From POFQ to Pop Century

[Mrs. D]

I need help!!! We are going to WDW 7/22-29, I had the plans set, staying at the POFQ because I’d researched…it’s a moderate…we can afford it. All good things about the property. BUT we are a family of 4 DH, myself, DS 5 almost 6, and DD 4….

So, in doing research, my family has gotten involved. Lo and behold, my CHILDREN have been looking at various sites w/ me, and want to stay at the Pop. Obviously cheaper, so DH is cool w/ it…but I don’t know. Based on your actual travel experience, what do you think? Would I regret this move? I am open to ANY comment…

 

[wilde_oscar]

Well I would say it depends on your touring style at WDW... are you going to hang out at your resort, or are you going to see the parks? How much of the day can the little ones handle the crowds and the heat?

We are two "adults" that go down during the slow time in sept. and would rather the Value resort as we spend all our time in the parks, etc. from 7am to 10-11 at night we are out and about, some times stopping back at the room to change cloths. So a bigger more expensive room is a waste, and we can spend more on stuff.

With little ones... you should plan a break in the day for a nap. how much room are you going to need for nap time? Is the extra ~40sq. ft. going to be worth the ~$60 a night? Along with that compare pools, will the kids want to spend a lot of time at the pool, are ya going to TL or BB? If ya forgo the water parks, and want to splash in the pool in the afternoons maybe the better pool with be worth it?

For us, the cheap room is fine, we goto TL instead of the hotel pool and pretty much use the room to sleep and thats it.

 

[pixdust]

My feelings would be if you can afford POFQ-stay there. Not only can your family enjoy the pool and amenities there, but you can go to POR and enjoy that pool as well. Everything looks fun at POP, but I was reading that the bus stops at the Parks are the farthest away of any other resort. At the end of the day with little ones that can be like walking miles. I was planning on staying at POP in August, but after I read about the bus stop walk, I am thinking if that $200 + I would save is worth the pain in my legs at the end of the day and wondering if I can walk another step. But, that said, POP looks like it would be a complete hoot to stay their with smaller kids. I only have 1 child and he doesn't seem to care where we stay as long as there is a pool.
Either place you stay it will be fun.

 

[Mrs. D]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[CinRell]

I love love love love love POFQ.. the kids will too. The aligators along the walkway and the boat ride are great! I may have to do POP for a family trip in the future but am planning a trip for just me and my mom in 08... and while it's morein my budget for pop I'm going to penny pinch to do POFQ.

 

[gcrw11]

We just got back on Sunday from POP. We've stayed there several times and of all the value resorts, that is our preference. Great atmosphere, and fun for all. My opinion, why spend alot of money on a bed. That's pretty much what you are paying for. We spend most of our time at the parks. As far as the pool, will the kids know the difference if they've never been? My kids always have fun in the pools at Pop. We've stayed at moderate resorts and the cabins at FW and to me a pool is a pool when it comes to kids.
My favorite place of all to stay is the cabins at FW just because of the atmosphere and at home feeling there but we usually stay at POP so that we cant spend more money at the parks.
Either way, have fun.

 

[nbodyhome]

They are both nice resorts. I am 40 and actually really enjoy just hanging out at the Pop, walking in the morning, etc. POR is lovely and there is even more walking there - but I bet your kids would love the Pop, I like their food court the best too.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[grumpytx]

Ok I'll chime in with my two cents worth. It sounds like this is your first trip, right? As others have already pointed out you will probably be spending alot of time in the parks, little time at the resort, so in essence all you will do is sleep there and hit the pool a few times. If this is your first time look around and take notes and maybe stay at a moderate next trip, we stayed at All Star Movies our first two times on property and have no complaints. By the way if this is your first trip don't forget to make ADRs(Advanced Dining Reservations) through WDW Dine, it's a great experience for the kids.

 

[Mrs. D]

Thanks for all the advice, I think I'm going to try the Pop...

 

[Suzanne74]

kids LOVE Pop - it is a lot of fun. More pools, goofy water jet pay area, huge arcade, huge food court etc... It feels very Disney. I know there are sometimes issues with buses though - but there are at a lot of resorts. The main suggestion is, if it is the end of the night, have DH run ahead and get in line for the bus. Get the kids some drinks or ice cream and stroll along and meet up with him. DH and I did this and it worked like a charm.

You will love love POP - great decision!

 

[Mrs. D]

I changed the ressie to the Pop annnnnnd added a night