POP or ASM? Also, ASM bus question

[jkmmah]

We've stayed at POP before and have it reserved again for our stay later this month. However, dh would like to try something different which puts ASM into the equation. For little ones I read that ASM screams Disney. Our girls, ages 8 and 4, would love that.

The reason I haven't booked ASM is that I've read the AS resorts share bus service whereas POP doesn't. Yet, I also read that during peak seasons ASM will have its own bus and not be sharing.

We're going the week AFTER President's Week, Feb 25 through Mar 5. It's considered PEAK season, but because it's after the holiday we're not expecting it to be too packed. What do you expect the bus service at ASM to be like on this week when it's PEAK season but crowd levels aren't too high? The bus issue will probably be the decider for us.

 

[DisneyWisher]

All-Stars gets a bum rap when it comes to the whole bus thing. Think of it like this, All-Stars has 3 stops. There is never a lack of buses you see them constantly. CBR (7 stops), POR(4 stops), CSR, (4 stops). CR, Poly, and GF share buses. Least with All-Stars they are right next to each other.

If you book ASMo (guess ASM means movies but it could also mean ASMusic, AMu), request the Toy Story buildings. Your daughters will love the courtyard area it looks like the little boy's bedroom from the movie. (OMGosh I want to say his name is Timmy but I know thats wrong). LOL will probably watch it later otherwise this will bug me all day. Plus Toy Story building are close to the lobby and bus stops. Good Luck and have a wonderful time.

Personally I prefer All-Stars to Pop because there are less rooms which means fewer people. Check in is always quick and easy.

Good Luck

Opps was wrong its Andy

 

[Karalea]

Totally agree with DisneyWisher. I don't know what the big deal is about the All Star buses. We have stayed at both Music & Movies. NO problems at all with the wait. The only time the resorts shared was in the middle of the afternoon. In the morning & at park closing, each had its own bus. They do send empty buses to Movies, its not like every bus that comes there is first going to stop at Sports & Music

We stayed at Movies in May when it was fairly busy and Music in September when it wasn't.

This year we are staying at POP and I am more concerned about their bus situation. Huge resort=more people trying to get on the bus. We are considering switching back to one of the All Stars.

 

[tricia]

I enjoyed the AS bussing better. It seemed like we always got on the first bus that came when we were at AS. When we were at POP there was always such a line up that we were on the second or third bus. Sometimes it was quick, but either way the kiddos would get impatient cause we were too far back in the line to get on that first bus.

 

[DisneyWisher]

When we were there Pres. weekend 2 yrs ago (Pop) we had to wait 4 buses before being able to board. That was first thing in the morning. First thing in the morning at All-Stars they usually have their own buses and start sharing around noon. Another tip and this probably goes for all resort buses. If you want to get back to the resort quickly at the end of the day. Don't wait til Wishes is over. Everyone is heading back to the resort at that time. If you watch Wishes take you time leaving MK. Pop into the shops, maybe buy something from the bakery, jump on the monorail to take a ride around Seven Seas Lagoon. If you rush to the bus stop right after Wishes you will be stuck in line along with everyone else. Thinking when are the buses going to get here. Believe me they are on the way its just everyone is leaving at once. Take your time.

 

[gottagodisney]

I will preface my response to say that I have only stayed at Pop, but..

I stayed there last year March 10-14. This was just prior to the major start of Spring break although was plenty busy! The bus waits going to parks were ok- heading back -especially from MK was horrendous!

I know people say that you don't share buses but that really doesn't seem to matter when there are twice the # of people in line than the others. In addition, no offense to people in wheelchairs, but...Pop seems to have a higher # of folks using WC's than the others. IMO there were way too many people taking advantage of this who truly not needing the WC for the bus ride. I have already gotten flamed on this subject last year for mentioning this...blah, blah about how you can't tell if people are really handicapped. Give me a break. I have worked with the disabled for years (school for visually impaired, nursing homes for 7 years) so I am pretty aware of needs. Most people I saw using the WC were just (WARNING>>>Politically incorrect statement ahead) overweight adults! Not disable kids, not the elderly .This takes a long time to board with using the ramps and they get first priority despite the fact that they just rolled up and others had been waiting in line for an hour (not exagerating). There were plenty of moms/dad holding their children asleep standing up on the bus- very difficult to stand.

Pop was a wonderful resort just the bus situation seemed lacking. They may have improved things by now , just thought you should know my experience.Good luck with your decision. If pop, just avoid closing at MK with bus transportation.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

we stayed at pop in dec and only used the bus once
it was fine
but lines for all star was always longer
but i will say at night pop and allstar line swere CRAZY
we had a rent a car and used that

 

[idreamofdisney24/7]

We were in the same boat..deciding to go back to Pop (been there 2 times) or going to All Star Movies for a different decor. I decided with All Star Movies.. We've only stayed there one other time. We take our car and don't do buses so I'm not able to answer that question. I requested Bldg. 1 which is dalmation because it's closest to the parking lot and to the main building. We'll see if I get it.

 

[TikiGoddess]

I agree with the other poster. We stayed at All Star Movies in Oct. on a 7 day trip and we only had to wait for a bus twice. Once leaving in the morning and once coming home from the park. Most of the time we did not share buses with the other All Stars. Many times the bus driver would pull up and say that they were not in fact sharing. I think we only rode 2 buses that stopped at all the resorts and that was during the middle of the day. I think the only reason we did then was because not as many people were coming and going then as there are at opening and closing time. I would recommend the All Stars for little ones. It is like an attraction all its own. Oh, and the room by Woody and Buzz is Andy's . We stayed in the Woody building and my boys would tell Woody and Buzz good morning and good night each day. It was cute.

 

[DisneyWisher]

This takes a long time to board with using the ramps and they get first priority despite the fact that they just rolled up and others had been waiting in line for an hour (not exagerating). There were plenty of moms/dad holding their children asleep standing up on the bus- very difficult to stand.

I know just what you mean. In Feb 04 while staying at Pop, we were at AK waiting for the bus. We were about 20th in line w/people behind us and had been waiting about 20 mins when a family of 11 came rolling up, 3 of them were using ECV. By the time loaded into the bus there was a very limited number of seats. It didn't matter that there was about 30 people already in line. The ECV get first priority. A woman behind us had 2 small children. We let her take our seats and decided to wait til the next bus. I hate standing on the buses. So we waited about 10 mins for the next bus. Not too bad. But just as its pulling in here comes more ECV. Flame if you must but realize I had already been waiting about 40mins.

Lets just say I drive to the parks now.

 

[SueM in MN]

We were about 20th in line w/people behind us and had been waiting about 20 mins when a family of 11 came rolling up, 3 of them were using ECV. By the time loaded into the bus there was a very limited number of seats.

The buses only hold a maximum of 2 wheelchairs or ECVs.