Hope I'm not spoiled! Need Value fans' input!

[disneycrazy2004]

We stayed last September at All Star Music and just loved. The only time we were in the room was to sleep or change.
There were always kids running around and at night when we come back to the hotel at 11 pm there will be so many kids in the pool, so we would always jump in the pool for awhile before bed. Never had to worry about noise or disturbing other people. My kids 10 and 7 just loved it.
Next September we are going back to All Star sports (kids picked it out) and just can't wait.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've been to all resort levels from concierge at CR & Poly to Pop and ASMo. I really enjoy the value resorts. I'm not a fan of the moderates. They are too spread out for me and the rooms really aren't that much bigger. The moderates have 2 sinks vs 1 in the value but that makes the actual bathroom in the moderates smaller-to make room for the 2nd sink outside the bathroom. I find it easier to bath my children in the roomier value bathrooms.

I also like the foodcourt at the Pop better than moderates for my picky eater. The values have much needed PBJ sandwhiches and hot dogs. I also like that Pop has all the food in the food courts. At the moderates some of the food items (like 1/2 gallon of milk) are in the gift shops.

I have always had great service at Pop. The bus service is also great at Pop. I like that there is no bus sharing and only 1 stop with queues. The moderates and deluxe bus stops have no queues and it got crazy in them mornings sometimes at POR with folks getting onto the busses.

And I love the frozen coke as part of the refillable mug at Pop.

 

[Magic2000]

We've stayed at the values, moderates, and deluxes (Boardwallk Inn & Wilderness Lodge being my two favorites), but we've stayed at Movies, Music, and Pop and we really do like those hotels too! We've been with two adults and two children, and a stroller in the room. It really wasn't a problem for us.

I found that keeping the room organized helped us not feel cramped (even in the mods or deluxes). We put our clothes away, then put the suitcases near the sink (under the area where you hang your clothes). Shoes are kept neatly in the area near the connecting room door. The bag of snacks and stuff were kept next to the table & chairs. Ice chest goes under the window. When we traveled with a stroller, we kept it opened and put it in the same area as our shoes, so it was out of the way.

We've been really lucky, in all our travels, that we've never had really noisy neighbors. Oh, a few times we might have heard them in the early morning, and sometimes when they let the door slam (with the lock thing keeping it from shutting completely) - but that even happens in the mods & deluxes.

We'll be back at Pop for two weeks this summer and we can't wait!

 

[waynesgirl]

DH and I stayed at ASMo couple of times, w/o kids, and we like it just fine. However, I do agree with the posters-it is very kid-friendly in the theme, pools and dining especially. Now, I also agree that every single time we went, it seems there was a lot of inconsiderate parents there-I guess you pay less you feel entitled to be a slob and rude, and let your kids run like they own the place. But, even though the rooms are small, they are so nicely decorated and buses run there a lot!!!!!

 

[maggieb9975]

Myself and 3 DD's age 14 spent 5 days at the Pop. If 4 females were able to share a room amd BATHROOM it is aokay in my book. The sink outside the bathroom makes a big difference. Yes it was tight but manageable.

I think where your room is makes a big difference too. We made sure to be on the top floor so no running kids over our heads and we had a room facing away from pool.

We really liked the food court. My girls liked how close everything was. (we were in the 50's )..they really enjoyed all the food there and drink choices.

If you are just spending time at parks and sleeping then I consider the extra money for Mod or deluxe a waste. However if part of your vacation includes a downtime spent in hotel then I would go for mod or deluxe. The theming is great at Pop but pools,other than shape, are pretty basic and no hottubs!

We were going to Universal Studios after WDW and staying at Hard Rock...because they have the "Express" for hotel guest we were planning to spend much more time at hotel, so we wanted more room and nicer pools.

I do like a nice hotel and as I said we knew we were going to a nicer hotel afterwards. It really depends on each families individual needs....

If needs are just parks and sleeping...you can't go wrong with the Pop!

If the "hotel" is part of the vacation go to a Mod or deluxe.....

 

[rdevine10]

We have stayed at Pop several times and love it. (and Ill preface that by saying when outside Disney we usually stay in 4 star hotels.)

The key is organizing the room to maximize the space.

We make use of all the space. We put the pack and play next to the bed and the bathroom wall (it will fit, its tight but works)

We keep the double stroller near the window.

We put suitcases in the closet area and under the bathroom vanity. We use the tops of the entertainement center as storage as well (last time we put our britax car seat on top of it all week to get it out of the way).

We always travel with a small fan to block out room/bathroom noises. I put it near the pack n play (wall between bedroom and bathroom). Helped that it was near the baby to, so if we made otehr noise in the room, she still slept.

Pop is fun. Its not a deluxe, but the bus service IMO is good! Rooms are smaller, but doable.

Also, I personally prefer a standard room at Pop. I dont like being poolfront, I prefer the quieter locations and we dont mind the extra walking... FYI, our last room there was in the 80s... I dont think it could of been a farther walk to the Food court or busses... and it was less than 5 min (we cut across the parking lot for the busses).

Pop is great IMO.... works for our needs right now.... and its easy on the budget!

 

[maggieb9975]

To OP I didn't answer a few of your questions....

We found bus transportation great in mornings but when parks closed sometimes the wait seemed endless and I found the value resorts buses at the parks seem to be in Siberia.

2 nights we actually took a cab back. Once because one of my girls got horrendously sick at Mission to Mars we had to take her out in a wheelchair!! It was terrible...so we definately needed a cab...the other time after Fantasmic we were all really tired and the lineup for buses seemed endless. I think the line STARTED in Siberia the cost was only $15.00 each time...well worth it for me.

Mousekeeping was great..no problems at all..we needed extra pillows and they were there in 20 minutes.......had towel animals every day.....we left note one day asking for extra shampoo and they left us 10 bottles! Now I did leave tip each day so that may have helped...one side note ; they didn't have any hair conditioner so make sure you bring your own...we had to buy some....

 

[rdevine10]

Also, I just wanted to add that when we got home from our vacation, our house feels SO big again (ha ha). Told DH all we needed was a week in a hotel all together and now our 1700 sq feels like a mansion!

 

[karajeboo]

We went from Boardwalk to POP and loved it! We are park commandos and only use the resort for sleep and a couple of swims (like you are planning). For the difference in price (roughly $1200 for 6 nights!) is is totally worth it! We're trying a moderate this month for a short weekend stay, and then back to POP for 6 nights in May and I have absolutely no worries! Mousekeeping is great, the rooms are clean, the grounds are clean - it's Disney!!!! And the busses are great, too. Have no fear!

 

[MinnieTink]

To OP I didn't answer a few of your questions....

We found bus transportation great in mornings but when parks closed sometimes the wait seemed endless and I found the value resorts buses at the parks seem to be in Siberia.

2 nights we actually took a cab back. Once because one of my girls got horrendously sick at Mission to Mars we had to take her out in a wheelchair!! It was terrible...so we definately needed a cab...the other time after Fantasmic we were all really tired and the lineup for buses seemed endless. I think the line STARTED in Siberia the cost was only $15.00 each time...well worth it for me.

Mousekeeping was great..no problems at all..we needed extra pillows and they were there in 20 minutes.......had towel animals every day.....we left note one day asking for extra shampoo and they left us 10 bottles! Now I did leave tip each day so that may have helped...one side note ; they didn't have any hair conditioner so make sure you bring your own...we had to buy some....

First of all, OMG, your poor daughter!!!! I rode Mission Space ONCE and didn't like the way I felt afterwards, so that is it for me. But you must have been so worried.

The other thing... My husband and I stayed at an All Stars resort a while ago, just the two of us. I remember thinking, everytime that we left a park, that our bus stop would be, as you say, "in siberia!!!" Then, we didn't ask for any preferred location, and when we got back to the resort, it felt like we had to walk forever to get to our room. I was pregnant at the time, so I was a bit crabby about that. I'll have to get Preferred location, I guess, this time, to alleviate that.

Thanks to all for the input. I think we will go for Pop. We'll go budget this time, while we can.

 

[pixie2416]

We've stayed at value, moderate & deluxe and always have a great time no matter where we stay. Each has their good & bad points. If the choice is value resort or stay home, I'd pick value resort every time!

 

[maggieb9975]

Hi there,
Yep. Mission to Mars was a disaster...I was REALLY worried she upchucked so many times I thought she would lose her stomach lining and she was so weak and dizzy the wheelchair was the only option.

The Castmembers at the ride were AWESOME they were so concerned...offered to get a medic...got her the wheelchair...stayed with us for the 1 1/2 hrs until she was ready to be moved.....I felt so sorry for her...the next day she still felt queasy and just hung by the pool....I also felt guilty 'cause we were waffling on wether she should go or not...she has gotten sick on rides before....I sure made the wrong decision...and during the ride I could hear her getting sick but couln't help her 'cause i was feeling queasy and knew if I took my eyes off the screen I would be in no shape to help her...it was the looongest ride of my life...I just kept saying....hold on Amy..it will be over soon!!!

As far as preferred location, the 50's or 70's buildings are right beside the preferred building 60's so if you can get these buildings I didn't see any need to pay extra, plus it was busier around the 60's pool......I asked a few days prior for a room in the '50's or 60's closest to bus on top floor and they accommodated that request.

Enjoy your trip!!! (and avoid Mission to Mars )

 

[DisneyWisher]

We've stayed at value, moderate & deluxe and always have a great time no matter where we stay. Each has their good & bad points. If the choice is value resort or stay home, I'd pick value resort every time!

Exactly!

We have stayed at all and for us its Value or Deluxe. No thanks to the Mods. We stayed Poly GVC at $300 a night (5 nights)a fews years ago and when we left all I could think about was "for that price we could have stayed a month at All Stars" weird thinking but its what I thought. We can't really afford the Deluxe's as much but we love All-Stars. Used to stay at Pop but I don't care for the parking there so its All-Stars for us. Especially with the refurb'd rooms. Love the curtain by the vanity area.

 

[guelde96]

I am so glad this thread was posted because my girlfriend and her two kids (who have never been to Disney before) and myself and my two kids are thinking of going to Disney. My girlfriend's DH thinks Disney is a waiste of money so since my two little darlings have gone twice, I thought it would be nice that we would take our dear friends because my girlfriend and her two darlings love Disney very much. I, however, have always stayed in either a delux or a moderate...never a value resort. But since my girlfriend wants to save money, we thought a value in the off season would be the best bet. Eventhough we are thinking of ASMovies instead of Pop, it would still be nice to hear how everyone likes the values.

We have stayed at both ASMo and Pop. I liked ASMo much better. The food court was less crowded and the bus service was much better. Just my opinion.

 

[lovesdumbo]

DH and I stayed at ASMo couple of times, w/o kids, and we like it just fine. However, I do agree with the posters-it is very kid-friendly in the theme, pools and dining especially. Now, I also agree that every single time we went, it seems there was a lot of inconsiderate parents there-I guess you pay less you feel entitled to be a slob and rude, and let your kids run like they own the place. But, even though the rooms are small, they are so nicely decorated and buses run there a lot!!!!!

The most disrespectful nieghbors I had was concierge at the Polynesian. Maybe they felt they paid enough to be rude.

I think its just bad luck to get loud neighbors-you can have them anywhere.

 

[Sysyphus]

Not terribly well qualified to judge, since my only on-site stay so far was two nights at ASMo bracketing DD3's first visit, a single day at MK. I guess staying a Monday & Tuesday night in early February helped, and checking in at 4pm on a Monday was a total breeze. CM came up to DD, gave her a balloon and a coloring book, told DW to give me her drivers license and took them off to watch cartoons while I did the paperwork.

The resort was absolutely delightful - I'm getting teary now just recalling how DD declared "OMG I don't belieeeeve it" as she skipped down the pathway towards the huge statues of Purdy and Pongo from 101 Dalmations - normally I'd correct her onn using that phrase but I let it go this one time

The room itself was unremarkable - kind of small, but big enough for a short stay like this, and certainly nice and clean. Unfortunately DW did not approve of the small beds - we've been married ten years and are used to our king at home. I had no trouble sleeping but she did, apparently... so when we started planning our "trip of a lifetime" coming up she vetoed the value resorts: I was certain she'd baulk at the cost of a deluxe but I was wrong, so AKL here we come...

Think I'd personally have preferred to go three times to a value instead of this one trip, but maybe I should reserve judgement until I get back: I might get used to all that luxury

 

[Knavey]

We are in the planning stages of our next trip "home", and we are trying to spend less $$$ this time. On our past two trips, we have stayed at WL and Poly. We are looking at Pop this time. We really won't be spending a whole lot of time at the resort, just a place to get some zzzz's and maybe take a swim one or two of the days. I think my kids will love the theming. I am just a bit concerned about the room size and mousekeeping. Also, how is the bus trasportation at Pop as opposed to other resorts? Should we spend the extra to go Moderate? I would appreciate any input.

THANKS!!!!!

I just wrote a review on POP Century. I have stayed at AKL twice now and it is hard to move down.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1718646

 

[MinnieTink]

Exactly!

We have stayed at all and for us its Value or Deluxe. No thanks to the Mods. We stayed Poly GVC at $300 a night (5 nights)a fews years ago and when we left all I could think about was "for that price we could have stayed a month at All Stars" weird thinking but its what I thought. We can't really afford the Deluxe's as much but we love All-Stars. Used to stay at Pop but I don't care for the parking there so its All-Stars for us. Especially with the refurb'd rooms. Love the curtain by the vanity area.

Uh-oh.... OK, since we are driving this time, now I have to ask, What's up with the Parking situation at POP?

 

[spiceycat]

We are in the planning stages of our next trip "home", and we are trying to spend less $$$ this time. On our past two trips, we have stayed at WL and Poly. We are looking at Pop this time.

I think Pop is great for what Pop is.

now of your side some of the CM came from the deluxe.

not on your side - this is a big resort in less space than the Polyn. Some people are just overhelmed at the amount of people here. Pop has 2,880 rooms in about half the size of the Polyn who has 847 rooms.

the food court in the morning - forget it. either get up early and be at the food court at 7am (when they open the hot food line) or go the parks and eat breakfast there. (your chance to go back to the Polyn for breakfast)

you can heard the toilets - so you have to remember to shut the bathroom doors at night.

some of your neighbors might be loud or rude. there are a bunch of kids. this resort (like all the value resorts) were designed for kids. They might not be as well behaved as you would like.

Pop because it is mostly flat - has more guest in wheelchairs and ECV - which can and does slow the buses down at times.

if you can go and ignore the stuff that might bother you - then Pop is a fun place.

 

[Selket]

I spent one night in a value (ASMu) last October before our cruise and that worked out fine cause I knew it was just one night. I couldn't imagine 5 people in there (4 of us). I prefer the theming of the mods and I think they are quieter. Also they have the curtain to pull for the sink area to separate it from the sleeping area (if you are up early or late and turn on the light that really helps!).

Of course the deluxes are the best. I had Pop booked for a spring break trip but I cancelled and booked POFQ cause I think the overall atmosphere would not be what I personally would enjoy for a longer trip.

It is a very individual decision. If everything about it appeals to you then I'd say by all means do it.