Disney Cracks Down on Pool-Hopping at Walt Disney World Resorts
Disney's Walt Disney World has been cracking down on pool-hopping at its resorts. The practice, where guests without a reservation would visit pools at other hotels, has been an unofficial tradition for years. However, with the implementation of wristband checks and MagicBand scanning at pool entrances, that era is coming to an end.
The latest resort to adopt this policy is Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, which joins its sister property, French Quarter, in requiring guests to present a valid reservation before accessing the pool. This change follows a similar move earlier this year at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's BoardWalk Inn.
While some guests may see this as an inconvenience, many others will welcome the reduced crowds and easier access to amenities they're already paying for. The move also aligns with Disney's broader effort to make its resorts feel like more of a draw in their own right, with added seasonal entertainment and family programming recently expanding at Port Orleans Riverside.
As Disney continues to refine its resort experience, it remains to be seen whether this policy will extend to other properties. For now, guests planning a stay at either side of Port Orleans should keep proof of their reservation handy before heading to the pool.