Pool Hopping

[babybunrab]

I don't think I was being self-righteous, (which makes sense, I guess, or I wouldn't have said what I did) but I do TRY and follow all the rules, particularly if there's a sign posted. (And no, I don't take 11 items into the 10 and under lane...)

I think there's a difference between generally attempting to follow rules versus trying to figure out ways to get around them. Of course I'm not perfect. My mistakes tend to be the more "mess up my life" kind than not following the directions on signs. I don't feel either smug or morally superior to people who want to pool hop. It's just my OPINION (and that's all it is) that you shouldn't, because it's a rule, so I won't.

 

[PartyOf5a]

Holy cow...this thread has taken on a life of its own. One of the questions the OP asked was how enforced pool hopping is. Was just sharing my experience, didn't mean to contribute to such a large debate!

This pool hopping thread reminded me of something that happened at POR on our 8/2002 trip. We were swimming at the themed pool and we were in the area of the slide output. All of a sudden a group of pool hoppers came running (they were a group of 12-15 teenagers, wearing bathing suits and had this cute little cheer) when the lifeguard went on his megaphone and in a joking manner announced "look out everyone, we've been invaded by pool hoppers!" (or something to that affect). Well, these kids came down the slide one after another (without waiting for each other to clear...don't think they meant harm they were just so bubbly and excited) and ended up on the bottom almost at the same time. The lifeguard mentioned something like "if you are going to swim in my pool you have to obey my rules. You can not go down the slide until the person in front of you has cleared." So they did so the next few times. Then, after about 15 minutes, he got back on his megaphone and announced it was time for the pool hoppers to go to the next pool and off they went. None of the guests in the pool seemed upset and everyone wished them well as they left. The whole thing was hysterical.

Originally posted by Sammie

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.

OK, this is what I like about these boards. There is still some caring involved when debating. Thanks for thinking of me Sammie, yes we are really looking forward the the Poly...we go the end of August and can hardly wait. We still haven't decided on our December trip but we are thinking WL as we stayed at AKL last December. We'll see.

 

[tinkerbeth]

Originally posted by Rafikifan
You're very insightful for someone who has only posted 6 times.

Because *clearly*, the only measure of knowledge about Disney and all things in general is how active one is on the almighty Disboards. Get over yourself.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Originally posted by Bojangles
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.

While this may be one way to pick out a pool hopper - just keep in mind that paying guests may also bring a cooler and snacks to the pool. I stay at the Poly regularly and I always bring my cooler (filled with beer and cokes) to the pool - I also bring a bag of snacks if the kids get hungry!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by kelscross
[ I didn't see any when we went to CBR last year, maybe no one wanted to crash that pool, I don't know.

[/B]

You see. You have no experience with pool hoppers. I have stayed at the CBR and they have a horrible pool and no one wants to go there. No wonder you have never had to deal with it. I read so many posts from folks that have never stayed at a monorail resort telling the ones that do that they are not impacted. They have no idea what they are talking about and therefore don't even have a valid opinion. I was at the Poly one trip when a family or group of 10 came over from the MK. They weren't even staying onsite! They proceeded to take up 10 chairs even though the kids in the group never used them. Since they came unprepared to swim they did it in shorts and shirts. One little girl did have on a bathing suit that was an adult womans size but that was as close as swimwear that these folks got. Thankfully it didn't take the llifguards long to spot this trash and toss them out accordingly. It shouldn't even matter if poolhoppers do or don't affect guests that belong there. The ones that think it okay to do what they want all come down on those of us that follow Disney rules. We are labeled as pool police or what have you. We don't go around policing the pools and ratting people out. We just want others to quit stealing amenities that they didn't pay for. Call us what they will be it won't change what the poolhoppers are. They should be ashamed of themselves.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by skiwee1
Call us what they will be it won't change what the poolhoppers are.

Right ... what was that polite and courteous appelation you used for them ... trash.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
Right ... what was that polite and courteous appelation you used for them ... trash.

I didn't call all poolhoopers trash so don't try to pick a fight before comprehending my post. I called that particular family trash and that is what they were. Anyone that thinks it is okay to stay at the Motel 6 and then come and take up 10 chairs at a WDW resort pool is more then trash in my opinion but I was trying to be polite. As far poolhoppers I do have a name for them but am too nice to repeat it here. And save your eyerolling for someone that cares! LOL!

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I didn't call all poolhoopers trash so don't try to pick a fight before comprehending my post. I called that particular family trash and that is what they were. Anyone that thinks it is okay to stay at the Motel 6 and then come and take up 10 chairs at a WDW resort pool is more then trash in my opinion but I was trying to be polite. As far poolhoppers I do have a name for them but am too nice to repeat it here. And save your eyerolling for someone that cares! LOL!

Right, referring to guests of WDW as "trash" is really polite.

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by tiggersmom2
keep in mind that paying guests may also bring a cooler and snacks to the pool. :

"paying guests" don't sit around and discuss which pool they are going to try the next day, as I mentioned these guests were doing in my post.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
Right, referring to guests of WDW as "trash" is really polite.

I never said anything about being polite. Who said I had to speak politely of garbage that comes over from the MK to cool off with their trashy family? They weren't polite so I see no reason why I need to be polite.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Sammie
Dad I don't really think the person meant that these posters are immoral. Just a reference to someone calling those against pool hopping the "morality police and Disney police" Which would mean those in favor of pool hopping would be the "immoral" and Disney "felons" by reason of the first post.

Actually no one against pool hopping was resorting to name calling. Only those in favor were.

And no one has answered my question. If you want to swim in a certain pool why not stay there.

That is exactly what I meant. I even quoted the person who used the term "morality police" so that my post would be in context. If people against pool hopping are the "morality police" than people pool hopping must be immoral according to the posters use of words.

Really Disney's fault. Check the ID's and throw people out.

 

[wdwfan]

I don't like pool hopping and would never do it. I always stay at deluxes. I think referring to people who pool hop and take up lounge chairs as trash is harsh. These people are definetly ignorant of rules and common courtesy, but at the same time I feel you have to rise above it. I feel sorry for people who have to resort to these methods because they've never been taught better or simply know they'll never be able to afford fine amenities. I'm just grateful that I can vacation at a beautiful resort, and rise above the things I can not change. And sometimes otherwise decent people may unknowingly break the rules because they missed the sign or got the wrong information. I think we just need to be a little more tolerant.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I never said anything about being polite.

You did.

Originally posted by skiwee1
Anyone that thinks it is okay to stay at the Motel 6 and then come and take up 10 chairs at a WDW resort pool is more then trash in my opinion but I was trying to be polite.

It is simply amazing how much angst and turmoil can surround the simple activity of swimming at "The Happiest Place on Earth." I agree with others that if everyone spent more time enjoying their vacation and less time worrying about what someone else is doing, we'd all be a lot happier.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by wdwfan
I think referring to people who pool hop and take up lounge chairs as trash is harsh. These people are definetly ignorant of rules and common courtesy, but at the same time I feel you have to rise above it. I feel sorry for people who have to resort to these methods because they've never been taught better or simply know they'll never be able to afford fine amenities. I'm just grateful that I can vacation at a beautiful resort, and rise above the things I can not change. And sometimes otherwise decent people may unknowingly break the rules because they missed the sign or got the wrong information. I think we just need to be a little more tolerant.

ITA, especially with the last sentence.

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by Deb & Bill
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.

You roll your eyes but that is EXACTLY my point! Disney realizes this too I'm sure. These people will come back year after year because of this. Maybe they won't bump up to a moderate or deluxe from a value resort or from a moderate to a deluxe on their next stay but they WILL come back, there will be a next stay and that means they WILL be putting money in Disney's pocket not an offsite motel. And lets remember, that doesn't just mean Disney profits from the $$ spent for lodging but that also then adds to spending on food and souveniers at resort gift shops and so on.

Disney specializes in "magical" vacations or however you want to phrase it. They're going to go out of their way to give people a yes answer when and if they can. Whether that means saying yes to pool hoppers, free upgrades, or what have you. It's not always fair -- but then life isn't always fair.

It's obviosly not ruining our vacations since we all keep going back. With any luck, since someone 3 pages back or so lol , posted that WDW is aware of this thread, Maybe they will in the future get more diligent about checking I.D.'s at the pools.

May be wishful thinking but one can always hope

 

[Lewisc]

A handfull of pool crashers isn't a problem. The problem is that some guide books and sites like this seem to encourage pool hopping. It's amazing how many non-guests are crashing the pool. I stayed in PBH. Plenty of room in the pool, even with a sold out hotel. I suspect charging for parking helps keep the "freeloaders" out.

Originally posted by Scoootch
You roll your eyes but that is EXACTLY my point! Disney realizes this too I'm sure. These people will come back year after year because of this. Maybe they won't bump up to a moderate or deluxe from a value resort or from a moderate to a deluxe on their next stay but they WILL come back, there will be a next stay and that means they WILL be putting money in Disney's pocket not an offsite motel. And lets remember, that doesn't just mean Disney profits from the $$ spent for lodging but that also then adds to spending on food and souveniers at resort gift shops and so on.

Disney specializes in "magical" vacations or however you want to phrase it. They're going to go out of their way to give people a yes answer when and if they can. Whether that means saying yes to pool hoppers, free upgrades, or what have you. It's not always fair -- but then life isn't always fair.

It's obviosly not ruining our vacations since we all keep going back. With any luck, since someone 3 pages back or so lol , posted that WDW is aware of this thread, Maybe they will in the future get more diligent about checking I.D.'s at the pools.

May be wishful thinking but one can always hope

 

[Scoootch]

I agree. A handful of pool hoppers won't hurt if the pool isn't at capacity. I really wish they would get more diligent about checking I.D.'s though - how much trouble can it really be to walk around once an hour or so and just make sure people belong there? - meaning they are a guest of that resort or have permission to be there. They don't need to put up a fence as some suggest on other threads and others are against because it takes away from the scenery. It's really not all that hard to spot someone swimming in shorts and a t-shirt I doubt they'd have permission to swim without proper attire. And I'm sure if we overhear people bragging about crashing then the CM's must from time to time as well. I know some people may look like they're crashing but aren't too - people on check-in or check-out day may change in the bathroom's at the pools and look like they came over from another resort or are a day guest.

It could all be solved by a CM politely spot checking and making sure they are entitled to be there. Which I have seen done - and I have seen people asked to leave too -- so they do check sometimes. It's not all Disney saying "sure break the rules and pool hop" . They do on occassion try to keep pool crashers under control. Why not check all the time though?

And as far as some of the guidebooks printing that this is okay -- You would think they would make sure that what they were printing is fact It just contributes to people doing things unknowingly. I know if I read it in a guidebook, I'd think they got there facts from Disney

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Scoootch
Why not check all the time though?

Probably the cost. To do this effectively, they'd have to go the route of SAB -- fence the pool in, staff entry/exits with CMs, buy wristbands (may not be a huge cost in bulk, but still a cost).

When I stayed at BC, I thought the worst CM job to have there was the pool patrol person -- sitting/standing at the gate, checking ids or wristbands all day in the hot FL sun. And for what Disney pays!

It'd solve the perceived problem, but probably create others (like guests complaining about having to carry their ids to the pool, waiting in line to enter, etc.).

Disney wouldn't win if they do and certainly can't win if they don't.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
Probably the cost. To do this effectively, they'd have to go the route of SAB -- fence the pool in, staff entry/exits with CMs, buy wristbands (may not be a huge cost in bulk, but still a cost).

Steve--SAB is a unique situation. You have other resorts in walking distance, DVC memebers who are used to pool hopping no longer allowed to hop there and guests who think SAB is a water park that must be tried if you're staying in the EPCOT resort area. I don't think the pool hoopers are GF guests using the POLY pool.

Disney could cut the problem way down if the charged (at least non-guests) for parking. Let people who want to visit the resort park in the MK lot. Have a CM question people coming off the monorail and boat. Today a family goes to the POLY with an Allstars parking pass, wearing bathing suits and carrying AllSTAR mugs. It's really that obvious.

Do a sweep of the pool. Ask the kids where they're staying. Ask adults for their room key. Ask for their name and room number and look it up.

People ask about pool hooping and basically the pool crashers tell people that they can get away with. Increase the odds of getting thrown out and over time less people will try it.

Pool overcrowding is one reason I won't pay huge premium to stay in a Disney deluxe.

 

[Scoootch]

It wouldn't cost them anything extra though to have a CM once an hour just walk around and spot check -- have them walk around at least making them check to see that everyone "looks" to belong there and question anyone who may look as though they don't. Such as someone in the pool in shorts and a T-shirt. That's what I've seen them do on occassion - so why not on a regular basis? If they did this, they wouldn't need a fence and wristbands.