Quiet Pools Are Too Noisy

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Was at the Beach Club last week and went to read a book by the quiet pool late afternoon. What a nightmare. There were quite a few kids in the pool screaming. Parents were talking loudly to their children.There was even one mother who was screaming to her child on the balcony behind the pool. Others were talking loudly on their cell phones.Give me a break. Are there rules in effect for these pools? They are not labeled anywhere. When my children were small they had to be very very quiet to use these pools and then we only did so for a short time.Are there people who care about rules anymore or is this just a narcissistic society?

 

[GoodFairies]

If I'm not mistaken, Disney's definition of quiet pool just means not the main pool and no lifeguards. I wouldn't have expected it to be like a library there.

 

[shellybaxter]

GoodFairies,

That's what I've understood to be true as well. When we have had our niece with us we've been encouraged by the CM checking us in to use the "quiet" pool as it was right next to our room.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

They used to be pretty quiet in the past. I was wondering if there are rules posted anywhere. I don't think there are but there should be. I don't expect it to be a library but dont expect a screamfest either. The idea of a quiet pool is a great idea!

 

[stemikger]

Originally posted by Boardwalk Tigger
Was at the Beach Club last week and went to read a book by the quiet pool late afternoon. What a nightmare. There were quite a few kids in the pool screaming. Parents were talking loudly to their children.There was even one mother who was screaming to her child on the balcony behind the pool. Others were talking loudly on their cell phones.Give me a break. Are there rules in effect for these pools? They are not labeled anywhere. When my children were small they had to be very very quiet to use these pools and then we only did so for a short time.Are there people who care about rules anymore or is this just a narcissistic society?

It sounds like you might want to reconsider your vacation options (i.e. adult only places).

After all, you are at Disney, this is to be expected. As one poster said, sitting by a pool thinking you are going to have slience so you can read is very unrealistic. It is a common area, and people can have fun there in their on way. If you want to have piece and quiet to read your book, go back to your room which is not a common area.

 

[kileybeth]

Disney never actually named them "quiet" pools. Guest did over the years because childern generally prefer the other pools with all the bells and whistles. That's all. Everyone is welcome to swim in either pool. And yes, children will be noisy at times. Now inconsiderate of others is never appropriate at any pool (IMO). I hate to get splashed or sand kicked up on me at any pool! But then again, it is a pool, with water in it soooo, sometimes I get wet, my book too which is why I don't bring new hardbacks on vacation, just take and toss paperbacks.

 

[Cool-Beans]

OP, I am so with you on this. It is my big WDW pet peeve.

But you're banging your head against a wall. People on these boards have decided that the definition of "Quiet" is "no slides/lifeguards." There is no way on Earth that you'll ever convince them that "quiet" means "not a lot of noise." And they'll point out that with the exception of BWI (and GF, I think) there aren't actual signs telling people that the smaller pools are "Quiet", for relaxation while the big ones are for screaming and splashing and such. Give up.

But, again, I'm with you...as if that helps any.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Me too. I only wish those pools were quiet. But with no lifeguards, folks are free to do whatever they want. We sometimes find whole families taking over a quiet pool--then acting just as obnoxious as they probably act at home. Throwing food in the water, slinging a football ( a real football, not a little rubber one) back and forth across the pool, etc. etc. They could post all the rules with a flashing sign--wouldn't matter.
Thankfully we have a car, so when we encounter this sort of stuff, we just move on to a different pool and hope for better clients.

 

[stemikger]

Me too. I only wish those pools were quiet. But with no lifeguards, folks are free to do whatever they want. We sometimes find whole families taking over a quiet pool--then acting just as obnoxious as they probably act at home. Throwing food in the water, slinging a football ( a real football, not a little rubber one) back and forth across the pool, etc. etc. They could post all the rules with a flashing sign--wouldn't matter.
Thankfully we have a car, so when we encounter this sort of stuff, we just move on to a different pool and hope for better clients.

That's true. Noisy and having fun is one thing, but when the obnoxious stuff happens there should be some rules. Unfortunately, when going to a place as popular as Disney, not everyone is considerate of others around them.

 

[bicker]

Disney never actually named them "quiet" pools. Guest did over the years because childern generally prefer the other pools with all the bells and whistles. That's all.

That's exactly it. I think our calling them "quiet pools" fosters unreasonable expectations (especially on the part of casual readers), who get the idea that they're good spots to go read or unwind. That's simply not the case. They are swimming pools, and all manner of water fun is appropriate there, with the exception of sliding in, diving in, and splashing the water out onto folks lounging around the pool.

 

[bellebud]

I have kids, and the couple of times we've gone to the quiet pools (because the themed pools were over crowded and crazy), we're always considerate of those around us, but we're not 'silent' either. We're having fun as a family - giggling, talking, etc. But nothing over-the-top.

I wouldn't have a use for it, but I've always thought Disney should have an adults-only section of at least one of their resorts - a wing or building w/ it's own pool and a few hot tubs and it's own bar for lunch and drinks (that you can only get to going through that building). Don't they have that on the cruise ships? I think Disney has enough adult fans (w/ out kids) to warrant this.

Once while staying at the GF, we were at the 'quiet pool', which has the Bar and restrooms right next to it, and was filled w/ kids and ducks. There were teens in one of the rooms, shooting what I think were small water balloons at people around the pool and bar from their balcony, and hiding behind their curtains. I don't know what they were using to shoot them, because they travelled very far and were coming fast! Finally one of the bartenders called security on them, but it took a while. Not a nice experience at one of disney's *finest* resorts, at the quiet pool. I don't even know what my point is w/ this story... ... I guess until Disney does *adult only* pools, anything can and will happen at any pool.

 

[goofy4tink]

A 'quiet' pool is a pool with no slide. I think it came to be called that because the kids would gravitate towards the pools with water slides. I have to say that, for the most part, most 'quiet' pools tend to be much quieter than the pools with slides. I've used them at BC, BW, POR, Polynesian....while there have been kids there, it was much quieter than the other pools.
But, there have been a lot of adults who have come back and complained about the quiet pools being anything but. I think it's all about expectations.

 

[bicker]

Precisely. I think we, who are regulars here, should make a point of helping the casual reader by clarifying, whenever the term "quiet pool" is used from now on, that the term is not a Disney term, and that the pool is not necessarily quiet.

 

[madalex]

I always though the BC "quiet pool" was in a somewhat odd place. It is relatively out in the open, right off the walking path that circles the lagoon and that lots of people traverse to go to Epcot, BW, etc. Any guest of the BC quickly knows the pool is there and, as a result, it seems to get a lot of use.

Now, the YC "quiet pool" on the other hand is tucked behind the hotel in a very out of the way place. I imagine that many guests don't even know that it is there. Having spent time in the area on many occasions, that is a "quiet pool" that generally stays pretty quiet.

 

[eliza61]

OP, I am so with you on this. It is my big WDW pet peeve.

But you're banging your head against a wall. People on these boards have decided that the definition of "Quiet" is "no slides/lifeguards." There is no way on Earth that you'll ever convince them that "quiet" means "not a lot of noise." And they'll point out that with the exception of BWI (and GF, I think) there aren't actual signs telling people that the smaller pools are "Quiet", for relaxation while the big ones are for screaming and splashing and such. Give up.

But, again, I'm with you...as if that helps any.

No, we're perfectly aware of the definition of quiet. We just are also aware of the definition of " reality". The reality of the situation is there are no signage around the "quiet" pools restricting noise and no life guards. And unfortunately the sad reality is that there are also parents who shall we say are a bit more relaxed in their parenting when on vacation. I too some times wish they were a bit les noisy (if I only had a dollar for all my wishes. )

They are quieter than stromalong bay though, so I guess that would qualify.

 

[Lewisc]

Precisely. I think we, who are regulars here, should make a point of helping the casual reader by clarifying, whenever the term "quiet pool" is used from now on, that the term is not a Disney term, and that the pool is not necessarily quiet.

The map for Boardwalk Villas lists the non-theme pool as "quiet pool". Disney doesn't use the conventional meanings with many phrases. "Business casual" dress code permits jeans and sneakers. "quiet pool" doesn't require quiet guests.

 

[G8r4evr]

I dont think Disney actually named them "quiet" pools. The difference is just that the pool is smaller and has little to no frills. I wouldnt expect it to be quiet there unless that rule is specifically posted. Sorry you were disappointed =((

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Some children do get the concept, a few years ago while staying over at the VWL my nephew (4 years old) said he wanted to please go to the talking pool. At first I had no idea what he was talking about.

 

[RMulieri]

Sorry you had a rough time I understand it didn't meet your expectations, but there really is no way to keep the quiet pools quiet.Kids tend to get loud when they are excited.As far as adults being loud, while I don't like it and don't agree with it ,that is life.Cell phones really bother me.Ok outside attractions, not so good on rides ( seen it)Nowadays, you find people on cell phones EVERYWHERE and most of the time they are oblivious to those around them.I can't tell you how many times I tell patients families no cell phones in the hospital.I either get a blank look or told where to go.I have seen people on cell phones at restaurants, in church( believe it or not) and once had a woman in the bathroom on the phone get mad because I flushed the toilet while she was on the phone( not kidding)...

 

[bellebud]

Was at the Beach Club last week and went to read a book by the quiet pool late afternoon. What a nightmare. There were quite a few kids in the pool screaming. Parents were talking loudly to their children.There was even one mother who was screaming to her child on the balcony behind the pool. Others were talking loudly on their cell phones.Give me a break. Are there rules in effect for these pools? They are not labeled anywhere. When my children were small they had to be very very quiet to use these pools and then we only did so for a short time.Are there people who care about rules anymore or is this just a narcissistic society?

One of the non-themed pools at the boardwalk is right outside the Community Center (for the villas) - I can't imagine Disney meant this pool to be "quiet", putting it right outside the center where the kids play games, do crafts, etc. I believe there's another quiet pool at the boardwalk (by the garden suites??), that you'd probably not stumble upon by accident. If I were you and it was a part of your vacation you really enjoy (reading by a quiet pool - hey, everyone has different things that make them happy, and everyone should persue them while on vacation!) I'd book my resort partially based on how out-of-the-way the quiet pools are. Like my previous post said about the GF quiet pool - it's right next to the bar, and in a main area of the resort, and it's nice and big, which draws families (we don't care for the themed pool at the GF, but love the quiet pool). Poly's quiet pool is also in a main area and is always filled w/ families too.

Just trying to help... I can understand the frustration of wanting a quiet area to relax.