Pool "Hopping Mad" UPDATED

[Bennet]

Oops signed in under hubbies id this is Zurgswive's opinion.

Sorry to hear about your experience, I'm sure if it had happen to my family it would have put a damper on everything.

Any how I think the towel ID system would diffenatly cut down on the number of people that pool hop at the BW. They did have a stand where someone rented life jackets and such at the far end of the pool a few years ago. They should bring this position back move it closer to the main entrance and check ID's.

If people brought there own towels from home, room towels, or towels from another resort Pool (some are more obvious then others) this could be a starting point of ID checking. I think non-resort guests should be asked to leave but DVC pool hoppers should never be asked to leave but they could be denied access due to over crowding before they sit down for 3 hours.

I'd also like to know what capacity is for the boardwalk pool. Is it based on people in the pool or people on the deck area also. I would think that capacity would mean that all of the chairs are filled. Why have the chairs if they weren't meant to be filled? If it is based on people in the pool this is rediculous(sp) because as a Pool Manager myself I know there are state limits of bather load, but to regulate bather load at BW they would have to have alot few chairs. They would have to anticipate that there is the possiblity that all bathers could possibly be in the pool at the same time. So, if the chairs are all filled then they are at there anticipated capacity. Something to look into.

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[PamOKW]

Regulating the pool is the way to solve this. They already know how. They do it at Vero. You must show your room ID to get a towel. Sometimes they also issue wrist bands for everyone in your group when you get the towels. You also must show your ID to order anything from the pool snack bar.

I think a lot of problems would be solved if they did the same with the resort transportation. They don't have to check everyone but you do spot checks. That way people will think twice about staying offsite and using the buses, pools, etc.

 

[GrammieMame]

I wonder what the response would be from non-DVC resorts if we called to ask if pool hopping was available that day. I'd bet some of them wouldn't even know what we were talking about, and would just automatically say "no". Others might so no anyhow, just to keep their pools from being too crowded. The DVC resort that we are staying at should be aware of pool hopping closings, and we should be able to call our own front desk for the info. In these days of instant communication, how big of a problem could that be.

 

[downontheBW]

Werner, I was commenting on what I'd like the pool-hopping rules to be. I know we only can be assured of being able to use the pool of whatever resort we are staying in. I would like it, however, if we were always able to use the pool at our home resort. I don't expect it to happen.

Can you imagine if a couple thousand of us BWV owners decided to stay at the resorts all over WDW but wanted to use the BWV pool on one particular day? I'm sure the Disney folks are clever enough to not let that happen.

Dixie Landings '94, '96 / Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club '98
Off site (never again) '99 / BWV '00 / HHI '01 / BWV '02

Heidi

 

[Figaro30]

I'm really sorry to hear that this happened to you.

If it was me....I would have made such a huge scene that nobody would have kicked me out. I would have refused to go!!! Especially after being there for a few hours already. You pay that much money to "own" and are told you can't use the pool! HA! We'll see about that.

'81 - Cont.
'88 - Disneyland
'89 - Maingate East
'91 - CBR
'94 - CBR
'95 - CBR
'98 - BC
'00 - WL
'01 - OKW

 

[Stinky_Pete]

Just look what happened to poor Steve BW99 for expressing his opinion:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Sorry you feel this was a good thing - hope it happens to you next time[/quote]

I, too, am sorry you suffered embarrassment during this incident, but I mean really:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> That is outrageous!!!!! I would not have left and would have made a big mess right then and there. [/quote]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> What a horrible experience for you and your family. [/quote]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I'd be furious! My husband would have been ready to fly back home right then and there. And the entire Disney experience would never be the same.[/quote]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I am truly horrified by this account. [/quote]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I am outraged at this as well. [/quote]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> If it was me....I would have made such a huge scene that nobody would have kicked me out. I would have refused to go!!! [/quote]
Let's put a few things in perspective here:

First, I don't think the issue is how crowded the pool is, but how many lounge chairs are available. The pool wasn't crowded -- how many chairs were available? Second, the BW pool isn't fenced off like the SAB pool, so it's a little more difficult for a CM to prevent "unauthorized" entry into the pool area. Third, it seems obvious someone complained -- I'm sure if it were one of you (who are so upset about this) who complained because you and your family couldn't find lounge chairs and the CM didn't boot someone you'd be just as "hopping" mad as LIDisneyFan is. It sounds to me like the Recreation CM did his/her best in a difficult situation. May not have been the perfect solution, but sometimes we all have those times were we could have handled something a little better. My goodness -- it sounds like some of you are ready to lynch the poor person!

 

[Gail Reale]

Stinky-Pete - a "CMs best" in this situation would have been to ID other guests as well, NOT single out one family, and a family who happens to be DVC owners, not renters, who was already there for 3 hours. We never pool hop, so the issue isn't that important for us as a "perk", but being singled out and asked to leave is a large issue which should be dealt with by LIDis. through the proper channels of DVC. The CM should be retrained in Traditions or whatever they call it in WDW. He/she could have asked to speak to one of the adults in the group privately and not caused a scene of embarrassment for the family. The way this was handled by the CM is a definite Guest Issue to be followed up by this family.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I also wonder why the CM, even if being nagged to get someone to empty some chairs, chose an obvious DVC family. Normally they would assume, since BWV is a DVC resort, that they belonged there, right? I would have found a family with a lot of bags and stuff--if it is your hotel, obviously you don't take a lot with you to the pool. If you are offsite and sneaking on, you need clothes, etc.
When we go for our first BWV stay in June, I want to check out SAB, but also go to the Poly pool--we stayed there last year and want to see the new one. I really like pool-hopping as a benefit and hope these new kinks in the system get worked out.
Robin M.

 

[jcodespoti]

I am not a pool hopper..nor do I play one on tv. I was not there when this situation occured. The thing that bugs me the most about this is that regardless of how "full" the pool was or is an owner should be first in line to use the pool. Even if you are staying at another resort. Your dues are going toward that pool.


Joe in CT

 

[Joeblack]

StinkyPete:

I someone has to be removed then everyone at the pool should have been id'd. Secondly, if you arrive late to a movie theatre or a play adn all you can find is a lousy seat, then you can't expect the usher to kick somebody out even if you are "theater mad" If you call late for a breakfast at Cindys, you can be frustrated that you didn't get a PS, but you cannot expect the CM to try to cancel another person's Ps to give it to you.

Rudeness and lack of tact are inexcusable.

 

[spiceycat]

they are only surpose to close the pool to pool-hopping when the resort is full. not the pool only the resort - or at least that is the case at BC/YC. which is why you are surpose to call the front desk of the resort you which to pool-hop at - it was in an old VM (and it stated that it would be in the new Member's Guide) (but I don't think it is there yet).

but as I stated in my first post - you were treated badly and there is no excuse for that.

BC/YC only got the fence around the pool - when people from Epcot were coming to use that pool - they stopped at the quiet pool and took towels & changed so they would not have to show their id's.

I like the fence (VB has one too), but it would have to programmed to identify not only that resort but the DVC resorts too.

[This message was edited by spiceycat on 04-13-01 at 04:47 PM.]

 

[A1A1]

The CM should have very quietly explained that the pool was closed to hopping if that is what was decided by management in anticipation of crowded conditions during Easter week, but should have let you stay since they apparently made no effort to restrict access upon entry to the pool area. They should have given you a "just for today".

You probably would have appreciated the courtesy for explaining in an inconspicuous manner, rather than the embarassment you were subjected to.

On my last trip to BWV in November, there were families that had Florida resident visitors with them. I heard their conversations, and boy was I mad. There was even a group of retired Florida ladies playing cards that made this their morning ritual. I was mad at the time, thinking that I was subsidizing their retirement with my DVC dues.

Disney needs to close pools to people who are not staying anywhere but in their own homes after they swim. That would probably solve the Easter week overcrowding problem.

That being said, I have never pool-hopped. I don't know why, other than it seems like a pain to pack everything up to swim somewhere other than where I am staying. I hate to have to get dressed again when I am in a wet bathing suit.

 

[dvcdudes]

I don't know about that theory, tarzanman. People pay to stay at a particular resort and that is supposed to entitle them to all the amenities at that resort. How could they let outsiders use the pool and not let a paying customer of the particular resort. I have no problem at all with how they handle pool hopping at SAB. Stop me at the gate and tell me sorry buddy, you can't come in today. BUT I agree what happened to LIdisneyfan was dead wrong.

I think we (DVC members) should always be able to use our home resort pool no matter where we stay. downbytheBW, thousands of us staying elsewhere and pool hopping to BWV pool would never happen. First of all, you are allowed to pool hop. All BWV owners who are staying elsewhere can pool hop to BWV or any other pool, so why don't it happen now? Because pool hoppers are a very small percentage of guests. I would say if 10-20 guests are pool hopping to the same pool at any one time it's a lot. The only exception is SAB. I think people come from a variety of other resorts to crash this pool.
I would venture to say that there are probably more people who use the pool at BWV, who are staying off site or at an economy hotel in WDW, than there are DVC pool hoppers at any one time. I have no facts to back this. It's just MHO.
BTW My guide told us (during our initial tour) that pool hopping to any other resort was a perk and could be discontinued. She said that the only pool that we would ever have a problem with was SAB and maybe at the POLY. She said we could always use any DVC pool when staying at any DVC resort (I specifically remember this because I said to myself "why would we ever leave the BWV pool to go to OKW pool" {snob that I am} VWL was not open yet). Now she went one step further... She said that we are owners at BWV and we could use the BWV pool at any time. We don't even have to be staying at a WDW resort. She gave an example of using points to stay at BWV from Sun-Thu and then staying at an All Star or even a Days inn on Fri and Sat and we could use all the BWV facilities because we are owners there. I thought that was pretty cool. Now I wouldn't even try it because I wouldn't want to be embarrased.
Well enough of my rambling. I just wish the guides would be a bit more honest and upfront about the "perks" of ownership.

DVCDUDES
Owner BWV Feb 2000

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Perhaps a good approach for rude behavior that you were subjected to is to make sure you find out the full name of the CM who exhibited the rude behavior. Then, post that persons name on this board. Then each of us who has concerns can find out if that CM is working at the time of our DVC visit and personally approach them to tell them how personally displeased we are with thier conduct. Maybe after 15 to 20 of us approaching the individual and explaining how we would like to see the situation handled in the future, we will have provided appropriate coaching and training for improvement to an obviously untrained, perhaps youthful, unknowing CM.

I believe I am correct in that our DVC investment pays thier salaries? As owners, their customer service behavior is accountable to us.

And certainly, this approach works in the reverse where we can pass along compliments for above and beyond actions by CMs, which seem to be much more abundant, thank goodness.

Certainly, when a pool is closed for pool hopping, that would be a very easy meassage for all front desks of all DVC units to be made aware of. That is a serious lapse in DVC communication, not the fault of members. If BW pool is closed, three simple phone calls lets all front desks know, one to WVL, KW, and in the near future, BC. How hard is that? I guess if I'm working at the KW desk and a mamber calls me and asks if the BW pool is available for pool hopping and I don't know, it would be the CM at the front desk of KW's responsibility to call BW and find out. Then a little note to my fellow KW front desk CM's keeps everyone in the loop.

Just some thoughts......

I do not want to loose pool hopping privledges because of poor communication on DVC's part.

[This message was edited by CaptainMidnight on 04-14-01 at 11:51 AM.]

 

[Jaypd]

Captain please dont take this worng. When you say..."I believe I am correct in that our DVC investment pays thier salaries? As owners, their customer service behavior is accountable to us."
Who are you saying we pay. As far as CM's go I would say its the Millions of Non DVC'ers more then the thousands of DVC'ers that pay for CM's salary. I love Being a DVC member but I think we have to keep things in perspective.

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[This message was edited by Jaypd on 04-14-01 at 01:37 PM.]

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Actually, I was referring specifically to the CM's who are assigned directly to DVC resorts like BW, not all CMs throughout WDW. But maybe a larger portion of their salary comes from cash purchases instead of DVC owners. Then I guess that would depend on how much of the resort is sold out. Since BW is sold out, then maybe we do pay the majority of DVC specifically assigned CM's salaries. Is this indicated in our finacial statements?

Regardless, I believe we have a vested stake in holding those CMs assigned to work in DVC resorts accountable for good customer service an not to inappropriately embarass DVC owners who are attempting follow the policies and compensate for DVC's lack of communication.

Again, a simple call to the three other resorts and even posting on the member website when the decision is made to close a pool to pool-hopping prevledges would go a long way.....

 

[dvcdudes]

Sorry I have to disagree CaptainMidnight. I never like the "I pay your salery" approach. If you think about it, no matter what you buy, you are contributing to pay the saleries of all involved in the item you are purchasing. ie: when you buy a gallon of milk, you are helping pay the checkout persons salery as well as the store owner as well as the guy that owns the dairy farm etc...
The CM was wrong and should be told, or retrained, but not by us. He should be told by his superiors.

JMHO

DVCDUDES
Owner BWV Feb 2000

 

[Dean]

When somebody says they pay my salary, I always think "Then I need a raise". LOL

Dean

 

[jcodespoti]

When we were at bw in december of last year there was one bell hop that was extremely nice. Of course I cant remember his name now, but when we checked out I made sure I told the manager that he helped us with all our bags and junk that we bought!!. Anyway I think it's important that we compliment when things go right just as when we complain (like in this pool hopping case). If we dont than we all be known as a bunch of complaining, loud mouthed pains in the butt. And when this types of "wrong" (i.e. this incident)things happen to us we won't be taken seriously.

Joe in CT

 

[CaptainMidnight]

"The CM was wrong and should be told, or retrained, but not by us. He should be told by his superiors."

......Perhaps the CM could be required to where some kind of letter like an "R" so we would all know they were rude...... I'm trying to think of a color for the letter that would help convey the transgression........


We certainly have some rude behavior at the organization where I work that needs to be addressed, Disney does a better job than we do ...