Swimming at another resort

[dreamflight99]

I've seen people expelled from pools at every location we've stayed. Of the few times we have actually visited a pool during the day, I've seen people pool-hopping. I've witnessed people walk up from the beach while at Disney's VBR, and wait for a guest with a key to open the gate. The lifeguards are very savvy, and immediately ask the intruder(s) for I.D., (before requesting he/she leave). The locked gate seems to reduce the number of violators.

While at the Swan/Dolphin waiting for a bus to the MK, we have seen parents drive up and drop off a group of kids (whom cut through the bushes behind us) to swim in the grotto pool. While at the CR, we witnessed families from an off-site resort swim/play with other guests. The kids loudly proclaimed the name of the resort/hotel at DTD.

BUT...I am not the pool police while at Disney. I am there vacationing. As much as I may personally detest this sort of thing, I have no idea if they are perhaps visiting family/friends staying at the resort, or were granted permission by management, etc. I have friends whom were staying at the BW resort. They traveled to the CR for some water/boating activities, (parasailing). Afterward, they were told they were "free" to use the pool if they desired. They declined, as they wanted to get to the parks. Yet, the point remains, they were offered the use of the pool by a Disney Associate.

When we "asked" the GM for permission to swim in SAB, we had "friends" staying at the resort at the time. DD enjoyed the company of their daughter, both the same age. She wished to accompany her for an afternoon in "her" (BC) pool. I did not HAVE to ask, (since our friends were staying at the BC) but did out of courtesy and respect for the other guests. I elaborated, and informed the mgr. how very much we all enjoyed the pool while we stayed there, and he extended the invitation to DH & I as well. He was gracious and understanding.

Since we have a theme-park pool (complete with tahoe blue lagoon pebbletec, a round rock table/full bench IN the pool, fiber optics, cave and built-in rock slide which wraps around our 10' tall- 24 ton granite boulder waterfall, canyon slate deck, etc.) in our own back-yard here in So. Cal, (not to mention the beach/ocean) resort pools are not much of a draw for us. In fact, during the eight+ weeks we are in Fla. each summer, we are only in/at a resort pool a mere fraction of the time.

Dallas_Lady...you have it right. Uh oh, a pool hopping thread...

 

[Sammie]

I guess if you are lucky enough to go during less busy times of the year then it does not become a problem. However when one goes during peak summer season and the pools are packed it does begin to bother one about not being able to enjoy your own pool due to overcrowding.

However I put full blame on Disney and the managers that do not monitor the situation.

I am concerned though that thousands of people read these forums and based on that I am always leary of sharing any personal experiences that would lead someone to think that pool hopping is acceptable. While only a few people would not affect a pool the size of SAB, if hundreds read about it here and do the same thing then in essence the few has become many more.

I guess it's all in one's perspective. I see it as the same as if I don't have a reservation for Cinderella's Castle, I am not allowed to stroll in and take photos with the characters or drop in and visit with a friend that does have a seating or inconvenience the paying guest in anyway.

Oh well just my opinion.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Sammie
I guess if you are lucky enough to go during less busy times of the year then it does not become a problem. However when one goes during peak summer season and the pools are packed it does begin to bother one about not being able to enjoy your own pool due to overcrowding.

However I put full blame on Disney and the managers that do not monitor the situation.

I am concerned though that thousands of people read these forums and based on that I am always leary of sharing any personal experiences that would lead someone to think that pool hopping is acceptable. While only a few people would not affect a pool the size of SAB, if hundreds read about it here and do the same thing then in essence the few has become many more.

I guess it's all in one's perspective. I see it as the same as if I don't have a reservation for Cinderella's Castle, I am not allowed to stroll in and take photos with the characters or drop in and visit with a friend that does have a seating or inconvenience the paying guest in anyway.

Oh well just my opinion.

GREAT POINTS, Sammie! I fully understand the obligation we all have posting such viewpoints here on the Dis, as some may misconstrue our good intentions and abuse the information to their advantage. Perhaps if pools such as the Poly & SAB were saturated with uninvited guests...the management & Disney would finally enforce the policy. I have enjoyed the Poly pool while staying there (not since the refurb/renovation), and recall numerous/obvious intruders blatently breaking the rules. Sad, as it does adversely affect the enjoyment of the paying guests.

I've also heard the Poly is inundated with persons not-staying at the resort during fireworks shows (such as the 4th of July). We had friends whom informed us these invaders actually removed chairs from their patio, and also blocked their view. When they objected, these persons became belligerent. Our friends were forced to call for security assistance, whom apparently did little to amend the situation (there were too many persons on the property for the security to handle). Very disappointing.

Funny you should mention the restaurant matter. We were dining in the Liberty Tree Tavern one eve during the parade (late). We were in the back, (to the left) in the upper area. Apparently, a man with two children must have seen the characters at our table as he looked through the window while watching the end of the parade. He abruptly showed up standing next to our table, with his children, staring/drooling at our plates of food. They were waiting to hug/hold the characters for a photo op (?!?). I nearly thought they were going to pull up a chair and grab a fork!!The characters were busy entertaining DD by tossing her salad, and rolls too! Because of the presence of these people, they were distracted and felt obligated to assist them. Afterward, Eeyore and Tigger just shook their heads in agreement/dismay as I verbally discounted the guests actions. They hugged DD, and attempted to p/u where they left off (before being interrupted). This was the most PECULIAR/INTRUSIVE thing I have ever witnessed while dining in WDW.

Afterward, the waitperson apologized emphatically for the rude intrusive behavior of these persons (once she saw them leaving our table). She informed us such things happen every once in a while, and they have little/no recourse. The lack of manners exhibited by this man was absolutely astounding. I guess, it truly "takes all kinds." I can not even imagine anyone walking into Cindy's Castle (all the way up the stairs?) to visit with the characters, w/o a paid ressie! Has such a thing truly happened? Please, say it ain't so.

TTFN...DF99

 

[ScarlettO]

Dreamflight.....I put the blame on this man showing up at your table entirely on the CM. No one without a ressie should gain access to the restaurant for a character meal. Even though this person's behavior was boorish, the CM's are to blame.

 

[Threehearts]

We have stayed at the Poly Conc. countless times, most always in August but at other times also. In all those visits, I have never once seen a lifeguard ask for resort ID. When we stayed at the WL about 5 years ago, pool hoppers were rampant(they said right out that they came over on the boat from MK) and no one was checking IDs there either. I've never heard a family at the Poly allude to pool hopping and I've always felt that pool crowds were very dependent on the weather rather than pool crashing. As for DVC guaranteeing a positive pool experience by preventing pool hopping, I'm not sure. We always wanted to stay at the BC and went to early dinner there on our last trip. We went over to view the pool area(SAB) and were shocked by the VERY long lines for the slide and people were SRO in the pool. This may have been just a crowded area that we were viewing but just as pool crowds have stopped people from going to the the Poly, I'd never pay for SAB with the situation that I saw there. I think it's fair to expect pool crowds in the warmer months and try for off-season a bit if you love the pool and don't want a lot of company. I do feel that we saw a significant upswing in pool attendance at the Poly when blocks of heavy deluxe discounts went out. As far as discounts, I think it's great if you're able to get them. We don't seem to be able to any more but if you pay half of what we do for the Poly, then more power to you, clever DISers. JMHO- Threehearts

 

[FWFamily4Life]

well i can say at WL and other pools ( Im not going to say Id pool hop) that they pretty much screen you at the towel hut. I know they always ask for a key to get towels. That doesnt stop people from bringing towels from their own resorts. If disney wanted to keep unregistered guests out they would implement a check in at the entrance like they do at swimming pools on the "the strip" in Las Vegas. NO key no addmission not even to look around.
That said, ive been at the GF, while staying at FW cabins, one morning while DW was at the spa and I nicely talked to the nice lady giving out towels and showed her the ressie for the spa and got a towel, but i was by myself and the pool was not crowded

I agree that most pools are great except FW, so I dont see why anyone should pool hop

dang ive been sucked into a pool hopping thread

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by FWFamily4Life
well i can say at WL and other pools ( Im not going to say Id pool hop) that they pretty much screen you at the towel hut.

No they don't. We have stayed onsite for years and have never seen a key checked.

Like Sammie, I won't stay at the Polynesian again until they get a grip on the pool hopping. It's too frustrating having to sit on a towel on the cement because all of the chairs are taken by people not staying there.

 

[dreamflight99]

Checking room keys~would probably greatly reduce the trouble, although some TRUE guests may not have a room key on them (if someone is napping in the room, or still in there and can simply open it for them). This would cause other problems entirely. SAB tried the wrist bands when they first opened the pool, but dropped this method some years ago. When we were in the Bahama's last summer, at Atlantis on Paradise Island, they were comitted to preventing abuse of the pool area. The CM's checked EVERY person, and insured there were no violators. There were ample chairs for all the paying guests, and the pool/slide was not ever crowded. For the price of the rooms...(on PAR with Disney's Deluxe CL), one would expect no less. Wrist bands work GREAT for the MK "E-ticket" feature. Perhaps each resort should present each guest with a color-coded wrist band upon check-in. This would be visible, and prevent the pool-hopping once and for all~!

TTFN...DF99

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Bojangles
No they don't. We have stayed onsite for years and have never seen a key checked.

Like Sammie, I won't stay at the Polynesian again until they get a grip on the pool hopping. It's too frustrating having to sit on a towel on the cement because all of the chairs are taken by people not staying there.

I've never been asked for ID to get towels at either the Poly, WL, or CBR. At the Poly and WL there are huge carts that you helped yourself to. As I've said before I have seen on every stay at the Poly lifegurds checking rooms keys and tossing people out. At the WL you could tell there were people there that weren't supposed to be and the WL did nothing to evict them.

 

[madalex]

During our mid-Feb visit to the Yacht Club, they checked room keys every day when entering the pool area (except two days when it was the low-60s and there were very few swimmers). Once the room key was checked, the CM put an orange wristband on everyone in the group. Presumably, had they later seen someone without a wristband, they would have checked again to confirm the person was supposed to be there. Have gone to YC every year since 1997 and don't remember this wristband thing from past trips (although I do remember the ID checking).

 

[colleen costello]

We have been asked for ID a few times at the Poly. When we showed the DVC card we were OK'd. We were never asked for ID at the Wilderness Lodge or Old Key West, they must have few problems there. Always asked for ID at the Beach Club although when passing through the pool area at night, we noticed they didn't seem to be checking when it was half empty. Interestingly enough, Stormalong Bay never seemed very crowded to me -- busy but not crazy -- so the "checking" must be working!

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I had no idea this was against the rules. When we stayed at CBR we saw this family of 4-5 all in swim suits and towels and flip flops on the bus. My husband and I thought it odd they be taking the bus to the pool (we were on our way to a park)- we cracked a joke that they were too tired to walk. They said no, they had stayed here last year and just really loved the pool so were coming back for a swim. I didn't think anything of it.

I did go to the pool one night- when Mars was super bright....but never in the day time when it was just too mobbed.

Ohhh...those pool hopping rule breakers!!! LOL!

Okay, in all seriousness I do see the problem when kids are pulling little babes under the water. Thats just wrong.

 

[gm]

I had to add my 2 cents worth,


When we were staying at the Dolphin last year, We were leaving the dolphin by taking the boat to Epcot and lo and behold a whole family of 6 in their Bathing costumes had just finished swimming at the Dolphin and got on the boat and got off at the Beach Club Resort. I knew they were staying at the Beach Club because the Mom gave the daughter the room key for beach club while telling her that she is stopping in at Beaches and Cream.

Now here we all are talking about fair unfair swimming at SAB then what about the Grotto pool which is a great pool in itself. I do not think that it was right for that family to come over to the Dolphin pool but I do not blame them because Unfortunately the Dolphin do not police their pools nor do the lifeguards ask for ids. I have stayed there several several times and never do they ask for anything.

I have stayed at the Beach Club and yes they Id all the time which the Swan/Dolphin should do also.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
GREAT POINTS, Sammie! I fully understand the obligation we all have posting such viewpoints here on the Dis, as some may misconstrue our good intentions and abuse the information to their advantage. Perhaps if pools such as the Poly & SAB were saturated with uninvited guests...the management & Disney would finally enforce the policy. I have enjoyed the Poly pool while staying there (not since the refurb/renovation), and recall numerous/obvious intruders blatently breaking the rules. Sad, as it does adversely affect the enjoyment of the paying guests.

I've also heard the Poly is inundated with persons not-staying at the resort during fireworks shows (such as the 4th of July). We had friends whom informed us these invaders actually removed chairs from their patio, and also blocked their view. When they objected, these persons became belligerent. Our friends were forced to call for security assistance, whom apparently did little to amend the situation (there were too many persons on the property for the security to handle). Very disappointing.

Funny you should mention the restaurant matter. We were dining in the Liberty Tree Tavern one eve during the parade (late). We were in the back, (to the left) in the upper area. Apparently, a man with two children must have seen the characters at our table as he looked through the window while watching the end of the parade. He abruptly showed up standing next to our table, with his children, staring/drooling at our plates of food. They were waiting to hug/hold the characters for a photo op (?!?). I nearly thought they were going to pull up a chair and grab a fork!!The characters were busy entertaining DD by tossing her salad, and rolls too! Because of the presence of these people, they were distracted and felt obligated to assist them. Afterward, Eeyore and Tigger just shook their heads in agreement/dismay as I verbally discounted the guests actions. They hugged DD, and attempted to p/u where they left off (before being interrupted). This was the most PECULIAR/INTRUSIVE thing I have ever witnessed while dining in WDW.

Afterward, the waitperson apologized emphatically for the rude intrusive behavior of these persons (once she saw them leaving our table). She informed us such things happen every once in a while, and they have little/no recourse. The lack of manners exhibited by this man was absolutely astounding. I guess, it truly "takes all kinds." I can not even imagine anyone walking into Cindy's Castle (all the way up the stairs?) to visit with the characters, w/o a paid ressie! Has such a thing truly happened? Please, say it ain't so.

TTFN...DF99

We stayed at the Polynesian for the 4th of July and you are right about the mob scene, it was horrible. Something we will never repeat. For all the good that Internet forums have done, discount sharing, etc. there is some bad to come of it and the sharing of how great the fireworks are from the Polynesian beach and how wonderful some of the new pools are leads to some of these abuses. I do think Disney is going to have to step in at times and regulate the situation.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
SAB tried the wrist bands when they first opened the pool, but dropped this method some years ago.

Actually they were using wristbands last August.

Anne

 

[leighe]

Dreamflight - I just had to say that you always express yourself so eloquently! I love your outlook on life.

My parents quit staying at the Poly when I was in college (1996-2000) over the pool hopping issue. My mom said there were times the pool and decks were so crowded you couldn't even enjoy it and it was obvious that many of the people in the pool were not staying there. They stay at the GF now where she says it's not such a problem. To me the great pools are one reason you spend the money to stay at a deluxe so it's completely unfair for boatloads of people to come over from MK to use the pool - they aren't paying for the ammenities of a deluxe resort, but get to use them. It's the same as people sneaking into concierge lounges (which I have also seen at the Poly).

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by pigby
Thanks for your replies - might just pay a visit and ask, as suggested - for old times sake, more than anything else. The only other dilemma I have is whether to stay at POR or POFQ - both pools look fun!


Sue

As I understand it, you can stay at POR and hop to POFQ's pool (or visa versa) since they are sister resorts and share the pools. I haven't actually done this, but read about it since I'm looking into POFQ for a future visit.

T&B

 

[michaela mouse]

Some of you people really crack me up..the bottom line is if you don't stay at a resort then you shouldn't be able to share the emmenities the ACTUAL PAYING guests get. If you can't afford a deluxe resort, why should you get to cramp the style of those who are paying $400/night and can't find a seat at the pool because there's a family who got SPECIAL permission from the manager. You really should have kept that little secret quiet because now your idea is going to be used by others and eventually it's going to be forbiden entirely.
My wife and I stayed at the ASMov a few years ago and we would to have loved to spend the day at Beach Club pool but we didn't. You know why....because we've stayed at the Beach Club before and seen how freeloaders try to sneak in with their kids and take the lounge chairs and table from guests who are actually paying an arm and a leg for this atmosphere.
I don't mean to get on a soapbox about this but it absolutly irks me when this comes up. Of course, everyone wants to be by the nicest pool but there's a reason why the deluxe resorts are called DELUXE resorts...because they are the best of the best in WDW and they command a high price for guest and those guests shouldn't have to worry about getting up at 5am for a spot at the pool because they're worried about the line of people with SPECIAL permission, pulling into the parking lot and carrying beach balls and a cooler full of sandwiches and sodas into Stormalong Bay. You want to hang by the nicest pool... then fork over the money like the rest of the guests! If not, you get what you pay for...
Just the idea that people would do this makes me sick!!!

 

[sotoalf]

We don't have to make an argument along class lines. It's not a question of being able to afford a Deluxe vs a Moderate vs a Value; both Coronado Springs and POR have pools superior to the Contemporary's. No, it's a question of manners. You don't use someone else's things. Period.

I'm glad Disney's gotten tougher with poolhopping. Between enforcing the rules and keeping a bland smiley-face on all times so as not to piss off irate guests, I'd choose the former every time!

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by sotoalf
We don't have to make an argument along class lines. It's not a question of being able to afford a Deluxe vs a Moderate vs a Value; both Coronado Springs and POR have pools superior to the Contemporary's. No, it's a question of manners. You don't use someone else's things. Period.

I'm glad Disney's gotten tougher with poolhopping. Between enforcing the rules and keeping a bland smiley-face on all times so as not to piss off irate guests, I'd choose the former every time!

When did they get tough on pool hoppers? I have never seen one ejected from the Polynesian and there were plenty of them there last 4th of July when we were there. Many were "locals" or from offsite resorts. They would park there, go to MK for the day, cool off in the pool and leave. Not only could we find a chair half the time, but we couldn't find a parking space. We are long time Polynesian fans, but I think that the internet and unofficial guides around has encouraged abuses of the system. We won't stay there again until things change, expecially since I could easily stay offsite and still get all of the ammenities there for free.

Leighe, we saw plenty of people being brought into the concierge lounge by their friends that were staying concierge. It was almost every morning for breakfast and evening appetizers. They were on the 3rd floor and the just walked up the stairs and were let in. (Concierge was in Tahiti that trip)