Need Opinion on Pop Century!

[Kimmy]

I stayed at Pop once, and won't go back. If you don't like lines, I would suggest not staying at the Pop. The Pop has 5,760 rooms, which is the number of rooms of the three All Stars put together. Yet, there is only one food court and one bus stop. Do the math....long lines. I love the decor, pools, and the store; but I do not like the lines. I suggest one of the All Stars or the Mods. I love CSR. I went last August and never had to wait in a long line, always had a seat on the bus. I remember after Fantasmic, looking at the long line for Pop, and we got to our bus stop and immediately were boarded and had a seat. It is worth the extra money. The refrigerator and coffee pot is also great to have at a mod.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

We loved our stay at Pop! We just stayed there on our first night on our last trip to save money as our ressie for a DVC rental started on Sunday.

Anyway, Pop hasn't changed a bit (IMHO) since our original stay. Our kids still loved the grounds and they were very well kept up. The main pool (Hippy Dippy) was great, the food court was great and the kids just loved the icons and all of the funky stuff.

As you can see from my siggy, we have stayed just about everywhere except the Deluxe hotels. What I can tell you is that if you know you will sacrifice a little in room size and in room amenities and grounds amenities such as a pool slide or sit down restaurant, etc., and you are okay with that, then you will be fine. I would rather be able to go to Disney on a budget than not go at all but that's just me.

Pop is fun and if you go knowing not to expect too much from the room, then you will be fine.

Honestly, it's a different kind of stay because you get so much more from the fun and unique grounds. Where else are you going to find such huge icons, crazy and fun memorabilia, etc. I would go and think of it as a different, unique experience because it's a truly unique stay all it's own.

Just think of it this way - it's worth a shot at least once. If you don't like it, you won't have to do it again. Also, just one last thought - why not split your stay or stay at Pop for most of your vacation and then bump it up to mod or deluxe for your last two nights? Disney will transfer all your bags for you so it's really not difficult to make the switch and it will be something you can look forward to as well.

Good luck and hope this helps!

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

We've stayed at all the values and one of the Mods, but still choose Pop over all of them. I'd rather save the money on the room (you're at the parks all day anyways) and use it for Florida Res. Passes - that's the family compromise this year for another anniversary celebration. We did reserve a preferred room though after being stuck in the back of beyond where we had to drive car to front just to eat & catch the busses. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[jsilvio2002]

We just returned from POP today after staying for a week. It was our first stay at a Disney Resort so I can't compare to other resorts. But here are a few tips. If you get to the bus lines at least an hour before park opening, you can usually get on the first bus and make it inside the park by the opening. The bus waits varied and almost always had people standing during the ride. The frozen coke machines were broken most of the week we were there. The resort was exceptionally clean, cast members were helpful and friendly. The main pool was crowded from early to late. We found the resort to be quiet and didn't encounter smokers anywhere. Our son has asthma and we were concerned about coming in contact with smoke. We were in the 60's building, room 4338 and it was great. We could see the EPCOT ball, fireworks at night, and walk a short distance to the buses and food service areas. If you have any questions I will check back several days and answer any questions I can.

 

[Mr. Pig]

We have stayed at all value, mod and most deluxe resorts. I agree with most other posters that say you shouldn't worry about long walks to the food court. It's not that bad. Buses do fill up. We were at POP last Dec. early in the month and mornings and evenings I stood every bus trip. The resort is handles a lot of people but I think Disney traffic control takes care of things and the buses come more often. The evenings after Wishes, Illuminations or Fantasmic are famous for the HUGE lines for the POP bus. Then after the initial line up traffic control gets more buses to the longest lines and you suddenly move pretty quick.

IMHO POP is a great way to save a lot of $ and still have a great Disney experience.

 

[Caniacdeb]

I love staying at POP. I have stayed there many times usually in a preferred room. As others say the food court can be crowded and the bus lines are long and not covered but for the price of the room we think it's a great value.
I have stayed at deluxe, mod and value. If money was no object I would stay at a deluxe but for the price you just can't beat POP. It's just my DH and I so room sizes are not a problem.
I'm staying at ASMu next month(only because I couldn't get a preferred at POP) and then back to POP for Halloween.