Visiting other resorts swimming pools?

[Disneyadore]

Right. But what you are told over the phone before arrival may not be what happens when you are at the resort. It is what they tell you then that matters, not what someone else said on a different day. The resort CAN let people have pool guests, but it is up to the CMs there at that time to decide. It won't matter if someone else said it was ok on a different day. If the pool is busy when you are at the resort and you ask if you can have guests, you may be told no.

Is it also not ok when the staff of an off site motel tels you :" hey why don't you go swim for free at one of the Disney Resorts? They make enough money by ripping off people".

Of course you can not pool hop let alone invite people who did not even pay for the amenities.

 

[bcrook]

Every time I passed by SAB in September for whatever reason, I never saw anyone checking resort ID's. I have definitely seen in during Spring Break and in the summer though but not this past September. I don't remember about the previous Septembers.

And I have NEVER seen anyone at the quiet pool at the BC closest to the World Showcase... has anyone else. I always thought someone could just garb some towels there and head over to SAB.

I stayed at BC last summer in June. We went to SAB several times in the evening without anyone checking our id. It was not very crowded - and quite relaxing. That is an amazing pool complex. During our 5 night stay at BC, we noticed a few people in the quiet pool. It was a great place to sit and read.

I think it would be fairly easy to sneak in. I just stay there to avoid the temptation.

 

[redrosesix]

I do have to say I am a bit surprised by how heated this thread is getting. The OP was just asking what the rules are. I get people said they broke the rules and others feel the need to scold them, but wow, I'm just surprised that this is such a hot topic.

I agree. The problem with threads like this is that they get really nasty very quickly.

But, I bet if you read the sign at the pool at ASMusic, it will state that the pool is for the exclusive use of the guests at the All Star Resorts. Not their guests. What you are told on one day by one CM, may not be true when you talk to the lifeguard or another CM at the pool.

Duh! Didn't think to read the sign. Didn't think to ask the lifeguard. Sounds like you think I'm pretty stupid. Yup, I was really offended by that comment.

Of course, after what happened on a thread about this a couple of weeks before we left, I made absolutely sure it was ok and specifically asked about the "exclusive use" issue -- their response? It is ok if we are there using the pool with our guests.

There is a lot of stuff they don't put on the signs that are rules of the pool, like limiting the number of people in the pool, etc, and a lot of stuff that is just abbreviated (like the part about supervision)

The pp asked if it was oke to invite people swim that stayed off site.

Thanks. Glad to see somebody got that point.

 

[maxiesmom]

Duh! Didn't think to read the sign. Didn't think to ask the lifeguard. Sounds like you think I'm pretty stupid. Yup, I was really offended by that comment.

Well, the sign makes it pretty clear that no hopping is allowed. So I would think the thought that you didn't read the sign was a valid one. Not one meant to offend you.

There have been posts before from people who asked while they were at the resort if they could have guests at the pool, and were told it was fine. The key here is you need to ask at the pool, and if it isn't busy, you may be allowed to have guests. As a rule, you can't pool hop, but if they want to sprinkle some pixie dust on you and your guests, they may allow them to swim with you. but that is an exception, not the rule!

 

[redrosesix]

Well, the sign makes it pretty clear that no hopping is allowed. So I would think the thought that you didn't read the sign was a valid one. Not one meant to offend you.

There have been posts before from people who asked while they were at the resort if they could have guests at the pool, and were told it was fine. The key here is you need to ask at the pool, and if it isn't busy, you may be allowed to have guests. As a rule, you can't pool hop, but if they want to sprinkle some pixie dust on you and your guests, they may allow them to swim with you. but that is an exception, not the rule!

Think what you want, but what you are saying pretty much contradicts what I was told at the resort AND at the pool. I wasn't asking them to break a rule, I was confirming what the rules were.

The sign doesn't say a lot of things -- if they had to post every single rule that the lifeguards have to follow, it would be a book.

You weren't there. You don't know me.

I'm done here.

 

[maxiesmom]

Think what you want, but what you are saying pretty much contradicts what I was told at the resort AND at the pool. I wasn't asking them to break a rule, I was confirming what the rules were.

The sign doesn't say a lot of things -- if they had to post every single rule that the lifeguards have to follow, it would be a book.

You weren't there. You don't know me.

I'm done here.

Before you leave, explain something to me. Why then does Disney put on the signs that the pool is only for use of the guests at that resort if it isn't true?

Did you ask if someone staying at another All Star Resort could use the pool? Because that would make the difference. You can hop between all 3 All Star Resorts.

 

[patsfan101]

Port Orleans has an awesome pool anyway, and several quiet pools if you like. No need to hop. By the way, going to another resort for dinner, shopping, wandering, is fun! Do it!

 

[redrosesix]

Before you leave, explain something to me. Why then does Disney put on the signs that the pool is only for use of the guests at that resort if it isn't true?

I'm not stating this for all of Disney, because other resorts may be different. But the way it was explained to me is that guests can have their guests at the pool if they are also there, same as they can have their guests in their room, etc. As far as the tables and lounge chairs go, anyone can use those, whether they're using the pool or not -- even just somebody visiting the resort.

It's not that what is stated on the sign isn't true -- you're just reading it verbatim. For example, even though the signs state that the pools are for the use of the guests, the lifeguards have the right to limit the number of people in the pool, or kick somebody out of the pool, even if they are a guest of that resort. The actual rule regarding pool use is probably about 5 pages long, but they can't put that on a sign. There is also no statement on the sign about kids using floaty rings, etc. but I saw the lifeguards tell parents they couldn't be used on more than one occasion last week, and insist that they use one of the pool's lifejackets instead.

Truthfully, I think that statement is for the pool hoppers, but I am not one of them and, as should be clear by now, I wasn't asking permission to make my daughter's 6 year old friend a pool hopper. But I wanted to make doubly sure we were playing by the rules, since I didn't want any trouble when my daughter had her friend over for a couple of hours.

 

[edwardsfire]

no, you arent supposed to pool hop............
But it happens everyday without incident.
We stayed at a Deluxe one time (C.R.)and met a family that told me point blank that they were staying at POP. I dont know if they knew you werent supposed to pool hop or not but it didnt matter. Its another non enforced rule.
Personally, i could care less....ill swim with someone staying at a motel 6.
Too much fun to notice who is or isnt supposed to be there..and who is looking?

 

[maxiesmom]

no, you arent supposed to pool hop............
But it happens everyday without incident.
We stayed at a Deluxe one time (C.R.)and met a family that told me point blank that they were staying at POP. I dont know if they knew you werent supposed to pool hop or not but it didnt matter. Its another non enforced rule.
Personally, i could care less....ill swim with someone staying at a motel 6.
Too much fun to notice who is or isnt supposed to be there..and who is looking?

In your case I think it is more that most people wouldn't hop to the pool at the Contemporary. It isn't as themed as some of the other pools. They do check people at SAB in my experience. Heck, I was with my then 12yr old niece, just walking around the pool as the rest of the family was checking in, and it was obvious that they were keeping an eye on us. She had to use the rest room, and there is one right at the pool. I think they half expected us to come out with our swimsuits on, instead of still in our clothes.

 

[shellybaxter]

Wow - Disney is always right - until there not. There have been many reports by guests of Disney employees (managers, guest services, and lifeguards) allowing them to have guests at a pool. There have also been some reports of that request being denied. I have no doubt that both reports are true. Sometime Disney is able to allow its guests to have guests of there own. Does that fit in with the posted rules? Maybe - the pool is being used by the guests of the resort and they are entertaining guest of there own. In some instances Disney has and probably will continue to allow this to happen.
The people of the DIS are just guests of Disney. Their interests are not always the same as Disney and they are vocal about having their interest met, but they are not the final say.

 

[redrosesix]

the pool is being used by the guests of the resort and they are entertaining guest of there own. In some instances Disney has and probably will continue to allow this to happen.

that's exactly how I understood what they were saying to me.

I can see that they would have reasons for allowing this -- another time during our stay, I had a friend over and we were drinking coffee by the pool while my daughter was swimming. My friend decided right then and there that they next time she came to Orlando, she would be booking at that resort.

And I'm sure people have decided to upgrade to a Mod or Deluxe based on dining in their restaurants as well.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

So, if you are booked at Riverside can you also use French Quarter's pool? Haven't stayed there in years but just downgraded from YC to save some money. Don't really care if we can't use the other pool, just wanted to know in case. Thanks!!

 

[RMulieri]

SAB may or may not always check IDs. I stay there alot and have to say about 97% of the time they are checking ids and sending around the pool gestapo checking wristbands. I like that they do. I remember before they fenced off the area and checked IDs, it was bedlam .You would have people walk over from epcot to go swimming. It seems no big deal to alot of people here on the boards as to who swims where, but I like spending time by the pool ( I have pool days during my trip).I book my resort for location and pool facilities, alot of people do. It is a total bummer when I come down to the pool, can't find a place to sit or swim, and have to listen to people brag that they aren't even staying on Disney property, or that they are staying at another resort.The resort pools are simply not Large enough for everyone to go where they feel like going, and certain pools are definitely more popular than others because of theming and location.Thus the need for a Hopping policy. If you get to a pool in question and the lifeguards/front desk people ok it ..so be it. But it is not a given,or a guarantee and the person on the phone is not the person who will get to make that decision months in advance.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So, if you are booked at Riverside can you also use French Quarter's pool? Haven't stayed there in years but just downgraded from YC to save some money. Don't really care if we can't use the other pool, just wanted to know in case. Thanks!!

Yes. They're the same resort, only different (go figure)

Guests of either Port Orleans resort can swim in any pool at either Port Orleans resort.

The sign doesn't say a lot of things -- if they had to post every single rule that the lifeguards have to follow, it would be a book

Maybe yes, maybe no - but using the sign posted earlier in this thread as an example, the sign at the Doubloon Lagoon pool states
"This pool is for the exclusive use of Disney's Port Orleans Guests"
Not 'Port Orleans Guests and their friends', not 'Port Orleans Guests and their daughter's friend staying offsite but with whom their daughter wants to play in/at the pool'...

While the sign may not say a lot of things, the sign DOES say the pool is for the exclusive use of Guests of that resort. That's pretty darned clear and undisputable.

If authorize personnel at the resort then make an exception, that's exactly what it is - an exception. "But they let her swim here yesterday!" isn't even a valid argument, because the person in question is not a registered Guest of that resort.

Clear as crystal to me.

It's not that what is stated on the sign isn't true -- you're just reading it verbatim. For example, even though the signs state that the pools are for the use of the guests, the lifeguards have the right to limit the number of people in the pool, or kick somebody out of the pool, even if they are a guest of that resort.

Somebody better inform Merriam Webster, dictionary.com, Oxford, etc., that the definition of "exclusive" is wrong.
By the way, the "bathing load" is a pretty good indicator that only THAT number of persons may be in the pool at any given time. So, yeah, that the lifeguards can limit the number of people in the pool IS indicated on the sign.

 

[redrosesix]

By the way, the "bathing load" is a pretty good indicator that only THAT number of persons may be in the pool at any given time. So, yeah, that the lifeguards can limit the number of people in the pool IS indicated on the sign.

That sign wasn't from our pool, and I never made any statements about any other CMs, pools, lifeguards, etc. other than the ones at our resort. That should have been clear. Crystal.

As I said before, I wasn't trying to break a rule, get permission to break a rule, ask for an exception, etc. I would like to be treated as such.

Obviously, your idea of what the rules should be at my resort differs from that given to me by numerous CMs and lifeguards at my resort.

 

[ntsammy5]

There are some people who follow rules to the letter - some people not so much. Life is too short to get hung up on this stuff. I'm not a big pool person anyhow - now mugs - that's a different story - I love my Big Gulp mug and use it every chance I get .......

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sigh... I know that sign wasn't from "your" pool. I know the sign was from Port Orleans French Quarter. It's pretty obvious, based on the decorations and the pool name painted on the sign.

That sign is representative of the pool signs - and so, the pool rules - at ALL the Disney resorts.

It's great that you were told by numerous Cast Members and lifeguards (aren't they Cast Members, too?) that your request was acceptable - but because they let you do it on that trip does not mean they will let you do it on another trip, or even on different days of a single trip; or that what CMs tell you on the telephone will be supported by/agreed to by CMs once you arrive onsite; or that anybody else staying at any Disney resort any time from today to infinity (or for as long as Walt Disney World exists) should expect the same exception - especially since posted pool rules state that the given pool is for the exclusive use of Guests of that resort and the resort is named.

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

In your case I think it is more that most people wouldn't hop to the pool at the Contemporary. It isn't as themed as some of the other pools.

So I guess it's ok to hop to the boring pool then since it isn't themed? I think the theme is to be Contemporary, right? I never commented on the Poly pool being boring. Stayed there a few times and had a fine time.

I was just trying to let the OP know that even though people were so angry about the subject that their pool was just as fun. Maybe a change of pace is fun for some people and taking a swim is part of the plan. I do swim at my own pool, just in case you didn't notice that I said I didn't pool hop.

Well, where do you draw a line? How many small families do you let slip into a pool area (and so the pool) at a particular resort before you call a halt? How do you respond to that resort's own Guests when they can't find lounge chairs because, say, 40% are taken by other-resort Guests?.

As far as the chairs and tables being taken that's the way it always is. I don't blame that fact on outside guests. I must be the only unlucky person to never find a place to put my things. I can't tell you how many times I've gone down to swim (no matter which pool, from ASM to CR to Poly) with just me and my DH looking for a CHAIR to put our things on. Just one little chair. And there is a whole table with one person guarding 8 empty chairs for the entire time we are there. And of course, she's using every single one. What do you say about that? Should there be a limit on tables and chairs for resort guests then? It's endless!

 

[RMulieri]

Why are we even still debating this issue? Seriously, the signs say it ,it is clear enough.If you get someone to approve your request fine.Otherwise it is what it is.