What I was told about Pool Hopping

[Mickey Fliers]

phew....

I didn't want to be a flagrant rule breaker

 

[SoCalKDG]

To me it would be such a pain to pool hop in the first place. I'm a DVC member and even allowed to pool hop to other pools(except AK and SAB) but that would be a pain.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

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

I know! I guess it's also possible that they could have lived nearby and driven to the resort, or been staying at a resort nearby...but they looked more like 12-14 than driving age, and were giggling uncontrollably as if they'd just walked straight from the theme park and jumped in for some crazy fun. I just kept thinking about all the gross stuff that might be coming off the bottom of their shoes in the water and we got out immediately! I don't know if anyone ever asked them to leave after we left or not. It was definitely an unforgettable experience!

 

[agotta]

To be honest I don't see the big deal with pool hopping during NON PEAK times. Both as a CM and a travel agent I told guests it was ok to pool hop (except AKL and Stormalong Bay). If the pools aren't crowded whats the big deal?? I have done this before and will probably do it again. Just my opinion though.

Amanda

 

[Blondie]

It's only considered pool hopping if you bring the stolen towel animals that were left in your room by the mousekeeper!

And hey, don't forget to bring the comforter from your WDW resort bed to spread out on the sandy beach of the Seven Seas Lagoon to lay on! Might as well live on the edge!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I just don't get it, honestly. When staying at a Marriott in Chicago, I don't drive across town to the Hilton and swim because it's a nicer hotel, why would I do the same at Disney? Just never crossed my mind!

Some CRO CM's are not even in Florida, not that they shouldn't know what they are talking about, but just know that some don't even live in Florida! They shouldn't be the end-all of information =)

 

[Gillian]

Thank you for posting this.

It's very interesting that the CMs give out bad information all the time. And who would think to call back to verify? The average person assumes that any Disney CM at their reservations number knows what they're talking about!! I am not sure what is worse - reading these boards and knowing all rules at WDW or being blissfully unaware of them.

And I also think we DISers sometimes treat people very badly when they ask an innocent question.

But who cares what I think?

 

[married2grumpy]

Before I started to read these boards, I didn't realize that things like pool hopping and using old mugs were not allowed. I guess I just never paid much attention. Not that we have ever pool hopped or used old mugs but we were blissfully unaware. After reading that these things were against Disney's policies, I started to notice them. I would listen to see if people said they weren't from our resort. I would notice every mug that shouldn't be refilled. I felt like all these people were cheaters and rule breakers.

On our last trip, I realized that who cares what these people do. It's none of my business. If they want to pool hop or drink soda from their shoe, it's not up to me to notice, it's up to Disney. Do you know that after that I started to enjoy myself much more. To each his own. I won't judge others because I don't know the whole story or situation. They may have been misinformed on the policy or told something different.

What does bug me is when my DS wants to go back to the room after swimming he will loudly say, "Can we go back to the hotel now?". Always makes me fear that someone will think we are pool hopping!

 

[Sammie]

If people truely do not know the rules, then it does not bother me at all. What does bother me and this situation is just one of many, is people who know the rules and decide the rules do not pertain to them, just because it's convenient. I see too much of that every day.

I truely do not understand the need to pool hop. Disney will allow everyone that wants to use the pool to book a room and use it within the guidelines of the rules. It does not affect my vacation in the least, nor do I police the pools for Disney. But I will state my opinion that rules are there for a reason and since that is what is posted by Disney I will abide by it. I am not in the habit of using things I don't pay for.

 

[agotta]

I think it would be in Disney's interest to let guests pool hop. What about people who go to Disney every year and stay at a value resort. If they had a chance to visit a resort, and spend some time there, maybe even, dare I say swim...they would be more inclined to book there. Disney is a unique experience and in the past pool hopping has been "allowed".

 

[Sammie]

I think it would be in Disney's interest to let guests pool hop. What about people who go to Disney every year and stay at a value resort. If they had a chance to visit a resort, and spend some time there, maybe even, dare I say swim...they would be more inclined to book there. Disney is a unique experience and in the past pool hopping has been "allowed".

Pool hopping was allowed before Disney built so many resorts. The logistics are just not feasable anymore. Any guest is welcome to visit the resort, view the pool, eat a meal, shop, have a drink. I think that would certainly be enough to get an idea if they would like to stay there without inconveniencing the paying guest by overcrowding the pool.

Maybe for some that never travel during peak summer months you just do not see the problems it can cause. But when it's hot and the resort is sold out there is no room for anyone extra.

 

[agotta]

I think the number of guests who are aware of or even think about pool hopping is so minimal that during NON PEAK times it is not a big deal. I love going to visit other pools and don't feel as though I am breakin some big rule or taking advantage of something. I have a great time, would never disrupt that particular resorts guest nor swim there if my presence would make it hard for that resorts guests to swim or have a good time.

I am aware that guests are allowed to visit the resorts, dine there etc. My point is that maybe CM's (speaking from experience) don't make a big deal about if for these reasons.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

After reading that these things were against Disney's policies, I started to notice them. I would listen to see if people said they weren't from our resort. I would notice every mug that shouldn't be refilled. I felt like all these people were cheaters and rule breakers.

I won't judge others because I don't know the whole story or situation. They may have been misinformed on the policy or told something different.

What does bug me is when my DS wants to go back to the room after swimming he will loudly say, "Can we go back to the hotel now?". Always makes me fear that someone will think we are pool hopping!

On your first note, during our first trip ever to WDW, we started our trip at GF and bought an Alice in Wonderland refillable mug. When I bought the mug, I asked the CM "we are only staying here until tomorrow, and then we're transferring over to the Wilderness Lodge. Can we still use the mug there?" The CM said yes, so I bought it. When we transferred to WL (in concierge) I asked them again about the mug I'd bought the previous day at GF, and they said I could refill it at Roaring Forks. So during an afternoon by the pool, I took my mug and filled it w/ diet coke, and when I was walking out, a very drunk man hollared at me, "Hey! We paid for our vacation!" I had no idea what he was talking about, so he continued, "I thought you were supposed to get the WL mug but I guess people are using any old mug!" and I replied, "We just transferred over from the Grand Floridian and they said we could use it here!" and he said, "Well, they never told me that." and I said, "Well, you didn't transfer over from there." and he walked away

He'd had just a few toooo many...luckily there aren't refillable beer mugs or we'd be seeing a lot more embarrassing outbursts like that!!

 

[mirlow]

Maybe for some that never travel during peak summer months you just do not see the problems it can cause. But when it's hot and the resort is sold out there is no room for anyone extra.

This is exactly what happened on our last visit. I could care less if people are swimming at the pool who aren't guests until I have nowhere to sit because of them. We wanted to spend a lot of down time hanging out at the resort and 3 of our days the pool was packed and nowhere for us to sit. We have stayed at the PR a handful of times and this last trip was the worst. Once those three days were over it was fine. Of course the quite pool wasn't crowded, but getting my kids to swim over there just wasn't going to happen. This was the begining of August when it's hotter than heck On that same trip the AKL pool was just as crowded, but that had to do with the hurricane. I guess some DCL guests were stuck at the hotel? It's a big difference to when my family are the only ones crazy enough to go for a swim in January!
I like checking out the other resorts and have gone and gotten a drink by the pool while doing so (CS). The people I talked to at the PR with were basically doing the same thing. One family was staying at the AKL and they had breakfast at 'Ohana's and wanted to check it out. This other family was staying at POR and they came over to go swimming before they drove to their FL home. They wouldn't be telling me this if they knew it wasn't allowed.

 

[agotta]

This is exactly what happened on our last visit. I could care less if people are swimming at the pool who aren't guests until I have nowhere to sit because of them. We wanted to spend a lot of down time hanging out at the resort and 3 of our days the pool was packed and nowhere for us to sit. We have stayed at the PR a handful of times and this last trip was the worst. Once those three days were over it was fine. Of course the quite pool wasn't crowded, but getting my kids to swim over there just wasn't going to happen. This was the begining of August when it's hotter than heck On that same trip the AKL pool was just as crowded, but that had to do with the hurricane. I guess some DCL guests were stuck at the hotel? It's a big difference to when my family are the only ones crazy enough to go for a swim in January!
I like checking out the other resorts and have gone and gotten a drink by the pool while doing so (CS). The people I talked to at the PR with were basically doing the same thing. One family was staying at the AKL and they had breakfast at 'Ohana's and wanted to check it out. This other family was staying at POR and they came over to go swimming before they drove to their FL home. They wouldn't be telling me this if they knew it wasn't
allowed.

How do you know that it wasn't just busy? You just assume that these people where from other resorts?? Maybe this is part of why they "don't" allow pool hopping.

 

[dalt01]

pool refillable pass the valium

 

[mirlow]

How do you know that it wasn't just busy? You just assume that these people where from other resorts?? Maybe this is part of why they "don't" allow pool hopping.

I didn't assume people were from other resorts. One they told me they were from another resort and two the lifeguards went around to all of the tables and chairs and asked for resort IDs and a couple of families had to leave. I know because I was watching to see if a seat or table would become available. You are right it was during the busy season and it was during the mid afternoon break time.

 

[agotta]

All I am saying is to not assume. Yes maybe you spoke with a couple people or saw the lifeguard kick people out, but like I said before not that many people are aware of pool hopping. We are the enlighted few....

 

[mommi97]

Even though I haven't done it, during our last trip in 2003 I was told the same thing by several reservationists and CM's. I was told as long as I was a resort guest I can visit any other resort and use the pools or facilities they offer. I personally think it takes away from my trip if I actually have to travel and use another resort pool, I rather be at my own where I can get changed right in my room. I think if I really wanted to try another pools I would just make sure the next trip I try and book at that resort.

As long as we are on the topic, I am helping my sister plan her trip (as well as my own) and she was asking about going to a beach. Can she go to a beach one afternoon at another resort? Or is that not permitted?

 

[Swimnoid]

I work at a pool year round so when I go on vacation that is the last place I want to be. so no pool hopping for me. The thing that gets me if people do know the rules and they disregard them anyway they are setting such a bad example for thier kids.