I just got back from POP. This was my family's 2nd trip to WDW, we were there 3 years ago and we stayed at AKL. We chose POP this time around for budget reasons. I went there with an open mind, but there was this nagging feeling that I would be disappointed.
I'm happy to say that we all LOVED Pop!
The room: We had outstanding housekeeping that somehow always magically got our roomed cleaned even when our schedule varied. We had a view of the lake from 50's Bldg. 3 and it sure didn't feel like a value with that peaceful view every morning and night -- and we could see fireworks every night while sipping a glass of wine, snacking on a treat from the food court and listening to the crickets chirp. Yes, the room wasn't huge and the bathroom/sink was basic. But it was just fine and more than adequate given the room rate. I guess being from California and paying for motels around
Disneyland that often charge twice what Pop does prepared me! We didn't notice any crazy noise. And we saw the Quince girls and lots and lots of people in the food court so who knows?! Maybe they weren't in our bldg? I always use a noise machine app on my phone because I like white noise (I use it at home also) so maybe that helped as well.
The buses were easy to catch in general. We loved being able to take either AOA or Pop buses depending on what arrived first or had the shorter line. If we chose to leave the parks at a hectic time (post fireworks, at park close) we took an Uber. We figured it was our choice to leave at a popular time and rather than wait in the long line, it was our choice to pay a few bucks for an Uber.
The pools were clean and fun. The bartender at Petals was super cool. My DD13 really missed having a hot tub, that was one of the very few negatives.
The food court could be hectic if you really needed to eat meals there. We don't do dining plans and we like to eat at the parks, so the food court was awesome for when we wanted a snack. Yes, the food was basic but sometimes that's exactly what you crave! I loved morning walks through the colorful Pop grounds to get my morning coffee in my refillable mug.
Every CM we encountered had a smile and a friendly greeting. I had a couple of requests for the front desk and all were handled efficiently and pleasantly.
Yes of course the Deluxe hotels are nicer. But for the amount of money we paid, I feel like Pop is an incredible bargain. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
