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

[mgsmom]

We had been discussing organization in the room a few pages earlier and I told about the set I ordered from Wal-Mart and here is a pic of it in the closet -

I thought it worked out very well. You can see the pop-up hamper is there behind the counter. We put our big suitcases on the floor between the dresser and short closet wall, but I think we could have put them up on the closet shelf, we just never got around to it, and they weren't in the way where they were.

All in all, another great stay at Pop! My boys, 6 & 3, loved the giant Tramp & Lady in our section.

What a great picture! Thanks! Gives me a good idea of the space in the closet - it's more than I thought it would be.

Glad you had a good trip!

 

[erincon23]

Hi! I don't know why I haven't looked at any of these Pop threads before -- I'm heading down on 5/31 - 6/4 for my third stay at Pop. I took a solo trip in 2007, stayed in the '90s (I think), then a trip with a friend in 2008 and stayed in the '70s, and this time taking a 4-night solo trip. I decided not to pay for preferred this time, but when I made my ressie, I asked the CM to request "as close as possible to the classic hall," since I'll be a woman on my own. I think when I do the online checkin -- which I've never done before -- I'll request 60s or 50s -- I have no interest in the pool, but I prefer to walk as little as possible to my room after a day at the park (I have some arthritis issues). Do those requests make sense?

I really liked Pop the past two trips -- didn't find it too busy or loud either time (once was in April, other time in October). I'm looking forward to having the fridge! My plan is to buy breakfast items on my way in at night so I can eat in my room before heading out every morning. The food court is terrific, but I really don't like dealing with people early in the morning.

I've never used the safes in the rooms either -- will an iPad fit in there? I actually have an HP touchpad, but they're the same size.

Thanks!

 

[theclarks53158]

Totally we should meet up at the pool one day! I have 2 girls 2yr & 8yr. Driving down from Wisconsin....egh...not looking forward to that.

 

[theclarks53158]

Also...for those who have gone at the end of Aug before...how's the weather? We had previously gone in the spring.

 

[Sandi]

Hi! I don't know why I haven't looked at any of these Pop threads before -- I'm heading down on 5/31 - 6/4 for my third stay at Pop. I took a solo trip in 2007, stayed in the '90s (I think), then a trip with a friend in 2008 and stayed in the '70s, and this time taking a 4-night solo trip. I decided not to pay for preferred this time, but when I made my ressie, I asked the CM to request "as close as possible to the classic hall," since I'll be a woman on my own. I think when I do the online checkin -- which I've never done before -- I'll request 60s or 50s -- I have no interest in the pool, but I prefer to walk as little as possible to my room after a day at the park (I have some arthritis issues). Do those requests make sense?

I really liked Pop the past two trips -- didn't find it too busy or loud either time (once was in April, other time in October). I'm looking forward to having the fridge! My plan is to buy breakfast items on my way in at night so I can eat in my room before heading out every morning. The food court is terrific, but I really don't like dealing with people early in the morning.

I've never used the safes in the rooms either -- will an iPad fit in there? I actually have an HP touchpad, but they're the same size.

Thanks!

Hi Erin, yes, an Ipad fits in the safe. I would usually put mine in there when we headed out to the parks. There were a few times when I left it charging on the table and it was there when I got back. Our housekeeper was great on all fronts.

Also...for those who have gone at the end of Aug before...how's the weather? We had previously gone in the spring.

Hot, humid, and more hot and humid. But, a hot, humid day at WDW is better than a sunny 72 degree day at work! We've gone the past couple of Augusts and have had great times. We're from Michigan -- weather is much like Wisconsin, so this is from a northerner. You just need to plan for breaks during the day and stay plenty hydrated. Make your kids (and yourself) drink water even if you're not thirsty. We would always get up for rope drop and then take a swim/nap break mid-day. Head back to the parks for the evening. With two little ones, the naps are going to be important -- especially for parents! The temperatures in the morning and in the evening are fine. Also, there will be a rain shower at some point during nearly every day. Do not let that get you down or interfere with your plans. They typically blow over relatively quickly.

 

[nahla1204]

We leave next Saturday! This board has been so helpful and I thank all of you. I'm wondering if there are better (quiet) times to hit the foodcourt for meals especially breakfast? Thanks!

 

[EpcotBill]

We leave next Saturday! This board has been so helpful and I thank all of you. I'm wondering if there are better (quiet) times to hit the foodcourt for meals especially breakfast? Thanks!

It's not too bad before 7:30am. It's crazy between 8:00 and 9:30am.

 

[de8212]

I know we get free bus transportation when staying at POP but can we also drive into the parks without having to pay to park?

 

[Sandi]

It's not too bad before 7:30am. It's crazy between 8:00 and 9:30am.

I agree. At 6:00 a.m., it would be me and about three other people. All talking about caffeine.

I know we get free bus transportation when staying at POP but can we also drive into the parks without having to pay to park?

Yes, you will receive from the Pop registration CM a parking pass for display on your car dashboard. That is all the parking attendants will need to see to wave you in to park. It is a nice perk for staying at a WDW resort hotel.

 

[de8212]

Yes, you will receive from the Pop registration CM a parking pass for display on your car dashboard. That is all the parking attendants will need to see to wave you in to park. It is a nice perk for staying at a WDW resort hotel.

Thank you.

 

[Janet B]

Has anyone had any experience at check in with asking for a different room/location? I have had two great rooms at POP, both lakeview ( 60s and 70s). I really want lakeview again, but I am so afraid of 1) being put in 80s and 90s- I just hate those decades and 2) being put near a parking lot.

We are not arriving until 8PM. What has been your experience and if there is nothing left for us how willing are they to change your room the next day?

BTW, I have requested lakeview, 60s.

Like Sandi and jcarwash we have also had good luck in changing our room location ... a few years back we checked late in the day for the August FD ... not much left over (certainly not the 50s which we requested) ... given a few choices and the CM steered us to the end room in bldg 9 (by Mr/Mrs Potato Head) .... which is still a lake view Many guests steer clear of this section, but we had a great time! I'm a big fan of the PAC MAN game, and having the end room, 4th floor it was so quiet, it was perfect!! So that stay gave way to requesting lakeview, 4th floor, end room ever since.

And yes, if a CM cannot change your room assignment at check in, certainly check the next morning, as guests arrive/depart every day.

 

[Janet B]

We will be there 8/25 - 9/1 as well!!!

Us too! 8/25 - 8/30!

Totally we should meet up at the pool one day! I have 2 girls 2yr & 8yr. Driving down from Wisconsin....egh...not looking forward to that.

Ok, a little jealous so many DISers will be there the week of 8/25! Our usual time to go, but not this year. Hope you all can meet up, take a pic and post it on the thread.

Also...for those who have gone at the end of Aug before...how's the weather? We had previously gone in the spring.

HOT and HOT, etc. But, we went the first week of May once, and it was just as hot, so just plan for the weather, take breaks, use the pools and relax, you are on vacation.

Don't know about anyone else but we thought last August was one of the hottest times we have been there.

 

[Janet B]

We leave next Saturday! This board has been so helpful and I thank all of you. I'm wondering if there are better (quiet) times to hit the foodcourt for meals especially breakfast? Thanks!

It's not too bad before 7:30am. It's crazy between 8:00 and 9:30am.

Like EpcotBill stated, it starts getting very busy after 7:30 AM. I go early (6:30 AM) as the rest are getting up and ready. Often I bring food back (we eat light in the morning) .. bagel, fruit, and fill up my mug.

Maybe with your boys you might want to do the same a few days?

Then on the way out, we stop briefly to fill up and then head out to the buses.

Even if you don't get there until closer to 8 AM, you can still get seats ... We are people that don't mind a little craziness or the noise factor. One of you can grab seats with the kids and the other get the food.

 

[Janet B]

I agree. At 6:00 a.m., it would be me and about three other people. All talking about caffeine.

Although I can't relate to the coffee talk, but do get my caffeine from my diet coke!!

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

Usually while everyone else is getting ready, I'll run down to the Food Court and pick up breakfast (unless we used a dessert or a snack from the day before and already have it in the room) and bring it back. Sometimes one of the kids is up enough to go with me, which definitely helps with the drinks. Like Janet though, DW and I get our caffeine from Diet Coke or Iced Tea rather than coffee.

 

[Sandi]

Although I can't relate to the coffee talk, but do get my caffeine from my diet coke!!

I'm a Coke Zero girl myself Janet. And, Pop Century has Coke Zero. Yay! I don't do coffee either. I would down a cup of Coke Zero while standing at the fountain by about 6:02 a.m. and then fill it again.

 

[Janet B]

Usually while everyone else is getting ready, I'll run down to the Food Court and pick up breakfast (unless we used a dessert or a snack from the day before and already have it in the room) and bring it back. Sometimes one of the kids is up enough to go with me, which definitely helps with the drinks. Like Janet though, DW and I get our caffeine from Diet Coke or Iced Tea rather than coffee.

I'm a Coke Zero girl myself Janet. And, Pop Century has Coke Zero. Yay! I don't do coffee either. I would down a cup of Coke Zero while standing at the fountain by about 6:02 a.m. and then fill it again.

More Diet coke drinkers!! Although not a big fan of Coke Zero (too much like Classic Coke, which I USED to love) ... was converted years ago when DH was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. But will drink it if need be

And since the refillable mugs don't hold much, like you Sandi, usually fill up 2 or 3 times before heading back to the room.

 

[StacyMarie]

Although I can't relate to the coffee talk, but do get my caffeine from my diet coke!!

I'm a Coke Zero girl myself Janet. And, Pop Century has Coke Zero. Yay! I don't do coffee either. I would down a cup of Coke Zero while standing at the fountain by about 6:02 a.m. and then fill it again.

Oh now, don't get me started on my Diet Coke habit I was an addict! I gave it up at the beginning of the year for a few months and then when I went on vacation in March to Mexico, I picked back up on my "Coke Lite" habit (that's what they call it in Mexico, lol). I am now 2 weeks Diet Coke free AGAIN, but it's SO HARD detoxing from it. Does anybody want to run to the corner store and get me one?

 

[Janet B]

Oh now, don't get me started on my Diet Coke habit I was an addict! I gave it up at the beginning of the year for a few months and then when I went on vacation in March to Mexico, I picked back up on my "Coke Lite" habit (that's what they call it in Mexico, lol). I am now 2 weeks Diet Coke free AGAIN, but it's SO HARD detoxing from it. Does anybody want to run to the corner store and get me one?

Sure ... my lunchtime is coming up soon!

Well, I've tried to cut back .... was successful the last 2 weeks (aided by some stomach issues) but have fallen off the wagon ... making my WaWa stop every morning before heading into work. BUT, have eliminated it after work, that's a good start right??

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

I've been trying to wean myself from sodas, so I've been leaning more to iced teas. But, as a Southern boy, it's been even more difficult to wean myself from the sweet stuff to unsweetened...but I'm trying.