Pool bar question

[lagunaseca]

Let me preface this as saying I TRULY don't want this to turn into any pool hopping thread. I TOTALLY understand and agree that a pool is to be used for guests staying at that resort (other than exceptions like sister resorts, DVC privileges, etc.) I have never even thought about doing this before so I TRULY don't know the answer. Is it ok to visit another resort and get a drink at the pool bar or is the pool bar also only available to guests staying at that resort? I'm not talking about hanging out all day. Here's the deal. My best friend's family went to WDW with us last summer. We stayed for 7 days and they could only stay for 4 so we spent so much time showing them around, doing the parks, etc. that my friend and I never got any "girl" time alone to shop or doing anything without both families in tow. We are all going again this June and she and I have vowed that even if it's just for part of a day we want to send the family off on their own and do some things the rest don't have interest in like shopping and touring the resorts. We had dinner at 1900 PF and she just loved looking around the GF. I want to show her some of the other resorts, one of them being the Poly and I thought it would be fun to grab a tropical drink at the pool bar and soak up some of the ambience. I really want to stay here in the future and want her to see it. Neither of us can drink more than one in the daytime so I'm not talking about hanging out for an hour or two, nor will we even dip a toe in the water Is this ok? Because if it isn't we can do lots of other things.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I am sure you can call the resort and get a definitive answer (and if you do, please post it cuz I am curious about this, too!)

My educated guess would be absolutely...of course...no problem. BUT...I could be wrong!

So in other words, I guess I am no help at all , but I look forward to hearing other responses on this thread!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I cannot see why you wouldn't be able to. You are a paying customer. Soak up all the atmosphere you want free of charge!

I've had drinks at several bars in WDW, including pool bars, even if I wasn't staying at the resort.

Example- I went to the GF Spa and I still had a little over an hour before my friend could pick me up, so I explored the shops, wandered outside and had a strawberry daiquiri at the pool bar. Yummy and relaxing.

Perfectly ok.

That said, I have found that the Tambu Lounge indoors at the Poly serves far superior drinks than the Barefoot Bar outisde, but why not try both!

Enjoy your vacation and your girl time!

 

[Tony-NJ]

That said, I have found that the Tambu Lounge indoors at the Poly serves far superior drinks than the Barefoot Bar outisde, but why not try both!

The Tambu Lounge is one of my favorites!!!

And We've stopped at the pool bars at many resorts when not staying there. Unless a pool area is packed then I don't think it would be an issue.

 

[Steve TLT]

Hi lagunaseca,

I've Pool bar hopped several times around the monorail hotels. I can't imagine any problem with visiting a pool bar at any resort. The no pool hopping rule is due to space in the pools and lounge chairs.

Enjoy, Steve

 

[Schmeck]

The only problem I can think of is if the pool bar is inside a fenced area that needs resort ID for access. I've never been to the Poly, so I have no idea of the set up there. At BC, we needed to show our resort ID to get to the pool one day, but I can't remember if Hurricane Hanna's is inside the fence or not. I think a recent map of the Poly would show you if it's accessible or not. Have a fun trip!

 

[disnut8]

The only problem I can think of is if the pool bar is inside a fenced area that needs resort ID for access. I've never been to the Poly, so I have no idea of the set up there. At BC, we needed to show our resort ID to get to the pool one day, but I can't remember if Hurricane Hanna's is inside the fence or not. I think a recent map of the Poly would show you if it's accessible or not. Have a fun trip!

FYI - the Poly pool doesn't have a fence at all so the bar is accessible to anyone. You don't have to be a resort guest to get a drink. At the Beach Club, Stormalong Bay is fenced off but Hurricane Hanna's is accessible from the Crescent Lake walkway to anyone. Also serves food.

And the Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian is a great place. We had excellent service there. The backscratcher drink was my husband's favorite and you actually get a true backscratcher in your drink. He uses his all the time.

 

[RussH]

You will have no problem visiting any Pool Bars on property. One of our favorite games is Pool bar marathon. Break up into teams put all the bar names in a hat and pick 5 or sometimes more. Simple rules must use WDW transportation each member must have a drink of choice with receipt to prove it at each stop. Last team back to Tune-In buys dinner.
Have never had any problems with access especially since we are in park/resort clothes. Have fun but please let WDW do the driving for you.

 

[Pooh1219]

Pool bar hop to your heart's content. You're a paying customer, just as if you were to have a drink at one of the hotel's indoor bars. While you're hopping, why don't you try the pool bar at AKL. They have some great drinks with a nice seating area around the bar where you can people-watch.