POP = Walmart?

[tink15823]

thanks for standing up for those on scooters and wheel chairs we are taking my mom and dad and they would be able to walk on the bus but after any amount of time they would have trouble standing and yes we are a large group of 12 but traveling with 4 spec needs people and would not want to be split up

 

[minnie61650]

So very true. The oversensitivity on this board is blinding.

I was trying to explain why there are very valid reasons we ( those in WC's and ECV's) cannot wait in the standby bus queue.

I would much prefer to wait in the standby line.

But we are not allowed to because the standby bus queue is not accessible.

If it were not for the EVC and accessible transportation I would no longer be able to go the parks with my family. I would be stuck at the resort while my family enjoyed the parks. When my grandson was born almost 6 years ago I was able bodied and I told my Daughter we would take them to WDW when Alex was 3. I dreamed of holding my grandson's hand and standing in line waiting for him to meet Mickey for the first time. Then I became disabled and thought that dream would not come true. But because of the availably of the EVC we were able to visit the parks and I got to see my grandson meet Mickey for the first time in October of 2005. It was not quite as I pictured it but we were there as a family.

When I was being loaded onto the bus some guests were staring at me and saying rude things.
My DD, SIL and Grandson were in the standby line with those guests and they also overheard the rude comments.

Stares and rude comments do hurt and yes that day when Alex overheard those comments and thought the people in line hated his grandma it did hurt me a lot and maybe it did make me a little over sensitive.

Just my 2 cents

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

 

[jonestavern]

Well, I'm not offended by the OP's comments, even found them mildly humourous, but maybe that was thread meltdown anticipation???
Though I will say the ECV bit was a little shortsighted, although, to be fair, the OP does state he is only po 'ed at those able bodied who abuse the system.
I think we have all read, ad nauseum, the smash & burn threads about who can determine who needs a WC/ECV. Heck, DH & I had some sweet lady tell us last Nov (at MCO Southwest waiting to board) that she was in a WC because she forgot to print out her boarding pass early!
So the slugs are out there, but we need all to agree that you can't tell by looking even if they can freely move about for short periods.
So let's all give up fussing about it~
As for a whole passel of people in the ECV 'party' getting on to the bus, yep, limit 2 assistants, please.

Hey, the thread title says more about what is commonly thought about Walmart than anything else and again, the OP was very fair in stating good for some things, others not. I don't think it was at all 'classist'.

We've stayed at POP & enjoyed it tremendously & will go back. We liked the foodcourt, but as others have said, we go at 'off' hours & we do travel at low times.
As for 'vulture' behaviour, yep, seen it at POP but also at SSR & POFQ just recently.

Both DH & I try to relax & not get so easily offended while @ WDW or on the DIS ~


Jean

 

[merryweather20]

As for a whole passel of people in the ECV 'party' getting on to the bus, yep, limit 2 assistants, please.

That limit would be 5 per Disney policy.

Would you really think much of leaving your teen daughter, and mother-in law in line by themself? How about putting them on a separate bus? How about every-day?

By the way its not assistants its friends and family... My "assistant" goes by the name Dad.

 

[sorul82?]

I shamefully admit that I was once one of those judgers of ECV users, gumbling under my breath. That was until we vacationed with my MIL and DH's grandmother. Both disabled. While on a vacation you may be "inconvenienced" a few times, but the EVC user and family has to go through this process every time. We could never get anywhere quickly; we were the last to unload, we often waited for two or three buses before being loaded, and we were put "on display" at every bus stop to be subjected to stares and rude comments.

As for Pop vs other, I have found the bus service at Pop better than Boardwalk, Beach Club, POR and AKL. Why? Since Pop is so large, the buses came more often and no other stops. Yes, there are supposed to be buses every 20 minutes or so. We waited for 40 minutes several times at BC. Last year during free dining, I saw a fellow DISer at the POR stop at MK. His child is severly disabled. Anyhow, he said they had been waiting an hour. Yes buses came, but the line was so long that it was more important to load buses quickly than to load them.

 

[fortheloveofamouse]

When we were there at the beginning of this month Disney did not enforce the 5 guest policy. We were a Grand Gathering and the whole party was permitted to stay with the wheelchair bound member of our family. Now at times we had 2 wheelchair bound family members, so maybe they took pity on us, I don't know. I was not aware of this rule, and would have abided by it had I been informed.

 

[elmom]

assistants? What about their family?
for Christs sake, if you were forced to separate from your family, we would be hearing an outraged diatribe of how unfair they are and how hard that was on you emotionally and how it ruined your plans.

GROW THE HECK UP

Yeah people abuse the system. So? all you can do is be honest and true in your own life. You cant pick and choose who gets on the bus first.

 

[maxtomsmom]

The Walmart comparison didn't rub me the wrong way, but the wheelchair comment did. I'm sure many are abusing the system. It may look like the group traveling with a person using an ECV gets priority, but here's the flip side: We went last year with my mom who is disabled and many times we had to wait for the next bus because the bus was full. It seemed each morning we had to wait (we were at CSR) for the next bus. I had my two DS who were 2 and 5 all excited about heading out for the parks only to wait 30 minutes. Sometimes we took a cab and sometimes we walked 15 minutes out of our way just not to have to wait. So although yes we got on first at the end of the day when we made it to the end of a day, we often had to wait in the morning.

 

[te2077]

We just go back from POP. We were there the 13th-19th.(presidents weekend). We had a great time. The bus service was excellent. Even better than we had at AKL. We had a 50's building lady side and it was a short walk to the main building and the buses. Both pools were a short distance.

I do wish the food court had more non-greasy options for luch and dinner, but this wasnt really a problem for us because we were at the parks most of the time. We never experienced long check out lines and there were lines that formed for each food station. I do agree that it would be hard to navigate small children by ones self there. Im 30 and my brother is 15. So we were able to get what we needed and get a table.

The gift shop has lots of merchandise and I was very impressed with the selection there.

I have severe asthma and never had a problem with the smokers area. Didnt smell it or anything. Perhaps there were way more smokers during the OPs stay than mine.

I found it was a great resort. We love the themeing of the AKL and next time want to stay at an epcot area resort. however, for this trip the pop was in our budget and it didnt share buses with other resorts. I really have no bad comments about this resort.

 

[G8r4evr]

I was trying to explain why there are very valid reasons we ( those in WC's and ECV's) cannot wait in the standby bus queue.

I would much prefer to wait in the standby line.

But we are not allowed to because the standby bus queue is not accessible.

If it were not for the EVC and accessible transportation I would no longer be able to go the parks with my family. I would be stuck at the resort while my family enjoyed the parks. When my grandson was born almost 6 years ago I was able bodied and I told my Daughter we would take them to WDW when Alex was 3. I dreamed of holding my grandson's hand and standing in line waiting for him to meet Mickey for the first time. Then I became disabled and thought that dream would not come true. But because of the availably of the EVC we were able to visit the parks and I got to see my grandson meet Mickey for the first time in October of 2005. It was not quite as I pictured it but we were there as a family.

I dont think there is any need to defend yourself or any other person who is using an EVC for right reasons. The OP didnt state that all EVC riders annoy him...he said that those who abuse and take advantage of the the policy rub him the wrong way. We all know that some (not all) abuse the policy, as Disney does not and my understanding is, cannot strongly enforce the rentals. I have heard several people, even acquaintances of mine mention that they were going to be using a wheelchair while at Disney and would be sure to get their group to the front of all the lines.

I really am not trying to be rude, I just wish that we could all show a little more restraint sometimes and not automatically assume the worst of some posters.

 

[Disneydreamer5]

Fellow Diser's where has the Disney love gone?
The truth of the matter is that some of the remarks that were made were made without thinking about the people they would be offending.
I too was insulted about the Walmart comment and I can't stand shopping there because no matter when I go its packed and I can't find anything! lol
I was insulted because the truth of the matter is I can't afford to stay Deluxe.
We are a family of 7 and with 5 kids I could never live with myself if I spent 10,000 for a weeks vacation.
Does this mean I am a low class person? I don't think so. my kids love the foodcourts, are they animals, no just hungry kids excited about being in Dinsey who want to eat.
For those of you who were insulted by the OP comments, just take it with a grain assult.
Getting your panty's all in a bunch over people in wheelchairs going ahead of you.. are you kidding me?
I am sure they didn't mean to offend but they did. I just think a simple "I'm sorry" would serve very nicely at this point.
Where ever your from, whatever you like, where ever you shop, to each his own. Its about being with your family at the best place on earth.
Don't any of you Popper's let anyone make you feel bad about your choice's. Its your choice.
Have a blast where ever you stay!

 

[elmom]

and if waiting for th next bus is all it inconveniences you think about how people who are disabled feel having to live in a world with people who think of themselves first, fake disability, and take advantage of every situation

what if you couldn't get a hotel room cause all the accessible rooms were booked up, by some who prefer a slightly larger room

what about if you cant cruise cause the few rooms are booked by selfish people

what if you cant park because people are "borrowing" their grandma's placard

what if you couldn't get in your car CAUSE SOMEONE PARKED IN THE STRIPES

what if you couldn't get a job because people assume you cant work because people have abused the system in the past.

and there is more

if you have to take a later bus...wow...it must be hard for you. I feel so freaking bad for you. wow...really...maybe you can get yourself a parking placard to ease your pain. You also deserve to judge us and glare and make comments under your breath...oh and if you are really upset cause your poor piggies are tired, why dont you call a disabled person on it. Push them out of their wheel chair and see what happens. If you arent brave enough, why dont ya just tell them they make you sick. Yeah it could be a "for real" disabled person, but who cares...they arent people. You might just get to catch a faker in the act. wont you feel good.

 

[minmate]

The beauty of staying on-site at Disney is there are different levels of resorts available. So the original PP (sixisenough) has learned their family is NOT a value resort type of family (at least where Pop Century is concerned.) That's fair.

There are reasons so many other guests choose the Poly, YC/BC or POR... unfortunately for sixisenough, they did not choose the right type of resort for their needs. Sounds like they learned their lesson and will try to get it right next time.

On the other hand, my family has stayed at Pop twice and loved it. Was it perfect? No. But nothing is. I've stayed at beautiful resorts three and four times the money and had issues. Sometimes it's just the circumstances of the time you're there. The real issue is how you choose to deal with it. Are you going to let walking past a smoking area nag at you. Sure it's not fun, but you can A) choose to get over it and move on, B) ask to change your room or if something can be done to avoid it, or C) Seethe about it and let it gnaw at you.

Likewise, you can walk into a crowded food court and be frustrated and resentful of all the other people who dared choose to vacation the same time you did at the same place and on top of that, how dare they choose to get a bite to eat at the same exact time too! Perhaps they're looking at you thinking the same thing. This is part of vacationing at a popular place. There are lots of people. Pop Century was never advertised as a private resort. For those, you can head to Belize or the tropics. They do make them if that's what you desire - just not at Disney. This is where a bit of research does come in handy. If you're looking for less crowded, then Pop probably wouldn't have topped any Dis'ers list of top five places to stay on-site.

Also, to complain that Pop didn't allow the convenience you thought you were paying for and to state, "You get what you pay for," is kind of strange. If you wanted your resort's bus line to be the closest to the entrance gates, than pay more for that convenience (say for a moderate or deluxe resort). Or rent a car.

Finally, while standing in line behind a family with a person in a WC or ECV, instead of suspiciously wondering if the ECV/WC is truly needed or not, why not take that extra time to be grateful that you and your family are healthy and wealthy enough to take a vacation to Disney. Maybe this was sixisenough's first time at WDW? I don't know... whether or not it was, the attitude in which you approach things and react to outside circumstances affects your overall experience a great deal more than the actual circumstances themselves.

I can guarantee you there were families at Pop that same time frame who saw the smoking and the crowded food court and the families with ECV's and chose not to assign negative meanings and feelings to them and though they experienced the same issues, had a blast and have great memories!!!!

I wish sixisenough and the rest of the posters great attitudes that allow for great vacations now and for years to come!

 

[CapeCodMouse]

OK - Here's how I see it --

1. What is WRONG with me??? I have been many times to Disney and haven't seen or experienced near the amount of negative/bad things that everyone on here does. Is that perhaps because people are possibly, maybe LOOKING for these things instead of just enjoying their time at Disney and going with the flow?? Just a suggestion......

2. We have stayed at POP twice and will be staying again in November. It's a VALUE resort people ---- you pay less for a reason. That being said, we expected more people, bigger crowds, longer bus lines and a busy food court. However, with a little bit of planning, you can find ways to deal with this.

3. We didn't take our son to Disney for the 1st time until he was almost 5 years old - reason for that - we did NOT want to have to stand in long lines while balancing a non-walking, dependent child on our hip after a full day at the parks when everyone is tired and grumpy. Just selfish, I guess...

4. I really, truly don't pay attention to other people, their problems, their modes of transportation, whether or not they have a refillable mug, whether they cut in line, whether or not they know how to use a fast pass, etc. etc. None of my business, don't care, never will. You know why, because I am at DISNEY!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!

5. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE WALMART!!!!!!!! Went shopping for pants for my DS who has grown out of two sizes in a year. For $85.00 I got 6 shirts and 8 pairs of pants.......... can't beat that........

Really people - go to Disney - enjoy your vacation and your family... take care of your stuff and everything else around you will take care of itself without your help....

 

[minmate]

OK - Here's how I see it --

1. What is WRONG with me??? I have been many times to Disney and haven't seen or experienced near the amount of negative/bad things that everyone on here does. Is that perhaps because people are possibly, maybe LOOKING for these things instead of just enjoying their time at Disney and going with the flow?? Just a suggestion......

2. We have stayed at POP twice and will be staying again in November. It's a VALUE resort people ---- you pay less for a reason. That being said, we expected more people, bigger crowds, longer bus lines and a busy food court. However, with a little bit of planning, you can find ways to deal with this.

3. We didn't take our son to Disney for the 1st time until he was almost 5 years old - reason for that - we did NOT want to have to stand in long lines while balancing a non-walking, dependent child on our hip after a full day at the parks when everyone is tired and grumpy. Just selfish, I guess...

4. I really, truly don't pay attention to other people, their problems, their modes of transportation, whether or not they have a refillable mug, whether they cut in line, whether or not they know how to use a fast pass, etc. etc. None of my business, don't care, never will. You know why, because I am at DISNEY!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!

5. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE WALMART!!!!!!!! Went shopping for pants for my DS who has grown out of two sizes in a year. For $85.00 I got 6 shirts and 8 pairs of pants.......... can't beat that........

Really people - go to Disney - enjoy your vacation and your family... take care of your stuff and everything else around you will take care of itself without your help....

amen.

 

[stemikger]

I get what you are saying, but I still love the place. However, I wouldn't like to go to Disney with small kids no matter where I stay.

My daughter is 13 and she loves Pop. Yes, the food court can get crowded, but I always got a seat and if you go on the off hours, it is fine. The bus on the way back is usually standing room only, but I can handle it.

I just think Pop has so many positives that they out weigh the negatives. I will be going for my 4th visit this August. I stay 10 days when I go and really love this place. I agree, it is not for everyone, but to me it is colorful and the atmosphere puts me in a vacation mood. I reccomended this place to a co-worker because I loved it so much and when she got back, she could not believe how I could like it. She hated everything about it. So you really have to check it out for yourself.

I already booked my August trip to my favoriate resort in the world.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sensitive much? I didn't say legally blind people, guests in wheelchairs/ECVs or guests with children don't stay at deluxes so I'm not sure where you got that from. But thanks for taking what I said completely out of context.

You're right. I misread your post. I apologize.

 

[NMW]

We stayed at POP last Easter break. It was quite busy. By my siggy, you can see that we have stayed at the Deluxes in the past. My hubby came home one day last year and told me to see how cheap we can do Disney (money wise, not tacky). I found POP. We had a good time. The whole bus thing that seemed 20 miles away got old but oh well. My dh and I slept terrible on the beds primarily since we are used to a king. I will be the first to admit that I am "spoiled" by the ammenities at the deluxes. We plan on spending more time at the resort this time so we are staying at YC.

As far as the ESV, I have no problem with them at all. There was one family at our POP though that we seemed to be on the same schedule with. There were 8-10 people with the gentleman using the ESV and every time we were in the bus line, no matter how long (and some were LONG), the whole party boarded. Again NO problem with the ESV but I guess my view is this - (and please bear with my non-experience with this) If the line is so long and it was me on the ESV with my party, I would have them wait in the line until it is legitimately my turn and then board. I promise I am not being insensitive, just this seems curteous.

See, I don't really think that's fair. If the rule is 5 people, than the drivers should enforce it and it should be posted somewhere. I think it would create a lot less hard feelings. I can understand why people that had just waited in line for 35 minutes with tired children and didn't get to board a bus because 10 people with an ESV just showed up and got to board ahead of them would be upset. That's really not fair.

If the 5 person rule was posted for all to see and enforced, I think people waiting in lines would be much more understanding and patient.

 

[Lilysmom]

You're right. I misread your post. I apologize.

No problem.