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

[Sandi]

Hi Becky and to our friendly POP FAQ thread! We ALL get your Disney fix here!!

Well .... as far as our walks to the POP buses, feel it only adds to keeping us POPpers in tip-top shape! We had ONE close stop, DHS until a year or two ago ... my theory, the Disney exec didn't feel the love of POP! BUT, we do have great busing, right??? A positive to everything.

And speaking of coffeepots, baby steps needed here, after all we JUST rec'd the free fridges, so now you want it all??!!

Oh, we are a great bunch here!!

It doesn't bother me that the more expensive resorts have better bus stop locations. It's a perk. Like Janet, I'm glad that the actual bus service for Pop is as wonderful as it is and I wouldn't want to trade location for that! We've stayed at several of the deluxe resorts and can say without question that Pop's service is superior.

 

[Janet B]

Janet B - Thanks, 4-8 minutes isn't bad at all.

You're welcome!

I have never pool hopped but I have to wonder how they monitor this !!If I was to walk over to AOA pool from Pop who and how would they know ?? I am nor in any way promoting this but just wondering why they would say this when never have I been asked to show proof that I am staying at Pop to go swimming

Rosie, for the resorts that can share pools, they often times share buses too! and we definitely do NOT want that, do we??

Well it's looking like at the main Nemo pool you may need your KTTW card to get into the pool area. For comparison at Yacht and Beach Club you cannot enter Stormalong Bay without showing your KTTW card to a cast member. But with the Cars and LM pools...I suspect if you look like you're supposed to be there...

jcarwash: And on the flip side, we may get some wanderers from AoA that may want to "pop" over and check US out!

 

[Janet B]

Hi Stacy, I read where you said you would keep calling, but I thought this might be helpful. As I understand it, the resorts will often have cancellations just prior to the 45 day mark when guests are required to pay the balance due, so with a little and some luck hopefully the room category you want will open up.

Cinderella's slipper ... good suggestion/reminder to us all to check at the 45 day mark for room availability (and ADRs!).

My DS(15) and I are going down August 18th to 27th and staying at POP for the first time.

We've always used Disney Transportation exclusively while at the World but some of our breakfast ADR's are fairly early and I'm wondering if a cab would be easier than the bus transfers.

Would I have to arrange for taxi pickup prior to leaving or are there taxis available outside the resort regularly?

For most of the ADR's I will take the bus to the nearest resort and walk (Chef Mickeys or Ohana) but the one I'm worried about most is Boma at AKL. Should I take a cab or trust the bus to get us there on time?

Still over 100 days out but can't stop thinking about it.... Soooooo excited!!

First, dreamscometrue, we will be at POP almost the same time frame as you! There will be five of us ... sisters, daughter, niece and grand-niece, hopefully we don't kill one another!!

Buses begin at 6:30 am so depending on when your ADR is, judge accordingly. Obviously the most direct way is to cab it over as others have stated.

 

[englishrose47]

You're welcome!



Rosie, for the resorts that can share pools, they often times share buses too! and we definitely do NOT want that, do we??



jcarwash: And on the flip side, we may get some wanderers from AoA that may want to "pop" over and check US out!

Oh No I do not want to share busesSpeaking of which we womt ne sharing with AOA will we !!!

 

[Janet B]

Just my personal preferences.....I like ground level when I have a lakeview room. It's quiet back there anyway and when u want to take a stroll to see the turtles, you don't have a bunch of stairs. I thought the backside of 70 was GREAT for this purpose....HOWEVER...after looong days in the park, it felt like quite a haul for me...plus going to get refills felt like excercise! BUT now I have a chipper 11yo who can do all my 'dirty' work!! CINDERELLA!!! kidding! lol
This time we booked preferred. Going to request ground level. Near smoking for my fiance'. I'm thinkin the only preferred smoking rooms are up front in 50s. ANY THOUGHTS? BUT up front in 60s near the bar's smoking area wouldn't kill me as much! lol

Well, its always nice to have Cindy around .... although think I need her more at home than at POP!!


To answer your question on the preferred locations - rooms are offered in select areas in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Here is the link to the 2012 map, which indicate the booking categories as well as the location of the the DSAs (designated smoking areas). As a reminder, all guest rooms at Disney are non-smoking. Didn't know if you meant to inquire on the DSA locations and mixed it up on asking about the preferred rooms.

In the 50s there is a DSA on the path before it branches off to bldgs 1 & 3. Also, there are several areas that are on memory lane (that borders Hourglass lake) so I would think lakeview room would be ideal for your family. As you point out, there is a DSA by Petals, as well as outside the Classic Hall back entrance.

Happy planning!

 

[Janet B]

Oh No I do not want to share busesSpeaking of which we womt ne sharing with AOA will we !!!

Every time I call and inquire, Disney tells me we will NOT! Hopefully these CM are well informed!

 

[mouse2mouse]

Can someone help me find the post of what rooms are connecting rooms? I can't seem to find it again. It was a diagram. Now that I have decided what room area I would like to be in....I am wondering if people will even see our window decor with a 4th floor lakeview??? HAHAHA how does one decision lead to another delima with disney planning? I LOVE IT! 12 days until our 100 day reveal to the kiddos!

 

[FEEBUM]

It doesn't bother me that the more expensive resorts have better bus stop locations. It's a perk. Like Janet, I'm glad that the actual bus service for Pop is as wonderful as it is and I wouldn't want to trade location for that! We've stayed at several of the deluxe resorts and can say without question that Pop's service is superior.

AGREED...POP DEF HAS EXCELLENT BUS SERVICE...BUT for arguement's sake, isn't POP a wee more expensive than the 3 All Stars? lol I crack me up!! We are the GoGoGo family from very early til very late.....that last run for the buses makes me feel like I won a marathon! heehee

 

[Janet B]

Can someone help me find the post of what rooms are connecting rooms? I can't seem to find it again. It was a diagram. Now that I have decided what room area I would like to be in....I am wondering if people will even see our window decor with a 4th floor lakeview??? HAHAHA how does one decision lead to another delima with disney planning? I LOVE IT! 12 days until our 100 day reveal to the kiddos!

Hi! Here is the connecting map link ... BTW also found in Post 1 of this FAQ thread!

And go ahead and decorate!! You will be able to enjoy the decorations and so will any other guests on the 4th floor!

How exciting to finally spill the beans to the kids about the trip!

 

[Janet B]

AGREED...POP DEF HAS EXCELLENT BUS SERVICE...BUT for arguement's sake, isn't POP a wee more expensive than the 3 All Stars? lol I crack me up!! We are the GoGoGo family from very early til very late.....that last run for the buses makes me feel like I won a marathon! heehee

Yes, just a tad bit more ($5) but hey our tax is 12.5%, Allstars is 13% ... but we have more to offer!! (BTW, totally impartial here! )

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

PrincessSuzanne!

Not sure what the CM meant by a "full-size" bed in with a king bed. Do you think the CM meant a rollaway bed? I haven't heard anything about making the room larger (certainly not outside dimensions) - perhaps they meant by removing things IN the existing room??

Depending on how many in your party, it's possible Disney will 1) give you a rollaway or 2) comp you a connecting room.

Please let us know what happens or if DISabilities can provide additional info.

P.S. Sorry that you have problems with your foot.

The CM kept insisting that they had added a full size (double) bed in those rooms to accommodate more people, due to the changes in the ADA rules. And that when they did the refurb they enlarged those rooms, I know better than that, I have stayed there since the refurb. The only change I know about is that they have to include capability of booking HA rooms on the website.

I believe they will comp a room, we have 4 adults, I don't think 2 adults would fit on a rollaway.

They no longer have to go thru Special Services to book these type rooms.

Thank you, I keep hoping my foot will get better, maybe with a sprinkle of Pixie Dust! At least I',m not in the boot I was in in January.

It doesn't bother me that the more expensive resorts have better bus stop locations. It's a perk. Like Janet, I'm glad that the actual bus service for Pop is as wonderful as it is and I wouldn't want to trade location for that! We've stayed at several of the deluxe resorts and can say without question that Pop's service is superior.

Ah, those better bus stops do not necessarily mean better bus service. We stayed at BWI in January and I think the bus service there was much worse. We at least had the option to walk to Epcot and boat to DHS. We would even cut thru Epcot to take the monorail to TTC to go to MK.

Pop definitely has superior bus service.

 

[Karabee]

I'm more thinking of ordering online from walmart, etc. and having it shipped to POP. Shipping is only .97 cents. I guess I can call POP and ask them because a delivery fee will not be worth it, I would be better off buying locally and transporting.

I see alot of people order water and have it shipped to the hotel. Last trip we got the Brita water bottles and they worked perfectly. We could refill them anywhere, anytime and it saves money and the environment I know some people like to have the plastic water bottles, but just a suggestion

 

[erincon23]

Well, there's a snag in the plans... DH told me on Saturday that he had been let go from his job. He's been in and out of work over the past several years, and started this job last June. In January, he got a HUGE promotion and even bigger raise, and that's why we felt it would be ok for me to take this trip in 3-1/2 weeks. He feels that he'll be able to get a job quickly (he had an inkling it was coming, and had been making contacts), and since everything except my ticket is paid for (I was planning to buy an AP), he insists that I go. But I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this. How far out can I get a total refund? (I'm actually hoping I'm too close to my check-in date to do this... ) The airfare was really low, so if I have to lose part or all of this, I won't be too upset. Odds are that I'll still go (I've had a really bad couple of years, and need a vacation), but I'll feel better if I have an option to back out if I get too nervous.

 

[jenseib]

You willl lose a portion of your money at this point, but not all. I would just go.

 

[Zuzu03]

Well, there's a snag in the plans... DH told me on Saturday that he had been let go from his job. He's been in and out of work over the past several years, and started this job last June. In January, he got a HUGE promotion and even bigger raise, and that's why we felt it would be ok for me to take this trip in 3-1/2 weeks. He feels that he'll be able to get a job quickly (he had an inkling it was coming, and had been making contacts), and since everything except my ticket is paid for (I was planning to buy an AP), he insists that I go. But I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this. How far out can I get a total refund? (I'm actually hoping I'm too close to my check-in date to do this... ) The airfare was really low, so if I have to lose part or all of this, I won't be too upset. Odds are that I'll still go (I've had a really bad couple of years, and need a vacation), but I'll feel better if I have an option to back out if I get too nervous.

Sorry to hear about your DH's job situation! I know that can be really tough. I'm not sure about your refund, but only you know what will work best for your situation. I hope you get to go, but if not, I'm sure you'll be back planning a trip soon! Good luck to your DH getting another job. Here's some pixie dust to help!!!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I see alot of people order water and have it shipped to the hotel. Last trip we got the Brita water bottles and they worked perfectly. We could refill them anywhere, anytime and it saves money and the environment I know some people like to have the plastic water bottles, but just a suggestion

I prefer really cold water, so we would just for a cup of ice water at the CS restaurants when we wanted it, it was so much easier.

Well, there's a snag in the plans... DH told me on Saturday that he had been let go from his job. He's been in and out of work over the past several years, and started this job last June. In January, he got a HUGE promotion and even bigger raise, and that's why we felt it would be ok for me to take this trip in 3-1/2 weeks. He feels that he'll be able to get a job quickly (he had an inkling it was coming, and had been making contacts), and since everything except my ticket is paid for (I was planning to buy an AP), he insists that I go. But I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this. How far out can I get a total refund? (I'm actually hoping I'm too close to my check-in date to do this... ) The airfare was really low, so if I have to lose part or all of this, I won't be too upset. Odds are that I'll still go (I've had a really bad couple of years, and need a vacation), but I'll feel better if I have an option to back out if I get too nervous.

I hope your DH finds something soon. My hubby was out of work for exactly 60 days in 2010, so I know how frustrating it is. We were still able to take our Disney trip and it was a celebration.

If you booked a room only, you can get a full refund as long as you cancel 5 days prior to check in.

 

[erincon23]

I hope your DH finds something soon. My hubby was out of work for exactly 60 days in 2010, so I know how frustrating it is. We were still able to take our Disney trip and it was a celebration.

If you booked a room only, you can get a full refund as long as you cancel 5 days prior to check in.

Thanks. He thinks he will -- he already has a couple of potential long-term positions as a consultant in the works, and the company that let him go hasn't yet talked about severance (but we know it's coming), so we could end up on the good side of this ugly stick. But it's good to know that I could still back out if I see no progress on his end. He's been officially out of work more than he's worked -- he's done temp jobs and some consulting in between -- I feel like, in the last 10 years (it's probably about even).

When you say room only -- I don't have a dining package, and I bought only a 1-day ticket -- does that make it a package? Would I be better off cancelling the ticket and having just the room at this point, in case I need to cancel the whole thing?

 

[Figaro's paws]

Hi all, can anyone tell me what the cribs are like at pop or does anyon ehave a photo? Are they very comfy or do I need to use extra bedding? Our ds will be just over 1yr old. thanks in advance!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thanks. He thinks he will -- he already has a couple of potential long-term positions as a consultant in the works, and the company that let him go hasn't yet talked about severance (but we know it's coming), so we could end up on the good side of this ugly stick. But it's good to know that I could still back out if I see no progress on his end. He's been officially out of work more than he's worked -- he's done temp jobs and some consulting in between -- I feel like, in the last 10 years (it's probably about even).

When you say room only -- I don't have a dining package, and I bought only a 1-day ticket -- does that make it a package? Would I be better off cancelling the ticket and having just the room at this point, in case I need to cancel the whole thing?

Good luck on the job hunt.

Yes, what you have is a package, and I would cancel that ticket and have just the room reservation, so you have more time to cancel. If you are already within 45 days of the trip, you might lose more money, in that case I would leave it alone.

 

[Sandi]

Good luck on the job hunt.

Yes, what you have is a package, and I would cancel that ticket and have just the room reservation, so you have more time to cancel. If you are already within 45 days of the trip, you might lose more money, in that case I would leave it alone.

It looks like she is going in a little over 3 weeks, so well within the 45 day period. The reservation should note whether it is a room only or a package.

Erin, can you let us know how your ressie is described in official Disney-speak? That might help.