Help me decide between Pop and CBR

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

Going for a quick (Thu-Sun) first time solo trip and currently booked for Pop. Just saw availability at CBR for $45/night more than Pop. I haven’t stayed at either since the Skyliner opened or the room refurbs at each resort.
Since my trip is quick, I don’t plan on spending a day at the resort but maybe walk around in the evenings. I plan on spending my park days at MK and EPCOT. I wasn’t sure if CBR had an advantage since it is the hub for the Skyliner? Also have read the new rooms at Pop are great so I am having a hard time deciding.
Would you spend the extra $150 to upgrade to CBR or stay at Pop?
Please share your thoughts/opinions.

 

[figmentfinesse]

I have heard Pop has been crushed with people. I upgraded for my trip last months after reading some horror stories. Personally for that price I would. The grounds are gorgeous, and I loved having a hot tub available. Being the main hub for the skyliner, it was really nice to just fly over with no transfers. I also really enjoyed the short walk over to Riviera for their food and ambience. Banana Cabana art CBR has some amazing drinks and food. I would definitely switch for that price. Assuming you book standard, I can't recommend a Jamaica request enough. Our wait for an 8 am bus to MK was very short every time, it's very close to the skyliner and maybe 5-6 minute walk to Centertown over the beautiful little island. Definitely more scenic than pop!

 

[wendy3]

And I would not switch! We were at Pop in August and it was not crowded at all. Perhaps things have changed and now it's packed, but I would be surprised. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus to AK or MK, and rode the Skyliner to Epcot and DS, again never waiting for more than 5-10 minutes. The new rooms at Pop are great - plenty of space. I'm coming back in October for a solo trip as well and staying at Pop again. But then, I don't use the pools or a hot tub (not THAT comfortable with the whole Covid potential). CBR is more scenic, but Pop is fun to walk around as well. Personally, I would rather spend that $150 on fun shopping. Personal preference!

 

[Kae]

Stay with Pop.

 

[figmentfinesse]

And I would not switch! We were at Pop in August and it was not crowded at all. Perhaps things have changed and now it's packed, but I would be surprised. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus to AK or MK, and rode the Skyliner to Epcot and DS, again never waiting for more than 5-10 minutes. The new rooms at Pop are great - plenty of space. I'm coming back in October for a solo trip as well and staying at Pop again. But then, I don't use the pools or a hot tub (not THAT comfortable with the whole Covid potential). CBR is more scenic, but Pop is fun to walk around as well. Personally, I would rather spend that $150 on fun shopping. Personal preference!

Did you happen to stay on the weekend? I have seen some INSANE pictures of the bus lines!

 

[emsstacey]

The only thing I really miss at a value is the hot tub... but when I was at CBR- it was cold. THe food looks like better selections at Pop, too.

 

[figmentfinesse]

Here is a photo posted on FB yesterday to the pop group. They said this was the magic kingdom bus line. Insanity!

 

[UATahoe]

We have always enjoyed PoP but our last trip seemed much more crowded. Our trip prior was at CBR and we really enjoyed it. If choosing, we would probably go with CBR

 

[Pyxie]

I'm struggling with this decision too. It's $58 more per night for my trip and we only have 2 nights so the overall price seems negligible.

 

[Julie Amber]

I would switch to CBR. We just got back from Pop on Sunday, and although we had a great time, the Skyliner lines were ridiculous and it is PACKED over there. Not switching skylines halfway through your travel will save you about 30 minutes in travel time each day there and another 30 back.

 

[SarahC97]

Just FYI, the rooms at CBR were not refurbished when they did major construction at the resort a few years ago. I think the last refurbishment was 2015 or so -- in case that is part of your decision making. The rooms at Pop are a bit nicer but I have also heard it's been incredibly crowded there lately. Plus, if you plan to use the Skyliner for rope drop (especially to DHS) be aware you have to take the Skyliner from Pop to the hub at CBR and then take it to EP or DHS. At the hub, you have to get into a line for DHS or Epcot and it can take a while -- took us an hour from getting in line at CBR to actually getting on a skyliner one morning, so beware. Not especially fast in the morning, so staying at CBR does cut a leg off of that trip.

 

[JessietheNCCowgirl]

I'm struggling with this decision too. It's $58 more per night for my trip and we only have 2 nights so the overall price seems negligible.

Thank you so much everyone for your input and sharing your experiences - I really appreciate it. I went ahead and switched my Pop standard view reservation to CBR standard view. It was a bit of a struggle to decide because I think the rooms at Pop look new and fresh and it is cheaper, but I really like the theming at CBR and appreciate the fact that the Skyliner hub is there. When I visit WDW I enjoy walking around the resort at night and CBR just seems peaceful to me. Also, want to check out the Riviera so ultimately decided on CBR.

@figmentfinesse that Pop bus line picture - wow! Thanks for sharing.

 

[DebbieB]

A friend and I are going next week. We had a res at Pop but after seeing the long lines, we moved to CBR. I always had a fondness for CBR but it’s been awhile. She has never stayed there. I’ve never stayed at Pop, it just seems too “loud”. I made the comment that CBR is more “adult”. Looking forward to it!

 

[SarahC97]

Thank you so much everyone for your input and sharing your experiences - I really appreciate it. I went ahead and switched my Pop standard view reservation to CBR standard view. It was a bit of a struggle to decide because I think the rooms at Pop look new and fresh and it is cheaper, but I really like the theming at CBR and appreciate the fact that the Skyliner hub is there. When I visit WDW I enjoy walking around the resort at night and CBR just seems peaceful to me. Also, want to check out the Riviera so ultimately decided on CBR.

@figmentfinesse that Pop bus line picture - wow! Thanks for sharing.

I think you made a good choice. You'll really enjoy CBR -- it's a beautiful resort!

 

[figmentfinesse]

Thank you so much everyone for your input and sharing your experiences - I really appreciate it. I went ahead and switched my Pop standard view reservation to CBR standard view. It was a bit of a struggle to decide because I think the rooms at Pop look new and fresh and it is cheaper, but I really like the theming at CBR and appreciate the fact that the Skyliner hub is there. When I visit WDW I enjoy walking around the resort at night and CBR just seems peaceful to me. Also, want to check out the Riviera so ultimately decided on CBR.

@figmentfinesse that Pop bus line picture - wow! Thanks for sharing.

I also read someone got in line at 7:50 for an MK bus and were far enough back in line they were bus #9! I also really enjoyed visiting Riviera and eating at Prima Piatto. Great vibes over there. Enjoy your stay!! You will love it.

 

[Shellyred8]

I would switch to CBR. We just got back from Pop on Sunday, and although we had a great time, the Skyliner lines were ridiculous and it is PACKED over there. Not switching skylines halfway through your travel will save you about 30 minutes in travel time each day there and another 30 back.

Were the skyliner lines long all day? Or just around park opening and closings?

 

[Shellyred8]

Thank you so much everyone for your input and sharing your experiences - I really appreciate it. I went ahead and switched my Pop standard view reservation to CBR standard view. It was a bit of a struggle to decide because I think the rooms at Pop look new and fresh and it is cheaper, but I really like the theming at CBR and appreciate the fact that the Skyliner hub is there. When I visit WDW I enjoy walking around the resort at night and CBR just seems peaceful to me. Also, want to check out the Riviera so ultimately decided on CBR.

@figmentfinesse that Pop bus line picture - wow! Thanks for sharing.

Riviera's quick serve is pretty decent. They have some different menu items than what you will find most other places. We went there one night for a break from the burgers and hot dogs!