Stayed at Pop twice and now thinking of trying different resort.

[Alice777]

Going for wedding in December and choices are Pop or Coronado Springs.

What are pros and cons of each resort?

Which do you prefer?

Thank You

 

[Leigh L]

Going for wedding in December and choices are Pop or Coronado Springs.

What are pros and cons of each resort?

Which do you prefer?

Thank You

I'm a sucker for Coronado, so I'll preface with that Have stayed in the tower, preferred, and standard - all great experiences. Pop I've only stayed at once and it was fine, but if able, I'd always choose CSR over Pop.

Coronado:
Pros - beautiful resort, great food options, spacious rooms, clean (CMs always, always cleaning common areas), we didn't use the pool but lovely pool area, spent some time there for a drink, ping pong, etc, lots more things to do (e.g. giant chess game, hammocks), beautiful walking paths
Cons - buses were iffy when we were there (but we were in the Tower and it was COVID protocols - I've heard it's gotten better), pricier

Pop:
Pros - Fun theming, great bus organization (for such huge crowds, CMs had this down to a science during social distancing protocols, I'd imagine that organization still continues), Skyliner option, clean, easy to walk to AoA resort
Cons - Small rooms, poor soundproofing from other rooms, limited food options

I guess I'd weigh out the price, how much time is spent at the resort, and how long you plan to stay at WDW (e.g. I'd probably only do Pop for a couple of nights and do a split stay and get a more spacious room)

 

[Alice777]

I'm a sucker for Coronado, so I'll preface with that Have stayed in the tower, preferred, and standard - all great experiences. Pop I've only stayed at once and it was fine, but if able, I'd always choose CSR over Pop.

I guess I'd weigh out the price, how much time is spent at the resort, and how long you plan to stay at WDW (e.g. I'd probably only do Pop for a couple of nights and do a split stay and get a more spacious room)

Actually because we are there for the wedding, there isn't that much of price difference.....besides I'm not paying...my son is! LOL! It's his friend's wedding. He is taking me because he was supposed to take me for my retirement before the pandemic but had to cancel and since we have another opportunity to go, he is taking me.

I have bad feet problem, can't walk too long so he is thinking he'll get wheelchair for me. He was worried about getting on the bus. With Pop, there's 2 different transportation options but with CSP, I've been reading depending where you are staying, there might be problem getting on the bus.

 

[Leigh L]

Actually because we are there for the wedding, there isn't that much of price difference.....besides I'm not paying...my son is! LOL! It's his friend's wedding. He is taking me because he was supposed to take me for my retirement before the pandemic but had to cancel and since we have another opportunity to go, he is taking me.

I have bad feet problem, can't walk too long so he is thinking he'll get wheelchair for me. He was worried about getting on the bus. With Pop, there's 2 different transportation options but with CSP, I've been reading depending where you are staying, there might be problem getting on the bus.

Sounds like a great trip! Happy retirement! That'll be nice to spend time with your son .

If you're in Casitas, or near Casitas, that is the first bus stop. In areas like Ranchos, the bus stop was very close by and is the 2nd bus stop. I think with a wheelchair you'll be ok with the buses. But then again, if you're doing more time at DHS and Epcot, having the Skyliner right there at Pop is amazing.

 

[ftbaker1313]

These days I'd take POP with the skyliner available over Coronado. The ease versus the busses is overwheming.

 

[lockets]

At POP I don’t think they run the bus when the skyliner is running. Only when skyliner has to be stopped for lightning. I could be wrong though.

 

[AnnaS]

I would choose Coronado - if it's for a wedding in Disney and they have the rooms blocked, rooms should be blocked close to transportation/main desk area. If the couple has busses picking up guests, they will all meet at that pick up stop. This is how it worked for my daughter's wedding. We chose a few resorts for guests to pick. We chose one Value, One moderate and one Deluxe. We also had two DVC stops. The guests did not need to specify area to stay in (close to pool, close to elevator or close to transportation). Guests were all booked close together too.

Not sure if this is your situation - curious if it is........but

Happy Retirement and enjoy the wedding.

 

[Alice777]

I would choose Coronado - if it's for a wedding in Disney and they have the rooms blocked, rooms should be blocked close to transportation/main desk area. If the couple has busses picking up guests, they will all meet at that pick up stop. This is how it worked for my daughter's wedding. We chose a few resorts for guests to pick. We chose one Value, One moderate and one Deluxe. We also had two DVC stops. The guests did not need to specify area to stay in (close to pool, close to elevator or close to transportation). Guests were all booked close together too.

Not sure if this is your situation - curious if it is........but

Happy Retirement and enjoy the wedding.

Thank you. This info helps. His friend is having Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings (forgot the location where the wedding is going to be but was told there's fireworks afterwards?). My son thought by looking at friend's Disney wedding website, it looks like rooms will be at Gran Destino Tower (not sure) for CSR. I asked if wedding guests will be close together but he wasn't sure.

 

[loves to dive]

Money being no problem, I'd do CSR. It is my favorite non-deluxe resort. I've never stayed in the Tower but have stayed in the Casita's and the Cabana's. The buses could (and I say could not will) be full by the time they get to the tower because it is the last stop. The Casita's are the first stop and not that far from the Tower so it would be easy enough to get to that stop. The pro for the tower would be it has multiple elevators where the other buildings only have one.

As far as Pop and the sky liner. Isn't the sky liner at AoA? I get it confused as to whether it's at Pop or AoA but either way, if you are staying at a sky liner resort, buses don't run unless the sky liner is down and you won't know that in advance. The sky liner is o.k. but can and does go down in strong winds or thunder storms. The possibility of those in Dec. is lower then the summer months but something to be aware of. I'm not a fan because it can take longer then the buses to get places but getting on and off it in a wheel chair might be easier then a bus. You would have to transfer at the hub no matter where you are going either Epcot or HS. If you are going to Epcot, you will have to transfer at the hub, it will stop at Riv and slow down at the turning station.

 

[Alice777]

You would have to transfer at the hub no matter where you are going either Epcot or HS. If you are going to Epcot, you will have to transfer at the hub, it will stop at Riv and slow down at the turning station.

Wedding is in December. Kind of worried about the weather in December. Been at DW in April and November and we got lucky both time and only had passing rain shower each time and rest of the time, the weather was nice.

So to understand correctly, if we ride sky liner, it's not straight from Pop to any one the park?

Glad to know that when sky liner is running, bus does not run. I thought both ran at the same time and we have choice. Will let my son know.

Thank you everyone for great info.

 

[AnnaS]

Thank you. This info helps. His friend is having Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings (forgot the location where the wedding is going to be but was told there's fireworks afterwards?). My son thought by looking at friend's Disney wedding website, it looks like rooms will be at Gran Destino Tower (not sure) for CSR. I asked if wedding guests will be close together but he wasn't sure.

My daughter had the Disney Fairy Tale Wedding also. Dessert Party at night with fireworks too. You will love it.

We hired Disney bus for the day for guests only - if this is the case - it will be only wedding guests on the bus. You probably do not know all the details though. Is the ceremony venue in a park, outside of park, reception in park, outside of park. You really need to have this info. If there is something that is important too you - if you will have a scooter, etc. - perhaps your son can ask. Did you get the invite or ask your son if he got the invite. The invitation will have all the details. We specified times of pick up at the resort and drop off times.

We, the brides's parents, and my daughter had all the details of course since we handled the wedding - we did have a few guests with questions. My son had my 1 year old grandson (stroller/restroom questions), we had one using a scooter (would there be a lot of walking/would she need it for the ceremony and/or reception), things of that nature. We also had two families staying offsite. They had to get to one of the resorts that had bus pick up. Ceremony, reception, dessert party were all in the park. People who have no park tickets are escorted to the event from the front entrance or come with the bus trough the back.

If there is a bus involved, the wedding guests are usually staying in the same area since they will be picked up in the main entrance of resort only.

Don't want to confuse any more....than needed
You might have beautiful weather. My daughter got married early November - it was a beautiful day.

 

[Moliphino]

As far as Pop and the sky liner. Isn't the sky liner at AoA? I get it confused as to whether it's at Pop or AoA but either way, if you are staying at a sky liner resort, buses don't run unless the sky liner is down and you won't know that in advance. The sky liner is o.k. but can and does go down in strong winds or thunder storms. The possibility of those in Dec. is lower then the summer months but something to be aware of. I'm not a fan because it can take longer then the buses to get places but getting on and off it in a wheel chair might be easier then a bus. You would have to transfer at the hub no matter where you are going either Epcot or HS. If you are going to Epcot, you will have to transfer at the hub, it will stop at Riv and slow down at the turning station.

The Skyliner station is in the middle of the bridge that connects Pop and AOA. AOA does have buses to DHS and Epcot at all times, though I don't know that they're as frequent as pre-Skyliner.

 

[lockets]

Wedding is in December. Kind of worried about the weather in December. Been at DW in April and November and we got lucky both time and only had passing rain shower each time and rest of the time, the weather was nice.

So to understand correctly, if we ride sky liner, it's not straight from Pop to any one the park?

Glad to know that when sky liner is running, bus does not run. I thought both ran at the same time and we have choice. Will let my son know.

Thank you everyone for great info.

Skyliner goes from Pop and AOA (same station) to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and Riviera resort. In all cases there is a transfer station at Caribbean Beach resort where you switch to the correct skyliner for your final destination. In my experience I’ve never waited a long time at transfer point. It’s a fast transfer. Might be different at rope drop and park close.

I also stayed at Coronado when it was a full house and didn’t have any issues with buses. I was using an ECV. We do not rope drop.

 

[Alice777]

My daughter had the Disney Fairy Tale Wedding also. Dessert Party at night with fireworks too. You will love it.

We hired Disney bus for the day for guests only - if this is the case - it will be only wedding guests on the bus. You probably do not know all the details though. Is the ceremony venue in a park, outside of park, reception in park, outside of park. You really need to have this info. If there is something that is important too you - if you will have a scooter, etc. - perhaps your son can ask. Did you get the invite or ask your son if he got the invite. The invitation will have all the details. We specified times of pick up at the resort and drop off times.

Thank you We don't have all the details yet. My son just got the online link to book room and buy tickets for the park. Was surprised we get discount tickets to parks too. All I know is it's Disney outside venue? Wedding Pavillion?

What surprised me was that his friend told them it was cheaper for them to book at Disney World than Disneyland. We all live close to Disneyland so I was telling my son why would you have everyone fly all the way to DW when they can have wedding at Disneyland. It's okay with me since it gives me chance to go again.

 

[AnnaS]

Thank you We don't have all the details yet. My son just got the online link to book room and buy tickets for the park. Was surprised we get discount tickets to parks too. All I know is it's Disney outside venue? Wedding Pavillion?

What surprised me was that his friend told them it was cheaper for them to book at Disney World than Disneyland. We all live close to Disneyland so I was telling my son why would you have everyone fly all the way to DW when they can have wedding at Disneyland. It's okay with me since it gives me chance to go again.

Wedding Pavillion is where the ceremony would be if that was mentioned which is outside of the Grand Floridian.

Not sure price wise difference between Disneyland or Disney World but It is very expensive regardless. We had 60 people - I could have had two wedding at home with 200 people when you start to add everything up. It was wonderful though and worth it!!

Enjoy it.

Would love if you come back to this thread after the wedding and give us your thoughts

 

[Alice777]

Would love if you come back to this thread after the wedding and give us your thoughts

I will try to remember...wedding is not until December and I'm having alot of senior moments so I might forget. BUT this forum has been very helpful since I discovered it before my 1st trip few years back so I hope to share my thoughts when I can. Thanks again for your inputs.

 

[Disturbia]

Just a side note: Book a scooter (not wheelchair) as there are a lot of inclines (esp. AK and monorail) and it gets tiring for the person pushing. If you can walk with a cane/walker, maybe you can rent in park but we found that cumbersome (avoid the post fireworks crowds).

Not sure if you’re going into the parks for rides, but Wheelchairs don’t get disability access automatically. DAS has stricter requirements and is inapp now. Make sure you know the options for Uber/Lyft. We were concerned about a scooter and getting to ADRs. Pack your parience

There is a December thread:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/official-december-2022-thread.3870949/

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

As someone who uses a power chair, Skyliner is my favorite way to get around WDW! It is so much easier than waiting on buses. We are staying at POP in September. We usually drive and park where the Skyliner doesn’t go. I’ve been caught before where I had to wait like 3 buses because so many people were using ECV’s. I’m

 

[Alice777]

Just a side note: Book a scooter (not wheelchair) as there are a lot of inclines (esp. AK and monorail) and it gets tiring for the person pushing. If you can walk with a cane/walker, maybe you can rent in park but we found that cumbersome (avoid the post fireworks crowds).

Not sure if you’re going into the parks for rides, but Wheelchairs don’t get disability access automatically. DAS has stricter requirements and is inapp now. Make sure you know the options for Uber/Lyft. We were concerned about a scooter and getting to ADRs. Pack your parience

I thought of getting electric scooter but I've never used it before and was afraid I might hit someone so my son thought it'll be better if I get manual wheelchair and he'll push me.

Yes I will be going on rides. The only reason I'm getting wheelchair is if we are in long line, my back and feet hurt. Last time we were at HS waiting for Star Wars night show and fireworks, and we weren't allowed to sit on the ground last hour of the show, I had problem. I probably do okay on the first day without wheelchair but worried my feet will hurt too much following days. Thank you

 

[Disturbia]

I thought of getting electric scooter but I've never used it before and was afraid I might hit someone so my son thought it'll be better if I get manual wheelchair and he'll push me.

Yes I will be going on rides. The only reason I'm getting wheelchair is if we are in long line, my back and feet hurt. Last time we were at HS waiting for Star Wars night show and fireworks, and we weren't allowed to sit on the ground last hour of the show, I had problem. I probably do okay on the first day without wheelchair but worried my feet will hurt too much following days. Thank you

You don’t need any experience and the ECVs are extremely slow. I saw one gentleman pushing his wife on a wheelchair and he was sweating really bad and it looked like he was going to faint soon (liquid IV is great at preventing dehydration). Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are ok. There is an elevator before the ramp onto the monorail so I would recommend that vs standing 45 mins on an incline (was tough even with a stroller).

https://www.costco.com/liquid-i.v.-hydration-multiplier-plus-immune-support,-24-individual-serving-stick-packs-in-resealable-pouch.product.100676223.html

The combination of heat (although December is more pleasant than Nov) and inclines is really bad in AK. I push a double stroller with kids and diaper bag and that gets tiring.

I suppose if it’s not a rental then you can always switch to a scooter later on. The review below mention waiting a long time at the Skyliner. We don’t rope drop so we never waited that long if we entered slightly after park opening. We’ve waited over an hour for buses as well btw