Disney's Pool Hopping Crackdown Hits Port Orleans

Disney has implemented wristband checkpoints at pool entrances for guests staying at Port Orleans Resort in Walt Disney World. The new system is designed to prevent pool hopping, a long-standing tradition where guests would visit pools not affiliated with their resort.

The rollout began earlier this year and has now expanded to both halves of the Moderate Resort: Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Guests must have their room key or MagicBand scanned by cast members before entering Doubloon Lagoon at French Quarter, which has been enforcing the rule since its pool reopened with a new sign clearly stating that access is exclusive to guests staying at the resort.

However, things get more complicated on the Riverside side. The installation of a wristband checkpoint there raised questions about whether the old cross-resort privilege between Riverside and French Quarter is still in effect. According to a report from Kenny the Pirate, the new sign at Riverside's pool area reads: 'This pool area is for the exclusive use of Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside Guests.'

The introduction of wristband checkpoints aims to address overcrowding and make the pools feel more exclusive to guests who are actually paying to stay there. While the new system may cause some inconvenience, it also means that guests can expect shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere at the pool.