Pop Century vs Allstars

[lizamead]

Hi - I just discovered these boards in the middle of planning a disney trip for the first week of January. I've been once, but it was abt 30 years ago, and, well, I've heard there've been some changes. So I'm stressing over all my decisions, and was hoping for some hotel advice. I'll be going with my 2 1/2 year old, who is very excited. I have a tentative reservation at PC, at the regular ($77) rate on 1/1 and the special $55 rate on 1/2-1/7. Alternatively, we could stay at ASMu for $55 nightly the whole time. The reservations guy said he thought ASMu was more convenient, smaller, closer to the parks and w/ more buses, but that seems to contradict most of what I've read here. One of the main reasons I liked PC more (aside from just the newness thing) was what I read here abt *its* being more convenience, since I figure with a toddler in a stroller I'd rather not walk long distances to everything or wait more than we need to.

So...any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Teri Zolman]

Welcome to the boards. I have stayed at ASMU and I am staying at PC starting this weekend. I would say you have made a good choice. ASMU I don't think is themed as much as PC for a toddler. There are huge characters at PC the your little one should enjoy. Also a neat children's waiting area. I would just call back and put on your reservation to be in a building as close to Classic hall as possible. This isn't quarentied, but they try their best to grant your requests. There is a thread that is called (Pop Century is far out) on the resort board if you would like to get some more info on PC. Have a great time.

 

[lizamead]

Thanks Teri! I did read through the Far Out thread, which is the main reason I had wanted to be at PC - it looked great! But then the guy on the phone made it sound all different.

We're in the 70s bldg right now, by the pop-jet pool, which I thought mgiht be more fun than the kiddie pool.

If you want to post a review or any new tips or advice or anything when you get back, that'd be great! (Anyone else too, of course...)

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by lizamead
The reservations guy said he thought ASMu was more convenient, smaller, closer to the parks and w/ more buses, but that seems to contradict most of what I've read here.

One thing you have to keep in mind... The Disney Reservation Center has call centers in Tampa and Orlando. They only saw Pop Century once, and for around 30-45 minutes. So, unfortunetly, they might not have the best perspective.

As someone who has worked at both resorts... go for Pop Century. We have more rooms, but the same amount of buildings. (We have 4 floors, they have 3... that's why we have more rooms.) Our buildings are laid out in a semi-circle around Classic Hall, the main building. All-Star Music are laid out in a line, so there are some far buildings.

Pop Century is also in a better location, and will have better transportation, since there are no other stops.

Plus... Pop Century has 3 themed pools, a Pop Jet area (which kids seem to LOVE), a kiddie pool, a playground, an arcade, a special kids area in the lobby, an amazing food court... and the best feature of all... ME!

 

[lizamead]

Thanks Tyler! I will definitely be keeping my Pop Century reservation. It sounds like there's so much stuff going on that I'm thinking of just getting a four-day, rather than five-day, park hopper even.

See you soon!

 

[Kajunswty]

my 2 cents..........

you may want to request a low floor ~ ground level actually. I can't imagine being on the fourth floor without an elevator

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by Kajunswty
my 2 cents..........

you may want to request a low floor ~ ground level actually. I can't imagine being on the fourth floor without an elevator

All of our buildings have two elevators each.

 

[lizamead]

Wow - it never occurred to me there'd be elevators. I'd already requested a ground-floor room, because of the stroller. And while I'm still keeping that request, I bet we'll end up riding the elevators at least once or twice - Sarah loves them. Whenever I bring her to work she's psyched abt the elevators.

Thanks for the heads-up Kajunswty!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by lizamead
Wow - it never occurred to me there'd be elevators. I'd already requested a ground-floor room, because of the stroller. And while I'm still keeping that request, I bet we'll end up riding the elevators at least once or twice - Sarah loves them. Whenever I bring her to work she's psyched abt the elevators.

Thanks for the heads-up Kajunswty!

The views from the 4th floor are great! And yes, they are fun rides... thankfully for you folks, they're all working right now. All the way up until just last week, we were having many challenges with them. They've been sitting, unused for 2 years... and weren't too happy to be put into use. Even as late as CM Preview Test Stays, we had some buildings without working elevators. Hauling luggage to the 4th floor, and then back down to the first floor after the room change was not fun!

Thankfully, Otis was working 7 days a week for 3-4 weeks to ensure that everything was 110% for when we opened. So, all is fine now!