Pop Century ???

[Debs5angels]

I have reservations for Pop Century for the end of August. This is the first time I have ever been there or at any of the value hotels before. Because we are a family of 7 ( 2 adults and 5 children all girls) I have to get 2 rooms. I have a few questions if anyone could help me with.


My reservations are for the preferred room which is in the 60's building, Is it worth the extra money to be in the preferred room?

Is there any themed building better then others(ex. 50's 60's etc.)?

We will have our own car, is the parking lot that far away from the building?

I read that the refillable mug could only be used during your stay, no more lifetime refills is that true?

Sorry to ask so many questions but I don't know the first thing about the value hotels.

Any opinions or information about Pop Century would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks so much!!!!!!

 

[Peter Pirate]

I've stayed at Pop twice and enjoyed the experience just fine. I don't think I'd ever pay extra for an upgrade at a value...I just don't see the advantage. Use the money on the mugs or something else and yes, the mugs are just good for your current stay.

Parking can be a problem at Pop (as at All Stars I understand). It isn't insurmountable but finding a spot can be trying, especially late in the day. It isn't a huge issue as long as you know it's coming.

As for theme, I think it's all personal taste. We liked the location of the 50's building but we had parking issues. The other trip was the 70's building and while it was a bit further from the main building (nothing to worry over though) we didn't have the same parkking issues.

It's a real kitschy place with lots going on visually. Have fun.

 

[Maude4Disney]

I just booked Pop for our 2nd stay there. We were in the 50's bldg last time, and personally, I don't think it would be worth the extra money for the preferred rooms. We were close to the pool in the 50's section and only a short walk to the main pool and food court. The resort looks pretty spread out ( on map) but it's not too bad. The only time I'd wished we had a closer room was late one night when I took DS3 back to the room (already sound asleep) and DH somehow ended up w/ the stroller at DTD. go figure.

As for the themeing, that's all a matter of preference. I thought the whole resort was nicely done (this was our 1st x at a value).

Parking? I've heard lots of complaints about this issue, but we didn't have a problem. We were able to park fairly close. Although our room was on the backside of the 50s section, it was a short walk to the parking. I can't speak for the other areas.

We didn't do the refillable mugs this past trip(will next time) But I believe they are only for the length of stay. ( but that all depends on who you talk to).

Dh was very skeptical about staying at a value resort, but once we arrived, he enjoyed it as much as the kids. Our next trip I wanted to try somewhere new, but was vetoed by the rest of the family so we are returning to PC. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's a great value for the $$. Hope this was some help. Enjoy your trip!

 

[kwdietrich1]

Originally posted by Maude4Disney
I just booked Pop for our 2nd stay there. We were in the 50's bldg last time, and personally, I don't think it would be worth the extra money for the preferred rooms. We were close to the pool in the 50's section and only a short walk to the main pool and food court. The resort looks pretty spread out ( on map) but it's not too bad. The only time I'd wished we had a closer room was late one night when I took DS3 back to the room (already sound asleep) and DH somehow ended up w/ the stroller at DTD. go figure.

As for the themeing, that's all a matter of preference. I thought the whole resort was nicely done (this was our 1st x at a value).

Parking? I've heard lots of complaints about this issue, but we didn't have a problem. We were able to park fairly close. Although our room was on the backside of the 50s section, it was a short walk to the parking. I can't speak for the other areas.

We didn't do the refillable mugs this past trip(will next time) But I believe they are only for the length of stay. ( but that all depends on who you talk to).

Dh was very skeptical about staying at a value resort, but once we arrived, he enjoyed it as much as the kids. Our next trip I wanted to try somewhere new, but was vetoed by the rest of the family so we are returning to PC. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's a great value for the $$. Hope this was some help. Enjoy your trip!

I'm glad you said you enjoyed your visit at POP. My family was originally planning to stay at the WL for the 2nd time this Christmas, but due to some unexpected expenses, we may have to stay at POP. I am a bit hestitant to stay at a value, as we love the WL. But my DH said so wisely, "Hey it's Disney at Christmas, it will be Magical no matter where we stay!" He is such a sweetie. I was planning to cancel the trip, but he said to stay at a value! This will be MIL's first visit, so she will get a kick out of the POP century decorations! We plan to get ressies in a preferred room because MIL has bad knees.

Now a question: Does the POP have those foldable luggage racks to put your suitcases on?
TIA

 

[Maude4Disney]

I definitely wouldn't cancel your trip. Your DH is right "Christmas at Disney" will be magical no matter where you stay. I don't recall offhand if they had the folding luggage racks. I want to say yes but I can't recall. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Some things that may help answer your questions. We will be staying in September for the first time at a value and were hesitant as well. After reading the FAQ by the CM, Tyler, we were very reassured. I will post the link for you here as well as a link to the property map just in case you haven't seen either. Have a great time! Let us know how it was when you get back

This is the FAQ thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=475933

Here is the property map
http://home.comcast.net/~billbrown2010/POP01/PopCentury0001.jpg

This is also a slide show of the resort
http://allearsnet.com/acc/pcss.htm

 

[kwdietrich1]

SRUAlmn and Maude4disney: Thank you for your reassurance and links! I'm sure it will be Magical!

 

[ctrabada]

My family and I usually stay at a deluxe or moderate, but we booked at the PC during the 4th of July weekend as a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment trip. I was a little hesitant b/c I had never stayed at a value resort. Well, I can say that we all loved the PC! We had a lot of fun there and enjoyed the theming as well. We stayed in the 60's section (preferred) and really liked the proximity to the main building and food court. However, parking is an issue for the preferred buildings because they are farther away from the parking lots. I couldnt find parking in the 70's section so I parked at the 50's section every night. It was difficult finding a spot at night and the parking spaces were small IMO (I drive a minivan). But don't let that detract you from staying there. I highly recommend it. With the right frame of mind and attitude, any stay at Disney will be magical! So lower your expectations a little (after all, it will not have all the amenities you are used to at a deluxe), and prepare to have a great time!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by kwdietrich1
Now a question: Does the POP have those foldable luggage racks to put your suitcases on?
TIA

Yes, handcarts are available to borrow so that you may move your own luggage. Just stop by the luggage area once you've gotten your room, and you can sign one out. They are free to borrow, but $250 if you keep it as a souvenier (ie: don't return it)

--OR-- if you wish, we also have Luggage Assistance. Drop your bags off with us before you check in, and they will be automatically delivered to your room within an hour of the room becoming available. You don't even have to be in the room for them to be delivered. For check out, give us a call the night before, and we'll schedule an appointment to pick them up and hold onto them if need be. And once again, you don't need to be in the room for us to pick that up.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Thanks Tyler. But I was talking about the foldable luggage type trays in the rooms that you can put your suitcase on to unpack.

ctrabada; Thanks for the heads up with parking. I think we'll just park it and take the busses.

 

[Goof]

yes, there is 1 folding tray in the room for your use

 

[kwdietrich1]

Goof- Thanks!

 

[KilleriMac17]

Originally posted by Debs5angels
I have reservations for Pop Century for the end of August. This is the first time I have ever been there or at any of the value hotels before. Because we are a family of 7 ( 2 adults and 5 children all girls) I have to get 2 rooms. I have a few questions if anyone could help me with.


My reservations are for the preferred room which is in the 60's building, Is it worth the extra money to be in the preferred room?

Is there any themed building better then others(ex. 50's 60's etc.)?

We will have our own car, is the parking lot that far away from the building?

I read that the refillable mug could only be used during your stay, no more lifetime refills is that true?

Sorry to ask so many questions but I don't know the first thing about the value hotels.

Any opinions or information about Pop Century would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks so much!!!!!!

I stood in a 70's building, in room 0149, wasnt preferred, was close enough to main building, and bus pickups, if I stood at pop again, I would request this(also not far from 2 pools and splash area). Mugs are only used during your stay at that resorts, I thought Pop was great, and will stay there again once I have gone to some other resorts I always wanted to stay In.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

We just returned today! I love Pop Century! It is an awesome resort. The kids loved it also. We were in the 70's building on the first floor (Room 144). It was close to the kids Goofy jumping water thing, the pool, the food court, the bus stops, the parking lot and just about everything. I don't think we could have been given a better location for our needs.

I wouldn't pay extra for the 60's building.

The parking lot we were told to park in was often full but the CM told us to park in the check-in parking lot if that happened. The check-in parking lot was never full and just a short walk from our room.

There was a little sign on top of the TV that said the mugs are $11.99 and only good for the length of stay at the resort. We didn't buy any this time.

We even decided to stay an extra night we enjoyed Pop Century so much! (& Disney World LOL). The front desk was quick to update our room keys and had no problem keeping us one more night. The ENTIRE staff was friendly and helpful.

 

[disneycrazy730]

thanks to your opinions i changed my preferred view room to the 70 s section well i requested it were checking in early so im hoping for the best saved 100.00

 

[Debs5angels]

Thank you everyone! I called and changed my perferred reservations to requesting the 50's building. I hope I can get it. With doing that I saved $40 a night for 2 rooms. Which I'm sure I will spend some where else in Disney.

Thanks again!!!

 

[ScottNBecky]

My wifeand I, and our 2 daughters stayed at Pop a few weeks ago. It was great. We have stayed at the other value resorts, but Pop is much better than the others. I think they took the best from the other 3 and added them to Pop. Dont pay for the upgrade. Most rooms are close to one of the pools, and you will either be close to the parking lot, or close to the busses. So either way it works out.

As for the mugs, you CAN reuse them for another trip. I know the sign says "only for your current stay" or something similar, but there are no markings on them documenting the date purchased. Heck I even saw people using other AS resort mugs.

 

[frstimer128]

I have also changed my preferred to regular. I would rather spend my saved $60 on other things. Also, I can stand to lose a few extra pounds so if we have to walk a bit further then I won't complain! lol