Resorts.. Rules and when to follow them..

[shellybaxter]

As someone who makes "rules" I know I try to leave room for inturuptation by me or my staff. I never look at rules as being "written in stone". Someone wrote them and someone can probably change them. So I always ask. For example, many many people on these boards will point out that there are signs on the beaches at the Poly saying that they are for the exclusive use of resort guests, and therefore no one else can watch the fireworks from that location. I found this odd since myself and many others had been encouraged to stay after a dinner at Ohanna and watch WISHES from the beach by Poly/Ohanna staff members. So I called the Poly and asked that very question "If I finish my dinner at Ohanna just before Wishes can I go down to the beach and watch the fireworks?" I even pointed out that I had seen signs saying the beach was for the exclusive use of resort guests. The CM I spoke with said that I would be welcome to watch Wishes from the beach and that the signs were there to prevent guests from using the beaches all day for recreatation. The management has obviously interpreted the "rules" on the signs a bit differently than some DIS members. Some will tell you that they have seen people removed from the beach at heavy attendance times using the "exclusively for guests" rule and I believe that is true. The management on that day, at that time, chose to interpret that rule that way on that day.

I will always take the word of Disney CM (while I am aware that they aren't always well informed) over those on this board who say that rules are concrete and can never be changed.

 

[Rafikifan]

It depends on what "rule" we're talking about. I don't think there is much grey area with how many people they allow in a room, pool hopping, cooking (not brewing coffee) in your room. There are other "rules" that do have a grey area IMHO and that is due to inconsistency with certain policies and how they are enforced. A friend of the family's was going to WDW in May and she mentioned wanting to take a rolling backpack. I told her I'd read that they were not allowed unless you carry them on your back but I didn't want to steer her wrong and also I was curious myself on what the "official" line was so I email guest relations. They sent an automatic reply email that due to overwhelming amounts of email they would get back to me ASAP. About 2 weeks later A CM from Disney called and told me emphatically that they do not allow rolling ones unless they are carried and that they have lockers to store things in. He said that CM's are instructed to approach guests when they break the policy but said they like to do it subtly as not to embarass a guest. And I still read about people taking them in.
The other issue I emailed about was going to the Poly beach to watch fireworks after dining there. The reason I emailed was because we have been told, I should say encouraged by CM's at 'Ohana to watches the fireworks from the beach. Then once again I read conflicting opinions on this so the next trip we dined there after dinner I went to the front desk and specifically asked him whether it was ok or not. He was VERY nice and said we were welcomed to watch from the beach and he told us to walk the grounds to see how beautiful their resort is. I STILL was reading conflicting things so I emailed guest services. It again was about 2 weeks after I had emailed them and sure enough they called again and said that the only thing they frown upon is non Polynesian guests not having access to the chairs/hammocks on the beach but that at night there is more than enough room for people to watch the fireworks from the beach. The only time it was crowded enough to turn away non-guests was 4th of July and New Year's Eve. He mentioned not using the pool if you aren't a registered guest at that resort (which I wouldn't anyway) but that they considered anyone who visits their resort whether it is to dine or shop as guests of the Polynesian. I know there will be some who still disagree, but in this case I'm going with what not only the CM's at the Poly have said, but guest relations also.

 

[Sammie]

I abide by the written rules and see no need to ask a CM about something I can understand by either reading a sign or printed info. If I could not find any printed or posted info I would ask.

I know for a fact that you can ask any CM a question; say about use of the pool and depending on how it is worded you will get 2 different answers.

For example; if I ask a CM is it ok to use the pool while my daughter is at the Tea Party at the Grand Floridian, since it did not appear to be too crowded when I walked by earlier and I promise I won't get in anyone's way, They will reply, Go ahead.

If I ask a CM, that since I am a paying guest of the Grand Floridian spending hundreds of dollars per day and really hate when the pools get overcrowded and all the chairs are gone, do they restrict usage of the pool to resort guests only, They will reply we most certainly do.

This could very well be the same CM in same day.

 

[headoflife]

Cooking appliances in rooms are where you can ignore the Dis "opinions". Fire codes and Disney's own rules state that NO personal electrical cooking appliances are to be brought into or used in hotel rooms. Yes, this includes coffee makers, toasters, waffle makers, crock pots, microwaves, electric frying pans, etc. The fact that this rule is sometimes overlooked or ignored is beside the point.

If you want a coffee maker, call housekeeping. The one you get from them is THEIR coffee maker. This makes a world of difference if liability should come into play - especially to the guest.

The exceptions to this are the DVC villas, which are built with approved kitchen areas. Nevertheless, I don't bring my own appliances. I only use what's available from Disney.

The same goes for occupancy limits. These are set by fire codes. Only so many people can be in a certain square footage of room. I don't argue with this, and I wouldn't try to fudge the rules.

People can certainly state opinions on these topics, but that doesn't change what the rules are. These rules are there for a reason - safety. Our safety. Why try to make it more complicated?

DisFlan

I am suprised I was able to find this thread, but this shows that while we agree that DIs members opinions really are irrelevant, the official answer is the opposite of the one you believe to be true. See DMRicks post at :
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=861221&highlight=email+cooking

I know this won't put the subject to rest, but it appears the policy has changed, and now at least one person has it in writing. I guess Disney has decided that these appliances are no more dangerous than the curling and straightening irons people use all the time.

 

[C.Ann]

I am suprised I was able to find this thread, but this shows that while we agree that DIs members opinions really are irrelevant, the official answer is the opposite of the one you believe to be true. See DMRicks post at :
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=861221&highlight=email+cooking

I know this won't put the subject to rest, but it appears the policy has changed, and now at least one person has it in writing. I guess Disney has decided that these appliances are no more dangerous than the curling and straightening irons people use all the time.

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Thanks! That - in addition to what I was actually told at the front desk - is good enough for me.. That's what we need - things in writing and/or a clear cut yes or no from the front desk..

If I ever get the response to my request I'll try to bring this thread back up again so I can post it..

 

[C.Ann]

. Why try to make it more complicated?

DisFlan

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I'm confused.. Was this directed at me? If so, I don't see where I'm trying to make things "complicated" by stating what I was told at the front desk and pointing out that I had never seen anything in writing.. I had no other information to go by and therefore did the responsible thing - I asked permission at the front desk..

Now that I have seen an official response from Disney it's no longer complicated at all.. What I did was fine - and I won't be breaking any rules if I choose to do it again..

 

[skiwee1]

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Exactly.. I "did" something on my last trip to WDW after asking at the hotel if it was okay - there was nothing "written" anywhere that I could see - so I asked.. A month or so later someone asked the same thing on one of these boards and was sternly reprimanded and told it was an absolute NO.. I thought about it for several weeks and then sent my question to Guest Relations - complete with the fact that I had already been there, asked for and received permission at the hotel - and that now I was hearing from others that it wasn't allowed.. Still haven't received an answer (although several weeks ago I did get an email saying they received it and would be contacting me).. I don't break rules if at all possible - but in order to adhere to them, I need to know what they are ahead of time!!

Did you take one of those elusive towel animals and now feel extreme guilt over it? LOL!

 

[C.Ann]

Did you take one of those elusive towel animals and now feel extreme guilt over it? LOL!

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No... I swiped the three-story high can of Play-Doh.. I couldn't help it - my granddaughter LOVES Play-Doh..........................

 

[DMRick]

Several weeks ago I sent a letter to Guest Relations regarding a "rule" and still haven't received a response.. However, there are lots of folks here who have voiced very strong opinions on rules - although I'm not sure where they got their info from..

hmm.we sent them on the same day and my answer came over a week ago..maybe even longer. I posted my answer. (about cooking in the room right? I have a copy of my letter if you want to see it.) Although Im not at all happy with my answer LOL. I wish it had been from the executive guest services instead of the on line guy. See..even when we write and get an answer, we may not believe it LOL! I can't believe it would be ok to use an electric skillet in your room! But sigh, it appears it is (at least the day I got this note).

 

[Stitch Inside]

hmm.we sent them on the same day and my answer came over a week ago..maybe even longer. I posted my answer. (about cooking in the room right? I have a copy of my letter if you want to see it.) Although Im not at all happy with my answer LOL. I wish it had been from the executive guest services instead of the on line guy. See..even when we write and get an answer, we may not believe it LOL! I can't believe it would be ok to use an electric skillet in your room! But sigh, it appears it is (at least the day I got this note).

Sweet, we'll be packing our appliances up to take to the CR. Since we are staying in a Wing Room, and it is such a long walk to the restaurants, cooking in our room will save us a ton of time.JK

 

[polyfan]

Disney CMs may be saying it is okay for cooking appliances, but I would be curious to see what the fire dept. says. In many college dorms these items are not allowed. I would not want to be the one to have cooked something in a room and caused a fire. Anything can always happen. But then again, I don't stay at a Disney hotel to cook in the room.

 

[Mainestreetpixie]

I always see so many threads regarding the various rules at the resorts:

room occupancy
smoking/non-smoking
cooking
pool hopping
refillable mugs
who can use the beaches at which resorts
etc..

and it got me to thinking.. Several weeks ago I sent a letter to Guest Relations regarding a "rule" and still haven't received a response.. However, there are lots of folks here who have voiced very strong opinions on rules - although I'm not sure where they got their info from..

So - if you were going to be staying at one of the resorts and you had a question about a particular rule, but were unable to get a response from Guest Relations prior to making the trip, would you adhere (or not adhere) to the rule based on the opinions here - or would you go to a CM upon arrival and adhere by whatever they told you - even if the opinions here had been totally different?

I adhere to the published rule, and if for some reason there isnt one, I follow my common sense and my conscience. Ive read these boards for a long time, (although I just really started posting in January), but it seems like as another poster said, people will push it enough to get the answer they want and that seems to justify breaking a rule, or going against common sense.

Im certainly not perfect..I probably drive faster than I should, don't return change every time someone gives me the wrong amount, and if someone asks me how the look and the outfit is awful, I simply smile and say you look great. We all make choices and we each have to live with our conscience in the long run. No one opinion, or multiple opinions on here should hold more weight than the posted rule, and if there is no rule, let your conscience, not a messageboard, be your guide.

 

[Jennasis]

I use common sense. I wouldn't bother to ask a CM if my visiting family could use the pool for the day with me or if we could take a dip in the pool after visiting a restaurant. Unless I or my entire party is an overnight guest of that hotel, we are not using their pool...end of story.

I have gotten the refillable mug. Nobody had to tell me that the mug was only good for the current stay and only in that hotel. I could read/interpret the sign/stickers just fine. I wouldn't dare be "thrifty" enough to try to bring it back.

Cooking in the room? That's why they have villas. If your kids are picky eaters and you have to make their food then you get a room with a full kitchen like the cabins at FW or something. A crockpot is totally out of line (and dangerous). And an electric skillet/hot-plate etc is just silly.

 

[micksterlee]

I told DW it looks like it is now ok to cook in the room and she "great be sure to take the skillet so I can bounce it off your noggin evrytime you suggest I cook on vacation!"

 

[DisFlan]

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I'm confused.. Was this directed at me? If so, I don't see where I'm trying to make things "complicated" by stating what I was told at the front desk and pointing out that I had never seen anything in writing.. I had no other information to go by and therefore did the responsible thing - I asked permission at the front desk..

Now that I have seen an official response from Disney it's no longer complicated at all.. What I did was fine - and I won't be breaking any rules if I choose to do it again..

No, it wasn't aimed at you - unless you cook odiferous food. I'd be interested to see if fire codes have changed. I doubt it. I also wonder if this was an approved response, or just another case of "looking the other way" for guest convenience.

Just as a personal note, I do not enjoy smelling cooking odors from next door when I'm in a hotel. It's a hotel, not an apartment building. You may only be cooking toast, but the next guest might cook up a batch of corned beef and cabbage or liver and onions. Or bacon every morning? If appliances are "allowed", where is the line drawn?

DisFlan

 

[C.Ann]

hmm.we sent them on the same day and my answer came over a week ago..maybe even longer. I posted my answer. (about cooking in the room right? I have a copy of my letter if you want to see it.) Although Im not at all happy with my answer LOL. I wish it had been from the executive guest services instead of the on line guy. See..even when we write and get an answer, we may not believe it LOL! I can't believe it would be ok to use an electric skillet in your room! But sigh, it appears it is (at least the day I got this note).

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If I remember correctly, I think that email was sent just before all heck broke loose about the Best Rate program.. Either it got lost in the shuffle of dealing with those folks or my email service here decided to dump it for some quirky reason.. (It's bad up here - REAL bad.. LOL) I think I'll try again and have it sent to one of my other email services..

And just to clarify for others, I'm talking about a one-cup coffeemaker - not cooking - so that may have something to do with me being given the okay..

 

[DisFlan]

And just to clarify for others, I'm talking about a one-cup coffeemaker - not cooking - so that may have something to do with me being given the okay..

Bless you!


DisFlan

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

I can't movie hop in a theater.... I followthe written word as well...to the tee!

I'm such a scaredy-cat - I wouldn't even think of doing most of these things that others consider gray areas.

 

[jarestel]

I'm a little surprised to hear that Disney would allow "cooking" appliances in their rooms ( I'm not referring to coffeepots, but more of the real cooking type items, electric skillets, etc ). It just seems like this wouldn't be a good idea.

Having said that, I suspect a statistically larger percentage of fires are started by smoking materials, than crock pots. We're just more used to smoking than cooking I guess, so it doesn't seem like that big of a deal if the guy in the room next door is smoking, but if he's cooking eggs, then pack up the babies and grab the old ladies... we have ourselves a fire hazard.

 

[goofy4tink]

I told DW it looks like it is now ok to cook in the room and she "great be sure to take the skillet so I can bounce it off your noggin evrytime you suggest I cook on vacation!"

Is that you George?? Just kidding. That would be my snappy comeback if my dh suggested I cook on vacation. I just was thinking about that and decided we could save a lot of money on vacation each year if we just stayed home, did day trips and ate out for every meal. That's almost my favorite thing about vacation..no cooking!!!

As for that cooking in your room....coffee is no big issue for me. But skillet cooking in a regular room is just wrong. Even at the villas I go nuts when I walk down the hallway and smell bacon cooking in the morning...again, just not right. That makes me way too hungry and then I have to forgo my bowl of cereal and find a 'good hearty breakfast' someplace!!!