I need opinions on which resort is worth the cost!

[;-)]

Ok, so I’m looking to go 9 nights in August 2020. I’ve found a great deal (or what I think is a great deal) for POP Century...$1844 room only for 9 nights. Is that a good deal in August?
My other 2 resort options are going through David’s DVC rental. OKW @ $2278 for 9 nights, and where I REALLY want to stay, Riviera @ $3332 for 9 nights.
I will say I’m a hotel snob. I don’t believe “you just sleep in the room” I like staying in a nice place and enjoying the resort amenities.
I’ve never stayed at POP, and I’m a little afraid to because it looks like a motel with public pools. We stayed at OKW last month and it was a nice resort but the connecting room on the other side was SO loud it’s like they were in the room with us. Plus the cockroaches I found in the bathroom and the fact they left my door open 2x during our 9 night stay, along with crumbs and dust at check in, long story short it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Only considering it again because it’s a lower cost.
Should I book POP just to have the reservation and cancel if I decide against it?
What would you do???

 

[mickeymom22]

If you like to relax and enjoy the resort, I don't think Pop is the resort for you. We stayed there once and the guests totally ruined it for us. We were only there for 2 nights...I can't imagine 9 nights. With 9 nights you could do a split stay, start at Pop and then move to a more relaxed resort with more amenities!

 

[DSLRuser]

OKW

100x a better experience then POP.

Riviera is too new, but the price alone would keep me away. Just judging the looks alone, it is not $1,000 better then OKW. I won't book there until I visit and walk around the place.

 

[sponica]

I've never stayed at OKW so I don't have an opinion.

I like Pop, but only when I'm looking for a shower/bed. Visits where I want to enjoy the resort or parks close early, I stay moderate.
As far as connecting rooms being loud, that is totally dependent on who is next to you. I had a connecting room with my inlaws at POFQ, I couldn't tell there were people there.

 

[;-)]

If you like to relax and enjoy the resort, I don't think Pop is the resort for you. We stayed there once and the guests totally ruined it for us. We were only there for 2 nights...I can't imagine 9 nights. With 9 nights you could do a split stay, start at Pop and then move to a more relaxed resort with more amenities!

Yes! I thought that too about other guests. I really don’t think I’d like it there. The o my reason it was an option on the table is because of the recent renovation.

 

[;-)]

I've never stayed at OKW so I don't have an opinion.

I like Pop, but only when I'm looking for a shower/bed. Visits where I want to enjoy the resort or parks close early, I stay moderate.
As far as connecting rooms being loud, that is totally dependent on who is next to you. I had a connecting room with my inlaws at POFQ, I couldn't tell there were people there.

I was thinking that too, POP is more of a place for a shower and bed. It’s not a place to stay and relax.

 

[bigredbeta]

Only you can determine exactly what constitutes "value" for you - particularly as an self described hotel snob.

My guess, based on that descriptor is that you will probably end up really appreciating Riviera over a value resort or the oldest DVC property. Additionally, I'm a big believer in going with gut feelings and if you really want to stay at Riv, then you'll end up spending all your lead up time to the trip trying to convince yourself that the other options will lead to an equal experience. Some people can make that mental exercise work for them, others can't.

As many people place higher value on $$$ over other items, don't be surprised if you get a bunch of responses telling you to take the cheaper options. $1k is certainly a lot of money, but it's up to you on how you want to spend your own hard earned cash.

 

[;-)]

OKW

100x a better experience then POP.

Riviera is too new, but the price alone would keep me away. Just judging the looks alone, it is not $1,000 better then OKW. I won't book there until I visit and walk around the place.

Thank you, I agree. Even with the issues I had I did like OKW. Thanks for your input!

 

[butterscotchcollins]

Following because I'm interested in a discussion on value vs. price at WDW resorts! I've only stayed onsite at Caribbean Beach (as recently as last month) and Poly (a thousand years ago when the prices weren't INSANE) so I'm naive on the subject.

 

[;-)]

Only you can determine exactly what constitutes "value" for you - particularly as an self described hotel snob.

My guess, based on that descriptor is that you will probably end up really appreciating Riviera over a value resort or the oldest DVC property. Additionally, I'm a big believer in going with gut feelings and if you really want to stay at Riv, then you'll end up spending all your lead up time to the trip trying to convince yourself that the other options will lead to an equal experience. Some people can make that mental exercise work for them, others can't.

As many people place higher value on $$$ over other items, don't be surprised if you get a bunch of responses telling you to take the cheaper options. $1k is certainly a lot of money, but it's up to you on how you want to spend your own hard earned cash.

You’re absolutely right. Who am I kidding I’ll probably end up staying at the Riviera, lol. I just like to hear other opinions. $1000 is a lot of money, it’s park tickets for my daughter and I, that’s what’s pulling me back and forth. POP is definitely out...I don’t know what I was thinking, lol.

 

[Hopefully]

To don’t think POP is for you. You already know you won’t like it.
Actually I agree with PP, if you can afford it go with your heart and Riviera

 

[MickyLynn]

Think of it this way- even with the possibility of a less than absolutely perfect OKW stay, is it worth $400 more than Pop? I think yes. They can't control for guest behavior at any resort. The housekeeping issues are a valid concern but can be addressed.
Is Riviera worth $1000 more than OKW? Mayyyyybe. Its brand new, a fresh team...or maybe a less seasoned team. I'd give them a year to shake out the quirks before dropping that kind of $.

 

[;-)]

Think of it this way- even with the possibility of a less than absolutely perfect OKW stay, is it worth $400 more than Pop? I think yes. They can't control for guest behavior at any resort. The housekeeping issues are a valid concern but can be addressed.
Is Riviera worth $1000 more than OKW? Mayyyyybe. Its brand new, a fresh team...or maybe a less seasoned team. I'd give them a year to shake out the quirks before dropping that kind of $.

I think what it is also is that I like the opportunity to try out a different hotel each time we go. We typically go once a year. I love a new, clean elegant hotel

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Pop and OKW don’t sound like great options for you if you can swing something else financially.

What about a different DVC rental priced somewhere between Riviera and OKW? AKL, BWV, BCV, or VWL might be a good choice?

 

[Eeyore daily]

I'd go with the Riviera if you can afford it and actually want to put the money down to experience it. I know it's $1k more but you get the skyliner, closer to parks than OKW, and the brand new restaurants at the hotel.

 

[jbehr12]

Ok, so I’m looking to go 9 nights in August 2020. I’ve found a great deal (or what I think is a great deal) for POP Century...$1844 room only for 9 nights. Is that a good deal in August?
My other 2 resort options are going through David’s DVC rental. OKW @ $2278 for 9 nights, and where I REALLY want to stay, Riviera @ $3332 for 9 nights.
I will say I’m a hotel snob. I don’t believe “you just sleep in the room” I like staying in a nice place and enjoying the resort amenities.
I’ve never stayed at POP, and I’m a little afraid to because it looks like a motel with public pools. We stayed at OKW last month and it was a nice resort but the connecting room on the other side was SO loud it’s like they were in the room with us. Plus the cockroaches I found in the bathroom and the fact they left my door open 2x during our 9 night stay, along with crumbs and dust at check in, long story short it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Only considering it again because it’s a lower cost.
Should I book POP just to have the reservation and cancel if I decide against it?
What would you do???

If you describe yourself as a hotel snob I’d stay far away from POP.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I don't think you would enjoy the Pop. It's a great place, but not the kind of experience you seem to be looking for. Why not consider renting points for another DVC resort? If you didn't care for OKW why not try something in between that and Rivera? Maybe Animal Kingdom, Wilderness lodge, or Boardwalk?

 

[BalooFan]

I will say I’m a hotel snob. I don’t believe “you just sleep in the room” I like staying in a nice place and enjoying the resort amenities.

I think Pop would be a disappointment. I have stayed there twice and don’t plan to return unless I can’t afford a deluxe or moderate. I didn’t have any major issues, but I usually stay in a deluxe and there are noticeable differences.

If I had a less than stellar experience at a resort (like you did at OKW), I would probably go in with a cautious attitude and nitpick every little thing that wasn’t perfect, which would likely negatively impact my vacation. I’m not saying you would do this - hopefully you aren’t as petty as I am - but in your situation I probably would mark OKW off my list.

I vote for the Riviera. It looks lovely, is new, and will offer Skyliner transportation. I want to stay here myself!

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Ok, so I’m looking to go 9 nights in August 2020. I’ve found a great deal (or what I think is a great deal) for POP Century...$1844 room only for 9 nights. Is that a good deal in August?
My other 2 resort options are going through David’s DVC rental. OKW @ $2278 for 9 nights, and where I REALLY want to stay, Riviera @ $3332 for 9 nights.
I will say I’m a hotel snob. I don’t believe “you just sleep in the room” I like staying in a nice place and enjoying the resort amenities.
I’ve never stayed at POP, and I’m a little afraid to because it looks like a motel with public pools. We stayed at OKW last month and it was a nice resort but the connecting room on the other side was SO loud it’s like they were in the room with us. Plus the cockroaches I found in the bathroom and the fact they left my door open 2x during our 9 night stay, along with crumbs and dust at check in, long story short it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Only considering it again because it’s a lower cost.
Should I book POP just to have the reservation and cancel if I decide against it?
What would you do???

Worth the cost is entirely a personal preference but here is my two cents since you asked, stay at OKW. POP is a motel IMO and outside of the room refurb and now the skyliner, it's not worth $200/nt. OKW on the other hand is a much prettier resort with deluxe amenities, it is much more relaxing and less chaotic. While it's only park transport is bus, if given those two choices, I would do OKW all day long over POP. If OKW is not in your play book with the bug/noise mishap, I'd give Coronado a look as the pricing has been on the lower end of the mods as is POR/POFQ. All are much nicer resorts IMO than POP for not that much more $$. We've stayed in early August a bunch and we usually get POR/FQ for around $230/nt. I also wanted to add, if you decide on POP, do make sure you keep checking for room discounts/specials. It's so far out, I am assuming that is the rack rate so hopefully you would get it for less than $1844.

 

[Searc]

Ok, so I’m looking to go 9 nights in August 2020. I’ve found a great deal (or what I think is a great deal) for POP Century...$1844 room only for 9 nights. Is that a good deal in August?
My other 2 resort options are going through David’s DVC rental. OKW @ $2278 for 9 nights, and where I REALLY want to stay, Riviera @ $3332 for 9 nights.
I will say I’m a hotel snob. I don’t believe “you just sleep in the room” I like staying in a nice place and enjoying the resort amenities.
I’ve never stayed at POP, and I’m a little afraid to because it looks like a motel with public pools. We stayed at OKW last month and it was a nice resort but the connecting room on the other side was SO loud it’s like they were in the room with us. Plus the cockroaches I found in the bathroom and the fact they left my door open 2x during our 9 night stay, along with crumbs and dust at check in, long story short it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Only considering it again because it’s a lower cost.
Should I book POP just to have the reservation and cancel if I decide against it?
What would you do???

If you're a hotel snob, Pop is not where you want to be.