Themed pools are overrated!

[sotoalf]

Does anyone else agree? I may be in the distinct minority in believing this, but the new "grotto" pool constructed at the GF not only clashes with the hotel's lovingly understated theme, but is just a shameless concession to families who complain that the original pool was "just" a concrete hole. What's wrong with that? I LIKE concrete holes! It's a Victorian-themed resort!

I never grew up around pools, so that might explain my willingness to accept a pool, any pool. The Contemporary used to have the best pool on property: an Olympic-sized pool, great for lap swimming. Then it replaced this pool with the pseudo-Mickey themed pool, designed so halfheartedly that most guests can be forgiven that it's unthemed.

Don't get me wrong: some themed pools work. SAB deserves all its kuduos, as does the underrated rollercoaster pool at the Boardwalk Inn. I just don't understand when guests dis the Ft Wilderness and Contemporary pools, as if a themed pool were the norm; or the pool-hopping threads. A pool is a pool!

Bring on the flames!

 

[WorldlyWise]

I agree! Anyway - if you want a themed pool just hop on over to one!

 

[jellydisney]

I think most people expect more than just a "concrete hole" for the amount of money they are spending to go on vacation. Most people have regular, dull, rectangular community pools at their homes or neighborhoods, and thus want a more interesting swimming experience.

You'll see this not only at WDW, but at many major vacation destinations (ie Vegas, Bahamas, etc).

I've never seen a poorly done pool theme at WDW or anywhere else, but I also have not stayed at every resort.

 

[Misti]

I have to agree! Then again, I don't have kids (I'm sure it's a draw for them) and I live two blocks to the ocean (swim there!). So, I don't pick a resort based on what type of pool they have. I have to say that I do LOVE that they added the GF themed pool--it made the quiet pool empty most of the time (and with fewer screaming kids)! LOL

 

[Buzz2001]

I think they fit at some resorts. The more "theme"ing the better

 

[DisneyMomx7]

It's funny - we have three kids (7,6 and 4) and we stay at GF and they actually prefer the "quiet" pool. I don't know why since they loved the theming at HRH pool. Maybe it's because we do have a pool that they just love to swim and don't need all the "bells and whistles".

 

[zagafi]

I agree! Anyway - if you want a themed pool just hop on over to one!

***hauling out the fire extinguisher for the impending flames...***

 

[skiwee1]

We have our own inground pool but DD loves the Poly pool and so do I. One of the main reasons we stay at the Poly is for the pool. I imagine if I had a smoking volcano zero clearance pool in my backyard then it wouldn't be a big deal. Until then the Poly pool is wonderful!

 

[palmtreegirl]

I think the GF pool is very pretty. I think the themed pools help create that escape from real life feeling, I can go to a regular pool at home anytime.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

I agree! Anyway - if you want a themed pool just hop on over to one!

Are you joking?!?

 

[sotoalf]

I think the GF pool is very pretty. I think the themed pools help create that escape from real life feeling, I can go to a regular pool at home anytime.

But that's the problem. The GF's themed pool is tacky and doesn't mesh with the lodge buildings at all.

 

[jeancbpugh]

I don't pick a resort based on what type of pool they have.

We do! It's our #1 influencer.

We like SAB at Y&BC, the Poly pool, and the pool at CS. We aren't impressed with WL, POR, PO-FQ, or AKL pools.

We haven't swum in the GF, Contemporary, or Boardwalk pools, so can't comment on those.

 

[magicmouse2]

I disagree about the GF pool being tacky.
Is the monorail tacky too ? the victorians didnt have one of those either. The pool is a big factor on which resort we stay at too.

 

[2dogmom]

I haven't seen the GF pool, but I do love the Poly and AKL pool, mostly because I have young children and those pools are zero-entry. If it weren't for the kids, I wouldn't care so much the type of pool as long as there is a decent sized one.

 

[Tinky]

I think the better question is... How are the Pina Colada's at the pool bar?

 

[sotoalf]

I disagree about the GF pool being tacky.
Is the monorail tacky too ? the victorians didnt have one of those either.

True, but at least the monorail station was given a Victorian sheen.

Tinky: Every Disney pool bar rocks. I know, cuz I've tried piña coladas at almost all of them

 

[daannzzz]

I have not read through all the responses. I do like themed pools. I think they are fun and take you away from the everyday. However I think the new "themed" pool at the GF is dissapointing. It was as though someone spent a day designing it and it was summarily approved without a lot of thought. While it is certainly better than a rectangular pool in the middle od cement, it seems small and unimaginative. I also though the idea of a volcano pool at the Polynesian was great but the exicution is a bit lackluster. It is an ugly volcano!!!

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

I agree! Anyway - if you want a themed pool just hop on over to one!

hiding under a flame-proof blanket

 

[DisneyPhD]

I have not read through all the responses. I do like themed pools. I think they are fun and take you away from the everyday. However I think the new "themed" pool at the GF is dissapointing. It was as though someone spent a day designing it and it was summarily approved without a lot of thought. While it is certainly better than a rectangular pool in the middle od cement, it seems small and unimaginative. I also though the idea of a volcano pool at the Polynesian was great but the exicution is a bit lackluster. It is an ugly volcano!!!

I would have to agree. I think themed pools are part of the fun of staying at a WDW resort. However GF is nice, but not really as nice as it should be for the "flagstar" resort of WDW. For that I stay at Y&B (and since I am DVC I can afford to.) I can't afford to stay at GF anyway, but would like to maybe someday for a specail occasion. If I fork out the $, I would want a really good pool too. GF does seem rather a copy of Poly, from what i have seen from the Monorail.

 

[eeyore0062]

I agree! Anyway - if you want a themed pool just hop on over to one!

Unfortunately, Pool Hopping is not allowed..sorry!