ASMo vs. POP

[klwdisney]

Ok kids! I'm actually going to book my trip for next October!! I won $125 in Bingo the other night so that's my motivation! haha

Anywho... I know I'd only be able to afford staying at a value resort... but that's fine since we only need the bed and shower anyway. On our last trip we stayed at All Star Movies in the Fantasia section and LOVED IT! The theming was SOOOOO disney! We were thinking of trying the new Pop Century for this next trip.

Lately I've heard some not so great things about POP and wonder if we should stick with the tried and true ASMo?

What do you think? We are just me and DH (no kids).

Thanks!

 

[chesirekate]

Well, I haven't stayed at ASMO, but I have heard some differences between the two: Pop is newer, Pop only has one bus stop so there are no additional stops to pick up other guests, Pop has Mickey soap bars and little shampoo bottles while ASMO has dispensers attached to the walls. I have read that ASMO food court is better and I have read that PC food court is better so that's up in the air. I found the PC food court to be pretty good, with lots of choices, but it's usually rather crowded.

As for theming, Pop does not have exclusively Disney theming. You'll find many icons that have nothing to do with Disney, unlike at ASMO. So, while I feel that Pop still has that Disney magic, that could turn some people off who want an exclusively Disney theme.

Honestly, I love Pop, and I think you'd have a great time at either resort.

 

[MinnieMouse532]

I had a really bad experience at POP on my previous trip so i voted for ASMo.

 

[cyndibelle]

i say pop..we stayed there in feb and we are headed back in just a few short weeks....we loved it and so did our kids!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I voted for POP because I visited AS and did not like the theme decor or the awful rooms. To me, seeing a room while visiting, I thought the rooms were incredibly tacky and ugly...all those stars in the bathroom. It's not as well done as POP.

Although the POP theme decor is over the top, some of it is also cute New, clean and one bus stop helps too.

The rooms are nicely understated and feel larger than the AS room although I've read they are the same.

The lake is a wonderful addition which makes a Lake view very nice.

I really did not like the food court or the plastic cups in the room...come on, couldn't Disney do better??

Sorry, AS lovers, but it's nice to have a choice of values to suit everyone

 

[klwdisney]

MinniMouse... what was your really bad experience? :O

Is the food court at POP really that bad? That's where we'd be eating our breakfast and dinners! We also do snacks and a big lunch in the parks.

Thanks all for your votes!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally posted by klwdisney
Is the food court at POP really that bad? That's where we'd be eating our breakfast and dinners!

The Food Court was very loud. Acoustics must be set up that way because not every Disney food court is so loud! It's very busy, long lines etc. The couple of times we ate there we took our food over to the Lounge where it was a bit quieter. I felt like I could not relax and eat at the same time! But we did not have any ltitle ones with us, so we probably noiticed the noise more.

Some people really like the POP food court and say the food is great! Lots of choices for refillable mugs for sure!

We'll be back there in a few weeks and I am sure I'll eat in the FC at least a couple of times. Also, it was my first value experience and that might have contributed to why it seemed esp loud and busy. Always!!

I think if you stay at the POP you'll be glad you did!

 

[klwdisney]

We tend to take our breakfasts with us on the go or eat outside and then eat dinners outside or in our room so I don't think the noise will be a problem.
Thanks for the tip!

 

[disneylovr1]

I didn't read all of the other posts, so I may be just repeating others, but here's my opinion. I've stayed at both, and I liked the POP so much better! Simply having a lake view and the lake to walk around made it feel more like a moderate resort. The food court was nicer, and I liked the shop being attached. I also liked the theming better - but that's simply a matter of opinion. I find the All Stars a little tacky (but I stay there anyway), and I find the Pop intersting. Maybe b/c I can relate to a lot of the history. My mom agrees, she really hates the alll stars decor, but likes the pop. I did have a wonderful vacation at both!!

 

[cdntourguide]

Remember the important thing is that you are going to be at Disneyworld.
I have spent many a night at both ASMovies, Sport, Music and POP. Just got back from Movies and am going to POP for 10 day in Feb. I find that the food courts are basically the same: some times so full of people you cannot move, sometimes I am there by myself. I find that the dessert section of POP is much better than the desserts at Movies but not as good as desserts at Music.
The store at POP is one of my favourites, but the hassel of getting through the store to get to the food court is one big pain.
the theme set up at POP is fantasic, but the size of the facility makes for long walks in the early morning, which is not too bad, but that long walk back to the room at night is horrendous.
Plus I find that with the size of POP, there are so many more rooms and people , that the wait for transportation can be longer, plus all the buses are completely filled each and every time I get. Whereas with the AS resorts, sometimes you can actually get a seat and have lots of stretch room.
Getting back to either facility in the evening is interesting to say the least. Always travel like a sardine getting back after the parks close.
but as I said before that main thing is that you are at Disneyworld, so just sit back enjoy every minute.

 

[spiceycat]

boy you had bad luck - I have always gotten a seat on the PC - except for one night leaving the MK - then long lines - and the bus was full - except for standing up.

but I happen to love at Pop is the 50's building - I don't think I would like the others as well.

besides the lounge - Pop also has a pool bar - very, very nice - you have your drink after you are back at your resort.

Now I don't drink alot - but having that option is pretty nice - no having to drive or take the bus back.....

 

[klwdisney]

Thanks so much! I did notice that the POP has 2 bars - something my hubby will enjoy after long days of following me around the parks! hahahaha

I'm starting to think that trying POP is definitely the way to go!

 

[CheezDoodle]

We stayed at POP in March and loved it! The food court was great, it didn't seem loud at all. I also like that POP has a lake.

 

[F1Julie]

I voted for Pop since you have already stayed at ASMo. I like to try a different resort each trip. To me, a value resort is a value resort and aside from theming, they really aren't all that different. We'll be at Pop in 3 weeks and I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Haven't stayed at pop yet but did stay at all stars a few years back. Compared to what I have seen and heard about pop, it is a better resort than the all stars at a value price.

 

[FOV]

I have stayed at both - the Pop just last week - and I am going to vote for Pop. Why?

#1 , 2 & 3 - You have never stayed there and I think it is always fun trying out new places.

The previous posters did a great and thorough job describing all the differences. If you think you will miss the Disney theme you could always split your stay....

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi, all,

I am a bit confused as to why folks think POP lacks a Disney theme.

What about Mickey, Goofy, Tramp, Lady, the Jungle Book Characters? Don't these count?

If it is important to be near these icons, then just request that location same as you would book AS Movies And be sure to let the CM know when you check-in how important it is for your vacation to be around these themes (nicely of course!).

I prefer Lady and Tramp and seeing them as I walk to the room is perfect. Would not at all like looking at a computer, cell phone etc. I understand if that is where someone stays they would feel a lack of Disney.

Not all of AS is pure Disney either - just the movies, right?

Hope this helps to know there are Disney characters throughout POP

 

[klwdisney]

I definitely going to book at POP then!! Thank you all so much for you votes and advice!!