Had A Magical Vacation, But........

[HollyJoy]

The most irritating part about our wait was that people in wheelchairs could just wheel up to the front of the line and get on first even though there were families waiting longer, holding sleeping children and standing in line forever. It would take the bus driver about five minutes per wheelchair to get them loaded, strapped in and then we would watch in disbelief at these wheelchair bound people stand up and take a bus seat leaving their wheelchair empty and taking up a bus seat. This kind of situation happened numerous times. It was really frustrating and a bummer of a way to end our day in the parks.

Sorry you had such a bad experience. I wanted to comment on your quote above. On our last trip, my FIL came with us. He has SEVERE arthritis in his feet, and while he is able to walk, choses to ride in a wheelchair when the walking is more than going from the car to the house. This way, he avoids severe pain. When we went to WDW, it was no different. He brought along his wheelchair, but when we'd get on the bus, He'd enter the bus in his wheelchair via the lift, then he'd abandon his chair (for safety reasons) and sit in a regular seat. Yes, it took a LITTLE bit longer for this, but the bus was NEVER delayed due to it. I just couldn't imagine anyone getting upset over this! Just trying to give you more perspective on "the other side". As to someone in a wheelchair being able to cut to the front of the line to board, well that's not fair, IMO, and I would have been upset too.

Thanks for the heads up on your Pop Century experience. That's one of the resorts we are considering for an upcoming trip. I may have to look into it more and rethink it!

 

[goofyfatherof2]

When I went in 01 with my mother (who could walk,but very slowly and only for very short distances)we used a wheelchair for her. The first time on a bus with her wheelchair, it did take about 5 minutes to get her strapped in, and I did get the looks from people that could not get on the bus until she was strapped in. After that when the bus arrived my wife would assist my mother into the front door of bus and I would fold up the wheelchair and go thru the backdoor with it. We didn't care about the looks, but just didn't want to wait that long for her to get belted in. That trip did show us how rude some people can be to the people that need wheelchairs, and how accomadating Disney can be.

 

[disneyloveralways]

I have to use an ECV because of my bad knees. I can't walk the length of main street without having to ice it. Yes I can get up and go a short distance. But does that mean that I have to be judged as someone who can walk and should just suffer or not come. I don't think so. WDW is for everyone. Some people can not transfer to a bus seat. I prefer not to as it takes a seat from another. But have had drivers tell me I have to. I think they don't want to strap the ECV in well enough. It is quicker to just put one strap on it and have the person transfer. Please don't judge us. You may be in this position one day. I had a bothched surgery to correct my knee and have had problems ever since.
I hate to see this I can handle it but some including children who appear healthy really have serious helath issues that only the family knows. It is not our business to know the details of others so we should not judge. Let's try to remember that and keep this thread friendly. We are all God's children.

 

[lajones81]

My family just got back from a ten day (May 2 - 11) Disney Vacation and we had a great time! But we had some major issues with the Pop Century Resort.

Starting with the bus service. There were times that it took nearly two hours to get from Magic Kingdom back to Pop and almost as long to get from any other place back to our hotel. The most irritating part about our wait was that people in wheelchairs could just wheel up to the front of the line and get on first even though there were families waiting longer, holding sleeping children and standing in line forever. It would take the bus driver about five minutes per wheelchair to get them loaded, strapped in and then we would watch in disbelief at these wheelchair bound people stand up and take a bus seat leaving their wheelchair empty and taking up a bus seat. This kind of situation happened numerous times. It was really frustrating and a bummer of a way to end our day in the parks.

The Pop Century was cutely decorated but we were greatly disappointed overall. It is very noisy! You can hear people running and walking in the rooms above you, people peeing in the bathroom next door, not to mention the toilets flushing and the shower running at all hours. And the teenagers partying out in the walkway at 3 or 4am! We will not be staying here on our next trip.

We did have a great time in the parks. My "just under" 40 inch tall niece got on all the rides she wanted to, thanks to the shoes she wearing (they had thick soles on the bottom). She LOVED Splash Mountain, Soarin, Big Thunder, and Test Track!

Mission Space scared me because of all I read on this site about it making people sick. But I went on it anyway, and it was definately not as bad as everyone said. A cast member did tell me that mothers usually are the ones who get sick because they tend to look to the side to check on their children. THAT will cause you to become dizzy. If you keep your eyes on the screen you will probably be ok. I took that advise and I enjoyed the ride and did not feel sick at all.

Overall our vacation was a great experience! Can't wait to go back (we just won't stay at Pop Century).

I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy POP. My friend and I stayed there during the spring break rush this year. However, I understand to each their own.

We absolutely loved POP and although we were traveling on our spring break (we're teachers) we found that we never had a problem with noise, buses, and had the best trip we've ever taken! I hope that you enjoy your next trip more.

As for me, I would do POP again in a heartbeat!

 

[DisneyDotty]

I'm sure the people responding on this thread are not intentionally insulting those in wheelchairs...
We often travel with my niece who is wheelchair-bound, and I have to admit I have been embarrassed to go ahead of others who have been waiting longer than we have just because she's in a wheelchair. However, many places require wheelchair passengers (and those travelling with them) to go first--usually because they need a little extra time boarding. I'd imagine this applies to the Disney buses.
I do like the idea of the rest of the party waiting in line and the person in the wheelchair boarding when it's the party's turn. I will do this next time I'm with my niece.

 

[we6clarks]

Thanks for your post. We are going to WDW the 25th and are staying at Pop. I was wondering if we should drive our car to the parks or take the shuttle. Question answered. There is no way our 4 kids 5 and under could handle 1-2 bus park to resort turn around times. Our crew can be noisy. I am sorry if we disturb anyone in advance.

 

[Metallicat]

I just gotta say that I stayed at POP last Oct. and really enjoyed the resort. I got an excellent rate on my room and loved the location. I have stayed at many of the WDW resorts from the contemporary, to the all stars. every room I have stayed in, I could hear noise from my neighbors. I have learned to take along ear plugs and they work fine. a little annoying, but people are going to be loud. try staying at the hard rock hotel. whoa! that was the loudest of any hotel that I have EVER stayed in. and wilderness lodge comes in a close second. (just my opinion folks)
when there are people partying outside your room at 3 and 4 am, call security. they will come right over and break it up. I know because I have done this before when we encountered the cheerleaders. one call, and things got quite.
I never had a problem with buses mainly because I drive to the parks except for MK, then I take the buses. yeah, they take a long time. at mickeys halloween party, it took an hour and a half to get to the room. I understand though because it was a huge party. lots of people there that night going home at the same time.
as for wheelchairs, I have no problem letting them on the bus first. hey, I would help out if they needed me BUT, when the wheelchair person has grandma, granpa, aunts, uncles, cousins with a dozen kids in their party, l think their party should have to wait like the rest of us. maybe they should just allow ONE (and only one) person with the wheelchair person to get on the bus first? just my opinion for what its worth.
btw, 3 more days and I will be back at POP. yep, liked it enough to go back

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We stayed at Pop in January and we were very pleased. The only noise we heard was an occasional toilet flush or door slamming, but it was NOT disruptive to us at all. We never waited more than about 10 minutes for a bus and that was if we had just missed one.

I think a lot of the complaints about noise stem from what you are used to at home. We live in an apartment. We have lovely neighbors and it is an upscale property, but they are still apartments. We are so used to water running and doors closing that we don't even notice. We did keep the bathroom door closed while we were at Pop and that cut down on the noise from other rooms. We were in the 70's section, 3rd floor. The only loud kids were running on the 4th floor walkway one night, one time, about 10 PM. We weren't in bed yet anyway so we didn't really care.

We really enjoyed our experience at Pop and I hope others won't be discouraged by the occasional negative report. If you read the resort boards ALL of the resorts, even the deluxe, are loud if you get inconsiderate louts in the next room.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

I tutored a College student with Cerebral Palsy who needs a wheelchair. It was such a pain trying to find the parking spot close to her building that would not involve stairs. It was a maze to get to her building with ramps and not stairs. There were secret doors (and special passwords to get them open, half kidding but it did involve calling Campus security) to get to her classroom.
Anyone in a wheelchair gets a break from me. Even a half hour advantage in every line would be cancelled out by the innumerable obstacles to everyday life.

 

[DisneyDotty]

Anyone in a wheelchair gets a break from me. Even a half hour advantage in every line would be cancelled out by the innumerable obstacles to everyday life.

Wow--what a touching and thoughtful comment! Amen. I second this.

 

[Metallicat]

Thanks for your post. We are going to WDW the 25th and are staying at Pop. I was wondering if we should drive our car to the parks or take the shuttle. Question answered. There is no way our 4 kids 5 and under could handle 1-2 bus park to resort turn around times. Our crew can be noisy. I am sorry if we disturb anyone in advance.

I hope I don't come across as being mean or hatefull, but I think it would be a good idea to teach children ahead of time that they are in an area where people are trying to sleep and be considerate of that fact. people will whisper in a library, but will let their children yell and scream in a hotel. also, there may be guests in the room next door who have driven a thousand miles to get there and who are dog tired trying to sleep in the middle of the day. and for me and my DD, we always whisper when we walk past a room. thats the way it should be for everyone. I'm sure every child old enough to hold their head up understands what "shhh" means.
btw, I know kids get loud when they get excited, but we as parents should know how to get them to calm down.

 

[DisneyDotty]

I hope I don't come across as being mean or hatefull, but I think it would be a good idea to teach children ahead of time that they are in an area where people are trying to sleep and be considerate of that fact. people will whisper in a library, but will let their children yell and scream in a hotel. also, there may be guests in the room next door who have driven a thousand miles to get there and who are dog tired trying to sleep in the middle of the day. and for me and my DD, we always whisper when we walk past a room. thats the way it should be for everyone. I'm sure every child old enough to hold their head up understands what "shhh" means.
btw, I know kids get loud when they get excited, but we as parents should know how to get them to calm down.

Not mean or hateful at all--even at Disney we can all practice some common courtesy! If only every parent shared your views...!

 

[Georgieut]

I'm not going justify why in 18 days my 77 yr grandmother will be pushed by me at WDW in a wheelchair but I will tell you she cried when a month ago she was told by her Dr. that she HAS to be in one and ya know whyb she cried because she's afraid of what people will think of her. For goodness sake. That's sad. It's her dream to go there with her great grand children and I will do everything in my power to make her feel good and fulfill that wonderful dream. If I hear comments I will comment back. Because its not right. Another reason to be loaded first is one they don't have to climb over people to get out of their chair to find a seat and also its nice to not have be embarressed in front of people who would be starring at them the whole time. Anyway I'm proud of my grandma for being brave enough to even go. We are staying at the CR so it would be easier on her. Sorry to hear your Pop experience was bad. I do hate hearing toliets flush and showers too. Good luck everyone!

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

I want to put my 2 cents in here, but it requires a story. We went in December, stayed in POP (but we always drive our car cause it's easier with the stroller - yes we have one of those HUGE strollers). Anyway, the week before we left, a case of hand, foot and mouth disease went through my son's preschool (he was 2 at the time). He caught it. Basically, it's strep throat but you get a rash with the occasional blister on your hands, feet and in your mouth. Most of the time, they say adults don't get it. Well, I did. I almost didn't get to go, but the doctor said that once the rash hits, you're not contagious anymore. So we went to Disney.

I had a severe rash on my hands and feet and also in my mouth. Made my throat hurt etc. Anyway, we walked all over Epcot the first day. By the time we got back to the hotel, my feet were hurting to the point I almost couldn't walk. I figured I had blisters, but never dreamed that it would be as bad as it got. Upon removing my shoes and socks, the rash on my feet had turned to blood blisters all over my toes and feet. It was nasty. I'm not trying to be gross - and there is a point if you keep reading.

The next morning, I could hardly walk. I weighed the option of not going to the parks, but my parents were paying for the trip (it was their Christmas present to us). So I called the front desk and asked if they thought I might be able to use a wheelchair. They told me that there were plenty of chairs at the parks and felt certain my case would warrant the use of one. When we got to the Magic Kingdom, we explained the situation. The lady told me that she had watched me walking up and thought I had some kind of severe disability because of the way I had to walk. Though mine was not permanant, my 'disability' opened my eyes to a few things.

I was surprised at how awful people treated me. I am a healthy looking person and I got sooooo many frowns and stares from people who must have thought I was being lazy. But the people who cut me off, weren't paying attention to what was going on. It was pretty bad. It opened my eyes to experience what people in wheelchairs experience every day. I know I will certainly be more aware and would encourage others to be more aware as well. People let doors go and it would slam right into the front of the little cart. They'd walk right across in front of me and I almost hit a bunch of people cause they just weren't watching.

When you're in a crowd, just be kind and at least pay attention to what is going on around you. I must say that I thanked God that I didn't have to ride in a wheelchair permanently. But, I will certainly be much more sensative to those who must deal with that every day. And I gotta say, if folks with disabilities don't have to wait in line for rides, or get in the front of the bus before me - fantastic! I have so many advantages that they'll never get to experience, and if it makes me wait a few extra minutes then I'm certainly willing!

God bless!
Mark

 

[ddlgwar]

I just returned from a stay at Pop -May 9th-13th.I was in the 90's 3rd floor overlooking the pool.I hated every minute I was there. It was the LOUDEST place I have ever stayed in.
The noise never stopped yelling ,screaming,running,pool music blaring.The food court was impossiblely loud and having it open onto the gift shop only added to the overall chaotic feeling.
I've stayed onsite 7 times in value,3 mod and 1 deluxe from value to peak season and have never had this much trouble with noise.A previous stay at ASMu during a cheerleading gathering was not this loud.
I will say that the buses were quite managable for me.The waits were not longer than 5 minutes no matter what time I was leaving the hotel.The longest I waited was 20 minutes for a return trip after MK closing.
I also agree to some extent with the wc/ECV issue.Not the wait for them to be loaded-take all the time needed to get them in safely,not their going to the front of the line-I'd rather wait than be disabled but that their entire party gets on.On 1 wait for a MK bus,3 wc/ECV's came to the line.After they were boarded their parties were boarded.The bus was then FILLED.Literally not a seat to be had.Unless it is a family with small kids-the wc/EVC user should be boarded with 1 or 2 people to be with them and the rest of the group should get in line and wait like the rest of us.If they end up all on the same bus-great.If not wait for the next bus-like the rest of us.
I read the boards daily but only post occasionally.Hopefully this wasn't to long or to harsh.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I was at Pop a couple of weeks ago.

1) Noise was not a problem (we were in one of the '70's bldgs close to the lake)

2) The food court was just insane. They just don't seem set up to serve anywhere near the number of people at the resort. While I would stay at PC again, I will not eat at the food court any time near "normal" dining hours.

3) The bus service was very good except for at park closing times. At MK one night after Spectro the PC bus queue was humongous. We kept waiting for a a bus, but one didn't come for PC for quite a while. While waiting my DD says she has to go to the potty "right now". I figured our best play was to hope for a quick bus and get to the PC quick. WDW sends THREE buses. All three try to cram into the one bus slot. Two buses (inlcuding the one we are one) collide. We wait for new buses. DD starts crying, but she makes it to the potty at PC.
I say all this to illustrate a SEVERE AND URGENT NEED for more infrastructure at parks and at the resort itself if PC is going to continue to reasonably serve its guests. I think that would alleviate a lot of the bus frustration that the OP expressed. Prompt, safe bus service is not too much to ask at any time -including park closing. Nor is a food court designed to accomodate the actual number of guests who are at the resort. I hope Disney sees to these deficiencies soon enough to save the reputation of what is really a neat, promising value resort.

 

[justhat]

I'm sorry you didn't have a great stay at Pop. We stayed there for 1 night last May and while we did get noise from someone repeatedly knocking on the door to the next room (literally for about 30 minutes-hello, they're obviously not there!!) we otherwise enjoyed the resort. We took a walk around and thought the theming was very cute.

We have had similar experiences on the buses that you mention so I can understand what you mean. I have no complaints about how long it takes to load a wheelchair on, but do think it's unfair for the wheelchair user's entire party to board the bus without waiting in line. And yes, I have travelled with my grandmother to Disney when she was alive and she needed a wheelchair so I am not biased. Last month we were waiting for a bus back to AKl from MK and there was 1 woman in a wheelchair waiting at the front of the line before we arrived (we were about the 8th family in line). After about 15 minutes, there was a very long line when a bus pulled up and while people were getting off another wheelchair family showed up. The bus driver came out to load on the1st elderly woman, who said she could sit in a seat so she walked onto the bus and the driver folded her chair and loaded it on. She and the other 2 people in their party sat near their chair. The bus driver then asked the next woman (the one who got there the same time as the bus) if she could get out of her chair too so it could be folded to make more room and she looked at her travel party and asked them if she could get out. If she were truly unable to, she would not have had to think about it at all, let alone confer with her family. They decided she had to stay in her chair so the driver loaded her on and strapped her in and her whole family (8 other people) got on. By the time he was done, another wheelchair guest and very large party got in line. The bus driver loaded them on next. By the time those 2 parties got on (not the 1st woman who was actually waiting in line) and the people ahead of us got on, it was standing room only.

I understand why wheelchairs need to be loaded on before other guests, since they have to be strapped in, rolled onto the bus, etc., but these people did not wait at all. Given the size of the line they should have had to wait for the next bus (actually, I really think the line at that point was so long it should have been the 3rd bus that they got on). It would be fair to have someone in their party go through the regular line, then when they get to the front the wheelchair can be loaded on. If people are already on the bus and they can't fit then they should wait for the next bus like anyone else has to. The trips with my grandmother were in November, the week before Thanksgiving about 10-15 years ago, so this was never an issue for us since there were never more than 10 people on any bus we took, but this is definitely how we would handle the situation if it were to arise now.

 

[bytheblood]

I am sorry to hear about your poor experiences at Pop Century but I have to take issue with what you wrote here. I am trying to type what i am feeling about what you wrote but I have to be honest, these statements, in my opinion are ignorant and hurtful. Complaining about an extra 5min wait that gives someone with a disability access to the great place that is WDW to me is too much to me. You are not that person and you do not know what challenges they face. And as far as getting up and taking a seat, many times it is not safe for an individual to remain in their mobility device on a moving bus. I know that several of the ECV providers require the users to not sit in the ECV when on a bus. I would also say that not all disabilities are something you may be able to "see" easily.

And as far as it being "frustrating and a bummer "? Imagine how frustrating and hurtful it is to be the person who uses the wheelchair/ECV so that they can experience their vacations and day to day life and then has to hear people making ignorant comments about them and glaring at them because of the 5min it takes to get the wheelchair/ECV onto the bus. I say all these things as someone who has had to use a wheelchair/ECV and is "glad" to know that there are such "understanding" people out there.

I'll end this here and I am sorry if it comes off as a rant. I do not devalue your frustration and I know a long day in the parks is tiring to everyone. I just think that a little more acceptance and understanding on the part of many people in this world would go a long way.

Mike

Very nicely and respectfully said. I could not agree more.

 

[bytheblood]

I'm not going justify why in 18 days my 77 yr grandmother will be pushed by me at WDW in a wheelchair but I will tell you she cried when a month ago she was told by her Dr. that she HAS to be in one and ya know whyb she cried because she's afraid of what people will think of her. For goodness sake. That's sad. It's her dream to go there with her great grand children and I will do everything in my power to make her feel good and fulfill that wonderful dream. If I hear comments I will comment back. Because its not right. Another reason to be loaded first is one they don't have to climb over people to get out of their chair to find a seat and also its nice to not have be embarressed in front of people who would be starring at them the whole time. Anyway I'm proud of my grandma for being brave enough to even go. We are staying at the CR so it would be easier on her. Sorry to hear your Pop experience was bad. I do hate hearing toliets flush and showers too. Good luck everyone!

Give your granny a hug for me and tell her that a complete stranger loves her and hopes she has a wonderful time in WDW with her family and will be praying for her.

On another note, I agree. I would comment back as well. I personally have no issue with waiting for somebody who is not as abled as myself to be loaded first. I have arthritis on both of my knees (and I am young) and at times, they hurt like crazy, but I am thankful that I can walk and the pain is minimal. I thank God that I am not in a wheelchair and that I can enjoy life. We should all be so blessed.

 

[the kabuki]

1-if a person has to be in a wheelchair for any reason,visible or not, than I will gladly let them go ahead me and thank God while I do that I'm able to go on my own two legs!

2-POP is very loud. Especially if you're facing the pools

3-Rent a car, Rent a car, Rent a car. Did this last trip and it was terrific! No more buses for me ever!!! Go where I want , when I want, and don't have to stand while getting there!!!