tikiman already posted about a pool bar that will be all enclosed within the fence. I don't know what pool he was referring too. The pool bar at AOA is also fully enclosed if I am not mistaken.

With construction of the Oasis Pool, comes the addition of a small poolside bar and grill. Like you mentioned, It will be fully enclosed by a fence.

I don't think this will be a real 'loss' to the general public... and more of a nice perk (and selling point) to resort guests and DVC members.

 

[kiki02]

The pool does not have enough space (& this is the real problem) for the guests that are staying at

Someone who actually understood original post

I got it too. But something tells me this post is getting out of hand and then it's... gone.

 

[kiki02]

I don't mind that there is a fence, I just think the fence is really ugly and they could have themed it a little better. I also just don't like how the new pool area looks in general, too much concrete. The shrubs and trees they planted will grow out eventually but looking at what they have planted it doesnt look like it will be anywhere near as lush as it once was.

ugly fence, much too much cement, no shade, too many lounge chairs (i was there) and no shade and we're laying literally on top of each other due to the tight space. Not worth it, imo.

 

[1971DBday]

I don't think you are getting the point that most of us are trying to make.

1. Pool hopping has been against the rules.
2. Drinking at a pool bar has not.
3. Some of us that go year after year have developed a love of visiting pool bars (as for me, I know several of the bartenders and search them out)
4. Disney has always enabled that. So, there was nothing wrong.
5. for us to be sad that they are changing it, and not like it is understandable.

Not a flame, but sometimes you need to understand the whole issue (and I just had my twins and third in last three years graduate college, I know what that is like and I too value my $$) I really don't think anyone is debating that pool hopping should not happen.

I fully understand the issue. You still have access to the bar. End of story.

 

[1971DBday]

Someone who actually understood original post

Many of us understood the original post. The OP choose the word "upper class", while others started adding in things such as "pinky up", and "snobbery" which started a whole other conversation. A lot of us defended the gate that they do not like, even though they still have access to the bar using the pros IOO vs. their cons. There is nothing wrong with that. This platform is supposed to be a happy place and I'm against judgements, titles and name calling. So let's stick to the topic without any of these jabs and assumptions.

And done....