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

[cw21726]

Are POP guests allowed to use AOA pools? Just curious. Thanks!!

Nobody is going to ask. If you're there, and the mood strikes, have fun.

 

[Gibbygirl]

Nobody is going to ask. If you're there, and the mood strikes, have fun.

oh, man...this is going to get ugly...

 

[cw21726]

I know the protectors of Disney rules will be in shortly but I don't care. You're not getting carded at any of these pools and that should tell you all you need to know about the Mouse's stance on enforcement of these very serious pool hopping rules.

 

[DopeysMom]

I know the protectors of Disney rules will be in shortly but I don't care. You're not getting carded at any of these pools and that should tell you all you need to know about the Mouse's stance on enforcement of these very serious pool hopping rules.

I was there last week and there is a gate around the pool that requires your room key...so if you are not staying at AoA you can't just hop in.

 

[cw21726]

I was there 2 weeks ago and the gate was wide open. Way too cold to swim though. lol

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Checking in today for 3 nights!! Requested building 10 top floor so well see if I get it. I'm staying bc of a convention near by in Orlando and it was cheaper than other options around the convention hotel so well see what I get with booking last min last night!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Checking in today for 3 nights!! Requested building 10 top floor so well see if I get it. I'm staying bc of a convention near by in Orlando and it was cheaper than other options around the convention hotel so well see what I get with booking last min last night!

A last minute stay at POP sounds wonderful!!!

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Just BOOKED!!! Sep 15- Sep 21st!! Requested top floor 70's building preferred. Is that a good choice? I hope I am nervous about loving it since AOA has been my only Disney experience. But it was AOA and struggle to afford it or Pop and pay it down to a few hundred dollars today.

 

[Blessedwithboys]

One more question... are the goofy jets working? Are they fixing them or are the permanently shut off?

 

[AuroraRora]

I just booked a Bounceback to stay at Pop again in October, I can't wait! I've never been there before but I'm booked there in May - the CM recommended Pop as opposed to the AllStars as I said I wanted to avoid cheerleaders in October. For the mere upgrade price of $48 total, I'll be much happier at Pop and away from cheer madness!

Only 47 days until being there in May - so excited!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

One more question... are the goofy jets working? Are they fixing them or are the permanently shut off?

They are long gone. Area was re-surfaced and everything.

 

[Janet B]

Checking in today for 3 nights!! Requested building 10 top floor so well see if I get it. I'm staying bc of a convention near by in Orlando and it was cheaper than other options around the convention hotel so well see what I get with booking last min last night!

Hope you are at POP by now and feeling that 70s vibe

Just BOOKED!!! Sep 15- Sep 21st!! Requested top floor 70's building preferred. Is that a good choice? I hope I am nervous about loving it since AOA has been my only Disney experience. But it was AOA and struggle to afford it or Pop and pay it down to a few hundred dollars today.

Yay!! Hope you like POP as much as AoA... just remember, AoA is a short stroll away..

Bldg 10 is a great location ...convenient to both Classic Hall/Busing.

I just booked a Bounceback to stay at Pop again in October, I can't wait! I've never been there before but I'm booked there in May - the CM recommended Pop as opposed to the AllStars as I said I wanted to avoid cheerleaders in October. For the mere upgrade price of $48 total, I'll be much happier at Pop and away from cheer madness!

Only 47 days until being there in May - so excited!

 

[Janet B]

Are POP guests allowed to use AOA pools? Just curious. Thanks!!

No.

nahla! Just wanted to say hello as I know you got your answer from Sandi.

Pool hopping is not aloud at any resort. Last year we walked across the bridge and ate at the AoA restaurant and saw the Nemo pool. It's beautiful!

Actually "pool hopping" is allowed between some resorts....Allstars guests may use any of the pools when staying at Music, Sports or Movies, POR Riverside & FQ; and YC & BC; may share at those resorts. DVCers staying on points may use the pools at most resorts.

And I agree that the Nemo pool is beautiful! We hopped on an AOA bus twice when returning from the parks... so we saw the pool at night...gorgeous!

I know the protectors of Disney rules will be in shortly but I don't care. You're not getting carded at any of these pools and that should tell you all you need to know about the Mouse's stance on enforcement of these very serious pool hopping rules.

Nope... not protectors ... merely passing along the info as some DISers do not know the most current facts on this issue. What people do with the information is up to them.

 

[Janet B]

A last minute stay at POP sounds wonderful!!!

Hi ya GG!! (You should know..:)

Checking back into POP in THREE DAYS!!! WooHoo!!! I can't wait to see my DD!! It's been almost 2 months!

Have a wonderful time with your DD!! (when she's not working that is ...)

 

[nahla1204]

Thank you ladies

 

[SnoopyGal7]

So, this is my husband's and I's first trip to WDW, and we're staying at PoP! Very excited!

Few random questions.....
* There are no coffee makers in the room, correct?

* If this is true, where can we get our coffee? Is there coffee available in food court that we can fill our resort mugs with for free (if we're on the Dining plan), or do we have to pay for it? If we have to pay for it, can we get free hot water in the food court to make hot tea or instant coffee?

* Kinda weird question, but how late do the buses run from the parks to our resort? My husband any I have a lot of fun together, and do well at "entertaining ourselves"-- I can easily see us getting caught up in lingering around a park past closing, or resort hopping to check out other places, then getting stuck overnight if we "miss" the last bus...

* If we are on the DDP, and we go to a restaurant, and want an appetizer-- we have to pay OOP, correct? Can't switch out a dessert for an appetizer?

* Out trip is 7 nights/8 days. We're contemplating sacrificing one of days to hit up IoA for Harry Potter. My fear is that after paying lotso money for transportation to get there, and get tickets, and food for the day-- we might get through IoA very quickly, and be bored by mid afternoon. What's others experiences? Is it worth giving up a day at Disney? Worth the hassel of setting up transportation to get across town? Worth the oop expenses for a day of food and another park? We're both "moderate" HP fans, but by no means fanatics. I was planning on rereading the books before our trip in Sept. incase we do go, though.....

I think these are all my random questions for now! Thanks in advance!!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

So, this is my husband's and I's first trip to WDW, and we're staying at PoP! Very excited!

Few random questions.....
* There are no coffee makers in the room, correct?

Yes, that is correct

* If this is true, where can we get our coffee? Is there coffee available in food court that we can fill our resort mugs with for free (if we're on the Dining plan), or do we have to pay for it? If we have to pay for it, can we get free hot water in the food court to make hot tea or instant coffee?

The food court, and yes you can use your resort mugs for it. There is also hot water at the drink station if you want to make hot tea or instant coffee.

* Kinda weird question, but how late do the buses run from the parks to our resort? My husband any I have a lot of fun together, and do well at "entertaining ourselves"-- I can easily see us getting caught up in lingering around a park past closing, or resort hopping to check out other places, then getting stuck overnight if we "miss" the last bus...

I know it's at least one hour after closing, it might be longer. They are pretty good about making sure everyone is gone before they stop buses.

* If we are on the DDP, and we go to a restaurant, and want an appetizer-- we have to pay OOP, correct? Can't switch out a dessert for an appetizer?

If you are on the Quick Service Dining Plan then you only get counter service meals, which don't offer appetizers. If you are on the regular or higher dining plan than you get an appetizer, entree and dessert with each meal at a sit down restaurant.

* Out trip is 7 nights/8 days. We're contemplating sacrificing one of days to hit up IoA for Harry Potter. My fear is that after paying lotso money for transportation to get there, and get tickets, and food for the day-- we might get through IoA very quickly, and be bored by mid afternoon. What's others experiences? Is it worth giving up a day at Disney? Worth the hassel of setting up transportation to get across town? Worth the oop expenses for a day of food and another park? We're both "moderate" HP fans, but by no means fanatics. I was planning on rereading the books before our trip in Sept. incase we do go, though.....

That's an opinion question, but I can do IoA and Studios at Universal both in one day and be done by dinner time if it isn't peak season. I don't bother wasting a day anymore, but if you think there is a lot you would want to do at IoA then by all means do it. You won't be disappointed I'm sure as there are nice rides and other things there. Just don't expect it to be like Disney!!

I think these are all my random questions for now! Thanks in advance!!

I answered your questions in RED above!

 

[Sandi]

So, this is my husband's and I's first trip to WDW, and we're staying at PoP! Very excited!

Few random questions.....
* There are no coffee makers in the room, correct?

Correct. No in room coffee makers.

* If this is true, where can we get our coffee? Is there coffee available in food court that we can fill our resort mugs with for free (if we're on the Dining plan), or do we have to pay for it? If we have to pay for it, can we get free hot water in the food court to make hot tea or instant coffee?

You can purchase a refillable mug whether you are on the Dining Plan or not. If you purchase the mug, you can get coffee and other soft drinks in the food court at Everything Pop. It opens up around 6:00 in the morning. If you don't purchase a refillable mug, you can purchase coffee by the cup. There is hot water available, too, if you wanted to bring your own instant coffee or tea bags. (Tea is available for purchase or with the refillable mug, too. The bags are out by condiments and I'm sure there are people who just take them and say it's fine, but . . .)

* Kinda weird question, but how late do the buses run from the parks to our resort? My husband any I have a lot of fun together, and do well at "entertaining ourselves"-- I can easily see us getting caught up in lingering around a park past closing, or resort hopping to check out other places, then getting stuck overnight if we "miss" the last bus...

From the themeparks, buses will run at least an hour after park closing. Disney will not leave any guests stranded at the parks. If you end up going to another resort hotel, you can always take a bus to DTD and then get a bus from there back to Pop. DTD buses run after 2:00 a.m. when DTD closes down. If I were in that situation, however, I'd just get a cab. They are pretty affordable.

* If we are on the DDP, and we go to a restaurant, and want an appetizer-- we have to pay OOP, correct? Can't switch out a dessert for an appetizer?

You can always ask, but the prevailing answer is that you can't switch out the dessert for an appetizer. So, if you want an appetizer, you'll probably have to pay for that separately.

* Out trip is 7 nights/8 days. We're contemplating sacrificing one of days to hit up IoA for Harry Potter. My fear is that after paying lotso money for transportation to get there, and get tickets, and food for the day-- we might get through IoA very quickly, and be bored by mid afternoon. What's others experiences? Is it worth giving up a day at Disney? Worth the hassel of setting up transportation to get across town? Worth the oop expenses for a day of food and another park? We're both "moderate" HP fans, but by no means fanatics. I was planning on rereading the books before our trip in Sept. incase we do go, though.....

Last April DD and I took two, non-consecutive, days to go to IoA and Universal. I purchased transportation and two day tickets through the DIS and it was pretty reasonable. We were glad that we went and really liked the Harry Potter part, but we decided we are Disney girls at heart and don't feel the need to go back. We also saw the Blue Man Group while at Universal. That added to the cost, but was very enjoyable. The Mears shuttle van picked us up at Pop in plenty of time to get to U/IoA rope drop both mornings -- it was a very early pick up. From Pop, we stopped at a couple more resorts (non-Disney) and then were on our way. On the return, we had a motor coach full of people. I think there were something like 8 stops, but fortunately, Pop was the first drop off.

I think these are all my random questions for now! Thanks in advance!!

I hope that helps you out. Let us know if you have more random questions!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Checked into POP at 4pm today! My request was met for 70s building top floor! I don't think the resort is too full and the room is great shape!!!

 

[stitchlovestink]

So, this is my husband's and I's first trip to WDW, and we're staying at PoP! Very excited!

Few random questions.....
* There are no coffee makers in the room, correct?

* If this is true, where can we get our coffee? Is there coffee available in food court that we can fill our resort mugs with for free (if we're on the Dining plan), or do we have to pay for it? If we have to pay for it, can we get free hot water in the food court to make hot tea or instant coffee?

* Kinda weird question, but how late do the buses run from the parks to our resort? My husband any I have a lot of fun together, and do well at "entertaining ourselves"-- I can easily see us getting caught up in lingering around a park past closing, or resort hopping to check out other places, then getting stuck overnight if we "miss" the last bus...

* If we are on the DDP, and we go to a restaurant, and want an appetizer-- we have to pay OOP, correct? Can't switch out a dessert for an appetizer?

* Out trip is 7 nights/8 days. We're contemplating sacrificing one of days to hit up IoA for Harry Potter. My fear is that after paying lotso money for transportation to get there, and get tickets, and food for the day-- we might get through IoA very quickly, and be bored by mid afternoon. What's others experiences? Is it worth giving up a day at Disney? Worth the hassel of setting up transportation to get across town? Worth the oop expenses for a day of food and another park? We're both "moderate" HP fans, but by no means fanatics. I was planning on rereading the books before our trip in Sept. incase we do go, though.....

I think these are all my random questions for now! Thanks in advance!!

You've gotten great answers from phoenixstrength & Sandi regarding all your questions...
I'm just going to elaborate on one.
Disney tells you the buses run one hour after park closing. Now when they say the monrail or the ferry or boat run one hour after closing, they mean it! BUT the buses will run as long as it takes to get guests back to their respective resorts. We have taken a bus back to our resort more than TWO hours after a park has closed!! The tranportation mgrs will tell you that they announce an hour to 'encourage' people to move along in a timely manner, but the buses are on duty until the job is done and everyone is delivered back 'home'. The best part...when you exit last...they direct you to the closest bus stop for pickup, not the 'correct one for POP'!! Awesome!! Now that info pertains to the parks.
Regarding Downtown Disney, the last bus pick up is at 11pm at the Market Place bus stop. It will still run from the West side until 2am (I believe!) But I would verify that...as I'm thinking it might be 1am...but I know for sure the Market Place stops picking up at 11pm promptly! ENJOY!!

Edited to add...
not to argue with Sandi's post but when I reread this I see she said that the buses run until 'after 2am' from the West Side. I would double and triple check that! I don't have personal experience with getting a bus that late from the West Side, but I have heard that the DTD buses do stop running promptly! I have even been told not to push the 2am time frame because if the last bus comes at 1:55, that's it for the night. I've heard you should try to be at the West Side stop by 1:45. Again, I am not speaking from first hand experience. But if they do run the West side stop like the Marketplace stop then, they are done at 2. Because Marketplace's last pick up is 11pm and I have seen buses come in at 10:57 or so and that's the last one for the night! Just saying... not trying to argue. The attendant then would tell 'late arrivers' their choice was to hike over to the West side or catch a cab. YUCK!