Pool Hopping

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by sue1013
Maybe I'm dense but I cannot figure out why would you want to pool hop? A pool is not that big a deal. Its not like they are water parks (exception SAB but they seem to be the only one that check IDs). I just don't get it.

I know at Polynesian and the other monorail resorts, a lot of people take a break from MK and show up at the pools to cool off. Some just park at the resorts for the day (to avoid the $8 fee I guess) and take a little swim before they drive back to wherever they came from. I've never seen anyone asked for ID.

 

[magsmom]

As a DVC member you do not get "free" parking at the monorail resorts. In order to park you have to have some reason to be there.
I guess you could make up something, but why bother? I get free parking as an AP holder anyway.

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by magsmom
As a DVC member you do not get "free" parking at the monorail resorts. In order to park you have to have some reason to be there.

I wasn't referring to DVC members. I was quoting someone that asked in general why people would bother to pool hop at all.

 

[kelscross]

Just for the record..I do not agree with pool hopping and I probably wouldn't complain if someone did unless the pool was way crowded with people that weren't even staying there.

I just wanted to bring up the point that if we are going to go by the "posted rules" strictly...how many people actually shower before entering? It's on the posted rules, lets monitor those as well if that's the case.

I would be too embarrassed to pool hop myself, but to each their own.

 

[Goof]

Obviously it is a policy of Disney that is not being entirely enforced and it should be. I for one am a fanatic for trying to follow policy. It's me and it's my opinion. An off topic example of what happens when policies are not adhered to (has nothing to do with pool hopping)

In 2002 when visiting MGM Studios, we were in line awaiting the rope to drop for Beauty & The Beast, which my DD was dying to see. We were about 2 rows behind the rope when a CM walked up and advised the awaiting crowd that she was about to let evryone in. She asked a number of times that there be no running for the safety of all guest attending the show.

Low and behold when the rope dropped, quite a few adults mostly, began to run like this was the last show ever. Myself, my DW, DD & DS walked like we were ask to do and this adult female came busting by me and trampled my DD to the asphalt without even stopping to see if she could help her up. She just turned around, looked and continued to run. My DD's knees, elbows and hands were scrubbed to the point of bleeding and she received a cut on her chin that required 3 stitches because of some "IDIOT" who tried to buck the system.

So, if you must pool-hop, use older mugs, try to beat the fastpass system etc. then by all means have yourself a blast but if it is against policy, "YOU'RE WRONG BY DOING IT"

BTW, I have on my "Flame Retardant Suit", so fire away!

 

[Deb & Bill]

DVC members can check out the pool hopping notes on the official DVC member website. It states: You must be staying on points to pool hop.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by wdwdvcdad
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.

I find it interesting the lifeguards give permission to do this, but if you email Disney they will tell you no. Same with management at the resort. I think possibly we have some lifeguards at the resorts that do not respect their job or the rules they are suppose to enforce which would make me very nervous about thier abilities.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by babybunrab
I feel it's my job to follow the posted rules, regardless of whether they are being enforced or not.

Thank you very much for understanding the concept of self imposed respect for rules. Some will only obey them if they are forced to. Sad isn't.

To those against pool hopping please let Disney know. Only they can change the situation and also manage the situation with lifeguards that don't enforce the rules.

Trying to convince anyone on these forums that do this, they are wrong is an exercise in futility. They will never see the wrong in it because they don't want to.

If they wanted to do what is right they would book a room and stay where they wanted to swim.

 

[Geoff_M]

Explain why you think it is not an accurate example????

Since this thread has remained civil, let me take a stab at it... (Oh, bad pun!)

Let me start by saying that I'm referring to people that ask permission of the resort to use the pool and are granted that request. I'm not talking about gate-crashers. The problem with your analogy is that it implies that something tangable is taken from the person that ordered the prime rib. They were distracted for a second and BAM, when they turned back a chunk of their meal was gone. Unless the pool hoppers (be it permission seeking guests of other resorts or DVC members like me and my family) take the last available deck chairs, I don't see a direct connection. How does a pool hopper make a local resort guest "go away hungry"?

A better example, using your restaurant line of thinking, would be a couple at the next table being given a free dessert because the restaurant manager found out it was a special occasion for them. If you were in the process of finishing the creme brulee that you had ordered, would you feel the urge to demand that the restaurant not give the couple a free dessert because you had paid for the privledge and they had not? Would you enjoy your creme brulee any less? Would you feel the urge to order seconds after hearing the exchange at the next table?

If "But pool hoopers make the pools more crowded and it'll reduce my enjoyment of the pool" is your gut feeling to this, then consider this... If were talking about non-resort guests that ask at the front desk before taking a dip, I seriously doubt that they're just gonna keep waving families in that ask. As Anne pointed out to us, when you call the front desk they refer to the pool staff to see what the crowd's like before they give you the green light.

So, let me again say "Throw the gate-crashers out", but don't sweet it if a family or two hops into the pool with the resort manager and pool staff's blessing.

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by Sammie

To those against pool hopping please let Disney know. Only they can change the situation and also manage the situation with lifeguards that don't enforce the rules.

you're right, if enough people paying $300+/night complain, then maybe WDW will finally do something about it.

 

[Gabrielle]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
Since this thread has remained civil, let me take a stab at it... (Oh, bad pun!)

Let me start by saying that I'm referring to people that ask permission of the resort to use the pool and are granted that request. I'm not talking about gate-crashers. The problem with your analogy is that it implies that something tangable is taken from the person that ordered the prime rib. They were distracted for a second and BAM, when they turned back a chunk of their meal was gone. Unless the pool hoppers (be it permission seeking guests of other resorts or DVC members like me and my family) take the last available deck chairs, I don't see a direct connection. How does a pool hopper make a local resort guest "go away hungry"?

A better example, using your restaurant line of thinking, would be a couple at the next table being given a free dessert because the restaurant manager found out it was a special occasion for them. If you were in the process of finishing the creme brulee that you had ordered, would you feel the urge to demand that the restaurant not give the couple a free dessert because you had paid for the privledge and they had not? Would you enjoy your creme brulee any less? Would you feel the urge to order seconds after hearing the exchange at the next table?

If "But pool hoopers make the pools more crowded and it'll reduce my enjoyment of the pool" is your gut feeling to this, then consider this... If were talking about non-resort guests that ask at the front desk before taking a dip, I seriously doubt that they're just gonna keep waving families in that ask. As Anne pointed out to us, when you call the front desk they refer to the pool staff to see what the crowd's like before they give you the green light.

So, let me again say "Throw the gate-crashers out", but don't sweet it if a family or two hops into the pool with the resort manager and pool staff's blessing.

Great post - that's how I feel.

And, the truth is, no matter how incensed the anti-hoppers get, this can't be this big of a problem -- or Disney would be doing something about it. Is it sometimes a problem, or is it a little problem? Maybe, but it's not a big problem. Too many towels saving chairs? Throw 'em off!

Also, I don't think the lifeguards are delinquent for allowing the occasional pool-hopper who requsts permission to swim. Rather, I think CMs must be allowed some "empowerment" by WDW to grant some pixie dust from time to time. And, I like WDW for that reason! For example, the CM who allowed my family - for no apparent reason - to go to the head of the Splash Mountain Line (we were taken in the back way by her).

Ironically, if the anti-hoppers really want a response from Disney, they would be encouraging the pool hoppers so this would, in fact, become a big problem. But, railing at folks in here and referring to their "selfishness" makes an unpleasant read for the rest of us.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
Since this thread has remained civil, let me take a stab at it... (Oh, bad pun!)

Let me start by saying that I'm referring to people that ask permission of the resort to use the pool and are granted that request. I'm not talking about gate-crashers. The problem with your analogy is that it implies that something tangable is taken from the person that ordered the prime rib. They were distracted for a second and BAM, when they turned back a chunk of their meal was gone. Unless the pool hoppers (be it permission seeking guests of other resorts or DVC members like me and my family) take the last available deck chairs, I don't see a direct connection. How does a pool hopper make a local resort guest "go away hungry"?

A better example, using your restaurant line of thinking, would be a couple at the next table being given a free dessert because the restaurant manager found out it was a special occasion for them. If you were in the process of finishing the creme brulee that you had ordered, would you feel the urge to demand that the restaurant not give the couple a free dessert because you had paid for the privledge and they had not? Would you enjoy your creme brulee any less? Would you feel the urge to order seconds after hearing the exchange at the next table?

If "But pool hoopers make the pools more crowded and it'll reduce my enjoyment of the pool" is your gut feeling to this, then consider this... If were talking about non-resort guests that ask at the front desk before taking a dip, I seriously doubt that they're just gonna keep waving families in that ask. As Anne pointed out to us, when you call the front desk they refer to the pool staff to see what the crowd's like before they give you the green light.

So, let me again say "Throw the gate-crashers out", but don't sweet it if a family or two hops into the pool with the resort manager and pool staff's blessing.

I understand completely your point, but if the rules are not enforced who stops the "Gate Crashers". Believe me they are not the type to ask at the front desk and get persmission.

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by magsmom
I was unaware of this.
I am a DVC member who spends cash on top of points. I thought all I needed was my membership card to hop. I know the exceptions.
And yes, I have hopped to the GF pool as a DVC member.

Wow! Went down to WDW overnight last Monday night, came home and this thread is now 4 pages long!

When we (DVC MEMBERS) pool hop, yes, according to the published rules, we need to be staying on points to pool hop. We are suppossed to show the WDW resort I.D. card that they give you for your room key to the CM's at the resorts pool you hop to. It will have "dvc member" imprinted on it and they can also tell which resort you're staying at by the long #'s imprinted on it.

I think if you pay cash thru member services it's considered the same as if you stay on points too - but not positive so don't go crazy if I'm wrong.

If you pay cash thru CRO for your stay though, pool hopping is not aloud just because we are dvc members.

Now this is cut and pasted directly from the DVC members website:

Pool-Hopping Information for 2004
You and any Guests staying with you at Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Villas, The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Beach Club Villas are permitted to use other Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World® Resort hotel pools (in addition to the resort hotel at which you are staying) if the resort hotel pools are not at capacity. If the pool you are visiting reaches capacity, you may be asked to leave in order to accommodate Guests of that resort hotel. Please check with a Host/Hostess at the Front Desk of the resort hotel you wish to visit to find out about pool-access availability. You must present your Walt Disney World® Resort ID card with your "DVC Member" designation on it to use the other pools. This offer is not available at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.


Resort hotel pools may become unavailable from time to time due to capacity limitations. Due to the high occupancy that is expected, Disney Vacation Club Members may not "pool hop" during the following dates*:


April 3 - 11, 2004
May 28 - 31, 2004
June 28 - July 4, 2004
November 22 - 28, 2004
December 18, 2004 - January 2, 2005

*Other restricted dates may be added based on projected pool capacity.


Okay, now that's what's in actual writing directly from Disney
BUT that doesn't mean Disney won't make acceptions for anyone they choose. If someone - ANYONE at all - asks a CM for permission to use ANY resorts pool and is granted permission than so be it. The person did right by getting permission first and has permission to be doing so.

I am not in favor of anyone pool hopping without permission, particularly people who just take it upon themselves to crash the pools - coming off the monorail or boat for example from the MK. As many of us feel, it really isn't fair for someone to pay in excess of $250 per night at the Poly to be elbow to elbow in the Volcano pool with someone wearing shorts who just decided they were entitled to cool off but not be a guest or for people paying $69 or whatever per night to stay at the All stars and get to use the pools at the other resorts that have waterslides and so on but Disney makes the rules and has the power to grant or deny permission for people who actually do ask. I'm not the pool police and am not going to let it ruin my vacation if other people pool hop -- entitled or not. Most often times I think the CM's will grant the request if actually asked and not crashed - it's in their best interest because they know it is what will keep people coming back year after year and hopefully guests will be staying at the more expensive resorts on their next stay to get to use that pool they just "tried out" that was better than where they got to stay on their previous trip. If nothing else, they will still be coming back and staying on sight and Disney still benefits by getting their $$$. I would think this is the mentality anyway.

We can all go back and forth (and will I'm sure ) about if it's right or wrong - but bottom line is "right or wrong" Disney sets rules and has the power to enforce them or bend them and that isn't going to change. If someone on these boards asks what the rules are supposed to be -- here they are, can you get special permission from a CM to pool hop anyway, Yes. Should you?? THERE is the magic question



So, go to WDW and vacation and enjoy -- concentrate on having fun - I for one am going to be focusing on what to order from the pool bar rather than being the pool police.

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by Sammie
I understand completely your point, but if the rules are not enforced who stops the "Gate Crashers". Believe me they are not the type to ask at the front desk and get persmission.

Almost forgot

You're right - they aren't getting permission The CM's are getting better about checking I.D.'s at the pools though. The only pool that actually Constantly enforces it is SAB at Y&B but I have seen people asked for I.D. at the Poly once or twice and asked to leave when they couldn't show it. So they do sometimes check when it's busier. They can tell as I mentioned, which resort you are staying at by the long #'s imprinted on your resort I.D. -- and of course if you don't have a WDW resort I.D. at all that won't help them How embarressing, hope it was worth it

But unless the CM's walk around and check I.D.'s no one stops them


But again, don't let this ruin your vacation.

 

[GoodFairies]

Originally posted by sue1013
Maybe I'm dense but I cannot figure out why would you want to pool hop? A pool is not that big a deal. Its not like they are water parks (exception SAB but they seem to be the only one that check IDs). I just don't get it.

I don't get it either.
I don't go a thousand miles away on my vacation and spend money to get into a bunch of different swimming pools.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Originally posted by Scoootch
[B... Most often times I think the CM's will grant the request if actually asked and not crashed - it's in their best interest because they know it is what will keep people coming back year after year and hopefully guests will be staying at the more expensive resorts on their next stay to get to use that pool they just "tried out" that was better than where they got to stay on their previous trip. ... [/B]

Shoot, I'd keep coming back year after year if I knew that I could go swimming in the fancy pools and not even stay there.

 

[Rafikifan]

Originally posted by Gabrielle
But, railing at folks in here and referring to their "selfishness" makes an unpleasant read for the rest of us.

Then skip the thread! Honestly, there are certain topics that get under people's skin and that's understandable but you can always choose to not read the thread. Personally, I don't understand the thrill of pool hopping. I'm not going to get in an uproar if I see it happening (and have more than once btw) but when the pool is crowded I do think it is "selfish" of others not staying at the resort to take up chairs and pool space. JMHO.

 

[Mercy]

As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I knew the "Pool Police" would be out with guns blazing!

The OP said they were given PERMISSION by the Lifeguards at the various pools to use the pool, even after stating that they were not guests at that particular resort. The OP even said they were told to enjoy themselves. What gives any of us the right to say they can't swim after obtaining permission? I say, if they had the guts to pool hop in the first place, and then get permission... God bless them, let them have a good time.

Everyone here is so self-righteous about following the rules. I'm sorry, but I find it hard to believe that everyone here follows ALL the rules ALL the time in life.

So he who has no sin, let him cast the first stone.

(Excuse me, it was not the OP, but Partyof5a)

 

[Rafikifan]

Originally posted by Mercy
As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I knew the "Pool Police" would be out with guns blazing!

The OP said they were given PERMISSION by the Lifeguards at the various pools to use the pool, even after stating that they were not guests at that particular resort. The OP even said they were told to enjoy themselves. What gives any of us the right to say they can't swim after obtaining permission? I say, if they had the guts to pool hop in the first place, and then get permission... God bless them, let them have a good time.

Everyone here is so self-righteous about following the rules. I'm sorry, but I find it hard to believe that everyone here follows ALL the rules ALL the time in life.

So he who has no sin, let him cast the first stone.

(Excuse me, it was not the OP, but Partyof5a)

Since Partyof5a asked and got permission to swim they did nothing wrong. It is the lifeguard who is opening up a can of worms. He or she could actually bring grief to themselves by allowing a family or two to swim and then 2 more walk up but now the pool is busy so they say no. You know there are some that will make a fuss and say, "But I was here yesterday and it was ok." "How come my brother and sister in law and their kids can swim and we can't?" And, although respectful of your opinion I don't think it is being self righteous to follow rules, I think it's respectful. Maybe it's because I am a teacher - I don't know. I'd save a lot of money lying that I have a family of 4 instead of 5 so we wouldn't have to stay at a deluxe or get 2 rooms at a value, but I don't. Can anyone tell me (as one post pointed this out) that parking at a monorail resort to go to the MK and then on the way back through jump in the Poly pool to cool off isn't tacky???

 

[Mercy]

Originally posted by Rafikifan
And, although respectful of your opinion I don't think it is being self righteous to follow rules, I think it's respectful. Maybe it's because I am a teacher - I don't know

But do you follow ALL THE RULES, ALL THE TIME? I don't think so, that would make you perfect, and no one is perfect.

And you are right Partyof5a did nothing wrong, it was up to the lifeguard's discretion as to whether they were allowed to swim or not, so I guess if anyone has a problem with this they need to take it up with WDW management and the lifeguards.... personally I think the whole thing is ridiculous that we are even having discussion about this in the first place. We talking about a swimming pool here people!!