Just Back from POP...NEVER AGAIN

[pampam]

nope, they PLAY the song, "the Hustle", but the dance they Do is actually, a line dance, called "The Bus Stop"!

I am impressed. However, as you probably know, Bus Stop is very often done to the Hustle. And the two dances have their simalarities. I suppose they decided to go with the easier version and show the Bus Stop. As a linedance teacher, I believe it is easier to teach a simple dance to some who have never danced before. I'm sure that's what they have decided to do. Let's not confuse people with the Travolta, Eggbeater, and Chicken steps.

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

just because someone is drinking beer does not mean they are intoxicated. alcohol is legal. it is sold at the resort, both in the food court AND at the bar. you are allowed to bring your own alcohol into your room and drink it. and allowed to carry it around, (just no glass by the pool).

when I am on vacation, hubby and I will choose to enjoy adult beverages.. we have had all 3 all stars, pop. POR , POFQ, CSR, CBR, WL, AKL, BWV, and BCV, Dolphin.

we will not drive while drinking. we use disney transportation.. you are allowed to purchase adult beverages at 3 of the 4 theme parks, and walk around WITH Them.

I'm sorry if you do not approve of alcohol. that is your choice. but you cannot force your opinion on others on their vacation. I drank in front of my children, I now drink in front of my grandchildren. my adult children drink in front of my grandchildren.

there are legalities concerning "drunk and disorderly" I know them well . As a bartender and a server, I have taken quite a few classes concerning over serving, and dealing with intoxicated patrons.

having a few adult beverages while on vacation, in the resort , is LEGAL, and you and your children will encounter adults enjoying their vacation with said beverages.

Hurrican Hannahs, the pool bar at the Yacht and BeachClub (one of the pricier resorts) serves a GREAT Mai tai!! (for patrons to walk around with) they also serve beer.

I completely agree with you on this one, Smidgy. There is a HUGE difference between having an adult beverage or two and drinking to the point of being intoxicated. To lump everybody who has an alcoholic drink together as being "bad" or somehow wrong is, in my opinion, irresponsible and just plain inaccurate. Add to that the fact that, as Smidgy pointed out, alcohol is legal and is SOLD by WDW in the resorts, restaurants and three out of four parks, and clearly neither the government nor the Disney Corporation is trying to shun alcoholic drinks when consumed responsibly.

Growing up, I watched my parents drink in what I consider to be a VERY responsible way. I never saw them drink to excess, drink and drive, or abuse alcohol. I grew up with a healthy respect for alcohol, and now model the same behavior for my kids. Meanwhile, my friends in college and in life who had parents who treated alcohol like it was evil were the ones who drank to excess and several continue to abuse it to this day.

 

[Theresa-MI]

I completely agree with you on this one, Smidgy. There is a HUGE difference between having an adult beverage or two and drinking to the point of being intoxicated. To lump everybody who has an alcoholic drink together as being "bad" or somehow wrong is, in my opinion, irresponsible and just plain inaccurate. Add to that the fact that, as Smidgy pointed out, alcohol is legal and is SOLD by WDW in the resorts, restaurants and three out of four parks, and clearly neither the government nor the Disney Corporation is trying to shun alcoholic drinks when consumed responsibly.

Growing up, I watched my parents drink in what I consider to be a VERY responsible way. I never saw them drink to excess, drink and drive, or abuse alcohol. I grew up with a healthy respect for alcohol, and now model the same behavior for my kids. Meanwhile, my friends in college and in life who had parents who treated alcohol like it was evil were the ones who drank to excess and several continue to abuse it to this day.

Totally agree with both Smidgy and Princess'Daddy. Having a drink while on vacation is fine. And agree too that if Disney wanted to shun alcohol they would simply not sell it and enforce a no-alcohol policy( like at the Magic Kingdom).

I have always had drinks in front of my daughter and I believe that, if you want to set a good example, it does a lot better to consume alcohol in a responsible manner than treating it like evil, as Princess very wisely said. And I am a live example of what she previously posted. My parents always treated their drinks as something natural, I grew up in this environment and never felt the need to get high at social events. Sadly I lost a friend at 21 due to drunk driving. Came from a family where drinking was treated as an abomination.

I believe the rule to social drinking is moderation. It does not disturb me to see someone having a drink at the parks or the resorts.

What really disturbs me is people smoking out of designated areas... And sadly I have not seen the rule being enforced lately...

 

[Colleen27]

Totally agree with both Smidgy and Princess'Daddy. Having a drink while on vacation is fine. And agree too that if Disney wanted to shun alcohol they would simply not sell it and enforce a no-alcohol policy( like at the Magic Kingdom).

I have always had drinks in front of my daughter and I believe that, if you want to set a good example, it does a lot better to consume alcohol in a responsible manner than treating it like evil, as Princess very wisely said. And I am a live example of what she previously posted. My parents always treated their drinks as something natural, I grew up in this environment and never felt the need to get high at social events. Sadly I lost a friend at 21 due to drunk driving. Came from a family where drinking was treated as an abomination.

I believe the rule to social drinking is moderation. It does not disturb me to see someone having a drink at the parks or the resorts.

What really disturbs me is people smoking out of designated areas... And sadly I have not seen the rule being enforced lately...

I've noticed on the DIS that some hold sort of an interesting attitude towards alcohol, whereby a mixed drink from Hurricane Hannah's is more acceptable than a bottle of beer. I'm not sure if that's a snob thing or an appearances thing (you can explain away the mixed drink as something other than booze, but there's no denying that the beer is a beer), but it is the oddest thing to me. Alcohol is alcohol in my view, and there's nothing wrong with moderate consumption.

I really feel for smokers at Disney. Disney really did a poor job in placing many (I'd say most) of their smoking areas, and I know my DH would much prefer to light up in some out-of-the-way nook rather than right at the main path or just outside the food court doors or some of the other high-traffic areas we've seen DSAs placed. But that's how Disney has it set up right now - the choice, for the considerate smoker, is to follow the rules and have dozens of non-smokers walking by breathing in his bad habit, or break the rules to light up in a secluded area and risk someone who does walk by getting upset about him not being in the designated area.

 

[Disney_Jill]

I've seen rude behaviors by affluent and less affluent people, as most of the people on this board have already said. I have stayed at SSR, AKV, OKW, and, most recent, Pop. Truthfully, I have not encounted rude people at any of our resorts. The friendliest people were at OKW and Pop. I also travel during the more busy season. Maybe I just do not bring out rudeness in people? Truthfully I dislike snobbery and elitism more than general rudeness or ignorance.
Like the Countess LuAnne (RHWNY) says, "Money can't buy you class. Elegance is learned."

 

[branv]

I complete agree that there are rude people at all levels of resorts, but I suspect that, because there are fewer people overall at the deluxe level resorts than at the larger values and moderates, the pressure cooker feeling is lessened. Looking at it as a mathematical equation, if 10 out of every 100 people is "rude" across the spectrum, and there are 2,000 people staying at BWI/BWV and 10,000 staying at POP, there will be more people overall at POP and therefore more rude people. Furthermore, because they're more closely contained, the 10 out of 100 stand out more obviously. Thinking of it as a chemical equation, at the POP there are 1,000 positively charged particles (rude people) and 9,000 neutrally charged particles (normal people) floating around in space and at BWV there are 200 positively charged particles and 1,800 neutral particles in about the same amount of space. The chances of a collision between two positively charged particles (two rude people) when you have 10,000 particles confined in a small space is, mathematically, greater than when 2,000 are inhabiting the same space.

This is only my speculation, because we've never stayed at a value or at a moderate, not because I think the people are "better behaved", much less "better overall" at the deluxe resorts, but because I don't like a lot of even the most polite people on earth around me.

OK, enough math & science. Off to celebrate Christmas eve!

This is perhaps the most rational and clear explanation of this whole topic, and it has opened my eyes. DH and I have stayed Mod and Deluxe, but we've only stayed at a value one time, which was POP. Never, never again. I knew what to expect from the rooms, the decor, but what I didn't expect was the noise (and noisebleed) and behavior of our fellow guests. Though we've been fortunate in our life choices/opportunities, DH and I both come from very low-income, low-education rural stock (DH ripened on the vine). So we know very well sometime the stereotype fits, sometimes it doesn't...in all things. But, though DH is a very easy going, down to earth guy, who will go along with whatever, he would put his foot down if I ever suggested we stay at a value again. Still, I admit we both may have made a false correlation that values attracted more unruly types. But your illustration makes way more sense. Now that I think about it...yes...we have seen bad behavior at both the mods and deluxe. No immunity there! But you're right, it was simply diminished in my mind compared to the sheer quantity of bad or inconsiderate behavior we experienced at POP. It was overwhelming at times, which means it stands out more. Well, that and all that behavior was hard to drown out in a room with such thin walls and, unlike the deluxe, beds being so close to exterior walkways.

Though not exactly what you referred to, now I've got this image of a bunch of people with Mickey Ears bouncing around inside a tea kettle

 

[umieesa]

Like the Countess LuAnne (RHWNY) says, "Money can't buy you class. Elegance is learned."

Soo true! I came from a well to do family, and thankfully and gratefully was raised with manners, but I've definitely seen my share of people with "money" who definitely need some Emily Post up in their life!

You'll find families with unruly children all over Disney; not just at the values...HOWEVER, after having stayed deluxe, mod and value...I do admit that the food court at POP can get vary chaotic and pretty downright dirty. I don't understand how people can leave their table a mess and leave!? I always feel sorry thinking about the person who has to clean up after me and usually do more than necessary to clean my space...even at a TS restaurant! Come on people...they best way to teach manners and good behaviour is to model it!

Back on topic though...as for the OP, I'm sorry to hear you had such an awful experience. That food court experience sounds truly awful. I must say though, for the values I did like POP. We were in a very quiet section and so never had a problem with noise and rarely did we eat in the food court. But honestly, these sort of malfortunes can happen anywhere!

 

[toodycat]

I just read over this thread since my last post and I was trying to recall the last time I saw someone do something rude at WDW. I can't think of a single instance! I know people must be rude there, but somehow I've missed it. This includes multiple trips when I've had bad back or foot injuries. I don't remember anyone giving up their seat for me, apart from my DH standing when I got the last seat, but I can't remember ever having been mowed down by a stroller, cut in line or hearing anyone---CM or guest---act in a rude way. I've had some CMs make mistakes, but they have always apologized and corrected them. I guess I'm just so far into vacation mode that I miss these things. I am a little bit of a resident of an oblivion to begin with, but WDW really is my happiest place on earth.

 

[goodferry]

I complete agree that there are rude people at all levels of resorts, but I suspect that, because there are fewer people overall at the deluxe level resorts than at the larger values and moderates, the pressure cooker feeling is lessened. Looking at it as a mathematical equation, if 10 out of every 100 people is "rude" across the spectrum, and there are 2,000 people staying at BWI/BWV and 10,000 staying at POP, there will be more people overall at POP and therefore more rude people. Furthermore, because they're more closely contained, the 10 out of 100 stand out more obviously. Thinking of it as a chemical equation, at the POP there are 1,000 positively charged particles (rude people) and 9,000 neutrally charged particles (normal people) floating around in space and at BWV there are 200 positively charged particles and 1,800 neutral particles in about the same amount of space. The chances of a collision between two positively charged particles (two rude people) when you have 10,000 particles confined in a small space is, mathematically, greater than when 2,000 are inhabiting the same space.

This is only my speculation, because we've never stayed at a value or at a moderate, not because I think the people are "better behaved", much less "better overall" at the deluxe resorts, but because I don't like a lot of even the most polite people on earth around me.

OK, enough math & science. Off to celebrate Christmas eve!

I totally agree with this! We had a terrible experience at Pop when we went last June, with that said there were soooo many more people than at BLT or WL, the other two resorts where we stayed that trip. When there are so many more people, you do increase your risk of running into an idiot, and you also increase the amount of walking you have to do to get anywhere, the place is huge!
We too found the quality of the food court below par, particularly for breakfast. Granted, it wasn't a sit down restaurant, but compared to other Disney counter service locations, we felt the food was not as good. We learned our lesson, we won't go back. There are lots of people who love it there, though.

 

[chevblazer02]

Sorry to hear about your horrible stay @ the Happiest Place on Earth!!!! Your on vacation just roll with the punches, enjoy your time away from everything!

I've only had the chance to visit the World twice but once was great, once was ok, bad weather, rainy cold. MVMCP yeah won't even comment on that. But all in all we enjoyed our time there.

Stayed @POP and it is where its at, why pay more just for a place to sleep? Stayed in the 50's Bldgs, def not to far from the lobby.....
CSR is all walking, its crazy spread out, that would seem like a problem for RJO! Hmmmmm Also stayed at CSR and wow, felt like I walked for miles to get to my room......


Well I still vote for POP, Disney gets enough of my hard earned $$ from tickets!!!!! Hey RJO, sorry 4 suggesting POP!!!

Next time make the best of it! or try out the whale!

 

[maryj11]

We have stayed at ASM, WL, POR,CSR, and POP. Pop was my least favorite !We were at Pop Century this December 12th to 15th. Maybe it was the time of year I dont know, but it was not pleasant. We had to wait in a long line for the buses every single time and they were packed every single time we boarded. We stood on the buses every single time going to and from the parks. Only one time on the way back from HS did I manage to get a seat( the only one available) and my daughter and grandaughter had to stand. The food court was always packed, noisy and in need of cleaning. The store was nice that they had but always packed also. We requested the 60's ground floor but got 4th floor. We needed ground floor so they changed us to 90's ground. I wasnt very happy with the location but took it anyway. The tempature was a record low while we were there which didnt help either lol. We did have fun at the parks and really enjoyed them even though we had long johns, hats, hoodies ,winter coats and gloves on.

 

[disfan07]

We have stayed at ASM, WL, POR,CSR, and POP. Pop was my least favorite !We were at Pop Century this December 12th to 15th. Maybe it was the time of year I dont know, but it was not pleasant. We had to wait in a long line for the buses every single time and they were packed every single time we boarded. We stood on the buses every single time going to and from the parks. Only one time on the way back from HS did I manage to get a seat( the only one available) and my daughter and grandaughter had to stand. The food court was always packed, noisy and in need of cleaning. The store was nice that they had but always packed also. We requested the 60's ground floor but got 4th floor. We needed ground floor so they changed us to 90's ground. I wasnt very happy with the location but took it anyway. The tempature was a record low while we were there which didnt help either lol. We did have fun at the parks and really enjoyed them even though we had long johns, hats, hoodies ,winter coats and gloves on.

That is so weird! We were at POP right after you. The 15th-21st and we expereinced none of what you did. Occasional long lines for busses but they always had another bus waiting. Was almost always able to get a seat. many times, we were on buses that were not even close to being full. The resort was never very loud (granted, we never went to the food court for breakfast), etc. We had a great time at POP.

 

[jenseib]

We have stayed at ASM, WL, POR,CSR, and POP. Pop was my least favorite !We were at Pop Century this December 12th to 15th. Maybe it was the time of year I dont know, but it was not pleasant. We had to wait in a long line for the buses every single time and they were packed every single time we boarded. We stood on the buses every single time going to and from the parks. Only one time on the way back from HS did I manage to get a seat( the only one available) and my daughter and grandaughter had to stand. The food court was always packed, noisy and in need of cleaning. The store was nice that they had but always packed also. We requested the 60's ground floor but got 4th floor. We needed ground floor so they changed us to 90's ground. I wasnt very happy with the location but took it anyway. The tempature was a record low while we were there which didnt help either lol. We did have fun at the parks and really enjoyed them even though we had long johns, hats, hoodies ,winter coats and gloves on.

See, fore me, this would not make for a unpleasant stay. I go in knowing the buses will be full and we may have to stand. And I have had to stand at other resorts as well. If you ride the bus at busy times, it's a given. And food courts are busy. I just don't go in when it's that busy or get it to go, which I prefer anyways. Request are not guarenteed, so if that is going to make or break the vacation, then maybe it's not the place to stay (all of WDW is that way)

 

[VAN]

To the original poster ...

I'll add to everyone else's comments, that I'm sorry you did not have a good time. My DH and I are the same age as you and have had many enjoyable stays at the value resorts, including three at Pop.

I have found over the years that a lot of vacation enjoyment comes from expectations and being able to adapt to a situation. We tend not to eat burgers on vacation ... order the fresher sandwiches, etc from food courts and have enjoyed our food a lot.

I also don't like the hectic atmosphere at the food courts, so try to go either BEFORE the prime time or AFTER.

We've stayed in Bldg 2 and really enjoyed being away from the center of the action near the main building. We also rent a car because I don't have the tolerance for the buses and the people on the buses anymore.

People and their strollers and motorized wheelchairs .... enough said. I just try to avoid them. People at WDW and other public places seemed to be oblivious that there is anyone else in the world besides themselves. They seem oblivious that someone may wish to walk faster than them ... not a problem to spread themselves across the walkway to prevent others from getting by .... etc.

Anyway, we try to educate ourselves in advance, avoid busy times, places, etc as much as we can ... and then try to put on a happy face. Doesn't aways work - but, there you go.

 

[Danibelle]

Whoopie Goldberg went on a rant last week about the strollers. Sorry you had a unpleasant trip.We have been renting a villa off site and love it.

I agree with renting a villa off site. While I have stayed at Values and Mods, I actually prefer either a off site hotel room (for DH and me) or a villa when we are visiting with grandkids. I haven't experienced the high levels of rudeness at either place so I can't compare my stay. I do drive my car to the parks and have never taken a bus. I like to stay off site since the rooms are a lot bigger and I get a higher level of room compared to WDW for the same price. I believe you can get a deluxe accommodation in this area for a good price (with the exception of the US hotels). I have read and talked to people who rent a house and that can work too.

Hope your next visit will be better!

 

[maryj11]

See, fore me, this would not make for a unpleasant stay. I go in knowing the buses will be full and we may have to stand. And I have had to stand at other resorts as well. If you ride the bus at busy times, it's a given. And food courts are busy. I just don't go in when it's that busy or get it to go, which I prefer anyways. Request are not guarenteed, so if that is going to make or break the vacation, then maybe it's not the place to stay (all of WDW is that way)

Like I said before I have stayed at the other resorts and have enjoyed all them but Pop was not as enjoyable as ASM,WL,POR, and CSR. It's not my first time staying at Disney. So all of WDW was not that way for me. It must of been that Pop was the popular resort at the time we were there. Maybe everyone decided to stay there because Pop Warner was at the other value resorts towards the begining of our stay.

 

[maryj11]

I agree - I think the Deluxe resorts typically have individuals who are not quite as rude. The value resorts feature large family groups, people going CHEAP, etc. who are often loud, roudy and rude. I have, as well, stayed at all levels and that is my observation. This is not to offend my POP friends - some of you are very nice----but the majority...just rude.

Deluxe is the way to go! Nuff' said!

I totally agree

 

[maryj11]

That is so weird! We were at POP right after you. The 15th-21st and we expereinced none of what you did. Occasional long lines for busses but they always had another bus waiting. Was almost always able to get a seat. many times, we were on buses that were not even close to being full. The resort was never very loud (granted, we never went to the food court for breakfast), etc. We had a great time at POP.

Yes that is weird! Because the buses were full and we did not get a seat no matter what time of day it was.

 

[jenseib]

Like I said before I have stayed at the other resorts and have enjoyed all them but Pop was not as enjoyable as ASM,WL,POR, and CSR. It's not my first time staying at Disney. So all of WDW was not that way for me. It must of been that Pop was the popular resort at the time we were there. Maybe everyone decided to stay there because Pop Warner was at the other value resorts towards the begining of our stay.

If you were there during Pop Warner, Yes Pop is extremely full then. Everyone books Pop then since 1 the ydon't want to be with Pop Warner kids and 1 the other Values fill up faster with Pop Warner kids staying there.

 

[maryj11]

If you were there during Pop Warner, Yes Pop is extremely full then. Everyone books Pop then since 1 the ydon't want to be with Pop Warner kids and 1 the other Values fill up faster with Pop Warner kids staying there.

Thats what Im figuring happened, for the price it was ok, but hectic at times. I would of rather of stayed at POFQ but oh well we still had a blast at the parks.