Hoping I made the right decision!

[MeggerasMa]

Long story short. I've hurriedly planned a last minute trip (last minute for me anyway) and now am having second thoughts about our arrangements. This is an unexpected trip for the purpose of celebrating DS 21st birthday. He claims he doesn't remember Disney. DH just agreed to fly, which he hates, and so I booked quickly and tried to go as inexpensive as possible. AAA helped get a what I consider a decent price and I was happy with everything till I started mentioning to family, etc., that we were staying at Pop. That seems to make some people chuckle! I thought it was a neat idea. Please, if anyone can help convince me that it will be a fun experience, I'd appreciate it. We have even booked another room under a separate ressie in case our daughters want to join us. I really was so excited until I started getting the reaction of others! Is Pop Century too immature for grown ups and grown children? Please know that I do not mean to offend anyone.

 

[Catrinabeach]

We went there in Sept with our 2 yr old and we liked it. We are actually going back on the 17th bring all the kids.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Don't let people's opinions ruin your vacation!

There are people who love Pop and people who hate it.
There are people who love GF and people who hate it.

If you've never stayed there, this is your chance to form your own opinion.

Besides staying in at OKW (our home DVC resort), our other resort stays swing from value to deluxe. For some reason, we seem to skip moderates.

Depending on the circumstances of a trip, different accommodations may be suitable. I know when we do a last-minute surprise trip, we grab whatever we can get.

As to Pop being too immature...you are going to Disney World? It's a playground for children of all ages.

 

[Sandi]

We really like Pop Century. For the money, I think it's great. It is DD13's favorite resort.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

DO NOT listen to what other pepole have to say about your vacation. We are a family of 3 adults and love Pop Century. We haven't had the opportunity to stay there again, but we probably will in the future. I love looking at the huge icons and thinking about having that same toy when I was a child, like the huge Big Wheel (had one that looks exactly like the one at the resort). So far it is my favorite Value resort. Besides how much time are you really going to spend at the resort anyway. Go stay at Pop and have a great time, you are at WDW aren't you, duh Happiest Place on Earth.

Are these people that are making comments going to be there? If not then they are just jealous.


Suzanne

 

[Skroops]

We have stayed at POP, and my only gripe was my too firm bed. It is a vibrant, fun resort that really has great value for the money. Go with that frame of mind, and you'll really enjoy it!
Have fun!

 

[MeggerasMa]

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I know, Disney, immature, duh. I think maybe I'm just tired. Thanks for the pep talks. Everything all of you wrote is true and I know that it's our vaca. Sorry. I had just finished a phone conversation with someone else who is planning a Disney trip and going all out. She said some stuff that made me second guess my plans. This isn't our first time to the parks and we have stayed at many of the resorts - just not Pop. I also think the icons are neat. Photos show many of the stuff of my childhood that I'd forgotten about. As long as it is clean, then I'll be o.k. Again, thanks to all. It was a lousy day at work; the weather is ugly; my elderly parents are grumpy; the phone call... Sorry for whining. I'm lucky to have a DH who will fly when he hates it; a DS who will hopefully have more than memories of Disney's fishin hole; and DDs who will be able to get time off from their jobs to join us if at all possible. Thanks again. Now I should start some serious dinner reservation planning, but I think I'll let that till tomorrow and just go to bed.

 

[disnut8]

Your son is turning 21 and you picked Pop Century?! That's probably THE best resort for that occasion. All the icons from the past years. The walk along the lake with the signs for every year for the five decades. The shadowboxes in the lobby. I challenge you to go there with your family and NOT think back to the way things were. To not think about when your son was younger and times were simpler. To not share family history and start conversations with lines like "I remember playing Pac Man when....." or "I remember my mother having..........." or "Do you remember when we had to use........... instead of...........now?"

It's a perfect place for a family to share memories. Good job Mom!

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

I know you have already received plenty of positive responses but, I wanted to throw in my 2 cents as well. On our last big family trip 2 years ago we stayed at POP for the first time after staying at all moderates in the past. I can tell you that we LOVED it, our party consisted of myself, DW, DMIL and DFIL. I was in Kissimmee on business in Sept. and decided to stay over for a couple of days on my own to hit the parks, again I chose to stay at POP. We are heading back again in a little over a week and once again are staying at POP. As you can see, we have a large range of ages traveling with us and all of us love POP. The resort is bright and fun, it's easy to get around, we've had great experience with buses, the food court is spacious and has a wide variety of selection, the gift shop is great and the rooms are plenty large and easy to use. Don't let what others are telling you get you down, just because they may not prefer it, or they have heard certain things about it. Be excited for your upcoming trip, go and have a great time, see what you think of POP for yourself. Who knows you just might find a new favorite resort!

 

[MEK]

WE just joined DVC and when I told my DS 14 we were going to Vero & Old Key West this summer and SSR for Thanksgiving, he told me he would rather go to POP. He liked it better than SSR.

I wasn't sure if I would like pop, but when I stayed there I found it to be fun with lots of stuff to look at. Have a great trip and don't listen to what other people say. They are just jealous they are not going!

 

[willis37862]

We haven't stayed at POP but we did stay at All Star Movies and loved all the fun decorations. And we don't have kids but we still enjoyed it I have read good things about POP. Go and have fun who cares what other people think !

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I know, Disney, immature, duh. I think maybe I'm just tired. Thanks for the pep talks. Everything all of you wrote is true and I know that it's our vaca. Sorry. I had just finished a phone conversation with someone else who is planning a Disney trip and going all out. She said some stuff that made me second guess my plans. This isn't our first time to the parks and we have stayed at many of the resorts - just not Pop. I also think the icons are neat. Photos show many of the stuff of my childhood that I'd forgotten about. As long as it is clean, then I'll be o.k. Again, thanks to all. It was a lousy day at work; the weather is ugly; my elderly parents are grumpy; the phone call... Sorry for whining. I'm lucky to have a DH who will fly when he hates it; a DS who will hopefully have more than memories of Disney's fishin hole; and DDs who will be able to get time off from their jobs to join us if at all possible. Thanks again. Now I should start some serious dinner reservation planning, but I think I'll let that till tomorrow and just go to bed.

We have never personally stayed at POP but friends of ours have and they all love. As far as the phone conversation that you had, let it go. Don't second guess yourself. Go and have a blast. You make your trip what it is no matter where you stay and I am sure it will be a magical one. Happy 21st b-day to your DS. Nice b-day gift if you ask me.

 

[Jerry2]

Your son is turning 21 and you picked Pop Century?! That's probably THE best resort for that occasion. All the icons from the past years. The walk along the lake with the signs for every year for the five decades. The shadowboxes in the lobby. I challenge you to go there with your family and NOT think back to the way things were. To not think about when your son was younger and times were simpler. To not share family history and start conversations with lines like "I remember playing Pac Man when....." or "I remember my mother having..........." or "Do you remember when we had to use........... instead of...........now?"

It's a perfect place for a family to share memories. Good job Mom!

That didn't dawn on me but disnut is absolutely right!!! You may even ask for a room in the 80's section to celebrate the decade of his birth! By the way... We LOVE the Pop!!!

 

[fla4fun]

The great thing about Disney resorts is that there is something for everyone. For example, my least favorite resort is AKL, and there are tons of people that love it. It just doesn't do anything for me. I love CR, and it's not a favorite for everyone. Don't let the fact that someone else prefers another resort cause you to second guess your decision. Pop is a fun resort and you'll have a great time. I actually think the value resorts are great for people in their late teens and early twenties. They are very casual, kind of quirky, and have a fun spirit about them.

 

[ZPT1022]

I just got back a month ago from a trip with a bunch of friends. All of us adults, no kids, no husbands, and we stayed at Pop. We had a great time. You will have a great time, and hey, you all might find that you're not in the room that much anyways

 

[MeggerasMa]

You folks really are the best. Thank you all for the words of encouragement. I'm feeling much better about the decision. disnut8 - you offered a perspective that I hadn't considered and I appreciate that. I loved that the word "quirky" was used to describe the resort! The same word could probably be used to describe my family. Jerry2 - perhaps with a little pixie dust we will end up in the 80's section. That would be too cool. CoachBagFanatic - Yes, this is not a usual b-day gift in our household. DS is a great kid (and yeah, I know, I'm the mom). He was the third child and just fit in and went along without too much fuss from the day he was born. From the time he could talk, all he wanted to do was grow up and run "big - a - machines". Graduated from a vo tech high school, continued his education and became certified as a heavy equipment operator. Had a full time job with benefits within two weeks and works hard. He never gave us any trouble with any of the bad stuff that's out there and still doesn't. Most of all, he has a good heart. DDs got their college educations (and we are happy how they turned out too), but DS just kind of rolled happily along. He does deserve a "Disney" birthday, even if I am his ma. Thanks again everyone. Your kind enthusiasm and encouraging words are appreciated.

 

[teentoddlermom]

MeggerasMa, what a nice post (#16)! Have a blast! Are you going soon?

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

You folks really are the best. Thank you all for the words of encouragement. I'm feeling much better about the decision. disnut8 - you offered a perspective that I hadn't considered and I appreciate that. I loved that the word "quirky" was used to describe the resort! The same word could probably be used to describe my family. Jerry2 - perhaps with a little pixie dust we will end up in the 80's section. That would be too cool. CoachBagFanatic - Yes, this is not a usual b-day gift in our household. DS is a great kid (and yeah, I know, I'm the mom). He was the third child and just fit in and went along without too much fuss from the day he was born. From the time he could talk, all he wanted to do was grow up and run "big - a - machines". Graduated from a vo tech high school, continued his education and became certified as a heavy equipment operator. Had a full time job with benefits within two weeks and works hard. He never gave us any trouble with any of the bad stuff that's out there and still doesn't. Most of all, he has a good heart. DDs got their college educations (and we are happy how they turned out too), but DS just kind of rolled happily along. He does deserve a "Disney" birthday, even if I am his ma. Thanks again everyone. Your kind enthusiasm and encouraging words are appreciated.

You sound like a very loving and proud mother and right you should be. Have a magical trip and we can't wait to read the trip report.

 

[ZPT1022]

You folks really are the best. Thank you all for the words of encouragement. I'm feeling much better about the decision. disnut8 - you offered a perspective that I hadn't considered and I appreciate that. I loved that the word "quirky" was used to describe the resort! The same word could probably be used to describe my family. Jerry2 - perhaps with a little pixie dust we will end up in the 80's section. That would be too cool. CoachBagFanatic - Yes, this is not a usual b-day gift in our household. DS is a great kid (and yeah, I know, I'm the mom). He was the third child and just fit in and went along without too much fuss from the day he was born. From the time he could talk, all he wanted to do was grow up and run "big - a - machines". Graduated from a vo tech high school, continued his education and became certified as a heavy equipment operator. Had a full time job with benefits within two weeks and works hard. He never gave us any trouble with any of the bad stuff that's out there and still doesn't. Most of all, he has a good heart. DDs got their college educations (and we are happy how they turned out too), but DS just kind of rolled happily along. He does deserve a "Disney" birthday, even if I am his ma. Thanks again everyone. Your kind enthusiasm and encouraging words are appreciated.

awww....he sounds like a great guy. too bad you like him so much, I'd love to trade him for my 21 year old brother