Pool hopping at the All-Stars

[ClapYourHands]

Any practical tips on pool hopping at the All-Stars?

We're staying at ASMu in May, and are looking forward to being able to "legally" vary our pool choices. Since, we'll be in between Sports and Movies, I'm wondering if it's fairly easy to walk from AS Music or if a bus is even an option (how often do the resorts share buses?)

Also, do the All Stars currently provide pool towels or do we have to bring our own to the pool? Some (older) articles state there are no towels at the pool, and while I thought I read somewhere that they are now provided, I can't find that site again. It's been ages since I stayed at an All-Star.

 

[dansdad]

Any practical tips on pool hopping at the All-Stars?

We're staying at ASMu in May, and are looking forward to being able to "legally" vary our pool choices. Since, we'll be in between Sports and Movies, I'm wondering if it's fairly easy to walk from AS Music

Very easy.

or if a bus is even an option (how often do the resorts share buses?)

Very rarely do they share, so it would be a crap shoot. Would take less time to just walk.

Also, do the All Stars currently provide pool towels or do we have to bring our own to the pool?

They have towels at the pools.

Some (older) articles state there are no towels at the pool, and while I thought I read somewhere that they are now provided, I can't find that site again. It's been ages since I stayed at an All-Star.

They didn't used to at the Values. They started having towels out at the Values about 2 years ago.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Very easy.
Very rarely do they share, so it would be a crap shoot. Would take less time to just walk.
They have towels at the pools.
They didn't used to at the Values. They started having towels out at the Values about 2 years ago.

Perfect!

Another question: are there places to shower/change by each pool? I'd kind of prefer not to walk around in a bathing suit, especially a wet one!

 

[dansdad]

Perfect!

Another question: are there places to shower/change by each pool? I'd kind of prefer not to walk around in a bathing suit, especially a wet one!

Yup.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Will our magic bands open the pool gates at the other two resorts? Do the gates at the All-Stars even need MBs to open them?

I'm assuming there isn't a huge influx of people trying to sneak into the All Star pools, and security might be a bit more lax than at BC/YC or Poly.

 

[kjs1976]

Just came back from AS-Movies. Did not need a Magic Band to open gate. They are only locked manually during closed hours.

 

[WEDWDW]

VERY easy to Pool Hop at the All-Stars.

From Music walk through Calypso section's Parking Lot and you will be at Home Run Hotel at Sports which has the Grand Slam Pool.

From Music walk on the walkway by Intermission Food Court toward Movies,cross the road and you will be at Movies and the Mighty Ducks' Duck Pond Pool.

The "road" between Movies and Music.
Looking back at Ducks after crossing the "Movies/Music Way"(my name for it).

Looking back at crosswalk for Movies/Music Way

Turning and looking down the sidewalk to Music(all 3 pictures taken from the same spot)




All 6 All-Star Pools have Shower rooms and Laundries.
Sports and Music have recently removed the coin-operated Pool lockers and replaced them with nice complimentary lockers and towels.

Also all 3 All-Stars recently went back to each Resort having the nightly Movies ALL 7 nights so there are 3 Movies to choose from each night when staying at the All-Star Resort.
https://www.orlandoparksnews.com/p/recreational-calendars.html

 

[ClapYourHands]

Thank you @WEDWDW - those pictures are super helpful!

Also thank you to @kjs1976 and @dansdad for your replies.

All this information is making me more confident I made the right choice for this trip!