Pop Century Stay: The Good and Bad

[werfamily]

I think it is fair to say that people with lower relative incomes tend to choose value resorts, while people with higher relative incomes tend to choose deluxe resorts. This only makes sense. Clearly, there are exceptions, and it is never okay to stereotype

We also know (I am speaking as a physician) that the lower socioeconomic groups have higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, so one would expect more of these behaviours at the value resorts. Again, just 'playing the odds'...each individual's experience will certainly be different. Of course, the people at the deluxes are more likely to have prescription drug addictions and their kids are less likely to be up to date on their vaccinations. So each group has their issues.

This is really no different from any other type of behaviour you can think of...lets say you want car insurance. If you park your car inside a garage every night, it will cost you less for insurance than if you park it on the street. The insurance company is just 'playing the odds' that the car is more likely to be damaged if in the street. Does this mean that every car parked on the street is eventially damaged? Of course not. Are there people who can tell you that they parked their car in the street for 50 years and never had a problem?...Yes. But in science you have to look at trends. So saying that there is more smoking and drinking at a value resort is not out of line. Assuming that everyone who stays at a value is a smoker and drinker is, however, incorrect.

 

[eagles1281]

I find this Smoking, drinking, poor people, GED thing to be offensive also. I drink, smoke, and stay at the values because I choose to. Not b/c I am poor, but because I don't feel the need to spend double or even triple the price to be in the room only to shower, change and sleep. Sorry, and if you don't like the smoking thing than you should be old enough to speak up to someone when it is going on in front of you, not just log on here and b***h about it, because you have nothing else to do. I'll be at POP Feb. 10-14. And after a long day at the parks I will also be at the poolside bar having a drink and even a smoke till someone says something to me...if there is a bar then drink, if theres an ashtray then smoke.

 

[kapoof]

I find this Smoking, drinking, poor people, GED thing to be offensive also. I drink, smoke, and stay at the values because I choose to. Not b/c I am poor, but because I don't feel the need to spend double or even triple the price to be in the room only to shower, change and sleep. Sorry, and if you don't like the smoking thing than you should be old enough to speak up to someone when it is going on in front of you, not just log on here and b***h about it, because you have nothing else to do. I'll be at POP Feb. 10-14. And after a long day at the parks I will also be at the poolside bar having a drink and even a smoke till someone says something to me...if there is a bar then drink, if theres an ashtray then smoke.

klassy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ElizabethB]

Guess I'll chime in here -- we recently spent two nights at All Star Sports, before moving to GF RPC! I have a law degree. We wanted to knock a little off the price so spent a couple of nights when we knew we'd be very busy at the parks at ASSp. We don't smoke. We do drink but very little and very responsibly.

I just think it's dangerous to draw distinctions based on people's looks or behavior.

With respect to cleanliness, we found it wanting at ASSports as well. We arrived late and there was a large stain on the sheet on one bed. We couldn't tell whether it was new. It kind of looked like it had survived a washing. The sheets and pillowcases seemed fresh. So, we went ahead and used the bed. We called Housekeeping in the a.m. The Housekeeping manager was very apologetic and promised a full linen change. The linen change and a full cleaning occurred that day, so we were satisfied.

Putting aside the cleaning issue, we thought ASSp was fine. We didn't see much difference in room size between ASSp and our room at Coronado Springs when we stayed there. For a trip that was focussed heavily on the parks and very little on the resort, we'd stay All Stars again.

 

[declansdad]

I think it is fair to say that people with lower relative incomes tend to choose value resorts, while people with higher relative incomes tend to choose deluxe resorts. This only makes sense. Clearly, there are exceptions, and it is never okay to stereotype

We also know (I am speaking as a physician) that the lower socioeconomic groups have higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, so one would expect more of these behaviours at the value resorts. Again, just 'playing the odds'...each individual's experience will certainly be different. Of course, the people at the deluxes are more likely to have prescription drug addictions and their kids are less likely to be up to date on their vaccinations. So each group has their issues.

This is really no different from any other type of behaviour you can think of...lets say you want car insurance. If you park your car inside a garage every night, it will cost you less for insurance than if you park it on the street. The insurance company is just 'playing the odds' that the car is more likely to be damaged if in the street. Does this mean that every car parked on the street is eventially damaged? Of course not. Are there people who can tell you that they parked their car in the street for 50 years and never had a problem?...Yes. But in science you have to look at trends. So saying that there is more smoking and drinking at a value resort is not out of line. Assuming that everyone who stays at a value is a smoker and drinker is, however, incorrect.

POP has approx. 1000 more rooms than any other resort at WDW (in some cases almost 2000). I think this would play in to the odds that you could observe more drinking and smoking than any socio-economic factor ever would.

 

[kileybeth]

well said werfamily. . . in an educated sort of way! sorry just couldn't resist!

I guess no one likes to hear that certain socio-economic stereotypes are most often true. oh well.

My DH and I toured the values on our last visit, we have a large family (you know, the new status symbol?) and we really liked the family suites over there. The food court had great selections, and the staff (at least at ASMu) were really friendly and on top of things. Will I stay there? I'm still not sure. I did not like the feel by the pools. I refuse to be more specific than to say it was about guest not resort. I have an aversion to outside corridores but I have to put up with that at mods, seperate buildings at Poly and even SSR DVC's! Disney just doesn't have good options that way (okay, maybe the other deluxes are better).

so back to POP review, was food court clean while you were there? how about other public areas? We visited 2 values, 2 mods, and 4 deluxes last trip and all the food courts needed attention The public bathrooms at the CR were the worst, values next and mods the cleanest! go figure!

thanks for the review!

 

[darlak]

POP has approx. 1000 more rooms than any other resort at WDW (in some cases almost 2000). I think this would play in to the odds that you could observe more drinking and smoking than any socio-economic factor ever would.

Now THAT actually makes sense. My family of 6 includes only one person that is not either a college graduate or currently a full time college student. I know that DD13 brings us down statistically, but we love her anyway.

To the OP, I have stayed at many "luxery" resorts and have both smoked and drank while doing so. At luxury resorts of the same size as POP, I have witnessed just as many other smokers/drinkers as at POP.

 

[maxiesmom]

Sounds like my next stay needs to be at the Pop!!! It must be a party every day, with all that smokin and drinkin going on.

I just know that if I turn over enough sofa cushions that I will scare up enough money to vacation at the Pop. After all, someone with such low class tastes and habits as myself probably couldn't afford to stay anywhere else.

And I'm sure it will be much more fun without all of the high class, educated snobs around!

 

[DizzDoll]

I have to disagree with the socio-economic factor as it relates to smoking and drinking. Those 2 traits straddle the gap between "rich" and "poor", "educated" and "non-educated". I worked in an office filled with professionals who had serious dependency issues - alcohol and drugs and smoked like fiends, by the way - and many were put into rehab. And these people were making serious cash. I'm a non-smoker because I CAN'T smoke - asthma problems - and don't do a lot of drinking because I'm watching my caloric intake (don't laugh but it's true), but smoking/drinking/drugging knows no educational or monetary boundaries. I make a decent buck and am supporting 2 kids on my own and we travel. I chose POP this year because the kids wanted to stay in Disney longer than the usual 6 night/7 day gig and like most visitors to the World we use our room to sleep and shower. Period. We splurged a little by going over to the Contemporary later in our stay and I have to say in all honesty that the POP was cleaner. The way some posters say that less-educated people who stay at the values tend to be smokers and drinkers make them seem like they're welfare recipients. During our stay at the CR there was a convention going on. I had my kids in the pool at night (around 9:30) and some of the attendees came down to the pool area, with 6-packs, bottles of JD, rum, ice buckets and glasses. They got in the pool and were drinking, went into the hot tub - drinking (now THERE'S a smart mix: hot water and alcohol). I took my kids back to the room because the others were getting a teense rowdy. My goodness, does this sort of behavior happen at a deluxe????

By the way, I'm studying international diplomacy and the man I'm seeing is getting his doctorate in psychology.

 

[Fibbersfan]

I find this Smoking, drinking, poor people, GED thing to be offensive also. I drink, smoke, and stay at the values because I choose to. Not b/c I am poor, but because I don't feel the need to spend double or even triple the price to be in the room only to shower, change and sleep. Sorry, and if you don't like the smoking thing than you should be old enough to speak up to someone when it is going on in front of you, not just log on here and b***h about it, because you have nothing else to do. I'll be at POP Feb. 10-14. And after a long day at the parks I will also be at the poolside bar having a drink and even a smoke till someone says something to me...if there is a bar then drink, if theres an ashtray then smoke.

I know you had a rough Sunday, but was I really "bi***ing"? I was just informing folks about what I experienced. Is this really "bi***ing"? I thought we could be informative on these boards. I was informing people that I witnessed folks smoking outside of designated areas and drinking heavily. Is this really outrageous for someone to point out to other families making hotel choices. I don't think so! Maybe you are just bitter and missing Jeff Garcia....or T.O. It's going to be a long season!

 

[declansdad]

well said werfamily. . . in an educated sort of way! sorry just couldn't resist!

I guess no one likes to hear that certain socio-economic stereotypes are most often true. oh well.

My DH and I toured the values on our last visit, we have a large family (you know, the new status symbol?) and we really liked the family suites over there. The food court had great selections, and the staff (at least at ASMu) were really friendly and on top of things. Will I stay there? I'm still not sure. I did not like the feel by the pools. I refuse to be more specific than to say it was about guest not resort. I have an aversion to outside corridores but I have to put up with that at mods, seperate buildings at Poly and even SSR DVC's! Disney just doesn't have good options that way (okay, maybe the other deluxes are better).

so back to POP review, was food court clean while you were there? how about other public areas? We visited 2 values, 2 mods, and 4 deluxes last trip and all the food courts needed attention The public bathrooms at the CR were the worst, values next and mods the cleanest! go figure!

thanks for the review!

I don't think anyone was arguing that there aren't certain socio-economic realities that make value resorts attractive to people in the lower income brackets. However, to equate that with why there is more drinking and smoking at a value resort is presumtious and somewhat offensive.

 

[ntsammy5]

Sounds like my next stay needs to be at the Pop!!! It must be a party every day, with all that smokin and drinkin going on.

I must be a low life! Count me in!

 

[eagles1281]

Keep going whats next? I wasn't just pointing you out, I understand that you were helping other people out. Was talking about everyone else chiming in and making points how all low class, poor people only stay a value resorts and how all they do is smoke and drink.

This has nothing to do with football or my screen name or logo's. I am just speaking up for myself and everyone else who stays at the Value's.

 

[eagles1281]

I know you had a rough Sunday, but was I really "bi***ing"? I was just informing folks about what I experienced. Is this really "bi***ing"? I thought we could be informative on these boards. I was informing people that I witnessed folks smoking outside of designated areas and drinking heavily. Is this really outrageous for someone to point out to other families making hotel choices. I don't think so! Maybe you are just bitter and missing Jeff Garcia....or T.O. It's going to be a long season!

Keep going whats next? I wasn't just pointing you out, I understand that you were helping other people out. Was talking about everyone else chiming in and making points how all low class, poor people only stay a value resorts and how all they do is smoke and drink.

This has nothing to do with football or my screen name or logo's. I am just speaking up for myself and everyone else who stays at the Value's.

 

[rosiep]

I think it is fair to say that people with lower relative incomes tend to choose value resorts, while people with higher relative incomes tend to choose deluxe resorts. This only makes sense. Clearly, there are exceptions, and it is never okay to stereotype

We also know (I am speaking as a physician) that the lower socioeconomic groups have higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, so one would expect more of these behaviours at the value resorts. Again, just 'playing the odds'...each individual's experience will certainly be different. Of course, the people at the deluxes are more likely to have prescription drug addictions and their kids are less likely to be up to date on their vaccinations. So each group has their issues.

This is really no different from any other type of behaviour you can think of...lets say you want car insurance. If you park your car inside a garage every night, it will cost you less for insurance than if you park it on the street. The insurance company is just 'playing the odds' that the car is more likely to be damaged if in the street. Does this mean that every car parked on the street is eventially damaged? Of course not. Are there people who can tell you that they parked their car in the street for 50 years and never had a problem?...Yes. But in science you have to look at trends. So saying that there is more smoking and drinking at a value resort is not out of line. Assuming that everyone who stays at a value is a smoker and drinker is, however, incorrect.

Statistics bear you out on this one.
This posting obviously hit a nerve because people sense a poor is bad/rich is good vibration. I myself have struggled with money and enjoyed climbing the ladder....I never apologize for either scenerio..I'm a good human being..period. So, I hope are all of you. The original OP did not intend to alienate or offend anyone so relax....She was merely relating her experience. She herself stayed at a value so she's not judging those who choose to do so.
lighten up

 

[rosiep]

Keep going whats next? I wasn't just pointing you out, I understand that you were helping other people out. Was talking about everyone else chiming in and making points how all low class, poor people only stay a value resorts and how all they do is smoke and drink. This has nothing to do with football or my screen name or logo's. I am just speaking up for myself and everyone else who stays at the Value's.

(bold,italic mine)
Please point out one instance where someone says this

 

[msgoofy]

We have stay at Pop Century 3 times and have had nothing but great service all around.

We are going back this December.

I think you can find problems at any type of resort if you look for them!

 

[RileyandMickey]

I must be a low life! Count me in!

LOL me too i'll bring the moonshine and hound dog and we'll sit by da cement pond

 

[ExtinctDino]

What's with all the GED hatin'? I have a GED. But I also have a PhD.

 

[team weasel]

This thread is pure entertainment!

It is so funny to watch how little it takes for someone to get their undies in a wad!

If you smoke/drink/have a GED/are a drop out, or WHATEVER, be proud! Do you honestly care what someone else's opinion of you is?

Laugh at their ignorance and keep moving! Do you realize how many families get stuck saying at the HOJO because they can't afford the POP? I am sure they would give their right arm to be able to stay at the drunken, smoker party place!

I the POP. Not because it is the nicest hotel ever, but because DH and I can stay there for 9 nights with free dining and park hoppers for around $1300. We stayed at the WL for 6 nights and payed $1200 for the room alone. It doesn't take a GED to figure out why we stay at a value.