POP Century~Unofficially the Grooviest FAQ Thread #7~Sept 2012

[cw21726]

Sure it is, who is going to stop you if teh gates are left open?

Agreed. The vitriol towards people that do this here is absurd.

 

[knik]

I should clarify... Yes, I know pool hopping is not allowed between POP and AoA. Nor would my family do it. All I was saying is that 1) the kiddie pool has mostly remained open for my visit so far and 2) it would be possible to use the AoA pool if you were a family willing to chance it as the gates are always open.

 

[Coaliesquirrel]

We're at POP now and have a hot pink (easy to find!) umbrella stroller we'd like to leave behind, as DD is 5.5 and it's doubtful we'll be able to talk her into it (or that she'll fit!) anywhere else. It'll have 10 days of WDW under its belt, but very little other use. We check out March 5th and would like to leave it at the desk with the name of someone who will check in ideally within a week of that time, but for sure within two weeks, as I believe that's the longest they'll hold items for coming guests.

To "apply", please reply on the list with your email or textable phone number so that we can contact you for the details we need to make arrangements. We've not had great internet service, so it may be a day or two before we get back to you, but we'll do our best to keep an eye on this thread as much as we can.

Sheri

 

[Janet B]

I will be there May 3-11th with my youngest DD(10). It will be my 8th stay at Pop but just her 2nd. She hasn't been to Pop since she was 5 but has been to WDW 6 other times since so she really doesn't remember Pop all that much. She's really looking forward to returning. I was last at Pop in Jan 2012 so I'm really looking forward to walking over to AoA to check it out.

For your DD it will be like staying at a new resort and it's an added bonus to have AoA on the other side of the bridge. We enjoyed walking the grounds and seeing the lobby. Disney did a wonderful job in creating AoA, complete with all the details that Disney is known for.

Here now!

It was a long day of travel. Kids are asleep at 8:10!! I'm going to join them!

We got some pixie dust and were upgraded to a preferred room!! Super close to the buses and classic hall. We're in the 70s front hall. Literally steps from the buses. I did request a room close to the buses

Pool was fun. Hard downpour at 4:45 for about 30 minutes. It was warm and humid. Quite a shock to leave 20 degree weather and now it's in the 80s!

Went to DTD for dinner WPE was amazing.

Rooms are tiny. Beds are hard but not the worst I've ever slept on. So far it's quiet. Buses were empty and everyone has been super nice. Even though it was in the 80s today I think our room temp is fine. I'm kind of cold with it at 68!

Congrats on the upgrade!! We were in Flordia at the end of January (not Disney) and it was so nice having upper 70s weather (as opposed to the teen temps we left behind... in that moment I can totally understand why people move to Florida!

We love WPE... one of the best CS on the meal plan (and just plain great food).

Have fun!

Just arrived this morning and am having a great time. Flew in this morning. Was on the bus to the hotel with no line. Bus only had two other couples on it. Did online check in, so the packet at the hotel was done. Got our room, changed clothes, and off we went to Hollywood Studios. We were in the park by 1045a.

We are having the best time. This being a combo Anniversary/Valentines Day gift is the best. LOVE IT!

Happy Anniversay!! Have a wonderful time!!

Yay! DH just booked our 10/1-10/9 Pop stay!

Looking forward to so many firsts on this trip. MNSSHP, Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Food & Wine and the trying of some new restaurants. All that for just DH and I. Kids will be home.

Sounds like a great line ups of firsts And the kids are left home... let the celebration begin.

 

[Janet B]

We're at POP now and have a hot pink (easy to find!) umbrella stroller we'd like to leave behind, as DD is 5.5 and it's doubtful we'll be able to talk her into it (or that she'll fit!) anywhere else. It'll have 10 days of WDW under its belt, but very little other use. We check out March 5th and would like to leave it at the desk with the name of someone who will check in ideally within a week of that time, but for sure within two weeks, as I believe that's the longest they'll hold items for coming guests.

To "apply", please reply on the list with your email or textable phone number so that we can contact you for the details we need to make arrangements. We've not had great internet service, so it may be a day or two before we get back to you, but we'll do our best to keep an eye on this thread as much as we can.

Sheri

How generous of you!! Hopefully you will get a taker... if not, perhaps if you ask at the pool or chat up with people on the bus you may find someone in need of one.

Have a great time!

 

[Janet B]

At POP now!! Since Friday. Kids splash pool has been closed most mornings but open every day for the rest of the day. Yeah!

We've walked to AoA numerous times and have found the gates to their pool area have been left open every time. So... Pool hopping is an option... We have not.

Even if the gates are left open, the AoA pool is for AoA guests only. So still not an option.

Sure it is, who is going to stop you if teh gates are left open?

Just because they don't stop you doesn't mean it's allowed. Disney has rules about pool hopping. Pop and AoA are not sister resorts, pool hopping between the two is not allowed.

Agreed. The vitriol towards people that do this here is absurd.

I should clarify... Yes, I know pool hopping is not allowed between POP and AoA. Nor would my family do it. All I was saying is that 1) the kiddie pool has mostly remained open for my visit so far and 2) it would be possible to use the AoA pool if you were a family willing to chance it as the gates are always open.

I don't believe there's been anyone "attacking" in regards to Knik's original post ... merely posters stating Disney rules regarding the sharing of pools. Some people may not be aware of these rules especially if they are new to the DIS. Because of the close proxity of the two resorts (and the previous plans to continue the POP resort showcasing the Legendary Years) it may seem to many that they are sister resorts (so pool sharing would be allowed) ...but as many of us know, they are not sister resorts.

The current Disney line is that guests at POP and AoA may use only their own pools. When and if that ever changes, we will be sure to read it on the DIS. What people may actually do is their own business so lets just leave it at that

Let's get back to some fun planning!!

 

[Disneyfan3333]

We're at POP now and have a hot pink (easy to find!) umbrella stroller we'd like to leave behind, as DD is 5.5 and it's doubtful we'll be able to talk her into it (or that she'll fit!) anywhere else. It'll have 10 days of WDW under its belt, but very little other use. We check out March 5th and would like to leave it at the desk with the name of someone who will check in ideally within a week of that time, but for sure within two weeks, as I believe that's the longest they'll hold items for coming guests.

To "apply", please reply on the list with your email or textable phone number so that we can contact you for the details we need to make arrangements. We've not had great internet service, so it may be a day or two before we get back to you, but we'll do our best to keep an eye on this thread as much as we can.

Sheri

Hi - sent you a PM on this - we're there during that time frame and will take it if you have no other interest in it, it would be easier then lugging our bulky double on shorter park days.

That said, we are bringing a double in case our oldest ends up needing to rest too on long days, so if you find anyone else who needs it more feel free to give it to them instead

 

[Mel*Pie]

Hi All! My reservation at Pop is for March 5 (6 days! ) My question is regarding the room request. I had them note the request for a King room and the area. I know I am supposed to call the hotel directly 2 or 3 days before and speak to someone in the "room assigning department" to reiterate my request. But, should I do the online check-in and note the request, or should I wait to check in when we arrive? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Hi All! My reservation at Pop is for March 5 (6 days! ) My question is regarding the room request. I had them note the request for a King room and the area. I know I am supposed to call the hotel directly 2 or 3 days before and speak to someone in the "room assigning department" to reiterate my request. But, should I do the online check-in and note the request, or should I wait to check in when we arrive? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

You don't need to call or fax requests anymore. Actually, it's honestly a waste of your time. I personally don't do online checkin and I pretty much always get my requests. I have also found in MY experience the regular line to be shorter than the online checkin line to be When *I* arrive. But others I'm sure have varied experiences. I have found no value to the two times I did online checkin. I actually found I wanted my room moved, LOL! They were able to accommodate the move easily enough. So now I just wait so I don't have to get everything reprinted. But again, to each his/her own... but if you think you may want to be moved, I wouldn't bother with online checkin. The main point of it is so they can have your stuff printed for you. But if they have to move you, they'll have to reprint most everything. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Mel*Pie]

You don't need to call or fax requests anymore. Actually, it's honestly a waste of your time. I personally don't do online checkin and I pretty much always get my requests. I have also found in MY experience the regular line to be shorter than the online checkin line to be When *I* arrive. But others I'm sure have varied experiences. I have found no value to the two times I did online checkin. I actually found I wanted my room moved, LOL! They were able to accommodate the move easily enough. So now I just wait so I don't have to get everything reprinted. But again, to each his/her own... but if you think you may want to be moved, I wouldn't bother with online checkin. The main point of it is so they can have your stuff printed for you. But if they have to move you, they'll have to reprint most everything. Enjoy your trip!!

I guess I'll wait then, since I want to make sure to try to get a King room, even if in a different location. Thanks!!

 

[Mel*Pie]

Another question:

Does anyone have any idea when I should plan to arrive for check-in on Tues, Mar. 5, if I want to be at HS as close to rope drop as possible?

 

[Janet B]

Another question:

Does anyone have any idea when I should plan to arrive for check-in on Tues, Mar. 5, if I want to be at HS as close to rope drop as possible?

HS is opening at 9 am that day.. suggest being at check in no later than 7:30am ... get your tix... oh and just noticed you are from florida so are driving luggage services can hold the luggage .... are you planning on driving over or taking the bus?? Early March should be slower and arriving on a Tuesday should mean less people checking in... and HS is close to POP.

Hopefully you will get all your requests so you do not have to spend any additional time having the CM search for your King request.

Also, do you have your tickets already? Perhaps FL APs? Gues you can even bypass check in if you get short on time!

 

[stitchlovestink]

HS is opening at 9 am that day.. suggest being at check in no later than 7:30am ... get your tix... oh and just noticed you are from florida so are driving luggage services can hold the luggage .... are you planning on driving over or taking the bus?? Early March should be slower and arriving on a Tuesday should mean less people checking in... and HS is close to POP.

Hopefully you will get all your requests so you do not have to spend any additional time having the CM search for your King request.

Also, do you have your tickets already? Perhaps FL APs? Gues you can even bypass check in if you get short on time!

Or if you are getting the FL resident ticket special that they are running right now, I am fairly certain you will have to go to the park window to buy that. I'm pretty certain that you can't get any FL resident ticket at the hotel. So you'll want to get to the park a bit earlier so you can get your ticket purchase out of the way prior to rope drop if you need to buy your tickets there. Just a heads up...not sure what your ticket situation is.
But we have always had to go to a park to get our FL tickets (we are p/t resident eligible).

 

[Mel*Pie]

HS is opening at 9 am that day.. suggest being at check in no later than 7:30am ... get your tix... oh and just noticed you are from florida so are driving luggage services can hold the luggage .... are you planning on driving over or taking the bus?? Early March should be slower and arriving on a Tuesday should mean less people checking in... and HS is close to POP.

Hopefully you will get all your requests so you do not have to spend any additional time having the CM search for your King request.

Also, do you have your tickets already? Perhaps FL APs? Gues you can even bypass check in if you get short on time!

Thanks for your response!

We got the dining plan so we had to add a 1-Day ticket to our hotel. That's why we have to check in at Pop first. We'll use that to get admission to HS but upgrade that to the FL Res. 3-Day Discover Disney ticket later on in the day after we have a few FPs and rides under our belt. I've never stayed on-site before so I wasn't sure how long the process would take. Would you recommend leaving our bags in the car to save time on bag check? I think it might be quicker to just hop in the car and drive to HS over the bus. What do you think?

 

[Mel*Pie]

Or if you are getting the FL resident ticket special that they are running right now, I am fairly certain you will have to go to the park window to buy that. I'm pretty certain that you can't get any FL resident ticket at the hotel. So you'll want to get to the park a bit earlier so you can get your ticket purchase out of the way prior to rope drop if you need to buy your tickets there. Just a heads up...not sure what your ticket situation is.
But we have always had to go to a park to get our FL tickets (we are p/t resident eligible).

Thanks for your response!

We got the Dining Plan so we had to add a 1-Day ticket to our hotel. We'll use that to get admission to HS but then we'll upgrade to the 3-Day Fl Res. special later on in the day after we've done some rides and FPs. Maybe even on our way out of the park that night, so we don't have to run around during the day. It's a shame they can't do that at the hotel for us FL residents

 

[Janet B]

Thanks for your response!

We got the dining plan so we had to add a 1-Day ticket to our hotel. That's why we have to check in at Pop first. We'll use that to get admission to HS but upgrade that to the FL Res. 3-Day Discover Disney ticket later on in the day after we have a few FPs and rides under our belt. I've never stayed on-site before so I wasn't sure how long the process would take. Would you recommend leaving our bags in the car to save time on bag check? I think it might be quicker to just hop in the car and drive to HS over the bus. What do you think?

hmm...personally I would just leave the luggage in the car (assume nothing is perishable?) ... otherwise its luggage services and then to pick it up later... and since you have the car, you can drive over to your room area to unload.. It may depend on what time you get to the resort (and of course if the room is ready - always a possibility).

On the driving vs busing ... HS is close to POP... since your plan is to arrive early, buses will be running fairly steadily for park opening... if it appears you just missed a bus (no one in line, the usual indicator ) you just hop in your car.

Some people don't like to drive to the parks, we have no problem doing so when we have a car.

It's nice to have options.

 

[jcarwash]

Hi All! My reservation at Pop is for March 5 (6 days! ) My question is regarding the room request. I had them note the request for a King room and the area. I know I am supposed to call the hotel directly 2 or 3 days before and speak to someone in the "room assigning department" to reiterate my request. But, should I do the online check-in and note the request, or should I wait to check in when we arrive? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

I don't think this was addressed above...there's actually no way to call any resort "directly" -- any number you call for Pop Century is supposedly routed to a call center.

If you have added a request to your reservation, then that's all you need to do. There's no way to influence a room assigner...that we know of...

And unless online check-in has changed (I haven't used it since 2011) I don't think there's still any way to write free-form notes, and unfortunately it won't show you any requests already on your reservation. But that doesn't mean they aren't there; they just don't show them.

 

[Mel*Pie]

I don't think this was addressed above...there's actually no way to call any resort "directly" -- any number you call for Pop Century is supposedly routed to a call center.

If you have added a request to your reservation, then that's all you need to do. There's no way to influence a room assigner...that we know of...

Interesting. I've read those instructions many times from a DISBoards veteran! I'll just wait for check-in though. Thanks for your response!

 

[Retro Magic]

I just returned this afternoon....we stayed at POP for a few extra days after we got off of a cruise ship for a bonus on a whim and dare I say, I actually enjoyed myself at this resort! I have walked through multiple times but have never stayed. I really liked the throwback theme. Only downside while I was there were the terrible bus schedules.

It would never be my preferred place to stay, but if I were to ever stay for a short stay again, I can definitely see myself returning

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Hi All! My reservation at Pop is for March 5 (6 days! ) My question is regarding the room request. I had them note the request for a King room and the area. I know I am supposed to call the hotel directly 2 or 3 days before and speak to someone in the "room assigning department" to reiterate my request. But, should I do the online check-in and note the request, or should I wait to check in when we arrive? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

Just wanted to confirm what the PP said - you cannot call the hotel directly - all calls go through the call center. The best thing to do is to add them to your reservation - that's all you really can do. I would however skip on-line check in - that is for folks who just want to pick up there room keys and go. When you check into the resort you can discuss room location options (if your requests are not met). Good luck!