For those staying at POP

[WINTER]

how does the resort feel during the week? Crowded? Busy? I've been looking at rates for October. It seems you either pay roughly $150 for POP or jump to $400's and up at other resorts. Not sure where to stay. I want a resort with quick service and at least some disney theming.

 

[DSLRuser]

$400 and up is so worth it for what you get......I think I would be a hard pass at any value resorts.

especially if they keep doing reduced occupancy on busses

 

[nkereina]

We're going in October and are booked for Pop. I haven't been thrilled at the reports of the long bus lines there, but the Skyliner helps to offset that. If I have to Uber for MK, AK, and Disney Springs, then so be it. I'm going into the trip trying to keep an open mind and understand that everything about it is going to be different. Because of that, I'm not willing to spend the extra money for another resort right now, especially when some resort amenities and dining options are closed.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

$400 and up is so worth it for what you get......I think I would be a hard pass at any value resorts.

especially if they keep doing reduced occupancy on busses

Speak for yourself. I can't think of any hotel room that would be worth $400/night. $200+ per night (difference between Pop and the higher tier above) can buy me a lot of other conveniences like private transportation if the buses look full and still have money left over for more pins and ears.

 

[bclittle]

If you are debating, consider staying at Pop and budgeting for Uber/Lyft rides. That would still be less than $400 a night and then you can take the Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios! I have heard the bus lines have been long all over, so if you aren't planning on being at the resort a lot, save the money and stay at Pop.

 

[ezma]

Everyone knows what they can afford. We have stayed at every resort except for the G.F. We are planning on going next fall ( that is if they get rid of the mask mandate). I have a travel agent and with their discount he was able to book me next Oct.22-30 at Pop 3 adults standard room for $212.00 a night that included tax. He also priced out a standard wing room at the Contemporary it was over $600.00 a night ,the wing!!!.. ouch! We used to stay in the tower M.K. view and I never payed that price . I get it prices go up & business is down ,but Iam sorry cant and wont do it! Now If its your first time ever going to the Magic and I can see going for it! We were there this last Feb. at the Yacht ,and I payed standard room around $425.00 a night 3 adults. Good luck on your decision.

 

[lilypgirl]

We stayed there back in July for a few nights. It was OK. The wait for food after ordering was sometimes over 45 minutes and usually the order was incorrect. The staff was just meh except for bell services they were AMAZING. There were literally people everywhere so if you are strict on social distancing run don't walk away from there. The plus was the sky liner we made it back from HWS in 8 minutes. That was the highlight of our stay there. Love Disney and glad we were able to go this summer but will hold off on our yearly trip until things are back to normal.

 

[Selket]

how does the resort feel during the week? Crowded? Busy? I've been looking at rates for October. It seems you either pay roughly $150 for POP or jump to $400's and up at other resorts. Not sure where to stay. I want a resort with quick service and at least some disney theming.

I suggest checking out the Swan/Dolphin. I did a quick check for 4 nights in mid-October and it's around $200 a night plus taxes (becoming a Marriott member is free and usually gets you a bit lower rate as well). We stayed at the Dolphin in October and I'm a super Disney nerd (like most ppl here) and really had a top notch experience. You'd be within walking distance of Epcot and DHS and still be saving money to take transport to MK or AK if you didn't want to do the bus. Plus you get the feel of a deluxe. It's also great to be able to walk over to the Boardwalk at night or to the BC/YC, etc. Just so many options there.

I love Pop and have stayed there a lot - the redone rooms are lovely - but I've come to find the amount of people and crowding and noise there just wears on me (this was pre-Covid). From what I've read about how it is now, I think the social distancing and other things would be a hard nope for me staying there at the moment. Recently a WDW live streamer I follow on YouTube went there to eat and it was so bad that they turned around and left (just the crowding and everyone trying to get into the food court - people not social distancing, etc). YMMV on that part.

 

[FlynnStone]

I suggest checking out the Swan/Dolphin. I did a quick check for 4 nights in mid-October and it's around $200 a night plus taxes (becoming a Marriott member is free and usually gets you a bit lower rate as well). We stayed at the Dolphin in October and I'm a super Disney nerd (like most ppl here) and really had a top notch experience. You'd be within walking distance of Epcot and DHS and still be saving money to take transport to MK or AK if you didn't want to do the bus. Plus you get the feel of a deluxe. It's also great to be able to walk over to the Boardwalk at night or to the BC/YC, etc. Just so many options there.

Swan/Dolphin are very nice, just be aware of the $30/day Resort Fee on TOP of the quoted price. Also, self-parking is $27 a night. That can add up fast.

 

[JamieS.]

I am booked for the first time at Pop this November. Normally I stay at a moderate resort. We really would like to experience the Skyliner. I have never stayed at Caribbean beach and since it has reopened I’m considering an upgrade. Thoughts?

 

[Anna Sofia]

We stayed there back in July for a few nights. It was OK. The wait for food after ordering was sometimes over 45 minutes and usually the order was incorrect. The staff was just meh except for bell services they were AMAZING. There were literally people everywhere so if you are strict on social distancing run don't walk away from there. The plus was the sky liner we made it back from HWS in 8 minutes. That was the highlight of our stay there. Love Disney and glad we were able to go this summer but will hold off on our yearly trip until things are back to normal.

Yikes. We are planning to stay in September and was really hoping there wouldn’t be “people everywhere”. Pools crowded too, I’m assuming??Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[StageTek]

Yikes. We are planning to stay in September and was really hoping there wouldn’t be “people everywhere”. Pools crowded too, I’m assuming??

Going in Sept, too. This had been a concern with POP being the only Value Resort available. Sure, fewer than usual will be going but everyone will be in this one resort. How can it not be crazy crowded...

 

[Anna Sofia]

I guess I was hopeful with school starting, September being a typical less-crowded month, and Covid still high here in Florida it wouldn’t be too bad. But you’re right-only one value resort being open overrides all that:/

 

[fabfemmeboy]

I guess I was hopeful with school starting, September being a typical less-crowded month, and Covid still high here in Florida it wouldn’t be too bad. But you’re right-only one value resort being open overrides all that:/

I suspect (but can't guarantee) that it will slow down a bit in September, though given that fewer families have been going to the parks than usual (more adults without children present) I'm not sure how much the school year will impact crowds. It doesn't help that September is still before a couple other lower-priced resorts open because the sports bubbles won't be done yet (Coronado opens in October, Dolphin opens sometime in September IIRC?) that might help disburse guests a bit. Right now, for rooms under $500/night, it's Pop or Swan or jump $130 a night to CBR...

 

[lilypgirl]

Yikes. We are planning to stay in September and was really hoping there wouldn’t be “people everywhere”. Pools crowded too, I’m assuming??Thanks for sharing your experience.

Yes pools were very crowded.

 

[Flynn_Rider]

I’d say stay at Pop and rent a car. Should still be cheaper than paying for a deluxe

 

[Dug720]

I guess I was hopeful with school starting,

But with so many schools being remote, I suspect there may be parents who otherwise wouldn't take their kids out of school that may entertain a visit since school can go with them - especially if the times the kids actually have to be live is limited.

 

[Anna Sofia]

But with so many schools being remote, I suspect there may be parents who otherwise wouldn't take their kids out of school that may entertain a visit since school can go with them - especially if the times the kids actually have to be live is limited.

Like me