Pop or Coronado?

[mackel1994]

Hi everyone! My partner and I are visiting from Australia for 6 nights from 1 June 2020. We plan on having 4.5 park days (arrival day plus one day in each park) plus one day at Kennedy Space Centre during our trip.

We are early risers so plan on rope dropping every day then usually taking a break mid-day for a swim/nap before heading back to the parks late afternoon/evening.

We have been planning on staying at Coronado Springs for the duration of our trip however my sister recently returned from a trip at Pop Century and she thinks it isn't worth the extra money to stay at Coronado.

Now we have to choose between the two resorts. The price difference isn't too much but I guess the most important things to us are being able to get to/from the parks easily (including for quick trips back halfway through the day) and being able to have a nap during the day.

Bit of background - we are in our late 20's/early 30's and this will fall in the middle of our four week trip around the US!

 

[mom22boys]

CSR is a beautiful resort! I just saw a great resort tour video on YouTube for CSR from someone named Ginger I think. Her video makes me want to stay there again! However, the first and only time we stayed at CSR I left saying that I absolutely loved the resort but the only drawback was the buses (the number of stops around the resort, the timing of the buses, how full the buses were, etc). If ease of getting back and forth to your resort is your number one priority, I am wondering if Pop is your better option. You have one bus stop at Pop and while it has been a while since we stayed there, when we did that single bus stop made the buses feel pretty efficient. At Pop in June of 2020 you will also have the Skyliner. In my humble opinion, I am thinking transportation at Pop might be better.

Hope you have an amazing trip!

 

[MrsDuck]

I think the buses at POP are much better than Coronado. If transportation is an important consideration, POP gets my vote.

I do love the theme of Coronado, though!

 

[Eeyore daily]

I'd pick Coronado instead of POP especially for midday breaks. I disliked how far the POP bus stations were from the parks entrance. But maybe that's just a me thing. The theming is more relaxing at Coronado and the pool is petty cool.

 

[Moliphino]

The Skyliner will be open then, so getting to and from Epcot and DHS will be really easy from Pop.

 

[Anchored]

POP is not a relaxing resort at all. It is loud, chaotic and busy.
Coronado is the opposite of that - chill, relaxing, beautiful, sophisticated etc.

That being said, once the skyliner opens, the transportation will definitely be better at POP

I would stay at Coronado and Uber back if the bus is too much because enjoying my resort is more important TO ME

 

[sullyfam]

I would go with Coronado for 2 adults looking to spend some daily time at the resort. My husband and I stayed at Pop on a quick trip back in May and would not opt to stay there again.

 

[DSLRuser]

CSR a million times before POP

 

[maxiesmom]

I think the buses at POP are much better than Coronado. If transportation is an important consideration, POP gets my vote.

I couldn't disagree more. I found the transportation at CSR to be much better than that at Pop. And plus, Pop's bus stops at the parks are the ones farthest away from the park gates.

 

[mhowens]

Just got back from a stay at CSR. Loved it. Bus service was only bad one night coming back from MK EMH. While I do think the Skyliner will offer great transportation for POP, I think you would prefer the pool and other amenities at CSR. Either way you will have a great time!

 

[Disneypro1]

nap? What is a nap?

 

[rosiebean]

If you plan on staying at the resort for anything other than naps, CSR. And actually, even if you only want naps, I'd choose CSR. POP is not a quiet relaxing resort at all (unless you ask for specific rooms in specific 3rd floor areas and are lucky enough to get them).

I did not notice a difference in bus service at POP than at any other WDW resort.

However, if the money saved by switching from CSR to POP will allow you to do something you'd really love to do but are questioning whether or not you can fit it in your budget...then maybe switch. Otherwise, for two adults your age, CSR all the way. It's a much more relaxing resort overall, IMO.

 

[Devil13]

Coronado. Easy. Especially for the age group. Hang out at the Dahlia/Three Bridges/Barcelona and take cheap Lyfts when you need to.

Then again, I'm one of the rare people who has a heavy dislike for Pop.

 

[mackel1994]

Thanks everyone! I'm blown away by how kind and helpful everyone on here is. We haven't made our decision yet but your comments have given us a lot to think about in deciding.
261 days to go!

 

[Hi Pluto]

Watch a few youtube videos on both resorts and see which one appeals to you.

Pop is fun, and the skyliner will have advantages, but CSR has a very relaxing, adult vibe. Pop also only have food court options, CSR has a lot more restaurant choices. Rooms at CSR are a bit larger as well, but Pop rooms do have a nice feel with the redo.

 

[Singinglizzie]

My vote is for Coronado Springs! Much better for 2 adults, they have a work-out area and a few extra places to get a drink. The main pool is nicer too! Have fun deciding.

 

[Selket]

Now we have to choose between the two resorts. The price difference isn't too much but I guess the most important things to us are being able to get to/from the parks easily (including for quick trips back halfway through the day) and being able to have a nap during the day.

I've stayed a lot at PoP the past trips and the busses coming back to the resort at night (after any night time show) have been really, really crowded. We were there last month - same thing. I'm not one to complain about busses but I have forgone seeing the shows (fireworks, Illuminations, whatever) just to get back to the room before it becomes a madhouse. I couldn't see the CSR bus stop but it could not have been worse than the Pop one (at night). It's taken an hour or more to get back to the room from the time I got at the bus stop. In the daytime I haven't had issues. I tend to leave later for the parks (mid-morning). I've not had problems returning in the afternoon and the one time we got an early morning bus it was also fine.

I love the redo of the rooms at Pop but CSR rooms are also beautiful after the redo. As much as I enjoy Pop, it was nice to visit resorts this past trip where the insanity was toned down. Because of your ages (young!) I think you'd have the stamina to go with either but I booked CSR for next summer over Pop. The only thing that MIGHT sway that is the opening of the skyliner - it could help or maybe they'll just cut down the busses so it's all still crowded anyway.

I also HIGHLY agree with taking an Uber from the parks back to the hotel - especially if you go with Pop and after the night time shows - my kids did that at night and they got back right away. I waited for the bus because I use an ECV.

 

[Micca]

nap? What is a nap?

That's that bit in Hall Of Presidents where your eyes are closed and you don't know what's happening for a few minutes.

 

[Canoook]

I would go CSR. POP is great for families on a budget. but for a couple where budget isn't a constraint CSR is so much nicer and calmer. While the buses take quite a while at CSR, POP buses can fill up and be quite uncomfortable rides. Just be sure to get to your bus stations early and it won't be so bad.

 

[Babsy]

I would always pick a moderate over a value, unless budget is an issue. Pop is my fav. value resort, but it isn't anywhere near as nice as CSR. (Pop is my choice for a quick trip when I have a much nicer BLT/ YC CL stay in a months time and want an extra 'cheap' trip while waiting.) On the plus side: Pop is next door to AoA which is nicely themed and will have the Skyliner soon, which I expect to be quite nice for access to Ep[cot and DHS.

BUT: Pop buses are a long walk from the theme park entrances, and are often full and chaotic. (Remember, There is no guarantee of 'good' bus service to/from either resort.) Yes, there are 4 bus stops at CSR (one of which is yours) so you will stop as many as three times on your way to the parks. I am happily reviewing my plans for the day. Pop does only have one bus stop, if that matters to you. Apparently, it does matter to many people. Personally, once on the bus, I don't even notice that. Pop rooms are nice, but smaller than CSR rooms. The resort is fine, but has few amenities. Theming, while well executed and fun, is not the lovely relaxing ambiance that you will have at CSR.

Bottom line: Pop is my go to for value.

CSR, however, is very nearly as nice as a deluxe resort. The lake walkways are lovely, the dining options varied and good, the pool is one of the very best on property, the hot tub is large, there is a salon and fitness centre, the new tower is stunning, the three different themed areas are beautifully landscaped, there are fountains and hammocks nestled around the lake - this resort is simply awesome. If it is not much more costly than POP, I would definitely stay here.

I am starting to wish that I were staying CSR next month. Unfortunately, as a last minute trip, I only had the choice of the All Stars or Pop. So, I am staying at POP. I console myself with the fact that I have 9 nights staying in CSR in January.

Whichever you choose, enjoy your visit!!!!!