Can I pool hop at Walt Disney World?

July 17, 2017

For those staying at Walt Disney World, the large central pool areas at each of the resorts are a massive on-site perk. Each pool on Disney property is unique and boasts some fantastic features. From Disney Yacht and Beach Clubs’ massive water playground Stormalong Bay to the giant sea serpent slide at Port Orleans French Quarter, these amenities add an extra dose of magic to your Disney vacation. Therefore its no surprise that visitors to Walt Disney World frequently ask:

If I’m staying at a Disney resort can I use the pool areas at one of the other resorts?

Sadly the answer to the this question (for the most part) is No. Walt Disney world does boast an open resort policy meaning that visitors staying on property are able to visit and enjoy the other resorts. Whether its viewing the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, having afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian or going on a carriage ride at Port Orleans Riverside guests have the ability to take in as many of these fantastic resorts as time will allow. The only exception to this is the pool areas. With the advent of Magic Bands, new resorts like Art of Animation or any resort having gone through a recent refurbishment will have gates that scan the bands only allowing those with a valid resort reservation into the pool areas. Or at Stormalong Bay, there are Cast Members on hand that will check to make sure you are staying at the Yacht or Beach Club Resorts.

There are a few notable exceptions to this namely with resorts that fall into Disney’s sister resort category. They are as follows:

Visitors to Disney’s All Star Resorts (All Star Sports, All Star Music and All Star Movies) are able to enjoy the pools at any of the other All Stars.
Guests at Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside also have the option of using the pools at both locations.

However during peak periods, Walt Disney World reserves the right to restrict pool access only to guests at that specific hotel. So those staying in one of the sister hotels during the Summer holidays may not be afforded this option.

There are two exceptions to the “No Pool Hopping” policy outlined above. The first is that if your pool is undergoing a refurbishment Disney will arrange for pool privileges at a nearby Disney resort. The second is that pool hopping is a perk of being a DVC member. However there are some notable restrictions. DVC owners cannot pool hop at the following locations:

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort
Uzima Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Leisure Pool at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Samawati Springs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower
Nanea Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The Cooper Creek Springs Pool at Wilderness Lodge
The Pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Pool hopping is available to DVC members and guests that are staying using their DVC points at any Walt Disney World resort. Proof of eligibility may be required in the form of Magic Bands or member ID cards. Again members may be asked to leave the pool during peak periods and should consult Disney Vacation Club regarding potential black out dates. Blackout dates for the remainder of this year are as follows:

September 1, 2017 through September 4, 2017
November 20, 2017 through November 25, 2017
December 22, 2017 through January 2, 2018

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