Added Pop Century

[WolfpackFan]

Our original plan for our visit to the World week after next was to drive to St. Augustine on Saturday (driving from Raleigh, NC) and stay at the Hampton Inn there and then Sunday morning get up early and drive on into WDW and checkin at VWL as early as possible. DW and I were sitting around yesterday morning though and she remarked that it seemed silly to stop in St. Augustine when WDW was so close and could we get ressies somewhere for Saturday night. So I got to messing around with the WDW website and checking various options (the website makes it very easy to see what is available and what the prices are IMO). I checked all the deluxes and moderates and they were way more than what I wanted to pay for just such a short stay. I then checked Pop Century and we could get in there for $132 total. So I booked it and then found out I could use our Disney Rewards card to pay for it (I had $200 on the card). So I can't believe it, we're staying seven full nights at WDW (six at VWL and 1 at Pop Century) and it will be costing me nothing when I checkout for the stay itself. Granted folks will say I've had to pay for my DVC membership and also all the charges I made to get my $200 balance on the rewards card; but still this will be the first vacation I've ever been on when there won't be a big balance to pay on checkout. That is what makes DVC membership so great. That initial cost may seem high at first, but think of all the times you will get to stay using your membership. Hope this helps anyone who is sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to join or not.

 

[westjones]

Did you use your rewards to pay for the first night's deposit? How does that work?

We are staying 1 night at Pop in September because we are there for 1 night (a Saturday) after our cruise and I don't like using our points on Saturday night.

We got a rate of $69 (that includes tax) with the AAA rate. You can't book that through the website, you have to call and ask for the AAA rate. This is value season so that helps too.

Since we have to pay the first night (and our only night) in advance it is already paid for, but it would be nice to know in the future if we can use our rewards to pay for our deposit on rooms in the future.

Thanks!
DJ

 

[WolfpackFan]

Originally posted by westjones
Did you use your rewards to pay for the first night's deposit? How does that work?

Yes I did. In fact, since we're staying at Pop Century only one night our first night deposit was our total charge. When I made the booking on the WDW website, it asked me if I wanted to use a charge card or a Disney reward's card for the deposit and I chose reward's card. It then checked my balance to make sure I had enough on it.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Hey there Wolfpackfan, we haven't talked in a while. Sounds like you are getting excited about your trip, as I would be, too.

We stayed at Pop Century for our first night about two weeks ago, and I can tell you that I really, really liked it, much more than the AllStars. I cannot tell you many differences, but I would stay at Pop Century again in a heartbeat. Honestly, I would rather stay there at that rate than at WL like we did our last night. WL just was not worth the money, in my opinion.

When we checked in at Pop Century, we requested first floor and very close to the parking lot. We were given an end room and parked right in front of our door. Since we were there only 1 night, this was perfect for us.

I understand your feeling about no hotel bill. It is reverse sticker shock, and it is wonderful.

Tough loss for the Pack yesterday, Hodge fouling out and that one really bad call cost them the game, I felt. Big disappointment.

Have a wonderful trip, I see that it is your first trip home and I hope it is magical for you. Please report when you get back.

 

[tiffany123]

Wolfpack Fan,

You might want to check and see if you can find even a better rate for your one night at Pop Century. Disney is advertising rates for as low as $69 per night for their value resorts. I don't know if you booked on-line or through CRO but you might do some checking through CRO or even AAA and see if you can get even a better price.

 

[sgtdisney]

As tiffany123 said, you may want to check and see if you can get the $69.00 rate. Disney Visa is offering special pricing if you use a code found on their website and book and pay for your stay with a Disney Visa Card. I am not sure if it is valid for your travel dates, but the values are 69.00, the moderates are 89.00 and I think WL and AKL are around 130 or 140 per night. Just something you may want to check out. It could save you almost 1/2 the cost.

 

[5wdwnutz]

Wolfpackfan....

We stayed at Pop January of this year and really enjoyed it. Kids weren't with us so we took pictures to show them. Now they want to go there.

We're coming down in Sept, staying @ SSR. Was debating doing an extra night at Pop so the kids could enjoy it as much as we did.

The 3 trips prior to our Pop visit in January were all at AS-Sports. We liked it there as well.

I would say the only thing I really didn't care for much at Pop was the food court menu. The AS food court menus were much better. Don't get me wrong..I ate but just had a harder time picking something.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[westjones]

We stayed at Pop in December and we all really liked it. The tye-dyed cheesecake was great! My DH and I loved looking at the items from the different decades in the shadow boxes in the lobby (some of those things we had as kids--it was funny to see them on display like that).

You will enjoy your stay there. It is a cute resort.
DJ

 

[DSNY FN]

Congratulations I hear Pop Centruy is really nice and I was told when we go to check out all the cool memorabilia in the lobby area. Enjoy your stay and say hi to the mouse for us. As someone eluded to further up you may also find a code @ www.mouseavers.com for a discount on the Pop Century room.

 

[lenshanem]

We did this, too. Instead of staying off site like we normally do the first night we arrive, we booked Pop Century instead. We also ended up adding Pop Century for our last night, too to make the most of our APs.
We had a $69 rate using Disney Visa, then when the AP rate of $59 came out I called back and they credited my card the difference.
My six year old is more excited about Pop Century than BWV, go figure!
We'll probably do this from now on. (Either value or mod first and last night.) Adds a little variety, too!

 

[Lori-n-NY]

Another DVCer here staying at POP for a night or two before going to DVC resort. I will be at POP in May for three nights and then BWV for three nights.(I rented points for that trip). In Sept I will stay two nights at POP before coming to SSR for 7 wonderful nights, just about the same time at 5wdwnutz...will be there.

I will use points wisely and stay somewhere with AP rates on the first weekend and then get a whole week using points.


Almost down to the 50 day mark....

Lori