New here, just booked holiday to POP!

[soakley78]

Hi, I'm new here and have just booked to stay at the Pop Century Resort at the end of September. I have visited florida many times but have always stayed off-site, so this is our first stay inside Disney.
Just wondered if anyone has any hints and tips. Will also have a car so is it true that the disney car parks are free if your staying at a disney resort, I ask this because, we love to go out for breakfast and we would then head for the parks after, rather than eating in the hotel.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Steve.

 

[catherines_mama]

Hey Steve. WELCOME to the DIS!!

Yes, if you are staying at a Disney Resort (POP is awesome btw.. we LOVE IT) you can park at the theme parks for free.

Now, a hint & tip from me. Don't drive off property to eat. It is a waste of time. Look at the menus at the Disney parks / hotels, pick fun places for breakfast each day and remain on property. That way too, you are at the parks for opening or even the EMH (Extra Magic Hours). EMH is a benefit of staying on-property. As a resort guest you are allowed to enter the parks (on desiganted days.. see park hrs on website) 1 hour early! This is such a benefit as you get shorter lines to all the best attractions.

If you don't go to the EMH park that day, you can still benefit. Example: Magic Kingdom opens at 9am. You schedule a 8am breakfast at Crystal Palace (YUMMY) or Cinderellas Royal Table. You get to go into the park before its open for your reservation, and already be in the park when it opens. You also get to experience a wonderful meal at either location. Almost all parks have a breakfast.
Animal Kingdom has Donalds (very yummy)
Epcot has the Princess Breakfast in Norway (again.. yummy)
Magic Kingdom has TWO
MGM .. I'm not sure here, but you could always take advantage of the near by Boardwalk Bakery.

I just think there is too much amazing things on property to drive off for breakfast.

Enjoy POP, its an awesome resort, and enjoy your trip.

 

[jenseib]

I would look into the dining plan. We did that and it was awesome for us! I wouldn't go off site either. You will most likely get stuck in traffic coming back. We had a car, but used Disney transportation most of the time anyways. It was just easier. We only drove to breakfeast one morning at Chef Mickeys and DH went one morning and checked out the race track. And we drove to DTD our last evening there. If you do go off site, I would try to time at the least busiest time. The roads around there get pretty jammed at certain times of the day. I have stayed off site a few times, and found it would take about 45 mintues to get from the park to the hotel (international Drive area) We stayed on site this last time, and enjoyed it ALOT!