Oh Boy! Confused between CSR and Pop

[famsen]

Anyone stayed at both CSR AND Pop and can share their experiences?

I have the Coronado booked for October for 6 nights. I have always stayed at deluxe or moderate resorts at WDW. I never even considered a value resort until I started reading the threads about Pop Century and viewing all the great pictures. I realize the pros and cons of each resort. I know the Pop rooms are smaller and it is designed more along the lines of a Holiday Inn type hotel (with a fantastic Disney touch).

The down side to the Coronado for me is that darn 10% gratuity on everything ordered and eating in the food court.

On the plus side, the Coronado as the lake with watercraft rental but really, I don't think we will utilize that, at least not more than once.

The MAJOR plus to Pop Century is that we would be saving $266 for our 6 nights but I would have to pay extra for a refridgerator rental for each night, correct?

Please, I need help to convince me either way. I think I have been spoiled from the moderates and deluxe resorts so I fear that Pop Century will not live up to my "Disney Magic" experiences of the past but maybe it will.

 

[iluveeyore]

We have stayed at both, and I would choose Pop - there is a lake there we always request to stay beside in the 50's building (Tramp hotel) - beautiful walking path and always bunnies and ducks to greet us each morning. As far as paying for a fridge, there is a Pop fridge swap on these boards - you just book your time and the fridge is free for your stay. When we stayed at CSR we were so far from the main hall it was horrible. Plus there are four or five bus stops within the resort - Pop has one bus stop at the main hall and the main hall is just a moment's walk from the 50's building or many of the others. They have a great food court as well. If it's saving you money as well, I'd vote for Pop hands down - you won't be sorry. My sis just stayed last month and took her in-laws for their first trip, stayed in the 50's building and had a great trip - they loved it!
Whatever you choose, have a great trip!

 

[CanadianGuy]

I have stayed at both ... Pop in March of this year and CSR in late May. I like both resorts a LOT. Basically it comes down to $$$ for me. If I could always afford to stay CSR, I probably would.. then again, I didn't eat at Pepper Market once.. Nothing intentional, that's just how it worked out each day.

That said, I really enjoy Pop as well and probably will plan my next trip around staying at Pop Century.

Pop has a lot of things going for it. My only downside with Pop is when it's near capacity, the foodcourt can be a little harrowing. You didn't really indicate when you're travelling but reading your ticket it seems to indicate September time frame, in which case, Pop should be fine in this regard.

Whichever you choose -- have a great time!

Knox

 

[jennib5426]

I have stayed at both resorts twice and I aslo agree the only difference to me is $$$. I enjoy both equally. The decorations at CSR are a little more sophistacated but your at DIsney so who cares.

I enjoy the fact that Pop has a pool bar and an inside bar at the Food court just like CSR.

I had nevered stayed at a value before Pop, we had always stayed at Mod's. I was just as happy with Pop, it did seem a little more crowded that CSR but I was there in March.

If you choose Pop be sure to go to the Food Court and bus stops early, by 8am to beat the rush of people.

 

[disneymom06]

We have also stayed at both resorts and if it is an issue of saving money than POP is fine. POP is cute but I found CSR to be less congested. The food court at POP is good but crowded at meal times, especially at nightime. The 10% gratuity at CSR is annoying, but this time wasn't an issue for us because we had the DDP and the 10% was included in the meal price. We did miss the quiet pool at night at CSR and the pools at POP were always crowded but those are issues that only you can answer. If you are going to rent a refrigerator at POP than the difference in price would be even less. We are staying at POP again in August, but if money was not an issue, it would be one of the mods.

 

[dixiedizfan]

Any reason CSR has to be your moderate of choice? Because personally my family adores POR ... but that's us. We have stayed at both CSR and POP, but if I had to choose between the two it would definitely be CSR. Because you do get a lot more amenities there and it's an absolutely gorgeously themed resort. And by the time you pay the ten bucks a night for a fridge, your savings won't be that much. The rooms are a bit larger at CSR, and we loved their foodcourt. The 10% gratuity didn't bother us as we were on the dining plan; but even if we weren't it would have been worth it, because their food is so much better, and there's a much larger selection of it than other foodcourts. POP does have more of a 'Disney' feel to it, but it also has lots more noise from the younger set than CSR does.

 

[BlindTyldak]

I haven't stayed at POP, but having stayed at ASMo where the rooms are the same size, you won't notice much difference in room sizes if you notice it at all. I think it works out to be the CSR rooms are two feet longer or something to that effect.

 

[famsen]

Oh you guys are great but now more than ever, I am torn between the two resorts.

I chose CSR because that is the one moderate that we have not stayed at yet. I love the theming and it is newer than CBR and POR/PORFQ.

At this point, I think I am keeping my ressies for CSR but if something unexpectedly comes up and budget doesn't allow, I will change to Pop in a heartbeat.

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[Buzz2001]

You'll love CSR! Best pool, awesome transportation and quick rides to all the parks. If you don't want to pay the 10% at the PM, get your food to go and eat poolside or out on the promenade. The choices at Siestas are good too.

 

[dngrmys]

CSR!! I think it's the nicest of all the moderates and I might take it over a few of the deluxes, too. The lobby is such a step-up from the CBR, POR and POFQ and the landscaping is great. It is a big resort, but it makes for a nice respite from the busy parks.

 

[robinb]

I have stayed at both resorts and I like them both. POP is my favorite Value resort and CSR is my favorite Moderate resort. If you can afford the extra cost, I would go with CSR hands down. The pool area is much nicer, the rooms are bigger, you get a free fridge and coffee maker and the Pepper Market has really good food. Plus, CSR is centrally located with a short ride to all the parks.