Just Back 9/15 - 9/22 Pop Century

[maxaroni]

We loved the resort. It was our first time at a value resort and didn't know if we'd really be happy or not. For us, it was an adult only trip and decided to book a value resort due to just not being in the room or resort that much. We've stayed moderate and deluxe and each were fantastic but this trip we decided to try something new.

Pop is such a happy place that you can feel the excitement as soon as you enter. Due to tons of stress prior to our departure, I never made that phone call to request a building or location. We did not pay for any preferred rooms and wound up in building 6...perfect location, at least for us.

Our room was ready upon check in and we were there by 10:00 AM. We dropped off our carry on and then walked to Art of Animation after walking around Pop. We decided on not doing the parks that day as we had tickets for the 6:00 PM showing of La Nouba. We did not upgrade the food plan so had QS and very pleased with the offerings. We ate all but 2 breakfasts at Pop with no issues at all. We did not eat dinner at Pop, although, everything looked wonderful, we ran out of time. We were going to eat at Pop for our last meal as we had a late flight out, not leaving Pop until 5:00PM. However, decided to eat one last time at Earl of Sandwich.

CM's were all so friendly and made our stay enjoyable. No issues with housekeeping at all.

We would stay value again and would stay at Pop again.

 

[yolie912]

Great review. Thanks for sharing. I am now trying to decide which one to choose myself. Pop or AOA...Thanks again.

 

[spiceycat]

glad you enjoyed Pop - if not for DVC - it would be my favorite - for the price it is a bargin.

 

[dawnball]

I know you said that you didn't eat dinner at Pop, but do you know if the asian food station is gone? The Allears menu seems to think it's been replaced with burritos at lunch and at dinner now.

Thanks!

 

[neodymm]

Thanks for posting this. We usually stay Deluxe or Mod, too. I haven't stayed in a Value since I was in college and DH has never stayed in a Value. We've decided to start our mid-October trip 2 nights early and that DD might enjoy the theming of Pop before we check-in to BWV. But, I was very reluctant to stay Value having been spoiled by Deluxe. Very happy to hear that you had a good experience!

How quick or crowded was transportation to DTD and the parks?

Is there anything in particular we should be sure to see at Pop while we have the opportunity?

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Thanks for posting this. We usually stay Deluxe or Mod, too. I haven't stayed in a Value since I was in college and DH has never stayed in a Value. We've decided to start our mid-October trip 2 nights early and that DD might enjoy the theming of Pop before we check-in to BWV. But, I was very reluctant to stay Value having been spoiled by Deluxe. Very happy to hear that you had a good experience!

How quick or crowded was transportation to DTD and the parks?

Is there anything in particular we should be sure to see at Pop while we have the opportunity?

I am not the OP but can answer your question about the bus. We have DVC and usually get in about 11pm Friday and stay at a value, often Saturday night too. Every trip there will be a time or two when we are at Boardwalk we will say how the buses are so much better at the values. I think the value resorts are so big they have more buses running to each park so it seems one shows up soon. We try to go off season and Yacht/Beach/Swan/Dolphin and BW are all sharing so it takes longer and sometimes you don't get on. Pop seems to have a bus come and another arrive as it pulls away. I have seen many times 2 board at a time when the parks close at night.
In the mornings, buses are crowded but come one after another. At park closing each bus is full of seated and standing people.
In June, we did not get on a full bus leaving MK for AKL and it was 50 minutes before the next one (probably that one returning) came. I have never had that at the values.
We have met alot of really nice people at the value resorts and the counter service restaurants have more selection that a deluxe cs.
I will say that the towels and toilet paper at the values are a huge step down from what you get staying DVC. Think sandpaper on both

 

[neodymm]

We have met alot of really nice people at the value resorts and the counter service restaurants have more selection that a deluxe cs.
I will say that the towels and toilet paper at the values are a huge step down from what you get staying DVC. Think sandpaper on both

Thanks for the great info. That makes sense about the buses...more people to shuttle around, so more buses. We will only need to get to DTD, AK and HDDMR from Pop. We may opt to just drive to HDDMR though.

I am looking forward to the large selection of CS options. Of course, as long as they have Mickey waffles at breakfast, DD will be happy!

I was afraid that the linen quality would be bad. I hate that! We will pack our own toilet paper for those days and pillowcases (you didn't mention the sheets, but I can imagine they are also lower quality). We will just have to suffer with the towels. :-(

 

[maxaroni]

Great review. Thanks for sharing. I am now trying to decide which one to choose myself. Pop or AOA...Thanks again.

I don't think you could go wrong with either Pop or AoA.

 

[maxaroni]

Thanks for posting this. We usually stay Deluxe or Mod, too. I haven't stayed in a Value since I was in college and DH has never stayed in a Value. We've decided to start our mid-October trip 2 nights early and that DD might enjoy the theming of Pop before we check-in to BWV. But, I was very reluctant to stay Value having been spoiled by Deluxe. Very happy to hear that you had a good experience!

How quick or crowded was transportation to DTD and the parks?

Is there anything in particular we should be sure to see at Pop while we have the opportunity?

Your DD will love Pop. Not sure how old your DD is but be sure to check out the shadow boxes in the lobby....nostalgic. We enjoyed walking around the property and also crossing over and seeing AoA.....a very short walk over generation bridge

We had no trouble with buses. They came often and only had a crowded bus one morning...crowded to the point of lots standing. Most mornings bus after bus came. Going back to Pop at peak times in the evening the buses were jammed but we have encountered that at most resorts.

 

[maxaroni]

I know you said that you didn't eat dinner at Pop, but do you know if the asian food station is gone? The Allears menu seems to think it's been replaced with burritos at lunch and at dinner now.

Thanks!

I'm sorry, did not take notice. DH seems to think its Mexican

 

[maxaroni]

I am not the OP but can answer your question about the bus. We have DVC and usually get in about 11pm Friday and stay at a value, often Saturday night too. Every trip there will be a time or two when we are at Boardwalk we will say how the buses are so much better at the values. I think the value resorts are so big they have more buses running to each park so it seems one shows up soon. We try to go off season and Yacht/Beach/Swan/Dolphin and BW are all sharing so it takes longer and sometimes you don't get on. Pop seems to have a bus come and another arrive as it pulls away. I have seen many times 2 board at a time when the parks close at night.
In the mornings, buses are crowded but come one after another. At park closing each bus is full of seated and standing people.
In June, we did not get on a full bus leaving MK for AKL and it was 50 minutes before the next one (probably that one returning) came. I have never had that at the values.
We have met alot of really nice people at the value resorts and the counter service restaurants have more selection that a deluxe cs.
I will say that the towels and toilet paper at the values are a huge step down from what you get staying DVC. Think sandpaper on both

Thanks for the additional info! I agree with what you said about the buses. The CS has so many options you are sure to find something. I also agree the towels are a bit thinner but they did the job. The toilet paper is not what we have home but neither of us had a problem....again it did what it needed to do.

 

[neodymm]

Your DD will love Pop. Not sure how old your DD is but be sure to check out the shadow boxes in the lobby....nostalgic. We enjoyed walking around the property and also crossing over and seeing AoA.....a very short walk over generation bridge

We had no trouble with buses. They came often and only had a crowded bus one morning...crowded to the point of lots standing. Most mornings bus after bus came. Going back to Pop at peak times in the evening the buses were jammed but we have encountered that at most resorts.

Thanks! She is 7...We will be sure to check out the shadow boxes! I'm getting excited about our split stay...never done that before. It also helps me cross off another resort so one day I can say that I've stayed in all of them!

 

[makingplans4WDW]

Thanks for the quick review! Looking forward to our first POP stay in early November. Only 45 days and counting!

 

[LauraLouLovesPooh]

So glad you had a good time! DBF and I love Pop and can't imagine staying anywhere else! Only 353 days to go until our next stay there! Wee!

 

[TheRatPack]

Thanks for the review....we'll be checking in soon! Can't wait until single digits!