From DVC to Pop - need advice

[roselark]

Well, I did have a lovely DVC ressie at AKV for a solo trip from 4-28 to 5-4. My husband agreed a couple of weeks ago to go with me during marathon weekend (I will be attempting the half ). He has not been with me since we purchased DVC and I wanted to make this trip special. I decided to cancel the ressies for my solo trip to free up the points for January. I booked a savanna view room and waitlisted for concierge.

Anyway, I booked POP for my upcoming trip instead since I got a good AP rate. Problem is that I have never stayed at a value, and now that I have started planning, I am realizing that I have gotten used to the amenities that DVC rooms offer.

So, here are a couple of questions.

I want to still get my workouts in. Is there a decent running trail? (I did not see anything about a fitness center).

I normally purchase a 2-liter of diet coke and keep it in the fridge, but since I won't have one, I am thinking about getting a mug. I have not had one since my first trip several years ago. Is there just the one place to refiill it? Assuming I get the farthest room out, is it much of a walk to get a refill?

Any other DVCers stay at values periodically? Do you have any suggestions that will help me make the most out of this stay? I am actually looking forward to this. I have loved the pics I have seen.

I will be practicing my photography skills on this trip. Anyone have a favorite spot or icon they love to photograph at POP?

 

[ToddyLu]

Hi, we love Pop. yes, there are very nice sidewalks around the property for jogging. They are very clean and not too crowded. You can rent a fridge for about $10 or so a day. We have never done that and DH is very good at procurring ice for the bucket. The rooms are clean and the staff very nice that I have found. The food court is a good size with several options and the gift shop is nice as well. The drink stations are in the food court only. So if you carry a bag to the park, maybe you could stick the mug in there and get your drink coming and going.

You may want to request a room away from the pools or on the back of the building for quiet. We also do not mind getting a room on the third floor where it is quiet. The elevators and vending have always been convienent. There will be more milling about, children excited and people lugging suitcases back and forth. It just isn't the same ambience as a DVC resort. But I can see you guys having a great time. The lobby is full of memorabilia.

Pop became our fav Value. You may have a favorite movie so you could stay in that building. It really is a colorful fun resort. You might could say it was a little worn at the edges, but we were always satisfied. Take it for what it is and have a great time. After all, it is WDW!!

 

[princessbride6205]

I have not been bothered by lack of amenities at the values. My biggest problem has always been the noise while trying to sleep. Sometimes this is just a very minor nuisance and other times it actually prevents me from sleeping. Perhaps some earplugs would be useful to you. I can often hear people in the rooms on either side or above, plus people walking/running just outside. I would request top floor to avoid some of the noise.

I have found the food court very quick to get to regardless of building. Some of the DVC resort rooms are much further from their lobbies! I like the resort mug, especially at a value.

There are lots of great pop icons and theming - take a little time to explore and I'm sure you'll find things to shoot. It also depends what era you like - there is a giant 8-track, Rubik's Cube, old-school laptop, jukebox, etc. I think If you walked around the entire resort, stopping to take a lot of pictures, you could do it in an hour.

I don't know much about exercising at Pop, but I'm almost certain there is a running path.

I think if you just manage your expectations, you will have a good visit. There are often lots of groups, busy food court, and quite basic rooms. Definitely bring your own toiletries - there is bar soap and a shampoo/conditioner in one. Bath towels are a little thin and small. In years past I have had less than clean rooms, but last month my room was in very good shape.