Will this be okay?

[DLgal]

We are heading to DLH soon to stay for a week. We have some local family who would like to visit us while we are there. We live on the east coast so hardly get to see each other. We are planning to just hang by the pool and catch up while our kids swim. Is this going to be a problem? We will be hotel guests. I know what the official "rule" is here, but in reality, will anyone care if we do this? The other adults do not plan to swim. Just two additional kids (our kids' cousins).

 

[larina]

To be honest, no, it's really not okay. That said, you can ask at guest services and see if they'll okay it.

 

[sonnyjane]

To be honest, no, it's really not okay. That said, you can ask at guest services and see if they'll okay it.

Yeah, here on the boards it's frowned upon the mention or condone breaking Disney policy so you probably won't get too many responses to this. You can call the hotel and see what they say. If they say yes then you're golden.

 

[ktlm]

When we were at DLH last summer, no adults were allowed into the pool area without their room key. We saw a Dad have to go back to the room because Mom brought her room key, but Dad had left all his stuff in the room. The CM on duty would not let him in without his key, even though he clearly was part of the family. Don't know if that is the norm, but I'd say there is a chance you would be turned away.

 

[Girimama33]

The CMs will likely want to see a room key with the adults, so they will not be allowed in the pool area unless they can supply one.
We actually have this same dilemma when we go to Aulani in July. My Auntie and cousins live on Oahu, and we are planning on having them meet us at the resort for the day on a Sunday. They will be able to go to the beach, but not the pools. Luckily, we reserved 2 2BDR villas that each sleep 9. There are only 13 of us going, so we are going to add 5 of my cousin's family (that want to use the pool) to our reservation. That way, they get a room keey and from there can get a wristband in order to enjoy the pools.
If you have room on your reservations (# of guests vs occupancy), perhaps you can add them so they can get a room key.

 

[DLgal]

When we were at DLH last summer, no adults were allowed into the pool area without their room key. We saw a Dad have to go back to the room because Mom brought her room key, but Dad had left all his stuff in the room. The CM on duty would not let him in without his key, even though he clearly was part of the family. Don't know if that is the norm, but I'd say there is a chance you would be turned away.

Thanks for this. This is what I was wondering. Last time we were there, no one was manning the gate. It was self entry. The pool was always practically empty. I wasn't sure if they checked room keys or not. Seems like maybe sometimes they do

 

[Geemo]

We've been at the DLR hotels when there aren't any lounges or places to sit left. The pool wasn't overly crowded though.

After paying the price to stay on-site, I'd hope those taking up the pool space have paid their way as well.

I have family in the area too. They want to see how big the grandkids have grown from trip to trip. We make arrangements to meet up in DTD for a few hours. There are plenty of public places to take a break to see local family members.

Geemo

 

[DLgal]

What if we rent a cabana? Is it okay in that circumstance, or does everyone using the cabana have to be a resort guest?

 

[Girimama33]

What if we rent a cabana? Is it okay in that circumstance, or does everyone using the cabana have to be a resort guest?

The cabanas are in the pool area and in order to access the pool area, you need a room key. The cabana would not be an option....tried that one for Aulani too, BTW.

 

[DahliaRW]

I'd call and ask. Sometimes places will allow guests of guests to use the pools for a small fee.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I'd call and ask. Sometimes places will allow guests of guests to use the pools for a small fee.

Best advice so far….Call and explain the situation, and ask for yourself---then you'll have the correct answer---straight from the "Horse's Mouth"!

They can advise you directly if you can/should add the two children to your reservation, or if for a small fee(like DahliaRW says), they could appropriately, be allowed into the pool area with you, to swim!

Good Luck, and let us know how it works out!

 

[TheChapman6]

When we were there last may we needed one key to get into the pool. Nobody ever questioned us we used it like a key to open the gate we swam 3 days and never saw anyone ask about keys. I don't see why it would be an issue?

 

[Malcon10t]

When we were there last may we needed one key to get into the pool. Nobody ever questioned us we used it like a key to open the gate we swam 3 days and never saw anyone ask about keys. I don't see why it would be an issue?

It depends on how busy it is. I wasn't checked for a key last visit, but no one was in the pool area. However, over Christmas and during last summer, we were key checked numerous times. Each person needed a key.

Also, cabanas are limited to 6 people. So, with your friends and their 2 children, it would need to be just you and 1 child (since you said they were coming to see the children.) Otherwise, you would need to rent 2 cabanas.

 

[Girimama33]

Best advice so far….Call and explain the situation, and ask for yourself---then you'll have the correct answer---straight from the "Horse's Mouth"!

They can advise you directly if you can/should add the two children to your reservation, or if for a small fee(like DahliaRW says), they could appropriately, be allowed into the pool area with you, to swim!

Good Luck, and let us know how it works out!

I disagree with this. The policy is that only hotel guests are allowed in the area. They do not offer day passes. Do you really think a CM is going to say it will be okay to go against the policies put in place?
People post questions on the DIS in order to get feedback with people that have had experience. I don't believe telling them to call the hotel, just to be told No is not the Best advice so far….IMO.
A CM will state that it is okay to add guests to your reservation as long as your room occupancy allows it. That I have experienced on more than one occasion.
The OP can certainly try and get everyone into the pool area, but they need to understand that their guests may or may not be asked to leave depending on how crowded it is.

 

[larina]

When we were there last may we needed one key to get into the pool. Nobody ever questioned us we used it like a key to open the gate we swam 3 days and never saw anyone ask about keys. I don't see why it would be an issue?

It's an issue because only paid guests of the hotel are allowed to.use the pool. Even if they aren't asked for keys or can "get away with it"
The original question was is it.okay, and no, it.isn't okay.