A Pop Century Rant

[Swamp_Fox]

Ever since the first images of this yet unopened Disney Resort Hotel people have been slamming it into the ground. There were comments about how gaudy and hideous it is and how it would not fit into the Disney scheme. Disney World in Florida and other Disney's around the globe are based on the business of fantasy and imagination. I vacation at Disney to escape the reality of everyday life. For a week or two every year (sometimes twice a year) I choose to hop on a steam engine on Main Street and go to Fantasyland to go to a Castle to see a princess. To an outsider it may seem I've lost my marbles, but to most of you out there you know the feeling deep in your hearts.

I see no facts to base the claims that the New Pop Century is gaudy or hideous. It may not be the most Disney themed resort on-site but it is on the silly side of things, a bit campy, possibly a bit FUN.

Main St. was throwback to Walts Boyhood, a Big Wheel's, tinkertoys, rubiks cube and videogames were a part of my Boyhood. So before you slam the Un-Opened resort expand your mind and think it through.

Disney is in the business of fantasy, think of the New PopCentury as an Fantasy for older generations.

Thanks for listining,

Larry

[eclipseSD]

This isn't gaudy?

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/popcentury003.jpg

[eclipseSD]

Nor is this?

http://www.intercot.com/resorts/disney/popcentury/images/popcentury_bowling.jpg

[Swamp_Fox]

I had a feeling someone would post pics. I'm disappointed that the "take a look at this" point of view would be taken. Unfortunately this post is going to bring out the nit-pickers and detractors of Disney. Lets discuss the points not pictures.

Larry

[yecats]

Personal opinion, I think its gaudy (over the top) but it fits perfectly in with the theming. My belief is if you don't like it then don't stay there. I also think the AS are guady and the only reason I don't stay there (as you know cheapest on site) is because there are so many families. When I go to Disney, we are two adults and go more for the adult theming places. Although I think Pop Century, although gaudy, is cute and is a throw back to remind us what we grew up with. Trust me next time I'm there and if its open I will visit just to see the theming.

[DMRick]

I can't wait til it opens. I was right in the the thick of the Flower power years, with our orange flowered bell bottoms. Just looking at the old pictures, shouts "gaudy". I love it..can't wait til it opens....and all the memories surround me! LOL.

Main Entry: [1]gau·dy
Pronunciation: 'go-dE, 'gä-
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): gaud·i·er; -est
Date: 1582
1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
2 : marked by dazzling brilliance, showiness, or extravagance

[Nolcrest]

I'm with you Swamp_Fox, it's no worse than the AS resorts. It actually should be nicer with the lake.

[eeyore0062]

Although it may not be exactly my cup of tea, I don't have to choose to stay there. I am sure it will appeal to many, as do the AS resorts, the WL, CSR and any of the other resorts. The lake will give it a bit more of a draw, too.

That is the wonderful thing about Disney... something for everyone!:)

[TreeOfLife]

Lets discuss the points not pictures.

I really get a chuckle out of these boards so many times, especially the debate board!http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/emotional.gif

But really, how can you discuss the point and not the pictures if what you're talking about is represented by the pictures? I mean, unless you want to debate why people find it hideous looking right there, but...http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/acidmelt.gif

You like the new Disney motel.. OK! Stay in it! It is *your* buck! Heck, if many guests will stay offsite in more horrid looking places, some might as well stay at the PC and still have access to ee mornings, e tickets, AP discounts and whatcha macallits...

The fact of the matter is, I think Disney's imagineers make their decisions after smoking some wacky pipe or dancing around flames during a full moon, or working on comissions... Seems like their sense of taste has eroded in the last few years. I mean, recall the birthday cake castle, the Leave a Legacy walls blocking the beautiful view to Epcot's entrance, this design!

What happened to all the characters they left out of the ASMo? They could have made another affordable resort looking as attractive and directly themed into Disney!

But that is just me.. Hey, some liked the castle, some like the legacy walls, some like PC, some even like the new Disney visa... To each his own.

[WilmaBud]

I don't think Pop Century looks any gaudier than the All Stars. I think it looks bright and fun. It reminds me of my youth, too. I've never understood the big uproar over them.

[Mamu]

One persons gaudiness is another persons fun.

On a recent drive by I did find them kind of gaudy, but isn't that what it's suppose to be. After all you have to admit the 50's, 60's and 70's were a little gaudy.

I think Mom's kitchen is gaudy, yet we all love this restaurant. We always remember and laugh at some of the corny knickknacks, and remember seeing them in our parents and grandparents home.

I find this resort to be a mirror image of life in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Who doesn't like to look back and laugh a little.

[dennisnlisab96]

I don't think it is any worse that the AS... I can't wait to stay there if it ever opens.

[Pinnie]

Hey, the way I see it, one person's Pop Century is another person's Wilderness Lodge. I, for one, am NOT a fan of the WL only because I can get that theme up here in the north any day!

Would I stay at PC? I generally fly in late at night and arrive near midnight and stay at a Value before checking into my DVC resort. If PC was available, then yes, I would. I don't care what the outside looks like when I am looking at the inside of my eyelids ;)

Now, if the Imagineers were thinking, they would be building a PRINCESS Resort! I could see a Castle theme with a different Princess for each building. Oh the possiblities!:smooth:

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002

[KayleeUK]

I think Pop Century looks fun !! Now I vote for that Princess Resort :D

Kaylee

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Okay... I have two points I'd like to make...

The first point... there is a *BIG* difference between "Concept Art" (and enhanced media pictures) which is what most people have seen... and the "Real Thing". Don't judge the place until you've been INSIDE the resort. I can tell you, it acutally looks nice from the inside. (Yes, better than a preliminary glimpse from the highway). It's a very different resort than what people are thinking it to be. Just step inside the lobby, and with all the pictures from the past displayed on the wall, you'll know what I mean.

My second point... people are complaining that some of the buildings are tacky. Granted, I'm only 24, so I can't say from experience what the 60's and 70's were like. However, based on what I've learned through history, and the media... Weren't the 60's and 70's tacky themselves? Wasn't that how it really was? If you could time travel, and bring someone here from the 60's or 70's... what would they say?

Yeah... it's tacky now, but back then, it was "Far Out!" This resort is not made to represent what looks good today.today, but rather, to represent the pop icons of the past century.

[TreeOfLife]

Good point, Tyler...
But I still think the imagineers are up in smoke too often

[chell]

Each resort appeals to different people. I can't wait for Pop Century to open so I can see it all. I'll wait until then to make up my mind for certain. It looks like it can bring back a lot of childhood memories.

[Luv2Roam]

DH wants to stay there because it's new. :rolleyes: (Well kinda. It will be old before it opens. :jester: )
I want to stay part of my vacation, partly out of curiousity.
If it ever opens - I'm game! :)
If the pricing goes along with AS (and it should) the price can't hardly be beat. :)
I just hope they don't increase the price of AS once PC is open.

[A1A1]

While I don't think this resort was a horrible idea, I do think it was an unnecessary idea. Disney has forgotten that *it alone* is the ultimate celebration of Popular culture.

Also, when guests visit WDW, they want to be taken to a fantasy. Pop Century resort is a reminder of the realities of our lives, albiet the warped reality of popular culture.

Who is the target market for this resort? The people it would attract are going to eventually die off. Then, what would the attraction be.

I don't think I would stay here, but I also wouldn't stay at the All Stars. No offense. I like to be closer to the action, but with a lot less noise. I spend a lot of time at the resort, and consider that the main focus of my vacation, not the parks. All that giant stuff would not be relaxing for me, I don't think.

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

The other thing to remember is that contrary to some people's opinion, Disney is not stupid. An organization does not spend the millions of dollars necessary to build and launch a resort like this without doing a ton of consumer research. I'm sure they tested both the concept and the execution extensively before they decided to go ahead. There may be individuals that don't like it and think it's gaudy, but the research must show that enough people like the concept and execution to meet the financial objectives of the project.

Now, what was probably not figured into the financial modeling was the travel industry collapse and economic challeges that 9/11 and the ongoing war on terrorism have brought about. I truly believe this is what has delayed the opening of Pop Century, not 2nd guessing about the theme and execution.

[A1A1]

Certifiable WDW Nut, I agree with you about the reason this resort has not yet opened.

When thinking about Disney decisions, I can't help but think about the end of EE and the initiation of the character visits at resorts. That was a bust. They said the people wanted the Character Caravan more than EE. I don't believe that for a moment. Public relations put out the message that after much market research, the public got their wish for Character Caravan. Let me remind you that Character Caravan is no more.

[WDW Poly Princess]

I think that part of the reason why that first picture posted looks so bad at first glance is the bright polka-dotted background its on. IMO, yeah, the resort is a bit over the top, but kids wont think so! Plus it will be kind of fun to explain the things to them that are a bit (or a lot!) before their (or our!) time!

Personally, I don't think I'll stay there, but you never know ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing interior pictures once its completed. I cant imagine what the inside of the rooms will look like yet.

Also, its supposed to be *huge*, right? Do you think they will have more than one food court? Im interrested to see how they handle keeping things within walking distance.

[>>^..^<<]

I was staying at AKL and frequently we would pass by Pop Century on the bus... the giant things stuck to the building always made me smile.. gave me a good feeling - and that is a Good thing - I don't have a problem with it at all.. it's supposed to be fun and it is.

Someone recentl posted the interior bedding/drapery of the Contemprorary rooms - and that made me look twice, I think I would have to turn the comforter over to sleep in those rooms - the pattern & colours would keep me up at night!!

>>^..^<<

[TreeOfLife]

Disney is not stupid. An organization does not spend the millions of dollars necessary to build and launch a resort like this without doing a ton of consumer research

Really?

The same type of research that convinced them that guests would love to see the castle in bubble gum pink like a girl's birthday cake? The same research that convinced them that the Leave a Legacy murals would best be placed at the entrance in Epcot? The same research that convinced them that resort guests would rather enjoy meeting characters at breakfast time in the resorts rather than use ee mornings?

Given the choice between this theme and a resort where several characters left out of the ASMo would play the mayor theme, what would people really would have picked? Do you really think they'd chosen "where's the beef?" and "platform shoes" over a Lion King section featuring "hakuna matata" or "so, this is love?" featuring Disney princesses? Or maybe even one featuring villains and Aladar's dinosaur pals? Who'd ever think of skipping Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore?!

Why do I have a hard time believing that Disney even bothers researching what guests would love to see?

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by TreeOfLife


Why do I have a hard time believing that Disney even bothers researching what guests would love to see?

There are alot of complaints that there are not enough things geard towards young boys at Disney.

I always though a "Hero & Villain" resort would be cool.. with Hercules, Buzz Lightyear, Aladdin and a whole bunch of bad guys etc buildings and maybe a hero/villain character berakfast... with Not a Princess in sight!

>>^..^<<

[eclipseSD]

I don't want another value resort far away from all the parks. Disney will now have 7 moderate/value resorts.

I want a Grand Californian type resort built at Disney..

I want a resort built right into either MGM or MK. Make it a deluxe, and have access to the parks right out of the lobby. There are many themes Disney could incorporate with a more upscale, deluxe taste than roller skates and a bowling pin.

Also, what happened to the Mediterranean Resort(to be built between the TTC and the Contemporary)? Nicer and bigger than the GF? That sounds good to me. Put the monorail through it, as well

Many more people would stay there than at "Pop Century". I can almost guarantee that.

[DMRick]

Who is the target market for this resort? The people it would attract are going to eventually die off.

ROFLOL..yeah, in about 30 years, I'll die off..oh no, then what will Disney do with PC!! History, however will still be there..and just like my dear hubby went today to the museum to see the Beatles display (I'm sure there aren't too many people in their 20's there today), there will always be people who will want to see it "as it was".

As far as the AS Movies..Disney wants to keep that packed..they don't want to build another one, and draw off the first. They want new things that will apeal to another person. I personally have no interest in staying in a cartoon movie hotel...believe it or not, not everyone looking for a value hotel wants to be a part of those icons.

As was mentioned in this same type thread..although I can willingly get my grands to stay at Sports, since both the girl and boys like sports..I think I would have a problem getting the grandsons to stay at a Princess hotel or my gradndaughter to stay at a villians hotel..unless it was a mixed bag. Of course they would stay if it meant they weren't going unless they did... they would be more willing to go to PC (of course and movies as well)

[DMRick]

Also, what happened to the Mediterranean Resort(to be built between the TTC and the Contemporary)? Nicer and bigger than the GF? That sounds good to me. Put the monorail through it, as well

The Saratoga hotel is coming..that one certainly sounds grand..grander than what we actually have up here in Saratoga, NY!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I, for one, am ready to make reservations for Pop Century. I actually had reservations for back in 2001 when it was supposed to open, and still want to try it now. ;) Heck, it can't be that bad.

[TreeOfLife]

All I know is, if Disney really took time to ask guests about what they'd like to see and listen to what people really look forward to maybe, just maybe, they would not be freezing jobs, cutting workers hours and struggling to keep guests from visiting other theme parks...

[tiberius]

I agree it seems gaudy, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun as well. I will look forward to seing it in person.

[JACKNAG]

Although it wouldnt be my first choice, I'd rather be at POP Century with my family right now, than Home with the snow!!!
Just my opinion.

[Luv2Roam]

I hope they didn't use the same research team they had for DCA! :jester: ;)

[ebaynut31]

I for one can't wait to stay at Pop Century! As you see below, I have stayed at a very few places but with a 9 yo girl, and being a single mom, I really love the All Stars (and Coronado Springs with a good code!!). I think Pop Century is just one more place that people like me who love Disney but can't afford to pay a lot for a hotel can enjoy. I want to be one of the first people to stay there when it opens.

I love these boards!!!:p

[Pinnie]

Originally posted by TreeOfLife
All I know is, if Disney really took time to ask guests about what they'd like to see and listen to what people really look forward to maybe, just maybe, they would not be freezing jobs, cutting workers hours and struggling to keep guests from visiting other theme parks...

AMEN, TreeofLife!!!!!

And I agree with the post that said the same about DCA!

You got to wonder "What are they thinking?" sometimes!!!

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCvs 2002

[married2grumpy]

At first glance I said to myself "What were they thinking?" but actually I think the PC may be a fun place to stay. I do think it is a little over the top with the icons and colors but I imagine that while you're there you feel like having fun. I do plan on staying there at least once and hope it does well, if it ever opens. I think it's nice that Disney is trying to attract more guests who maybe aren't in the higher income brackets and who otherwise may have to stay offsite. Wouldn't I love to say that I will never stay at that gaudy Disney motel but until I win lotto...I'll be a value/moderate kind of girl.:D

[Poohbear123]

I was one of the FIRST to Have Ressies for this Hotel 3 years ago!;) YES, its Gaudy, but, hey I LIKE Gaudy!;) I am a Gaudy kind of Gal!;)

[bobcat]

I really want to stay here as well. I like the All Stars for a couple of reasons, they are fun and they are affordable, and Pop Century fits that as well. I think the theming is over the top but as many have said so were the decades they represent. I think it will be a fun place to stay and until someone actually has stayed there we can't really judge what they will be like.

[jiminyfan]

I love the idea and concept. The wife is not sure. But, we will try them out. After over 25 trips to Deluxe and Moderates I talked hr into trying All-Stars and she liked them a lot. Not the AKL, but then again lots cheaper ($2000 savings for one TRIP!! - That is a lot of gifts and FOOD!!).

I cannot wait for them to open, we will be there with bells on.


:D :p :bounce: :Pinkbounc :cool:

Of course, I decorate my house with over 12,000 lights at Christmas, so I am kind of an expert of GAUDY!!!

[safetymom]

I loved DCA and I like the look of Pop Century. When it opens I would love to stay there. I like the looks of it better than the All Star resorts.

If people don't like it they don't have to stay there.

[Poohnatic]

Dh is anxiously awaiting the opening...he wishes he was 10 years older in the 70's (but he wouldn't remember them, now would he?). Yeah, it's big and bold, but I'll take that over the beautiful but stuffy Grand Floridian any day!

What it boils down to is how much time do you really spend in your resort? If you spend a lot of time there, then I guess the themeing means more to you. If you're like my family, it's a comfortable bed and a pool close by.

My first stay on site, I was very disappointed that I could only afford the All Stars (Sports, yuck). DH and I were won over by the convenience and even though we really wanted Music (no Movies then) we found we liked Sports, too.

Look for me in 70's about a month after it's open--unless I move to Florida before it does!

Suzanne

[dreamflight99]

Obviously...this "fits the niche" of some Disney guest needs, which is the precise reason for the "Value" resorts. Hey, if you were a "child again" and could look at these resorts through the eyes of a 5-6 YO, you would think "COOL"! I believe KIDS (of all ages) will EMBRACE this resort, and make wonderful memories there in the midst of the MAGIC! DISNEYLAND/WORLD...IS A KINGDOM FOR CHILDREN, AND A MYSTICAL PLACE WHERE ADULTS CAN BE "CHILDREN" AGAIN! :p It's all about PERSPECTIVE! Whatever makes you HAPPY....;)

[justhat]

"The same type of research that convinced them that guests would love to see the castle in bubble gum pink like a girl's birthday cake? The same research that convinced them that the Leave a Legacy murals would best be placed at the entrance in Epcot?"

I was 16 at the time that they painted the castle pink and it worked for me. We had just been there in March and in November our local newspaper had a story on it and a photo of the birthday cake castle and I instantly wanted to go. My parents had a convention in WDW then and didn't want to take me out of school, but after lots of begging they gave in and sent me and my grandmother to meet them in WDW. We both got 4 days passes, since my parents had to attned meetings and couldn't go to the parks. This is 2 more passes than they would have sold if they didn't have this birthday cake castle. It definitely appealed to girls, as many of my friends wanted to go too. I knew my parents were going for their convention and I didn't want to go at all until I saw the castle, it was something new and different from when I had been there 8 months earlier.

And the Epcot Leave a Legacy tiles, I know many people don't like them, but I think they're sorta neat to walk past and see the different faces of people who have been there. We don't have one, but plan to get one when we're on our honeymoon next June.

On the other hand, I do definitely agree that WDW needs a resort like the Grand Californian. Not only is this a beautiful hotel, but you can't beat it's location with the private entrance to DCA. Also, being able to see DCA from the pool was nice too. Sorta have that feel at AKL with being able to see animals, but AKL still lacks that private back door into AK (which I thought would have been an even better pull for the resort, yet still keeping it in the 'African Savannah' feel).

[elemusing]

Yes, it's gaudy and I LOVE IT! :) Can hardly wait to stay there and get some great pictures!

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by Chip 'n Dale Express

Yeah... it's tacky now, but back then, it was "Far Out!" This resort is not made to represent what looks good today.today, but rather, to represent the pop icons of the past century.

How true. I have always loved Disney for it's tendency to go over the top on things. It's gaudy, it's nothing like we've seen before - so what? I don't go to WDW to wax intellectual over the finer points of it's architecture - I go for the escapism. If a pink building with a giant Big Wheel isn't pretty "far out" - then I don't know what is. We stay at the All Stars and love them. It's fun, whimsical and so very Disney. I wouldn't think twice about trying PC once it's up and running. :D

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by grinningghost
How true. I have always loved Disney for it's tendency to go over the top on things. It's gaudy, it's nothing like we've seen before - so what? I don't go to WDW to wax intellectual over the finer points of it's architecture - I go for the escapism. If a pink building with a giant Big Wheel isn't pretty "far out" - then I don't know what is. We stay at the All Stars and love them. It's fun, "whimsical" and so very Disney. I wouldn't think twice about trying PC once it's up and running. :D Oh...WELL SAID! And you used one of my favorite words in the English language..."WHIMSICAL"! Thanks grinningghost...;)