Pool Hopping Question

[Nikki G]

I'm trying to get some info on how the pool hopping benefit works. I know they have a pretty long list of pools you can't use, which actually seems to eliminate a lot of them. So what pools are we able to go to? How does it work in general? My kids love a good pool and we were thinking of using it as an excuse to just visit some other resorts to check them out. Is it only DVC resort pools or can it be Port Orleans?

 

[bumbershoot]

It can be port orleans. And there are several pools between pofq and POR!

We’ve hopped to Coronado and that was nice.

Our fave pool for pool hopping is boardwalk’s Luna Park pool.

Be sure you have your member card with you.

 

[Nikki G]

It can be port orleans. And there are several pools between pofq and POR!

We’ve hopped to Coronado and that was nice.

Our fave pool for pool hopping is boardwalk’s Luna Park pool.

Be sure you have your member card with you.

Awesome! Thank you. This was my assumption, but I didn't want to show up at the pool and get denied because I didn't understand things properly.

 

[SL6827]

With our trip last month, we used four pools, SAB, both pools at the AKL and at AoA. The only one that was guarded was of course SAB. Anyone, staying anywhere, any local, any visitor, had access to the other three pools with no problem. Didn't need a Magic Band to access any of them, except SAB. I believe it is easier than ever to pool hop now. There was a need for a Magic Band to get into laundry rooms, but not the pools.

 

[bumbershoot]

With our trip last month, we used four pools, SAB, both pools at the AKL and at AoA.

Were you staying at those resorts? Because those are four of the pools NOT open for hopping.

• Pool hopping is not available at the following pools—with no exceptions to this policy:
  • Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
  • Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resorts
  • The leisure pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas
  • The Lava Pool and leisure pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
  • The Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
  • The pools at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Cove Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

 

[BillPA]

Also you need to be the DVC member and be staying on site.

 

[SL6827]

Were you staying at those resorts? Because those are four of the pools NOT open for hopping.

Yes, I did stay at those resorts. My point was, with the exception of SAB, pool hopping is pretty much a free for all. With Disney eliminating the need for a Magic Band to enter the pools, anybody and everybody will have easy access to most Disney resort pools, most of them, not all. Like I said, I needed resort guess access to enter the laundry rooms but not the pools.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yes, I did stay at those resorts. My point was, with the exception of SAB, pool hopping is pretty much a free for all. With Disney eliminating the need for a Magic Band to enter the pools, anybody and everybody will have easy access to most Disney resort pools, most of them, not all. Like I said, I needed resort guess access to enter the laundry rooms but not the pools.

They've never checked at the pools except SAB. Ease hasn't been the issue - more the honor system. If it gets very busy at a pool lifeguards have been known to ask for the "room key" or now it would be MB. If you weren't staying at the restricted pools you would be asked to leave.

 

[bumbershoot]

If it gets very busy at a pool lifeguards have been known to ask for the "room key" or now it would be MB.

I have always assumed that it would be room key (magicband) and DVC member card. It's why I have never once pool-hopped when on a solo/cousin trip without my (soon to be ex) husband, as he has been the owner (not for long) and only HE has a member card (not for long).



It's not something I've been entitled to as an Associate, so I'm not going to do it, *no matter* if they aren't automatically scanning when we enter. After all, they didn't have gates before, but it was still a rule. Now that they have gates that don't require MBs it doesn't change the rules.

big ol' rule follower here...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have always assumed that it would be room key (magicband) and DVC member card. It's why I have never once pool-hopped when on a solo/cousin trip without my (soon to be ex) husband, as he has been the owner (not for long) and only HE has a member card (not for long).



It's not something I've been entitled to as an Associate, so I'm not going to do it, *no matter* if they aren't automatically scanning when we enter. After all, they didn't have gates before, but it was still a rule. Now that they have gates that don't require MBs it doesn't change the rules.

big ol' rule follower here...

Yes, that's probably correct. The old room keys did designate DVC member and the MB's do too if scanned but the DVC member card really should be needed.

We've only "hopped" once. Or DH did after we went to OKW to look around and he wanted a quick swim.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Also you need to be the DVC member and be staying on site.

And using your own points to stay at an onsite DVC resort or VB DVC resort. Plus not trying to pool hop during the blacked out periods.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

Here are the details posted directly from the DVC Member page......you can go to lots of different pools....not only DVC resort pools"

When staying on your Membership at any Disney Vacation Club Resort at Walt Disney World Resort or at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, you and any Guests staying with you are permitted to take advantage of complimentary alternative pool use, which provides access to:


The pool or pools at the Disney Vacation Club Resort where you are staying

Select pools at Disney Vacation Club Resorts

Select pools at Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Note: Capacity limits and blockout dates apply. To find out about pool-access availability, please check with a host or hostess at the front desk of the Resort you wish to visit.


You must present your MagicBand or valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card to use the other Resort hotel pools.


View details about capacity limits, blockou dates, excluded pools and more.

Capacity Limitations

If the pool you are visiting reaches capacity, you may be asked to leave in order to accommodate Guests of that Resort hotel. Please check with a host or hostess at the front desk of the Resort you wish to visit before you go to find out about pool-access availability.

Blockout Dates

Resort hotel pools may become unavailable from time to time due to capacity limitations. Due to the high occupancy that is expected, you and your overnight guests may not pool hop during the following dates:

· Friday, May 25, 2018 through Monday, May 28, 2018

· Sunday, July 1, 2018 through Saturday, July 7, 2018

· Friday, August 31, 2018 through Monday, September 3, 2018

· Monday, November 19, 2018 through Saturday, November 24, 2018

· Friday, December 21, 2018 through Wednesday, January 2, 2019

As a reminder, please be mindful of the limited number of pool chairs available, and refrain from leaving towels or personal items on unoccupied pool chairs.

Important Information

· Pool hopping is not available at the following pools—with no exceptions to this policy:

o Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

o Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

o Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resorts

o The leisure pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas

o The Lava Pool and leisure pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

o The Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

o The pools at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

o Boulder Ridge Cove Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

· Other restricted dates than those listed above may be added based on projected pool capacity or maintenance needs.

· Alternative pool use is subject to change or discontinuation at the sole discretion of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

· Complimentary alternative pool use (pool hopping) is not considered a Membership Extra. This benefit is offered to all Disney Vacation Club Members, regardless of how they purchased.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I have found pool hopping to be a hastle. Maybe it's just me but one pool is enough plus who wants to lug around in a wet bathing suit or lug a tote bag?

 

[HLShone]

We always pool hop-love it-we especially love to hop to grand Floridian on MK day to take a break mid day and do the same thing on epcot day, we hop to boardwalk-gives the kids a few hours to swim and cool off w/out time constraints of getting back to own resort (unless on monorail or boardwalk area) both have great slides for kids, good drinks and changing rooms w/showers

 

[DisneyMom79]

I know this is an older post but quick question- we are dvc and visiting in January, it was a last minute booking bc we just went in September and there were no dvc openings available.... we booked at a value resort to save $$ (it’s our3rd thrip this year and was a struggle to get my dh to agree to it otherwise!). Can we use our pool hopping privileges still bc we are staying on property or no bc it wasn’t booked on points?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I know this is an older post but quick question- we are dvc and visiting in January, it was a last minute booking bc we just went in September and there were no dvc openings available.... we booked at a value resort to save $$ (it’s our3rd thrip this year and was a struggle to get my dh to agree to it otherwise!). Can we use our pool hopping privileges still bc we are staying on property or no bc it wasn’t booked on points?

No. You are only able to pool hop when staying on your DVC points. And only when it is not blacked out for various holidays. The rules haven't changed since they were posted above.
From the member website:

How it Works
Swim, slide, splash, play and lounge—with several unique pool options to suit your style.

When staying on your Membership at any Disney Vacation Club Resort at Walt Disney World Resort or at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, you and any Guests staying with you are permitted to take advantage of complimentary alternative pool use, which provides access to:

• The pool or pools at the Disney Vacation Club Resort where you are staying
• Select pools at Disney Vacation Club Resorts
• Select pools at Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Note: Capacity limits and blockout dates apply. To find out about pool-access availability, please check with a host or hostess at the front desk of the Resort you wish to visit.

You must present your MagicBand or valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card to use the other Resort hotel pools.

Know Before You Go
View details about capacity limits, blockout dates, excluded pools and more.

Capacity Limitations

If the pool you are visiting reaches capacity, you may be asked to leave in order to accommodate Guests of that Resort hotel. Please check with a host or hostess at the front desk of the Resort you wish to visit before you go to find out about pool-access availability.

Blockout Dates

Resort hotel pools may become unavailable from time to time due to capacity limitations. Due to the high occupancy that is expected, you and your overnight guests may not pool hop during the following dates:
Friday, May 25, 2018 through Monday, May 28, 2018

• Sunday, July 1, 2018 through Saturday, July 7, 2018
• Friday, August 31, 2018 through Monday, September 3, 2018
• Monday, November 19, 2018 through Saturday, November 24, 2018
• Friday, December 21, 2018 through Wednesday, January 2, 2019

As a reminder, please be mindful of the limited number of pool chairs available, and refrain from leaving towels or personal items on unoccupied pool chairs.
Important Information

• Pool hopping is not available at the following pools—with no exceptions to this policy:
  • Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
  • Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resorts
  • The leisure pool at Disney's Beach Club Villas
  • The Lava Pool and leisure pool at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
  • The Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
  • The pools at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Cove Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Other restricted dates than those listed above may be added based on projected pool capacity or maintenance needs.
• Alternative pool use is subject to change or discontinuation at the sole discretion of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
• Complimentary alternative pool use (pool hopping) is not considered a Membership Extra. This benefit is offered to all Disney Vacation Club Members, regardless of how they purchased.

 

[DisneyMom79]

Thanks! Not a big deal for us to not have the privilege- we are platinum plus passholders and can go to the waterparks anytime

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks! Not a big deal for us to not have the privilege- we are platinum plus passholders and can go to the waterparks anytime

Only one waterpark will be open in January.

 

[DisneyMom79]

Very aware- not a first time January traveler, thank for the input

 

[daisyduck123]

They've never checked at the pools except SAB. Ease hasn't been the issue - more the honor system. If it gets very busy at a pool lifeguards have been known to ask for the "room key" or now it would be MB. If you weren't staying at the restricted pools you would be asked to leave.

Last time I stayed at Kidani, there was a guard going around checking everyone.