Please Tell Me I'll Like POP!

[antmaril]

I just made reservations at Pop Century (preferred rooms) for me, DH, DS and DS's girlfriend to go at the end of August to take advantage of Free Dining. We usually stay at the Boardwalk Inn and we've stayed at the moderates. Because I need two rooms, I had to book a value and Pop was available for my dates for two rooms.

Can a deluxe gal be okay at this value? I'm kind of a hotel snob, so I'm a little worried.

Please reassure me that it can be done!

 

[PatsGirl]

For park commando trips we actually prefer POP to CSR and wouldn't pay more money than value price to sleep for a few hours each night. If you intend to have non-park days I think you may miss the deluxe resort. IMHO it's all about how much time you'll be spending at the resort.

 

[KingdomHearts]

I just made reservations at Pop Century (preferred rooms) for me, DH, DS and DS's girlfriend to go at the end of August to take advantage of Free Dining. We usually stay at the Boardwalk Inn and we've stayed at the moderates. Because I need to two rooms, I had to book a value and Pop was available for my dates for two rooms.

Can a deluxe gal be okay at this value? I'm kind of a hotel snob, so I'm a little worried.

Please reassure me that it can be done!

It really does depend on how much time you spend at your hotel room. When we first went down we always stayed at the Value resorts and loved them. This past July my DH and I got married there and we stayed at the GF. Well now I have turned my mother, father, and brother into resort snobs. They refuse.. and I mean REFUSE to stay any where else but the GF, or the YC. The only time I would refuse to stay at a value would be in the summer, mainly July, because they have massive groups of people that go down then. In our past experience these groups have been rude, disrespectful, and are loud and up until about 330 am. On several nights we actually had to call security, which I really dont like doing and I use it as a complete last resort, because a bunch of kids were bouncing their soccer ball on our door as well as other peoples doors on the floor at 230 in the morning. But then on the other hand we went down and stayed at the ASmu in October and absolutely loved it because it was not over crowded with people. So we, my dh and I,are flexible with our hotel room choice, but it just depends on the month. In general we really like Pop! And it is the only value resort that has its own bus from all the theme parks, where as the All Stars share bussing at most parks, which will make for a longer wait and ride. It is a cute resort! Good luck planning and I hope this helps!

 

[AGPrincess]

Oh, I'm a total snob and I loved Pop -- especially when you've got two rooms to spread out in. The theming is really fun, food court is good (that tie die cheesecake is too cool!), buses are quick, and pools are great.

Don't worry. I bet you'll like it.

 

[antmaril]

I'm on the fence. I may have to find the money to switch us to a moderate. However, I've been checking the Disney website today and I can't get a moderate to come up for our dates.

Maybe I'll get an e-mail offering me an upgrade to SSR or OKW. Now that would be sweet.

I keep telling myself that Pop will be fine. But, I also know that it will probably be a madhouse during those first days of Free Dining. I don't know. I'm not sure I can do it.

Decisions, decisions !

 

[JCornell]

Oh, I'm a total snob and I loved Pop -- especially when you've got two rooms to spread out in. The theming is really fun, food court is good (that tie die cheesecake is too cool!), buses are quick, and pools are great.

Don't worry. I bet you'll like it.

Totally agree with this. The adults and kids loved the theming, the rooms were nice, and everything was convenient. Maybe since it's still a newer place, we thought they were very clean, too. The only thing we noticed was that the bus stop always seemed to be the furthest walk at all of the parks, again probably because it's a newer place.

 

[southcarolina4]

Ive stayed at Pop twice when i could have got a moderate or something more...Ive got 2 connecting rooms each time...its like have a suite.
Its clean,the food court and arcade,pools,etc...are great...the rooms are small im sure you'll be kinda "if'ee...But unless you hate something that really speaks disney...you'll love it...

 

[Diznejen1]

We took an all girl 2 day/1 night trip to POP back in April,and then my family of four of vacationed there for a week last summer. After being in a moderate, the rooms are gonna seem a little small for you, if you plan on spending lots of time in the room. The hotel is beautiful, clean and great fun. The HUGE icons make great photo opps. Disney does everthing in good taste and with great style. I think you'll like it.

 

[HayGan]

I'm totally guilty of being a resort snob who loves POP as well! Go - you'll have a great time

 

[Ricky's Girl]

We've previously stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort (5 times), Coranado Springs (once was enough!), All Star Music and Movies (several times) and Pop Century 3 times. We LOVE the POP and are looking forward to our next stay there. Give it a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[Magic2000]

We've stayed at deluxe (Polynesian, GF, Contemporary, WL, Swan), moderates (POFQ, Coronado Springs), and value (Pop Century, All Sar Movies and All Star Music) many times, and love them all! It just depends on what we're looking for on that particular trip. Last summer, we did a split stay with Pop Century and Boardwalk Inn! It was great! My DD had been begging to try that "clown" pool!

We love Pop Century too! It is really a lot of fun - and totally Disney!

Have a great trip!!!!!

 

[mom2luncate]

I'm a hotel snob too and we're staying at Pop for the first time in August and I'm a bit nervous. Last year we stayed at OKW in a studio suite that was lovely and very spacious. The only way I could convince my DH to go this year was to do it super cheap. We got a fantastic deal at POP but I'm worried the room will be tight with 2 adults and 2 small kids. However, we're only planning on sleeping in the room and my 2 dds are thrilled about the hotel with the huge icons and fun kiddie pool. I'm hopeful it will all work out. Stay positive and the trip will go well, right?

 

[antmaril]

I'm a hotel snob too and we're staying at Pop for the first time in August and I'm a bit nervous. Last year we stayed at OKW in a studio suite that was lovely and very spacious. The only way I could convince my DH to go this year was to do it super cheap. We got a fantastic deal at POP but I'm worried the room will be tight with 2 adults and 2 small kids. However, we're only planning on sleeping in the room and my 2 dds are thrilled about the hotel with the huge icons and fun kiddie pool. I'm hopeful it will all work out. Stay positive and the trip will go well, right?

Right!

I'm trying to think positive. Most people seem to like POP very much. I'm keeping my expectations in check and I think it's going to be fine.

The money I'm saving by staying at Pop will help pay for another trip. I'd like to go to Arizona in February, so my savings will pay for the airfare.

It's all good (I hope!)

 

[Magic2000]

Just wanted to stay we just got back from a 2 week stay at Pop Century and it was great! We were in Room 0101, right next to the Big Wheel (70s Bldg).

Food court was fine - we ate there a few times. Not bad. DD loved the cheese fries! Gift shop was nice.

Bus service was great!!! Our one day at Typhoon Lagoon, we waited for a bus. But just as we were walking out of Typhoon Lagoon, the bus was pulling away. It took 22 minutes for the next bus. Other than that one time, all our bus wait times were less than 10 minutes!!!!!

Our room was fine for the three of us (me, my mom, and my DD). We never heard our neighbors. One morning, we slept in (til about 8:30 am) and never heard any one as they were leaving for the parks.

We love Pop Century and don't mind staying there when our vacation calls for a "value" trip! This year, we chose to stay longer by staying value. It worked out great for us! Enjoy your trip!!!!!

 

[spiceycat]

the only problem might be breakfast. Pop has 2,880 rooms so that is alot of people most wanting breakfast before leaving to the parks.

either eat breakfast at the parks, or realized that you will be crowded.

the next one is the lines at the bus stops for the parks. lots of time these will look pretty long - but a little patience on your part and you might be surprised at how fast they go.

most of time (especially at Pop) when the first bus won't hold everyone - there is another bus there before the first bus leaves. they have the BEST bus transportation of any of the WDW resorts.

you might be surprised at how much you love Pop.

I am jealous. Pop wasn't available for my dates and I have been trying to change it since.

break down the price in your free dinning - I think you will be pleased!!!

 

[antmaril]

the only problem might be breakfast. Pop has 2,880 rooms so that is alot of people most wanting breakfast before leaving to the parks.

either eat breakfast at the parks, or realized that you will be crowded.

the next one is the lines at the bus stops for the parks. lots of time these will look pretty long - but a little patience on your part and you might be surprised at how fast they go.

most of time (especially at Pop) when the first bus won't hold everyone - there is another bus there before the first bus leaves. they have the BEST bus transportation of any of the WDW resorts.

you might be surprised at how much you love Pop.

I am jealous. Pop wasn't available for my dates and I have been trying to change it since.

break down the price in your free dinning - I think you will be pleased!!!

Thanks for the encouragement. My family isn't big on breakfast, so that won't be a problem. I am a very early riser, so I might go over for a cup of coffee and a muffin - so no big deal.

We have a rental car, so the bus isn't an issue. My son and his girlfriend might take a bus once in a while, but they're young, so they won't care if they wait.

There is a recent thread about a Poly/Pop trip and the OP did not like POP at all. Many others agreed. This is what makes me nervous. Obviously, all reviews have to be taken with a grain of salt. What makes one person perfectly happy, can make another person miserable. It's a crapshoot!

 

[spiceycat]

I think you will fine most of the disers love it.

I am not by any means the only one who owns DVC resorts that says there.

of course like most resort it depends upon the room. that say if you have less than wonderful service. definitely go speak to the manager. He cares so the staff cares.

ask for 50's lake view. the only wdw resort where a lake view is standard view.

it is hard for 2,880 rooms in one resort to always be perfect. It is not a deluxe doesn't have the staff of a deluxe. but for what it does with the staff it has - it does an excellent job - my opinion!

forgot - I would take their bus. believe it or not it got me to most of the parks and back - faster than me driving. It really has excellent bus service.



talk to the CM's there you might be surprised where most of them came from....

 

[DizzDoll]

Thanks for the encouragement. My family isn't big on breakfast, so that won't be a problem. I am a very early riser, so I might go over for a cup of coffee and a muffin - so no big deal.

I agree with you on this one. Since I can't deal with crowds before 7:30 in the morning, I'm planning on bringing breakie bars for the kids and myself and just grabbing a cup of coffee in the AM while the kids are getting ready. Can't live without the ol' java jolt (even if it IS Disney's version of java!! ). Let us know how you like the resort. We'll be there the 3rd week in August.

 

[PeggyPup]

Well, you may not want to hear from me, because I'm definitely NOT a hotel snob in any way shape or form. However, I ADORED the POP! If you like disney, or just like a blast from the past, you'll love this place. So many photo opportunities. And I spent two hours one night just going from decade to decade and exploring all the little quirks. I thought the food in the food court was of good quality, and while it was a little busy some days, it never really bothered me. The service was excellent. Every evening our maid had not only made little towel animals, but she had set them up to look like they were doing something silly like watching television(or one night, they were peaking out our window with a little sign saying "welcome home"). Overall, it was packed with disney theming, and everyone was friendly. We never had a problem. So just give it a shot. If it doesn't suit you, just don't go again. Just don't let it ruin your vacation!

 

[antmaril]

I think you will fine most of the disers love it.

I am not by any means the only one who owns DVC resorts that says there.

of course like most resort it depends upon the room. that say if you have less than wonderful service. definitely go speak to the manager. He cares so the staff cares.

ask for 50's lake view. the only wdw resort where a lake view is standard view.

it is hard for 2,880 rooms in one resort to always be perfect. It is not a deluxe doesn't have the staff of a deluxe. but for what it does with the staff it has - it does an excellent job - my opinion!

forgot - I would take their bus. believe it or not it got me to most of the parks and back - faster than me driving. It really has excellent bus service.



talk to the CM's there you might be surprised where most of them came from....

Thank you. We have a preferred location. Is there a preferred location you would recommend? I agree most Diser's do like Pop. When I read the reviews, I try to filter them. I'm not particularly interested when a reviewer says "My boyfriend and I really loved Pop", or "This is our first trip to WDW and we loved Pop". While these reports are helpful to many people, they don't interest me at all. I want to hear the reviews of people in my age group (mid 50's) who have been to WDW many times and usually stay in a deluxe resort. When someone in this group loves or hates it, then I'm listening. Again, everyone has an opinion and I'll have one too. We'll find out at the end of August. I will definitely report when I return. Maybe I'll love it. It could happen.

Thanks for your thoughts!