Pop Century Madness

[rodkenrich]

Since Pop Century has been opened, the resort has been operating at or near full occupancy of it's 2,880 guest rooms. I am requesting some advice and/or suggestions in order to ease the crowd "pains" in order to make my trip enjoyable (parking, buses, dining, express checkout, etc.).

 

[safetymom]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=698727

Have you read this thread? You might want to post your questions there so POP experts can help with your planning.

 

[DMRick]

Since Pop Century has been opened, the resort has been operating at or near full occupancy of it's 2,880 guest rooms. I am requesting some advice and/or suggestions in order to ease the crowd "pains" in order to make my trip enjoyable (parking, buses, dining, express checkout, etc.).

We were there in February, during the North East's winter break. They said all rooms were taken and they would be walking some to other resorts. You could have fooled us. It didn't seem any more crowded than when we were there in January, when it was dead. A lot of people seldom see their resort...they are off to the parks, etc. While we drive, so I can't comment on the buses, they rest of the places were fine. Especially express check-out..that's done by a paid bill hanging on your door. Can't get much easier!

 

[gigi1313]

walking some to other resorts? huh?

we were at pop during HFrances and although we were told it was at capacity, it did not feel "crowded" at all... the food court got a little nuts when it reopened after 24 hours of being closed due to the hurricane, but otherwise, it was never uncomfortably crowded nor were the lines unmanageable... bus lines were never a problem and we almost always got a seat to and from pop...

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

My 'at capacity' story:

We went to the world in late September 2001, 11 days after Sept 11, All-Star Music....asked to see if a second room could be had for our pre-teens use (we would have paid). I was told they were 'at capacity'....

It did not look anywhere near capacity crowds, but we enjoyed our week.

We mentioned this to a fellow bus passenger - she had been told the same thing, however, she added that half of the buildings were closed for maintenance - but the remaining buildings were full - therefore, they were 'at capacity'....

Just remember what they say about statistics!

 

[cobbler]

I don't think it was near capacity when we were there last December, if it was then it was totally un-noticeable.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

Since Pop Century has been opened, the resort has been operating at or near full occupancy of it's 2,880 guest rooms.

Where did you hear this statistic?

 

[dznyntnh]

We checked into POR in November of 2001, the same day they shut down POFQ and moved all of the guests to POR. It was FULL!!

Yet, the only way we noticed it was full was the huge (over an hour) line to check in and the crowds at the food court in the morning. Other than that, there was no real sign that it was that full.

I just avoid the food courts in the AM, or just grab a quick bite and take it back to the room.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

While I wouldn't say that Pop has been operating at or near 100% occupancy since opening, it has been enjoying a higher occupancy percentage (even during slow times) than other resorts, including the All-Stars.

There are times when Pop goes down to Low Occupancy status, and closes down buildings 2 and 7. (Jukebox & Roger Rabbit) When these buildings are closed, the resort can still be at 100% capacity... because its 100% of the available rooms.

 

[D3K]

We stayed at Pop Century last year in June and it was great. The kids loved it and I had no problem with checking in. The food court was never super full and the grounds were always clean. I just booked today at All Stars Sports just to see a different hotel. We also stayed at French Quartes last year in Nov. I loved it my kids liked it but its not kid oriented like the value resorts. But my kids did have a blast riding the boat to and from Downtown Disney.

 

[rodkenrich]

According to a few guests that I have spoken to in the past few weeks/months.

 

[spiceycat]

I love Pop Century.

the bus lines - well they might look long - and I mean long - but don't fear.

the bus drivers here are the BEST!!!

if the lines are too long for that bus to take - before that bus evens leaves - there is another one behind it to take you....

loved Pop - best bus service ever!!!

the same with the food court - it may look to be crowded - but the lines move very fast and I like the food...

love the frozen cokes....

I loved our room - 50's building 3rd floor - on all 3 trips!!!

I get a pool view - I have been lucky enough to get a lake view YET!

for the money (in my opinion) this resort can't be beat!~

 

[lovin'Mickey]

We stayed at POP last year and LOVED IT!!! We did not feel crowded at all!!! We went during spring break and the parks were a nightmare but the hotel seemed much more spread out! You will love it!!!!!

 

[mtdevine615]

We just got back from Pop on April 16th after 10 great days. We checked in on Wed. the the 6th. Checkin took about 10min. They were at capacity over the weekend but then you could tell it slowed down again come Monday.

The longest we waited for a bus at Pop was 10min. we had just missed the other one to MK. The buses were crowded when we closed a park but the longest trip is from the MK about 15min. I know people complain about the buses a Pop, but they are actually really good. We took the bus to the GF from the DS for supper at Citrico's (fantastic by the way), we stopped at the CR, then the Poly and finally the GF. It took 45min to get there from the DS.

The food court was busy in the morning 1 - 1.5 hours before park opening and again at night when the parks close. Busy but not unbearable, it never took us more than 15min. to get through the lines.

This was are second stay here after staying at nothing but deluxes before and I am now a convert to the values at least Pop. It's hard to justify $200 bucks a night more at YC/BC or BW all though I do like being close to Epcot. I guess I'm getting cheap in my old age.

The best advice I can give is try changing your eating schedule a little. Don't try eating at the normal times.

 

[DMRick]

walking some to other resorts? huh?
*
Means they overbooked and would be putting them up in other resorts. It's often an upgrade on the few occasions when it does happen. He said in this instance, they had actually put aside rooms at the Poly (which suprised me, and had me offering to move!). He also said that many cancellations also come, and it's seldom needed..but they liked to be prepared. The point I was making, is that they considered it filled, and it porb was, since it was winter break/presidents week, but they were able to easily handle the crowd.

 

[gigi1313]

ah, gotchya! i was picturing them holding the guests hands w/the rolling luggage behind them literally walking over to cbr or somewhere else... LOL @ my mental image... i would not be upset to get bumped up to a mod or deluxe!