You thought it was impossible, but Pop Century is getting worse

[All Aboard]

We spent a long weekend in Jax and stopped at Epcot on the way home Sunday. As we use the Osceola to get back to the Turnpike, I take Victory to get there. That runs us right past Pop Century.

Well, the dreaded "word" theming is up on the 1980's and 1990's buildings. Some of the phrases are: Wassup, Word Up, Let's do Lunch, Dude... my short term memory just ran out. Trying not to run off the road, it was hard for me to make out the icons. These buildings are at the corner at Victory and Osceola and are very easy to see. Impossible to miss is more like it.

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

YIKES!!! :eek:

[Figmentrocks]

Yup, we use Osceola Parkway, too, and that complex is for the dogs. :) My wife said in the car that after looking at Pop Century, it makes you kinda embarrased that you visit Disney World. :) What we were thinking is how the buildings will look aged by the time that they open the hotel....Maybe even some burnt out lightbulbs! :)

[Figmentrocks]

Exactly, it cheapens the look of the place. What we wonder is what these properties are going to look like in twenty years? It's all so darn shortsighted their development the past few years. Look at Pop Century, it was built on the premise of boatloads of new customers flocking to WDW. Here in Central Florida, we literally have tens of thousands of new hotel rooms being built a year now, and the company is dillusional to think that the general public is going to pay the money (roughly $85 today) to stay at a so-so hotel just because it is at Disney, when they can stay at something quite nice rather close to the property without such an overinflated price. Disney executives are much in the same as many politicians, totally out-of-touch with their base. We stopped making excuses a long time ago as to where Disney was headed, it's a shame. Oh well, life doesn't end because Disney has their problems, too bad, so sad. :)

[Killer Fish]

I was staying at Caribbean Beach this past weekend with my family and it really does ruin the view when you are out on boats on the third lake. My family always gets the boat plan and we always enjoy just relaxing on the boats on the third lake. Now there are ugly building with huge bowling pins and more just huge unfinished 3 floor buildings. By the way the stupidest phrases that I think I have seen are PHAT and Y2k. They are the directly to your right when you get off at 26C or D from I-4.

[discoduck]

I have to agree with all of you.
I stayed at the Carribean Beach in Jan.
and it justmade us sick leaving the beuty of CB and running in to this psycadelic nightmare. This place makes the allstars look like moderates(maybe thats what their trying to do),hopefully they will build a big wall around it.

[All Aboard]

3 floor buildings. Unfortunately, they're 4 stories.

By the way the stupidest phrases that I think I have seen are PHAT and Y2k.Thanks for refreshing my short term memory.

The worst thing about Pop is it's location. It serves as a "first sight" for many travellers coming into a highly used entrance now. Right through the Mickey arch, look to your right, BLAM!

[Disney-Kim]

I can't believe they used those phrases. Isn't wassup from the Budweiser commercials? or least that is what made it so mainstream???

[UncleKyle]

I'd rather bunk down in a zipperless Walmart sleeping bag strategically placed on the median of I Drive than pay money for Pop Century.

That is too funny. I Drive median is probably just as tastefully done as Pop Century. So sad too. I just feel that in coming years WDW is just gonna be to crowded for me.

[Brian430]

I was just there last month to watch the Braves play at WWoS.

Leaving the game, I was able to drive right into the construction entrance of this abomination, where I stood next to my car and literally shuddered.

This is absolutely amateur hour!

I've used the term "vacation ghetto" in the past, and I stand by that description 100%. No amount of landscaping can save this thing.

I know some people are not big fans of the All Stars, but at least Disney hid those motels out of view. PC, however, is clearly visible from Caribbean Beach, the highway and Wide World of Sports - and this eye soar gets worse with each passing construction day.

Not only are the "catch phrases" that are perched atop each building incredibly lame, but they look like they've been cut out of cardboard. There is simply no way the Imagineers are at the helm here. It looks like the construction crew is making it up as they go along. "Do the Funky Chicken"...?

Ugh.

I know this thing holds the potential of bringing in over $3 million a week in rack rates alone but, my God, at what cost to the rest of the property?

Personally, I think WDW feels smaller and cramped with each passing project. Fewer and fewer of their developments seem tucked within a forest, but simply crammed next to one another ala Universal. So when WDW does further develop its land, it sure would be nice if each project had that Disney flare.

This honestly looks like they sold off 300 acres to Motel 6 and said "Do what you want, the check's cleared."

If WDW doesn't think this cheapens their property, particularly the Caribbean Beach Resort, they are positively delusional.

It's just tasteless bad business. How a company in the business of imagination approved this is truly inconceivable.

[DisneyCheese]

As a preface, I go down to Orlando usually once-twice a month. I really love disney, grew up on the magic, and want to see the Magic continue to touch people.


I drove by Pop Century on a recent trip, and thought "you have got to be kidding me!" It literally took me about five minutes to consume that idea that this idea / property belonged to Disney. It indicates a serious problem with the creative process, and also the management process, since someone ok's the funding of this terrible concept.

I would NEVER stay there, and I will encourage others to do the same.

[lodgelady]

Compared to the moderates and luxury resorts, AS looks "budget" but next to PC, it looks like a step up!
I am wondering if the strategy is to lure more teen groups on high school band , sports etc trips by offering group rates at this cheaper venue.
My neice went on a marching band trip and stayed at ASMu. She loved the themeing. And I am sure she would think Pop Century was fun too (she is 17!)
This would be smart because these groups also provide free entertainment when they perform in the parks-also, what adult would want to pay good money for a hotel room next to a group of teens away from their parents!
*********Just trying to make sense of this- I am thinking Mr Eisner knows it is tacky, but he must think some market share will think it is GROOVY!!!*************

:D :D :D Have a nice day while you are doin' the funky chicken!:) :) :)

[Lesley]

I can't even type my sounds and expressions of horror at this news........

Oh, scoop, you are just too funny....and I think my family would be joining you on the I Drive median before staying there also. Actually, I think that's the location of the upcoming DVC Tent City Villas :jester:

The decoration of these buildings is so darned loud it will be a wonder if anyone can sleep inside them.

I've begun to compose my letter of complaint:

I'd rather stay right here than there
I'd rather stay most anywhere

I would not stay there for a dime
I will not stay there anytime

I do not like Pop Century!
I will not stay there, even free!

[space42]

Never thought I'd see the day that Cheap and Tacky attractions and hotels were built at WDW.

I think they should take the PC resort and Dinorama and move the entire mess over to I-Drive. At least, that way, it would fit in the theme of Cheap and Tacky road side tourist trap!

[abitjaded]

Originally posted by Disney-Kim
I can't believe they used those phrases. Isn't wassup from the Budweiser commercials? or least that is what made it so mainstream???

As in wassup, Doc? Oooppppssss! Wrong company.

We have not seen this since Oct 2001, but thought it was pretty ugly even then.

[yensid1071]

As a Disney stockholder/shareholder, I want my money back. If they're going to crank out gaudy, cookie-cutter hotels, count me out. Several years back, a CM told me that the Swan and Dolphin were considered "Eisner's Folly" because they destroyed the image you get when looking past WS in Epcot. They're the only tall buildings on the property (excluding the theme park landmarks like Cindy's Castle, SE, TOT, Earful Tower, Tree of Life). It really does cut in on the atmosphere. Now we have corny, cheesy cutout phrases on the side of a 4 story hotel. It took me a while to get used to the All-Star Resorts, but as another poster said, at least they're out of sight. Sheesh. Before you know it, DCL will christen a third ship where guests can experience the thrill of powering a 70,000+ ton ship by rowing and charge for the honor...... Please, please, please....someone at Disney just stop the madness......

[wdw4us2]

As we always go to WDW via the Osceola Pkwy I, too, can attest to the gaudiness of the latest PC building. As we were passing by two weeks ago, we couldn't believe what we were seeing. Mere words cannot describe the tackiness.

I loved Lesley's PC poem, though!

Lisa

[Planogirl]

This honestly looks like they sold off 300 acres to Motel 6 and said "Do what you want, the check's cleared."

Whatever one may think of Motel 6, they have NEVER built anything this tacky and gaudy as far as I know. But who has? ;) And please don't consider moving this monstrosity to International Drive. If I finally throw in the towel for a few years, I may just wind up staying on that road (or on the median ;) ) since there are still a few good hotels there. I really don't want to see this Pop Century mess!

Can anyone imagine the people who book Pop Century sight unseen and then drive up to it in all of its glory for the first time? Imagine if anyone who posted on this thread did so. Nothing like making a good first impression.

[Sandy Fisher]

CBR is one of our favorites. We were there in November and fortunately didn't get a glimpse of Pop Century.
Everyone (?) has to watch their pennies, but did they have to make it 4 stories so it sticks out like a sore thumb (and not half as pretty) ?
I bought a book at DD our next to last trip on the architecture of Disney. Fascinating. Even the themed buildings have been a touch above tacky, even if you aren't into cartoons and oversized sports equipment, etc.
Who left those dogs out?

[seashoreCM]

I am sure that all the travel guides except the normal AAA tourbooks will have a picture of the exterior of Pop Century so you can see what it looks like before booking. (AAA tourbooks do not have pictures of most of the resorts listed.)

When you draw the drapes and turn in for the night you can't see any of the gigantic wackiness outside. The room interiors are about the same shape and size as All Stars'.

Small kids will love Pop Century. A decade from now, they will point to those big signs saying things like "phat" and "y2k" and ask you the parent, "Did you really talk like that?"

Of course if things don't pan out in terms of 90% occupancy, Disney can always replace the decorations, although the 4 story buildings can remain.

More Disney tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

9/65 Disneyland
3/75 (World Inn* off I4 near DD)
4/85 (Kon-Tiki* on 192)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 POR
9/97 ASMu
11/98 ASMu
12/98 (Knights Inn on 192)
9/99 ASMo
12/00 ASSp
9/01 ASSp
11/01 ASSp
*no longer exists

Federal Express has not renewed its sponsorship of Space Mountain. What will happen to those giant soda cups at All Star Sports if another company replaces Coca Cola as the official soft drink supplier to WDW?

[daber]

Maybe they can rename this monstrousity to

Hester and Chester's Hotel-o-rama.

[Brian430]

True, we could always draw the curtains to hide our eyes from the grotesque lack of imagination and poor design choices, but isn't that why I go to the Wisconsin Dells?

WDW and Eisner constantly hail themselves as patrons of solid architecture - where everything is thought out to the last detail. What good is that philosophy if they build housing projects right next to their whimsical, award-winning architectual designs?

The fact of the matter is that people staying at the Carribean Beach should not have to draw their curtains too.

Nor should I have to install a curtain rod on my windshield.

[Planogirl]

seashoreCM, I was under the impression that no pictures of Disney facilities could be printed in any guidebooks except for the Official Guide. I thought that was why Rita Aero's book and the Unofficial Guide were so plain. (I'm not familiar with the others)

A lot of people seem to book from ads and many go through travel agents or at least so I've been told. I don't believe that ads really show much about the resorts and travel agents may or may not. Just a thought but I could certainly be way offbase.

Plus I admit that the "look" of a resort is real important to me. It's not necessarily as important to others. I do wonder what the rooms will look like though?

[lrodk]

WDWMagic has some pictures posted on their site. After studying these pics you kind of get the idea of what these buildings are all about. They're very plain jane. You can just fill in the blanks, or catch phrases, as you see fit. In fact, the "Wassup" sign is visible in one of them. Here's the link:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/pop_century.htm

[Lesley]

I think if the interiors turn out as badly as the exteriors they might give folks nightmares!

I am given hope by the realization that it would probably be fairly easy to rip down all the big ugly "icons" and turn this into something acceptable....maybe in a few years they will.

[raidermatt]

I don't get it. Movies, I get. Music, I sort of get. Bowling pins, I don't get. (And I'm a bowler!!!)

[DOPEY44]

Maybe management will offer $50 a night for this resort. Then everybody will get over the headache it gives them!

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by DOPEY44
Maybe management will offer $50 a night for this resort. Then everybody will get over the headache it gives them!


ding..ding...we have a winner....My wife and I were doubting that we would ever stay at the All-Stars (even with the great rates) there is no way we would ever stay at Pop Century...I have a feeling this will become the bargain basement Hotel for Disney.

[HugsForEeyore]

I guess I am in a minority, but I think Pop Century will do alright. I agree that small children will greatly enjoy the large icons (my nephew would love that 'big wheel'!). I know from experience that the All-Stars can be the hardest hotels to book! On all my trips to WDW, I have never stayed there (and I tried twice to book it), since they were always completely booked or had minimum night stay requirements. So I think that a hotel with a price even less than the All-Stars will be quite popular since not everyone can afford deluxes or even moderates. Price is a huge factor to many, many people. I think Pop Century will definately find it's "nitch".

I was riding a bus in January to AK, and when we drove by Pop Century, everyone on the bus thought it looked cool and wanted to know what it was!!

[KCritter]

HugsforEeyore is right, there are people out there who are going to LOVE PC, even though it makes some people shudder. Hang out on the resorts board for long enough and you will see plenty of posts from people who can't wait to book a stay there.

[Peter Pirate]

Hugs & critter, you are correct, but on this board we are strongly influenced by the 'good taste police' ;) ...Those who know what good taste is (theirs). Pop will certainly fill a void & be accepted. Disney accountants and planners are not so stupid as to proceed without proper research, after all it is the same group of people who just gave us AKL on the other end of the spectrum. This Resort will find its niche as well.

Personally, I think Pop, aside from being colorful & unique, is really...quite bad. But you know, I think Alien Encounter is quite lame yet I NEVER howl for its overthrow based on the fact that it COULD have been better & SHOULD have been more than a loud cheap scare, no, no, no, because many, many people love this attraction & the fact that it totally doesn't suit me is only relavent to me, even though I KNOW it COULD have been better. Same with Pop...
:cool: :cool: :bounce: :cool: :cool:

[Bstanley]

I have to agree with the general consensus - looking at the pictures Pop Century just doesn't seem to have any socially redeeming features...

But one of the things that always surprises me when I visit WDW is that about 50% of the folks visiting WDW are from outside the US. Is it possible that the Pop Century buildings - clownish caricatures of real resort buildings - actually fit in with a foreign visitors view of what America is? You know - the land of McDonald's, Pink Flamigos, etc?

[Tigger-fan]

We were at our favorite resort CBR in late March 2002 (third trip in less than 5 mos.) and we could see the "progress" of this place every time we would catch the bus to MGM. On the first trip of three , I thought the Bowling pin was cute the first time I saw it. But now what a difference. First and foremost I dont think Disney thought it would be seen from CBR BUT guess what it is seen quite clearly. How could they do this to our favorite resort. Building a giant wall will not help because now you got just that to look, at a giant wall. Just wait till it is all LIT up ughhhhhh. Now with these stupid words on the side of the buildings,yo-yo's etc it is just too much. Granted little kids might like it but teenagers and adults I think will despise it. I am one of Disney's loyal fan but even this is just too much. Now the Bonnet creek (sp.) hotel is being built on the other side of CBR. You can clearly see this Land clearing taking place on the Martinique and Trinidad side especially at the bus stops. The wooded feel is long gone as the land is stripped away. This was one of the main reasons we liked CBR, it gave us the feeling of being secluded in a tropical setting away from it all. Just last may we att eh bus stop in the early evening and we would see numerous deer and other wildlife. BUT alas this wonderful sight is no longer visible either. What a disaster taking place all around CBR. soon CBR should be considered a value resort because I have seen enough on my last trip and I do not like it one bit.:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :bounce: :bounce:

[Tigger-fan]

We were at our favorite resort CBR in late March 2002 (third trip in less than 5 mos.) and we could see the "progress" of this place every time we would catch the bus to MGM. On the first trip of three , I thought the Bowling pin was cute the first time I saw it. But now what a difference. First and foremost I dont think Disney thought it would be seen from CBR BUT guess what it is seen quite clearly. How could they do this to our favorite resort. Building a giant wall will not help because now you got just that to look, at, a giant wall. Just wait till it is all LIT up ughhhhhh. Now with these stupid words on the side of the buildings,yo-yo's etc it is just too much. Granted little kids might like it but teenagers and adults I think will despise it. I am one of Disney's loyal fan but even this is just too much. Now the Bonnet creek (sp.) hotel is being built on the other side of CBR. You can clearly see this Land clearing taking place on the Martinique and Trinidad side especially at the bus stops. The wooded feel is long gone as the land is stripped away. This was one of the main reasons we liked CBR, it gave us the feeling of being secluded in a tropical setting away from it all. Just last may we at the bus stop in the early evening and we would see numerous deer and other wildlife. BUT alas this wonderful sight is no longer visible either. What a disaster taking place all around CBR. soon CBR should be considered a value resort because I have seen enough on my last trip and I do not like it one bit.:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :bounce: :bounce:

[Tigger-fan]

Well, no I am not just doubly mad:p .

[Banzai]

I want to stay their. I think it will be fun, and as a teen, the whole concept just sounds cool.

[bigdisneydaddy]

For people who usually sleep above 3 axles and surrounded by aluminum PC will be a Disney paradise !

[Luv2Roam]

DH wants to stay at PC in January only because of it being a new resort. But... What at first seemed quaint, does appear to be over the top. The words on the buildings make me speechless. ;)
We have stayed at CSR and ASMo, so far. I enjoyed ASMo. Doesn't every house need a four story Buzz Lughtyear? ;) I liked the smaller size resort compared to the spread out CSR. But DH really missed a Pepper Market food court.
With PC I think each hotel can further meet guest's needs and prices. Would I choose PC as a first choice. No way. :p But give me a room cheap enough.... ;) We are only in there to shower and sleep anyway.

[Sleepy]

I can say it in 4 words....

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

[HorizonsFan]

Well, so far this thread has insulted people who live in manufactured housing and Mexicans.
Anyone want to go for the Trifecta?

[Another Voice]

The core problem with Pop Century is not its appearance, its location or any class warfare diatribe. The main problem is that Disney didn’t even try with this project. Personal tastes have nothing to do with the disappointment most people feel, it’s simply that once again Disney has let everyone down.

At its best, PC is simply a cheap knock-off of the All Star Resorts. Same concept but with even less imagination and effort put into it. Where is the creativity in the design? Where are the “only Disney could think of this” aspects of the project? Where is the novelty? Where is there any indication that this place is at WDW and not in the middle of Branson?*

Where the purpose of Disney was to “…be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world”, the design goal of Pop Century seems to be “well, someone’s going to like it”.

PC is nothing but a big glittering icon of the current management philosophy – all we have to do is to put the DISNEY® name on something. Trouble is the public is smarter than that even without the “taste police” having to blow the whistle.


* - I did not mean to offend Branson.

[HorizonsFan]

I did not mean to offend Branson.
Darn. I was just about to declare you the winner!
:D

[Tartan Tigger]

Originally posted by Bstanley


But one of the things that always surprises me when I visit WDW is that about 50% of the folks visiting WDW are from outside the US. Is it possible that the Pop Century buildings - clownish caricatures of real resort buildings - actually fit in with a foreign visitors view of what America is? You know - the land of McDonald's, Pink Flamigos, etc?


As a visitor from the UK I would like to say that I don't think of America as McDonalds and Pink Flamingos;) I don't fancy staying here myself but if I could get it cheaper than the All Stars then I would. We always book a package holiday to WDW as it is easier to do. Unfortunatley we don't get all the great room rates that you guys get and every penny counts.

I am staying at All Star Movies for 14 nights in July. There will be 2 adults and the total cost of this holiday is approx $4140. If I were to stay at a moderate this price would almost double.

[All Aboard]

HorizonsFan, the comparison to South of the Border was not a knock on the folks from Mexico, rather the unsightly tourist trap that sits on I-95 at the border of North and South Carolina. True, it is "themed" to Mexico (very loosely) but is on its own one gawdawful ugly place.

Follow this link to see just what South of the Border is like (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/SCDILsob.html)

[space42]

You know it has to be bad when even members of car#1 don't like it! *

Sounds like someone should make an amendment to the car#1 description. "The magic is as strong as ever except for Pop Century"

*no offense to car #1 people intended :D

[eeyore0062]

Wassup, Word Up, Let's do Lunch, Dude... --- and these are just the phrases I would love NOT to be reminded of!

I think that the original concept was cute, but they are taking it much too far. They may have needed a new value resort at the time construction started, but this is ... uh ... tacky!:rolleyes:
I wasn't overly fond of All Stars, but they are looking like the Hyatt in comparison!

[Lesley]

I believe that one post was referring to truck drivers, not those who live in trailers...but I could be wrong! And gcurling has taken care of the South of the Border reference (for further info see the infamous "funky chicken" thread where this was first covered)

[HorizonsFan]

Well, so far this thread has insulted people who live in manufactured housing and Mexicans.
Apparently this post needed one of these: :D
I'll be more careful in the future. :)

[Doug123]

I, too, do not like to judge things without seeing for myself. However, I can say that I have a general concern about Disney's apparent direction toward "cheap." They might do ok in the short run with this philosophy, but it WILL hurt them in the long run.