Am I the only person who is not a fan of Pool Hopping???

[mwitkus]

Let me first start by saying that I do not mean any disrespect to anyone with this thread, but I have to say that the idea of pool hopping really bothers me!!

The last thing I want when I go to my resort pool is to find the place crowded both on land and in the water.. I hate getting there and finding no chairs available or so many people in the water that you can't move without swimming into someone or getting kicked by someone as they are swimming..

Granted I always assumed this was a result of a crowded resort, but now I must ask, is this a result of pool hoppers? And if it is, I have to say I would like to see more control of the pool areas to keep them limited to those guests who are paying for the priveledge of swimming there...

Am I the only person who feels this way???

:veryconfu :veryconfu

 

[mwitkus]

Originally posted by cymbaldiva
Goodness this thread has gone crazy since last nite!

I'm still a bit confused though (seriously, I'm not trying to stir anything up) - There is all of this fuss about pool-hopping, which BTW I don't do because I don't go in public in a swimsuit :animwink: , because the p.h.'s didn't pay for the amenities in the resort that they are "visiting". I do understand that. But how is it different than someone like myself ? I'm a total resort hopper! I love to wander thru the lobbies and grounds of other resorts, yet I don't pay to stay in them....

Does this make me a thief for just taking in the atmosphere?

In my opinion, no. I think someone else addressed this previously as well, but my opinion is that there are certain "public" areas in all of the resorts that are pretty much open to all guests and non guests. The pools are really designed with a limited number of guests in mind, and staffed for that as well. To have a large number of pool hoppers, on top of the guests that are paying to be there, can cause over crowding in the pools. This can cause a less enjoyable experience for those people who are paying to be there. This doesn't really tend to be a problem outside of the pool because the demand isn't there. Again, this is my opinion on the situation. I am sure there are others with their own interpretations as well...

 

[SilentRascal]

Originally posted by Erika
Then why are you so emotional?

I'm not at all emotional. Why are you?

 

[Herbie53]

Ok, I've spent quite a bit of time reading to the end of this thread, so I think I've earned the right to add my opinion to the insantiy.

Personally, when I use resort pools I like them to be completely empty! I don't care if the people are paying guests or not. I just don't want them there! Of course, this is my problem, and not theirs. When I do go to the pool, and its more crowded than I would like, I return to my room. It has never crossed my mind to think that those people didn't have as much right to be there as I did. Maybe now that I've read this thread I'll grumble a little more on the way back to the room. :lol:

In theory I agree with Tramp, Mom, Steve, and Eeyore. Pool hopping is not a cause for major concern, but when it comes up in discussion it is obviously wrong. In practice, however, its not anything I've ever given any thoubght to while on vacation. But in all fairness, I've never stayed at any of the resorts where this seems to be a problem.

There have been a lot of comparisons suggested. I'd like to add another. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge does not allow people to VISIT without dining arangements. Now, I'm assuming this is because of all the animals. Obviously, those animals are as big of a reason for staying at that resort as any. Clearly, you pay higher rates to stay at the lodge because you get to watch the animals. It certainly wouldn't cost Disney anything to allow non-paying guests to view the animals, in fact, the security is probably an added expense. Not only would it not cost them anything, but the extra people probably wouldn't really get in the way either. And yet, they don't allow it! Why not? Well, this is a feature that is unique to this resort. It's not hard to understand why Disney wants to restrict it, and I'm sure most people accept it automatically. No one would want to spend the extra money to stay at the resort if they could watch the animals for free. Every resort has a pool though! Generally speaking, one resort's pool can look very much like another resort's pool. They're not always special. They're not always a reason to stay at a resort. So its easy to quesion whether a pool is a true resort ammenity, but at Disney, many of the resort pools are unique, special, and are definitely a reason to stay at that resort. So I really think it is that much more difficult to justify pool hopping at Disney.

 

[Erika]

Originally posted by YankeeFan


I'm not at all emotional. Why are you?

LOL!! Read my posts, and read your own. For the most part, I really don't give a sh*t, as I stated much earlier. But you are so defensive!!! It's like you're really afraid we are going to jump you in the bushes and drag you away from Stormalong Bay.

Where is Lance? Look what you started :lol:

 

[SilentRascal]

Originally posted by Erika
LOL!! Read my posts, and read your own. For the most part, I really don't give a sh*t, as I stated much earlier. But you are so defensive!!! It's like you're really afraid we are going to jump you in the bushes and drag you away crying from Stormalong Bay.

LOL. I'm well aware of what I've said in my posts. I'm not the least bit emotional about this because as I've said, I have other priorities at WDW now than pool-hopping.

 

[cymbaldiva]

Originally posted by YankeeFan


LOL. I'm well aware of what I've said in my posts. I'm not the least bit emotional about this because as I've said, I have other priorities at WDW now than pool-hopping.

If you don't particularly care one way or another, than why are you still posting such p**** replies? Do you love the sport of debate in general, or are you just enjoying arguing this point in particular?

 

[Erika]

PSSSSST- YankeeFan:


:lookaroun







My dad could beat up your dad





That's about where we are now. I'm outta here! Back to Ryan with me!

 

[Lance]

Wow, I need to get online more.......

I now know I'm not perfect in other people's eyes, I thought I was as normal as they come, guess not.........I'm different, not a bad thing.....

I know you all consider me the devil or something, so I want to say, I respect all of your comments thus far, but I'll never be swayed, pool hopping is a way for me to spend time with my little sis and that's the bottom line, it's free and GOD knows I'm not made of money.........I know that doesn't satisfy anyone, but I don't want to get emotional, I go to WDW, because I have the memories there, and I feel at home...

 

[RogueHabit]

ONe last thought before I leave this topic alone.

Is anything at WDW free? Answer, IMHO, is NO. Somehow you pay for it in a ticket price or a hotel fee.

Therefore if you didn't pay the relevant fee and, be it in a ticket or hotel fee then you are not entitled to it.

And that includes use of a resort pool if you not staying on resort.

MHO, and I'm done.

 

[garyhoov]

Originally posted by Lance
Wow, I need to get online more.......

I now know I'm not perfect in other people's eyes, I thought I was as normal as they come, guess not.........I'm different, not a bad thing.....

I know you all consider me the devil or something, so I want to say, I respect all of your comments thus far, but I'll never be swayed, pool hopping is a way for me to spend time with my little sis and that's the bottom line, it's free and GOD knows I'm not made of money.........I know that doesn't satisfy anyone, but I don't want to get emotional, I go to WDW, because I have the memories there, and I feel at home...

It's similar to cheating on your taxes. A lot of people do it, and most people aren't going to be particularly mad at someone who says "Yeah, I fudge here and there, I know I shouldn't, but it's just the way I've always done it." If the person says "I cheat on my taxes and there's nothing wrong with it, and if you can't understand there's nothing wrong with it you're a fool" people are going to disagree with that statement.

 

[Lilo]

Enough already. O.K. here goes. Those who pool hop - just do it and shut up (but don't let me catch you). Those who don't pool hop - good for you. Your honest and care about other people besides yourselves. Actually, those who pool hop should just stop and think if they would like someone to muscle in on their time and money without a second thought.

 

[TURKEY]

Originally posted by Catch 22
ONe last thought before I leave this topic alone.

Is anything at WDW free? Answer, IMHO, is NO. Somehow you pay for it in a ticket price or a hotel fee.

Therefore if you didn't pay the relevant fee and, be it in a ticket or hotel fee then you are not entitled to it.

And that includes use of a resort pool if you not staying on resort.

MHO, and I'm done.

If you aren't staying on resort (say off-property), where do you think you are paying for use of a resort pool?

Park ticket? Goes to park only.
Hotel Fee? You aren't paying one to Disney.

 

[celticdog]

I am really amazed how much of an emotional issue this is, so i'll add my 2 cents and stir the pot.

I feel that pool hopping is thievery. It is wrong to infringed upon a paying hotel guest's peaceful enjoyment of their hotel. Fees have been payed and certain ammentities are expected from the resort. When i go to the pool i should be able to enjoy myself without a bunch freeloaders taking over. I personally have not seen any pool overly crowded, so there is a real good possibility that pool hopping is not widespread. Most guests have enough common sense so as not break the rules and run the risk ruining their own vacation or the vactions of others.

 

[tenchu]

Just because you buy a ticket for the MK, doesn't mean you can go into the other parks for free.

And to enforce the rules - more CM's would have to be employed to check guests.

 

[The Mom]

Pool hopping is really only a problem at the very publicly visible pool areas with "fancy" pools, such as Beach and Yacht Club, Boardwalk, and, to a lesser extent, the Polynesian.

Other resorts either don't have fancy pools, or they're harder to see/get to.

And unless I can't find a seat at the pool because too many people from other hotels (whether on site or off) have taken them, I don't give a rat's behind if you pool hop. Just don't try to convince me that it's sanctioned by WDW simply because they choose not to inconvenience every guest by forcing them to show an ID every time they enter the pool area. There are signs that say the pools are for hotel guests only, and every hotel lists ALL of the pools available free of charge to guests staying there. If it's not on the list, it's not intended for your use...period. If your hotel's pool is closed for some reason, and they instruct you to use a pool at another resort, that's fine. Whether you choose to follow the rules is a personal decision...just don't expect everyone else to support your it.

BTW...as hopping becomes more of a problem (and with more resorts being built without the "cool pools" it will increase), especially as more people give directions on how to get away with it, it may become SOP to show an ID at ALL pools in the future. And we'll know who to thank.

 

[Tramp]

Originally posted by The Mom
BTW...as hopping becomes more of a problem (and with more resorts being built without the "cool pools" it will increase), especially as more people give directions on how to get away with it, it may become SOP to show an ID at ALL pools in the future. And we'll know who to thank.

I can see the day when you'll be required to get a wrist band at the front desk prior to using the pool.

 

[Married@WDW]

What bugs me about pool hopping at these resorts is that many of them are DVC resorts. I see it as a direct relation to my ownership in the resort -- when you pool hop, you aren't just stealing from Disney, you're stealing from me. I have to pay dues to cover part of the upkeep of the pool, etc. Any damage incurred, any extra use of towels, cleaning, etc. eventually will get charged back to me. So when you pool hop, I pay more -- EVEN IF I DON'T GO TO DISNEY.

That stinks! I hope they start carding everyone at the pool. Most people have to take a key anyway to be able to get back into their room and I'd rather pay for an extra CM than pay for people who are stealing services.

BTW, at the Grand Californian in Disneyland, I believe there is a gate around the whole pool. The pool isn't fancy, but you need a room key to get in. Not that it's fool proof, since you can follow someone else in, but it certainly makes it tougher.

 

[celticdog]

Rather than posting another Cm to check Id's, the resorts could become gated communities. The only way onto the property is to have a roomkey. Those checking in for reservations will be forced to go though a manned gate and show proper ID. Once guests have keys they can go through unmanned gates.

 

[tenchu]

Originally posted by celticdog
Rather than posting another Cm to check Id's, the resorts could become gated communities. The only way onto the property is to have a roomkey. Those checking in for reservations will be forced to go though a manned gate and show proper ID. Once guests have keys they can go through unmanned gates.

Welcome to Prison WDW.

 

[Merlin]

Originally posted by The Mom

I have stayed at Atlantis (in the Bahamas) and they solved the problem by using bracelets. Guests were issued one upon presenting a valid resort card. Non-guests could purchase a certain number for around $10....it would depend upon number of registered guests, and capacity. Everyone was checked before going down a slide, into the lazy river, etc...and security would wander around checking people in lounge chairs, pool, etc. It seemed to work out fairly well. That way, non-guests could enjoy the facilities, and guests weren't denied usage.

I normally agree with The Mom, but I have to say that I don't think this would be the best "solution" to the problem. In fact, I think it would actually make the pools more crowded with non-guests. By having a system where non-guests can pay to swim there, the company is basically extending the invitation to a larger number of people to come swim there. As it is now, I'm sure there are a lot of non-guests who don't swim there because the thought never occured to them that they could. Starting a program where people could pay to do it would just put the idea in more people's minds. I have a friend who works for Monte Carlo Resort in Las Vegas and they have a "cool" swimming area for their guests and charge extra for non-guests to swim there. I've stayed at Monte Carlo many times and the pool area is ALWAYS crowded. My friend told me they keep track of how many guests versus non-guests are using it on any given day, and the non-guest percentage is something like 70%. Bottom line: Charging a price would not discourage, it would encourage.

As far as my views on pool-hopping, I have done it. However, I tend to stay at resorts such as Yacht and Beach and Grand Floridian. But I still have pool-hopped to All-Star and Coronado Springs (I guess you would call that "Reverse Class Envy"?).

Oh and by the way, I've been kicked in the face many times by other swimmers and you know what? I honestly have no idea whether those people were guests of that particular hotel or not. I'm not sure why people seem to think pool-hoppers are the only people capable of making a swimming experience unpleasant.