Nervous About Pop

[plutojudy]

We stayed at Pop for 9 days in January and 3 in April. We enjoyed the resort (no children with us). We like Pop because it is closer to everything than All Stars. The food court was crowded mornings and evenings. We enjoyed it there and would stay again. We loved watching the fireworks, etc from Pop. We like the way the bus lines are set up and the only delays were loading wheel chair people. The buses were plentiful at night returning from the parks. The food was typical Disney food, nothing special.
Since our children are older and no longer travel with us we don't need large rooms.
Have fun! Don't worry!

 

[catherines_mama]

Originally posted by Epscot
I'm booked at POP in Oct. The guy that sits right across from me at work just returned last week from POP.......
Anyway, I hope things settle down by October, but somehow expect they will still be busy.

Like you just said.. he JUST got back (peak season) you are not going until October, much slower season. I don't think you should worry about any problems. We were there in Feb (off season also) and never had issues. Like many people have said.. YES leaving MK after Wishes and Spectro is a bit unreal but they do utilize 2 bus stops and bring at least 2 busses at a time. Leaving Epcot is the same way after Illuminations. They plan for it and make is as efficient as possible.

I hope you have a magical trip! We sure did! And are going back for more.

 

[Terk-1]

I've seen mentioned in a couple of posts of people viewing fireworks from Pop. Where do you go to view these? How much can you see? I noticed there was a lake there? Is there a walking path around it?

Thanks again everyone!!

 

[cavepig]

We watched Illuminations and Wishes from the 4th floor of 50's building C (Tramp side) right by a bowling pin staircase facing the lake. It was just down the the hall from our rooms. We could see everything except for the low fireworks and the ball segments of Illuminations. You could hear the booms with Illuminations, but now with Wishes since Magic Kingdom is much further away. You can always see Spaceship Earth at Epcot. You can probably watch the fireworks from anywhere along the lake.

There is a path around the lake. We walked on it a couple times and you could even see the fireworks from here. Once the Legendary Years is done the path will go all the way around the lake. There is also a bridge you can go across that will eventually lead to the Legendary Years, but for now it leads to trees.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks for all your info & help!! I am now much more relieved and getting more and more excited each day!!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by Terk-1
Thanks for all your info & help!! I am now much more relieved and getting more and more excited each day!!

If it makes you feel even more better... Pop Century was rated #1 in Guest Satisfaction in 9 out of 11 categories.

 

[mattmommy]

First of all, newer hotels are always mobbed with Disney fans (like my family) who want to try out "the new place". The lines were long in February and they shorted us one day and couldn't (didn't seem like they really tried) to help us. We had to pack and move to an all-stars for one night (what a pain). BUT on the upside. The rooms are clean and nice. The ice machines were ALWAYS full (can't say that for all the Disney hotels--some are out 24/7). The food court had really good food. The manager walked around and asked everybody how their food was. The manager said that if we were ever dissatisfied with our food we could return it. The decor was great. Our three year old had a blast looking at all the buildings. The pools were fairly empty in February, but pretty warm considering it was pretty cool when we went (yes, I know they heat them, but usually it means they warm it up one degree).

The bus lines were a bit longer than everybody else's, but it moved pretty quick. In the morning there was a cast member reading off trivia questions to pass time. That was great. The buses have different seating arrangement to fit more people in. There was always a few people in wheelchairs and the drivers were very considerate and helpful in getting them situated on the bus first.

The parking lot at the Pop was crowded (especially if you linger at the park late). We usually had to park in the main lot and walk over. The all-star had plenty of parking.

Overall, we loved the Pop and would stay there again. We're going in two days, but we're staying at Sports. A little less crowded, but just as fun.

 

[Epscot]

Originally posted by Epscot
...The guy that sits right across from me at work just returned last week from POP...He said the bus lines at the theme parks heading to POP were longer than those for any other resort. He said that in the morning his family consistently waited 15-20 minutes from the time they got in line until they were on a bus...

Originally posted by StillaCubsfan1964
...Monday we went to MK and left about 9:30 (before the fire works) and (this is no lie) waited over an hour to finally get on a bus!

My co-worker told me his family also waited over an hour for a bus at MK after the fireworks. I don't know what day it was, but probably the same. I'm glad to hear they opened a second bus for POP during the busy times. He isn't the most observant, so he probably wouldn't have noticed it.

He also complained about the crowded pool, but claimed that it (Hippy-Dippy Pool) was the only pool at the resort. When I showed him the other pools on the online resort map, he was surprised. He stayed in the 60's building, but says didn't pay the extra $10 for Preferred. Who know whether he did (and didn't realize it) or he didn't?

Anyway, upon reflection, I believe that my time reading the hints and tips here help me to avoid a lot of the issues that people arriving with no plan or knowledge experience. At least I hope between my 30+ trips to WDW and reading these boards almost religiously I am better prepared to maximize my vacation.

Looking forward to Oct @ POP!!

 

[monalsw]

great thread-i appreciate everyone's opinion!

we'll be at pop in november for 15 nights and looking forward to it! like an earlier post said, it's all what you make of it!

to all the upcoming pop guests, have fun!

 

[Terk-1]

Again, I appreciate everyone's input. A long line at check-in is not going to ruin our trip either.

I think going to WDW is for relaxing and just being a big ol' kid, no matter what your age is. It's running around and having your picture taken with as many characters as possible. It's going to your favorite attractions over and over again. It's enjoying a Mickey ice cream, while waiting for a parade to start. It's strolling down Main Street early in the morning, listening to the music playing softly in the background and just soaking everything in. It's eating the warm chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich from the Sleepy Hollow while looking over the castle's reflection in the water. It's being with family or friends and watching Wishes.