Just Returned Aug. 23-28 2016

[TheInvernessie]

Hello all! I've never written a just returned thread, but I feel like this trip made it necessary for me to do so. There were many wonderful moments, and some not so magical times. This August trip was a whirlwind for me, and I would love to share it all with you.

• Firstly. POP Century. Much bigger than I remembered from 10 years ago. It was almost too big, if I'm being honest. We (my party) had to negotiate where our rooms were, due to the fact that they were scheduled to put us way back in the 90s section. In the end our check-in cast member (who was largely unpleasant and just...unenthused) gave us a ready set of rooms in the 50s section (WAY better in proximity to the central building of POP)
• Another observation with the resort/rooms: It was just...dingy. Good thing that they're planning a renovation because its very plain to see that the rooms need some help. Through the whole trip, my bathroom light and fan flickered (even though we contacted maintenance, and they said they'd fixed it). The rooms are tired, there were visible paint touch ups everywhere. It just doesn't seem the way it used to. This trip and stay ultimately made me never want to go back to a Value resort.
• Security. Now this was something I was truly unprepared for. I'd read here and there on the boards that there were random metal detector screenings at the parks. However, during my entire stay (and mostly the Magic Kingdom) visitors were being forced to go through the detectors after bag search. I don't know if there was a security threat or what, but it was startling.
• Crowds. I didn't think the crowds were too horrible. I've definitely been there when it was worse. With some crowds comes issues with FP+. I'd booked the first couple of days (which in hindsight, I should have booked more) without issue. I'd gotten a Frozen fastpass (which I'll get to soon) which even the cast members in Epcot were touting as the hardest fastpass to get. My first day alone, I walked on everything (aside from my FP for Soarin) in Future World within a 10-20 minute wait.
• Frozen. Oh Frozen. This elusive ride, with incredible wait times, and a ridiculously long queue; I was fortunate to get on it. However I was largely disappointed. I had a fastpass. That should have gotten me right on the ride, walked right up, right? Wrong. There was a large line for fastpassers, which led to another 15 minutes of wait time. Irritating but not the end of the world. The ride was disappointing. There was no story, nothing making me want to go on it again. Honestly, I prefer Under the Sea to Frozen Ever After. It was just...dare I say, lame?
• Yet another observation that really impacted my trip was the fact that there were cast members (particularly in Epcot and MK) that were just walking around in other areas of the park that didn't necessarily belong where they were walking. It kind of broke the magic for me, wiped away the illusion a bit. It was very noticeable when they were filming Black-Ish in MK, having various cast members strewn about Adventureland that clearly were from Main Street and Frontierland.

I suppose this trip just felt underwhelming for me. Something felt off. Whether it was a combination of things, or the entirety of the trip itself, I don't know.
Feel free to ask me anything! I'm open to any questions about the parks from a very recent viewpoint.

 

[Klayfish]

It's interesting to read about how many people complain about the hotels. Both in quality and in the demeanor of the CMs. I've never stayed at a hotel and probably never will. I wonder if the CMs at the hotels have different customer service training or standards, because I will say every time that the CMs I encounter in the parks are 99% enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming and just plain wonderful.

Security is just a sign of the times. We've found it's still not a big deal at all, just need to plan for an extra few minutes in bag search line.

I guess everyone has different standards, but why would it break the magic for you if a CM who works in Frontierland was walking around Adventureland? I won't say I'm totally oblivious to it when I see it, but for me it doesn't matter all that much for the most part. Sure, if a Haunted Mansion CM was working the Ariel ride in HM uniform, that would be odd, but just walking around doesn't bother me.

Sorry to hear you were disappointed in your trip.

 

[loves to dive]

Sorry your trip didn't pan out right, maybe you had other things going on as well.

I felt the same way about Pop as far as dingy and in need of some love. I had read on the boards how it was just the most wonderful value resort so maybe I set myself up for disappointment there. I normally stay in Moderate and Deluxe resorts and knew going in it wasn't going to be at that level but from the moment I walked in my room I thought, never again. I will say the CMs were great, never had a non-friendly one and they all greeted me with a smile. I didn't think it was too big though, certainly not any bigger than the endless hallways at YC or BW.

Security is what it is going to be from here out, unfortunately it is just the way of the world now.

I've read mixed reviews about Frozen, it is a kid's ride so I think if you go in with those eyes, you won't be as disappointed.

While it wouldn't ruin my trip or break the magic, CMs from other lands are not supposed to be seen in costume. Maybe because they were filming they snuck over to get a peek or they were even a part of the filming and not really CMs.

Sounds like at least the crowds weren't horrible, silver lining.

 

[J'aime Paris]

Having trouble picking out the "many wonderful moments" included in this just returned thread.

 

[minijeanie]

curious as to where you ate? Did you get into any restaurants that are normally sold out?

 

[goofyintoronto]

• Yet another observation that really impacted my trip was the fact that there were cast members (particularly in Epcot and MK) that were just walking around in other areas of the park that didn't necessarily belong where they were walking. It kind of broke the magic for me, wiped away the illusion a bit. It was very noticeable when they were filming Black-Ish in MK, having various cast members strewn about Adventureland that clearly were from Main Street and Frontierland.

Can you elaborate on this? I dont understand why this would bother anyone to be honest.

As for Pop getting a refurb soon. This is news to me! Did I miss an announcement? Anyone have a link they can post? Cause i didnt hear anything. Sorry you didnt like Pop. Its one of my fave value resorts, but hey, thats me. We all have different tastes and opinions on resorts. Thats why i like disney...there's different resorts to suit most tastes! It all depends on what you can afford/are willing to pay.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I found a link with info about the pop refurb! its going to take place in fall 2017-2018.

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/refurbishments-closings-walt-disney-world-universal-orlando/

I have a question though...hard goods refurb? What does that mean? Furniture will be replaced?

 

[KittyKitty]

Having trouble picking out the "many wonderful moments" included in this just returned thread.

I was trying to find the "many wonderful moments" you had during your visit too.

EDIT: Sorry if this came across as mean, I just wanted to hear what good things that happened to you too.

 

[L&Lfan]

IMO, who cares about the "many wonderful moments"? They're a dime a dozen. I wanna hear about the DIRT!

 

[hiroMYhero]

Dropping in to remind everyone to please follow the DIS Guidelines http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm when posting.

The "Here Now/Just Back" posters are entitled to share their real-time experiences to benefit those who will be traveling to the World in the very near future.

If the OP's Just Back personal evaluations are not to your liking, there are many other Just Back threads to check out.

 

[TheInvernessie]

I was trying to find the "many wonderful moments" you had during your visit too.

EDIT: Sorry if this came across as mean, I just wanted to hear what good things that happened to you too.

No no! Its alright. I've just stepped out to class and work. There were plenty of wonderful moments, mostly personal family things I didn't exactly want to share. I found the restaurants to be lovely, we tried mostly new ones.

curious as to where you ate? Did you get into any restaurants that are normally sold out?

We ate at plenty of new to us restaurants. Our family loves doing the QS Dining plan, which I don't see being used too often on the boards. It was quite filling. We ate at Everything Pop (2x breakfast), Cantina de San Angel (Lunch: WONDERFUL Loved the Tacos de Pollo + Churros), Liberty Inn (Literally the best grilled chicken I had on property), Pinocchio Village Haus (Meh. For me it was underwhelming. I'm Italian and it was just okay.), Electric Umbrella (Again, another Meh.), Pecos Bill (LOVED the menu change! Really nice to see some refreshing foods in MK), Casey's Corner (This is a new staple for us, as we did this in 2015. Its hard to get nice indoor seats, but worth it. HUGE Portions), Backlot Express (such cute Darth Vader waffles! Hated how large the place was) and Sunshine Seasons (I had been DYING to eat here, and it was pretty good!)

We did do one TS dinner at Ohana. I'm still shocked I got a seating at Ohana seeing as we booked it way after the 180 day mark. I really enjoyed Ohana, however if there is one criticism, it would be the speed of the food coming out. It came way too fast at our table, I suppose it depended on the waiter.

 

[DisneyFive]

Thanks for sharing! Interesting observations. A different perspective.

Our second trip, back in 2011 (back to back years at POP) left us with a "meh" feeling when were done with our stay also. (it had nothing to do with POP though). We were convinced we would vacation somewhere else the next year.

However, a few months later I had the Disney itch BAD, and couldn't wait to book another trip for the following year. Glad we did, as it was one of our best yet. Don't give up hope!

Dan

 

[Liv4Dis]

Yet another observation that really impacted my trip was the fact that there were cast members (particularly in Epcot and MK) that were just walking around in other areas of the park that didn't necessarily belong where they were walking. It kind of broke the magic for me, wiped away the illusion a bit. It was very noticeable when they were filming Black-Ish in MK, having various cast members strewn about Adventureland that clearly were from Main Street and Frontierland.

This would probably ruin some of the Disney magic for me too. One of the things that we really love about Disney is the history of how Walt envisioned Disney World and one of those was that cast members should never be seen out of character or never in the wrong "land". It is just a small thing but my family has read a lot about the history of Disney and know a lot about the many interesting facts in the Magic Kingdom and we never want some of these very special things to change.

On another note, it is sad to hear that Pop wasn't as you remembered it from 10 years ago, however, in true Disney spirit they did move you to a location that made you happier and they do have a scheduled refurb in the future.

Thanks for sharing ...

 

[tlmadden73]

Good feedback.

I stayed at Pop Century last year (this exact time of year) and I really enjoyed the experience, but we stayed in the 60s area, so we were right in the middle and a short walk from the main building. I couldn't imagine staying at the other buildings . .it does seem like a long walk.

Dingy? I guess. It is no "Hampton Inn" .. but it was a lot cheaper than most any Hampton Inn you'd find off the freeway (for this time of year with discounts).

I guess I had my expectations set for Pop Century. You get what you pay for. I was told to expect accommodations similar to any typical motel (with doors facing outside) like a Days Inn (but better) and that's what we got. But we were on site, for an affordable price and really just using the room for a bed to sleep in at night, so I didn't mind some "dinginess". For a hotel that is used as heavily as Disney hotels, I don't expect too much.

This time of year does seem great for crowds as most families are worried about getting kids back in school rather than vacationing in Florida.

 

[Karin1984]

I also had it in Disney Paris once. A CM in Pirates outfit operating Indiana Jones. It didn't break the magic, but it did stand out enough to take a picture of it. Especially as it was such a thing for Walt Disney and one of the reasons for the underground corridors.

 

[minijeanie]

No no! Its alright. I've just stepped out to class and work. There were plenty of wonderful moments, mostly personal family things I didn't exactly want to share. I found the restaurants to be lovely, we tried mostly new ones.


We ate at plenty of new to us restaurants. Our family loves doing the QS Dining plan, which I don't see being used too often on the boards. It was quite filling. We ate at Everything Pop (2x breakfast), Cantina de San Angel (Lunch: WONDERFUL Loved the Tacos de Pollo + Churros), Liberty Inn (Literally the best grilled chicken I had on property), Pinocchio Village Haus (Meh. For me it was underwhelming. I'm Italian and it was just okay.), Electric Umbrella (Again, another Meh.), Pecos Bill (LOVED the menu change! Really nice to see some refreshing foods in MK), Casey's Corner (This is a new staple for us, as we did this in 2015. Its hard to get nice indoor seats, but worth it. HUGE Portions), Backlot Express (such cute Darth Vader waffles! Hated how large the place was) and Sunshine Seasons (I had been DYING to eat here, and it was pretty good!)

We did do one TS dinner at Ohana. I'm still shocked I got a seating at Ohana seeing as we booked it way after the 180 day mark. I really enjoyed Ohana, however if there is one criticism, it would be the speed of the food coming out. It came way too fast at our table, I suppose it depended on the waiter.

 

[happymommy]

We also just got back - stayed at Pop 8/23 - 8/31 (just my DD and me) and had the free QSDP.

We had a wonderful trip, met new friends, and it was overall great!

I do agree that we saw for the first time ever many, many cast members on their way to or from their job walking through the parks. I noticed it daily. I thought in the past they usually walked somehow behind the scenes. It was strange.

The QSDP was WAY too much food for us. It was nice that it was free. We came home with 25 bags of various snacks. I only used my mug once, but it's a cute souvenir!

I also thought Frozen was such a stupid ride to be honest. I preferred the old Maelstrom! Glad we got a DAS return time for DD - not worth waiting in line for at all.

I did encounter only one cast member who seemed to not want to let me sub out a drink for a snack on the QSDP in China at Epcot. I politely argued with him that it was allowed, and offered to pull it up on my phone. When he said no again, I said to get his manager, who was a gruff man who mumbled something to him, rang up a coke and then we got our egg roll order instead. The cast members in China just were NOT friendly. Everyone else was great, though!

I do agree that the rooms at Pop may be tired; they remind me of the Swan & Dolphin prior to the renovations. But, our room was kept spotless by our housekeeper! My DD is medically fragile, so I had a VIP cleaning done.