Disney in a Minute: What is Pool Hopping?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

What is Pool Hopping?

“Pool Hopping” is Disney fan lingo that describes using a pool at a Disney resort other than the one where you’re staying – Disney itself uses the term “Complimentary Alternative Pool Use.” For example, if you are staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort for a long time, you might decide to pool hop to Disney’s Old Key West resort for a change of pace, or pool hop to Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge because of their superior water play zone for kids.

For regular guests, the opportunity to pool hop is limited. It’s easy to hop between the All-Star Resorts pools if you’re staying at, for example, All-Star Sports, or to hop to the pool at Port Orleans French Quarter if you’re staying at Port Orleans Riverside, but most of the bigger/better pools have gates that can only be opened with a MagicBand coded to that resort.

If you’re a member of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), Disney’s version of a timeshare program, you have more options. DVC members can generally use the pools at the resorts that have DVC villa-style rooms, though there are a host of restrictions and blackout windows during most holidays. Be sure to check the DVC Member website for the current rules.

Let us know what Disney topics you think need just a bit more explanation.