Just Back- stayed at POP- my thoughts

[missydisney]

Moderates can have long check ins to. We went in October to CBR arriving on a Saturday. Line was out the door. Took 2 hours to check in. Of course by thenn our room was ready. Also long waits for the buses. We had an electric scooter and with so many stops the spots were usualy taken by the time the bus got to ours. At one point we waited an hour to get to Epcot. We stayed at Pop in December and found it enjoyable. Granted it was not busy then. We'll be back on July 4 will see how things are then. Always best to make your own decisions.

 

[Disney's Deluxe Princess]

Originally posted by mic_key_mouse
The song 'The Hustle' came on and most of the CM's left the desk to do the dance. They do the same thing in the morning to the Twist. Kind of cute the first time, a lot less cute when you are trying to get somewhere or are hungry... (the CMs in the food court do the same thing)

OMG! You're kidding me? They actually leave the front desk with a line and do the Hustle? Oh, that just irks me to no end. We went to our local "Johnny Rockets" eatery once and I won't go back because of this very same thing. We saw our order placed on the counter, just as "Love Shack" started up on the jukebox. Well, we had to wait while our sever did the 5 minute Love Shack dance before we got our food. The dance wasn't even good. That's just plain bad service.

I would definitely write a note to guest services about that. You can do the Hustle all you want, AFTER I've been waited on!

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by snyderla
WOW! This is absolutely NOT what we experienced Easter Week of this year. And we were told by every CM we talked to that it was the busiest week, aside from the Christmas/New Year's week, that they had in 3 years! We stayed in the 70's section on the second floor lake side and heard nothing from any of our neighbors, and we were told at check in that we had gotten the last room available in that section! By the way, we had 1 couple in line ahead of us and check in took all of 10 minutes from the time we got in line until we were on our way to the room, with plenty of questions answered by the CM during our conversation at check-in. We checked in at 5 PM. We had a couple of lines for busses to the parks, but never waited long because the busses just kept coming. AND, we had hoped to see the CM's do the dances, had read about it on this board, but missed it everytime. We stayed at AS Music once and I hated it due to the noise, vowed never to stay at a value resort again. Well, DH talked me into trying Pop century and I'm glad he did. The theming is much better at PC and they don't have those stupid dispensers in the bathrooms I hated at ASMu, they had real soap bars and shampoo bottles. It was a very nice stay. The place is packed with families, so you expect noise, it has more rooms than any other WDW resort, but we didn't have any noise issues within our room. No slamming doors, no flushing toilets. (maybe the neighbors just didn't use the toilets when we were there???) And we even spent time in our room other than just at night. And we didn't have our TV on most of the time, so I would have expected to hear things. It was just DH & I most of the time in the room, but my dad came up from Bonita Springs for a couple of nights with us.

Please don't cancel plans for a trip to PC just because of one persons experience/report. Our experience was nothing like that, and we stayed there 7 nights, during the second busiest time of the year. Our worst bus experience was the last night at MK, when we waited 20 minutes for a bus and they brought us 3 busses going to our resort. That took care of the long line!

However, I agree don't get a first floor room on the way to the parking lots. We were 1 of many families that traveled past those rooms on the way to the parking lots. I would request 50's section or 70's lake view. And if you are looking for a peaceful resort to stay at, then I would say consider POFQ instead. But for Disney Icons and excitement, give PC a try. And you can't beat the price/value!

If anyone has any questions about our experience, please feel free to ask or PM me. (by the way, rooms at All Stars and Pop are the same size.)

Now for a real horror story for a hotel stay, I could tell you about the Travelodge we stayed in on the way down, or the filthy Comfort Inn in Ocala we had to stay in back in Feb2001.

Lori

Great post.

We were also in the 70's building during our Easter trip.
We had rooms on the second floor facing the playground area.


I think PC did a great job considering how crowded everything was during that time. If you want to hear horror stories about bus service, read some of threads about bus sharing at the deluxe resorts.

I was looking forward to watching the CMs dancing, but missed it each time.

It took awhile for us to check. I was getting pretty angry about it until my turn came. Once I was helped, I found out the CMs take their time with each guest. They answered all my questions, and were happy to give me a few tips about the resort and parks.

I'll admit that PC isn't for everyone, just as The Beach Club and GF aren't for everyone.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by SRUAlmn
Is it really that bad? DBF and I are going the last week in September and I have never stayed at a value before, but since we are just starting out together it's really all we can afford right now. Now I'm so worried. We have really saved for this and I don't want to be disappointed. We live in an apartment so we are used to some noise night and day from 'neighbors.' Is it similar to apartment living or much louder? Help! Now I'm worried!

I didn't hear any noise from the other rooms, but I did from outside. We were in a first floor room near the big foosball. I do plan to stay there again with one of my sons, but will request a room facing the lake. I'd rather have a longer walk and a quieter room that is not on a main path that people use to return to their room from the main building. The noise was loud enough to wake me up and I am not a light sleeper (and I was wearing earplugs).

T&B

 

[lenshanem]

We were awake by 6:30 every morning because of the constant toilet flushing and door slamming.

Oh, I forgot to mention, too sk!mom that not only did we hear toilet flushing like you, but I ACTUALLY heard someone get up and the sound of them peeing in the middle of the night!

 

[mic_key_mouse]

Originally posted by snyderla
Please don't cancel plans for a trip to PC just because of one persons experience/report.

Lori

You need to catch up on your reading, Lori. There are multiple posts describing exactly the same issues over and over again. This isn't an isolated incident, and to minimize the issues by describing them as such is a disservice to people considering this resort.

I am happy you had a good trip. The reason I stayed there is because there were enough positive posts to make it worth trying. I made a mistake, and given the multitude of other WDW lodging options I hope many people considering POP will also consider another resort. The fact is that MANY DISers (not just one...) have had a bad experience at this resort- and it has only been open six months. Half of the time period it has been open so far is during the slow season. A red flag will go up for some people and they will change their plans, others will decide (as I did) to give it a try anyway. Judging by the responses in this thread so far, at least people are thinking long and hard about POP before deciding what is best for their situation.

What I wish I would have done before I booked the room was looked at the signature lines to see how many trips a person has made, how long they stayed there, experience with other resort options, etc. to help me weigh the value of each report I had read. As an example, I see you split your trip between two resorts Lori. I was there 13 nights. Does a stay of a 7 nights provide the same information for those considering POP as does a stay of 2 weeks? (I cycled through three sets of neighbors) Each person will have to decide that for themselves.

There are simply too many other resorts to choose from to risk the quality of your vacation on a stay at POP IMHO. But, as missdisney said- "always best to make your own decisions". Please be sure it is an informed decision folks. Take the time to read the other POP threads then make a decision

Blessings.

 

[suzannews]

Originally posted by Disney's Deluxe Princess
OMG! You're kidding me? They actually leave the front desk with a line and do the Hustle? Oh, that just irks me to no end. We went to our local "Johnny Rockets" eatery once and I won't go back because of this very same thing. We saw our order placed on the counter, just as "Love Shack" started up on the jukebox. Well, we had to wait while our sever did the 5 minute Love Shack dance before we got our food. The dance wasn't even good. That's just plain bad service.

I would definitely write a note to guest services about that. You can do the Hustle all you want, AFTER I've been waited on!

If thats what they are told to do by management, thats what they do. Don't get mad at the server or front desk person, write a note to the manager.

 

[ksy8384]

and I do agree with some of what mic had to say. The line for check in was about 20 minutes or so. The day we left it took about the same time. Hardly any wait ...5 min or so when we used Guest services.

As far as noise goes we would occasionally hear another toiletflush (they are super strong though... good flush ) and maybe a shower running but nothing too loud as to wake you up or keep you awake. We had a room in the 60's bldg overlooking the pool. We did have noise at night from the pool if there were alot of people or kids in there. I even got up one night to see what was going on. I would pass on a "pool view" next time because of that.

Parking.... we parked and only left once during the trip. We had to walk a ways to get to our van but no biggie. No trouble getting a spot where we were assigned.

Buses.... worst wait back to POP was at closing on a very busy night. Had to wait almost 30 minutes. Problem was Epcot was late getting through so those "extra" MK buses were late getting there to help (this according to Ms. Purple Pants who was loading us) We didn't want to stand so we stepped aside, as did a few others, and waited for another bus. They were loading buses 2 at a time. Never waited too long for buses to the parks and always found seats. Only complaint is the bus stops at EPCOT are miles away from the park exit (or so it seems when you've hoofed it around the park all day ).

Food court.... sometimes busy, others not. Worst was the night it monsooned 6-10-04 and I think everyone was at POP trying to get dinner at the same time. Still got seats though.


All in all we would stay there again. I would say we got more than we paid for. We are choosing to go to the WL next trip as we loved it when we ate there. I forsee us resort hopping (staying at new ones each time) just to see how they all are. We did stop by Caribbean Beach Resort to see if we liked it for next trip and were NOT impressed with it at all.) We may be wrong but it didn't look like something that interested us. To each his own.

Just my very long two cents worth hoping to ease a few fears..

Kalen

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by mic_key_mouse
You need to catch up on your reading, Lori. There are multiple posts describing exactly the same issues over and over again. This isn't an isolated incident, and to minimize the issues by describing them as such is a disservice to people considering this resort.

There are also plenty of post from guest that have had a great time at PC,they never had problems with noise or bus service.

No matter which resort you pick, you'll find experiences vary.
I like to read the good and bad about others trips. However, I'd never pick a resort, restaurant... based on somoeone elses experiences.

 

[TimNDansMom]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
There are also plenty of post from guest that have had a great time at PC,they never had problems with noise or bus service.

No matter which resort you pick, you'll find experiences vary.
I like to read the good and bad about other's trip. However, I'd never pick a resort, restaurant... based on somoeone elses experience.

I agree totally with you disneyjunkie.

We stayed at POP for the first time, for 5 nights during our March Break. Yes, it could be busy at certain times (buses, food court) but my DH and I had a great time there. At check-in I asked for a room away from the pools and we had no problem with room noise. We were on the 2nd floor of the 70's building towards the Goofy splash pad area. I'm looking forward to another 3 nights at POP again at the end of an upcoming trip and am not anticipating any problems.

 

[DisneyLisa]

Originally posted by lenshanem
Oh, I forgot to mention, too sk!mom that not only did we hear toilet flushing like you, but I ACTUALLY heard someone get up and the sound of them peeing in the middle of the night!

We had the same problem at the GF...certainly not a Value Resort. It didn't ruin our stay in any way though (not exactly what we'd choose to hear but not unbearable). I think some people just let too many (little) things bother them. We've stayed at all resort levels from the All Stars to the GF and have enjoyed every one. There are always little things (no resort is perfect) but unless it's a serious problem, we don't worry about it (and certainly don't let it ruin our vacation). A lot of the complaints I read here I would consider "minor" inconveniences. JMHO

We've also had some "less than perfect" bus service and it too was during stays at deluxe resorts. But again, it wasn't that bad...sometimes a little inconvenient, but no big deal. Hey we're at Disney World...we could be at home. Maybe we just don't expect as much as some people do but we just make the most out of whichever resort we're staying at and have loved every one....they all have their good & bad points (even the GF).

 

[deerh]

Hi all! Going to POP in 5 days, and wanted to know about the A/C problem at night. I am an old man (LOL), and get very warm at night. I have 2 fans in the BR now! I am a little worried about the A/C or LACK of A/C at night without moving around. Is it a big problem or not? I do like it cool at night.. Any suggestions? Some posters said to use a balloon, one poster said they 'jury rigged' the A/C somehow...
As for the noise, not worried about that. I eat lunch in front of 800 students everyday at school, and could take a nap there if I could!! Not a prob for me. Now DW......... ???
Thanks!
deer H
4 days till POP, then BWV......

 

[Duck/Fish]

We stayed at POP in late May in the 70's building away from the pool. We couldn't hear any outside noise, except when someone was right in front of our door/windows apparently screaming hello to someone on the lower level. Maybe we had really good neighbors, but we could not hear their conversations through the walls. We did hear the toilets of other rooms flushing. Seemed like everyone had to go at the same time! LOL. We didn't let that ruin our stay. In fact, we learned to laugh about it by the 2nd day. My 2 kids and I are heavy sleepers. DW did not go on this trip. I think if she were there, she'd be a bit more upset than I was.

As far as the air conditioning goes, the room never reached that "Artic Freeze" that I so fondly remember from my earlier visits to Disney, but I understand that's the direction they're moving in to save energy. We never woke up sweaty or anything. It was comfortable.

The kids and I liked the atmosphere of this resort very much. DD(9), our family "ham" , had fun doing the Twist with the CMs. I have great video of that moment.

I guess my advice to everyone would be, that if you are a light sleeper, you will want to bring a white noise machine or earplugs. If this is really an issue for you, you may want to switch resorts.