What I was told about Pool Hopping

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Just wanted to pass what I was told about pool hopping. Want to let it be known that I know this is false, and I AM NOT going to and HAVE NEVER pool-hopped.

I was calling about my upcoming trip, making a payment, and just checking prices on an upgrade. The CM was being extremely helpful, and looking hard for any discounts to apply to our reservation. Didn't find any, but

Anyway, I QUOTE:

"You know, if it is the better pool areas, and slides you are interested in, as long as you have a room key, no one is going to bother you, or kick you out or anything, at a better resort."



I replied that I thought this was not the case, but she kept insisting that you could I gave up trying to convice her.

Anyway, it got me thinking of all the posts about pool hopping, and how people get soooo upset, with others, for thinking you can pool hop. Perhaps they were given wrong info too!! If I were new to WDW, and took her at her word-


Just a thought.

 

[kirbsam]

I only know not to pool hop from these boards. I have never seen a sign, but then again I have never looked. I just swim at my resort. I would think pool hopping would really be inconvenient actually.

 

[safetymom]

Just because one CM said it was OK means nothing. They are reservations not CM in a resort. All resorts have a sign stating that the pool is for resort guests only.

I am sure you could call reservations quite a few more times and get varying answers.

You should ask at the resort you plan on staying at.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Many years ago pool-hopping was allowed, except for SAB. On an off day my SIL and I drove our kids to several of the resorts (we were staying at CBR) so they could experience the different pools, it was definitely a lot of work, and not my idea of a relaxing day! I certainly wouldn't do it again!

 

[dreamflight99]

Last summer, after enjoying a wonderful TEA at the GF with some DIS friends...we ventured out to the main pool area. We were gregariously walking around, loudly stating we were violating the rules as "pool hoppers" (laughing and enjoying the day). We stopped three separate GF associates, two of whom were LIFEGUARDS. I actually have them on tape, and took photos of these two as they motioned with the well-known "thumbs-up" sign.

They informed us the "pool hopping" transgression is NOT enforced as perceived. I personally inquired if I could use the GF pool while staying at another resort? They both agreed in unison, and said they have never asked ANY guest to leave the pool or pool area. I then inquired the same, from a GF supervisor, whom reiterated the words of the lifeguard. He informed me the ONLY time (stressing and emphasizing use of the word ONLY) they would make anyone leave a pool area, is when the person (or persons) are creating a problem for other guests. Even then, they prefer to issue a "warning" first, and permit the person to cease the bothersome action. Otherwise, they never disturb ANY pool guests. WOW...this was truly an epiphany.

I will state for the record, I have never engaged in POOL HOPPING, do not plan to POOL HOP, and do not endorse anyone whom reads this post to POOL HOP @ WDW. I am merely posting what the employed associates representing the WDW Grand Floridian informed me this past July. I actually tried in VAIN to get any of these employees to arrest/ticket/remove a fellow DISer (all in fun), and referred to her as a flagrant "POOL HOPPER" whom is staying at another WDW resort! They laughed, and found this entire line of questioning and subsequent antics to be extremely amusing. Slightly embarrassed by this scene...I went to the edge of the pool and sat down (cooling my heels and thoughts in the clear refreshing water), while watching others remove towels from chaises.

 

[dalt01]

can a mug thread be far behind???????

 

[dreamflight99]

can a mug thread be far behind???????

Sorry...I forgot to ask about the MUGS!

 

[shafke]

The only place I've seen mentioned where this rule is enforced is at Stormalone Bay.

And what about mugs. I hope they are not enforcing those silly rules where they are only good for the length of your stay or are only valid at the resort where they were purchased.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Well, how many times has it been noted here that us Dis-ers are more concerned over issues and policies than Disney?

 

[nwdisgal]

We stopped three separate GF associates, two of whom were LIFEGUARDS. I actually have them on tape, and took photos of these two as they motioned with the well-known "thumbs-up" sign.

Hmmm. Sounds like the Lifeguards at GF are worth a pool hop alone. And I'll be sure to bring my 2002 refillable mug and help myself to the soda dispenser.

 

[mirlow]

I have met two families on different visits who weren't guests at the Polynesian and were using the pool. I believe they just didn't realize it wasn't allowed. Last summer the pool was so crowded the lifeguards went around asking for resort ID's. There were people who had to leave because they weren't staying there. The pool was packed half of our trip. It wasn't much fun trying to keep an eye on all three of our kids. The pool is one of our favorite amenities at the Polynesian. We are going to give the GF a try this trip. Every time we were there visiting the pool was never crowded. We asked a guest if it was always like that and he said yes.
I remember walking by the BWV pool and they had the sign right by the walkway stating the pool was for guests staying at that resort. I wish the Polynesian had a bigger sign stating the same thing right by the entrance to the pool.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I, too, would think it would be an uncomfortable experience to pool hop, and, uh, wouldn't like it if people from other resorts came over to our pool (seeing that we LOVE when the pool is uncrowded and have spent quite a bit for the use of whichever fantasy deluxe pool we are enjoying).

Seems like CMs have a lot of leeway. The mugs issue doesn't really bother me but pool hopping does...I remember being in a jacuzzi once and a bunch of fully clothed teenagers jumped in with me and my small child. It appeared as if they'd just walked over from the theme park. They were laughing hysterically and no, no one told them to get out or questioned if they were resort guests or mentioned that they probably should be in swim attire since having wet tennis shoes would make the rest of their park day unpleasant.

 

[momm2four]

Well, how many times has it been noted here that us Dis-ers are more concerned over issues and policies than Disney?

Lori P.

 

[laurabelle]

I remember being told the same thing by a CM at one of our first stays. It never even crossed my mind to go to another resort's pool, it just sounded inconvenient. After having read threads here about pool hopper violators, I sure am glad I didn't listen to that CM!

 

[nwdisgal]

You know I think the people hopping the pools aren't the ones on these boards. Everyone here seems pretty polite and with it.

I can't believe those kids jumping into the hot tub with their theme park clothes on. Yuck!

 

[Sammie]

The problem with this situation is you will always have employees that work for a company that hires over 55,000 that truely do not support Disney policy. Many CM's at CRO do not even work at Disney World and some truely could care less what rules you break. However if you had this person's name and called their supervisor, I guarantee they would be reprimanded. Same with the lifeguards at the Grand Floridian. Many times CM's will tell a guest what they think they want to hear. I have been at Disney pools in the summer when I witnessed pool hoppers being asked to leave. Of course it was obvious they were truely abusing the system and not just pretending.

The policy is written on signs at the pool and in material given to each guest at check in. Regardless of what one or two employees state, the rule as written in the Resort Newsletter given at checkin, Quote:" Our pools are for the exclusive use of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort." Each newsletter states this, as I have mine right in front of me, its listed under Swimming.

I have friends in management in CRO and the Grand Floridian, I will be sure to pass this one to them to prevent any future misunderstandings. Seems a few employees need some reminders of Disney policy.

 

[luvdzny]

For the record, I have seen people at the AKL pool being asked to leave because they did not have AKL room keys, and I am glad that the rule is enforced.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Okay, I hope I am not getting into a big mess here, but here goes...

My mother lives in Orlando. Whenever we go down to WDW, we obviously get together with her. She even watches our boys so DH and I can go out alone. Now, are you saying that she can't come over to our resort and go swimming with us? I know the official rules and have read the signs, but I don't think I could ever tell my mom that she couldn't come swimming with her grandsons.

Believe me, we DO NOT pool hop (who has the time with 3 kids) and I surely don't want to start a debate. But do you really think they would kick my mother out? Now, I could understand if my aunt's cousins with their seven children and 12 grandkids came over....just kidding

I guess Disney has to draw the line somewhere, I guess I just hope they never ask to see my mom's hotel key.

Again, never itended to offend.

 

[safetymom]

Mickey Fliers, I think what you are doing is different than pool hopping. If you ask at the front desk if it is ok that someone who isn't staying at the resort swims with you and they say ok then go for it.

 

[Sammie]

Okay, I hope I am not getting into a big mess here, but here goes...

My mother lives in Orlando. Whenever we go down to WDW, we obviously get together with her. She even watches our boys so DH and I can go out alone. Now, are you saying that she can't come over to our resort and go swimming with us? I know the official rules and have read the signs, but I don't think I could ever tell my mom that she couldn't come swimming with her grandsons.

Believe me, we DO NOT pool hop (who has the time with 3 kids) and I surely don't want to start a debate. But do you really think they would kick my mother out? Now, I could understand if my aunt's cousins with their seven children and 12 grandkids came over....just kidding

I guess Disney has to draw the line somewhere, I guess I just hope they never ask to see my mom's hotel key.

Again, never itended to offend.

I would ask at the desk, I don't think this is the same situation at all. She is your guest, not someone that has just wandered in to take advantage of what you and others are paying for. More than likely if she is swimming with your kids, you or your husband won't even be at the pool at the same time, so it's not like you will be over crowding the pool. Just ask the Front Desk.