You've gotten some great responses, but since I love Pop so much I thought I'd add my 2 cents - another perspective is always good!
C.Ann said:
Tell me everything I need to know - LOL..
I booked today for April 2 - 5 and was given a preferred room..
Prefered rooms are great - I usually go for the 50's myself (the 60's are the prefered rooms), but if cash isn't an issue it's a great option.
C.Ann said:
I will be needing one-way transportation from the airport to POP..
Mears is probably your best bet (less than $20), but if you have the cash a town car would run you $50-60 and you wouldn't have to wait (it's really cool to see a driver with a sign with your name on it!). Taxi's aren't really any cheaper than town cars, so I'd either choose the latter or Mears.
C.Ann said:
I'm traveling alone (or at least it looks that way at this point) so I should be able to get quite a bit done in the amount of time there..
Good for you! Although it's always great to share the magic, there is nothing like being a bit selfish and indulging yourself in the ultimate Disney fantasy - the whole place any way you want it!
For my experiences staying solo at Pop, see the link in my signature. I have found that many solo travelers prefer Pop because of the superior bus service and the atmosphere. And the staff was so friendly I couldn't believe it - even for Disney standards!
C.Ann said:
Tell me anything you can think of: Bus service; food; beds; check-in waits; bus stops; and whatever else you can tell me..
Bus Service is great - unlike the All Stars, Pop always has it's own dedicated line. The only time service can be hairy is coming back from the MK at closing time. You will often see the Pop waiting area have more people than any of the others. Don't fret, because when this happens they send multiple busses at once.
I've found that I like to avoid it almost totally, so I either get out there a few minutes BEFORE closing so I get on an early bus, OR I wait it out, either in the park or on the great benches in the bus waiting area. Main Street stays open at least an hour after offical park closing (you can shop, eat, etc.) so there is no rush out of the park. As a solo traveler, you won't have to worry about everyone being tired, etc. - just chill out and enjoy how magical the MK is after dark.
Food at Pop is good counter service, with a few additions. I always found the burgers/chicken fingers/etc. just great and freshly made - they also have pizza and such.
C.Ann said:
How much do I tip for Mousekeeping?
This is going to depend on a lot. Best to take others advice on this one, as I'm not the best at this. However, keep in mind that cleaning a room with one person staying in it (unless you are a total pig!
) is a lot easier than four, so tip accordingly. I know some people tip by the day, some by the week.
C.Ann said:
Will they give me any kind of maps of the resort areas?
Yes, a beautiful full-color map. You can also see one before hand at this
map here at DIS .
C.Ann said:
What all is down in the food court? Microwaves? Toasters?
Sort of described earlier as to the food - and yes there are micros and toasters I believe.
C.Ann said:
What kind of beverages can you get in the refillable mugs?
Everything! Most Coke products, lemonaide, coffee, etc. I only drink diet coke there, but I've been told they do rotate the other drinks. You can always count on Cola and Coffee though.
C.Ann said:
Can you grab a bite to eat late at night?
Last I knew they closed at midnight, and much of the hot food service is done by 11PM. I keep hoping this will change with the new EMH's at night. During
MNSSHP's last year I made sure I ate at the park since the resort food would be closed when I got back. I'm not a big chip person, but I did buy a large bag of doritos at the food court and kept it in my room if I got late-night munchie attacks. I think it was like $2.79 for a very large bag - I ended up taking much of it home.
C.Ann said:
Can all food bought in the food court be brought back up to your room?
Yup, they were very helpful in this area. Tell them it's to-go, and they will give you extra containers/etc. to get it up there. I did this several times.
C.Ann said:
How do I go about dropping off my luggage at POP and not checking in until I get back from MK? I don't think I'll get to POP until about 6 or 6:30 in the evening and from what I understand, MK is open till 11 p.m. that night..
If you are coming that late, best bet is check in upon arrival. You don't want to be checking in at 11PM when most of the rooms are gone. Just dump your bags in your room and head out. Unpack when you get back. You will have it out of the way and be able to enjoy the MK without that monkey on your back.
C.Ann said:
Can I buy my park pass at the
Disney store in the Orlando airport?
You can, but again - best to do this before hand. Do you really wanna be schleping the airport getting your bags and then getting to the Disney store and all that? Buy them online before you go through Disney - you get a discount to boot. Then you can just check-in, drop off your bags, get on a bus, and walk straight up to the turnstyles.
C.Ann said:
Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and plain old answers would be greatly appreciated!
Just have a wonderful time! Take care of everything ahead of time you can, and then just relax and enjoy the ride (pun intended!).
Good luck!
N.E.D.
). THEY WILL DEFINITELY GIVE YOU A MAP OF THE RESORT. THEY ALSO SHOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU A MAP OF THE WDW PROPERTY (YOU MIGHT HAVE TO ASK FOR THAT ONE).
