Pool privileges for POFQ guests only-how strict are they?

[CanadianGuy]

Because you're not all staying at the same resort and won't have cars, a more nuetral meeting place would be a better choice.

How about meeting at Dowtown Disney and eating at Earl of Sandwich then letting the kids play at the Lego Store playground or in teh splash fountain?

That's a busy, noisy area and no one would be bothered by a large group.

Anne

Hmm.. this seems like a pretty good suggestion actually.

 

[Sammie]

As stated Disney makes the rules involving their pools. Here is a sign stating the rules for the pool in question.

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/fq66.jpg

Just as no one here can say it is wrong to do this, also no one can say go ahead and do it either. Neither have that authority. Disney does and it is obvious by their signage and the info they share at check in what their policy is.

If the OP wishes to contact someone who actually has the authority to over ride the policy, then she can do that. That would have to be the resort Guest Services manager or the Recreation manager and not the CM answering the phone at the Call Center for the Front Desk.

Ducklite's suggestion for Downtown Disney is very good and feasible.

 

[Laren]

Okay, I've got to come to the defense of the OP here!

He posted a question about two weeks ago on the restaurant board asking where a good place for a large party with six toddlers/babies would be. A few posters chimed in that a restaurant gathering with that many little ones maybe wouldn't work; and that a better option would be a pool party at one of the resorts they were staying at. So, this pool party idea wasn't even his to begin with. . Let's cut the guy some slack--he's getting "flamed" no matter what idea he tries going with!

I didn't flame the OP. I just suggested that perhaps there was an option that would work better for everyone and I cautioned him against taking the word of one CM over the phone to base their plans on.

Why is that flaming?

 

[CAJUNBLAZE]

I dont think he is getting flamed, and even if he did get prior approval he should know that he could run into problems. If I was trying to host a party for that many people, I would make sure to do this where it would be totally acceptable to avoid any set backs at all. He could be told one thing and when the party takes place and enough guests complain it could become a problem. It makes it a tougher decision because that is a resort that has only one pool and is all ready shared by a second resort and is not very big.

 

[spiceycat]

.

We considered DTD but didn't know that there were good places for the kids to play. My issue with DTD is that people are going to show up over a two hour period. It might be hard to meet up.

DTD has a MacDonald's

right next to the lego.
here is lego
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/shoppingDetail?id=LEGOImaginationCenterShopPage

believe me they would have more fun here than being near a pool they couldn't go swimming in - that is just not fair to little ones.

 

[ElizabethB]

Disney has run a multi-million dollar campaign to encourage families to come to WDW for their gatherings, instead of getting on cruise ships (which must be WDW's main source of competition these days).

I really don't think they are going to prohibit a family, the majority of whom are staying at the resort in question from having an informal gathering. Far from it. I think if they knew, they would support it.

Now, I'll really make folks furious -- three or four years ago my sister and her family were staying concierge at a WDW hotel which shall remain nameless. The rest of us were staying offsite (9 of us!). When one of the concierge CM's learned (I don't recall how) that my sister had part of her family group staying offsite, he told her to feel free to bring us into the lounge any time for snacks and relaxation!!! Imagine -- if other concierge guests had known, we might have been lynched!

There you have it -- WDW likes to make sure families have a good time and get to spend quality time together! That's why I think the OP will have no problem with the pool party.

 

[Flametamr]

Maybe this was covered already but didn't the OP say that a majority of the people were staying at POFQ and POR ??? These are sister resorts and pool hoping is allowed and incouraged between the two. Add to that a couple of guests then the OP is legal so to speak. I understand how some people would say don't come to my resort, but really people consider the time of year being discussed. It is during a low attendance time and cold outside too. How many people really will be using the pool ?

I think the biggest problem the OP will face is finding adequite table space. I don't recall any real tables by the pool unless maybe they were the real short ones.

My opinion is that if mgmt okays it then go for it. I hope it works out and you have a great time.

 

[CAJUNBLAZE]

I really dont see how anyone can say this is ok, try that at your local hotel, they have posted signs at the pool clearly stating their policy! Thats pretty clean and dry.

Assuming a family is two adults:
PO stated 3 families at por + 6 adults
1 family at akl +2 adults
1 family at pop + 2 adults
the rest OFFSITE +10 adults
that means por guests are the minority not majority
That would mean 14 out 20 adults not official guest of POR.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Like Sammie stated, when you "call the resort" more than likely you are getting a call center somewhere. Could be in Kansas. They haven't a clue about the resort policies other than the ones they have in front of them.

How about making reservations for the entire group at Mickey's Backyard Barbeque if it is running that night? That's a rather fun gathering, food provided, characters, and adults can just sit around and talk/visit while the kids dance around.

Or schedule everyone for the Hoop-de-doo Revue. Another big gathering, fairly good food and lots of fun for all.

With nearly 40% of the group NOT staying on WDW property, you really need to find somewhere else besides a resort where other guests have paid to enjoy the facilities that you want to take over. Your idea is just rude.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

My son's baseball team will be in WDW for a ball tournament.A couple of the families are staying at the Poly. Does this mean Disney welcomes us to have a pizza party at the Volcano pool for 12 baseball players, their parents and siblings? I don;t think that would be fair especially to the other paying Poly guests! Why not have your party at the Pizza Planet- pizza and arcade games are sure to entice little ones.

 

[bellebud]

I can't imagine being a parent of one of the little ones and being happy about the pool party idea. IF they're allowed in the pool AND assuming it's warm enough to swim, those parents have to then swim with their kids and cannot enjoy sitting down and talking w/the other adults. OR if they are not allowed to swim, it's too cold to swim, or the parents simply don't want them to swim because they'd like to sit, eat and talk w/ the adults a little, they'll have to deal with screaming toddlers who want to go in the pool, or toddlers who don't want to swim, but are running/toddling around on the concrete, possibly wet, slippery concrete (either way, it's hard concrete). I'd definitely prefer a grassy area for my little ones. A pool is not the safest place for a group gathering with lots of toddlers and distracted adults. I wouldn't do it for that reason.

I'm trying to think where might work better for your group. DTD is super easy access for everyone and has all the benefits other posters mentioned.

The boardwalk has a nice, large grassy lawn that the toddlers would love! The parents could eat pizza or whatever from the boardwalk restaurants. Although getting seating together might be a problem, and getting there is trickier than DTD.

Is there a park area off-site (or even on-site, but i don't think there's anything like that) that you could get delivery to and everyone could sit, relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about the toddlers?

Sorry couldn't be more helpful, but aside from the disney rules thing, I think it's just dangerous and as a mother of 2 kids, I myself wouldn't be thrilled with it and wouldn't be able to enjoy myself. Taking toddlers to a pool is actually very hard work, physically and mentally. We actually avoided the pools quite a bit when mine were toddlers, and when we went to the pools, we (dh and I) were exhausted after a short time because it's 100% about the kids. there's no relaxing w/ toddlers around open water. I'd really think about part of it.

good luck figuring it out!

 

[skipperkim]

Like Sammie stated, when you "call the resort" more than likely you are getting a call center somewhere. Could be in Kansas.

I wish, but they closed the one in Kansas 2 years ago. I'd love to have worked there, part time. Imagine, CM benefits. Sorry, for hijacking this thread. I now return you to the pool privilege thread.

Wait, using the pool is a privilege. That's the answer.

 

[aubriee]

Unless management approves it, there will probably be enough paying guests there to complain and get you thrown out. I know Jan '04 we were at Wilderness Lodge when a large party of about 12-14 showed up. People complained, lifeguards were asking for ID and anyone without resort ID had to leave the entire pool area. Only one couple was staying at the resort, the other 12 were their 'guests' and had to leave. It was not a pretty sight, with all the yelling going on. The couple was yelling that with the prices they were paying to stay there that they could have guests if they wanted. A manager was called in and they all round up leaving in a huff.

 

[Ishy]

1. Any post about non guest using a pool or pool area is a bad idea.
2. Your group will NOT be hassled by POFQ employees unless your the cause of disturbance of other guests.
3.4.5. Have a magical vacation.

 

[maxiesmom]

1. Any post about non guest using a pool or pool area is a bad idea.
2. Your group will NOT be hassled by POFQ employees unless your the cause of disturbance of other guests.
3.4.5. Have a magical vacation.

Twenty six people is no small amount. People are bound to take notice of you. If someone slips and talks about how they came over from a different hotel, you would be in trouble. POFQ only has the one pool, and you would be taking over a large part of the pool area. Sorry, but if I had paid to stay there and heard talk from a group of 26 about how they were all meeting there, I would report you.

OP--You have been given many great options for your large group. You should really look into them instead of doing something that is not allowed, and may cause grief for your group. How would you feel if there was a scene and you were told to leave?

 

[yasmina]

Please don't flame me. I have gathered that talking about pool privileges can be contentious.

I'm trying to put together a pizza pool party for a group of 20 adults + 6 toddlers. We're planning on doing it at the POFQ pool. Three of the families are staying at Port Orleans, one is at AKL, one is at POP and I'm not sure about the others. I know a couple of the families are staying off-WDW.

Will we be hassled since we're not all guests at PO? Will someone ask for room keys to verify that we're all guests at the resort? We'll be eating from the POFQ food court but are going to sit in the pool area to eat to avoid herding all those toddlers into a restaurant. Do people not staying at WDW commonly go to WDW resorts to eat?

Has anybody done this before?
Thanks in advance for your advice/words of wisdom.

Disney is a business. If you call the resort ahead of time (I'm sure you can get the # somewhere) and explain that you would all like to meet and eat together, they will see dollar signs and agree to it. Depends on the time of day too. There is a patio area between the pool and the poolside bar that was barely occupied during our recent stay there (probably because it's a DSA). You all could sit there, the kids could swim, and you could have a great time. Just don't gripe if there are people smoking nearby. If I were a guest at the hotel at the time I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as management had ok'd it.

Between purchasing food at the food court, and potential earnings at the bar, I would think that the hotel manager would LOVE for your group to meet there. Contrary to resort policy, sure. Money-maker, definitely!

Which do you think they'll choose??

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

Disney themselves won't be bothered as you are spending money there. Very few people will care at all unless the pool is crowded.

 

[jmpellet]

When I first read this I said oh no I hope not during the week of 8/26 but then after reading the posts I rethought my initial feelings. As long as its not during the Thanksgiving week there will likely be no one at the pool during a Sunday evening. When I as there last year during the first week of October the pool area was dead during the evenings and there are two areas behind the pools that are blocked by trees, not to mention the tables near the bar area. None of these areas had people there! Keeping track of that many kids may be a bit hazardous around the pools though. Why not try to get a magical gatherings event like good morning gathering at Tony's?

 

[DebbieB]

Disney is a business. If you call the resort ahead of time (I'm sure you can get the # somewhere) and explain that you would all like to meet and eat together, they will see dollar signs and agree to it. Depends on the time of day too. There is a patio area between the pool and the poolside bar that was barely occupied during our recent stay there (probably because it's a DSA). You all could sit there, the kids could swim, and you could have a great time. Just don't gripe if there are people smoking nearby. If I were a guest at the hotel at the time I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as management had ok'd it.

Between purchasing food at the food court, and potential earnings at the bar, I would think that the hotel manager would LOVE for your group to meet there. Contrary to resort policy, sure. Money-maker, definitely!

Which do you think they'll choose??

They will see $$$ and want to call it an official party and charge you accordingly. I'm sure they arrange birthday parties at a higher price. What if another group decided to do the same at the same time? What if another group already has something officially planned for this date and time? They aren't just going to throw open the doors to non pre-arranged groups of this size.

 

[kaysmommie]

I would like to suggest a really fun character meal for the little ones as a meeting place. I would call soon if this might be and option for you as you have quite a large party going. It would be fun for the kids though and keep them entertained. I think the pool gathering would disturb other guest and since they are paying to stay there and use the pool and facilities they have priority. ALl the pools have signs that say resort guests only and alot of resorts do check ID. I would just make sure with a CN who works at the resort or the Lifegurd at PO. The CM you spoke could be a call center and they can misinform you. I think if you check with the resort directly that's your best bet.