Just got back from PC: Some random thoughts

[CarnotaurDad]

Just returned from an absolutely magical vacation with my DD (5). It was a special trip with just me (her dad) and her.

We spent four nighst a Pop Century (5/13 - 5/17) and just wanted to share some thoughts (note: we had stayed here two nights in December, so we knew some of what to expect).

* We were in the 90s building, first floor. That's quite a hike from the main lobby, but we learned it was quicker to cut through the parking lot than stay on the main path.

* My DD loves PC. It really is made well for kids. All the oversized items and the bright (some might say "loud") colors. She loved the 80s buildings and constantly talks about Pac-Man. We'll have to request that building next time.

* The pools were great (we swam every day). The one thing I noticed, though, is that she was at that odd height where the big pools were a tad too deep but the kiddie pools were way too shallow. Too bad there was nothing in between.

* PC, by far, has the best food court of any of the resorts we have been at (including some deluxe resorts). We could eat there three times a day for all four days and still not try everything we like. I really enjoy the veggie, grapes and cheese snack they have in the refrigerated section. She loves the pizza and Mickey Waffles. It really is a great place to eat.

* Bus service was fantastic. We never waited more than 15 minutes for anything and the drivers were always friendly. One driver, who was supposed to be off duty, stopped for about 10 of us even though another bus was about 7 minutes away. She said we looked a little hot and could use a ride back in the AC! The only sad part about the bus service is that PC is almost always the farthest bus stop at the parks. Oh, well. Someone has to be farthest and I can understand why it would be the value resort.

Overall, we had a great time and would gladly stay again. If there are any specific questions, feel free to ask and I will be glad to answer.

 

[cbusby]

Wow...great review, we'll be there in June.....I sure hope my DH and DS (13) won't be disappointed. I sure can't wait. This will be my 3 trip to WDW since
1980 and my DH and DS 1st trip....so I kinda know what to expect and trying to get them excited also.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Glad you had such a Magical time with your DD!

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Glad you had a good time! I picked up on the "cut through the parking lot" trick pretty quickly too.

I'm taking my second trip to Pop in October. I can't wait!

 

[disneydreamer98]

Thanks for the info! We are staying at Pop Century for the first time in June. I requested the 70's building near the pop water fountain. Wanted to know about the A/C in the rooms. There is another thread that talks about some of the hotels having sensors that only turns the A/C on when there is movement in the room. Was wondering if Pop is one of those? Also...which park is Pop Century closest to?

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Hi DisneyDreamer98,

We had no problem with the AC on when we weren't in the room and the room was always cool enough. In fact, one time we came back from swimming at night and the room was so cold that we had to turn on the heat!

As for the parks, I believe it is closest to Epcot as the crow flies. However, because of the way the roads are configured, it is a shorter drive/bus ride to Disney Studios. Either way, you're no more than 15 minutes to any of the parks.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Thanks for the info! We are staying at Pop Century for the first time in June. I requested the 70's building near the pop water fountain. Wanted to know about the A/C in the rooms. There is another thread that talks about some of the hotels having sensors that only turns the A/C on when there is movement in the room. Was wondering if Pop is one of those? Also...which park is Pop Century closest to?

That's a common misconception. When I worked at Pop Century, I entered many vacant rooms that had not had movement in them for several hours, and they were always cool. What happens is that the A/C sensor is 'smart' and can detect when people are in the room (regardless of motion). That's when it works like normal. When you're at the parks, it goes into energy saver mode. It's still on, just not on full.

I've also stayed at the resort twice, and both times, the room got so cold, I had to turn down the A/C.