POP Okay? With this guys preferences?

[agavegirl1]

Do you think someone who was very impressed with the boardwalk area resorts (and their proximity to EP and HS and the ease of getting around from there) will regret the desire to reduce costs when he finds out it’s not so easy from POP? BF was very impressed by my touring plan and how much we could get done each day. The buses are not going to allow for the same type of experience.

My DBF and I would like to return to WDW fall of 2014 for F&W. We did this in 2010 staying at BC. The proximity to Epcot was so helpful as we ended our AK and HS days at Epcot enjoying a bunch of food samples instead of a dinner ADR. When I mentioned the possibility of a repeat trip in 2014 he said “sure” but made some comment like “better start saving now” then said he didn’t want to think about it until after Belize this fall and the FL Keys next spring. For both of these trips, the lodging is free. I know I need to at least have a tentative plan for budgeting (and yes I have started saving). He also had in his mind that getting to Epcot for dinner would be EASY.

Just for fun, I checked out a value resort (POP) in place of BC/YC. I casually mentioned the cost difference to DBF and he suddenly brightened up about the whole trip. Apparently, he didn’t thing BC was worth the extra cash and is suddenly more on board. I don’t think he wanted to rain on my parade when I first brought it up. I then mentioned offsite with a rental car and he said he “likes Disney transportation, it’s easy to get around and how we wouldn’t need a car”. In his mind, every Disney resort is walking distance to a park. 2010 was his first trip and my third. I am by no means an expert but I do use websites and books to plan. So....POP fans, can we do F&W from POP weighing cost vs location?

 

[TinkerbellsMom0923]

Well, it will take a lot longer to the parks but we love Pop. The bus stops are far away but we have never had an issue with them. It is nice though to walk to Epcot. If you want to go and save money, go for Pop. I would prepare BF before you go. Have fun!

 

[goofy4tink]

I own DVC at BWV!! So, obviously I love that area. BUT...there are times that I want a 'regular' Disney stay. I stay at Pop a lot. Was going to do it again in two weeks but went with AllStar Music since we are finishing our stay at AoA-LM...didn't want to be in the exact same area the entire time.
I have no problem with Pop at all. The bus system there is very good. Go and have a wonderful time.

 

[freckles04]

I have never stayed at a walking-distance-to-parks or monorail resort. Having said that, our experience with POP and transportation were fantastic. We only waited the full 20 minutes for a bus once that whole week (more than likely, we walked up right after a bus had left). The rest of the week, buses seemed to come almost immediately. We always had a seat on the buses (and this was in early August with 8-9/10 crowds). We enjoyed the AC bus ride with fun POP themed music and liked chatting with other guests. The bus rides seemed to take no time at all and were honestly just another part of the Disney magic IMO.

We are trying POR this October, but I always feel like POP is my home! I tried to convince DS to go back to POP but he wants a pool slide. We are staying at POP on Spring Break next year.

I hope you have an amazing time no matter where you stay!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We are deluxe folks all the way! (And the EPCOT area is our preference). But POP is our "go-to" resort when we are doing a budget trip. We have found their bus service to be among the best on property (simply because it doesn't share with another resort and there is only 1 main stop).

If budget is that big of a deal in his mind, for a $200-$250 price difference per night, I would deal with the extra 45 minutes it takes to use a bus vs walking.

 

[Countryrunner262]

We have stayed at POP our last 5 trips. It was nice, but there are a few things to know. Be prepared for crazy crowds and trying to find a table to sit at for breakfast. Also, because of the larger that life Disney theme at the hotel, there tends to be a lot of little kids. We have kids, so for us it's Not a problem. However, the last time we were there, there was a cheer competition going on. We had a group of cheerleaders on the floor above us. They were SO loud we had to change buildings. Despite the negatives, there are lots of positives. The bus system there runs great!

We are going in December and staying at POFQ. This will be our first time there.

We are also currently in the process of buying Into DVC, so that will be new to us. Hoping it all works out so we can use it For our April '14 trip.

Best of luck and have a great time no matter where you decide.

 

[Megsie1000]

We also had a good bus experience at POP. It will not be as easy to get to the World Showcase as it was from the Boardwalk area, but I think in general with only the two of you it is very manageable.

 

[TDC Nala]

To cut down on crowded buses at Epcot closing there are a couple of things you can do:

Get out before Illuminations starts, or

Wait until after Illuminations and hang around the park for awhile, giving the masses time to stream out and be on their way.

The bus ride itself isn't all that bad.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I am a huge fan of BWI-just bought DVC at BWV. I also really enjoy Pop having just returned from my 8th stay there. It is a really fun resort. If you go in with the right attitude you will have a great trip.

I'm not a big fan of the moderates. I prefer the compact value resorts over the lushly landscaped but very spread out moderates.

I'm always up early at the food court for breakfast around 7am so I can make rope drop. On our last day we slept in late after an exhausting week. Went to food court around 10am and it was much busier.

I like the bus queues at the value resorts. Bsu service was great all week last week except one time we were leaving AK around noon and just saw a bus pulling out. We had to wait 20 minutes for another bus.

The biggest negative for me was that the Pop bus stops are always the longest walk when leaving the park. It's tough after a long day at the park but worth putting up with for the price savings.

 

[agavegirl1]

Thanks for the input. I think skipping the idea of a Moderate is a good idea. I have stayed at CB before and it was really spread out. That would be more of a shock to deal with than a double bed or no hot tub. The food court sounds perfect for breakfast.

I just have to prepare him for the location. He won't be able to say "let's just walk over to Epcot and get something to eat there" but we can just walk to the food court.

I'm just going to have to dig out the maps and show him just where POP is. Yes, a believe the price difference will make it worth it for him. Just as long as I can go to WDW, I'll be good.

PS: My Disney dream is to own DVC in the Boardwalk area. Working on it.

 

[nanienamou]

You could try the Dolphin or Swan, they are much cheaper than the deluxes and are walking distance from Epcot and DHS. We stayed there in 2011 and in 2012 and we loved it. They also have great dining options.

 

[Minnesota!]

The bussing at Pop is top notch. The ride is no more than 5-7 minutes to DHS and Epcot. About what, I am assuming, walking takes? MK and AK are a little longer, but nothing obscene - 10 - 15 maybe?

Honestly, I do not see the value in paying $$$ to be "close" to the action when you can pay significantly less and still be really dang close.

We have never dealt with crazy crowds in the food court, either. We have been there at all times of the year, too. People move thru there quickly - always a table opening up.