Pool Hopping

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Mercy
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!!

Actually you don't have to be perfect to follow written rules. I do agree that the problem is with Disney not being consistent in enforcing the rules and I have addressed that with them. As I stated earlier I do not have any problem with someone that has gotten permission to do this, but many don't even ask.

I do have a problem with those that assume all break rules, some of us don't. To say no one can follow the rules is to imply one is not capable of following any rules. If you can abide by one, you can abide by all, actually it's a person choice to do this. Really not that difficult.

People who do this without permission do this because they want to. If you find the discussion ridiculous why participate.

 

[Rafikifan]

I am not perfect by any means but I'm sitting here thinking of rules I might break. I've never had a traffic ticket in my 24 years of driving, I don't cut in lines, I don't cheat on our taxes because the name IRS scares the mess out of me, I put on my directional signal when I make a turn, I don't run red lights, I don't say my kids are younger than they are to get in somewhere cheaper.....what, does this make me a freak? I hope not. This discussion may center around swimming pools but it's also about the principle of people saying it's ok to bend the rules (this isn't aimed at you Mercy but in general). Will you be happy when a group jumps the rope and cuts in front of you after you've waited in line for a ride for 40 minutes? Will nonsmokers and people with respiratory ailments be happy to check into a non smoking room when the person that just checked out smoked anyways? Are people staying concierge level going to be happy to go to the lounge and see that another family that is staying there has invited their whole extended family who are staying elsewhere to join them in the lounge to eat and drink so there's hardly anything left? (I read this exact scenario on another forum. Woman was ticked because she and her friend were staying GF concierge and asked if they could have 2 friends staying at All Stars over to visit. They were told yes. The 2 turned into 6 additional guests and they continued to come back every day during the hours that the food was out and when they'd leave they stocked up their backpacks with bottled water and soft drinks. On about the third day the staff said it would have to stop and they were angry. It was just breaking a little rule right?)Well, IMO and it is just that, MY opinion, that is the same as someone paying $300+ to stay at a resort with a nice pool only to not find a chair and no room to enjoy the pool because of "crashers". Our first WDW trip we stayed at the WL and when we visited the Yacht Club for dinner we knew we had to stay there because SAB was gorgeous. So we saved and that's where we stayed next. I was so disappointed because we couldn't find more than one chair and you couldn't even move in the pool. This was before they got diligent about checking ID's. There were many with refillable mugs from other resorts, one lady struck up a conversation with me and told me she was staying at CBR, and a child from another family befriended my dd and came and asked me if my dd could go swim with her at her resort that evening (then Dixie Landings now POR).

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I find it interesting that the 'Disney police' or the 'morality police'- or whatever you want to call them are pretty much the same people every time this thread (or the mug thread, or the upgrade thread, etc) comes up.

Mercy made some good points, I could add to them but there is no need to.

What I find interesting is that now (in this thread) the LIFEGUARDS have no respect for their position, so let's point the finger at them, too!!! I was there this month, and twice the guards were there over an hour early for specialty training. These folks are highly trained professionals in their field- and I would know since I used to train lifeguards (but that is beside the point).

If they have leniency to give permission, I am sure they are more than happy to spread some 'pixie dust' when it is safe to do so. I doubt very much they would be giving permission if WDW was not telling them it was OK. THEIR necks are on the line and they are in the chain of liability should something go wrong- so it is pretty safe to assume they have their butts covered on this policy. Or maybe, since they don't respect the position they could care less about getting sued

It is pretty clear from the 'experiment' early in the thread that this is OK if you ask. I don't pool hop, but if you want to try a pool and the lifeguards say it is OK- then who am I to disagree. After all, my neck isn't on the line in a liability suit, theirs is. If you ask and they say it is OK, it's fine by me- I don't make the policies, Disney does.

Oh, and don't tell me what is on the sign- I read it- and was ROTFLMAO when I saw it... going to such an extent to make a point...still chuckling. You are assuming all WDW policies regarding guests are made public, and if it is written down somewhere then that is the 'Disney commandment'. Many of us have had things done for us that are outside written policy, so it seems that there are policies in force that we don't see or know about. Or, just maybe, the CMs spreading a little magic have no respect for their job so they just do what they want--yeah, right.

All this over a painted concrete slab in the ground with some water in it--amazing...

 

[Epcotgal8]

So, just because some people actually DO follow rules, then they are the "morality police?" Maybe it would be nice to have morality police. I too, am a teacher and I talk to other teachers who have been doing it for 20 or more years and they all say the same thing. Every year the kids (not all but a lot) seem to be more and more disrespectful and disobedient. We're raising a generation of a lot of kids who think that the rules don't apply to them, do or say whatever you want and to heck with everyone else. Now I see where that mentality stems from. Do I think that little Johnny pool hopping with mom and dad is going to corrupt him? Nah. But the mentality of "follow only the rules you want to" will. Is that self righteous? Maybe some will think so but it is true.

 

[Geoff_M]

I find it interesting that the 'Disney police' or the 'morality police'- or whatever you want to call them are pretty much the same people every time this thread (or the mug thread, or the upgrade thread, etc) comes up.

I guess I don't understand why you would find that either "interesting" or unexpected? Does it not make sense that if one views stated rules are worthy of being followed, then the nature of the law wouldn't matter much (mugs, pool usage, etc.)?

It's also worth noting that the quickest way for a thread to turn "ugly" is to start hurling labels. Stating one's opinion doesn't make someone a member of vigilante mob or equal an attempt to force their will on anyone else. Nor should anyone view a simple expressed opinion as a personal affront. Opinions have no effect on anyone unless acted upon.

 

[Sammie]

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!

I think the problem is Disney is never very good about being consistent with their rulings.

I called the resorts in question and talked to the the Recreation Manager for each resort mentioned. All stated policy that the pool is for the exclusive use of the guests staying there. The managers at the Grand Floridian and Polynesian were actually aware of this thread and were going to discuss the situation with the staff. They said they understand the principle behind making magic for a guest that wants to use the pool that is not staying there, but they understand you can't do that and in the process remove the magic for the paying guest.

I know you posted earlier you were staying at the Polynesian in Concierge, I am sorry that did not work out as I am sure you were looking forward to it. All Star Movies is a fun resort but it is not Polynesian concierge.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
Opinions have no effect on anyone unless acted upon.

I disagree. It depends upon how the opinon is expressed.

As to using the term morality, look it up in the dictionary. I did not mean the term to be deragotory, but rather descriptive. If anyone is offended by it's use I apologize.

 

[Geoff_M]

I did not mean the term to be deragotory, but rather descriptive.

I accept your lack of intent, but are you aware of any positive connotations of the term?

I disagree. It depends upon how the opinon is expressed.

You can express any opinion you like in any manner that you like (and be a verbally blunt as you like).... it won't impact me unless I choose to allow it to. Let me give you an example... Whenever a "disagreement" on the road occurs on the road and the other driver decides to flip me off (you can't get any more blunt than that), the natural response is to let the "opinion" effect you and you're supposed to get mad in response. I choose not to let it negatively impact me. Instead I smile and wave in response! Man, does that make them go nuts!!!

 

[Rafikifan]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
I guess I don't understand why you would find that either "interesting" or unexpected? Does it not make sense that if one views stated rules are worthy of being followed, then the nature of the law wouldn't matter much (mugs, pool usage, etc.)?

It's also worth noting that the quickest way for a thread to turn "ugly" is to start hurling labels. Stating one's opinion does make someone a member of vigilante mob or equal an attempt to force their will on anyone else. Nor should anyone view a simple expressed opinion as a personal affront. Opinions have no effect on anyone unless acted upon.

Well put Geoff_M.

 

[Geoff_M]

Well, maybe except for the "does make" typo!

 

[Mercy]

Just curious.... how do you feel about those who pay for a standard room, ask if an upgrade is available and then are upgraded to concierge at the standard rate?? Who's breaking the rules then? I think that would upset me more then someone swimming in my pool, especially if I was PAYING for concierge.

No, they are not breaking the rules, they got some Disney magic. Just like the family that was given permission to swim. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about people who sneak into the pools to swim, I don't think that is right, but then again the whole matter really doesn't matter that much to me.

I've never had a traffic ticket in my 24 years of driving,

Either have I, but that doesn't mean I haven't gone over the speed limit.

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by Mercy
Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about people who sneak into the pools to swim, I don't think that is right, but then again the whole matter really doesn't matter that much to me.

I think if you were paying over $300/night to stay in a deluxe resort and found the pool packed with people that came on over from MK just to swim, you might care a little.

As far as upgrades go, I have never seen anyone on these boards complain about someone else getting upgraded.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
I accept your lack of intent, but are you aware of any positive connotations of the term?

You can express any opinion you like in any manner that you like (and be a verbally blunt as you like).... it won't impact me unless I choose to allow it to. Let me give you an example... Whenever a "disagreement" on the road occurs on the road and the other driver decides to flip me off (you can't get any more blunt than that), the natural response is to let the "opinion" effect you and you're supposed to get mad in response. I choose not to let it negatively impact me. Instead I smile and wave in response! Man, does that make them go nuts!!!

As to your question, you still haven't looked it up- or you would have seen how the word is descriptive- and neither a positive or negative term. As to intent- my intent WAS to describe the behavior, and I make no apologies for that, only for the potential that it might be mistaken to be derogatory.

With your second paragraph you accentuate my point. For some, it is 'morally' OK to express an opinion regardless of how it may affect others (despite the fact it doesn't affect you), yet the same person has a 'moral' problem with pool usage.

 

[Rafikifan]

Originally posted by Mercy
Just curious.... how do you feel about those who pay for a standard room, ask if an upgrade is available and then are upgraded to concierge at the standard rate?? Who's breaking the rules then? I think that would upset me more then someone swimming in my pool, especially if I was PAYING for concierge.

No, they are not breaking the rules, they got some Disney magic. Just like the family that was given permission to swim. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about people who sneak into the pools to swim, I don't think that is right, but then again the whole matter really doesn't matter that much to me.



Either have I, but that doesn't mean I haven't gone over the speed limit.

Before I reply I want you to know I do want to keep this as friendly conversation since it's just that we have different views and you are entitled to yours as I am mine. First, I have no problem with people getting complimentary upgrades but there aren't rules posted saying it is against the rules. It is just MY opinion that the lifeguards or WHOEVER encourages pool hopping is setting a precedent that can snowball into a big problem for those staying at the resorts where pool hopping is desirable. And I can't help but ask why you keep posting if "the whole matter doesn't mean much" to you? It just might when one day you pay mucho $$ to pay to stay at a resort and can't find a chair or a space to relax in the pool. Am I wrong?

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Mercy
Just curious.... how do you feel about those who pay for a standard room, ask if an upgrade is available and then are upgraded to concierge at the standard rate?? Who's breaking the rules then? I think that would upset me more then someone swimming in my pool, especially if I was PAYING for concierge.

No, they are not breaking the rules, they got some Disney magic. Just like the family that was given permission to swim. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about people who sneak into the pools to swim, I don't think that is right, but then again the whole matter really doesn't matter that much to me.

Either have I, but that doesn't mean I haven't gone over the speed limit.

If someone gets an upgrade I am thrilled for them as it does not impact me in the least. Unless of course they remove me from my room and give it to them. That I would not like.

I do have a problem with the pool situation because it overcrowds the pool and that does impact my enjoyment. It would be similar to me making a reservation at a very expensive restaurant and the staff coming over and saying, We are full and these people just showed up and want to dine, we are putting them with you at your table, move over. That impacts my enjoyment just like overcrowding the pool with nonpaying guests. Pools have a limit to what is enjoyable and that is based on the number of rooms at the resort, not on how many would like to swim there but not pay for it.

What does interest me that no one is ever willing to address. If you want to swim there, why don't you just stay there. It is so simple.

 

[sissybells]

I do know that I am a SAHM and I babysit a little during the week. I have put every penny that I have earned doing this away to take my 2 DN's to see just how georgeous the AKL is. I have been saving like crazy since January and I will also do other odd jobs to earn the money like clean houses. I know personally I would be very upset after I have scrimped and saved and worked my butt of to pay $$$ to stay at a deluxe resort only to get to the pool and not have any place to sit or to find out it is really crowded because of pool hoppers. So I just wanted to put my 2 cents in to say that if you want to swim in a deluxe pool or any other pool for that matter be a guest of that resort. I don't want to start an argument just wanted to give my opinion. I'm so thankful for being able to give it.
<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_1_1.gif' alt='In The Pool' border=0></a>

 

[Mercy]

Originally posted by Rafikifan
And I can't help but ask why you keep posting if "the whole matter doesn't mean much" to you? It just might when one day you pay mucho $$ to pay to stay at a resort and can't find a chair or a space to relax in the pool. Am I wrong?

Well, I post because "I can", and because I enjoy a good debate.

I would probably not pay mucho $$ to stay anywhere because I kind of think it is a waste of money and the money could be better used elsewhere.

And so, what happens when you go to your pool and there are no chairs left... do you assume that it must be those blasted pool hoppers? Can you pick them out? Do you let it ruin your vacation? If so that is a shame... like I said earlier there are more important things in this world to be concerned about.

I'm sitting here watching the news as I type. They just reported that a Marine from my state was killed in the most recent car bombing.... sad.

 

[tnkrbell]

know that I am a SAHM and I babysit a little during the week. I have put every penny that I have earned doing this away to take my 2 DN's to see just how georgeous the AKL is. I have been saving like crazy since January and I will also do other odd jobs to earn the money like clean houses. I know personally I would be very upset after I have scrimped and saved and worked my butt of to pay $$$ to stay at a deluxe resort only to get to the pool and not have any place to sit or to find out it is really crowded because of pool hoppers. So I just wanted to put my 2 cents in to say that if you want to swim in a deluxe pool or any other pool for that matter be a guest of that resort. I don't want to start an argument just wanted to give my opinion. I'm so thankful for being able to give it.

Again I agree!! I also work my hiney off for my vacations and I do spend a bit more to stay where the pool is better then what I have at home.
I would like to not have to make room at the pool or line for the slide or pool bar!! lol For someone who has not paid to use the facilities!!!!

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by Mercy
do you assume that it must be those blasted pool hoppers? Can you pick them out?

Yep. They're the ones at Polynesian swimming in their park clothes. Or they're sitting at the next table with a cooler of drinks and snacks debating which pool to try the next day. Or you hear the kids pipe up with "gee mom, why can't we stay here next time".


But I guess it's easy not to care when you aren't spending the money to stay in a deluxe resort.

 

[hannahryan]

We just got back from our first stay at the poly. The pool was so crowded that neither my husband nor I would go in it (the kids however didn't care). We were pretty sure that some of the afternoon crowd were not guests of the poly. I don't think I would ever stay there again because of it. I would probably stay at the BC where I could be certain that there were no "uninvited guests".