Pool Hopping

[venturer]

I know some (most, all ?) pools are restricted to guess at that resort only. How restrict are they enforce the rule ? I would like to sample as many resorts as possible. Maybe switch resort everyday is a better idea ?

And 2nd question, how do you manage time to stay around the resort when you also want spend as much time at the theme parks as possible ?

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I would like to sample as many resorts as possible. Maybe switch resort everyday is a better idea ?

The only "legal" way to sample the pools is to stay there. You can always walk around, eat at the restaurants and see that the place is all about anytime. You just can't use the pool.

how do you manage time to stay around the resort when you also want spend as much time at the theme parks as possible ?

Well, that is a matter of just making a choice of what is more important to you. Some people don't want to spend as much time as possible in the parks. They go for several hours and then go back to the resorts. We are DVC members, so we go often and will be going in the future. The parks don't change alot, so we find ourselves spending less and less time there each trip.

 

[Nanu57v]

Can't DVC members pool hop?

 

[Scoootch]

You are correct - pool hopping is no longer aloud. Once upon a time before so many of the resorts were built they used to allow it, but no more.

Pool hopping is restricted to these acceptions:

DVC members staying on points - and restrictions and rules apply to us to be able to pool hop.

OR

Sister resorts
-- Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter are sister resorts and may use each others pools, And the All star resorts are considered Sister resorts -- sports can use musics or movies pools and vice/versa


The only other acceptions are if a pool at any particular resort is being referbished they will usually allow you to use another resorts pool during that time - but they will tell you what specific resorts pool you may use. OKW's main pool will be closing in Sept. to add the pool slide for example and during that time OKW guests (members staying on points or cash guests) will be allowed to use the pool over at SSR.

Beyond that you really need to be staying at the resort to use the pool.

 

[ducklite]

While you are welcome to visit all of the resorts to eat, shop or look around, that welcome does not extend to pool use. Many of the resorts have started asking for resort ID's at the pool, and those not staying at that resort are asked to leave.

Anne

 

[susy]

Where are you thinking of staying???

If you really want to enjoy your resort -go for it! I would head to the parks EARLY-get you favorite things done, have lunch, meander around and then head for your resort!
Swim, relax, have a nice dinner.

Some days we had breakfast at our resort and stayed at the pool all day. Then we would head to the parks for dinner and do some attractions at night and see the fireworks. It really feels more like a vacation this way.

We used to do the mid-day break thing, but it left us too exhausted. Now we only do one park a day and only for half a day (either morning or evening).

Some peopel feel gulity (understandalbe) if they don't get their money's worth out of their park tickets and see EVERY attraction.
A long time ago I came to the conclusion that you will NEVER get your money's worth out of Disney OR see every attraction. Better to just enjoy yourself and remember-it's a vacation.
I highly recommend the YC or WL. LOTS to do at these resorts besides the pool...

 

[PartyOf5a]

We just got back almost two weeks ago...we would have never thought of pool hopping but after reading a couple debates on this board we came up with the idea of getting the answer directly from the source - Disney! We decided to perform a test on our off day...and had a blast by the way! The test was simple, we went to 6 different resorts (Poly, GF, Contemporary, POR, POFQ and Pop Century). We simply approached a lifeguard on duty, told them we were staying on property at All Star Movies and would it be OK if we tried their pool out for a short time. Everyone of them said YES with wishes of having a great time.

So my advise would be to simply ask the lifeguard on duty...you may be pleasantly surprised!

 

[stacy6552]

we always try to eat at different resorts to "sample" them while there.

Have breakfast at Whispering Canyon to see the WL before the MK. And have dinner at Cinderellas gala feast @GF afterwards.

Spoodles at the boardwalk is good for MGM or epcot days. So is the Cape May Cafe @ BC.

 

[tnkrbell]

We just got back almost two weeks ago...we would have never thought of pool hopping but after reading a couple debates on this board we came up with the idea of getting the answer directly from the source - Disney! We decided to perform a test on our off day...and had a blast by the way! The test was simple, we went to 6 different resorts (Poly, GF, Contemporary, POR, POFQ and Pop Century). We simply approached a lifeguard on duty, told them we were staying on property at All Star Movies and would it be OK if we tried their pool out for a short time. Everyone of them said YES with wishes of having a great time.

I think its probably the pools you chose where not the pools that have the problem with pool hopping. Its more like the Yacht and beach they check your resort id at the gate and you need to wear an arm band.

 

[wdwdvcdad]

Originally posted by PartyOf5a
We just got back almost two weeks ago...we would have never thought of pool hopping but after reading a couple debates on this board we came up with the idea of getting the answer directly from the source - Disney! We decided to perform a test on our off day...and had a blast by the way! The test was simple, we went to 6 different resorts (Poly, GF, Contemporary, POR, POFQ and Pop Century). We simply approached a lifeguard on duty, told them we were staying on property at All Star Movies and would it be OK if we tried their pool out for a short time. Everyone of them said YES with wishes of having a great time.

So my advise would be to simply ask the lifeguard on duty...you may be pleasantly surprised!

Once again, the best way to find out is to ask when you get there, as the people on this board neither make nor enforce the rules at WDW. so, I am glad the welcome was extended to the pools.

 

[ducklite]

The rules are clearly posted outside each and every pool at WDW. Swimming at all WDW resort pools is restricted to the exclusive use of guests of that resort. I guess some people think they are above obeying posted rules, and would rather put the CM's on the spot.

Stay where you want to swim. End of story.

ANne

 

[wdwdvcdad]

Originally posted by ducklite


Stay where you want to swim. End of story.

ANne

listen, I do not not pool hop. Never have, & no desire to. I am a DVC mermber, and I could if I wanted to. You or I have no authority at WDW, so if the lifeguard says it is fine, then guess what? IT IS FINE. Nothing said here takes precedence over what is said there.
So, obviously, it is not the end of story.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Originally posted by venturer
I know some (most, all ?) pools are restricted to guess at that resort only. How restrict are they enforce the rule ? I would like to sample as many resorts as possible. Maybe switch resort everyday is a better idea ?

And 2nd question, how do you manage time to stay around the resort when you also want spend as much time at the theme parks as possible ?

The ONLY time pool hopping is allowed is if you are staying under your DVC membership, and even then there are restrictions. Stormalong Bay and the Animal Kingdom Lodge pools are never allowed, and any other pool is subject to black outs during high occupancy seasons.

Please do not think of abusing the rules by going to the pools where you are not allowed, and putting the CMs on the spot. It is NOT "fine" to do so! I'm sure you don't want to be a jerk and count on the fact that the CMs won't call you one.

As for your other questions, we have enjoyed switching resorts during a stay (usually to avoid high DVC points on a weekend), but doing it every day would be way too much hassle. Think of all the time you'd spend packing and unpacking, plus you have to check out in the morning and check in late afternoon, leaving this gap when you wouldn't have a room available if you need a nap, shower, change of clothes, whatever.

The resorts are well worth hanging around, and the way you "manage" that is to budget enough time into your vacation so as not to spend it all at the theme parks. Most people cannot do everything they want to do in just one trip. There is simply too much to see and do

 

[Goof]

Originally posted by wdwdvcdad
Nothing said here takes precedence over what is said there.
So, obviously, it is not the end of story.

No, the story doesn't end here! This is a very hot topic on this board and usually brings many different opinions and i do not believe that anyone who has posted here is trying to enforce the rules or police them. With that said, i agree with Anne in the sense that you should plan on using the pool where you stay and not venture into someone else's territory if you are not staying there. If it is clearly posted at the resort pools, then it should be enforced by Disney. If it is not going to be enforced then "Take down the signs". IMHO it should be enforced.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Goof,

Yup, and as long as this can of worms is open...

I agree with Anne too.

People who think they are above the rules make it unpleasant for everyone except their selfish selves.

Speaking of... That includes the "no diving" signs where swimmers get jumped on and parents say their kids weren't "diving" because they bombed into the pool bottom-first instead of head-first. If there is a leap, it is a dive, and it doesn't matter whether the CMs "enforce" it, the rules are clearly posted.

 

[Geoff_M]

You or I have no authority at WDW, so if the lifeguard says it is fine, then guess what? IT IS FINE.

Actually, I would argue that if anyone has the power to grant such a request, it's the manager at the front desk.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
Actually, I would argue that if anyone has the power to grant such a request, it's the manager at the front desk.

Absolutely not the case! The LIFEGUARDS have the ULTIMATE responsibility for the pools. The pools are staffed based on anticipated/historic bathing loads, part of which are based on hotel capacity at the time. The front desk has absolutely NO control over who can or can not swim at the pools. That is 100% up to the life guards.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

A picture says 1000 words...

Similar signs are posted at every WDW pool.

Anne

 

[mariamouse]

I completely agree, Anne

If someone really longs to try SAB or any other pool, save up and stay at that resort! It is disrespectful and rude to crowd a pool and make it less enjoyable for those who are actually paying to use it.

I believe the true problem does not lie with those using the pools, but rather Disney--if the lifeguards actually enforced the rules, then this debate would not exist at all... however, despite the lack of rule-enforcing, the signs do say that the pools are for specific resort guests and that should be the end of it.

mariamouse

 

[HopperFan]

In the restaurant.......I order a hamburger and fries for $6.

The guy next to me orders a prime rib platter for $25.

OH, it looks so good, I think I'll just lean over and cut off a small piece. Just to try it so I'll know if I want to order it next time. No - that is not acceptable !


I paid to stay at the moderate and he paid to stay at the Polynesian. I have no right to use something I did not pay for !