Pop Century- day 1- Sunday February 8th

[jendon1997]

Brief intro: We are DVC Members that decided to try Pop Century because it was new and we had heard so much about it. OKW is our home resort. We have visited WDW 8 times and every trip was in the summer. Our friends wanted to go in February so we thought what the heck. Let’s try it. This trip: we (myself, Jen- 28, my DH Donny-30 and our DD Madilyn-3)decided to go with DH friend Larry- 33, his DD Brittany-10, his DS Joe-12. Larry's wife was supposed to go also, but they split up one month before the trip. Had plane ticket and everything. Interesting!!

Day 1: Woke up at 4:00 am in cold PA. Had a USAir flight to Pittsburgh from Williamsport at 7:00 am. Great flight. I like the little planes. They don't go very high and you can see everything. I am a very nervous person when it comes to flying. We tried landing in a thunder storm once and it was awful. Ever since then I hate flying. Our flight from Pitt to Orlando was uneventful except while landing. I always make sure Madilyn is eating or drinking something during take-off and landing. While landing she didn’t “want nothin mom!” Needless to say, her ears started to bother her. She screamed for 10 minutes. She wouldn’t eat, drink, swallow, nothing. Then, about a minute before landing, she fell asleep. I think everyone on the plane was grateful.

Decided to get a limo from Happy Limo this time. We used FL Tours before and were very happy, but change is always good. The limo driver was waiting at the baggage claim. Not a very happy/pleasant person. Not like Andy from FL Tours. We loaded the bags and driver said “to Pop Century, right”. I told him we requested a grocery stop. He said they didn’t get that request. Luckily I printed out a copy of the email receipt that showed my request. He didn’t seem to happy and quickly got on the phone with someone and put the privacy window up in the limo. We stopped at a store, and headed for Pop Century. I love the drive. Looking at Palm Trees. No Snow. Neat signs to read as heading into the resort.

Check in was simple. It was about 2:30 and they said our room should be ready by 3:00. We strolled around the pool, checked out the food court. Crowded. We bought our refillable mugs. Called at 3 and room was ready. Love the rooms. We had a connecting room with Larry in the 50's section. Rooms 2107 and 2108. Close to the pool. We could see it out our window. Kids were excited about this. Room was spacious. We even let our stroller open inside.

We got freshened up and headed for Rainforest Café. I love it there. We are Safari Club members. There was a line but they allowed us right in. We had two $25.00 gift cards that I got on MyPoints, and a $10.00 coupon from the Safari Club. We ate (well I might add) and still had $18.00 left on the one card. Decided to get some souvenirs when we visit RFC at Animal Kingdom.

Went back to our rooms. Kids wanted to swim but it was a little breezy. We were exhausted from the busy day and getting up so early that we went to bed by 10:00 pm. Excited to visit Studios the next day.

 

[Minniespal]

Thanx for sharing ~ Can't wait to read more.

 

[pumba]

from Maine and then go to Orlando.....I do not like any type of flying apparatus ....but four hours from Maine is alot better then 26 in a car....thanks so much for your day

 

[CRAVENDISNEY]

Sounds like a great start to a great vacation. We love RC as well. We are also planning our next stay at Pop Century. Have to wait until December however (unless I can talk DH into a quick 4 day jaunt down). We are from PA as well, Danville. Thanks for sharing your trip report.

 

[Sarahsmom85]

Glad you made the limo driver stop. Seems like lot of people posting don't get the grocery stop that they request.
I also have 2 $25 GC for my points. Do you think 2 adults and 2 teens can eat for $50? I hope so.

 

[jendon1997]

We were 2 adults and 1 child. DH had ribs and I had a burger. DDhad a kids meal and beverages for all 3. Used one $25 card and $7.00 off of the other. We still had $18.00 left. I think you will be fine, just watch the price of meals. We sometimes get the pizza. It is big enough to split between 2 people. I think price ranged from $10 to $12.00. That's a good way to save money(sharing meals). Hope that helps. Also, check on the rainforestcafe website. That will give you an idea of meals.

 

[Canadave]

Sorry we just missed you...we left for home around 8 that morning. We also stayed in the 50's facing the pool (building 1). We really enjoyed the PC. I understand it was pretty cold on Sunday (as it had been in the 80's the previous few days).

 

[Patio]

Sounds like a great start....can't wait to read the rest.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by jendon1997
Rooms 2107 and 2108. Close to the pool. We could see it out our window. Kids were excited about this. Room was spacious. We even let our stroller open inside.

Wow... I don't think I've ever heard that before, especially from a DVC member who might be used to Villas.

Everyone has thier own perception on how big our rooms are... I personally think that while they might not be huge, they suit thier purpose just fine.