First Time at Pop - not terribly impressed

[gzmtlock]

We've stayed onsite about a dozen times, always at moderates, deluxe, or DVC. I always wanted to try value, just to see if it would work for us. Having read about others who tried value after higher categories, I thought I'd share my experience.

I was in Orlando for a business trip, so added on a day to the trip to do MNSSHP and F&W. As the added time was on my buck and not originally in my budget, it was the perfect time to try a value. Got a fall discount room at Pop for less than $100 for the one night - so the price was right!

There were quite a few things that were good. CMs were all very helpful. Bus service (except no shade while waiting) was good. I got early (9 am) check-in, which was great!

But - the room was tiny. Being alone, it was fine for this trip. But I'm not sure that even just DH and I would be comfortable. And the bathroom just needed work. Grout was grimy - but they can't give it a good scrub, as it was also falling out in places. It had already been "over-grouted" once, so patching it again is iffy. Toiletries were minimal; I knew this going in, so brought my own. But I'd rather not have to do that. I also brought a small coffee maker; I can't start the day without a cuppa first thing.

Other than the grout, nothing was really objectionable. But it also just didn't feel like a "vacation room" to me. For me, even the Disney magic can't overcome what felt like a motel room, and an old one at that.

I'm glad I tried it, so now I know. If we can't afford at least moderate, it's offsite for us!

 

[maples189]

We felt similar when we stayed at Pop in May. We felt like the theming was fun and the food wasn't bad, but that it was just SO busy with the cheerleading groups. And also the room was kind of dirty and the bathroom definitely needed some TLC. We did decide that if we were going to go for a quick trip we would stay again though, as if you aren't spending time in the room and just sleeping it doesn't really matter.

 

[loves to dive]

I felt the same way too. I normally stay in deluxe resorts but was taking a quick trip and knew for at least a day and half I was mostly going to be in the parks so I did a split stay with Pop and BWV. From the moment I stepped in the room I regretted my decision. The check in was quick and easy, the CM friendly and helpful but it stopped being good right there. I liked the fact that the bus stop had actual lines since it seems unless most people have a designated que to stand it they are going to act like a heard of wild animals but the fact that there was no cover was a little disappointing.

My bathroom, like yours, was full of mildew in the grout that could not be cleaned (I tried). While the room had been cleaned it still felt dirty. I was so disappointed. It felt like a poorly kept Motel 6. I'm not a snob, I'm a scuba diver so you wouldn't believe some of the hole in the wall places I've stayed. Since divers are known to bring their wet, sandy, smelly, nasty gear into their rooms, most places that cater to them are not the best. I expect that from a dive joint, I don't expect that from Disney.

I had read on the POP thread about how everyone loved it, I knew going in it wasn't going to be deluxe (at that point I hadn't stayed in a moderate yet) but I did expect it to be clean and well kept. I have since stayed in ASSp, thinking I'd give a different value a chance and while my room was a tad cleaner, the resort was noisy, my remote didn't work and the walls were paper thin. Again, the CMs were all great and helpful, it will just be mods or deluxe for me from here on in.

 

[wilkeliza]

I can agree. We loved Pop back when we first started going to Disney. It as our go to resort when we were going 3-4 times a year and it was most cost effective to stay at a value. We did not have the grout issue or ever felt like the room was dirty but the rooms do feel small. Now that we are a little older and tend to bring a friend for the trip we stay at the moderates or deluxe. I would choose Pop over the All Stars any day but if we have to do a value we go to Art of Animation and stay in the Little Mermaid rooms.

 

[Eastern]

The POP rooms are really small. When you open the door, the edge of the bed is -right there-. I thought the beds were uncomfortable too. It's ok for 2 people for a few nights.

If price is a factor, I would stay off property in a more comfortable room rather than choose a value at Disney.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have yet to have a less than good stay at Pop. Stayed there 5 times now. I've had a grout issue at almost every level resort in WDW...drives me nuts. Spray some bleach on it...that's all they have to do! I refuse to bring my own bleach to do that!!!! But the rooms don't feel really small to me. They're just a bit smaller than rooms at POR. And the toilet/tub area is actually larger. Not by much but it is a bit. I do miss the double sinks though, and the addtl storage that they offer. But, other than that? No issues. I don't think the toiletries are that much different than at the mods. I always bring my own shampoo/conditioner though!!! Much better for my hair, no matter what level I'm staying at.
I'll tell you though....I won't ever stay at the All Stars again...really dislike them!!! Much prefer Pop and AoA to them. Of course, most of my stays are DVC but sometimes I want an addtl day or two elsewhere at the start of the trip.

 

[Babsy]

So sorry that POP wasn't as good as you were expecting. We have stayed at POP and really enjoyed our stay. It sounds like you ay gave gotten a room in need of a refurb.

The size of the rooms is small and I find that values really are glorified motel rooms. If you expect that, they can be an inexpensive way for many people to enjoy an on site stay. Value resorts aren't for everyone, however. It totally depends upon your expectations and what you need in a resort.

At least now you know what is right for you!

 

[AndiSlamberg]

I love POP and that's normally our go to when staying at Disney. However I do agree that it's time for a room refurbishment there. I'm not sure when the last one was, but the rooms are well worn by now and could use some love. It would really elevate POP and make it great again!

 

[shh]

We've stayed at Pop probably 30+ times over the years...as often as we go to WDW and as little time as we spend in the room, I just couldn't justify paying higher mod prices. I loved saving the money, felt the decor was playful and fun...and enjoyed having all the onsite benefits like free parking and EMH for a lot less than other WDW resorts. We're booked there again this Dec. But I must admit, after splurging on a couple of nice hotels for the first time on recent vacations elsewhere and on nice cruise cabins, those humble motel rooms won't feel quite the same now. It's tough to go back once you've tasted something better. But back I go...because I still can't justify the higher spend, given that we're just sleeping there and gone all day/all night. I use the extra savings to splurge on dinners and other treats.

 

[maxiesmom]

So now you know that the Pop is not for you. Not anything wrong with that, not every resort can be a fit for everybody.

 

[pampam]

I've stayed at most of the disney resorts, and Pop is my favourite. Polynesian is next, but for our vacation style, Pop is best. We get more bang for our buck, and really do enjoy ourselves when there.

 

[buzznina]

Sorry about your stay, I also would have an issue with the bathroom That is what is so great about WDW and having so many resorts to choose from. But with that said I have ran across a couple of issues at Mods and deluxes as well with regards to the room. Our family of 4 has stayed at all 3 levels and our favorite (for accommodations, amenities and cost) are the Mods. But we have stayed value a good number of times and really find them to be pretty good. I guess we do not need a lot of room and never had a problem finding a place for all our stuff (we drive and our van is packed top to bottom) plus a stroller I am also not a fan of shampoo and conditioner in one if that is what you were talking about.

 

[lroger01]

For those worried about staying at POP (or other value) after reading this - don't be! If you normally stay at high(er)-end resorts when traveling, then yes the values will be a let down.

If you normally stay at a motel like a Best Western, a value room will likely be just fine. Add the Disney in-room touches and larger-than-life icons, and you have a "motel" that feels special and unique.

As for the cleaning issues, I agree they should do a better job at times. Unless it's really bad, I just write it off as the rooms getting very hard use from families with kids. Same for the beds - those suckers need to stand up to all those kids jumping on them!

 

[Dug720]

For those worried about staying at POP (or other value) after reading this - don't be! If you normally stay at high(er)-end resorts when traveling, then yes the values will be a let down.

If you normally stay at a motel like a Best Western, a value room will likely be just fine. Add the Disney in-room touches and larger-than-life icons, and you have a "motel" that feels special and unique.

As for the cleaning issues, I agree they should do a better job at times. Unless it's really bad, I just write it off as the rooms getting very hard use from families with kids. Same for the beds - those suckers need to stand up to all those kids jumping on them!

So much this. Whenever I see someone start a thread about a value (and I even hold my breath about mod stays) who prefaces it with "We usually stay Deluxe and/or DVC" I can predict exactly where it's going. Values and moderates are not advertised to have all the perks of a Deluxe or DVC up to and including toiletries. What you get in that respect increases with each level of resort.

 

[rsbh00]

We stayed at Pop on our last trip and it was great but then again I have never stayed at a moderate or deluxe so nothing to compare it to. But for the money we saved and the amount of time spent in the room Pop was the best decision. Our room was not really that small it was 2 adults and our 10 yr old and we never felt it was too small and we had our 2 teenage daughters 14 &15 that hung out in there with us until bedtime most nights. We actually loved Pop but I realize it isn't for everyone.

 

[Disneylover99]

Rooms get worn over time. I don't mind a bit of grotty grout at Deluxe or Value resorts, as long as the room is clean.

 

[Quellman]

We've stayed onsite about a dozen times, always at moderates, deluxe, or DVC. I always wanted to try value, just to see if it would work for us. Having read about others who tried value after higher categories, I thought I'd share my experience.

I was in Orlando for a business trip, so added on a day to the trip to do MNSSHP and F&W. As the added time was on my buck and not originally in my budget, it was the perfect time to try a value. Got a fall discount room at Pop for less than $100 for the one night - so the price was right!

There were quite a few things that were good. CMs were all very helpful. Bus service (except no shade while waiting) was good. I got early (9 am) check-in, which was great!

But - the room was tiny. Being alone, it was fine for this trip. But I'm not sure that even just DH and I would be comfortable. And the bathroom just needed work. Grout was grimy - but they can't give it a good scrub, as it was also falling out in places. It had already been "over-grouted" once, so patching it again is iffy. Toiletries were minimal; I knew this going in, so brought my own. But I'd rather not have to do that. I also brought a small coffee maker; I can't start the day without a cuppa first thing.

Other than the grout, nothing was really objectionable. But it also just didn't feel like a "vacation room" to me. For me, even the Disney magic can't overcome what felt like a motel room, and an old one at that.

I'm glad I tried it, so now I know. If we can't afford at least moderate, it's offsite for us!

Thanks for your point of view. I agree with the no shade while waiting for a bus. That is just plain unacceptable if you ask me. I didn't have any grout issues like you did on your recent visit, so that just comes down to maintenance I guess. I traveled with my wife and 2 year old in a pack n play. There was an acceptable amount of room, but I wouldn't want to spend many rainy days in that room, especially with a stroller or more kids. For comparison we usually stay in 2BRs part of DVC.

I'm glad you got to try it out!

 

[ols386]

I was at POP last year in December. I really liked it.

The room I was in seemed like it has been recently refurbished. Or at least it had that feel to me.

The room was in the 80s section.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

So, how much are you guys paying for PoP now a days? I have a feeling the prices of this place would be the most offensive thing to me.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I know what you mean - I've had one good stay at Pop, one ok stay there and the other not so good. And those beds - they are horrible. The 2nd time I bought a mattress topper with me since I drove and had the space. That was the only way I was going to get a good night sleep on the bed.

I figure next time I need to stay value I'm going to either try a little mermaid room at AoA or a room at ASMu since I like that resort.