Multiple value resort questions!

[newdeal]

We have stayed at the POP 4 or 5 times so I know it very well. In previous trips the pop was slightly less expensive than the all stars due to the room price being the same but the tax rate being 0.5% lower. We usually go in September but this year plan to go at the end of November. I noticed the pop ends up costing more because the price is $5 per night more than at the all stars. Is this just due to time of year or have they increased the price at the pop recently? I am comparing standard rooms at both. Also much has been said in the past as to the shared busses at the all stars resorts, is this a big deal? Which is the best all star resort to stay at for busses? We will likely do movies or music as we have a 2 year old and a little baby and the theming seems good, I will not pay the $40 extra to stay at pop for our trip although if price were the same we would do pop again. Also since rumor has it that the little mermaid rooms at AoA will be left out of the public free dining offer that resort is out also (although it would have been our first choice). Any help would be appreciated

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I don't know why the tax rate wold be different. Bus service at the All Star resorts was no different than Pop.

Just because the All Star resorts share buses (sometimes), doesn't mean the travel time was more. The All Star resorts are all in a row so drop off and pick up was quick. DS enjoyed driving past the other AS resorts to see the different giant sculptures. Many times the buses were NOT shared... just depends on how many people need a bus. Disney monitors the number of people waiting and adjusts bus schedules. We stayed at AS Sports and Movies. When buses are being shared.... Sports is more likely to be the first pickup and first drop off, so some see that as an advantage. I personally saw no difference in the ability to have a seat.

With a 2 yr old and baby, I would stay at an All Star Resort and pay extra for a preferred location (closer to main building and bus stops). Preferred locations at POP may be further away from the main building compared to AS resorts. I like Movies theme and it was recently rehabbed. But Art of Animation is definitely getting my next value resort stay. The room decor and outdoor theme is much more detailed than AS resorts.

 

[rigs32]

The tax rate is different because they are in different counties.

 

[raven69david]

I don't know why the tax rate wold be different.

All-Star resorts are in a different county (Osceola County). Pop Century is located in Orange County. This is the reason for the tax rate difference.

 

[EpcotBill]

I noticed the pop ends up costing more because the price is $5 per night more than at the all stars. Is this just due to time of year or have they increased the price at the pop recently?

This is new in 2012. Pop is the most popular Value (pre AoA) so the beancounters figure they can squeeze another $5 per night out of Pop guests. The rack rate for Standard is $5 more over All-Stars no matter what season or day of the week.

 

[newdeal]

This is new in 2012. Pop is the most popular Value (pre AoA) so the beancounters figure they can squeeze another $5 per night out of Pop guests. The rack rate for Standard is $5 more over All-Stars no matter what season or day of the week.

Ok thank you for that info, its only $5 but seeing as there isnt any other real advantage we will now stay at the all star (unless free dining applies to the little mermaid rooms at AoA).

Also due to the county differance as stated earlier the pop has 0.5% less tax. It isnt much but I think it applies to the entire vacation package so I previously opted for the pop just because i paid less tax

 

[glenpreece]

For my upcoming trip this August Pop was almost $100 more than a stay at All Star Music. I stayed there aon my first trip and then at Pop ever since. But for $100 less I'm heading back to All Star Music. I'm actually really looking forward to it. Pop feels like "home" but I'm getting so bored with it to be honest. I wanna stay at the LM room at AoA once it opens.

 

[ars0525]

We have stayed at the All Star Music in October several times & I think maybe only once or twice did we share a bus with the other All Stars.

 

[DisneyMom5]

I didn't realize that Pop was more. It's really going to make it hard for me to stay there, with 3 rooms times 7 nights! Thanks for pointing this out!

 

[EpcotBill]

For my upcoming trip this August Pop was almost $100 more than a stay at All Star Music. I stayed there aon my first trip and then at Pop ever since. But for $100 less I'm heading back to All Star Music. I'm actually really looking forward to it. Pop feels like "home" but I'm getting so bored with it to be honest. I wanna stay at the LM room at AoA once it opens.

You do realize that AoA Standard room rack rate is $10 more per night than All-Stars.

 

[newdeal]

But AoA is new and better themed so I don't mind spending a bit extra on that

 

[dancin Disney style]

Just a little FYI.....last night I walked through AoA and the LM rooms are very far from the main building. The are right beside the driveway to POP. I was shocked at how far it really was. Usually, the maps make things look more spaced out than they really are but it seems to me that in this case the buildings are as they look on the map. Even the spaces between the Nemo and Cars buildings were very wide.