POP = Walmart?

[luke]

Does the original poster not mean that the queues at Pop are akin to waiting in line at Walmart, rather than any social commentary about the kind of people who shop at Walmart? (tho i myself actually hate shopping at Asda, the UK branch of Walmart, literally, but mainly as people do actually go shopping there in their pyjamas!!)

 

[Goofey Drool]

 

[Livi'sMom]

What I agree on is the annoying abuse of the ppl with disabilities system. I understand people who need to be in wheelchairs. I also understand that it probably sucks sometimes. But one person in a wheelchair doesn't need his/her family of 4 and their cousins, and their friends, and their kids, and their friends they met 30 minutes ago, taking advantage of special seating and cutting in line. It really irritates me how people seem to take advantage of things these days...

I also feel like there are more and more wheelchairs around also, like others have said. I understand injury or illness, but seriously people, if you're using a wheelchair due to obesity, get walking- and start with WDW. No wonder America is becoming fatter and fatter.

Shame on those people with disabilities actually travelling with family and friends! Don't they know they should be considerate of everyone else and just wait for the special bus??? How dare they intrude on your vacation by sitting in special seating and having to be loaded on the bus first?? Better still... perhaps they should just stay at home so as not to offend anyone with being inconvenienced for a minute or two!

Your last comment is ridiculous. Obviously you are an expert on disabilities and obesity so you can just "spot" the "fakes" right away! But do your research. Many, many people that have a disability have to either take medications that can cause them to gain weight, or it may even be a direct side effect of a disability. What gives you the right to even judge??? I've read many idiotic comments on the boards.... your post now is in my personal top 10.

 

[kaytieeldr]

What I agree on is the annoying abuse of the ppl with disabilities system. I understand people who need to be in wheelchairs. I also understand that it probably sucks sometimes. But one person in a wheelchair doesn't need his/her family of 4 and their cousins, and their friends, and their kids, and their friends they met 30 minutes ago, taking advantage of special seating and cutting in line. It really irritates me how people seem to take advantage of things these days...

I also feel like there are more and more wheelchairs around also, like others have said. I understand injury or illness, but seriously people, if you're using a wheelchair due to obesity, get walking- and start with WDW. No wonder America is becoming fatter and fatter.

None of us is qualified to determine whether a person using an ECV or wheelchair "needs", or "is entitled" to.

Any 'special seating' for Disney Guests in wheelchairs/ECVs is limited to that Guest plus up to five members of his/her party - sometimes FEWER, if there are a lot of mobility-issue Guests waiting to get in.

Again, the quoted party described, all on foot, can sit together at a show or they can CHOOSE to split up into smaller groups. The mobility-issue party doesn't have that option - some (sometimes just ONE) members of that party can remain with the wheelchair/ECV Guest; the rest will be required to sit elsewhere and join up with their party after the show.

In fact, the mobility-issue Guest/party may not even be able to GET into that show - if there are too many wheelchairs already inside.

Has any person walking into, say, Honey I Shrunk the Audience during EMH been denied access to THAT showing, because there are already too many Guests waiting for the next show?
- Or been told they 'can't take their feet' into Tiki Birds because all the spots for Guests on foot have already been taken?
- Or not been able to get into FotKL unless they'll leave their means of transportation (ie their feet) with the strollers?
- Or waited in line for Spaceship Earth, only to be told to go around back to the accessible entrance, and then waited and waited and waited longer, while Guests on foot are done with the ride and off to something else?
- Or waited in (the mainstreamed) queue for the Safari, then been directed off to the disabled loading platform and, while waiting for one of the two (tops) trucks that picks up there, seen Guests who were behind you in line, already DONE with their Safari - because they're able to board at the 'regular' platform, where trucks depart every few minutes?

Oh, and I don't know where I learned this - and I don't necessarily agree with it - but obesity IS considered a valid disability.

 

[collcass]

Heres my 2 cents....Value is Value and Deluxe is just that......you can't compare the two.If you haven't stayed Deluxe when it finally happens you won't want to go back to Value no matter how good you think it is because Deluxe is that Deluxe.I read one post here that stated for a family of 6 just for lodging at WL she was quoted $8800...that's why they do value,but what are they renting 5 rooms I just rented points again for VWL for 7 nights that costs me $158.14 a night....you do the math its a steal.I'm a family of 4 even if I had to get 2 rooms it wouldn't add up to these funny numbers people come up with.Please everyone do your homework and you will find yourself in a Deluxe for a steal.
BTW...just stayed at the BCV Dec21-28 (7 nights) for $830.00....do the math that was my biggest steal to date.I'm trying my best to get even with the mouse for all the trips I paid full price.(I'm not a DVC member)

Not funny numbers...just what we were told. WL, if I remember correctly, we were given a price of $355/night except for Saturday and 4th of July which were both higher. 700+ for 10 days, tax and incidentals, well 8800 sounds like the ballpark they were quoting. honestly, I didn't pay much mind to it considering I wasn't giving anywhere that kind of money simply to sleep

 

[HonnyDipp]

I agree and disagree. Before I was steadily in my relationship with my DH, I would never ever pay $400/night for a hotel room when there are perfectly good ones for a quarter of the price. I don't really care to spend my money simply on a temporary place to sleep and shower, I'd rather spend my money lengthening my trip. But maybe staying two weeks at Pop isn't comparable to staying 4 days at BC to some people.

I guess I may seem a little hypocritical now because we always stay at the Poly, but I'm in a situation now where I don't really care, either way but my DH does and can afford it. I still don't care as long as I am at DISNEY!

What I agree on is the annoying abuse of the ppl with disabilities system. I understand people who need to be in wheelchairs. I also understand that it probably sucks sometimes. But one person in a wheelchair doesn't need his/her family of 4 and their cousins, and their friends, and their kids, and their friends they met 30 minutes ago, taking advantage of special seating and cutting in line. It really irritates me how people seem to take advantage of things these days...

I also feel like there are more and more wheelchairs around also, like others have said. I understand injury or illness, but seriously people, if you're using a wheelchair due to obesity, get walking- and start with WDW. No wonder America is becoming fatter and fatter.

You have to be the most ignorant person I've seen on these boards so far. I am a single mother of 3 with a muscle disease. It has taken away my ablility to walk. I've been stuck in bed for over 2 years now. My parents have basically given up there life to help me and my young kids. But this year, I plan on giving them a well deserved vacation. Because of my condition, I am taking steriods that have caused me to gain about 100 lbs. To look at me, I look healthy, but I am a little chunky and I can't walk very well. So when we go down to Disney in November, I will be using a wheelchair. And yeah, my family will be right by my side. And if we happen to get a "look" from someone like you, I can guarantee, they will get a response that is very un-Disney like.

All I have to say to you is...Karma can be very hard at times...I'd get prepared if I were you.

 

[kimsuenew]

I agree and disagree. Before I was steadily in my relationship with my DH, I would never ever pay $400/night for a hotel room when there are perfectly good ones for a quarter of the price. I don't really care to spend my money simply on a temporary place to sleep and shower, I'd rather spend my money lengthening my trip. But maybe staying two weeks at Pop isn't comparable to staying 4 days at BC to some people.

I guess I may seem a little hypocritical now because we always stay at the Poly, but I'm in a situation now where I don't really care, either way but my DH does and can afford it. I still don't care as long as I am at DISNEY!

What I agree on is the annoying abuse of the ppl with disabilities system. I understand people who need to be in wheelchairs. I also understand that it probably sucks sometimes. But one person in a wheelchair doesn't need his/her family of 4 and their cousins, and their friends, and their kids, and their friends they met 30 minutes ago, taking advantage of special seating and cutting in line. It really irritates me how people seem to take advantage of things these days...

I also feel like there are more and more wheelchairs around also, like others have said. I understand injury or illness, but seriously people, if you're using a wheelchair due to obesity, get walking- and start with WDW. No wonder America is becoming fatter and fatter.

Wow ~ It must be nice to live in your world, mine doesn't seem as cut and dry and as yours.

By the way... be thankful that no one you love is in a wheelchair or scooter. It happens, young/old, rich/poor, heavy/thin... disabilities are not chosen. I worked in a special needs school for years and years, quitting recently to go back to school, and do you know how many little people are in wheelchairs? I mean preschool age and below? Be thankful the children you have are healthy and have normal mobility ,that you and your husband are as well... and MYOB!

" I also understand that it probably sucks sometimes." Um, no... not sometimes, it DOES suck but we persevere and go on.

There are no perks to wheelchairs or scooters, no front of the line pass, nothing magical. Some people stare, are rude, walk directly in front, judge, and so on... without reason (sound familiar by chance)!

There are hidden disabilities, and very apparent disabilities. They all "suck" by the way (as you so eloquently put it)! You don't know what disease a person has, if they are dying, if they are paralyzed, if the have a degnerative disease, MS, Parkinson's, are going through Chemo, have COPD, a heart problem... and you know what... its none of your business! Don't judge obesity either...there are medicines that make people retain water, gain weight, look heavy. Those using wheelchairs cannot get up and walk, excersize, and so on.

Stop judging others... you do not know what someone has or how someone feels, unless you ARE that person. Be thankful for you and your family's health and HOPE that all stays well... because if you would have told me even three years ago I was going to end up like I am now I would never have believed it. Accidents happen, conditions develop, disease occur... we have no control over it.

Live for the moment and worry only about you and yours (and by that I don't mean selfishly... I mean don't sweat the small stuff, don't worry about others, don't judge, and be thankful for health... it is truly a gift)!

 

[SeaSpray]

Regarding the whole "disabilities VS lazy" issue: All of you who (including the OP) who ASSume that if someone who's in a wheelchair or electric scooter can walk therefore they must just be lazy, are ignorant clods.

I have an "invisible disease" and I CAN walk some short distances for very short periods of time, so I DO rent an electric scooter for our WDW trips. They are a PAIN to have to deal with. I HATE having to use one, but I hate being in excruciating pain and unable to take even 1 more step, even more.

 

[dunbarfamily]

I'm lucky if I can remember what I did last week.

I also don't understand why posters are calling for this thread to be closed. Aren't people allowed to say that they dislike POP?

I'm lucky if I can remember 2 days ago!!

I can't comment on why other people are calling for the thread to be closed, but I can say I asked for the thread to be closed because many, many posts are about "ECV" usage and not about resorts. This is the resort forum. If they want to debate about EVCs, they are more than welcome to on the EVC debate board. What? Never heard of the EVC debate forum? Hmmmm....must be there isn't one. Guess that means we can't debate about it. Hmmm...guess THAT means we all need to play nice. What a concept!

 

[jumoo044]

I've stayed at all levels of resorts: deluxe (CR), mod (CBR, POR), value (POP), Fort Wilderness, and off-site. The last 4 times I've stayed at POP. I just love it there. I don't know why, I just love it.

 

[sixisenough]

WOW, I have to respond on how this thread has taken a spin. My husband was the one who posted the original post, and the main message he was trying to convey was the reality of staying at the POP. I did warn him that if you have a negative view, you can get bashed and things get spun into something else, which is what has happened. Before, our trip we read all of the positive raves about this hotel, and that is why we decided to go. We DID only want a place to sleep, since the majority of our time was going to be at the parks. WE LOVE DISNEY and had a fabulous time, but staying here changed how we felt about "sleeping only". The inconviences are worth it to us and maybe to others like us to spend a little more money next time. We were at Disney a week in Feb (which is not a peak time) and the lines were the longest and the farthest away, people need to know especially if they are traveling with small children or disabilties. I do take offense that people think my husband is bashing people with disabilties. I am a medical office manager,and we have a twin niece and nephew who have disabilites from birth, who should get special treatment and have been to disney. It is going to the front of the line in front of people who have been waiting, standing, for over 30 minutes with their whole party. This process alone takes 10-15 min. This happened time and again and that is what is frustrating, everyone should have to wait their turn. This process did not happen at the other resorts because they did not have the amout of people staying there. Having a scooter should not allow you to go to the front of the line in front of hundreds of people, the system is being abused.
Also, at POP we were told if you left housekeeping good tips, you would get towel animals and they would decorate your room with them and all your disney characters. This didn't happen and we were leaving $5.00 a day. I think because it is so busy. So, if you expect that you should leave a note.

One more point, the checkout to magical express to check our luggage took over 90 minutes in the morning. We thought we would have all day to spend our final day at the parks, but with that, and then you have to be back at POP 3 hours before your flight we ended up only having 3 hours. You just need to be prepared for those things. When I got back I saw that the POP is the 10th biggest hotel in the world and you defintely can tell that. It is a value, but we joined the Disney Vacation Club when we got home and are happy to say that we will be spending our time in a 2BR villa next time and hopefully a more relaxing vacation. It is just our opinion and forewarning to others. Lastly, I shop at Walmart all the time, I just don't want to vacation there!!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

As a former travel professional, would it not have been more judicious (and perhaps less judgmental) to tell potential clients that the Value Resorts "...allow people who FOR WHATEVER REASON choose not to spend potentially several hundred dollars per night on a hotel room, to still stay onsite and receive all the perks given to any onsite Guest"?

Respectfully - thank you, but we don't need your pity.



Hi -

I expressed no pity. Guests who came to my desk did so because I was one of the most experienced Disney agent in my area. They came for my advice. If they choose to stay at the Values - they still got the best service in town.

I would do the same for a guest considering Alaska - I traveled there often, I had set foot on most of the ships sailing in that georgous area - and I would share my experiences.

That is why people use Travel Professionals - because we have been there.


I helped many guests discover WDW from a Value Resort. If that was what they wanted - I would work very hard to make sure they had the best price and were the best prepared guests possible.

Thanks!

Cathy

 

[Rylee]

I'm lucky if I can remember 2 days ago!!

I can't comment on why other people are calling for the thread to be closed, but I can say I asked for the thread to be closed because many, many posts are about "ECV" usage and not about resorts. This is the resort forum. If they want to debate about EVCs, they are more than welcome to on the EVC debate board. What? Never heard of the EVC debate forum? Hmmmm....must be there isn't one. Guess that means we can't debate about it. Hmmm...guess THAT means we all need to play nice. What a concept!

I understand what you are saying... I originally clicked on this thread, as I'm thinking about staying at Pop sometime, BUT...

The OP commented on different vacation experiences in the same post. I didn't go looking to "preach" about a kinder, gentler Disney experience for all, but my little boy is only 6 years old, and along with teaching him that he has to have patience and tolerance for those lacking compassion, empathy and insight, it is my responsibility to educate and spread awareness.

Maybe over time, it will be different, as today's school's practice acceptance and tolerance, but for now, many of us feel, to say nothing at all, would be the true injustice.

 

[musicmom3]

Probably meaningless to some, but to most of you. Does a box of Kellogg cereal truly taste better if it is NOT from Walmart ?

No, but an electronic device purchased at Walmart might be manufactured with diferent (and inferior) components than one bought elsewhere so the "lowest price" can be offered. Maybe the motto should be Buyer Beware? I love dollar stores, but wouldn't dream of buying toothpaste there. (On the news recently there were many stories about the dangers of knock-off brand-name toothpaste--and other items--sold at dollar stores.) I tend to spend a lot of time at the resort, so value resorts are no value to me. You do get what you pay for, and it pays to be in informed consumer. As to the arguments about people using mobility devices, it's kind of like the arguments about Pop Warner cheerleaders. There are people who would ban these young ladies from the parts, too. No need to restrict free speech, however, and I am glad the moderator did not cut off this thread immediatley.

 

[kapoof]

No, but an electronic device purchased at Walmart might be manufactured with diferent (and inferior) components than one bought elsewhere so the "lowest price" can be offered. Maybe the motto should be Buyer Beware? I love dollar stores, but wouldn't dream of buying toothpaste there. (On the news recently there were many stories about the dangers of knock-off brand-name toothpaste--and other items--sold at dollar stores.) I tend to spend a lot of time at the resort, so value resorts are no value to me. You do get what you pay for, and it pays to be in informed consumer. As to the arguments about people using mobility devices, it's kind of like the arguments about Pop Warner cheerleaders. There are people who would ban these young ladies from the parts, too. No need to restrict free speech, however, and I am glad the moderator did not cut off this thread immediatley.

well said!

 

[allie_to_you]

Handicap vs. Lazy you decide for yourself. Please wait to see for yourself before you judge the comment. Handicapped individuals deserve all the special treatment they get, lazy people do not. I found it bothersome that a
person on a scooter would drive to the front of the line and take about ten people travel with them all the way to the front. First of all, why cant they wait in line and get the special treatment when it is their turn? Why do all of their party go to the front with them? And them see over half of them get off the scooter and walk on the bus pretty normally. Granted I had been carrying my daughters for about a half hour at least by this point but I still think I could see things pretty rationally.


Does anyone realize how much it costs to rent an ECV for one day? It's ridiculous...$35 + $5 deposit. Yes, there probably are a few people who abuse the system...that is something that will never change, but to just assume people are abusing the system because they look perfectly healthy and are riding around in an ECV is wrong. And yes, it can be frustrating when you've been standing, waiting for a bus to have to wait a few extra minutes while someone in a wheelchair/ECV gets loaded with their family, but trust me, it is a pain to wait to be loaded to as they have to strap down manual chairs very well and like someone else said, they can only fit a limited number of chairs on a bus, so that leaves plenty of room for other guests.

I'm sure on our trip a couple weeks ago, some people probably looked at me that way. We would rent an ECV everyday and my grandfather & i would share it. He is older and just doesn't have the stamina he used to and I have extreme heel pain and can't stand or walk for long periods at a time. I'm sure it looked very suspicious if you had seen either of us in the chair, but then get up to go on an attraction, but unless you knew us and why we spent the ridiculous amount of money we did on the ECV, then you would just be being a hypocrite...jmo.

 

[JB2K]

Now I love Walmart! I dont like POPC, I dont think its less quality than other values, just not my taste in theming, and color schemes. Whats wrong with Walmart ? We travel to Orlando nearly every year from the UK and I am curious as to where others shop now, other than Publix, which IMHO is not that different in price and produce to Walmart

Rest assured, most Americans still shop at Wal-Mart. However, a few people on this thread have turned it into some sort of a "social class" thing, which can be insulting, to some.

Disclaimer: I like some of life's finer things, I like Wal-Mart, but POP isn't all that appealing, to me (and obviously, it's not appealing to a lot of others, either, as Disney never finished that POP expansion project after 9/11).

To simplify things for those contemplating a trip to WDW for the first time:

You like long lines, outdoor entry rooms, so-so beds, lots of noise, food courts, and dodging smokers at every door? Then POP will be your kind of place!

You like to go on vacation to unwind, have the occassional relaxing meal, and a romp in the parks? Then, you may want to explore the Mods, or even jump on some of the specials the DTD hotels offer from time to time.

IMO, the DTD hotel specials I have seen in recent weeks are truly some of Disney's "hidden gems".

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Perhaps this thread should have been named..."our recent stay at POP...unfortunately, not for us"...or something of that nature.
Just because the Op didnt enjoy their time at POP...doesnt mean everyone else will have the same experience!
Perhaps most of the comments in this thread ould have been derailed if the reasons of dissatisfaction were listed....and then comment on their solution...purchased DVC!

 

[ntsammy5]

Plantar fascitis can be excruciating.

I don't understand what the benefits to renting an ECV are. could someone enlighten me?

 

[DarbyB]

I was reading this post last night and my dh and I were having a discussion about values vs. other hotels.

Yes, we would love to stay at the Poly or GF, but like many others we only sleep, swim and dress at the hotel, the rest of our time is spent in the parks or DTD. We appreciate the value and like to put the saved money towards other things.

I was reading the ops out loud, when my 6 year old ds came in and asked what we were talking about. After I explained to him what the post said, I told him that we all have opinions and that is okay, some people agree with us and some don't. He said to me,"Mom, you need to tell those people that the POP Century is the best, most fun place to stay, I love it". Dh and I just looked at each and that sealed it for us, we are gonna keep staying at the POP.

If we have to wait a few minutes more to get on the bus, then that is a few minutes more to anticipate the fun to come.

If we have to fight through a bunch of people to get through the food court, then that is MUCH better than fighting a bunch of high schoolers to get to the cafeteria.

And most importantly, we are just going to be glad that we have the means to take our boy on trips like this and cherish it while we can, really isn't this what it is really about? Spending time in the HAPPIEST place on earth with the ones you love the most!