visitors

[toniosmom]

I apologize because I know that I asked this question embedded within another post and can't find it to see if anyone responded.

I realize that visitors are not supposed to use the amenities at the DVC resort if they are not staying there. I have a young niece who lives near Orlando who may visit us for an afternoon and I would like to be able to bring her to the pool.

How would anyone know that she was not a guest of the resort? Does anyone check room keys at the pool? We are staying at AKV Kidani and expect to use the Uzima pool area. My question applies to all DVC resorts, though.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

It's not really the question of "how would anyone know", it's more that "it's against the rules". What I've done when I knew friends would be visiting is to add them to the reservation, if within the allowable number of persons per accomodations. Then she can check in at the guard gate and she will have a room key to show that she is allowed to use the amenities, pool, towels etc..

Otherwise, if the pool isn't busy, you can ask at the lobby if she would be permitted.

I think the first option is easier on all fronts!

 

[Lynne M]

They do sometimes check resort IDs at the pools, and I would expect that they're pretty strict at AKV, since their pools are off-limits to even DVC members staying at other resorts. To spare your niece the embarrassment of being asked to leave, I'd also recommend adding her to your reservation so she'll have a resort ID.

If that would put you over the occupancy limit for your room, you can ask the lifeguard if she may join you at the pool. If they pool isn't busy, they may well say yes.

 

[5forDiz]

They can and they very well might ask for kttw cards. You can make your decision on how to go about having a guest at the pool but jmho why would you subject yourself and your guest to that possibility of being asked and not having a card to produce for her?

ita with what previous posters here suggest - add her to your reservation if it doesn't take you over occupancy of unit or ask there's no harm in asking with the understanding that they are under no obligation to oblige and are within their right based upon the rules to tell you no.

 

[livie1205]

I would just go to the desk and ask,I do not see them having a problem with you bringing a child to the pool.I have had guest visit us at a wdw resort before and we always ask the front desk and they say sure no problem...We stayed at AKL club level last Dec and we had some friends come by and visit and the lounge CMs told us to bring them on up to the lounge and have a drink and relax.They were very nice about it,but always ask first.Have a good vacation!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'd add her to the room if you don't exceed occupancy. But you will also have to buy her the dining plan if you buy that for you and your family. Spring Break is a pretty busy time (I see you are going in March 2010) and could make the pool a busy spot.

 

[livie1205]

If you do not want to pay for her ddp just go to the front and ask if they will allow her to go to the pool...I have never seen or heard them tell someone no to one child after being upfront and asking.If you add her to the room and pay the extra cost there will STILL be one extra person at the pool even if busy so just ask them....like if there were 30 people at the pool and they said sure go ahead there would be 31,if you paid to add her there would be 31 so the crowd level does not matter much.

 

[5forDiz]

If you do not want to pay for her ddp just go to the front and ask if they will allow her to go to the pool...I have never seen or heard them tell someone no to one child after being upfront and asking.If you add her to the room and pay the extra cost there will STILL be one extra person at the pool even if busy so just ask them....like if there were 30 people at the pool and they said sure go ahead there would be 31,if you paid to add her there would be 31 so the crowd level does not matter much.

They very well may say yes but that doesn't mean that they don't say no just because you have never seen or heard this happen. Think about it, many member have friends and family living near or staying within driving distance of WDW; do you think they should accommodate all these people if they want to come visit and swim with a member ?

 

[CarolAnnC]

If you do not want to pay for her ddp just go to the front and ask if they will allow her to go to the pool...I have never seen or heard them tell someone no to one child after being upfront and asking.If you add her to the room and pay the extra cost there will STILL be one extra person at the pool even if busy so just ask them....like if there were 30 people at the pool and they said sure go ahead there would be 31,if you paid to add her there would be 31 so the crowd level does not matter much.

The problem is with that rationale, they have to draw the line somewhere. I was staying at AKV last week and I tell you, there were easily 300 people in that pool and on the deck lounging. AKV and BCV are the two resorts where they will not allow pool hopping by anyone, regardless of if you are a DVC member or not. So, anyone can ask, but don't be surprised if they say no.

If you take the room key, then you know you will be able to bring the child along. I don't see where the OP mentioned having the DDP so that would not be an issue, hopefully.

 

[livie1205]

nope didnt say that but the chances of them telling her no is small...I did not say people should have tons of people visit but one person is not abusing by no means...and if she asks and they say yes I do not see a problem with it.

 

[granmanh603]

A year ago we were at the "quiet" pool area of BWV on the lounge chairs next to a table of 3 set of couples making plans for their up coming vacation out West. As the conversation went on it was obvious they were not staying at BWV or WDW they were locals meeting up for a visit at BWV. They just all came in their cars, parked and had a day at the BWV pool. So you don't even need to know someone to come over and go to the pool.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

A year ago we were at the "quiet" pool area of BWV on the lounge chairs next to a table of 3 set of couples making plans for their up coming vacation out West. As the conversation went on it was obvious they were not staying at BWV or WDW they were locals meeting up for a visit at BWV. They just all came in their cars, parked and had a day at the BWV pool. So you don't even need to know someone to come over and go to the pool.

Question: How do they make it past the guard gate?

 

[livie1205]

I think that is very wrong BUT they can not really stop it without policing all the pools...all they have to do is say they are going to eat or shop....you do NOT have to be staying at wdw to eat or shop there.I can see where this is very easy to do.That is why I do not worry or care about people who go to the pool...If I am on vacation I am not going to let that mess it up for me.I have never seen a wdw PACKED the entire day, I am sure it happens from time to time butI have never had a problem swimming there.I went in march for spring break and in june when it was really HOT and never had a issue with over crowding at the pool.

 

[toniosmom]

Hmmm....all interesting thoughts. Not crazy about having to take all room keys with us to the pool, but one must do what one needs to do to have a drama-free vacation!

We should be under the occupancy limit, so I think I am just going to add her to the occupancy list and get her a room key. It's not worth taking the chance. We're not doing the DDP, so that's not an issue. She's only coming for one day (not even spending the night), so I think we'll be okay.

Thank you all for your input.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hmmm....all interesting thoughts. Not crazy about having to take all room keys with us to the pool, but one must do what one needs to do to have a drama-free vacation!

We should be under the occupancy limit, so I think I am just going to add her to the occupancy list and get her a room key. It's not worth taking the chance. We're not doing the DDP, so that's not an issue. She's only coming for one day (not even spending the night), so I think we'll be okay.

Thank you all for your input.

Good decision. Have a great stay.