POP = Walmart?

[catgirl]

I've been to WDW 3 times, 1st off site, 2nd Carribean Beach, 3rd at POP. There were lines, but i felt they moved fast and didn't seem to be any longer than anywhere else. I'm a non-smoker, but traveled with a smoker and had no offense to where the smoking areas where placed, very easy to avoid if you wanted. My only complaint was that mousekeeping never left enough towels. I made several request and left several tips and then about the 5th day of my 9 night stay they finally delivered. They should realize if there are 4 people in the room and you use the pool you need more than 4 towels. I don't like to use the same chlorine towel to shower with! Also they would only leave 3 wash clothes, not sure what that is about. I felt Pop was worth the $82 a night, clean & organized. Would stay again

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

I've been to WDW 3 times, 1st off site, 2nd Carribean Beach, 3rd at POP. There were lines, but i felt they moved fast and didn't seem to be any longer than anywhere else. I'm a non-smoker, but traveled with a smoker and had no offense to where the smoking areas where placed, very easy to avoid if you wanted. My only complaint was that mousekeeping never left enough towels. I made several request and left several tips and then about the 5th day of my 9 night stay they finally delivered. They should realize if there are 4 people in the room and you use the pool you need more than 4 towels. I don't like to use the same chlorine towel to shower with! Also they would only leave 3 wash clothes, not sure what that is about. I felt Pop was worth the $82 a night, clean & organized. Would stay again

The trick is, call mousekeeping for more towels first thing,... they will bring you a bunch! Thats what I did, and had plenty of towels my entire stay...

 

[elmom]

i posted something long that i didnt post about the callus, rude and ignorant words about people who are disabled and their companions...it all boils down to you haven't got a clue how hard it is to travel with a disability. Disabled people get special treatment...bad special treatment. The options are much less, they are man handled by poorly trained people, people try to separate them from their families and or care givers, they end up places where things aren't accessible to them. You have no idea how hard it is and the whole "special treatment they deserve" and "why does their party get to go with them" are two of the most ignorant comments I have heard...at least lately.

and you know what, disabled people have children too. If you think you have a hard time with a toddler, you havent even begun to see challenges in travel. So...well...quit whining.

 

[NMW]

DH and stayed at All Star Music in 1995, pre-children. Our travel agent convinced us to try it, as it had just opened. We hated everything about it and minus the Disney decorations, felt like it was a motel (a very, very crowed motel). There were huge lines for everything and no TS restaurants, only a food court-we hate food courts. Now, you could say that we should have researched this resort better before taking our travel agent's advice, and you'd be right. However, this was 1995. Way before everyone had a lap top or desk top.

When we did Disney again in 2002, after having 3 children, we steered clear of all the values and parked our family at the BC. We did loads of research and knew what we wanted, and didn't want in a resort. We did not use a travel agent either. We did it all ourselves. We were very happy with our choice and had a much better resort stay than we did at ASM. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for at WDW.

As far as the scooter thing goes, I don't remember that being an issue at ASM at all. Of course it was 1995! 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?

 

[wdwfamilyinIL]

For anyone who is getting ready for the first stay at POP, please try to be open minded. Like someone else noted this resort is geared to families, and yes it is loud, but even at that my dh and I had a wonderful walk over to the bridge one night. While we have only stayed at POP and asmo, pop has better bus service than asmo hands down since they don't share, we have had adr's at several other resorts. I really don't think that there bus service is any better, and there have been plenty of times when I have watched their lines grow and grown before a bus has come to a stop.
I do agree that the smoking areas could have been better placed, but I think this happens just about everywhere. I don't know what people where thinking when they picked these areas.
On the scooters, I do have a couple complaints. First of all if you don't really need one, then don't use one just to get your family on the bus first. Also please watch where you are going, I don't like it when you back into me. Also while I do agree that they shouldn't have to board alone, there should be a limit to how many can board with you. If you are in a group of 15, then a couple of people should be it. For observers too if you can get up out of your seat for someone, and yes I have moved/and so do my kids.

On the walmart comment, I have found a lot of good things there as well as bad. But while I love POP, I shop at a lot of stores from Kmart to Macy's.

 

[tipsytrtle]

I hope this thread isnt shut down, the OP just stated her point of view and nobody has been rude or out of line

for the record,
we hate walmart.. avoid it like the black death but i still find myself there several times a year. where else can i get bread, cat treats, a rolling pin, a oil change and socks

I am excited about POP though, it has great tehming and a certain "campiness" that appeals to me. I know it will be a little louder and a more crowded than a mod or deluxe BUT it looks fun, I wont be there all that much and it allows our family to spend 13 nights vs 6 nights in WDW

 

[kaytieeldr]

As a former travel professional - my comment about the Value Resorts is......"they allow people who could not otherwise, afford to stay on property. However, you may find the accommodations and amenities of a Moderate Resort worth the additional cost".

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"?

I def. feel very sorry for ppl with disabilities, who need wheechairs, etc. and have no problem with ppl using them or waiting to load a bus because of them.

with that being said, I agree with the OP on this point. it seems every time i go to disney i see more and more ppl on those electric scooters. is american slowly becoming more disabled?

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

I understand the disabled person needed to get on first, that doesn't bother me, what bothers me is that all 12 people he was with had to get on with him. Split the party in 2. Does the person with a disability need all 12 people's help? Sure, they may have to split up, but any party of 12 may need to split up if there isn't enough room.

We did have one guest get on line in their wheelchair and wait with everyone else. She commented to us that there was no reason she couldn't wait like the rest of us.

Well, one difference is, sure, any party of 12 may need to split up if they can't be accommodated on one bus (in this example). But the party of 12 people on foot has the choice to either split up, or all wait for the next bus. The part of 12 with one in an ECV or wheelchair would not have a CHOICE, once the wheelchair/ECV Guest is aboard the bus.

I love the new political correctness culture... dont offend anyone. Dont say anything to make anyone feel bad. You can think something but how rude you are if you voice it.

You can SAY something without being rude in your delivery. "We didn't like Pop Century and won't be going back there because..." without allusions that could be interpreted offensively. The "Handicap vs. lazy. You decide for yourself" was REALLY unnecessary and, again, judgmental. Comparing food court patrons to vultures was also insulting. How many of those diners were hovering around/at ANY specific food station, waiting to snatch something the instant it appeared on the counter?

 

[chirurgeon]

The thing that I prefer about the All Stars to Pop, is the fact they have 3 bus stops. That's why I like All Star Sports, first bus stop.

Kim

 

[kaytieeldr]

Smoking areas : they are at odd locations at other resorts as well. At AKL, it's right outside the door, on the way to the bus stop. You can't get to the bus stop without going through the smoking area. I don't know how Disney selects smoking areas, but in some cases you've got to wonder what went through their heads.

DON'T USE THE FRONT DOOR!!!! Sorry (well, not all that sorry ) to be changing the topic here, but... I don't have the AKL layout in my head, but as far as I know if instead of exiting through the front door you walk down the hallway toward the bus area - there's a door that lets you out very close to the pickup area.

Check the AKL thread for information.

 

[Mamalisa58]

I am sure that Disney treats it's employees much better than Walmart.
Pop is great. The castmembers at the Beach Club were much less helpful, friendly and informative compared to Pop & All Stars. You get what you expect no matter what the price.

 

[minnie61650]

I have stayed at all levels of Disney's resorts.
I have also experienced much friendlier and more helpful CM's at the values vs. the mods or Disney's deluxe resorts.
----------------------------------------------
I have found the bus service from the values is among the best on Disney property.

Transpotation times ( in # of Minutes)to the parks according to my passporter book

All Stars-------CR------------GF----------Poly
MK-----20----20(mono)------3 (mono)-----10 (mono)
Epcot--10----15+15(mono)--12+10(mono)---10+10(momo)
MGM---10----20-------------10------------15
Ak-----10----20------------15------------15
DTD---15----35-------------20------------25

Yes, the monorail resorts are closer to the MK and the travel time to MK is less but the travel time to any of the other parks is less from the All Stars.

It only takes 10 minutes to get to Epcot, MGM and AK from All Stars.
MK is 20 min away. That's the same amount of time it takes on the monorail from the Contemporary.

-----------------------------
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR?


I have always felt that when I stay at a Disney value resort I am recieving so much more than what I am paying for.


Disney's value resorts are a total bargain. I get so many perks (Disney themeing, large sparkling multiple themed pools, Disney transportation, and EMH)
Any of Disney's resort guests (even those staying at a value or mod) are allowed to shop, dine, rent a bike or a boat, use the transportation or spa facilities at any of the Disney Resorts. (Of course pool hopping is not allowed.)


JMHO

 

[luckytobeme88]

deleting subscription..

 

[susianew]

Well for those who are booked at POP & scared by the reports, I'll add my 2 cents. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge last February, and POP just a month ago. Wilderness Lodge was much nicer...bigger rooms, inside hallways, towel animals every night, and the lovely relaxing boat rides with minimal waits to and from the Magic Kingdom. POP was definitely a come down...the food court is out of control and poorly organized (avoid at all costs! eat at the parks!), the room was small and the carpet was slightly stained, but clean, the bus lines to and from were always full, and we got there in the middle of a rainstorm and got soaked getting to our room.

Having said that, we are now a POP family. Yes, Wilderness Lodge was nicer, but not $140 dollars a day nicer. Especially when we left the hotel by 8 or 9am and didn't get back until at least 8 or 9pm, and then we pretty much just dumped the half-asleep kids in bed. The Motel 6 analogy works for me...it gave me what I needed for the lowest price. But I think you do have to have a different set expectations, and you do get what you pay for.

Last year, my youngest needed a nap every afternoon, and we were there for 4 nights. It was worth the extra $$ for Wilderness Lodge because if we stayed at a value, we would have lost a lot more time to travel, and we were short on time. This time she could go all day (with a little quiet time in a boring ride or show) and we were there for 7 nights, so we had a lot more time to spend. And the "Magic" we sacrificed by staying at a budget we found elsewhere. The $140 per night we saved meant we could do the Disney dining plan (we did a character meal almost every day) plus we had enough money to do the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and some serious shopping. So no regrets here- and we've already got a ressie at POP for our next Disney Vacation.

JMHO-
Susan

 

[goofyrhodie]

Well Congratulations!!! You must know what you are doing and I congratulate you for that!!! I have no idea and I wish I had your expertise. I am just planning my first trip and wish I was as confident!!!! Any pointers you could pass my way????? You sound like you know what your doing and it works !!!

 

[bizeemom4]

You might be surprised to find pop century "vacationers" who shop at Macy's or Bloomingdales, etc. Don't judge a book by its cover.

Uh, I also shop at Ralph Lauren and Coach. I hate WalMart but I like the Pop Century resort.

 

[Brer Bear]

We stayed at WL twice before(once near Christmas) but decided to stay at POP our last trip since my In-laws were joining us and we needed to conserve our $$$ at the time. I missed the ambience of WL terribly and the boat to MK even more!

I think I would have liked POP better if I hadn't stayed at the WL prior! I won't stay there again, but just a personal preference. I'M SPOILED! LOL!

 

[Goofyz3girls]

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)

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I am going to go back and read the ENTIRE thread...but....


POP = A Disney Resort....Fun , Affordable....and my DD loved it!!

And so did my mom, her first trip to Disney....

Are there Coach. Macys, Ralph Lauren stores in Lincoln?

 

[magicmouse2]

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

 

[IHEARTNY]

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.