A spoiled rotten Princess report

[OzFan]

I've got my flame retardant undies on and here I go.. Ok, let me first say that it is true what I have heard about staying at Old Key West... "Once you stay there, you don't want to go anywhere else" True, so so true! I just got back from a 5 day stay at Pop Century! All I can say is that either I am WAAAY to SPOILED or I am just a . I guess I'm not used to standing on the bus no matter what time you get on them. Don't get me wrong, the busses ran frequently, but they were standing room only. As for the walk to get on the busses, holy cow ! We were in Georgia I think, or maybe it was the 80's building, yea the 80's. It took us 25 years to get to the busses, food court or even the ice machine. I did buy the refillable mug, I was just too tired to go back to the food court to refill it! The wake up call was housekeeping every morning @ 7:55am sharp. Not that I had to get out of bed to open the door and ask them to come back later, all I did was roll over and open the door. It was only 2 of us in the room, thank God! I cannot imagine 4 people fitting in there . On a better note, the Pina Coldas by the Hippity Dippity pool were pretty good.
The parks were great! My daughter's band was OUTSTANDING, we did have a good time when we were in the parks! I ate at O'hanas for the first time and now I'm hooked! It was sooooo good! I loved the pineapple and carmel sauce! YUM YUM! I also rode the Haunted Mansion for the first time at night! That was cool!
I can't wait until May... that when I get to go "home again". Old Key West here I come!

 

[eeyore0062]

It is a bit of a shock to go from a DVC resort, or even a Deluxe resort to a value. We have stayed in All Stars, and it was fine, but we just figured as long as we were in Disney-- no problem. Our biggest complaint was the busses from AS-Mo. By the time they would pick up at the 1st 2 resorts, they had no room for anyone at ours, so the lines were always extremely long--- we ended up driving to the parks. For a couple of nights, it was fine.... for longer stays, I prefer a moderate, or above.

 

[the kabuki]

I've only ever stayed at Values & I'm almost scared to ever try a deluxe. I just know I'll never do a value again if I see how the other side lives.

 

[lovethattink]

We've found it best to drive our own car if we stay at a park 'til closing. Because with tired children, I cannot risk standing. Once ds sat on the bus floor and fell asleep using my legs as his pillow, he was sandwhiched between myself and dh. Now with a baby and a stroller it's just easier to drive ourself and take our good old time. The only park that we don't like to drive to it MK. It's way more convenient to take the bus, then deal with the tram, monorail or boat.

 

[Cookie Princess]

I've got my flame retardant undies on and here I go.. As for the walk to get on the busses, holy cow ! We were in Georgia I think, or maybe it was the 80's building, yea the 80's. It took us 25 years to get to the busses, food court or even the ice machine. I did buy the refillable mug, I was just too tired to go back to the food court to refill it!

I agree with this post, and I am hiding behind this princess in her flame retardant undies for protection. We were in the 90's building and it sucked the fun out of the trip. We probably would have enjoyed it more in the 50's or 70's section. It just wasn't worth going all the way back to the food court to refill those mugs. We were a long way from the buses too, and don't even get me started on the noise level...

 

[xraydave]

Sorry, We stayed at the AS Movie last summer and for the price you can't beat it. With our AAA discount we paid around $75 / night and for a family on a budget that's great. The walk was a bit long but Disney makes it interesting. Next time slow down and look around at the wonderful special things Disney does to make the magic.

 

[disneyjunkie]

We stayed at PC last April (during Easter break) and loved it. If codes don't come out for our next trip, we'll be there again this year.

Our room was in the 70s building facing the little playground area. We never had any problems with noise. It only took about 3-5 minutes to walk to the food court and bus stop.

The buses always came pretty quick. We did have to stand in the mornings, but that was our choice. We could have easily stepped aside and waited for the next bus so that we could have a seat. We never stood on the bus when leaving the parks. After spending the whole day walking around the parks, I refuse to get on a standing room only bus.

PC is a fun resort. You can't beat the price. There are plenty of people can afford to pay for a moderate or deluxe resort, but pick the values because they spend most of their time in the parks.

 

[Cookie Princess]

Sorry, We stayed at the AS Movie last summer and for the price you can't beat it. With our AAA discount we paid around $75 / night and for a family on a budget that's great. The walk was a bit long but Disney makes it interesting. Next time slow down and look around at the wonderful special things Disney does to make the magic.

We just didn't care for POP all that much. Maybe it was all the hype it was getting on this board that had us expecting something better. We have stayed at the various All Stars and enjoyed all of our stays there so it isn't a "value thing".

 

[Chuck S]

I didn't think POP was all that bad. We only spent one night there (2 adults) prior to moving to an OKW 1 bedroom unit. The things I missed were a hairdryer in the room...I understand that some POP rom have them. And the coffee pot, that was the worst, having to get dressed and trek to the food court on a coffee quest in the morning.

It should be noted that we didn't use bus transport as we arrived about 5pm and simply used that night to "rest up" from the drive. The beds were comfy, even if doubles and not queens, the room was clean, we didn't get disturbed by housekeeping, but we did see several CMs around, and informed them we were leaving and they could service the room.

While we usually prefer table service, the food court was tasty for the evening meal and they had a nice selection of menu items.

We did wait and have breakfast the next morning at Olivia's after we had our coffee at POP.

 

[shellybaxter]

Being a bit spoiled myself, I have a question for the Princess, or anyone else. I've read that the beds are very hard at POP. I never thought I'd want to stay there, but we visited and I adored the themeing. I've already figured out that we'd want a car, but I can't get over the bad bed reports. You being a Princess and all, I figured you would notice something like bad beds, so what did you think? Were they horrible (a million peas under the mattress) or bad (just too hard to feel any of the peas) or okay (a pea of two, kind of like camping) or GREAT ( and you don't know what I'm talking about)

Thanks
Shelly

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Shelly, You crack me up! with your bad bed bit...

I want to subscribe to this thread because we are considering PC for our upcoming trip. We have been to WDW twice. First trip was WL, second was CBR (not even close to the WL, but we still enjoyed it). I want to try POR-FQ this time but DB/SIL are leaning towards a value. I am leery because of comments I have heard on these boards and others. I would be less hesitant if it weren't going to be a summer trip where I expect the place to be filled to capacity.

We want to use the pool during mid-day breaks so I have pointed out to DB/SIL that the values don't have a slide for the kiddos. We need to decide VERY SOON. (YIKES I hate decisions). I Love that crazy smilie - it is me while planning a Disney trip!
Jackie

 

[Disneycrazymom]

We have stayed at the All Stars (all of them actually) and they were just fine for us as we are at the parks all day and night. This year I have Pop booked but I am having second thoughts about it. I am concerned that we will really notice the extra crowds at Pop. It will be June so I am figuring all will be close to filled. Since Pop has more rooms I am worried it will "feel" more crowded at the pools, food court, and busses. I thought that Movies felt busier than Sports or Music too. Cookie Princess you said you liked the All Stars ok can you say what is better or worse? Thanks much!

 

[Cookie Princess]

We have stayed at the All Stars (all of them actually) and they were just fine for us as we are at the parks all day and night. This year I have Pop booked but I am having second thoughts about it. I am concerned that we will really notice the extra crowds at Pop. It will be June so I am figuring all will be close to filled. Since Pop has more rooms I am worried it will "feel" more crowded at the pools, food court, and busses. I thought that Movies felt busier than Sports or Music too. Cookie Princess you said you liked the All Stars ok can you say what is better or worse? Thanks much!

I hope I am answering your question: The All Stars felt more "Disney" to me...especially Music and Movies. Movies has the best food court of the All Stars, although I like the food court at POP with the exception of the store that is part of it. The food court lines were longer and slower than we were used to at POP, as was the wait for the bus - this was in "low season". That one single line for each theme park bus can get quite long. We found POP to be noisier than any of the All Stars we have stayed at. We could hear water running and toilets flushing in other rooms. POP felt too spread out for us. We might have enjoyed our stay better if we had been in the 50's or 70's section. In the 90's area, we felt left out of the fun and activities. It wasn't convenient to head to the food court for mug refills or quick snacks. The computer pool in that area was a real bummer...just a square pool. DS was dying to try out the Goofy water jet area in the 70's, but it was broken down during our entire stay. The plusses of POP: we liked the music played in the different areas and DS said the arcade is better than the ones at the All Stars. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

I've never stayed at a value resort in Disney, we've always stayed at deluxes or DVC resorts. But I'm planning a trip for a couple years from now with some friends and we want to stay at Pop Century because frankly, that's all a bunch of college kids can afford I've heard good and bad reviews for POP so I hope our stay there is nice. But hey, we'll just be happy to be in Disneyworld

 

[twoksmom]

We stayed at POP last year and loved it.We were in the 60's section.To us it was worth it to pay the extra money to be in the preferred section.The busses were busy but not to busy except for Sat night after Spectro.Hope this helps! April

 

[pumpkinfish]

I wanted to jump aboard this thread wagon too. DH and I had our first onsite experience last year when we stayed at Pop for one night. Here is what I thought: Check-in took almost 45 mins. Kinda long in my opinion. I was orginally put off by the themeing of the value resorts. I am not a big fan of "big" items. But when you are onsite, and you see those giant flowers, or giant walkmans, or giant pac-man ghosts alongside your hotel building...it is quite neat! I can understand about it not seeming as "disney" as other value resorts since it focuses on decades, and not specific disney icons (although there are icons scattered throughout the resort). DH and I stayed in 80s. PHEW! It really was a walk to the food court. If we had stayed longer than that one night/day, then I would have preferred to pay extra for a preferred room. We are doing that this trip! Yes, our pool was a small rectangle/square cement area. Which honestly, was fine for us to kick around in since all the kiddies were mainly in that 60s pool. Also, we always drive so I never used the bus as transportation, and I thought the beds were fine (but it could be I was so tired after playing in the parks Out of all these observations, I think it is a great value. Considering all the amenities, themeing, "disney hospitality" is well worth the $74-$94 price we pay on average. It is a Value resort for a reason!

 

[andrabell]

maybe it was the 80's building, yea the 80's. It took us 25 years to get to the busses!

 

[OzFan]

No peas under the matress, just huge boulders! It was like sleeping on a slab! I thought since was a new resort the beds would be nice and comfy. My roomie slept upside down in the bed. Somehow she said it was better. I called room service and got 2 more pillows, that seemed to help. I also bunched up the bed spread and used it as support under my back. Oh course, after all that walking most nights I was too tired to care. The noise level was another thing. I agree with the previous poster. It sounded like a heard of elephants every time our neighbors returned. Flushing toilets and showers were always going on. Those neighbors were the cleanest people there, and I do believe someone must to have had a bladder infection! Lots of trips to the potty all night long. I am a very heavy sleeper, housekeeping actually came in one morning, knocking dodn't even wake me. Oh course at 7:55 am nothing usually does! I do agree that the price is right, I paid $49 a night. But its like your grandma says "you get what you pay for"! AMEN!
I would hate to POP POP POP anyone's bubble, but as I said before, I'm a spoiled rotten that can NEVER go back.

 

[CaipiraBob]

Sorry, We stayed at the AS Movie last summer and for the price you can't beat it. With our AAA discount we paid around $75 / night and for a family on a budget that's great. The walk was a bit long but Disney makes it interesting. Next time slow down and look around at the wonderful special things Disney does to make the magic.

<P>It now costs ~$450 a night to stay in the Polynesian Concierge during value season. Think of the extra $375 you have in your pocket. That's a lot of "magic" right there. </p>
<P>LOL! Now that I think about it, you figure in the worst case scenario transportation to the AS took an extra 2 hours. Well, comparatively you saved $187.50 an hour for your inconvenience. But really, you're still at Disney.</p>
<P>Heck, I may do the AS next time myself.</P>

 

[BoPeep]

I don't think saving a little money is really worth being miserable. I'd rather spend more and have a more enjoyable stay. You know, kind of like a "vacation".
I will never again stay at a value resort. We've stayed at ASMo twice. The flushing toilets kept me up all night too. All the way up until around 2 AM, people would walk by our room talking really loud and waking us up. The bus rides were horrible, all packed in with more sick kids than you could possibly imagine, there's no way you can keep from catching some sort of nasty virus.
It's just not worth saving $200- $300 if it's going to ruin my vacation. For those that love the value resorts, I'm happy for you. But I'll never have my vacation ruined again over where I'm staying.