POP Century ~ Unofficially the Grooviest FAQ Thread #6 ~April 2012

[Janet B]

Just got back from a week-long stay at Pop... had a couple of observations that I thought people might be interested in.

We've decided that this isn't really the resort for us - no harm, no foul. It wasn't awful or anything, but we don't have kids (at this point) and Pop was MOBBED even on days when the resort crowd level was supposed to be a 5/10. It's clearly the most popular Value option, and I can see why. I loved getting to hear the "decades" music and commercials/TV themes on the buses. That was awesome. We also never had to wait long for a bus, though one thing I didn't realize before is that the Value resort bus stops are usually furthest away at the parks. I'm sure other people knew that, but man, is it a long walk!

So onto the points... Pop's satellite TV was out, for us, almost every day we were there. If we were lucky, we MIGHT get Animal Planet for 15 minutes in the morning before it went to "no signal". In general, the non-resort channels didn't seem to work.

The free wi-fi is definitely nice, but kind of a pain to connect to and the connection was spotty. It sometimes took forEVER to load pages.

Other than that, it was nice... I thought the rooms were spacious for the price. We booked there primarily for my niece, though, and I think she didn't get a ton of benefit from the theming, so when we go back, with or without the rest of our group, we're probably going to stay elsewhere. It's definitely the best option for people on a budget, especially if you have younger kids. Just be prepared - it's definitely chaotic.

Welcome back! Thanks for your honest review of POP. As you found out POP is not for everyone ... which is why Disney provides so many resort options for guests. POP is over the top, fun, and full of energy ... which can translate into a little bit more energy & fun for some... Busing itself is very consistent as you experienced, however, we POPers do keep in shape with the long walks to the bus stops!!

We personally have not experienced mayhem in the food court, we usually get a quick bite, fill our mugs and head out to the parks.

Happy the you gave POP a try. Hopefully your next trip back to the world will be more to your liking!

I have stayed there with and without kids !!I totally agree with the distance to the bus stops at the parks, but I never found it chaotic, the foodcourt was busy in the breakfast times and sometimes the line for the buses was long ,also for the front desk.I still prefer Pop, but may be giving AOA a try this year.

Rosie, our experience as well, as to the food court and busing. The food court is usually busy, with people constantly coming and going which will lead to higher noise levels but not an issue for us.

Hey its okay to try AoA ... we're looking to do that too for MNSSHP.

 

[Janet B]

I am being a Pop trader in Nov. LOL! Going to try AoA this time around .I'm sure I'll wander over the bridge though

Not a trader ... I view it as being neighborly!! When we are at POP in August, we are defintely going over to check out AoA ... hopefully we will be able to get a peak at one of the suites.

 

[Janet B]

Thanks Janet B for taking the time to post this information. I'll be there from Oct 14-20. Hoping for building 1 in the '50's area since that is where we have stayed the last 2 times. I just wish Oct would hurry up and come.

You're welcome!! I hope you trip comes soon for you (but that will mean mine will be over!).

October is a great time for a visit ... better weather and the MNSSHP!!

WOW I am sooooo excited with everyone giving reviews and talking about POP..22 Days and counting...

Is anybody else having a crappy Monday. I sure wish it was August and I was checking into Pop for a week of relaxation, well as much relaxation as I can get with 4 teenage girls, two 17 year olds, one 16 year old, and one 15 year old, lol. COME ON AUGUST!

Me too!! Stacy, looks like from your ticker you will be arriving when we are leaving! We are booked on the bounceback, and needed the first week as my niece is joining us and their schools start before Labor Day.

And, with your teenage crew .... it's a very good thing you have your own room!!

 

[rosiep]

Does anyone know if it'll be possible to walk from one resort to the other? I think it would be fun to visit AoA during my POP stay, but I wouldn't bother if it was a bus trip as opposed to walking distance.

 

[KELLY]

Does anyone know if it'll be possible to walk from one resort to the other? I think it would be fun to visit AoA during my POP stay, but I wouldn't bother if it was a bus trip as opposed to walking distance.

There is a bridge that connects the 2 and it is suppose to be opening. Maybe a 5 minute walk from the back of the 60's section.

 

[jcarwash]

The way I look at the possible bus sharing is if it happens it happens. Almost all the resorts if they don't share have multiple stops within the resorts. One thing to remember is that both pop and Aoa are huge resorts. Almost everytime we have gone to the 4 major parks the pop buses are packed. Unless they are instaling roof racks to hold people. I don't see it happening. I will say they may share during off peak times but only time will tell.

Kelly has it right -- practically there is no way Disney could just "decide" to have resorts start sharing buses if those buses arrive and fill to capacity. They will have bus service that mostly matches what the crowds are and what the best routing is. If it's a typical busy morning then your Pop bus will fill up and you'll be on your way to your park. If you head back to Pop in the middle of the day, maybe your not-full bus will also service AoA. We'll just have to see how they plan the routes, what time of year it is, etc. etc.

Does anyone know if it'll be possible to walk from one resort to the other? I think it would be fun to visit AoA during my POP stay, but I wouldn't bother if it was a bus trip as opposed to walking distance.

In addition to the aforementioned bridge opening up (as expected) the trail around Hourglass Lake looks to be connected as a path you can use. It's all walking distance no matter what route you pick.

 

[JavArmy]

Kelly has it right -- practically there is no way Disney could just "decide" to have resorts start sharing buses if those buses arrive and fill to capacity. They will have bus service that mostly matches what the crowds are and what the best routing is. If it's a typical busy morning then your Pop bus will fill up and you'll be on your way to your park. If you head back to Pop in the middle of the day, maybe your not-full bus will also service AoA. We'll just have to see how they plan the routes, what time of year it is, etc. etc.



In addition to the aforementioned bridge opening up (as expected) the trail around Hourglass Lake looks to be connected as a path you can use. It's all walking distance no matter what route you pick.

I like the attitude you have! Kinda a "lets just wait and see what happens". That's how I feel too. Sorry if this is a little bit of ranting, but I find it frustraiting when people get mad because it's busy. It's Disney. It's gonna be crowded and busy. Everyone knows and should expect this, and if it turns out differently, great, but if not, you are no worse for the wear. Okay, I'm done now. Thanks for hearing me out!

 

[Janet B]

I had originally talked with Disney many times and with transportation to verify that the buses were going to be kept separate. That was probably around 4-6 months ago last time I double, triple checked so, today when I read otherwise, I had to call again. The gal I spoke with was very nice, checked with supervisors etc before passing the information to me.

I have spoken with Disney too, as recent as last week. Same answer, plan is to not have the resorts share busing.

The way I look at the possible bus sharing is if it happens it happens. Almost all the resorts if they don't share have multiple stops within the resorts. One thing to remember is that both pop and Aoa are huge resorts. Almost everytime we have gone to the 4 major parks the pop buses are packed. Unless they are instaling roof racks to hold people. I don't see it happening. I will say they may share during off peak times but only time will tell.

Kelly: Same here! Can't change what Disney does or doesn't do (well we could voice our opinions if and when that happens, but it may be futile). And as you mention and we all know ... these resorts are BIG. I can't even imagine sharing of any nature ... maybe because we tend to go in the busier times ... I mean we are getting 2 buses at a time showing up at park closing and you still have to wait at times.

Kelly has it right -- practically there is no way Disney could just "decide" to have resorts start sharing buses if those buses arrive and fill to capacity. They will have bus service that mostly matches what the crowds are and what the best routing is. If it's a typical busy morning then your Pop bus will fill up and you'll be on your way to your park. If you head back to Pop in the middle of the day, maybe your not-full bus will also service AoA. We'll just have to see how they plan the routes, what time of year it is, etc. etc.

In addition to the aforementioned bridge opening up (as expected) the trail around Hourglass Lake looks to be connected as a path you can use. It's all walking distance no matter what route you pick.

jcarwash ... maybe because we go in busier times, can't even envision Disney sharing mid day buses .... but only time will tell, as you say with crowd levels, time of year, etc.

I'm excited to walk over to AoA in August .... can't wait to have a look around.

Okay, with AoA opening, does this mean that they will have the furthest bus pickup, not POP??

 

[JavArmy]

Okay, with AoA opening, does this mean that they will have the furthest bus pickup, not POP??

Lol, I love that it's not how far you have to walk, just so you don't have to walk the farthest! I'm the same way!

"it could be worse, we could be at THAT bus stop!" lol

 

[Janet B]

Lol, I love that it's not how far you have to walk, just so you don't have to walk the farthest! I'm the same way!

"it could be worse, we could be at THAT bus stop!" lol

Well, just hope they don't push POP further away!

 

[Janet B]

Disney released late summer room only discounts (8/15-9/29) and once again POP is only 5% ...geesh ...

So happy my sister booked POP earlier today with an AAA discount ... at least she rec'd 10% off the room portion.

 

[onescgirl]

Which section is the best one to stay at in Pop?

 

[RalphinSC]

Got my Mickey mail today!



29 days out!

 

[EpcotBill]

Which section is the best one to stay at in Pop?

It depends on what you consider best. Do you want to be close to a parking lot, or the food court and bus stop? Do you want a pool view. Do you want a quiet area? Do you care what decade you're in? A lot of people request the decade they were born in or grew up in. There are many other variables.

 

[Janet B]

Which section is the best one to stay at in Pop?

Hi onescgirl!! Well, that really hard to stay definitively. You have 2 children from your signature ... do they like one theming over another??

The 50s and 60s are popular ... the 60s feature the main pool and are situated straight out from Classic Hall. The 50s area has lady & tramp and the bowling pin pool, which tends to be quieter than than main pool.

If you have a booking category other than standard that will narrow the field down slightly as pref and the pool view categories are specific to certain areas.

But, overall, POP is compact and the walking issue is not a huge factor for most. Of course do not know if that even matters to you!

But, are you looking for the next trip?? Or considering switching to POP?? You are at FQ at the moment??

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

Just found my way over to the new thread. Hello Fellow Poppers and Happy Planning!

 

[KELLY]

Disney released late summer room only discounts (8/15-9/29) and once again POP is only 5% ...geesh ...

So happy my sister booked POP earlier today with an AAA discount ... at least she rec'd 10% off the room portion.

It saved me 6.00 for our room only before FD starts.. Not even worth to switch since we don't have long distance.

 

[Janet B]

Just found my way over to the new thread. Hello Fellow Poppers and Happy Planning!

Hi! Happy you found us!!

Got my Mickey mail today!



29 days out!

The VERY BEST mail to receive!!

It saved me 6.00 for our room only before FD starts.. Not even worth to switch since we don't have long distance.

I hear you .... was hoping that POP would get more than the paltry 5% offered earlier in the summer ... but no ... happy my sis was able to get the AAA rate. On 6 nights, it's around $63.

 

[Thurias]

I am making my way to disney august 11 - 17 for my honeymoon and will be staying at pop. It will be my third trip and the first for my new wife. It will however be my first time staying on property. We chose Pop Century and i have been looking at everything i can. Thank you for this thread this information is AMAZING. thank you thank you a thousand times thank you

 

[Sandi]

I am making my way to disney august 11 - 17 for my honeymoon and will be staying at pop. It will be my third trip and the first for my new wife. It will however be my first time staying on property. We chose Pop Century and i have been looking at everything i can. Thank you for this thread this information is AMAZING. thank you thank you a thousand times thank you

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! I saw your other thread about checking in late and parking. I think that having a note on your reservation about a late check in would be helpful. You'll have the opportunity to do that when you do on-line check-in 10 days or less prior to your check in date. It is not a problem to check in at 2:00 in the morning. But what a long day for you!

On the parking, Pop Century will give you a parking pass that you place on your dashboard. With that, you'll be able to park at any of the theme parks for no charge. Just make sure it is visible and the attendant will wave you through.