Pool Crashers

[Napria]

Last time we were at the Fort the pool crashing from non-Fort guests was getting bad. No one did anything to enforce the Guests Only Policy. Is it still bad? Was it just that trip?

 

[tiggerdad]

There have been times, like when we were there last November when the Fort's pool was the designated pool for the Wilderness Lodge since they were doing a major overhaul of their pool. Of course that was November, but it didn't seem too bad.

This is something that goes on at all the resorts and threads dealing with "pool hopping" over on some of the other forums can lead to some pretty good entertainment until the moderators shut them down...

I guess the big question I have is how exactly do we know if they are actually not Fort guests? I mean Disney does have a policy, but how do you know if the person swimming next to you is a guest of the Fort or if they came over from the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

 

[7KLucky]

Last time we were at the Fort the pool crashing from non-Fort guests was getting bad. No one did anything to enforce the Guests Only Policy. Is it still bad? Was it just that trip?

How are you sure they were non-Fort guests? Interested for my own trip as well.

 

[bama_ed]

I think if your stay is around one of the summer holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day) this does become an issue. If i were you i would speak to a manager when checking into the Fort, relay your prior experience, and ask what they plan to do to prevent a recurrence. Since there is no fence around the pool (yet), doing something like asking lifeguards to check for a Magic Band per guest wouldnt be completely effective.

Bama Ed

Ps - get the managers name that you speak to in case you feel the need to follow up.

Pps - 7KLucky you would be surprised how openly your neighbors at the pool will discuss within hearing distance their plans to sneak in and out.

 

[Napria]

The crashes we saw last time weren't even WDW guests. They were talking about going back to their house, how long it would take and if they would come back later that day. They decided they *would* return and left all their stuff on lounge chairs which were in very short supply that day. I was so tempted to just take their stuff off and claim the lounge chairs for my family, but I'm not that mean (or bold!)

 

[Mouse14]

I'm not saying I go from hotel to hotel. But when I camp at the fort, my wife and I will spend some days at FW pool and we like to ride our bikes over to FWL pool for the day...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) With the exception of BC (Stormalong Bay), most WDW pools have locals crashing.
2) It is something VERY HARD to prevent.
. . . people drive to the resort guard shack and say they are eating at the resort
. . . guard lets them in
. . . the people change at the pool or nearby restroom
. . . they swim until they get tired
3e) Happens all the time by locals - even CM's crash the pools

 

[tiggerdad]

1) With the exception of BC (Stormalong Bay), most WDW pools have locals crashing.
2) It is something VERY HARD to prevent.
. . . people drive to the resort guard shack and say they are eating at the resort
. . . guard lets them in
. . . the people change at the pool or nearby restroom
. . . they swim until they get tired
3e) Happens all the time by locals - even CM's crash the pools

Yep...

 

[cjbcam]

Can FW and WL guests go to each others pool?

 

[peg110]

Can FW and WL guests go to each others pool?

It's my understanding that "NO" they cannot. Unless there is some special circumstance such as a pool being under repair/maintenance.

I think you may end up seeing something with the "Magic" bands going forward to "Access" things like the pools to help resolve issues like this. The nice thing about the magic bands is that they are waterproof and not uncomfortable to wear. It doesn't hurt that they do kind of look pretty cool and can even be customized, but I can certainly see a long term plan that, if the "Pool Crashing" continues to be an issue, that you will need your magic band (or room key) to get into the pool.

 

[tiggerdad]

Don't see the bands fixing the problems. You just stand around and wait for someone to open the gate and go right in. The simple fact that you "DON'T" have on a magic band should be clue enough that you probably don't belong.

One thing about the Fort that is great and bad at the same time is that people can come in and visit with you and not have to go to the parks. For instance, I used to work with a physician here in Meridian who moved to the Orlando area some years ago. During our 2012 stay he and his wife came by for a visit and stayed for dinner. They needed no passes, I just had to go meet them at the overflow lot and bring them to the camper. Technically he could have probably gone to the pool with us and still could on another visit.

Or, as Scupper said, just come up to the campground "Hey, I want to go eat at Trails End" and probably get in only to detour to the pool instead. Just stand by and some kid will open the gate to go in or out and you just walk right in.

The only option I see available is as Ed suggested, if you overhear this then report it. Remember the name of the CM you spoke to and see if it gets addressed. If not, you can complain. I see it as being pretty tough for Disney to prevent it.

 

[peg110]

@tiggerdad - I totally agree that it would be difficult. I don't see the Magic Band as being the solution either, but it could help alleviate issues.

As far as a friend visiting and possibly using the pool, personally, I think that's ok and SHOULD be allowed. In my opinion, however, that is different than going to another resorts pool just to use the pool (or a local coming in to just use the pool for free).

A pool at a resort/hotel is typically for the convenience/enjoyment of the guests. If I have a visitor, part of my "Convenience/enjoyment" is that I can spend time with my visitor, which may or may not include things like the pool, shopping, restaurants, etc..

Reporting also seems to be about as good as the magic band idea. It may or may not work. Additionally, it may or may not be an issue depending on other factors too. Is the pool otherwise busy? If there are only a handful of people in the pool, then probably not a concern. If however it's packed, I think the MB idea could work as it can allow for spot checking as well.

It's probably one of those things that they need to try and balance their rules and making customers happy with the cost/effort of enforcement.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Disneys rules are for people that typically follow rules, enforcement isnt in the corporate culture.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

In my opinion, however, that is different than going to another resorts pool just to use the pool (or a local coming in to just use the pool for free).

1) I know of a person selling Time Share appointments who brags about using WDW pools (resort pools, not water parks).
. . . the guy is an OPC for a major Time Share Resort
. . . these are the folks in hotel booths and gas stations who try to get you to a Time Share Presentation
2) He and his wife, a SERVER at Cracker Barrel do it often (according to him).
3) Once past the guard shack, they can get into any pool, except Stormalong Bay.
4) Alas, unless I know he is going, there is no way to stop the practice.

 

[wagner1225]

Magic bands are starting to stop this, we just came back from AOA and you have to open gate with Magic band to get into pool, other resorts as well

 

[peg110]

Magic bands are starting to stop this, we just came back from AOA and you have to open gate with Magic band to get into pool, other resorts as well

As has been previously noted, this will slow it down, but won't stop it. Short of a person standing guard at each entrance and scanning each band/card into (and out of) the area.

However, it will make it more difficult for those folks who are trying to use these facilities without being a guest of the resort.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Magic bands are starting to stop this, we just came back from AOA and you have to open gate with Magic band to get into pool, other resorts as well

1) Let's see . . .
2) Yes, one needs a Magic Band to open the gate for entry.
3) But, to exit the pool, one simply yanks the latch.
4) So, if one wants to enter using the EXIT, one reaches over and yanks the latch.
5) Can't make the latch fool-proof or only Magic Band activated, as it must be workable in the case of an emergency.
6) Thus, Magic Band use is only a slight deterrent.

 

[2goofycampers]

There is a way for everything, WDW just has to have the will. Example.... Yacht and Beach Club pool.

 

[peg110]

There is a way for everything, WDW just has to have the will. Example.... Yacht and Beach Club pool.

True, the "Will" will end up being a balance of convenience and cost. If the pool issue becomes a drain on profit, you will see it get addressed. The only solution would be to have a person physically check MB/Room Keys on every entry. Not very "Magical" and certainly not cost effective. I don't think WDW is losing enough money yet at pools to implement something like that.

 

[skyp4WDW]

There are alot of locals who crash the main pool at Ft Wilderness especially in the summer. I'll never return over the 4th of July because it is such a ZOO there at that time. Don't just sit there people; do something. Go to the House Phone (by the bathrooms) and call Security. The Life Guards have been instructed to "ignore" the locals even when it's standing room only in the pool.