LIVE from Pop Century!

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hello Everyone! We are here at Pop Century and we're enjoying our stay. I haven't been over to look for Tyler yet, but I'll try to do that before we check-out tomorrow to head to WL. We are in the 70's section (building B) on the 3rd floor. The rooms are small, just like Allstars, but clean and new. I think the check-in area, food court, store, etc., are very nice and seem better than the Allstars. Our building is very close to the bus stop and food court. We went swimming yesterday in the Hippie Dippie pool (60's section) because it seemed closest for us. The buses have been running very well, and the food court choices seem pretty good too. I giggled with dh last night when we saw three girls with POR mugs filling them down in the food court. Of course you'd never see me breaking that rule.

I think Pop Century is a great value. We definitely are getting our $49 worth (ap rate). I think it gives many people who wouldn't normally be able to stay on property the chance to really experience Disney. All the large icons are really cool for the kids to see... our building has the giant Big Wheel, which is cute. I would definitely recommend giving it a try if you'd like to save money.

We are moving to the WL tomorrow... another resort to mark off my list. I'd really like to try all of them at least once... and we've only got a few more to try.

If anyone has questions feel free to ask. But I'm sure there isn't anything I could answer better than Tyler.

 

[kangaroodle]

Hi! My family will be staying at PC in about 3 weeks. Chose it because it's new and cheap! We are DVC members but are just adding a quick extra trip in using the Disney Visa promotion. Just wondering what building is a good one to stay in that is close to the food court and also to the bus stop. I'm not worried about the pool because it probably won't be warm enough to swim anyway. What building were you in? I have to put a room request in soon! Thanks! Kathy

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We are in the 70's section, building B, and I think it's the best building that's not preferred. We are right next to the food court, bus stop, and parking lot. The 60's section (which is the preferred area) might be closer to the food court (a tiny bit), but it's a farther walk for the parking lot and bus stop. However, they have a pool and we don't. (which wasn't really a big deal for us because we aren't big pool people)

The 50's is on the opposite side from us, and for some reason seems farther to me. I haven't walked it to check, but I think the 70's is closer.

I would highly recommend the 70's, building B.

 

[kangaroodle]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll call tomarrow or Monday and put my request in! Only 19 days till we are there!!!

 

[2minny]

wow, that is so awesome that you're trying to stay at all disney hotels. So far what is your favorite deluxe and moderate hotel? I've stayed at All-star sports, it was okay, but I think it was a bit "much" (cheesy) for my taste, although you can't beat the price!

 

[Belle1962]

How is the parking? I've read horrible things about the parking and don't want to worry about getting in at night and not being able to find a spot.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The parking lots seemed pretty full, we found a space toward the back of the 70's lot around 4pm, but later that evening I didn't see any empty spaces. That was New Year's day though... so it might be better at other times.

My favorite moderate so far is CBR, and my favorite deluxe is probably a tie between GF, Poly, and YC.

I wanted to add a little bit more about Pop Century....

The chocolate chip cookie sandwich I had down in the food court was BETTER than Main St. Bakery! I am totally serious. I didn't get the nerve up to try the tie dye cheesecake or twinkie tirimisu, but they looked really yummy. Also I enjoyed the Vanilla Coke. The kids thought the tie dyed bread was pretty neat too.

All of the CM's we came into contact with at PC were amazing. Everyone was so friendly, always asking us if we were enjoying our stay, stopping to chat with us or the kids, I was really impressed with that.

The only negative thing I can say is we weren't thrilled with our mousekeeper. Two times we came home at night to little to no toilet paper or kleenex. And the check-in/check-out line was insanely long. (probably due to the holiday)

Coming next.... LIVE from the WL!!!!

 

[KSgirl]

Thanks for the report!

I'm taking my mom for her very first Disney trip in February. We are choosing the Pop because it is new and I got the $49 AP rate. Tell me, how is the bus service? We are renting a car, but might use busses on a couple of days. Glad you are enjoying your stay. Have a great time at WL....I love that resort!

 

[Kimberle]

Hi, a couple of questions if you don't mind! We are considering a "bonus" trip in March staying at Pop. We've always done deluxes, so I'm a bit nervous abt trying a value.

First, the number of rooms is so overwhelming! Does it feel "crowded", are there long lines, can you easily find a chair at the pool? How long is the bus ride to MK? Did you stay for Spectro/Fantasmic/Illuminations, if so, did you get back to Pop rather reasonably or were the crowds overwhelming? (I have a small child.)

Next, how is the selection at the food court? We generally like to eat dinner at our hotel or one close. My dh only eats fish (salmon, tuna, etc.) Do they have some fish meals? I haven't been able to find a write up of the food choices at Pop (other than the tied dyed cheesecake.)

Thanks, we love MK, and spend most of our time there. I'm just a bit worried abt being so far.

Just one more, if you don't mind. Can you get to any other resorts on WDW transporation rather easily? (Like it's so easy to get between WL/CR/FW, or CR/Poly/GF.)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The buses were great. They are all coming constantly and we never waited more than 5 minutes. The travel times to Epcot and MGM were very fast. We didn't go to MK while staying there so I'm not sure about that. The lines coming back to the resort were fine... we only had to stand once, and that was after Fantasmic ended.

The only time it felt crowded was the check-in/check-out lines and the food court in the mornings. We had no trouble finding pool chairs, the bus lines weren't long, and walking around the resort it didn't seem too crowded either.

The food court did offer salmon. Each "station" is set up with different offerings. The first one is sandwiches and pastries. Next is burgers, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, and chicken fingers. Then the next one over was salad, meatball sub, pizzas, and baked chicken... then the fourth station was shrimp lo mein, veggie lo mein, salmon, and some others I can't remember. For kids meals they offered nuggets, mac n cheese, pb and fluff, and another one I can't remember. We only ate dinner down there one night... our boys split the hotdog with fries, and dh and I had the steak sandwich. I thought the food was all good.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Oh, I also forgot to add that I spoke with a CM the morning we checked-out and she said the long lines were not the norm. She said 6 of their front desk people had called in sick that morning and they had 1100 people checking-in! So I guess that's what caused the back-up. Maybe someone coming back this week can update on the lines and parking situation.