Is POP really so bad?

[acename]

My husband and I are going October for 5 nights. It's his first time going since he was about 4 years old so I figure we'll rarely be in the room except to sleep. Is POP really as bad as everyone says it is? The UG makes it look like the worst place in WDW. Should I spend a little more and go for POR or CBR? I'm really confused. Thanks you guys.

 

[ScoJo15]

We loved POP and cannot wait to return there again next year!! You can read my full review here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=921622

 

[Davefrompgh]

It really depends on what you are looking for in a resort...we stayed there with our DS 11 and DD 10 in August...while the resort itself is very nice, we just thought it seemed very loud. Since it is such a large resort, there were so many families in the pools and food court, the noise level was sometimes deafening (especially in the food court)..My children did love the resort...The room sizes are adequate..the food in the food court was great and the selections were good too...the gift shop is very near the food court, and it carries some very nice stuff..having said all of that...did we LIKE the resort, yes...did we LOVE the resort, no....

It is a very family oriented resort...I do not think my DH and I would stay there without children....JMHO

 

[4greatboys]

I just got back from a girls trip 9 ladies in 3 rooms. I enjoyed my stay there. We never heard our neighbors even though they were our loud friends. I only heard the other toilet flushing when I was in the restroom. I didnt hear it in the room. I loved the theme there and all the big icons--my kids would have loved it!
I would stay there again, no problem.

 

[minnie61650]

It really depends on what you are looking for in a resort...we stayed there with our DS 11 and DD 10 in August...while the resort itself is very nice, we just thought it seemed very loud. Since it is such a large resort, there were so many families in the pools and food court, the noise level was sometimes deafening (especially in the food court)..My children did love the resort...The room sizes are adequate..the food in the food court was great and the selections were good too...the gift shop is very near the food court, and it carries some very nice stuff..having said all of that...did we LIKE the resort, yes...did we LOVE the resort, no....

It is a very family oriented resort...I do not think my DH and I would stay there without children....JMHO

The gift shop is seperate from the food court at the All Stars and it does not seem overly loud.
DH and I love staying at the All Stars and our children are all grown.

 

[Tissa]

My stay at POP was fine and I have nothing to complain about. Was it crowded? Sure but I went in June so I expected that. As long as you don't expect it to be a deluxe stay you won't be disapointed. It's a great resort.

 

[Poohsmommi]

My husband and I are going October for 5 nights. It's his first time going since he was about 4 years old so I figure we'll rarely be in the room except to sleep. Is POP really as bad as everyone says it is? The UG makes it look like the worst place in WDW. Should I spend a little more and go for POR or CBR? I'm really confused. Thanks you guys.

I would. I have stayed at Pop a few times, each time worst than the last (the roaches in the room really sealed it for me last time.)

 

[BethC1952]

We're a "post-child" couple (grown son), and we love Pop. We've never had a problem there, and I can't wait to go back in November, even though it's only one night. We've stayed at all levels of resort, and really like the values and moderates the best!

We never had noise, we've had no bugs in our rooms, we like the food court and the gift shop.

Our first stay there was on opening day, and we had a small problem with the safe in our room. We reported it while we were eating at the food court, and they told us it would be fixed within three hours. We went back to the room 20 minutes later, and found the repair man already cleaning up his stuff after solving the problem.

I'd stay there (or at any of the values) again with no hesitation.

Beth

 

[GoofyDad869]

We are talking about central Florida, right? Roaches are very very very common in that part of the U.S.! I commend Disney resorts & parks (at least all the resorts that I've stayed in) on how good their pest control really is.

For what it's worth, the only roach I saw at WDW last trip (when we stayed on-site) was in Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom. Yes, we were staying at POP that time.

*Edit* Just saw Bethc1952's post. And I agree, I would stay at POP (or All Stars) anytime.

 

[CheshireVal]

I think Pop is great! I've stayed there twice and will be back in December.

Here's a 4 page thread with nothing but great reviews of Pop. Check it out.

I Love Pop

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Is POP really so bad?

No, it's awesome, actually (IMO of course ).

 

[Magalex]

We loved our stay at POP too. We were there this past April. We had a great time. Never had a problem. Some crowd issues might because of certain seasons or dates. I would think crowd issues could happen at any Disney Resort. I wouldn't recommend it if you want to have all luxury resort stay. But for the parks and the Disney style...AWESOME

Magalex
POP 4/22-4/30 2005

 

[crazyforgoofy]

I just returned (last evening) from a great "big girls" trip. We often stay value as we go a lot and couldn't afford to if we spent a lot more. I've stayed at POP twice this year and will be back in December with Isabella for our "We're adopted - Finally!" trip.

This was my 4th stay at POP and I was very happy. No exterior noise, no noise from the room next door. No toilet noises, no bugs. The room was clean, the maid service fine, the food court food perfectly acceptable. The noise in the food court area is high - the design of the building and the tvs make it so, I think. But it wasn't a problem. Bus service was great to and from the resort. Believe me, I have stayed at a lot of fine hotels and resorts (15 years of business travel) in my time and I understand that this is a value resort but it rates quite high on my list.

 

[Poohsmommi]

We are talking about central Florida, right? Roaches are very very very common in that part of the U.S.! I commend Disney resorts & parks (at least all the resorts that I've stayed in) on how good their pest control really is.

For what it's worth, the only roach I saw at WDW last trip (when we stayed on-site) was in Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom. Yes, we were staying at POP that time.

*Edit* Just saw Bethc1952's post. And I agree, I would stay at POP (or All Stars) anytime.

Honey, I live in Florida and anyone who tells you Roaches are a *normal* part of living in Florida does not keep a clean house. There is NO excuse for roaches in a hotel. None.

 

[cyndibelle]

we love pop....we have never had a problem there of any kind....we will stay no where else...

 

[acename]

Thanks for all the input. I think we'll give it a try. I'd rather spend less on the hotel (since we'll never be there) and spend more while we're there. If we don't like it we can always go back another time and try a new hotel.

 

[GoofyDad869]

Honey, I live in Florida and anyone who tells you Roaches are a *normal* part of living in Florida does not keep a clean house. There is NO excuse for roaches in a hotel. None.

My point exactly. I did NOT intend to imply that roaches are more common in central Florida than anywhere else. I think you could say "We are talking about (anywhere except the frigid north), right? Roaches are very very very common in..."

I apologize for that unfortunate wording.

I still say Disney should be commended on their pest control procedures.

 

[SueV]

Everyone has their own opinions but for my family we loved our 2 stays at PC! Before staying there we had only ever stayed at Deluxes(including concierge most of the time) and one time had stayed at POFQ. For 2 adults who won't be in the room that often stick with what you have, I wouldn't spend the extra to upgrade. Spend that extra money on food or a fun backstage tour, or extra souvies! That's just my 2 cents and to each his own!

 

[Olallamom]

My DH & I are going to be trying out POP at the end of October. This is our first trip without kids, we stayed at POR in June and loved it. We are pretty open minded, we know that it's a value resort and our expectations are low. We would rather spend the money on eating at nice sit downs and entertainment. We are planning on going to Universal and possibly doing Cirque.

 

[enabler]

I just spent all of last week at POP, and was thoroughly pleased! Here's why:
1. The atmosphere is pure fun. Between the decor and the music, there is always something to smile at.
2. The rooms are no smaller than any other non-suite motel. I was able to hear water running when neighbors flushed or showered, but other than that, noise was a non-issue. Pillows are fluffy, the shower head is a WaterPik, the TV is a good size (25", I believe), and housekeeping was great. Plenty of towels, soap, etc.
3. Pools were some of the cleanest I've ever used.
4. The much maligned walk from Classic Hall/bus stops to any given building is not far, and that's coming from someone with a recently injured knee.
5. I give the food court 2 thumbs up. Choices are excellent and varied, every meal I ordered was delicious, and I never waited more than a couple minutes for the cashier, even at busy times. If you go at an off-hour, even better.
6. CM service in person and on the phone was always of Disney calibre, i.e., friendly and helpful.
7. Bus service to/from anywhere was excellent. Never more than a 15 minute wait, and usually much less. Buses after park closing were constant. Travel times were not bad, though if you're a Magic Kingdom addict, this is the longest trek.

The only ways I could fault POP would be having no fridge without paying extra (although understandable for a value resort), the mattress being a tad firm (which is a personal preference), and no air in the elevators (which is what, a 45 second inconvenience? No big deal). Everything else exceeded my expectations.