POP vs SOG

[DisneyHoneyMoon]

Prices are pretty much a wash for me due to holiday POP price vs my rank rate at SOG. I'm now debating the two though. Anyone stayed at both?

I figure the major differences are:
Lack of DME at SOG
Buses are a bit worse at SOG
No tax at SOG
tickets discounted at SOG
Food is a bit different at each one.

Not sure what the "magic" is like at SOG because I've never stayed there....

So confused.

 

[traviesojmt]

Well, I have stayed at both and there is no contest. I would pick SOG. You are comparing POP, which is a value resort to SOG, which is considered a deluxe resort. The rooms at SOG are among the largest on Disney property while the value rooms are the smallest. The transportation at SOG has never been a problem for us, especially considering that you can easily walk to the Poly and catch the monorail.
We stayed at POP Feb of 2007 and it was a madhouse. There were people everywhere. SOG is a relaxing resort with wonderful amenities.
We haven't eaten at SOG as we tend to eat at the parks or other resorts.
I realize that everyone's opinion may vary, but for us, we love SOG.

 

[rhiansmom]

Stayed at both and we continue to go back to POP but that said "we" in this case are myself and my DD (who is now 8). For her POP is Disney and SOG wasn't. If it was just adults then SOG would be my choice hands down!

The benefits of SOG include bigger rooms and more relaxed less noisy atmosphere. We never ate there and never had a problem with the bus service. The walk to the Poly wasn't bad but when you are carrying a 6 year old at 9 pm it can be daunting!

It is all in what you are looking for in your Disney experience.

 

[lucigo]

You can get your tix at SOG even if you stay at Pop...or at a lot of military bases. We got our tix at a Navy base and didn't have to pay tax on them.

If you are taking kids, they might like Pop because it is bright and colorful and exciting. (Which is why we chose it over SOG.)

 

[LadyZolt]

I've never stayed at POP, but given the two I'd choose SOG because, as realtors would say, "location, location, location." It's right there next to the Poly, the monorail is very convenient, and the SOG buses run exactly when they say they will (we stayed at SOG in December, so fairly recently). If you end up somewhere and the bus is a long wait, simply hop on the bus to the Poly or MK and it's easy enough to get back to SOG. As another poster said, the room size is fabulous! For about the same amount of money as POP, you get a better location and a lot more room.

Of course, whatever you decide, you're going to Disney! So I'm sure you'll have a magical time.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[angelmav]

I would never choose POP over SOG unless it was for the 2007 dining plan or free dining. You can see wishes from the hot tub at SOG. Huge rooms, balcony, fridge, coffee makers, indor hallways, 3 sit down restaurants, a quick service spot, an ice cream parlor plus a starbucks, room service, etc, etc....

 

[Sleepy]

Adding the fact that SOG has QUEEN sized beds. Also, private balcony or a patio depending on what floor your room is located.

 

[Sleepy]

If you are taking kids, they might like Pop because it is bright and colorful and exciting. (Which is why we chose it over SOG.)

Funny thing is the very first time we took our son to WDW, he was 7. We stayed at SOG. During that trip, we visited a few of the other themed WDW resorts (understanding that many WDW resorts have no Disney theme.....POLY comes to mind). Anyway, after seeing the
Disney resorts, the only one he really liked was Contemporary, because the monorail went through it. One would be surprised to know he refers to SOG as home. It;s the only place he would ever consider staying and has never asked to stay anywhere else after 9 years.

I think what I am trying to say is unless you have stayed at a Disney decorated resort or need to stay at one for something like free Disney Dining, the kids won't feel like they are missing anything. We have always been all day park runners, so the hotel was always just a place to sleep. The parks gave us all the Disney "magic" we have ever needed.